How a 19-year-old student from Bihar aced the Chinese proficiency competition in Mumbai

 

Vishal Anand, a student from Bihar’s Lakhisarai district, has made the country proud by winning the 22nd Chinese Bridge- Chinese Proficiency Competition, which was held on June 23 at a city hotel in Mumbai. He beat nine other Indian finalists from six different institutions and will now represent India at the worldwide competition taking place in China later this month.

Anand, who is a second year BA (Chinese) Hons student at the Central University of Gujarat in Gandhinagar, got fascinated with the Chinese language while preparing for his Common University Entrance Test (CUET) to apply for admission in an undergraduate course in Chinese language. He said, “My goal is to excel in Chinese and elevate my family’s financial situation.”

The competition, sponsored by the India-China Academy and the People’s Republic of China Consulates General in Kolkata and Mumbai, featured a variety of entertaining programmes, including Kung Fu performances, cooking skills, Chinese song performances, drama skits, and speeches. The theme of the contest was One World, One Family.

Each contestant had to go through three rounds: a talent show, a knowledge round, and a speech round. Anand, who spoke brilliantly and demonstrated his professional level of Chinese fluency, said, “I am thrilled to have emerged as the winner of the Chinese Bridge competition. Over the past year, I have dedicated myself to learning the Chinese language, and I am incredibly proud of my achievement.”

Mr. Kong Xianhua, the Chinese Consul General in Mumbai said, “I believe, as long as we overcome the barrier of language, we could reach a new stage of better understanding and stronger consensus between India and China.” He also praised Somaiya University and Mumbai University for their Chinese language programmes.

Ms. Weng Tiehui, Vice Minister of Education China, presented the award to Anand and congratulated him on his success. She also expressed her hope that more Indian students would learn Chinese and enhance the cultural exchange between the two countries.

Anand said he is looking forward to participating in the global competition in China and hopes to bring laurels to India. He also thanked his teachers and mentors for their guidance and support.

We wish him all the best for his future endeavours!