Japan hands over a school lunch preparation center in Kathmandu

Japan today handed over a School Lunch Preparation Centre at Budhanilkantha municipality in Kathmandu.

The handover ceremony of a School Lunch Preparation Center constructed with Japanese assistance of $87,499 under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) of the Japanese Government, according to a press note issued by the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu.

On the occasion, ambassador Kikuta sent a congratulatory message to all those involved in the project. He also appreciated the efforts of all who worked together with the embassy to complete the project and hoped that the center will improve the educational environment for the students of public schools in Kathmandu district.

Food for Life Nepal was established in 2015 with the aim of providing 'mid-day meals' to children in public schools in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu.

Previously, Food for Life Nepal did not have sufficient kitchen space to prepare all the required school lunches. With the construction of this centre, it is now able to provide school lunches to more than 7,000 students in public schools in Budhanilkantha municipality and Tokha municipality.

The Embassy of Japan, in its press note, said that it believes the new centre will provide nutritious school lunches to students and contribute to improving their educational environment. The embassy also believes that the support will contribute towards further enhancing the friendship between the peoples of Japan and Nepal, it added.

GGP was established to implement projects directly benefiting people at the grassroots level for the community's socio-economic development. Since 1991, over 200 GGP projects have been implemented in Nepal.

Reconstruction of Budhanilkantha Dharmashala starts

 The reconstruction of Dharmashala at Budhanilkantha Temple in Kathmandu started today.

Indian Embassy deputy chief Namgya C Khampa and chief executive officer of National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) jointly laid foundation stone for the reconstruction of Dharmashala at Budhanilkantha Temple, according to a press note issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. 

The reconstruction of Dharmashala at Budhanilkantha is the third of 28 cultural heritage conservation and restoration projects being under taken with a reconstruction of Rs 5800 million committed by government of India for the cultural heritage sector, the press note reads, adding that all the 28 sites were identified by government and both India and Nepal signed an MoU in this regard in August 2017. "The Central Level Project Implementation Unit (Building) of NRA is the implementing agency."

The Dharmashala at Budhanilkantha is expected to facilitate visit of pilgrims and tourists visiting this sacred temple.

India has been working with Nepal for restoration of cultural heritage projects in past too. "We have long cultural similarities, cultural heritage to preserve for the future generation," the press note further reads. "Earlier in November 2019, the Mathadhish building for Budhaneelkantha temple built under India’s development cooperation scheme at a total cost of Rs 22 million."

Government of India is committed to work with Nepal government in the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage sites in Nepal to preserve the living cultural heritage sites to their past glory, the Embassy adds.

The event was attended by Mathadhish of Temple Swami Nigamananda, chairman of Budhanilkantha Management Committee Laxman Khadka, secretary of NRA Mani Ram Gelal, secretary at the Ministry of Land Reform and Management Tek Narayan Pandey, chief of Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Jay Bahadur Chand, mayor of Budhanilkantha Municipality Uddhav Pd. Kharel, chairman of the World Hindu Federation Chakra Bandhu Aryal, and officials from the Embassy of India, NRA among others.

Israeli, Japan embassies help Gandharva Community

 Israeli and Japan embassies in Kathmandu are jointly providing emergency food assistance to the underprivileged Gandharva Community around Kathmandu and Pokhara through collaboration with a Japanese International NGO, Japan International Support Programme (JISP).

With the financial contribution from the government of Israel, JISP is providing a vital good assistance to approximately 1,000 most vulnerable Gandharva people during the most auspicious festivals of Dashain and Tihar, reads a press note issued by the embassy in Kathmandu. “The goods include basic food items such as rice, lentils, oil and vegetables,” it reads, adding that soap bars and masks are provided at this challenging time of Covid-19. “The Gandharva communities located in Kathmandu were donated goods today and the goods will be sent for the community in Pokhara soon.”

Expressing happiness to be able to contribute to the Gandharva Musician’s Community of Nepal, ambassador of Israel to Nepal Benny Omer said, “In these difficult times of Covid-19 Pandemic, we are happy to be able to assist vital humanitarian needs to the wonderful community in Nepal. Wishing you all Happy and Peaceful Dashain and Tihar.”

