Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c15.s1.t2.4

v2.c15.s1.t2.4

One of the contributions of Sino-Indian Cultural Society was that it facilitated the establishment of the Cheena Bhavan, Visva-Bharati University. In September 1934, Tan Yun-shan rolled out the plan on Sino-Indian cultural exchanges with the building of Cheena Bhavan at the core. The details of the plan include the establishment of foundation, scholarship and library in Cheena Bhavan that were highly endorsed by Tagore. Thanks to Tan Yunshan’s active contact and positive efforts, Sino-Indian Cultural Society raised substantial funds for the establishment of the Cheena Bhavan and donated more than 1,00,000 books in succession. On April 14, 1937, Cheena Bhavan was finally founded and was highly valued by leaders of Indian National Congress, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. Besides, Sino-Indian Cultural Society also called on friends from the educational circles and the academic community to assist with the opening of lectures related to Sinology and Chinese Buddhism in Visva-Bharati University and the opening of lectures on Indian Buddhism and history of civilisation in Chinese universities and recommend more scholars and students to take up advanced studies in the other country. The Sino-Indian Cultural Society in both China and India also took part in receiving visiting scholars and social activists from the other side. On top of that, the Sino-Indian Cultural Society in China took an active part in the reception of Indian National Congress Medical Mission to China.