**Interview with Zhang Weiguo: Embracing Cultural Innovation in Education**
*By: Zhang Weiguo, Director of the Southwestern University Branch of the Chongqing Research Center for the Theoretical System of Chinese Socialism, Party Secretary of Southwestern University*
Recently, the 100th performance of Tsinghua University’s original play “The Blossoming of Malan Flower” took place at the National Grand Theatre, marking the official launch of the 2024 “Backbone of the Republic – Promoting Scientific Masters” performance season. This initiative, jointly implemented by the China Association for Science and Technology and other organizations, aims to support students in creating stage productions centered around scientists. Utilizing a unique format where alumni perform as alumni and junior students portray seniors, the project fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the noble spirit of scientific masters. Over the past decade, a series of exceptional stage works have emerged, deeply instilling a sense of patriotism among students and staff, and serving as a vibrant practice of cultural education.
As a frontline in cultural inheritance and innovation, universities bear the crucial mission of educating through culture. It is essential for them to consciously take on this responsibility, leading the charge by adhering to Xi Jinping’s cultural ideology. Universities must uphold cultural confidence, remain open and inclusive, and persist in genuine innovation, channeling cultural strength into the fundamental task of fostering a new generation of talent.
Holding steadfast to cultural positions is vital for maintaining a guiding influence. China’s rich traditional culture, with its long history, embodies the profound spiritual pursuits of the Chinese people and represents our unique spiritual identity. The philosophical thoughts, humanistic spirit, values, and ethical norms embedded within it still possess vibrant cultural vitality and significant contemporary relevance. Creating a new culture for our time requires a commitment to Chinese cultural values while integrating Marxist principles with our rich traditions, allowing our foundational cultural genes to adapt to contemporary society. Universities should leverage their cultural advantages to uncover and articulate the modern significance of traditional Chinese culture, effectively teaching students about its historical context. Moreover, it is crucial to guide students in recognizing the cultural depth and truth of the latest achievements in the sinicization of Marxism, cultivating a sound historical view, national identity, and cultural awareness, thus inspiring them to innovate while preserving our traditional culture.
In fostering cultural confidence, schools can invigorate and inspire through their educational approach. Cultural confidence is a fundamental, profound, and enduring force for any nation or ethnic group. By nurturing a strong sense of cultural pride, we can reinforce our commitment, bolster our courage, and spark creativity. The educational philosophy, history, culture, and activities at a school continually influence the thoughts, morals, and behaviors of both students and faculty. Therefore, to cultivate a sense of self-confidence and self-reliance among students, we must innovate cultural education models. This means forming a “Big Ideological and Political Class” that blends the educational norms with the unique characteristics of today’s students. By incorporating rich cultural content, we aim to guide youth in deepening their understanding of traditional Chinese culture, revolutionary culture, and advanced socialist culture, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of cultural education. For instance, we can delve into themes like agricultural culture in agronomy, craftsmanship in engineering, and traditional Chinese medicine in medical studies, enriching students through practical courses. Furthermore, by utilizing resources like school history museums, galleries, and other cultural venues, we can bridge the gap between academia and society, fostering cultural interactions that bolster students’ cultural identity and confidence through participation in various cultural activities.
In promoting cultural integration, we can build collective strength through mutual innovation and inspiration. Developing a modern, global-oriented, and scientific socialist culture demands that we actively learn from all the outstanding civilizational achievements humanity has created. This involves integrating ancient and contemporary ideas and fostering cross-cultural understanding by embracing diversity. Institutions of higher education play a pivotal role in global dialogue and collaboration. In this new era, universities must fulfill their responsibility to blend domestic and international cultures. By leveraging their academic and regional strengths, they can broaden their international outreach, actively engage in cultural exchange initiatives, and help create a national brand for cultural cooperation. Adapting to the trends of digital communication, we need to enhance the means of showcasing traditional Chinese culture, guiding students to tell China’s story authentically and compellingly, presenting a true, multi-dimensional, and comprehensive image of China to the world. In this way, we can all become advocates and practitioners of cultural exchange, contributing our youthful energy to the cultural flourishing and the establishment of a culturally robust socialist nation.
