My name is Mrinal Raj and I am from India. I’m studying as an international student at the Confucius Institute, School of International Education of Tianjin University. You know what? One of my dreams has come true this year. What dream you may ask. It is my biggest dream -- to study in China.

I began to learn Chinese at Nehru University in India three years ago. At first, I was very happy, but this feeling soon turned into fear when I started to learn Chinese characters. They are so numerous and so difficult to write. However, I gradually fell in love with Chinese characters after I managed to read between the lines. My interest in Chinese characters led me to feel curious about Chinese culture. What kind of country is it? To see is to believe so At that point, I made up my mind to study hard so as to come to China and experience it myself. Finally, I got a scholarship from the Confucius Institute, and my dream became reality!

To be frank, I was a little nervous before coming to China, because it was the first time for me to come alone to a strange country. That was three months ago. Now, I am not worried at all, as China, in my eyes, is a country more beautiful and better than I had ever imagined.

Next, I want to share several personal thoughts with you.

Firstl, I would like to say that China and India are friendly neighbors, both with a long history, a splendid culture, and rich Ideological and cultural heritages. What’s more, China and India are both developing countries. Since the reform and opening up policy was adopted, China has been developing very fast, especially in science and technology fields, which has a great impact on the whole world. The Chinese people love their country very much, and all strive to make a better and more beautiful place in which to live. That’s what I envy them for.

Furthermore, I want to thank China from the bottom of heart for giving me this opportunity to study here. I have improved my Chinese so much, enhanced my self-confidence, and experienced the customs and culture of China. I hope the friendly relationship between China and India will continue to develop.

One day, if China is in need of my help, I will definitely extend my helping hands as we will always be good friends!

Translated by Xie Huang

Editors: Yin Wei & Doris Harrington