Submit your Article

The Russian House in Kathmandu and the Museum of Modern Nepalese Art (MoNA) jointly hosted an art exhibition titled Tales of Two Worlds: Myths and Legends of Russia and Nepal, in honor of the 150th anniversary of Russian painter Nikolay Roerich. The event, which took place on October 2, also saw the signing of an Agreement on Intent to Promote Russian Culture in Nepal, further solidifying cultural ties between the two nations.

The exhibition showcases a diverse collection of reproductions from renowned Russian painters and graphic designers, including Andrei Rublev, Victor and Appolinari Vasnetsov, Ilya Repin, Mikhail Nesterov, Vasily Surikov, and Nikolay Roerich, among others. Representing Nepal, the works of celebrated artists such as Manik Mann Chitrakar, Tej Bahadur Chitrakar, Gyankar Badrachary, Rajan Panta, and Seema Sharma Shah were on display.

Through these reproduced masterpieces, the exhibition delves into the myths, legends, and folklore that have influenced the civilizations and contemporary societies of both Russia and Nepal. The collection aims to familiarize visitors with the artistic heritage and cultural narratives that have shaped both countries over centuries. This event is considered a significant step toward enhancing cultural cooperation between Nepal and Russia.

Annapurna Media Network (AMN) celebrated its inaugural ‘AMN Day’ on the occasion of Ghatasthapana, marking a new tradition for the company. During the event, AMN announced plans to hold the celebration annually. 

Staff exchanged festive greetings for Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath, while top-performing employees were recognized from every department for their achievements.

Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Editor of The Annapurna Express, was honored with the ‘Chairman’s Excellence Award’ at the ceremony. Pratik Ghimire, News Coordinator of The Annapurna Express, along with Meena Kumari Singh of Annapurnapost.com, Dinesh Gautam of Annapurna Post, Keshar Raj Chhetri, Butwal Correspondent of Annapurna Post, and Bibhor Adhikari of Radio Annapurna were also recognized.

Additionally, Binod Koirala, Senior Marketing Manager, and Binod Pun of the Circulation Department received awards. Likewise, Bikesh Shakya from the Human Resources and Administration Department, Rupak Ghimire from the Finance Department, and JK Deula, Office Assistant, were honored.

The company also awarded the best advertising agencies that have consistently collaborated with AMN.

Rajan Babu Shrestha, Managing Director of Join Media House; Ashok Ghimire, Managing Director of Future Hub Media Multipurpose Pvt Ltd; Devraj Gurung, Managing Director of Rainbow Media; Raju Dhungel, Managing Director of Impressions A Creative Design Pvt Ltd; Sanjiv Pokharel and Toran Karmacharya of Kite Advertising Agency; Sujan Bagale of Karobar Media; Sabin Shakya, Managing Director of Max Media; Uma Khanal and Sujit Singh of Outreach Nepal; and Shiva Neupane, CEO of Media Sense, were all honored.

Chairperson Capt Rameshwar Thapa acknowledged the challenges facing the global media industry, stating, “The global media business is in crisis, and we are no exception. Yet, we are striving to improve the situation.” He expressed gratitude to the staff for their dedication and hard work during difficult times.

Tejeswar Babu Gonga, a retired professor and cultural expert, praised AMN’s contribution to Nepali journalism and society. Gonga, a regular contributor to Annapurna Post, commended AMN for its consistent efforts.

AMN’s media outlets include Annapurna Post (Nepali daily), The Annapurna Express (English daily), annapurnapost.com, Radio Annapurna, and AP1 HD TV.

The international launch of Captain Rameshwar Thapa’s book Into the Fire took place in New Delhi during a special ceremony. The event, part of the 4th Delhi edition of Kitab Jatra, was graced by Acting Nepali Ambassador to India Dr Surendra Thapa, former Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri, and renowned expert on India-Nepal relations, Ashok Mehta, along with other distinguished guests.

The ceremony also featured a panel discussion on Nepal-India relations. In his remarks, Acting Ambassador Thapa highlighted the importance of literature in understanding historical events, noting that Into the Fire sheds light on significant incidents from the past. “The study of literature is crucial, regardless of one’s profession or business,” he stated. Former Ambassador Puri praised Captain Thapa for providing valuable insights into the politics and geopolitics of Nepal, emphasizing that the book will serve as an important resource for the younger generation to understand the country’s past and present challenges. He urged the youth to read the book to gain a deeper understanding of Nepal’s complex history.

Captain Thapa explained that the book portrays Nepali society during the 10-year armed conflict, expressing confidence that the lessons learned from this period will help prevent a recurrence. He described the book as a significant document for future generations to understand the socio-political dynamics of that era. “Nepal and India share a long-standing, cordial relationship, and we must work to deepen it,” he remarked, stressing the need to enhance bilateral economic ties and cooperation.

Thapa also referenced Bal Aditya Guru, noting that the young prodigy often described Nepal and India as the land of gods. Guru, who has already published several books at the age of seven, was lauded for his contributions to the literary world, with Thapa highlighting his valuable insights into both Nepal and India’s histories.

Ashok Mehta emphasized the book's importance in understanding the Maoist conflict and its impact on Nepali society. He further advocated for continued dialogue between Nepal and India, particularly concerning the ongoing suspension of Nepali recruitment into the Indian Army, urging both governments to take action on the issue.

Atul K Thakur, Secretary of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised Into the Fire for its detailed account of Nepal’s past, stating that it offers a valuable perspective on the country’s history and current situation. He underscored the importance of strengthening Nepal-India relations.

Chairperson of the Kitab Jatra Foundation, Rishi Ram Adhikari, expressed his delight at the book’s release during the fourth edition of the festival, commending Thapa for his insightful depiction of Nepali society.

Prior to the international launch, Into the Fire was released in Kathmandu in the presence of Bal Aditya Guru, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. The book is the English translation of Thapa’s earlier work Barud Mathi Udda.

Over 300 participants, including youths, farmers, women, people with disabilities, members of civil society organizations, and marginalized and indigenous people, gathered in Kathmandu for the People’s Climate March 2024. They called for accountability in climate finance, urging the Global North to #PayUp for its climate debt.

The march began at Jawalakhel at 8:30 am, passing through Damkal Chowk and Lalitpur Mahanagar Parisar, and ended at Pimbahal Pokhari at 10 am. 

A flash mob led by youth groups energized the concluding event at Pimbahal Pokhari, where speakers from diverse backgrounds shared their views. Moderated by Ojaswee Amagain of Climates Nepal and Susmita Baidawar of the Digo Bikas Institute, the session featured prominent voices, including Min Bahadur Shahi from the Human Rights Alliance, Lubh Raj Neupane of RYOM, Jharana Giri from Nepalese Youth for Climate Action (NYCA), and Ganesh Dhami of Youth Advocacy Nepal (YAN).

“Today, we stand united with activists worldwide, demanding climate justice,” said one speaker. The rally participants emphasized the $5trn annual debt owed by the Global North to the Global South, calling for immediate action on climate finance as both a moral and legal obligation.

Supported by 24 civil society organizations and networks in Nepal, the march echoed global demands for climate justice and equitable solutions to the climate crisis.