“It is our priority to deliver basic food package to the vulnerable people as soon as possible, as the Nepali people are entering into one of the most festive seasons, Dashain and Tihar, in the midst of the serious challenges they are experiencing due to the influence of Covid-19,” representative director of JISP Mayumi Yoshida said, adding that they are working with some of the best traditional musicians of Nepal to fundraise for the most vulnerable.

This is the first collaboration between the Embassy of Israel and the Japanese International NGO. The Gandharvas of Nepal are keepers of one of the world's great musical traditions, a tradition recognised by UNESCO as Intangible World Heritage. For centuries, they have been the musicians of Nepal. Gandharvas depend on tourism for much of their livelihood and income. Their primary source of income is often building Sarangis which they sell to tourists in Kathmandu.  However, due to the on-going Covid-19 crisis, tourists are no longer freely coming in and out of Nepal, and many of the Gandharvas, especially of the villages, have lost their ways of making a living.

Man involved in mercilessly beating Nepali security guard in Malaysia is a fellow Nepali: Nepali Embassy

Embassy of Nepal in Kuala Lumpur has revealed that a person, who is seen mercilessly beating a Nepali security guard – in a viral video – in Malaysia is a fellow Nepali national, according to a press note issued today.
The Embassy said that the man – who has been seen thrashing the Nepali security guard – has been identified as Ram Gopal Murau from Kapilvastu. “The man – who was beaten mercilessly – has been identified as Islam Hussain from Nawalaparasi,” the press note reads, adding that Murau works as a supervisor, whereas Hussain is working as a security guard in Malaysia. “Both the Nepali nationals have been, however, illegally staying in Malaysia for a long time.”
Both of them came into the contact of the embassy after the embassy lodged a complaint with local authorities seeking action against the guilty. “During their conversation with the embassy officials, they admitted that the incident took place at 10 am on July 7,” the press note reads, adding that Murau presented himself before Wangsa Maju police station on Monday.
The embassy had lodged a complaint last week after a video – that appeared to show a Malaysian man indiscriminately hitting a Nepali guard with a baton – went viral. Shortly after the video of the incident went viral on social media, the embassy had lodged a complaint at the police station to initiate investigation into the incident.
In the one-minute video posted online, a man is seen using a baton to beat the guard, who does not retaliate. The man is also seen punching the guard in his face while shouting at him toward the end of the video clip that has gone viral in social media. Soon after the video went viral in social media, hundreds of social media users – both in Nepal and abroad – reposted it and demanded stringent action against the person mercilessly beating the helpless Nepali man.
Earlier, Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) had also called for police to track down and arrest the person caught on the video. The MTUAC said the ‘abuse was unacceptable.’
Meanwhile, Security Industry Association of Malaysia Committee member Datuk Basant Singh had also separately lodged a police complaint over the video, according to a news report published in a Malaysian newspaper.

Israel gifts medical supplies to support fight against Covid -19

Ambassador of Israel to Nepal Benny Omer today handed over medical supplies to the Health and Population Minister Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal, at the premises of the Health Ministry, to support Nepal's fight to contain Covid-19.
According to a press note issued by the Embassy of Israel in Kathmandu, the Embassy provided 550 units of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), 10,000 units of masks, 50 units of Infrared Digital Thermometers and 5,000 pairs of surgical gloves. “Additionally, hand sanitizers, hand sprayers and disinfectant solutions were also donated amidst a function at the Ministry of Health and Population," it reads.
"A friend in need is a friend indeed. Israel and Nepal are at the same side in the fight against this pandemic of Covid-19 to save lives," ambassador Benny Omer, on the occasion, said.
Accepting the gift of people of Israel, the minister Dhakal thanked on behalf of Nepal government. "I would like to thank the Government of Israel for your solidarity and support during our battle against Covid-19," he said, adding that sending these essential medical goods to ward it off gives a message that the Government of Israel and Israeli friends are with Nepal and Nepalis during this challenging time. "Together we can and we will win against Covid-19.”
This is a gift from people of Israel to the people of Nepal to help protect doctors, nurses and others, who work in the frontline to save lives of the patients suspected and infected with the virus, the press note reads, adding that the cooperation is manifestation of the Nepal-Israel friendship and mutual affinity to help battle against the spread of Covid-19.

