Pioneer scholar mourned in Wudaokou
July 13, 2009 | Posted by Chris
A memorial ceremony was held yesterday at Beijing University to mourn celebrated linguist Ji Xianlin, who passed away this Saturday at age 98, the China Daily reports. Professor Ji, who was born in the waning days of the Qing Dynasty and taught at Beijing University from 1946 to 1983, translated many important works from ancient Indian languages into Chinese, which brought insight into Buddhism's spread from India to China and other inter-cultural exchanges. Students and fellow academics yesterday called Professor Ji "a national treasure" and a "great master," and condolences were expressed by President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, who was reported to have intentions to visit Professor Ji and consult with him on his birthday on August 6.
