Showcasing mesmerising China through lens

New Delhi, July 27 (UNI) The breathtaking beauty of the world's third largest country China, and the lives of its natives which has been a long kept mystery to the rest of the world, now opens itself before its Indian neighbours through the lens of a group of world famous photographers.

'Chinese People's Life through Lens', being held at the Indira Gandhi Centre for the Arts, invites all to have a glimpse of the country's breathtaking charm and glory.

Inaugurating the exhibition yesterday, Minister of State for Planning M V Rajasekharan said, ''China and India share a common history, culture and heritage. The exhibition is an opportunity for us to have a look at the course of development of this age old civilisation in par with its history and culture''.

'' This exhibition marks friendship, brotherhood and understanding between these two neighbouring countries,'' said Governor of Harayana A R Kidwai. Member Secretary of IGNCA Mr K Chakraborty praised it as ''a welcome step to bring the two neighbours together through cultural diplomacy''.

The cradle of a five thousand year old civilization comprising fifty-six ethnic groups which flourished on the banks of the Yangtze and Yellow river has always mesmerized the world with its rich cultural heritage. The Great Wall, magnificent Imperial Palace, martial terracotta warriors and horses, and the sutras sculptured on the rocks in the Tibetan esoteric Buddhist tradition are a visual treat for those who pay a visit to the country of dragons.

Apart from showcasing world famous heritages and the spectacular natural beauty of China, day to day mundane events like games played by old people in leisure hours, common people doing their daily chores, markets of the countryside and festivals and the regular roadside food eaten by commoners found a place in each frame.

''Each of the hundred odd photographs exhibited here have an enchanting story behind them,'' said Madam Bu Jianguo, charge d' Affaires of China. She pointed to a photograph showing a group of Tibetan children at a monastery and said, ''they are our next generation who will keep alive the nation building process of our country based on non violence, love and harmony.'' Mrs Mala Mukherjee, one of the participant photographers present at the exhibition, shared one of her delightful experiences in China during a photoshoot session. She said during the expedition, she came across a 'China so different from the mainland China' at Xinjiang valley in the northwest along Tajikistan border with 'kebabs and lambs' everywhere.

'' China is incredible, awesome, splendid and a 'must-visit' place'', she added.

UNI