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!
Do you have a favorite memory associated to Norge-Nepal foreningen or a memory that touched you (had an impact)?
The warm welcoming atmosphere I experienced from the very first meeting I attended. Seeing Norwegians speaking Nepali and a small newsletter named in Nepali language “Hamro Patrika” with the sketch of Kathmandu valley, was a heart touching moment. It is all about how much Norwegian people love Nepal and Nepalese people. That made me proud of being a Nepali in Norway.
Next the skiing trips and “hytte tur” organized by Olav Myrholt were great.
I discovered that NNF is the place Norwegians who had been to Nepal in different places for a short or long time, have been invited to present their work as well as their experiences about Nepal in different sectors like health, education, technology, tourism and political situation etc.
Delicious Nepali dinners and Norwegian cake desserts after the meetings used to be fantastic. Food and cultural performances in the meetings added an extra attraction to make people come to the meetings, bringing them together.
The talk between Kunda Dixit and Tore Toreng organized by Himal partner and NNF made me aware of the challenges in different regions in Nepal. In that talk they raised the issue of immigration among the young Nepalese. The slogan was «We say ‘development, development, development’, but who do we develop for when there is not anyone left here?». That caused a great impact on me.
How did you get into the association and what is your connection with NNF ?
It was in 1988 (36 years ago) I was informed about NNF by Nepalese living in Norway. At that time there were only a handful of Nepali people in Norway. Every time there would be a meeting/ gathering at NNF I waited for that evening with great anticipation and happiness for meeting people.
I joined the board for a short time while I was staying in Oslo. Then after living 10 years in the north of Norway, this limited my contact with NNF. Lately I have joined the election committee to contribute again.
What would your vision be for NNF for the next 40 years ?
NNF will still be connecting people, being a meeting place for both Norwegians and Nepalese where we can enjoy each others company and share each others knowledge.
Through cultural exchange and information we share, we create a strong bond and respect between each other and our countries.
NNF will continue inviting experts from both countries as well as collaborate with other organizations like they are doing today. Raising issues and spreading knowledge to make Nepalese more attached to their country to contribute to its development.
Nepal is now suffering from massive emmigration to other countries among young people. As these are the future of the country, I hope that NNF focuses on themes that would make interested Norwegians contribute to influence people in Nepal to understand the value of their country and stay in it.
I thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my experience with NNF so far.
Have a nice 40 years celebration!
Norge-Nepalforeningen 