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?
I got to know the Norway – Nepal Association (NNF) in connection with a job search process. I went through the website of NNF, and the most interesting thing for me was the list of the organisations involved in Nepal. Fortunately, I got a job in one of the organisations working in Nepal. The credit for starting my job goes to NNF.

2. How did you get into/ what is your connection with NNF from the beginning ?
I was introduced to NNF by a colleague who was on the NNF board at the time. My first involvement in NNF was participation in a workshop. It was a pleasant experience to participate in the workshop among Norwegians and Nepalese.

3. What are your hopes or your vision for NNF for the next 40 years?
NNF can be developed as a broad and strong organisation that can function as a social and cultural ambassador for Nepal in Norway. NNF should think about sustainable relationships when working between the  Norwegian and Nepali communities. NNF can help integrate Nepalese living in Norway into Norwegian society. At the same time, NNF can also contribute to publishing political, geographical, cultural and socio-economic matters about Nepal in Norwegian society.

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.

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?
In the summer of 2019, at VIPPA Oslo, NNF organized a Nepali music program that stands out as my most cherished memory. What made it so special? Well, I had recently relocated to Norway and hadn’t yet connected with the Nepali community. During that time, the event not only introduced me to a wonderful Nepali group but also treated me to an amazing musical program. Moreover, I had the pleasure of interacting with Norwegian individuals who shared a deep connection with Nepal. It was at this event that I met one of the first Nepalis to arrive in Norway and Norweigans who have a long standing connection with Nepalis and Nepal. This marked my first encounter with Nepali people speaking Norwegian, inspiring me to believe that one day I too could speak the language fluently. In so many ways, this program holds a special place in my heart, and I doubt I’ll ever forget the warmth and connections I experienced that day.

2. How did you get into/ what is your connection with NNF from the beginning ?
At the first NNF program, I had the pleasure of meeting Smita Malla, Nayan Malla, and Dwarika Maharjan, who were incredibly welcoming and helpful in providing information about Oslo and Norway. Following our initial encounter, Smita introduced me to NNF, and my wife and I became a member of NNF. Two years later, I was given the opportunity to join the NNF board, thanks to the approach by Dwarika Maharjan, and for that, I am sincerely grateful. Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, I couldn’t complete my term as I had to leave Norway to be with my family in Zambia. Despite this, I cherish the positive experiences and connections I gained during my time with NNF.

3. What are your hopes or your vision for NNF for the next 40 years?
I aspire for NNF to flourish and connect with numerous Norwegians and Nepalis who share ties with Nepal and Norway. Consistently organizing activities and programs will expand the association’s reach. In the next 40 years, NNF will celebrate its 80th anniversary, signifying its growth to a point where it possesses an immense wealth of knowledge resources. These resources can prove beneficial not only for academic purposes but also for overall development, benefitting both government and non-government sectors.