A glimpse into the world of The School of Chinese Language
Have a look at what The School has been upto.
Be assured, there is MUCH MORE to come……..
We have been fortunate; our dreams and aspirations are slowly but surely getting translated into reality…
What have we done!
We are one of the rare Institutions in India to be blessed with qualified Teachers from China
We successfully started The ChiniAdda , the first such regular event in India
We have regular Interactive Sessions conducted by the Consul General of China; by Chinese Business persons; by Governmental authorities; by Musicians; by Reporters; by Chinese Teachers;
We have completed the Second Session of the Intensive Course. Our Students are ready for HSK Level 2/3 Tests
We have sent a musical dance troupe to Kunming, Yunnan in China, for a year-end extravaganza; this, for the first time from India
We have had the honour of a private recital by the world-famous Chinese musician, Ms Liu Yuening
We are the first to enter into a partnership with China’s leading medical institution, KUNMING MEDICALUNIVERSITY; to prepare Students in our Special Chinese Classroom before proceeding for high-quality yetaffordable MBBS in English barely 2 hours from Kolkata
We have entered into Partnerships with other leading Chinese Universities e.g. Qingdao College
We are the first to evolve and start a Joint Certification Chinese Language Program with Calcutta University and MAKAIAS
We are the first to start a specially-designed Course for Children; classes conducted by specialist Chinese Teacher
We are the first to start a Students Exchange Programme between the best high school in Kolkata (St Xavier’s Collegiate School) and in China (ShidaFuzhong, Kunming)
We have already started a Students’/Teachers’ Exchange Programme with Kunming Medical University, whose Group visited us in July, 2010
We are proud to be Recommended by the Consulate General of China
And…
as stated by His Excellency, Mr Zhang Lizhong, Consul General of China … “I hope and wish that this list would keep on growing.”
We shall not fail his (and our own) expectations.
Coming Soon… Confucius Classroom in Kolkata at The School Sharing our expertise with institutions in Kolkata and, then, India
A very interesting documentary film “Treasures of Ancient World –China” took viewers from 5000 BC to recent history and informed all about the writing system of Chinese Language, Emperors of China (incl. the 1st, Shi huangdi), Great Wall, the advent of porcelain, silk etc.
After the movie, Consul General began an enjoyable question-answer session where participating Indian Students of Chinese Language won various prizes.
1. What is Chinese for “the Great Wall” ----长城 Changchen - by Sayanti
2. What is Chinese for “ Buddha”----- 佛教 Fojiao - by Sangita
3. What is Chinese for “Shiva” ----湿婆Shipo - No answers
4. Who united China land first? ------ Shi Huangdi 始皇帝 - by Bagri
5. What is Chinese for Confucius ---- 孔子 Kongzi - by Subendu
6. Who is 1st person visited India for Buddhism ---- 玄奘Xuanzang - by Krishna
7. What is a Chinese word for Sanskrit? ----梵文fanwen - by Subendu
8. What is Chinese words for Swastika --- 万字符 wanzifu - by Fan
9. What is Chinese name for 1st Buddha temple in China (White Horse Temple)白马寺 Baima si - by Fan
10. Who is the first Indian Sage to spread Buddhism in China? -Maraka by Alokendra
High Tea was served after the Session. All participants, Chinese & Indian, freely and informally interacted with each other.
Consul General of Chinese accorded his support to the development; “…your school is well under way of starting a student exchange program with a key high school in Yunnan Province, China. I fully support this program”, he said when he delivered his speech as Chief Guest at SXCS’ Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony.
Never before has any Chinese school entered into such a programme with any school in India. The interest in India in China and in China in India is growing; this 2-way traffic will lead to greater understanding of each other and enhance the ties between the two peoples and countries.
The School of Chinese Language, Kolkata was honoured when its Principal, Mr Madan Saraff, was extended an invitation by Guangzhou University to visit the University in December, 2009 to address the distinguished gathering at the “International Conference of Teaching Chinese Language as a Foreign Language”. Mr Saraff spoke on the importance of Chinese Language and the problems which must be overcome in the Indian context.
Mr. Saraff conveys his thoughts at the Conference to delegates and students
The large gathering of delegates from around the globe showed the tremendous interest in Chinese Language education. The importance and benefits of learning Chinese language was well-understood by world countries. In the context of India, this becomes all the more crucial as this knowledge supports, not only greater economic cooperation, but also better understanding between the peoples of China and India. Not only does the learning help every visitor especially business persons by creating an immediate bonding with their Chinese counterparts, this education adds a micro-drop of understanding to the ocean of un-understanding between the two countries by providing and creating a better and correct perception of each other and each others’ cultures.
On his return, Mr Saraff remarked “I learnt more than I said”. Such conferences are extremely helpful to the propagation and development of Chinese Language and harmonious relations in foreign countries including India, China’s neighbour.
