Historic Long March - 80 years on
- By Anil Azad Pandey
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E-mail China.org.cn, October 29, 2016
The Chinese Revolution and the dream of freedom could not have been uncompleted without the success of the great Long March. The heroics of the Red Army still remain fresh in Chinese minds even after eight decades to an unimaginable event.
In addition, the success of the Long March boosted the confidence of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to build a nation based on its principles, and led to the enemy (Kuomintang) steadily losing ground to final defeat.
Furthermore, the 12,500-km march across some of the most difficult parts of the country's terrain saw the emergence of Mao Zedong, as a supreme leader instrumental in the formation of the People's Republic of China founded on October 1, 1949. This year, China celebrates the 80th anniversary of completion of the Long March.
It was one of the hardest mission ever completed by humans. We can describe it better in the words of Chinese President Xi Jinping who described it as "full of the spirit of idealism and dedication," and a "human epic composed of will and courage" and "an epic of humankind's unremitting efforts to pursue truth and brightness."
Indeed, it was the great example of unity, trust, passion and love for the country, offering a ray of hope to millions of Chinese. Whenever I get a chance to talk with anyone in China about the Long March, I see the brightness in their eyes.
The public has been getting a glimpse of the historic era in Beijing's Military Museum during the past month. More than 300 items have been on display, including weapons, posters, maps and other important artifacts. It aroused much enthusiasm, evidenced by people lining up in the museum to get a glimpse of their heroes through pictures and with other memorabilia.
"I can feel the past when I see the original objects from the Long March," one man named Ji Yongxiao told Xinhua news agency.
In fact, after the formation of the People's Republic of China, millions of people have been rescued from extreme poverty, especially during the last 30 years. This achievement can't be separated from the success of the Long March under the inspired leadership of the CPC.
China's rapid development and modernization is a model for many other countries. Still China is not going to slow its pace, and wants to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2021, marking the centenary of the CPC's founding; in addition, by the end of 2049, the aim is to create a modern socialist country.
The success of the Long March not only attracted Chinese people's attention but also that of others around the world. Former American National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski described it as a great statement of the determination of the Chinese people fighting for change and a historically important milestone.
The red army and the old revolutionaries showed great determination to keep their mission alive in the face of enemy action and extreme weather conditions. They passed over high mountains and through swamps and deserts in western China. Notably, the historic Long March saw an active participation from women and children, as well as elderly people. During the March, red army leaders showed extreme courage and wisdom to overcome the challenges.
One can imagine the adversity and hardship of the campaign, given that of the almost 160,000 soldiers only 8,000 remained alive by the end.
The March finally ended near Yan'an of north China's Shaanxi Province, crossing 12 provinces, 18 major snowcapped mountain ranges and 24 rivers. It took the Red Army 370 days to complete the daunting task, which started in October 1934 in Jiangxi. Hence Yan'an became the center of the Chinese Communist Party from 1936 to 1948, and is known as the birthplace of the Chinese revolution. It was the longest march in the history of wars, inspiring many young Chinese to join the army and the Party.
In the past 80 years, the Red Army (now, the People's Liberation Army) has come a long way from small beginnings to become the largest army in the world.
There is no doubt that Long March has been the source of inspiration for Chinese people in the past decades and henceforth will definitely encourage generations to come.
Anil Azad Pandey has been working with China Radio, Beijing as a Senior Journalist since 2009, prior to China worked in New Delhi as a Senior National Correspondent, covered Foreign, Defense and Education Ministry. His articles often appear on Indian and Foreign newspapers on International issues. He is also an author of the book "Hello Cheen".
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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