Bust of Rabindranath Tagore unveiled at Indian Embassy in Beijing

A bust of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, created by renowned Chinese sculptor Yuan Xikun, was unveiled at the Indian Embassy in Beijing on Saturday, celebrating the poet’s enduring impact on China and the world. The ceremony was held alongside the symposium Sangamam - A Confluence of Indian Philosophical Traditions, organised by the Embassy.

Indian Ambassador to China Pradeep Rawat said, “Tagore’s visit to China a century ago marked a milestone in civilisational dialogue. His message of universal humanism and his friendship with Chinese scholars like Xu Zhimo and Liang Qichao continue to inspire both nations.”

Tagore visited China three times. In 1924, he toured Shanghai, Beijing, and Hangzhou to promote Indian culture, philosophy, and cross-cultural understanding. In 1929, he engaged with Chinese educators and writers, inspiring modern literature and progressive, student-centered education. In 1932, he collaborated with Chinese poets and artists, influencing modern poetry, theatre, and visual arts. His writings had such a profound effect that many Chinese citizens began learning Bengali just to read his works.

Tagore’s literary genius reshaped world literature. Writing primarily in Bengali but translating much into English, he became the first Asian Nobel Laureate in Literature in 1913, earning worldwide recognition for his poetry, novels, essays, and songs. His works introduced Indian thought and spirituality to the West, influencing writers, thinkers, and artists across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Unstoppable in his quest for learning, fearless in spirit, Tagore brilliantly weaved thoughts into words, gifting literary gems to the world. Humble homage to Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore - a global beacon of wisdom.

Yuan Xikun, known for his Gandhi sculpture in Chaoyang Park, has celebrated figures whose ideas transcend borders, ensuring Tagore’s legacy endures. In 2009, Tagore, alongside India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, was recognized in a poll as one of 50 foreigners who most influenced modern China, reflecting his lasting intellectual and cultural impact.