Professor – UiO, Former President-NRNA

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!

How did you get into the association and what is your connection with NNF?
My first contact was through a Nepali lady who has perhaps lived in Norway the longest time among the Nepalese. Later I was in very close contact with NNF and the leaders especially when Marit led NNF and I was leading NRNA (Non Residential Nepali Association). So, it’s been a journey of connections and collaborations, all thanks to these bonds formed over time.

Do you have a favourite memory associated with Norge-Nepalforeningen (NNF) or a memory that touched you (had an impact)?
One of the eventful memories that really stand out for me is when we had a renowned Nepali journalist spoke at a Norge-Nepalforeningen event during a particularly turbulent time in Nepal’s political landscape. Their insights were eye-opening and sparked intense discussions among attendees. Plus, the atmosphere was enriched by enjoying delicious Nepali Dal Bhat and watching traditional Nepali dances. It wasn’t just about the food and entertainment though; it was about the connections formed and the potential collaborations discussed between NNF and NRNA Norway. It was a moment where I truly felt the power of community and cross-cultural exchange.

What would your vision be for NNF for the next 40 years?
Over the next 40 years, my vision for NNF would be to really strengthen the bond between Nepal and Norway in meaningful ways. Let’s bring experts from both countries together more often for talks and discussions on important issues. We could also do more to showcase Nepalese culture in Norway, spreading awareness and appreciation. Another big goal would be boosting tourism in Nepal, sharing its beauty with even more people around the world. And of course, let’s keep pushing for better health and education support in Nepal by staying in close contact with the government and other organisations. It’s all about building bridges and making positive changes for both nations.

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!

Hvordan kom du inn i foreningen og hva er din tilknytning?
Det skjedde ved en tilfeldighet at jeg ble valgt inn i styret til Norge-Nepalforening (NNF). Jeg skulle delta på et foredrag med Jon Gangdal etter foreningen hadde sitt årsmøte i 2012. Men møtet var ikke ferdig da jeg kom og det viste seg at de manglet en webansvarlig og dermed meldte jeg meg til tjeneste. Etter to år som webansvarlig, ble jeg styreleder for 2014-16. I 2016 jobbet jeg ikke lenger mye med Nepal i min daglige jobb og jeg ønsket derfor å tre ut av styret. Selv om jeg ikke lenger er veldig aktiv i foreningen, blir jeg alltid glad for å høre om NNF og er veldig interessert i foreningens arbeid og arrangementer.  

Mens jeg jobbet i Utviklingsfondet, fikk jeg muligheten til å jobbe i Nepal ett år som Fredskorpser og jeg jobbet i organisasjon LI-BIRD (Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development) i Pokhara. Etter jeg kom tilbake til Norge jobbet jeg med å følge opp prosjekter i Nepal og reiste dit en eller to ganger i året til 2016. I Pokhara, likte jeg å sykle på fritiden og det finnes mange fantastiske steder for sykkelturer. Jeg trivdes veldig godt i Nepal og jeg har utrolig mange gode minner derifra. Men nå har det allerede gått mange år siden mitt siste besøk, men jeg håper å få en mulighet til å reise til Nepal snart igjen.

Har du et favorittminne knyttet til Norge-Nepalforeningen? Minne som berørte deg eller hadde en innvirkning ?
Det er flere ting jeg fortsatt har gode minner av. Først og fremst, møtte jeg mange hyggelige mennesker i foreningen som jeg lærte mye av Men en av de opplevelsene jeg husker mest fra hadde et trist bakteppe. Da jeg kom hjem fra Nepal etter det store jordskjelvet som tok mange tusener menneskeliv i 2015, skjedde det en del i foreningen. Først og fremst var det forferdelig å dra derfra og det som skjedde gjorde et stort inntrykk. Men relatert til foreningens arbeid, ble det mye informasjonsarbeid i måneden som fulgte. Vi ble kontaktet av nordmenn og norsk media som ønsket informasjon, blant annet av nordmenn som ønsket å dra til Nepal for å hjelpe og som ønsket foreningens hjelp til det. Selv om det ble mye mer arbeid på styret enn normalt, var det likevel en glede for foreningen å kunne bistå og det var utrolig å se engasjementet som fantes i Norge. Det var tydelig for meg da at foreningen viste seg som nyttig utover sin egen medlemsmasse og engasjementet var rørende.

