When Chinese envoy preferred Punjabi ‘lassi’ over cold drink

LUDHIANA: Chinese ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui relished traditional Punjabi food, including ‘dal makhni’ and ‘naan’ during his visit to Dr Kotnis Acupuncture Hospital in the city on Friday. When the hosts served him cold drink, he preferred ‘lassi’.

While welcoming Zhaohui, the hosts tied a turban on his head, which he kept wearing all the time he spent in the hospital.

Zhaohui said he felt honoured on wearing the turban, which is a symbol of rich Sikh religion. He also said that Sikhs are known for service to humanity and goodwill. “One of my best friends is a Sikh.”

His wife Jiang Yili did not miss the moment and clicked pictures of her husband wearing turban.

Meanwhile, Zhang Jianxin, cultural and education counsellor, surprised the gathering by addressing it in Hindi. He said it is his second visit to Ludhiana.

‘800 CHINESE ENTREPRENEURS WILLING TO INVEST’

While talking to the media, ambassador Zhaohui said that 800 Chinese entrepreneurs are willing to invest in India. “Some companies are also ready to invest in Punjab if they will get favourable policy for investment.”

He said the ties between India and China are on the right track. After meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, economic ties between the two countries have been strengthened, he added.

He said he met Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh, who assured him of starting an acupuncture hospital in the state. “Acupuncture is a key component of Chinese medicine. I am glad to know that India has also adopted it.

The ambassador said, “Chinese people have adopted yoga. China is the only country after India which has adopted Yoga and decided to promote it. China is opening three Yoga colleges.”

Local MLA Rakesh Pandey was also present on the occasion.