The School of Chinese Language in Kolkata celebrated the completion of two exciting, eventful and successful years on July 16. Mr. Mao Siwei, Consul General of China, attended the occasion as Chief Guest.
Students of the school enthralled the audience with various kinds of cultural performances in Mandarin, including an excellent presentation of the popular fable of Hui Guniang (Cinderella), Chinese love songs, Sanjuban (three and half sentences), jokes and so on. In an effort to present a culture vignette, students showed their talent in many Chinese cultural items, such as traditional painting, shadow boxing, chess and Baoding balls.
A group of visiting students from Kunming Medical University, who are the guests of the School of Chinese Language, presented the large audience with a poem of Gurudev Tagore ("Stray Birds") in Mandarin. In addition, the Chinese flute-like instrument, Hulusi, was played melodiously by the visitors.
The celebrations concluded with Mr. Mao presenting awards to teachers and deserving students. The audience was then thrilled to hear Consul General sing a beautiful melody of Oscar-winner A R Rehman from the film "Bombay".
In his speech, Mr. Mao Siwei congratulated and encouraged the school and its students. He said, the school, in its existence of two years, has made praise-worthy achievements. It was the first school in India to have three Chinese teachers from mainland China and the local Chinese community, who are able to impart reliable and authentic Chinese language teaching. It is the first institution in India to create the very popular Chinese Corner, a platform for Chinese-language learners to interact with each other. The School also actively promotes cooperation and exchange programs with several Indian and Chinese universities, institutes and schools, including Calcutta University, MAKAIAS, St. Xavier's, Kunming Medical University and a leading high school in China.
Mao also said that the Consulate General fully supports the efforts to have a Confucius Classroom, a Chinese-government-sponsored program for promoting Chinese language education overseas, in the School of Chinese Language in kolkata.
To the surprise of the audience, Mr. Madan Saraff, Principal of the School, delivered a welcome speech in Mandarin. He believes, the efforts of the school is slowly but surely creating micro-drops of understanding in the ocean of un-understanding which lies between the peoples of China and India.
A very unique and enjoyable Chini Adda was held at Spring Club on October 31, 2010.
The School’s usual get-together of the Chini Adda for Chinese from China in India (including Students from China), Indians of Chinese origin, Chinese Language Experts & Beginners (including our native Teachers from China), and all Students, not only of The School, but also of other Institutions such as Calcutta U, Visva Bharati U, Ramakrishna Mission School of Languages, Rabindra Bharati U et al was held at The Spring Club on Sunday. This is a comfortable and friendly platform which supports interest in all participants about China, allows all to practice Mandarin, understand the nuances of Chinese culture and, most of all, creates a micro-drop of understanding between the peoples of India & China.
Dr Hanuman Baid presented an interesting topic on aspects of Chinese Traditional Medicine viz. acupuncture, acupressure and magnetic therapy.
A short demonstration of the curative powers of magnetic therapy drew intensive response from the participants. Some miraculous alleviation of pain was witnessed by all.
Acting Consul General of China, Mr Zhang Tiejian, graced the occasion together with his colleagues. An interesting video was screened, regarding Chinese Cuisine and which covered the origin of chopsticks, vinegar etc.
Tea and snacks were served at the end of the activity whilst participants had animated discussions in Chinese Language with each other regarding Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Cuisine.
Breaking News!
The Schoolis on BBC World News now!
The Schoolis proud to advise that BBC has chosenThe Schoolof Chinese Language, Kolkata and its Students (including 3 generations of the Wu family) to feature in their special pre-coverage of Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to India starting Dec. 15. Whilst we invite you to watch BBC World News, BBC News America, BBC Asia Business etc,
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11994406
you may listen to our singing Students on BBC Radio4 by clicking here.....
On December 02, 2010, almost at midnight, Vice-Principal, St Xavier's Collegiate School and Principal, The School of Chinese Language welcomed their guests, Principal & Vice-Principal of ShidaFuzhong, Kunming, China, the best high school in Yunnan, at NetajiSubhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, on their first-ever visit to India.
The visit reciprocated the June visit of the Leaders of St Xavier's & The School of Chinese Language to China, where a historic agreement "Students' Exchange Programme" was signed, calling for the youth of the two neighbouring countries to become aware of and understand each other.
This is the first-ever such agreement signed between two high schools in Kolkata, India & Kunming, China. In the words of Principal Saraff of The School "this agreement will help to create another micro-drop of understanding in the ocean of understanding which lies between the peoples of the two countries. We are proud to be associated coz it is imperative that the youth of India & China understand each other. What better way than to visit each other's country and to actually live with families in your neighbour's country!"
Leaders of St Xavier’s, ShidaFuzhong&The School of Chinese Language
Principal SXCS greets Principal &Vice Principal, ShidaFuzhong at entrance of the school
The delegates found their stay in Kolkata very pleasant, interesting and informative. They visited, besides the sightseeing attractions of the city, Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan; participated in The ChiniAdda of The School of Chinese Language and dined with Consulate General of China.