Hva vil din visjon være for NNF for de neste 40 årene?
Det er et godt spørsmål. Da Foreningen startet, var situasjonen en annen enn den er i dag. Internett fantes ikke og det var færre kilder til informasjon om Nepal, samt få nepalere i Norge. Hvordan situasjonen ser ut de neste 20-40 år kan også være annerledes enn i dag, men det viktigste er at foreningen er fleksibel og endrer sin rolle når det behøves selv om formålet er det samme.  En sak jeg tenkte på da jeg var styremedlem, var om det var muligheter for å jobbe mer rettet mot mediearbeid, da god informasjon om Nepal i media er en mangelvare. Men mest av alt håper og ønsker jeg at om førti år skal foreningen fortsatt være et hyggelig sted der alle engasjerte kan samles og dele informasjon og historier om Nepal og relasjonen med Norge, om kultur, natur, politikk, og reisetips. 

Gratulerer med 40-års jubileum!

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!

What is your favorite memory from Nepal?
Both Kuloy and I were critical to organized bistand in Nepal – both having seen the ‘good, bad and the ugly.’ One year the NNF Board invited about 9 organizations operating in Nepal to send a representative to an open meeting. They sent some questions in advance that the participants were to answer verbally. Questions covering their goal, practical set up, budgets in Nepal, and how much went to administration.

Halvor and I agreed to come with other questions from the audience –  we sat away from each other – and there were a few red faces. Most of them could not answer our questions like how many western workers, nepalese workers, costs of offices and accommodation etc. We knew some had luxurious villas with large gardens, and used 4x-wheel based vehicles daily between residence and their offices , often with a driver! I asked why they could not do it as my representative did ‘use a bicycle to work.’  Halvor asked why they had to have large warehouses that were usually 80% empty, with warehouse staff and security staff etc. Why not pool resources., he asked. From that it came out that some of them didn’t know the others were even working in Nepal. 

Out of 9 agencies, I think we came to the conclusion that only 3 operated in a financially and ethically effective manner – based on what we knew in advance and from that meeting. Today’s Bistand is no better – costs kr 2.5 million a year to have one ‘aid worker’ and family in a developing country – before they do anything. Kr 400 million a year to Nepal year after year after year – a super fort-knox like luxurious embassy building, filled with high paid staff , who live in luxury flats/ townhouses – to do what? Give work to the 4 security personnel on duty every day, and cleaning staff. 

NORAD needs an overhaul, but Storting prefers to close hospitals, schools, and tax the workers at home.

How did you first join the Norway-Nepal Association?
The original members were philosophers and mountaineers –  an environment I wished to be a part of. Found them a bit stiff and serious, but behind this exterior a lot of warmth and humor. I was on the Board for two or three different periods. Today I am no longer a member.

What are your wishes and dreams for the association in the next 40 years?
I remember NNF original mandate was the giving of information both ways – ie Norway to Nepal and Nepal to Norway – which still seems a worthy aim. Own NNF projects in Nepal have been discussed, fear was that ‘self interest’ would raise its ugly head – so I was always against that. If anything, a NNF project could be put into motion, but would strongly suggest clear criteria, and control mechanisms.

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!

What is your favorite memory from Nepal?
I have been to Nepal twice on holiday. The first trip was special, then we traveled to Mustang. On the next holiday, I took part in a cycling trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara, where we cycled through the fields and the green mountains. I have experienced many different things on these trips! It was particularly exciting and different to be in the Mustang. We flew in with a twin otter plane and were supposed to be on tour for 14 days. Together with the Norwegian guide Nora Weier Larsen, we went for a walk in the capital Lo Mantang. There we met an old man whom she knew from before, who was a merchant. It was great to see each other again, they spoke in a little Nepali, and we were invited to his home and the shop he ran. We did some shopping with him and they updated each other on each other’s families. It was so great to come and see how people lived on a daily basis. The houses were built of stones, and bricked on the outside. The stones on the paths had been made smooth by people over many, many years. Especially on this day because it was a Buddhist holiday that was celebrated in a monastery in the village. The monks danced and played through the town wearing masks and traditional costumes. The people would be blessed by them. We saw that this was a tradition that meant something to people, and we were in the middle of it! It was great to experience!

How did you first join the Norway-Nepal Association?
I have traveled with Hvitserk many times, and had Nora as a guide. Before I had been to Nepal, I took part in a trek through the Himalayas in India from Leh to Manali. By chance I met Nora there! She talked about NNF. I joined as a guest at a meeting before we left for Nepal. And after I had been in Mustang there was supposed to be an annual meeting of the association. A topic was set up that I thought was interesting, and I showed up for it. At the annual meeting, it turned out that a board member was missing! I took on that position. So I was selected without having much of a clue. I learned a lot from the others! It was also exciting to get to know Nepalese people living in Norway. I think it’s so nice to go to the meetings and meet people again!

What are your wishes and dreams for the association in the next 40 years?
I want the association to last and still exist in 40 years! The association is a nice meeting place for those who have been to Nepal, and are involved in Nepal. Both the events and not least Hamro Patrika broaden the perspectives for me who have been in the country as a tourist, and not worked there. I think it is important that NNF is also for those who have been on holiday in Nepal!