Cai Yuan Pei (蔡元培)

Someone was showing his respects to the great educator. On Ching Ming Festival (清明節), at Cai’s grave in Aberdeen Chinese Cemetery.

Among his many achievements, he was the president of Beijing University at a critical moment in Chinese history. During the May 4th Movement (五四運動), Cai was very supportive of the students. When some of the students were arrested by the warlord government, he went to negotiate for their release. As educators, we all should have that kind of courage. Sadly, however, not too many of us do.

Cai died in Hong Kong 70 years ago. He really did not have strong ties to Hong Kong. Yet he is still being remembered.