The Bengali way of informal chat, regarded as a part and parcel of Kolkatans, has embraced a new visage under the banner ''Chini Adda'', which is floated as a platform for practising Chinese language.

Much to the delight of the students of Mandarin, the city on Friday (January 23) witnessed such an educative 'adda' session, organised by The School of Chinese Language, in the presence of Chinese Consul General to Kolkata Mao Siwei.

The initiative, christened ''Chinese Corner'', is the first of its kind in the country and witnessed the partcipation of 28 people from various walks of life during the maiden session held at Beijing Restaurant at Tangra.

''About 30 years ago, when China opened its door to the outside world, the students felt the need for learning English. But there was inadequate number of English teachers. As a result, students of various universities based in Beijing, Shanghai and other places in China started organising English Corners,'' Mr Siwei said.

In fact, the 'corners' served as a meeting point among the Chinese, British and American students where informal chats were held, with English as the medium of conversation, according to him.

''Many people in India learn Chinese language and have a keen interest in the country's culture, history and people. If the students do not have the chance to use the language, they will soon forget it. The Chinese Corner will at least give a chance to the learners to remember the language,'' Mr Siwei explained.

Mr Madan Saraff, Founder of the School of Chinese Language, said the ''Chini Adda'' was conceived in July 2008, following the inauguration of the school in the city.

The school is currently having a strength of 60 students, he said, adding, the institution was set up with a view to diminishing the language barrier between China and India and bridging the communication gap between the countries.

Such 'adda' would currently be a monthly phenomenon and depending upon the repsponse, could become a weekly event, Mr Saraff said.

''The Chini Adda will be attended by Chinese-speaking Indians and people residing in the city from China. Exchange of not only two languages but also two minds will take place in these Chinese Corner. We hope that the government will provide us with a suitable place for holding the sessions,'' he said.

Courtesy: UNI