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Shahida MacDougall is the Country Director of British Council Nepal. She has previously worked with the British Council under various roles in countries such as Tanzania, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. In this interview, Shreya Shrestha of ApEx talks to MacDougall about her experience, motive and programs that the British Council has organized in Nepal. Excerpts:

The British Council has been in Nepal since 1959. How would you summarize the key contributions and milestones of the British Council in Nepal over the past 65 years?

The British Council has been a key partner in Nepal since 1959. Over these 65 years, we have supported Nepal’s government and people with our work in English language, education, arts and culture. We started first as a British Library, and since then, we've impacted millions through education and skills programs utilizing our UK expertise and global presence across over 100 countries. In the 60s and 70s, we introduced UK literature and education models, including Budhanilkantha School.

In the 90s, we advanced English language initiatives, like Cambridge A Levels, and helped form Nepal English Language, Nepal English Language Teachers Association (NELTA) and Association of British Alumni (ABAN). 

We’ve supported the EU-funded Dakchyata project for vocational training and the School Sector Development Plan, focusing on Nepal’s strategic priorities for graduation and positioning for the Middle Income Country by 2030. Our current work with youth, particularly women, is crucial in skills development and collaborations in English, education, arts, culture, and UK qualifications.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the British Council played a significant role in institutionalizing English education in Nepal. How did these initiatives shape the current state of English language education in the country?

The Government of Nepal endorsed the National Education System Plan (1971–76), which made English a compulsory subject in the school curriculum from Grade 4 up to the undergraduate level. We played a key role in supporting this agenda. We trained university-level English teachers and designed various teacher training programs. We also provided scholarships to hundreds of professionals who studied in the UK and now influence English education policy in Nepal.

Tribhuvan University graduates capable English teachers, scholarship recipients shape English education policy, and NELTA forums benefit for teachers across seven provinces, improve English skills for marginalized girls for better jobs, standardized assessments like listening and speaking, and provide access to international exams like IELTS and A Levels.

Last year, we researched the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) needs of teacher educators to enhance teacher training and classroom quality and are now developing a competency framework with Center for Education and Human resource Development (CEHRD).  We’re working with all levels of government to improve English teaching and assessment. We’re also partnering with other organizations to extend our reach to marginalized and remote areas, supporting the School Education Sector Plan (SESP).

How has the British Council promoted cultural exchange between Nepal and the UK, and what impact has this had on fostering mutual understanding and collaboration?

The British Council has a rich history of fostering cultural exchange between Nepal and the UK. The main mission is about creating people’s connection because its mutual benefit is not just only for Nepal but also for people in the UK. Over the past decades, we’ve continued to be that bridge between our nations and cultures through various programs.

It connects artists and cultural sectors from both countries. Each year, we send Nepali artists to the UK for art programs and festivals to expand their networks. For instance, this year, we supported a Nepali filmmaker to attend the Sheffield Documentary Film Festival and sent two other artists to festivals and residencies. Our Culture Responds program focuses on diverse groups, including youth, women, disabled individuals, and LGBTIQA+ people. Over the past three years, we’ve worked with UK and Nepalis partners to support green business entrepreneurs through our ‘In Our Hands’. We’ve helped over 80 teams develop green business ideas and supported 17 teams with research and prototyping.

Since 2017, we’ve organized the Women of the World Festival in Nepal, focusing on gender issues. This major arts-culture festival has reached over 25,000 people. This year, we’re hosting the 7th edition in Kathmandu, in partnership with Kathmandu Metropolitan City. Projects include Maithili relief sculptures, archival work in Dolpo, the Kusunda language, and food heritage among Nepal’s indigenous communities are being promoted.

The Dakchyata project focuses on skills development in agriculture, construction, and tourism. How has this project impacted these industries in Nepal, and what are the future plans for similar initiatives?

The EU-funded Dakchyata Technical Vocational Educational Training (TVET) Practical Partnership Project, run by the British Council, aimed to enhance public-private partnerships in TVET, focusing on agriculture, construction, and tourism sectors for Nepal’s economic growth. 

The project trained 6,750 individuals (29 percent female, 47 percent aged 15-24) and developed an Occupational Demand Tool. For the first time in Nepal, five private sector federations, including construction and tourism associations, worked together on skills development and also assisted with the Ministry of Education Science and Technology in creating the 10-year TVET Strategic Reform Plan, shaping the sector for the next decade.

In partnership with UNDP, ILO, and IOM, we up-skilled over 2,000 returnee migrant workers, aiding their reintegration into Nepal’s economy during Covid-19. Our public information campaigns reached over 2.2m people through TVET festivals, broadcasts, social media, and digital platforms, raising awareness about TVET among young people.

How has the British Council’s role in providing technical assistance to projects like the School Sector Development Plan influenced Nepal’s education system?

