By Lu Hui
BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhuanet) -- A century has passed since the May Fourth Movement happened on May 4, 1919, but its great spirit flourishes and continues to encourage the young generation to devote their youth and strength to realizing the Chinese dream of great rejuvenation.
A century ago, on May 4, 1919, mass student protests broke out against the government's weak response to the Treaty of Versailles that imposed unfair treatment on China and undermined the country's sovereignty after World War I.
It then triggered a national campaign to overthrow the old society and promote new ideas, including science, democracy and Marxism.
The May Fourth Movement is a great patriotic and revolutionary campaign pioneered by advanced young intellectuals and joined by the people from all walks of life to resolutely fight imperialism and feudalism.
It is a significant milestone in modern China’s history of pursuing national independence and development.
In his speech at a gathering to mark the centenary of the movement, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the May Fourth Movement gave birth to the great spirit centered on patriotism, progress, democracy and science, with patriotism at the core.
History shows the Chinese nation was born with patriotism. Patriotism serves as the powerful spiritual strength for the Chinese people and Chinese nation in safeguarding national independence and national dignity.
"As long as the banner of patriotism is being held high, the Chinese people can unleash great powers in the endeavors to transform China and the world," Xi said.
For 100 years, patriotic young people in China, generation by generation, have dedicated themselves to serving the motherland by actively participating in the great cause of revolution, construction and reform, writing chapters of magnificent paeans of youth.
In the new era, the Chinese nation, which since modern times began has endured so much for so long, has achieved a tremendous transformation: it has stood up, grown rich, and is becoming strong.
The new era provides the young people with a broader stage to bring their talents into full play.
Here is the story of young people who make life different by working hard for the development of the country and the people’s wellbeing.
Starting to learn batik, a traditional craft of the Miao minority ethnic group, at age of 11, Yang Chengjian is now an accomplished batik artisan in Paimo Village, Danzhai County of southwest China's Guizhou Province.
Although many of his colleagues have shifted to other jobs for practical reasons, Yang still sticks to his ideal and is determined to carry on this glorious time-honored craft.
His dedication not only contributes to the protection and development of the intangible cultural heritages, but more importantly helps villagers get rid of poverty and achieve prosperity.
His experience shows that down-to-earth spirit and tenacity are the key for the young people to achieve success.
Another young person is social worker Li Luling, who has been doing social work for 10 years since her graduation from college.
In a rapidly aging society, Li’s work plays a very important role in improving the seniors’ livelihood, therefore helping the government solve a big social problem.
Similar to Li’s experience of helping others, Fang Zhou, a young entrepreneur, is dedicated to helping the big-city females pursue a healthy after-work lifestyle.
After having gone through varied difficulties, Fang realized that one must take action to achieve the ideal.
“I help others grow when I grow, and I help others experience life when I experience life,” Fang noted.
The best way to carry on the spirit of the May Fourth Movement for the youth today is to align their individual aspirations with the nation’s cause.
President Xi stressed that a nation will prosper only when its young people thrive; a country will be full of hope and have a great tomorrow only when its younger generations have ideals, ability, and a strong sense of responsibility.
In the new era, the Chinese youth surely have the courage to take over the historic relay baton, shoulder the responsibility and strive for a bright prospect of national rejuvenation.
