Lei Feng spirit to inspire new generation

CHANGSHA - Changsha, capital city of Central China's Hunan province, has launched a campaign calling on students to continue the spiritual heritage of Lei Feng (1940-1962), a role model symbolizing selflessness, modesty and dedication, according to China Youth Daily.

As the hometown of Lei Feng, Changsha has urged its students to make "Learn from Comrade Lei Feng" a regular activity instead of a once-in-a-year event, usually commemorated around March 5.

Lei Feng's Diary, in which details of his deeds and experiences were published posthumously, will be required reading for primary and middle school students, according to Zhang Xiangtao, an official of the city's publicity department.

As part of the campaign, students will be asked to add to Lei Feng's Diary by writing down touching scenes and stories from their own lives as well as their thinking about the Lei Feng sprit. Students can also write down examples of good behavior they have seen or done in their notebooks, as well as on their blogs or microblogs online.

An official organization will be set up to ensure the "Learn from Comrade Lei Feng" campaign continues, according to Zhang.

Lei Feng died in an accident in 1962 while directing a truck as it backed up. The truck hit a pole, which fell down and hit him on the head.

The late Chairman Mao Zedong wrote "Learn from Comrade Lei Feng" on March 5, 1963. His story has inspired generations of Chinese.