Monument to Confucius unveiled at KPI

The remarkable event, namely the inauguration of a monument to Confucius, outstanding Chinese philosopher, teacher and political theorist who lived in the VI-V centuries BC, was held at Igor Sikorsky Kiev Polytechnic Institute (KPI) on August 31. Mikhail Zgurovsky, Rector of Igor Sikorsky KPI, Du Wei, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Ukraine, and other honorary guests took part in the opening ceremony of the monument to Confucius.

The authors of the bronze statue are Ukrainian sculptors Nikolai Znoba and Veronika Diriv. The statue was erected on the Square of Knowledge, facing building No. 7 that houses departments of philosophy and sociology. No other place can be so symbolically designed to teach. Confucius put the greatest emphasis on the importance of the training of the noble and wise man. That is why his words "He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger" are carved into the pedestal of the monument.

To mark fruitful cooperation of China with Igor Sikorsky KPI, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Ukraine presented the University with the monument to Confucius.

Speaking at the unveiling of the monument, Ambassador Du Wei commended highly the significance of KPI's activities not only in Ukraine but also other countries. "I am very honored to be invited to today's inauguration of the monument to Confucius," he said. "For over two years since my appointment, I have often participated in such events, witnessed with my own eyes how Chinese culture gradually enters into Ukraine and personally felt how hearts of the peoples of the two countries are coming closer together day by day."

"Love and respect of the Ukrainian people for Confucius is not accidental. Be it the spirit of humanism - "Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself" or the concept of acquiring knowledge - "Walking among three people, I find my teacher among them" or a path to hospitality - "When you have friends coming from afar, isn't that a great pleasure" - all this is the quintessence of Confucianism, which is reflected in the history, culture and value system of our two nations. Therefore, I once said that China is the Asian Ukraine, and Ukraine is the European China.

"I am grateful to Nikolai Znoba for creating such a realistic sculpture and even more grateful to the Kiev Polytechnic Institute for allotting a wonderful place for it. Igor Sikorsky KPI is the world-renowned education institution. For 120 years since its foundation, the University has trained a large number of professionals working in all corners of the world. Students from China have also been studying and are currently studying at the University. In recent years Igor Sikorsky KPI has been closely cooperating with Chinese research institutions and enterprises. I wish the University great achievements, and I wish that bilateral cooperation will continue to thrive," the ambassador stressed.

The expansion of cooperation with Chinese scientific circles is one of the development priorities of international collaboration, which are determined by Igor Sikorsky KPI.