Kathmandu— Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged professionals in children's culture to redouble efforts in nurturing a new generation of capable young people for the socialist cause, in a congratulatory letter marking the 70th anniversary of the national children's radio program Xiaolaba.

Program's Historical Significance

Launched on September 4, 1956, Xiaolaba, or Little Trumpet, is the first radio program in the People's Republic of China dedicated to preschool children. Over its seven-decade history, the program has evolved from a radio broadcast into a flagship media platform spanning radio, television, new media, and in-school broadcasting.

The program has maintained a consistent mission of "telling good stories to children," which has accompanied generations of young listeners through their formative years, becoming a cultural touchstone for Chinese families.

Xi's Vision for Youth Development

In his congratulatory letter, Xi Jinping praised Xiaolaba's 70-year commitment to "telling good stories to children," emphasizing the program's role in fostering a sense of national identity and cultural continuity among young audiences.

He called on the program's team and professionals in children's culture to fulfill the mission of fostering virtue through education, keep pace with the times, tap deeply into the rich cultural resources, and create more excellent and popular works that promote the true, the good and the beautiful among children.

Comprehensive Youth Development Framework

Xi specifically urged greater efforts to nurture a new generation of capable young people with sound moral grounding, intellectual ability, physical vigor, aesthetic sensibility, and labor skills.

This holistic approach to youth development aligns with broader socialist education goals, emphasizing that future contributors to the socialist cause must possess a balanced set of qualities rather than focusing solely on academic achievement.

The program continues to operate as a flagship media initiative under China Media Group, with its 70th anniversary celebrations marking a milestone in its ongoing mission to shape the values of Chinese youth.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.