CG Pratik Mathur Leads India’s Shanghai Outreach
Academic, cultural, skill-development and community engagements strengthen India-China people-to-people ties
- Nalanda: Pratik Mathur engaged with VC Sachin Chaturvedi and regional scholars.
- BRICS: Nanjing University discussions focused on the 18th BRICS Summit.
- Culture: Ayurveda, Amar Chitra Katha and community initiatives featured in Shanghai.
- Skills: Lend-A-Hand India discussed expanding vocational education across 24 states.
GG News Bureau
Shanghai, 22nd Sept: A series of recent engagements by Indian Consul General Pratik Mathur in Shanghai has brought together academics, healthcare professionals, industry representatives, educators and community members, with discussions spanning India-China academic exchanges, BRICS, cultural heritage, Ayurveda, skill education, trade and cleanliness initiatives.
Nalanda University academic engagement
Mathur welcomed Nalanda University Vice Chancellor Professor Sachin Chaturvedi for an interaction with scholars from the region. The discussion highlighted Nalanda’s role as a centre of educational excellence and its contribution to building mutual understanding and respect.
Nanjing University hosts BRICS discussion
Mathur also visited Nanjing University in Jiangsu, where he held discussions with scholars on the outcomes of the 18th BRICS Summit.
The interaction included Professor Guo Shuyong of the School of International Relations, Professor Luo Xiaoxiang of the Department of History, Professor Zheng Anguang of the Institute of International Relations and Professor Hua Tao of the Center for Sino-American Cultural Studies.
Mathur highlighted the importance of growing understanding between India and China and the role of universities, students and think tanks in strengthening exchanges through Track 1.5 and Track 2.0 dialogues.
Cultural heritage and Ayurveda initiatives
As part of Seva Pakhwada activities in Shanghai, Mathur joined senior medical professionals at Shanghai United Family Hospital.
The engagement included the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam tree-planting campaign and the inauguration of a children’s book corner featuring Chinese-language translations of Amar Chitra Katha stories.
Ahead of Ayurveda Day, Mathur also held discussions on the growing global outreach of India’s traditional medicine practices. The Consulate said the interactions also reflected the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam through its Shramdaan activities.
Swachhata Hi Seva campaign
Mathur led the Consulate General of India, Shanghai, team in administering the Swachhata Hi Seva pledge and planting saplings under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign near the historic Tagore bust at Lu Xun Park.
The Consulate also undertook cleanliness activities at its visa operations and Visa Facilitation Centres across the eastern China region as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign.
Indian products showcased at CADA conference
Mathur participated in the annual International Exchange Conference of the China Alcoholic Drinks Association (CADA), where he highlighted the range of products offered by Indian companies.
He said India remained the fastest-growing whiskey and liquor market globally and highlighted Indian companies’ efforts to expand internationally through diverse products and services, while showcasing Make in India techniques and technology.
The CADA annual meeting was described by the Consulate as the largest such industry gathering in East Asia.
Skill education gets focus
On the sidelines of the WorldSkills Conference, Mathur met Raj Gilda and Sunanda Mane, co-founders of Pune-based NGO Lend-A-Hand India.
The discussions focused on bringing skill education to government secondary schools for students in Grades 9 to 12.
According to the Consulate, the academic-government-NGO partnership has expanded to 24 states, with more than 2 million new students each year. The engagement highlighted efforts under Samagra Shiksha, PM SHRI and the National Education Policy 2020 to expand vocational education, strengthen school-industry links and develop training facilities.