French Embassy helps repatriate 390 including French nationals

The French Embassy today helped repatriate a flight -- the third one -- from Kathmandu to Paris for the French nationals, their families and other European and non-European nationals in a special flight chartered by the French Government.
According to a press note issued by the French Embassy in Kathmandu, this is the third repatriation flight and a total of 309 passengers departed in the French government chartered flight today carrying 110 French nationals and more than 190 European and other non-European nationals.
This repatriation flight played another key role: it brought 3,000 German made PCR-test kits which are part of the German support to Nepal on its fight against Covid-19, it reads. 
"The French Embassy is committed to the main mission of ensuring the welfare of its citizens abroad during hard times in close coordination with the local authorities to whom this Embassy is very grateful”, said French ambassador to Nepal François-Xavier Léger, during the repatriation process.
Earlier, many foreign diplomatic missions including the US Embassy, German Embassy, Australian Embassy have also repatriated their citizens with special flights. 

Kendriya Vidyalaya celebrates 46th annual day

Kendriya Vidyalaya at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu celebrated its 46th annual day today.
The spectacular cultural event organised at the Nepal Academy was greeted by the ambassador of India to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri as the chief guest. Likewise, deputy chief of mission and chairman of Vidyalaya Management Committee Ajay Kumar was the guest of honour. On the occasion, nominee chairman Abhishek Dubey, top brass of the Indian Embassy and eminent personalities from India and Nepal were also present.
A traditional Nepali Panchakanya welcome was accorded to the guests and dignitaries, who were also given a guard of honour by the Scout and Guide Colour Party of the Vidyalaya. Lighting of a ceremonial lamp marked the auspicious beginning of the colourful extravaganza. The principal, on the occasion, expressed deep gratitude to the chief guest and all other guests who envisaged and steered the Vidyalaya on the path of spectacular success. The colourful programme comprised some scintillating dance performances, vocal recitals, educative skit and instrumental music played by the school band.
Ambassador Puri, who felicitated the students and teachers for excellence in scholastic and co-scholastic spheres, said he was greatly impressed with the progress of the Vidyalaya on all fronts. He congratulated the Kendriya Vidyalaya Kathmandu team for their concerted efforts which manifested in the Vidyalaya reaching unprecedented heights as a centre of quality education as well as its pivotal role in fostering and reinforcing Indo-Nepal ties.
To conclude the cultural bonanza, a power-packed Rangilo dance was performed by the students which set the stage ablaze. A vote of thanks was proposed to bring an official end to the programme followed by Nepali and Indian national anthems sung in unison.

Former envoy gets 2019 Autumn Conferment of Japanese decorations

The Government of Japan announced the foreign recipients of the 2019 Autumn Imperial Decorations.
Former ambassador of Nepal to Japan Narayan Prasad Arjal is among this year’s foreign recipients and, in recognition of his contributions towards strengthening the relationship between Japan and Nepal, he will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, according to a press note issued by the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu.
Arjal – who is now 86 years old and served as an ambassador of Nepal to Japan from 1985 to 1991 – contributed to the promotion of friendly relations between Japan and Nepal by strengthening economic cooperation with Japan in medicine, infrastructure and other areas, moreover by connecting the Royal Family of Nepal and the Imperial Family of Japan as well as local municipalities of both countries, the press note reads, adding that he also made contributions for the Nepali pavilion at the Tsukuba Expo of Science and Technology in 1985 and at the Osaka Expo of the International Garden and Greenery in 1990. “Japanese Decorations are conferred upon foreigners twice a year, on April 29 and November 3 concurrently with the conferment of decorations and medals to Japanese nationals.”
The Order of the Rising Sun are bestowed upon individuals of merit, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the nation or public, they also conferred upon foreign nationals who have made notable contributions to promotion of relations between Japan and other countries in such as politics and diplomacy, research and education, medicine and social welfare, economy and industry, and culture and sports.

