Seven college students from Renmin University of China have submitted a 40,000-word proposal to rejuvenate quake affected areas. The students took 15 days to complete the document and later submitted it to The State Council. They have been invited by central government officials for further talks, and received an appreciation letter from the vice governor of Sichuan province as well as a personal invitation for discussion.

Let's take a look at what the media has to say.

China Youth Daily states in a commentary that reconstruction of the disaster hit region is not only a government obligation, but the responsibility of all Chinese. Only with the general public involved is it possible to ensure an efficient reconstruction in a transparent way. The government should update their conventional way of "taking care of everything" with general control and association, and make privileged policies throughout society to generate widespread involvement in the reconstruction.

The Beijing Youth Daily opinion page writes that it is admirable for students to put what they have learned into use. The proposal won considerable attention by the government because of the students' capability and their care for the quake-hit region. It then remarks that certain universities should reevaluate their essay review system, to stop students from compiling their essays by simply copying and pasting from the internet.

A commentary on Xinhuanet praised the seven students by pointing out the effort needed to devise such a detailed proposal. It also reflected on the initiative taken to attempt a task they didn't have to. By sparing no efforts on research and compiling, it said, they did not aim to get an academic degree, nor win themselves fame, but do what they can for disaster relief. This is exactly the spirit needed to take responsibility for the nation.