The President of Beijing City University (BCU) Liu Lin held a special memorial event, to celebrate the life of the late Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya, on Friday (21 June).

There was a special tree planted in his honour with Lady Bhattacharyya, and Professor David Mullins, Acting Head of WMG both present. David who worked closely with Professor Lord Bhattacharyya for over 20 years, also spoke at the event.

President Liu explained: “We have planted this tree to commemorate the late Lord Bhattacharyya. This tree symbolises the friendship between BCU and WMG, as well as the personal relationship which, like this tree, will last forever.”

Lady Bhattacharyya said: “It’s no exaggeration to say that Kumar loved China. He visited over forty times, beginning in the early 1980s.

“He was intensely proud of his role in the growth of the Chinese economy over three decades, building training and research partnerships with some of China’s most innovative businesses.”

In 2018, Lord Bhattacharyya was recognised by the Chinese government and presented with a China Talent Visa (R), in recognition of his high-level expertise in manufacturing and inward investment and sustained interaction with the People’s Republic of China.

He was one of the first recipients globally of the newly introduced R Visas for foreign talents awarded by the Chinese government, and was awarded with a ten-year visa. This follows Professor Lord Bhattacharyya receiving two prestigious awards from China – the Great Wall Friendship Award, from Beijing Municipal Government, and the Chinese Government Friendship Award, the premier national award, presented by the Vice-Premier at a special ceremony in Beijing on the occasion of the National Day.

The Chinese government, with this visa showed its sincerity towards global talent. It is awarded to foreign high-level personnel, and much-needed highly talented people, whose skills are in urgent demand to help the development of the economy and society of China.

Speaking at the event Lady Bhattacharyya, said: “It is fitting that today, we honour Kumar by planting a tree - a tree that will take root here in Beijing City University, and grow for years to come, giving life and comfort and shade to future generations, and watching over their progress.

“I hope that this tree will stand as a living reminder of Kumar’s faith in China, his belief in your people, and his hope for a clean, green, healthy, and prosperous future for us all.”