On June 27, 2025, Brazil's Copacabana Fort Orchestra performs musical hits in BRICS countries during the BRICS Edition of the Dialogue of Civilizations Series in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

I come from India, but for the past two decades, China has been my home, my workplace, and a source of endless inspiration.

I arrived in Beijing in 2007 as a student, eager to learn about China's rich language and culture. I was privileged to earn my master's degree from Renmin University and my doctoral degree from Peking University, two of China's most prestigious institutions. Today, I have the honor of teaching at Beijing Foreign Studies University, where I introduce Chinese students to the language, history and culture of India.

Language has been the cornerstone of my journey. As former South African President Nelson Mandela once said, "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart." Learning Mandarin opened not just doors, but also hearts. It allowed me to see China through the eyes of its people, and to understand their dreams, their struggles and their extraordinary achievements. In turn, I now help my Chinese students connect with India's soul through Hindi, fostering mutual respect and dismantling misconceptions.