Patna, May 4: Patna University has decided to start a China Study Centre on the university premises, which will help in exchange of research papers and study materials between Patna University and Universities in Yunnan in China.

PU vice-chancellor Sudipto Adhikari said: “The decision to start the centre was taken after series of discussions with the university officials and Yuan Zuliang, vice-president of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, when she visited Patna in February.”

The Chinese delegation on its visit to Patna discussed about possible cooperation between PU and Universities in Yunnan.

The centre at PU would open floodgates for exchange of research papers and study materials between the two universities. Teachers from both the universities would visit the countries and exchange issues related to new technological advancement and research works being carried out in the two universities.

It is likely that the university will open the centre in a few months. The Chinese delegation visited PU and it is learnt that the delegation urged the university officials for an educational tie-up between the two universities. The delegation said that as China is emerging as a super power, a tie-up between the two universities would enable students of both the countries to learn the language and the culture of the two countries.

After the centre starts functioning, PU students will receive research papers, magazines and periodicals from the Chinese universities. The centre will open at Patna College. Adhikari said: “Initially, the centre will help exchange cultural and research papers but thereafter the teachers and faculties will also be appointed by PU for running the Chinese study course.”

Recently, the Chinese officials on their visit to Patna and Nalanda expressed happiness over the initiative being taken by the state government and the Chinese government stating that cultural exchange programmes between Bihar and China would be of great help in developing good relations between Bihar and China.

During their visit, the Chinese delegation assured to provide all possible help for the development of Nalanda International University in Bihar. Sources said as the Union and the state government have taken steps for revival of Nalanda International University on the lines of the ancient university, the Chinese Study Centre at PU will be on the same lines.