A video has recently been making waves among the students of Shanghai International Studies University (SISU).

In the clip, a familiar figure appeared on CCTV-3's program Avenue of Star. This person is Deuja Sandesh, a 2020 graduate of SISU's Chinese International Education program.

Sandesh appears on TV in China. [Photo/WeChat account: Study_in_SISU]

Sandesh began studying the Chinese language at SISU in 2015. Before that, he worked as an English tour guide in Nepal. However, a massive earthquake struck that year, causing many people in the Nepali tourism industry, including Sandesh, to lose their jobs. After becoming unemployed, Sandesh dedicated himself to learning Chinese. Three months later, he passed the HSK exam and secured an opportunity to study at SISU.

When leaving his hometown to pursue his studies, Sandesh brought his guitar. In the dormitory, he often played the guitar and sang, quickly learning almost all the classic Chinese songs. In 2017, at the SISU Chinese Song Contest, his rendition of Yi Jian Mei earned him first place and the nickname "Nepali Brother."

Deuja Sandesh. [Photo/WeChat account: Study_in_SISU]

The "Nepali Brother" moniker quickly spread in Shanghai and even across China. Soon after, he appeared on bigger stages, and was invited to participate in shows like Chang Xiang Zhong Hua (Sing China) on Dragon TV and Zhong Hua Qing (Chinese Love) on CCTV-4. During interactions with the hosts, Sandesh expressed his wish to promote cultural exchange between China and Nepal through his singing.

Deuja Sandesh. [Photo/WeChat account: Study_in_SISU]

In the summer of 2020, Sandesh graduated and ventured into social media. He filmed traditional Nepali rice planting methods, taught people how to say "Happy New Year" in Chinese, and captured the ordinary yet fulfilling lives of residents in a rural village in Wuhu, Anhui province. Besides his social media work, he also enlightened his family and friends about China, reshaping their perspectives through his experiences.

Today, Sandesh has accumulated millions of followers across various online platforms. When asked how he became so popular, this modest "Nepali Brother" shyly replied, "Because I genuinely love China. When I can share my experiences and feelings with my family and friends, I feel proud."

Source: "Study_in_SISU" WeChat account