UN, Australia, EU nations concerned on sexual violence

Issuing a joint press note, the United Nations (UN), Australia and five European countries have expressed concern about the reported impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence and violence against women in Nepal and have urged the government to ensure ‘access to justice for victims, stand for the victims’ rights and send a zero-tolerance message to combat gender-based violence’.
Embassy of Australia, Embassy of Finland, Embassy of France, Embassy of Norway, Embassy of Switzerland, Embassy of the United Kingdom, United Nations in Nepal call comes after Krishna Bahadur Mahara stepped down as the House of Representatives speaker after facing allegations of raping Roshani Shahi, a nurse at the Parliament Secretariat.
Without referring to the scandal surrounding Mahara, the UN and Nepal-based embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom today – in the press note – said, “While certain cases may still be under investigation, we remind the government about its obligations under the international law to ensure access to justice for victims, stand for the victims’ rights and send a zero-tolerance message to combat gender-based violence.”
International standards and Nepal’s obligations under international law, as indicated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, require the government to conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into allegations, reads the joint statement.
Recommendation No 35 of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women provides guidance to states concerning their due diligence obligations to investigate all crimes, including that of sexual violence perpetrated against women and girls, and to sentence perpetrators, provide reparations to victims and prevent further violence by addressing the causes and impacts of all forms of violence against women.
Investigation into sexual violence, however, should be victim-centric, adds the statement. “Such an approach places the human rights, interests and needs of the victims at the centre of any and all actions taken in relation to the allegations, not only in investigations, but also by providing victim assistance and protection, with the principles of ‘do no harm,’ confidentiality, safety and non-discrimination,” the statement adds.
This is the first statement from the international community since Shahi accused Mahara of physically assaulting and raping her. “We are particularly concerned about the reported impunity for the perpetrators of sexual violence and violence against women, as also stated by the Special Rapporteur on violence against women during her visit to Nepal in November 2018,” it reads, adding that cases such as Nirmala Panta and Maya BK demonstrate the challenges victims and their families face in seeking justice. “Such measures are particularly important in Nepal where the prevalence of violence against women and impunity for these crimes remains high, and continues to have a negative impact on women, children and the community at large in Nepal.”
The undersigned remain committed to assisting Nepal in combating violence against women and advancing gender equality, in line with Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it adds.

India builds educational institution in Kathmandu

Ambassador of India to Nepal Shri Manjeev Singh Puri inaugurated campus building of Koteshwor Multiple Campus in Kathmandu today.
CPN-UML leader and former foreign minister, and also chairperson of College Management Committee Mahendra Bahadur Pandey, former foreign secretary Madan Bhattarai and chairman of District Coordination Committee (DDC) Shiva Sundar Raj Vaidya alongwith the political, community leaders also attended the inaugural ceremony.
Koteshwor Multiple Campus – established in 1990 – is a non-profitable non-governmental, service oriented community college situated at Koteshwor in Kathmandu. Affiliated with Tribhuvan University (TU), it offers management, education and humanities in Bachelor level and Management in Masters Level. With affiliation from National Examination Board (NEB) it offers Ten plus Two programme in management, education and humanities. The campus has over 3,700 students, about 60 per cent of whom are girls.
“The new infrastructure constructed with the Government of India’s grant assistance of Rs 45.10 million, is a three storied building comprising total of 18 class rooms, including room for campus chief, examination, administration, accounts faculty and store, and also separate sanitation facilities for boys and girls, reads a press note issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.
The newly built infrastructure is expected to boost learning environment of students, it reads, adding that Government of India is happy to be associated with the project which compliments effort of Nepal in augmenting infrastructure in the field of education. 

Nepali embassy in Egypt organises Nepal promotion programme

The Embassy of Nepal in Cairo organised two-day tourism promotion programme concluded in Marsa Alam of Egypt today.
The two-day program was held under the banner of the most popular icons of Nepal and Egypt the Mt Everest and the Great Pyramids with the highlights of forthcoming ‘Visit Nepal Year 2020’, according to a press note from the Embassy of Nepal in Cairo.
Addressing the programme, ambassador of Nepal to the Arab Republic of Egypt Jhabindra Aryal said that Nepal and Egypt have huge potential of tourism, the press note reads, adding that the two countries attract tourists from around the world and they offer huge opportunities for visitors particularly in adventure tourism. "Ambassador Aryal also urged the participants to visit Nepal at least once in their lifetime."
“Nepal welcomes tourists as its guests and treats them like gods and goddesses," he said.
Travel and tour operators, travel agents, airlines representatives, hoteliers, resorts owners, and media persons attended the programme, where brochures and pamphlets related to Nepal's major tourist destinations were also distributed and displayed.