Made In China

As the world wakes up to the rising strengths of the Chinese and Indian economies, a pressing need has arisen to further bolster the relationships among the youth of the two countries and promote a better understanding of the two cultures and societies

To foster stronger ties among the youth of the two countries and promote a better understanding of the two cultures and societies, a mutual decision was taken by the Chinese President and Indian Prime Minister to send 500 students as part of the exchange program over the next five years. The first 100-member delegation from India who visited China comprised students in the age group of 13-35 and from fields as varied as sports, Chinese language students, social workers, Panchayati Raj workers, students of performing arts, PhD students, engineers from IIT's and youth with special abilities.

Since the time I have visited the beautiful country of China many people have asked me about my trip, I thought I would share some thoughts on the same. As a part of the India-China youth conference 2006, it was indeed a pleasure and honor to be in the august company of some of the countries very best. Well, I arrived back home on September 17^th from China. What an experience it was!

The entire 100 member delegation was a mix of young students, artists and grass root level leaders. From our end it was truly a right mix of age, occupation and interests. Truly an energetic combination to take on the oriental ways. On the Chinese side the stage was set with 4 cities Shanghai, Beijing, Guantzauo and Xian on the anvil. The 10 days were planned in way which would require days of planning and conceptulisation. Be it the Indian or the Chinese governement, the motivation towards a real friendships between the Dragon and the Elephant were true and benign.

As each day folded it had enstore new experiences, exposure towards diversity and objects which were just discussed or observed on paper. The entire vista of a country which is truly big in size, potential and complexities became evident as each day brought more pieces to complete a memorable jigsaw.

As I look back I have fond memories of the trip, the officials, the participants and many more things which are now engrained as a part of an indelible experience .I wish all the future delegations that they also get an opportunity to experience which in one word I can describe as 'Memorable'. I also hope that the two big neighboring giants achieve what they had in mind when the entire novel concept of the Indo-China Youth conference was conceived. I also hope that I get a chance in the future to experience the splendor of a country which the world knows as CHINA