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Prof Wang is the chief editor of the Yoga Library series of books, and his translations of ancient Indian texts, including the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, have become the subject matter of more than a hundred virtual lectures that have received…Read More
Prof Wang Zhicheng with Consul General Pratik Mathur in Shanghai. File pic/X
Deepening cultural exchanges with China, with initiatives like the upcoming 10th International Day of Yoga celebrations in cities like Shanghai, marks the growing influence of yoga and Indian culture within Chinese society. The Consul General of India in Shanghai, Pratik Mathur, handed over a letter from the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, to Prof Wang Zhicheng of Zhejiang University. In his letter, PM Modi has recognised his remarkable contributions to the promotion of yoga and Indian cultural traditions in China. The ceremony took place at the prestigious Zhejiang University campus in Hangzhou, marking a significant moment in the strengthening of cultural ties between India and China, which are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.
The influence of yoga and Indian culture extends beyond physical exercise, resonating deeply within Chinese society. Prof Wang is the chief editor of the Yoga Library series of books, and his translations of ancient Indian texts, including the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, have become the subject matter of more than a hundred virtual lectures that have received widespread acclaim in China.
During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Hangzhou for the G20 Summit in 2016, Prof Wang personally presented his translation of the Bhagavad Gita to the PM. Prof Wang’s efforts have significantly contributed to the growing popularity of yoga in China, where it has emerged as a widely embraced practice for physical and mental well-being. Over the past decade, yoga has gained immense traction across Chinese cities, with millions participating in classes, workshops, and events such as the International Day of Yoga. In Zhejiang Province alone, cities like Hangzhou, Wuyi, and Jiaxing have hosted large-scale yoga gatherings, drawing thousands of enthusiasts. This surge reflects yoga’s integration into Chinese lifestyles, blending harmoniously with traditional practices like Tai Chi and promoting a holistic approach to health.
Prof Wang has noted a rising interest among young Chinese in Indian philosophical traditions, which emphasise mindfulness, balance, and inner peace and values that align with China’s own cultural heritage. His work has bridged these ancient civilisations, fostering mutual respect and understanding. Consul General Mathur praised Prof Wang’s “unstinting efforts towards popularising Indian culture,” highlighting how yoga has become a powerful medium for cultural diplomacy. Yoga’s popularity in China is a testament to its universal appeal and its ability to bring our peoples closer together.”
