A Nepali student's reflections on Sichuan University

This year Sichuan University marks its 130th anniversary. The entire campus is decorated with anniversary logos—from the main gate to the classrooms, and from the playgrounds to the cafeteria. Every department is organizing a wide variety of activities, engaging teachers and students to make this a memorable year.

On September 29, a grand ceremony was organized at the sports hall where hundreds of alumni gathered. To celebrate its anniversary, the university invited alumni to return to their alma mater, some of whom had graduated decades ago. The alumni were happy to share memories of the years they spent at the University. Their happiness increased when they met their classmates after so many years.

As a foreign student, I find Chinese investment in education very impressive. Some weeks ago, I heard an Indian scholar saying on a podcast that the reason behind today's Chinese progress lies in its massive investment in education and public health decades ago.

When any foreigner visits Chinese universities these days, it is not difficult to notice the fruits ripening on trees planted ages ago. Chinese universities striding on ranking boards are apparent evidence of this achievement. More important than those ranking lists, though, is a well-prepared army of Chinese talents in every sector who are ready to lead globally, if not leading now.

Just as Rome wasn't built overnight, neither were China's educational achievements. Even if we count 1949 as the beginning, Chinese people have passed through insurmountable mountains to reach the peak they are on now. And Chinese universities are now working as building blocks of Chinese development in every respect. Universities are working as think tanks, training centers, and cradles for enhancing Chinese civilization. The Sichuan University is one of the model achievers among the huge community of Chinese universities.

When I stroll around Sichuan University, I see many colorful flowers of possibilities blooming. Teachers and students in every department work together to explore new ideas and novel innovations. The doors of these departments are always open to scholars with ideas and understanding from all over the world. Chinese teachers and students welcome professors with pleasant courtesy, ask questions, and speak out their disagreements.

Once in my department, a foreign professor was invited as a guest whose understanding of certain issues differed from Chinese convictions. I was impressed when a master's level student asked him some precise questions, putting her disagreement in a polite way.

On my campus, I find my junior colleagues ready to discuss and debate all sorts of International political ideas, confident enough to handle any topic.

Another impressive aspect I see at Sichuan University is its investment in physical and non-physical infrastructure. I am sure the campus administration faces a multitude of problems and challenges of every sort. Day-to-day functioning of such a mega university is not an easy task.

However, whenever anything needs to be done to encourage students to learn more widely and deeply, for the betterment of the college environment and to improve the academic atmosphere, I think they hardly think about investing in the budget. That's the reason, every time some new project goes up on the campus, whether that be planting trees, maintaining a flower garden, renovating ponds, coloring a building, managing new sets of furniture, providing new varieties of cuisine, etc. No week goes by without extracurricular activities, and the International Students' Office always has some notices to share about such activities.

I love to pass by the kindergarten, primary and middle schools affiliated to the Sichuan University. There are always some new things that interest me — students standing still when the national anthem is playing, students showing respect to their class teachers before leaving the school, teachers receiving small kids with something attractive in their hands, students welcoming their classmates with musical instruments they are learning to play, etc.

The journey of 130 years itself speaks a lot, not only about a university but also about the whole history of Chinese education. The traditional Chinese architecture of many buildings at Sichuan University stand as a milestone for the generations of students who have passed by. The smiling faces of the alumni gathered to wish their university well speak more than words can describe about the success of the university.

It's a matter of pride for me to be a small part of the university with such a long history!

Niraj Lawoju, a PhD student from Nepal, is a student at Sichuan University's School of International Studies.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

If you have a specific expertise, or would like to share your thought about our stories, then send us your writings at opinion@chinadaily.com.cn, and comment@chinadaily.com.cn.