Beijing, Oct 19. (PTI): People in China will have a chance to get insights into the mind of President A P J Abdul Kalam with the release on Wednesday, of the Chinese version of his book.

'Guiding Souls: Dialogues on the Purpose of Life', penned by Kalam and scientist Arun K Tiwari, a vivid account of the inner experiences of India's first citizen, was released here by Vice Minister of International Department of the ruling Communist Party of China Liu Hongkai.

Liu said the release not only provides a chance for the Chinese to read a book by a world-acclaimed scientist and statesman but also enhances people-to-people exchanges and cultural interactions between China and India.

LINK TO ORIGINAL

The Chinese version is by Ji Ping, an India expert with Chinese Association for International Understanding, who also translated Kalam's autobiography 'Wings of Fire' in 2003.

In a message during the occasion, Kalam said, "China and India belong to a cradle of flourishing civilisations. Books have been always part of our people. Great books lead to creativity, creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge and knowledge makes one great."

"In the journey of life, good books becomes a great companion. Through books, wisdom flows through generations and transposes human affairs for good. During difficult phases in human life, a book can provide the experience of great minds and wipes away tears," he said.

CPI-M Politburo member Sitaram Yechuri, who is in China presently leading a party delegation, said the publication of Kalam's book in Chinese will go a long way in promoting better understanding between India and China.

Liu said it was "An inevitable trend for the development of relations between our two countries that China and India will be friends for ever, will co-exist in harmony and will join hands for win-win development."

India's outgoing Ambassador to China Nalin Surie said President Kalam is a rare embodiment in today's world, combining the virtues of a statesman, a scientist, a writer and philosopher.

"In each of these roles, he has left his unique imprint, an imprint that has resonance across societies particularly in large developing countries. Hence I believe the interest in China in his work," said Surie, who is returning to India tomorrow after completing his stint here.

Tiwari, who co-authored the book with Kalam, said 'Guiding Souls...' was an account of the inner experiences of the India's first citizen about what happened around him.

The book considered the essence of humanity and represented Kalam's understanding of life and human nature, said Chai Shangjin, Deputy editor-in-chief of Contemporary World Publishing House, which is releasing the Chinese version of the work.

The function was attended by former Chinese Ambassadors to India, Chinese scholars on South Asia and senior officials from the CPC, CPI-M members and Indian diplomats.