Recently, Nanjing University opened a memorial exhibition at Gulou campus to pay tribute to Master Scholar Tao Xingzhi.

Through photos, books and newspaper clippings, the exhibition tells about the life of Tao.

The exhibition is composed of five parts. The first part tells of Tao’s studies. Throughout his career, Tao had always been proactive and achieved excellent results.

Tao Xingzhi (pictured on the right) and the private school he attended when he was young

Tao Xingzhi (pictured on the left) in Jinling University (now Nanjing University)

The second part shows the formulation of Mr. Tao’s ideals and beliefs. During his studies, Tao gradually formulated the concept of saving the country through education. He carried out a series of teaching and management reforms, and constructed a modern education theory system in line with China’s specific national conditions. This is his theory of life education, which proves to be a brand-new path to transform Chinese education and even society.

Tao Xingzhi's inscription on the wall of the dormitory, which reads: “I am a Chinese. I must make my contributions to China.”

Tao Xingzhi's articles published on the newspapers

The third part describes Mr. Tao’s specific practice of popularizing education: he advocated rural education and children's education, and emphasized wartime education as well as social education.

Tao Xingzhi (second from left)

Tao’s translation of Chinese ancient poems

The fourth part relates Mr. Tao’s efforts to resist Japanese invasion, oppose civil war and strive for peace.

Tao Xingzhi delivered a speech (left)

Tao Xingzhi (third from left) at the World Peace Conference (right)

Tao Xingzhi’s Manuscripts

The fifth part shows how people from all walks of life mourned Tao after his death. It also reveals the continued impact of Tao’s ideals and spirit on schools of all levels.

The opening ceremony of the exhibition was held at NJU Gulou Library on the afternoon of March 27. Zou Yajun, Standing Member of the CPC NJU Committee and Vice President of NJU, attended the ceremony and delivered a speech. The ceremony was presided over by Huang Xianjin, Director of NJU Library.

Translator: Ping Xuan

Editors: Chen Xing, He Yao