UAF’s Confucius Institute celebrates Chinese New Year
Faisalabad: The University of Agriculture Faisalabad’s (UAF) Confucius Institute (CI) on Wednesday afternoon organised a vibrant celebration to mark the Spring Festival commemorating the Chinese New Year.
This event, titled ‘Happy Spring Festival’, featured a plethora of captivating performances showcasing various aspects of Chinese culture. Among the distinguished guests, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan graced the occasion as the chief guest, alongside Dean of the Faculty of CI Chinese Dr Zhou Changming and CI Vice Chairman/Local Dean Prof Dr Zahir Ahmad Zahir, who delivered speeches highlighting the significance of cultural exchange.
The audience was treated to heartwarming performances embodying the essence of Chinese culture, including Taiji demonstrations, musical performances, chopstick competitions, and a stunning display of traditional Chinese attire.
Dr Zhou Changming elucidated on the symbolic importance of the Chinese Year of the Dragon in 2024, emphasizing its associations with good fortune, prosperity, wisdom, and energy, fostering optimism for the enduring friendship and cooperation between China and Pakistan.
In his speech, Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan reflected on the UAF CI’s illustrious 10-year journey, having educated over 5,000 students in Chinese language courses, and its pivotal role in fostering academic and research collaborations with Chinese institutions.
He underscored the importance of drawing lessons from China’s experiences in agriculture and economic development, noting the global recognition of Chinese universities’ excellence across various disciplines.
Dr Zahir Ahmad Zahir underscored the deep-rooted and strengthened relations between Pakistan and China, particularly accentuated by the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
He emphasized the concerted efforts to cultivate skilled manpower and explore new avenues of development through bilateral ties.
Distinguished attendees including Dean of Sciences Dr Ijaz Ahmad Bhatti, Dean of Veterinary Sciences Dr Farzana Rizvi, and other notable figures graced the event, affirming the significance of cultural exchange and collaborative initiatives in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.