The bronze statue of Avanti riding a donkey in Xinjiang
2 min readKurban Tolumu, a farmer in Yutian County, Hetian Prefecture, lost his parents when he was young, and spent his childhood in the sheepfold of Ba Yi(the landlord). Kurban fled to the desert with his wife to get rid of the enslaved life, and lived a savage life alone for 17 years after losing contact with his family.
After the peaceful liber-ation of Xinjiang, Kurban Tolumu went back to a normal and happy life. When he was informed that it was Chairman Mao who emancipate him, Uncle Kurban insisted to go to Beijing to see the benefactor Chairman Mao, “I won’t be more satisfied in my life if I can see Chairman Mao with my own eyes”and then the aged Kurban Tolumu rode his little donkey, started his journey.
Chairman Mao and Kurban Tolumu statue in Hetian City Square On the afternoon of June 28, 1958, the 75-year-old Kurban Tolumu was cordially greeted by Chairman Mao. He clasped the hand of Chairman Mao, and looked up at the gracious giant, but could not say a word. At the very moment, a precious photo was forever solidified in the memory of history.
In the movie”Uncle Kurban to Beijing” when the villagers told Uncle Kurban, “You need to pass 40 deserts, 40 Gobi, climb over 40 mountains, and cross 40 rivers to Beijing.”The old man was not intimidated, but even plucked up courage to go. He replied the kind County clerk Li, “Beijing is on the earth, as long as my donkey does not fall down, will keep going straight ahead, and I believe will finally make it.”Oh, the courage and perseverance Uncle Kurban was also because of his reliance on the little donkey.
