Peking University, May 21, 2019: The final of the speech contest in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the May Fourth Movement was held at Peking University (PKU) on May 9. Peking University Vice Chair An Yufeng attended the event and delivered a speech. More than 300 students and teachers from universities in Beijing were present.
The speech contest
The final kicked off with “Extolling Our Motherland and Inherenting Our Tradition”, a short video clip commemorating the 100th anniversary of the May Fourth Movement and the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
On behalf of PKU, An extended warm welcome to the guests, judges, teachers and students from universities in Beijing. He pointed out that patriotism has always been the ethos of the Chinese people, as well as the spiritual assets to pass down through generations. Thus, he encouraged young teachers and students to practice their patriotism through practical actions. In the process, one should nurture aspirations, shoulder responsibilities, rise to challenges and sharpen skills through constant learning.
The speech contest has lasted for one month, from the preliminary to the final round. It brought together various interpretations of patriotism and May Fourth Movement spirit given by the contestants.
On April 30, Chinese President Xi Jinping also delivered a keynote speech elaborating on the significance of patriotism in the May Fourth Movement spirit. A week later, 15 finalists gathered at Peking University, the cradle of the May Fourth Movement, to honor and pay tribute to the bygone era.
In the speeches, contestants share their understanding of the May Fourth Movement spirit, patriotism and the youth’s missions based on their life experiences, specialties, or the status quo of the society. Some of them were full of vigor, passion and excitement, while others recounted in a slow and poetic manner.
The contestants
Liu Ji, a member of the 19th voluntary teaching team of PKU, took initiative to go to the Southern Xinjiang for the improvement of Mandarin education. Faced with the harsh living environment, Liu said, “I have never regretted my decision, because such an opportunity is once in a blue moon.” Her rousing speech was highly recognized by the judges and won the second prize.
Written by: Kan Ping
Edited by: Ma Yaoli
Source: PKU News (Chinese)
