Confucian Wisdom Lights the Way: UoS Marks Mid-Autumn Festival with Lanterns
SARGODHA: “Confucius was not a ruler, not a wealthy man, yet his moral philosophy shaped Chinese civilization, and his words still guide human society towards virtue, justice and harmony,” said Prof. Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan, Director of the Pakistan Institute of China Studies and Dean of Confucius Institute at the University of Sargodha (UoS).
He delivered these remarks Tuesday during the University’s Confucius Day celebrations, setting the tone for a day of cultural reflection and festivity that culminated in the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Lantern Festival. Faculty, students and Chinese guests gathered on campus to honor the teachings of the ancient philosopher while also sharing traditions that symbolize friendship and unity between Pakistan and China.
Dr. Awan said Confucius’ teaching that “the strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home” echoes Islamic wisdom, noting that both traditions regard family as the foundation of moral strength.
He cited Confucius’ belief that “education breeds confidence, confidence breeds hope, and hope breeds peace,” calling it a timely message for Pakistan and urging a focus on both intellect and character through Confucius Institutes.
The morning ceremony opened with a cake-cutting and a string of cultural performances. “Standing in Pakistan, Looking Longingly at Beijing” as a reflection of cross-border friendship and shared aspirations, while Mr. Yang Minghe enthralled the audience with a mesmerizing violin performance of “Harvest Fishing Song.”
A Chinese student performs violin at CI Day, UoS
Chinese language teachers Lilwa Shafique and Sabreena Shafique lifted the mood with their rendition of the pop song “Little Apple”, followed by another Chinese language teacher Ayesha Muneer’s “Ode to the Great Teacher Confucius.” Students of the Confucius Institute also performed, showcasing the spirit of cultural exchange that has become a hallmark of UoS’s partnerships.
Speaking on the occasion, Li Haoteng, Director of Political and Press Office at the Chinese Consulate in Lahore, praised the UoS for advancing Chinese language education. He said Confucius Institutes are “bridges of trust and respect” that deepen cultural and educational cooperation.
Students captivate the audience at CI Day with a vibrant performance of the Sinopak song.
Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Masood Sarwar Awan underlined the economic and strategic importance of Chinese language learning for Pakistan’s youth, particularly in the context of the CPEC. “Learning Chinese is no longer an option but a necessity to engage effectively with our closest development partner,” he said.
Messages of goodwill from Chinese faculty members further enriched the proceedings. Ms. Chen Yunxiang, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at UoS, in a video message, called Confucius Day “a symbol of respect and understanding between nations.”
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nasiruddin Khan, Director of the CI at the University of Karachi, also emphasized the growing importance of linguistic and cultural fluency for bilateral cooperation.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Qaisar Abbas and Prof. Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan join students in lighting a lantern.
By evening, the celebrations transitioned into the Mid-Autumn Festival. Students and faculty joined distinguished guests for a lantern-lighting ceremony, traditional music, and mooncake sharing. Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas, VC of UoS, attended the festival and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to strengthening educational and cultural cooperation with China. “Such events enrich the learning environment and serve as bridges of harmony and shared values,” he said.
Nassirudin Khan commended UoS for promoting Chinese language and culture in Pakistan and noted that lantern festivals and Confucius commemorations alike “create moments where students learn not only language but also empathy, understanding, and the beauty of another culture.”
