Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c15.s2.t55.14

v2.c15.s2.t55.14

In September 1956, Tan Yun-shan was invited to return home to visit and attended the National Day celebration. He met Mao Zedong at Zhongnanhai, and spent the next two months to visit many other cities. He also had the chance to meet Liu Shaoqi, Zhou Enlai and Li Weihan in Beijing. He had the longest talk with Premier Zhou Enlai and shared his insights on promoting India-China friendship. On January 30, 1957, Premier Zhou accompanied by Marshal He Long went to Shantiniketan to receive the honourary degree given by Visva-Bharati University. In September 1959, Tan Yun-shan was once again invited to return to China. He brought with him a specially printed booklet of poems to show his patriotism and the resolution to further advance India-China cultural exchanges, peace and friendship.