Everyone (5)

Author: Xue Jijun, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: "Great People" is a large-scale personality interview program on the Science and Education Channel of China Central Television (CCTV). It premiered in May 2003, broadcasting one episode per week with a duration of 45 minutes. Since its inception, the program has emphasized intellectual depth and cultural sophistication in its positioning. Over the past year and a half, the program has evolved from a series of concepts to successful broadcasts, from immaturity to gaining attention from all sectors of society, and has established a certain social influence, fully reflecting its cultural pursuits. "Great People" focuses on elite figures in the fields of science, education, arts, and healthcare. We aim to bridge the gap between these elites and ordinary people through genuine communication. The interviewees we select must be truly influential figures of the era, especially those who have impacted the development of the times through their intellectual achievements, technological contributions (including policy advocacy, academic contributions, inventions, and moral inspiration), etc.
When producing the program, we always adhere to a principle: to introduce the central figure while also helping the audience understand the historical context in which they live. This is precisely why ordinary viewers can see their own social backgrounds and various life trajectories reflected in the stories of these typical figures. Such a program belongs not only to intellectuals but also inspires every thoughtful individual.
Since its launch, "Great People" has recorded the moving life stories of nearly 100 outstanding intellectuals. Their noble character and profound knowledge embody and carry forward the true hope of the Chinese nation. The great mathematician Chen Shengshen, teaching students from his wheelchair, moved people deeply. In his later years, Mr. Chen returned to Nankai University from the United States, simply wanting to tell the world that Chinese people are no worse than foreigners. The 93-year-old great scientist Qian Weichang said, "The needs of the motherland are my specialty," and he has dedicated his life to fulfilling this vow. The renowned scientist Zou Chenglu, still devoted to combating academic fraud in his 80s,. Liu Dongsheng, recipient of the National Highest Science and Technology Award and the "Father of Chinese Loess," ventured into the "Sea of Death"—Lop Nur at the age of 87 for rigorous scientific research. The great red scholar Feng Qiyong walked tens of thousands of miles along the route of Xuanzang in 17 years, seeking truth on the ground, demonstrating the academic integrity and exploration spirit of Chinese intellectuals. The great medical scientist Qiu Fazu, with a legacy of students and a reputation for medical skill, ethics, and professionalism, was beloved across China. His disciple Wu Mengchao, inheriting the tradition of respecting his teachers, prioritized patient interests above all else and treated every patient equally. Peng Huantong, a hero of the "Two Bombs, One Satellite" program, donated his entire HK$1 million science award to help others, leaving nothing for himself. The Nobel Prize-winning physicist Ding Zhongzhi, with his independent spirit, made Chinese the first language heard in the golden hall of the Nobel Prize ceremony.
The "Great People" we have recorded also include the father of hybrid rice, Yuan Longping; the calligrapher Qi Gong; the sculptor Qian Shaowu; the translator Yang Xianyi, and many others. Whether from noble families or ordinary backgrounds, diligence and learning are their common traits. Regardless of whether they live abroad or in a once-struggling homeland, their love for the motherland and its people is their shared voice. Whether in adversity or prosperity, perseverance is the guarantee of their success. Most of them gave up lucrative foreign opportunities to return unwaveringly to dedicate themselves to building a new China. They have weathered the storms of life yet maintained broad minds. They face solitude calmly and view success and honor with equanimity. They are deeply curious about the world and possess an unyielding spirit of exploration in science. "Great People" are not only messengers of science but also paragons of virtue.
Over the past year, the program has received praise and encouragement from all sides. The "News Review" team of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee praised it as having "unique character selection," "profound and philosophical interviews that inspire and educate," and being "strong in storytelling and emotionally engaging." More than 3,000 enthusiastic letters from viewers praised the program. Some believed it was carrying out a cultural rescue mission, pioneering China's oral history on television. Others said it promoted the true spirit of the era, providing role models and motivation for Chinese television audiences. One viewer wrote, "Many of these great figures' experiences, life insights, principles, and dedication are deeply moving. Every story of a 'Great Person' contains details that make me tear up. Through them, I see true greatness. They love their country, their people, and their work; for the sake of serving their motherland and realizing its ideals, they can give up any personal temptations or comforts in this materialistic world. Their deeds, achievements, experiences, and life philosophies are indeed the pride and treasure of our nation."
We can only say that in the process of fostering a sound market economy, establishing legal order, rebuilding cultural spirit, cultivating the consciousness and growth of Chinese citizens, and gradually strengthening the motherland, "Great People" has done what it should. "The road is long and the journey is arduous," but compared to the expectations of the audience and society, and to our own goals, we still have much to explore.