The XuFancheng Culture Study Center (Xu-CSC) was inaugurated on October 26, 2020, marking a significant milestone in the cultural and intellectual exchange between India and China. The inauguration coincided with the 111th birth anniversary of Xu Fancheng and the celebration of 70 years of India–China cultural relations, symbolizing a renewed commitment to dialogue between two ancient civilizations.
The event was held in the distinguished presence of H.E. Sun Weidong , Chinese Ambassador to India (virtual), and Shri V. Narayanasamy, Chief Minister of Puducherry (in-person), highlighting the importance both nations place on cultural diplomacy and people-to-people engagement.
Institutional Support and Cultural Resources
The establishment of the XuFancheng Culture Study Center is supported by the Department of Culture, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in India. As part of this initiative, the Embassy donated more than 200 books on Chinese culture, philosophy, history, and society, significantly enriching the academic resources available at the center.
These materials form a strong foundation for research, documentation, and cultural education, making Xu-CSC a valuable hub for scholars, students, and cultural practitioners interested in China and India–China relations.
A First-of-Its-Kind Initiative in India–China Cultural Studies
The XuFancheng Culture Study Center is a first-of-its-kind institution dedicated exclusively to comparative India–China cultural studies. Named after Xu Fancheng, a renowned Chinese scholar deeply engaged with Indian philosophy and spiritual traditions, the center embodies his intellectual legacy of cross-cultural understanding.
Xu-CSC functions as a Center for Chinese Culture and India–China Cross-Cultural Studies, with a strong emphasis on:
- Comparative cultural research
- Philosophical and civilizational dialogue
- Historical and contemporary India–China relations
- People-to-people diplomacy
By fostering academic collaboration and cultural exchange, the center aims to strengthen mutual understanding between the two societies beyond official diplomatic frameworks.
Promoting Research, Documentation, and Cultural Dialogue
The core mission of the XuFancheng Culture Study Center is the promotion, documentation, and research of India–China cultural relations. Through seminars, workshops, lectures, publications, and cultural programs, the center actively contributes to expanding knowledge and awareness of shared cultural linkages and intellectual traditions.
The center also serves as a platform for scholars, cultural practitioners, and civil society actors to engage in meaningful dialogue on issues related to culture, education, philosophy, and intercultural communication.
Empowering Youth and Women in Sino-Indian Cultural Exchange
A key focus of the XuFancheng Culture Study Center is to create opportunities for youth in the field of Sino-India cultural and educational engagement. By encouraging participation in research projects, cultural programs, and academic exchanges, the center seeks to nurture a new generation of scholars and cultural ambassadors.
This inclusive approach aligns with the broader goals of people-to-people diplomacy, ensuring that cultural relations between India and China are shaped not only by institutions but also by active societal participation.
A Bridge Between Two Ancient Civilizations
At a time when geopolitical complexities often overshadow cultural connections, the XuFancheng Culture Study Center stands as a bridge between India and China’s ancient civilizations. By grounding contemporary engagement in shared cultural heritage and scholarly exchange, Xu-CSC contributes meaningfully to long-term mutual understanding and cooperation.
The center represents a thoughtful and sustained effort to keep cultural dialogue alive, relevant, and accessible, reinforcing the idea that civilizational ties and people-to-people relations remain essential to stable and constructive bilateral relations.