CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- This May 22 marks the third anniversary of the death of Yuan Longping, the "father of hybrid rice in the world", an academician of the CAE and a winner of the "Medal of the Republic". In recent days, teachers and students from Southwest University have held a series of commemorative activities to jointly commemorate this outstanding alumni and respected senior, and to recall his scientific spirit, noble demeanor and qualities.

At around 10:00 a.m. on May 22, more than 300 teachers and students from the College of Agronomy and Biotechnology of the university, as well as recipients of the 6th “Yuan Longping Scholarship” of Southwest University, gathered in front of the statue of Yuan Longping on campus. After standing in silent tribute, they move forward to bow and offer flowers to the statue one by one.

Zhang Junkai, a student of Grade 2023 majoring in Plant Science and Technology at Southwest University, told the reporter that around May 22, as well as during the Tomb-sweeping Day, graduation season, new students welcoming season, and Yuan Longping's birthday on September 7 every year, students will come to the statue of Yuan Longping to commemorate this senior who has made outstanding contributions to China's food security, the development of agricultural science and world food supply. "For the past three years, people have offered flowers in front of Yuan Longping's statue without interruption."

It is learned that inspired by the spirit of Yuan Longping, Yang Jingsheng, a student from Class 3 of Grade 2020 majoring in Civil Engineering in the CET-College of Engineering and Technology of Southwest University, donated all his scholarship 20,000 yuan he has obtained in school period to reward junior students who are excellent both in conduct and academic performance. "We need to learn from Yuan Longping's spirit of dedication and try our best to help more people in need," said Yang Jingsheng. (Translated by Hu Chuanmin, Fathom Language Limited)