A new service offering assistance to passengers has launched at Nanjing Railway Station, one utilising an iconic figure from an era that represented the very pinnacle of Communist Party propaganda to illustrate selfless efforts still being made for those in need today.
Lei Feng was a firstly a soldier in the People’s Liberation Army who served but 1 year before his untimely death in 1962. Moreover, it was his diaries released the following year that were to be his legacy.
From his writings, it was learned that Lei was a model citizen who was an unfailing admirer of Chairman Mao. Accounts of his selfless deeds, revolutionary spirit and admiration for the Communist Party were expertly disseminated for propaganda purposes to promote the cause of Mao.
There is little doubt that Lei Was indeed a real person. Whether he was the saint that Mao’s China purported him to be remains in doubt.
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Either way, the story was a brilliant work of propaganda that galvanised the proletariat behind the communist cause of the time. And one that is now alive and well at Nanjing Railway Station.
Named the “Lei Feng 158” (158雷锋) Service Centre, it is fitting that the unit be headed up by a lady who volunteered for the role. From here, Huang Jili leads a group of other volunteers who shuttle back and forth to serve the elderly, young, sick, disabled, pregnant and other passengers perhaps in need of assistance.
In a video profile of Huang published by The Paper, Huang can be seen sweating profusely, while she runs around the station carrying out her duties, that include taking wheelchair bound passengers from check in all the way to their assigned carriage on the train.
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Forsaking the lift, she carries the empty wheelchair back up the stairs to the platform herself, a feat she has done so many times it has given her considerable biceps.
Many of those she has helped have chosen to show their appreciation, sending thank you letters and gifts. One even came from a woman who Huang had assisted in giving birth, when she unexpectedly went into labour in the station.
The Service Centre is named 158 on account of a word-number play that is often used in Chinese linguistic settings. In this case, the numbers sound similar to “爱我帮” (love my help), three characters behind which also lies the notion of deeds done out of love and nothing more.
