Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c11.s2.t7.22

v2.c11.s2.t7.22

Mei Lanfang never forgot this Indian friend. On May 13, 1961, on the occasion of Tagore’s 100th birthday, he published on the Guangming Daily a poem, ‘*In Memory of the Indian Poet Tagore*’. The foreword states: “In the spring of 1924, Mr. Tagore visited China, and we met in Beijing and held delighted talks about arts. I played ‘*Goddess of the Luo River*’ for him. After the performance, he composed a poem for me and wrote it down on a silk fan. The time is fleeting, and more than 30 years have passed. Tagore is fond of China and often expresses his emotion through poems, and I write this poem to commemorate his 100th birthday.” The poem says: “the old poet once came, hearty and hoary, reputed but without arrogance, humble and friendly; we became friends right away, and he had a high expectation on me. He saw my performance, and composed a vivid and rhythmic poem, and wrote it on a silk fan for me. My talent is too small to deserve it. I accepted and felt encouraged. Looking back on his 100th birthday, I write a poem to commemorate his episodes. He is reputed and praised across the world. He wishes that China and India could rely on and help each other. He discusses writing and arts in a meticulous manner. He analyses and advises regardless of language barrier. He lectures in a sonorous way. Darkness will perish, and brightness will come. He opposes imperialism and aspires to national rejuvenation. In a new epoch, ugly beings will be isolated. He is a rare and far-sighted talent. China-India friendship has lasted for thousands of years, with frequent cultural exchange, the two nations are united. His rectitude will last forever, against which there will be no future”. Two months later, Mei Lanfang died out of a sudden, and this poem became his last writing. He also published *In Memory of Tagore*, a long article of more than 5,000 characters on People Literature (May issue), which is a valuable record about his episodes with Tagore, and the genuine friendship between these two world-class masters will be cherished and talked about by people forever.