Delegates from Kunming with SXCS boys & Teachers
With VisvaBharati Teachers & Students in Santiniketan
For the first time ever, the last Chinese Corner of 2010 was held in St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, Park Street. ShidaFuzhong Leaders witnessed the efforts of The School of Chinese Language to create understanding between the peoples, esp. the youth, of India & China.
Participants at this Addawere many, all learning Chinese (Mandarin) at various institutions around the city and outside. The young boys of SXCS started off the programme with a beautiful rendition of a popular Chinese song called “Tongnian”. Next up was Prabudhya Bhattacharyya, another Xaverian who mesmerized one & all by playing a lovely piece on a traditional Chinese wind instrument called the Hulusi.
Student SXCS presenting the hulusi
Presentation by Consulate General to SXDS Leader
Vice Principal Fr. Sebastian highlighed the joint exchange agreement signed between the 2 high schools of Kolkata & Kunming. This was followed by Actg. Consul General Zhang introducing an interesting video about Chinese New Year. The Chinese Consulate also very graciously presented a few sets of books, commemorating the 60th Anniversary of India–China relations, to St. Xavier’s Collegiate School. Principal Saraff of The School of Chinese Language rounded up the evening by delivering a vote of thanks.
On Sunday, January 30, 2011, His Excellency, Mr Zhang Lizhong,Consul General of China, visited the China Pavilion at Kolkata Book Fair, 2011, to inaugurate the presence of The School of Chinese Language and also to announce its various courses esp. the Special Chinese Language Class leading to MBBS degree in Kunming Medical University, China and the Special Class for Children aged above 7 years.
Consul General offered his recommendation and support to The School in its noble endeavours to create understanding between the peoples of India & China. He stated that he was pleased to visit the Book Fair and keen to see the interest of the people of the region in learning Chinese Language which would lead to better business and career prospects. It was also his wish that in the years to come, once Chinese publishers/book sellers visualized the Kolkata Book Fair, it may lead to China becoming the Theme Country.
Consul General & Principal inaugurate
A glimpse of visitors
Consul General thanks the audience
Principal explains the display to Mrs Lin
Consul General with Vice-Principal
The opportunity to be introduced to the citizens of Kolkata will help The School of Chinese Language to propagate Chinese Language & Culture as the awareness of the importance of learning Chinese Language and of developing closer harmonious relationship between the peoples of the two great countries is understood by the population in today’s world.
His Excellency, Mr Zhang Lizhong, Consul General of China presided over The
Chinese Corner organised by The School of Chinese Language (Zhong Wen Xue
Xiao) on Sunday, February 27th at Spring Club, Kolkata. More than 70 Chinese
and Indians (incl. Indians of Chinese origin) actively participated; the
guest list included expat Chinese working in India, Teachers and Students of
The School of Chinese Language in Kolkata, Visvabharati University, Santiniketan, RabindraBharati University and Calcutta University. Chinese Students from St Xavier's College and Chinese Students learning English at The School of Chinese Language were also present in numbers. Besides a large number of officials from Consulate General of China, Mr Dong Jinsheng, Counsellor from the Embassy in Delhi also joined us.
The programme was flagged off by MC Charisma Saraff, Vice Principal, The
School of Chinese Language (ZWXX) introducing a special documentary video,
courtesy the Chinese Consulate, titled Gurudev: A Journey To The East about
Rabindranath Tagore's visit to China. Tagore's deep cultural connection with
the Orient surprised some and delighted all present at The ChiniAdda.
ZWXX Student Ayesha Mallik of Intensive Class showed great artistic prowess
when she presented the new Consul General with a beautiful Chinese painting.
Not to be outshone, ZWXX Student and Businessman ParagBoghani of The
School's Joint Course Programme invited CG Zhang onto the stage to unveil a
spectacular Chinese Calligraphy Scroll handwritten by the student himself as
a gift for His Excellency, welcoming him to Kolkata and The ChiniAdda.
Next up were ZWXX Students Tapas Kumar Bagchi, SamyadeepSengupta and TapanNandy who enthralled the audience by their Chinese recitation skills in Shun Kou Liu welcoming the young, energetic new Consul General of China to Kolkata. Later, SubhenduGhosal, student of CheenaBhavan, Santiniketan took the stage to read out a letter in Chinese, on behalf of the Visvabharati Students wishing CG every success in life.
Consul General Zhang was deeply touched and gladdened by all the efforts
made by each student, to bring India and China even closer, as evident from
his words. He wished greater success to The School of Chinese Language, The
ChiniAdda, propagation of Chinese Language and most importantly, bringing
the peoples of China & India closer together.
The interesting and funfilled evening ended on a high note with all the
participants of The ChiniAdda joining in for a melodious group song -
Liuliu de ta. Afterwards, tasty refreshments and snacks were served for all
present, courtesy The Chinese Consulate.
