Sindh University Jamshoro hosts CPEC Cultural Caravan

Pak-China friendship exists on common cultural grounds, shared economic prospects, says SU VC

HYDERABAD: Arts and culture serve as powerful means to broaden understanding between peoples and nations. This was stated by University of Sindh, Jamshoro Vice Chancellor Dr Fateh Muhammad Burfat on Monday. The VC was speaking at the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Cultural Caravan event organised at the Jamshoro campus.

Pakistan and China's friendship has stood the test of time, said the VC, adding that it exists on common cultural grounds and the shared economic potential for both the countries to pursue.  Cultural exchanges help us grasp issues that we otherwise ignore or misunderstand, and art and culture facilitate these exchanges as well as social changes through community mobilisation, said Dr Burfat. The VC referred to the teachings of ancient Chinese teacher and philosopher, Confucius, and termed him a great sage.



The director of Confucius Institute at University of Karachi, Zhang Xiaoping, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said that he and his companions, including Chinese cultural performers, language teachers and others, were delighted at the opportunity to bring Chinese culture to Jamshoro. Diverse performances showcasing Chinese folklore and music were scheduled for the event. The director thanked the nearly 2,000 students and faculty who had come to support the event and applaud the performances. He was also appreciative of the performances by Pakistani artists.

National anthems of both the countries were played at the event. Besides, there was an opening act by Chinese performers which included a dance for good fortune done to the tune of the jasmine flower song played on the traditional instrument, 'hulusi', a kind of flute made of bamboo pipes.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 19^th, 2019.