Wen quotes Upanishads, praises Mahatma

New Delhi, Dec 16 (PTI) Visiting Chinese Premier Wen
Jiabao Thursday virtually launched a charm offensive as he
quoted the Upanishads, praised Mahatma Gandhi saying he has
always lived in his heart and fondly remembered students
calling him "grandpa" during his visit to a school here in
the Indian capital.
During his 30-minute address at the Indian Council of
World Affairs, Wen also drew parallels between Chinese
calligraphy and Yoga, and noted the influence of Buddhism on
Chinese culture.
Recalling his visit to the Tagore International School
last evening, the 68-year-old Chinese leader said he felt as
if he was in his country when he was addressed as 'Grandpa
Wen'.
"Children back home call me 'Grandpa Wen'," he said.
"The Upanishad says 'the truth is above all and is the
common foundation of conception'," the Chinese premier said as
he went on to describe his "friendship" with Indian Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh.
"Prime Minister Singh and I are old friends. We have
had long discussions on a dozen of occasions and forged a
sincere friendship," he said.
The Chinese leader said he could see Mahatma Gandhi's
unyielding image and clear eyes as he laid a wreath at the Raj
Ghat memorial.
"For peace and justice, Mahatma Gandhi travelled from
one village to another with firm steps, knowing no fatigue. He
was intrepid, and so much so that no force or individual could
make him stop," he said.
"This great man, a man of love and integrity, has
always lived in my heart," Wen said.
Paying tributes to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore,
he said the sage poet forged a deep friendship with China's
literary giants Lu Xun, Liang Qichao and Xu Zhimo.
Drawing similarities between Yoga and calligraphy, Wen
said while Yogic postures signify the union of soul and
physical strength, the Chinese art demonstrated the strength
of hand and that of the mind.
Noting that numerous ties have linked China and India
for thousands of years, Wen said Buddhism from India has
enriched the Chinese culture.