Xi'an story from a global perspective | Indian foreign teacher Li Zhekai: Take every step in your "second hometown" steadily
2024-08-08
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"You can't imagine how excited I was when I received the admission letter from Xi'an International Studies University. It was not only a recognition of my past efforts, but also an encouragement for my future!" Indian man Khatib Ahmad Khan still feels excited when he recalls that moment in 2011. He did not let down the encouragement. In the past 13 years, he completed his master's and doctoral studies in Xi'an, taught at his alma mater, found love, and started a family, taking every step steadily and steadily.
Understanding China starts with Kung Fu movies
"Teacher Zhang, you're back!" "Hello, master!" The interview with Li Zhekai was scheduled on the campus of Xi'an International Studies University. Along the way, he greeted the teacher colleagues and security guards he met enthusiastically in fluent Chinese.
Li Zhekai (left) received his Ph.D.
Li Zhekai's hometown is New Delhi, India. His earliest understanding of China began with kung fu movies.
"I never get tired of watching the characters in the movies, who are so agile and quick in their movements. The names of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan are lingering in my mind!" Li Zhekai said that he developed a strong interest in China starting with kung fu movies. "I developed a strong desire to visit China, take a look, and experience this ancient and magical country in person."
Li Zhekai started learning Chinese at the University of Delhi, India. When he first came into contact with Chinese, the square Chinese characters were like a mystery to him, and the interlaced "horizontal, vertical, left, right, and right strokes" made him dizzy and at a loss as to where to start.
Seeing the anxious Li Zhekai, the teacher told him an old Chinese saying, "Haste makes waste", so he slowed himself down, listened repeatedly, tried to pronounce, repeatedly figured out the shape of the characters, and wrote them again and again, feeling the charm of each Chinese character and gradually enjoying the process of learning Chinese.
At this time, Li Zhekai happened to meet four or five Chinese students from Xi'an. "They came to learn Hindi, and I learned Chinese. We became friends and helped each other learn the other's language." Li Zhekai said that they often got together, corrected each other's pronunciation during chats, and also learned about each other's culture.
Build a "Cultural Bridge" at the Starting Point of the Ancient Silk Road
In 2010, when he learned that Nepal had a Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) test site, Li Zhekai went to Nepal to take the test without hesitation.
In August 2011, he came to Xi'an as he wished and studied for a master's degree at Xi'an International Studies University.
"When I first set foot on Chinese soil, I was deeply shocked by the prosperity and vitality here." Li Zhekai said that the streets with tall buildings, the bustling business districts, and the warm and friendly people made him feel novel and excited. His friendship with Chinese friends also continued from India to China.
"At that time, those Chinese friends had already gone to other cities to work and live, but we always kept in touch. When they came to Xi'an on business trips, we would meet, and I became the 'landlord'," Li Zhekai said happily.
In Xi'an, Li Zhekai adapted quickly. Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Bell and Drum Tower, all arranged! Dry pot fish, spicy shrimp, hot pot, no problem! "Everything in Xi'an is so suitable for me!" Li Zhekai said.
In 2014, Li Zhekai, who had already graduated with a master's degree in Chinese international education from Xi'an International Studies University, received the "Chinese Government Scholarship" and entered Shaanxi Normal University to complete his doctorate degree. He then continued to conduct research at a postdoctoral mobile station. Today, he is a foreign teacher at the School of Asian and African Studies of Xi'an International Studies University, teaching Hindi, philosophy, etc.
In addition to daily teaching, Li Zhekai has helped nearly twenty young Indians learn Chinese and apply to study in China over the years. At the same time, he also guides Chinese Hindi majors to apply for further studies in Indian universities.
Li Zhekai actively plays the role of "cultural bridge". "The story of Xuanzang is well known to everyone. I hope to make a difference at the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. I registered Xi'an Nalanda International Cultural Exchange Co., Ltd., dedicated to cultural and academic exchanges and cooperation between China, India and other countries building the Belt and Road Initiative. We have held many economic and trade negotiations, technical exchanges and exhibitions to provide cooperation opportunities for enterprises." Li Zhekai said.
Feeling China’s influence at home
Li Zhekai first saw snow in Xi'an. "I excitedly stood in the yard to catch and step on the snow." Li Zhekai said that this is also one of the reasons why he likes Xi'an, with distinct four seasons.
On the beautiful campus of Xi'an International Studies University, Li Zhekai also met his other half, Danabekova Aigerim, a Kazakh student, and they got married in 2019. Today, they are a happy family of three, and their child attends kindergarten in Xi'an.
Li Zhekai found that in recent years, whether in India or Kazakhstan, they have truly felt China's influence.
"Nowadays, many Indians accept hot water and green tea, and traditional Chinese medicine is becoming more and more popular. China is still an important trading partner of India." Li Zhekai said that in Kazakhstan, "Made in China" products are innumerable, covering almost all aspects from mobile phones, daily necessities to automobiles and machinery and equipment. The China-Europe Express (Xi'an) "Chang'an" is running non-stop and the Kazakhstan Consulate General in Xi'an has opened, which facilitates China-Kazakhstan trade and accelerates Xi'an's internationalization.
Li Zhekai said that in Xi'an, you can find authentic Indian restaurants and Silk Road restaurants. Indian spices are famous, and he originally had to bring some from China. Later, the auntie at the spice shop in the vegetable market told him, "We have everything you need," and it became more convenient for Li Zhekai to cook the flavors of his hometown at home.
In Xi'an, Li Zhekai has become accustomed to the Chinese lifestyle of "solving life problems with a mobile phone." "This is just a microcosm, and the rapid development of economy and technology is behind it," said Li Zhekai.
In the future, he hopes to live a fulfilling and meaningful life in Xi'an like he did in the past 13 years. Of course, he hopes most to apply for the "Five-Star Card" he has always dreamed of - the Permanent Residence Identity Card of the People's Republic of China for Foreigners. "That will be the greatest affirmation for me!"
Text/Xue Wen, reporter of Xi'an Newspaper Group All Media Photos/Provided by interviewees except those with signatures
Source: Xi'an Release
