Page 21 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (112)

SOUTHERN MESSENGERS 20
Recently, the “Southern Messengers · Friends meet in Yunnan”
China-South Asia Youth Exchange Program was successfully held
at Kunming Medical University. During the event, Chinese students
from Kunming Medical University and international students from
various South Asian countries engaged in vibrant cultural exchange
and shared their experiences. This gathering beautifully showcased
the deep and enduring friendship between these nations, bridging
geographical distances. The activity served as a powerful testa-
ment, illustrating how intercultural education nurtures youthful as-
pirations and how the bonds of friendship take root and flourish in
Yunnan, often known as the “South of Colorful Clouds.”
近日，“暖自南方·朋友相会在云南”中国—南亚青年交流会在昆明医
科大学举办。来自昆明医科大学的中国学生与南亚各国的留学生一起进行文
化交流、经验共享，展现出中国与南亚各国跨越山海的深厚友谊。这是一扇
窗口，让我们看到跨文化教育如何滋养青春梦想，见证友谊如何在彩云之南
生根发芽。
Yin Shuqi (China): Enduring friendship
transcends mountains and seas
尹书岂（中国）：跨越山海，友谊长青
By Yin Shuqi □ 尹书岂 / 文
In Kunming Medical University, a vi- about academic pressures. Jihana, in turn,
brant international institution, the seeds frequently offered invaluable help with
of culture always find fertile ground to complex English reading comprehension,
sprout. As a student majoring in pediatrics, greatly clarifying points for me. When she
I have been fortunate enough in this diverse embarked on learning Chinese, I became
and integrated environment to form deep her dedicated guide, focusing on practical
friendships with friends from South Asia. spoken expressions. Her sustained interest
This experience, like a necklace strung in calligraphy meant I happily carved out
with brilliant pearls, not only records time for our practice sessions. Watching her
precious friendships but also made me evolve from hesitant strokes to writing with
profoundly feel the unique charm of South undeniable flair instilled in me a deep sense
Asian culture and a spiritual resonance that of satisfaction from our mutual growth.
transcends national borders. My network of South Asian friends has
Upon first entering the campus, I was steadily broadened, embracing internation-
full of anticipation for the vibrant in- al students from Pakistan and Sri Lanka. At
ternational exchange atmosphere. At an this year’s New Year’s gala, we collective-
international cultural event, I met Jihana, ly presented performances and designed
an affable, outgoing Nepalese student. Her cultural exhibition areas: a vibrant South
visible yearning for Chinese culture be- Asian display, a Chinese section for writing
came the spark of our friendship. Despite Spring Festival couplets and sharing bless-
my still-awkward English, I invited her to ings, and a serene tea culture booth. This
try Chinese calligraphy. Holding the brush collaborative effort fostered a profound
for the first time, her movements were sense of cross-border camaraderie. These
clumsy. Yet, under my gentle guidance, seemingly ordinary daily interactions, akin
the trembling tip eventually formed the to countless stars, have illuminated my
Chinese characters for “Kunming” on the deep appreciation for South Asian culture
rice paper. We exchanged smiles; the initial and the warmth of international friendship.
unfamiliarity of our different backgrounds The moments spent with my South
melted away, replaced by the shared joy of Asian friends have offered far more than
our creation. just invaluable companionship. They have
As our exchanges deepened, our friend- profoundly taught me that cultural differ-
ship quietly blossomed. Jihana frequently ences are not divisive barriers, but rather
shared Nepal’s local customs: the charm bridges for mutual learning and appreciation.
of ancient architecture and the grandeur of Within the inclusive embrace of Kunming
religious festivals. She would even mimic Medical University, we readily bridge lan-
traditional dance movements, her genuine guage and cultural gaps, fostering mutual un-
delight always bringing a smile to my face. derstanding and support for collective growth
In return, I introduced her to Yunnan’s and success. This deep connection, span-
culinary delights. I vividly recall her first ning mountains and seas, has truly enriched
encounter with Crossing-the-Bridge Rice the tapestry of our youthful journeys.
Noodles. Mimicking me, she carefully slid I envision a future where more Chinese
each ingredient into the steaming broth, her students, like myself, will walk hand-
focused, curious expression still sharp in in-hand with friends from South Asia.
my memory. The sweetness of flower cakes Through vibrant cultural exchange, mutual
further enriched our shared culinary jour- learning, and sincere interactions, we will
ney. jointly author more touching chapters of
Academic support also formed a vi- friendship, allowing this flower of friend-
tal thread in our friendship. As medical ship, rooted deeply in understanding and
students, we both juggled demanding respect, to blossom even more magnificent-
workloads, and I often confided in her ly upon this vibrant land.