On the occasion of the Norway-Nepal Association’s 40th anniversary, we will publish interviews with people who have a relationship with the association. Follow along and get to know the association better!
1. What is your favorite memory with NNF?
During two periods I was leader of the NNF-board. So also in 2009 when we celebrated NNF’s 25 years with an arrangement over two days at Voksenkollen in the hills above Oslo. Many organisations, NGO’s with relations to Nepal were invited to inform about their work. The main theme was aid and development, and the question was «what helps?». We also had a photo-exhibition, based on a competition among our members. For some years I was also editor for Hamro Patrika, which we made on paper and sent out by mail four times a year. Besides meetings in Oslo, this was our main (and expensive) connection with our members, – until we established a homepage on internet and could send Hamro Patrika by email.
2. How did you get into/ what is your connection with NNF from the beginning ?
I have been a NNF member almost from the founding in 1984. I knew one of the founders, the philosopher Sigmund Kvaløy Setreng since 1970 when he was the main organiser, and I joined the Mardøla demonstration for nature conservation. Sigmund also had a heart for Nepal, and strong connections to the sherpa-community in Rolwaling.
Together with my wife I travelled in Asia for five months 1983-84, most of the time in Nepal. The experiences from the clean and relaxed Kathmandu-valley (at that time) and from trekking in the mountains left a deep and lasting impression. I wanted to learn more, and back home it was natural to seek contact with people who shared the same interest and devotion.
3. What are your hopes or your vision for NNF for the next 40 years?
Who knows what the world will be like in 40 years? One can hope for the best, but too many trends point the wrong way. I’m afraid that the accelerating global destruction of nature- and the climate crisis will lead to more serious political unrest and waves of refugees on a level not seen before. The struggle for peaceful relations between people and nations will be more important than ever, but challenging In a just world it should be as easy for nepalese to visit Norway, as for Norwegians to visit Nepal. On the other hand, the growing global airborne tourism is not without dilemmas.
40 years from now both Norway and Nepal will be quite different, but will the economic unjust and difference be the same? Let us hope that NNF still exist.
Myself I have not been very active over the last years, but I have the impression that NNF have more nepalese members than before and that they are more active in the board. If so, It’s positive, 40 years from now is far beyond my time, I can only wish you good luck. Congratulations with the first 40.
Norge-Nepalforeningen 