On April 3, the School of Foreign Studies and Mudan Academy jointly held a flower-laying ceremony to commemorate the 106th anniversary of Mudan’s birth. Prof. Yan Guodong, the president of Mudan Academy and the dean of the School of Foreign Studies, Prof. Deng Shaoqiang of Mudan Academy and the School of Mathematical Sciences, Prof. Xie Chao of the School of Literature, Xiang Yu, the deputy secretary of the Party Committee and the vice dean of the School of Foreign Studies, and alumni representatives Zhu Fuhua and Ma Jianlong were present at the event. Prof. Yu Deshuo of University of Bath and Director of the Chinese and English Interpretation and Translation Programme, was specially invited to attend the event.
The Qingming Festival is for memorials. At 4 p.m., representatives of teachers, students, and alumni gathered at Mudan Garden and participated in the flower-laying ceremony to commemorate the 106th anniversary of Mu Dan’s birth. At the ceremony, Prof. Yan Guodong mentioned that Mu Dan was a renowned patriotic poet and translator. His works are imbued with a strong patriotic spirit intertwined with romanticism, and his translations are highly esteemed in the realm of literary translations. Mu Dan’s character, thoughts, and knowledge continue to profoundly influence and inspire generations of Nankai students, motivating the new era of Nankai individuals to persevere and progress.
Afterward, representatives of students from the School of Foreign Studies recited Mu Dan’s poem “Walking on the Wilderness” with deep emotion. They conveyed Mu Dan’s challenging years at the United Southwest University and his unwavering sense of family and country, which deeply moved the audience. Cui Qingfeng, a representative of the students of the MuDan Academy, shared his experience after joining the Academy. He highlighted the tutor’s attentive guidance and the academy’s engaging activities that helped him broaden his knowledge and grow up rapidly.
All members took turns bowing to the statue of Mu Dan and placing flowers. The yellow and white bouquets symbolized the profound remembrance of and respect for Mu Dan by teachers, students, and alumni.
Mu Dan’s life is characterized by love for the motherland and the Chinese people, dedicated to scholarship, deserving of our admiration and study. Mu Dan’s style is long-lasting. Although he has passed away, the spirit of Mu Dan will continue to thrive in the world, motivating Nankai students to not forget their original intentions, to remember their mission, and to advance in the pursuit of their ideals and beliefs.
