A while ago I learned that Tsai Yuan-Pei’s grave is in Hong Kong. Actually he lived in Hong Kong for several years before he died. He was, of course, one of the most esteemed persons in modern China, particularly in education and culture. He was a 進士 in the Tsing dynasty, participated in the revolution leading to the establishment of the Republic of China, was minister of education, but quitted the post when he became dissatisfied with the warlords then ruling China. He was the president of the University of Beijing for 10 years, contributing tremendously to the modernization of Chinese culture and the reputation of the University of Beijing. During the May 4 movement, he came to the rescue of the students arrested by the government. In 1938, he came to Hong Kong to treat his ailment. He died in Hong Kong in 1940, and was buried in 香港仔華人永遠墳場「資」字號地段. His grave happens to be in the same cemetery as my grandparents. So I would pay my respects once or twice a year, each time I visit my grandparents. Attached is a picture taken on April 5 this year (2006). It can be seen that the place has been tidied and someone placed some flowers there. I have never seen anyone there at the grave site so far. But every time I was there, the site was clean and tidy, so obviously someone has been taking care of the site. I have taken my daughters there, explained his contribution to the modernization of China and to the students of China in particular, and hope that he will continue to be remembered. I would on occasion mention him to my students in our university. Unfortunately, not too many students are familiar with him.
No comments:
Post a Comment