CI-UAF Marks Chinese National Day with Cultural Festivities
CT Report
FAISALABAD: The Confucius Institute (CI) at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) on Thursday hosted a vibrant celebration to mark Chinese National Day, Confucius Day, and the Mid-Autumn Festival, drawing an enthusiastic audience of more than 200 students, faculty members, and distinguished guests.
The event, held at the UAF campus, highlighted the cultural, educational, and emotional bonds between Pakistan and China. The program was hosted by Dr. Saddam Hussain, Pakistani Dean of the Confucius Institute at UAF, and was virtually co-hosted by his Chinese counterpart, Dr. Zhou Changming.
Among the guests were Prof. Dr. Saima Akram, Director of the Confucius Institute at Government College Women University, directors from Faisalabad Medical University, and several faculty members, who joined the students in celebrating the threefold occasion.
The ceremony opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthems of Pakistan and China, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two countries. Dr. Zhou Changming delivered a heartfelt welcome speech, emphasizing the importance of “cultural exchange in fostering mutual understanding between peoples”.
The festivities featured a variety of captivating performances. A Taiji fan performance mesmerized the audience with its grace and discipline, setting the tone for the evening. Students then staged a tele-theater presentation on the life and philosophy of Confucius, underscoring how his teachings continue to resonate in modern societies.
Adding color and diversity to the celebrations, students participated in a fancy dress show, presenting the traditional attire of various Chinese provinces. One of the most memorable moments came when Chinese student Li took the stage to sing the iconic Pakistani patriotic song “Dil Dil Pakistan, Jaan Jaan Pakistan,” receiving thunderous applause and leaving the audience deeply moved.
Towards the conclusion, Dr. Saddam Hussain extended a vote of thanks, appreciating the commitment of faculty, students, and Chinese colleagues in making the celebration a success. In her remarks, Prof. Dr. Saima Akram praised the efforts of CI-UAF in promoting intercultural harmony and fostering people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and China.
The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and a group photograph, leaving participants with a renewed spirit of friendship and cultural appreciation.
