[Bangladesh] Nazmus Sakib, Peking University

In the scorching summer, the lotus flowers are blooming and the willows on the shore are leaning against the breeze. Another summer has arrived. It has been exactly 13 years since I first came to China. At that time, I was like a willow leaf floating into a lotus pond after falling from a big tree, with a curiosity for the vast pond of clear water, China, and a longing for my academic future.

My thoughts are flying with the gentle summer breezes.

When I first arrived in China, Beijing was my priority destination, because I know this is the capital of China, with a long history, rich culture and precious opportunities. I have been staying here to finish my studies from undergraduate to doctoral degree. From cellar to rafter, every part of this city together with trees and flowers are imprinted in my mind. Here I got along with a group of lovely friends who showed me around to explore this city and this country. Thanks to them, I have experienced the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture.

The gentle breeze took me to a theater, where I found an ancient lotus – the Peking Opera, the beautiful voice of China.

Peking Opera is one of the traditional Chinese operas with a history of more than 200 years, as an important component of Chinese culture. The characters in the play portray heroic figures from ancient Chinese history and legends, with specialized music and props to match with the performance. It not only inherits the essence of Chinese culture, but also enables the audiences to better understand Chinese culture and history through the portrayal of ancient Chinese society and characters.

The gentle breeze took me to the winding hutongs, where I saw a plain lotus – ancient buildings in Beijing and Chinese folk art.

At the beginning of my arrival in China, some local friends took me to the alleys, the unique symbolization of “Old Beijing.” The surrounding environment unconsciously slows down my steps and calms down my heart beating, as the quadrangle courtyards and zigzagging streets kept me away from the hustle and bustle. Every brick and tile there amazed me.

I still remember that there was a craftsman who focused on paper cutting in a Hutong, where I learned and have a grasp of paper cutting art. Holding a piece of red paper in my hand, I felt it was heavy as the national culture and sentiment are carried on it. The red paper cutting looks like the appealing lotus, leaving its own bright and colorful image in the blue water of Chinese traditional culture.

The gentle breeze took me to the suburban courtyard, where I met a peaceful lotus – an artist of calligraphy and painting who quietly settled in his countryside yard.

Every day, the artist rises with the sun and rests with the stars, using his brush to record the ordinary beauty of the fields. To follow his example, I pick up the brush too. Although my works may not look good, I have had some knowledge of “brush, ink, paper, and inkstone”, the four treasures of the study. Even though modern technology has replaced some traditional tools, the four treasures of the study are still symbols of Chinese culture, with profound spiritual connotations and values. Paper is alive due to the movements of brush. You need contemplate over and over before writing and calm your mind when you grind and blend the ink in the inkstone. His explanation in a low voice revealed the respect and appreciation of Chinese literati towards creation. This tranquility is like white lotus with distant fragrance, sublime and silent.

The gentle breeze travels through ancient China and brings me back to modern times.

During my stay in China for years, I have not only been overwhelmed by ancient cultures that have spanned thousands of years, but also amazed by China’s rapid development and advanced technology. In the field of technology the lotuses bloom everywhere with magnificent beauty and long-lasting perfume.

From my undergraduate studies at Capital Medical University to pursuing a doctoral degree at Peking University, I learned cutting-edge medical knowledge and technology in the world. Over the years, I have seen one breakthrough after another in medical technology. Carbon ion therapy technology brings hope to patients with malignant tumors. Liver cell transplantation creates more possibilities to the lives of liver disease patients. Medical diagnosis support system of artificial intelligence speeds up the formulation of diagnosis and treatment plans. The hospital process as a whole becomes more efficient.

The newly born lotuses, bright and shining, are spreading dazzling vitality and illuminating the entire pond. The lotus flowers combine ancient heritage with modern liveliness. I cannot help marveling at these miracles again and again. The breeze carries the spirit of times that trails through ancient and modern with a unique captivation of China and a refreshing scent. As a medical student, I am not only willing to adore these flowers, but also to convey this fragrance into the distance.

A few years ago, I participated in the establishment of the Bangladesh-China Alumni Association and took the role of the association’s secretary. I have organized the gathering of Chinese and Bangladesh students to exchange cultures and thoughts. This delicate fragrance slowly wafts from the campus of China to the ones of Bangladesh. Thanks to these Chinese friends, we have been improving the proficiency of Chinese and understanding of China. In 2021 and 2022, as a judge representing the Bangladesh region, I took part in the 20th and 21st “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competitions for Foreign College Students, observing the fascination and longing of college students from all over the world for Chinese culture. In 2020, I joined an international medical assistance action. I spread advanced medical technology and concepts in countries receiving assistance. While helping other countries, I am also doing my best to share the voices of China I heard and fill the world with lotus fragrance.

A gentle breeze sweeps the lotuses in the water, and the morning sun shines slightly on the willows. My first 13 years in China were like this gentle breeze blowing slowly by. I would like to resort to the fresh breeze of my thoughts to flutter more willow branches. I would like to seek for more opportunities to hold the lotus in my hand and display the beauty of China to the whole world.