Premier Wen Jiabao Paid a Visit to Zhejiang University

July 1, 2010

On the evening of June 25, Premier Wen Jiabao paid a visit to Zhejiang University. He unexpectedly showed up in Zijingang Library, talked with students there and encouraged them to be bold in their quest for knowledge and to adhere to the school motto of Seeking Truth .

At around 8 p.m., suddenly there came surprising cheers in illuminated library building. Students preparing for final exams looked up and were greeted by a familiar figure: Premier Wen Jiabao coming to the library hall accompanied by Governor of Zhejiang Province Lv Zushan and Zhejiang University President Yang wei. Premier Wen sat at a table and told students around that he had just finished one-day inspection visit in Hangzhou and this was a surprise visit to Zhejiang University without official arrangement.

Premier Wen said, You re busy with exams and I hope my one hour here with you will add to your thinking instead of being distracting. Premier s friendly and easy-going words gave rise to brisk warm applauses and laughter welcoming his surprise attack . Premier Wen had small talks with students, asking them about their life and study at the university. After that, Premier Wen shared with students his own understanding of the school motto Seeking Truth . Short as it is, it s meant to urge down-to-earth learning. President Lu Yongxiang added innovation to the school motto, and President Pan Yunhe also developed it. But as the foundation, the basic spirit is still seeking truth. Premier Wen also commented on the history of Zhejiang Unviersity. Zhejiang University has turned out numerous talents in its history, including more than 160 academicians. Students should take pride in this while at the same time taking it as an incentive for working hard so as to achieve excellence and add to the glory of Zhejiang University. Students should have unlimited desire for knowledge with down-to-earth and scientific attitude to study without seeking fame. These can be the interpretation of the school motto.

A freshman asked Premier Wen about his understanding of the balance between school work and social activities. Premier Wen reflected on his personal experience at university, and commented that it s important for students to understand the society and schools should take the initiative in creating opportunities to get students involved in social activities.

Premier Wen also shared his understanding of being a politician with students. He suggested that students should be concerned with making contributions in the first place, but not making a name. He hoped that Zhejiang University can nurture more outstanding people, including politicians with the best interest of people in heart.

When speaking of young people s impulsion, Premier Wen also recalled his own experience upon graduation. He said his impulsive action was writing two letters with blood, requesting to go to Tibet. That was my ideal as a young man, to go to work in Tibet. Looking back on his days in university, Premier Wen advocated that students should learn extensively at school to prepare for future jobs. No matter what posts students will take, they will always find what they ve learned will apply to their work. He suggested that the recent financial crisis could be a valuable lesson to learn from. He expressed his hope that the young generation care about national and social progress. He spoke about the flood in Jiangxi Province, and also about the exchange of young employees of Alibaba Co. He proposed that young people should always have a sense of crisis, being prepared for potential difficulties in times of peace and success.

Premier Wen listened to students questions carefully and answered them with great patience. When the hour was quietly gone, students were feeling reluctant to say goodbye to their dear Premier.