Visva Bharti University Launches Chinese Language Certificate Course for the Army

Visva-Bharti University has launched a short term certification course in Chinese language. Already, 25 army personnel have enrolled in the course with more numbers awaited, as per the officiating vice-chancellor of the university Swapan Kumar Dutta.

The University's 'Cheena Bhavan' has been deputed to teach the language to soldiers. As per reports, the certificate course in Chinese (Mandarin) was started recently and aims to introduce the Army personnel to the rich Chinese culture and inform them about the centuries old tie between India and China.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for enrolling in the course is not different for the army from the general category candidates.

Where is the Chinese course for army conducted?

The course is being taught at an Army establishment since it was not feasible for Army Personnel to attend classes in Cheema Bhavan in Visva-Bharati campus.

About Cheena Bhavan

Cheena Bhavan started in 1937 and works towards creating awareness about Chinese culture in the country. According to Dutta, the certificate course should be viewed as a part of the continuous cultural exchange process set in motion eight decades ago.

MoU for the Chinese language course

An MoU was signed between the university and the Army's Eastern Command in February to facilitate academic exchange programmes and educational cooperation. The MoU was signed by the Registrar on behalf of Visva-Bharati university and Brigadier General Staff (training) on behalf of HQ Eastern Command.

Who attended the signing ceremony?

The signing ceremony was also attended by Lt. General Praveen Bakshi and the Officiating Vice-Chancellor. Dutta said that the MoU has also facilitated the setting up of a library at Fort William (Eastern Command headquarters) where Bengali, Hindi and English translations of Tagore's works were being kept.

Speaking about Cheena Bhavan's other initiatives, Dutta said, "While our students are being recognised internationally for their command over the language, in China students of the institute who are part of the exchange programme with Cheena Bhavan organise Bengali cultural events at their campus and sing 'Rabindra Sangeet'."

He also said that the university is working on Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's vision of broadening the mind through linguistic and cultural exchange. He also highlighted the help Chinese Consulate provided in setting up a 'Modern Chinese Laboratory' with modern equipment at Cheena Bhavan.