The British Council has supported Nepal’s SSDP, aiming for inclusive, quality education and federalism. Since 2019, technical assistance has improved teacher development, assessment, curriculum reform, and Education Management Information System (EMIS). A teacher mentoring system has been developed, enhancing local officials’ capacity and supporting government delivery.

During the Covid pandemic, we modeled interventions around remote teaching by developing national strategies and guidelines, training teacher trainers, and enhancing CEHRD’s online learning portal. Our work included developing handbooks and assessing the portal’s accessibility to support safe online learning.

We also contributed to national reforms, including the development of a national assessment framework, improvement of the Grade 8 examination with 3,000 test items, and training local officials on administering the exam. We improved the EMIS system and trained 1,000 educators. In partnership with UNICEF, we are supporting the government and developing multilingual education standards and capacity building for teachers.

What has been your personal journey with the British Council, and how do you see your role contributing to its mission in Nepal? 

I’ve been with the British Council for over 11 years. The individual has experienced the transformative power of education and cultural exchange, driving their career with the British Council. As Country Director, we are here as trusted partners to support the government’s strategic objectives by building people-to-people connections, collaborating with government agencies, educational institutions, and development partners to enhance English language education, cultural exchanges, and educational reforms.

Additionally, I’m committed to driving innovation within our program. This means exploring new approaches and solutions that can address emerging challenges and opportunities. A significant part of my role also involves nurturing a collaborative and inclusive environment within our team, celebrating and embracing diversity. 

Ultimately, my goal as Country Director is to ensure that the British Council’s work in Nepal continues to make a positive difference. By leveraging my experience, focusing on strategic partnerships, and fostering innovation, I believe we can contribute significantly to Nepal’s educational and cultural development and ultimately continue strengthening the bonds of mutual understanding between our two nations.

K V Rajan and Atul K Thakur are the co-authors of “Kathmandu Chronicle: Reclaiming India-Nepal Relations”. Definitive and deeply researched, the book opens a window to many stories of India–Nepal relations that largely remain untold and therefore unknown till date. Kamal Dev Bhattarai of ApEx interviews Rajan, also a former India’s ambassador to Nepal, and Thakur, a policy professional, writer and columnist.

What are the key revelations in the book from your anecdotal accounts as India’s longest serving Ambassador to Nepal?

K V Rajan: At the outset, let me clarify that whatever I have set down is with the intention of conveying the total picture as I know it—pertaining to Nepal and to India-Nepal relations. If in the process I have upset or hurt anyone, I can only apologize and hope that the overall context of goodwill and empathy for Nepal will not be doubted. The core message that should come across through the anecdotal reflections is one of hope and optimism for Nepal's future, respect for its insistence on equality and sovereign space, and admiration for the resilience and capacity of the Nepali people and leaders over many years to take the country forward in the face of major odds. 

The linkages between our two nations are old, many and time-tested, the economic complementarities have a compulsive logic of their own, the reservoir of human talent is huge. We need only to understand and draw lessons from the past, deal with imagination and sensitivity to the trends and issues of the present, in order to craft a great future for a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous India-Nepal subregion which will be a role model for the region and perhaps the world. 

We need to have a broad based consensus on the kind of relationship we both want, and establish mutual acceptance in our ties. We can achieve wonders by jointly building on our soft power assets, new technologies, and complementarities. No issue is incapable of solution between India and Nepal if tackled in the right spirit and in the context of their unique linkages and unshakeable faith in a common great future. 

Happily, a consensus-based effort on both sides in tackling problems and making progress is possible, so that projects can be negotiated and delivered despite changes of government. This has been demonstrated time and again, for example spectacularly during the negotiation and parliamentary ratification process of the Mahakali Treaty. 

The book has a different take as to who might have perpetrated the royal assassination of 2001 that wiped out King Birendra Shah and his family, which changed Nepal’s natural progression. Can you elaborate?

K V Rajan: The readers’ will have to draw their own conclusions after going through the concerned chapter in the book. Even the facts that are in the public domain support the strong probability of an international conspiracy whose core was a foreign-based large scale smuggling and terrorism-related industry that was thriving on misuse of the India-Nepal border. The palace tragedy followed a series of serious incidents and exposures. India and Nepal were enjoying excellent relations under the twin pillar policy being followed by the former, of supporting the monarchy as well as multiparty democracy. The expanding Maoist insurgency was a matter of growing concern for India as well as Nepal, but signals were being exchanged on possible compromise solutions. The smuggling-terrorist nexus was the one major force which did not want such a negotiated compromise to be reached and had also been steadfastly trying to undermine relations between India and Nepal and was also uncomfortable with Nepal’s identity as a Hindu state.

All available indications are that the crown prince was trapped in a sinister plan combining serious drug abuse with targeted misinformation. The rest is history. 

How do you think we can reclaim India-Nepal relations in the changed times with Nepal grappling with challenges on several fronts including governance and economy?

K V Rajan: As vibrant democracies the two countries have the duty, responsibility, the right, and the necessity to reclaim their age-old relationship for the sake of peoples on both sides of the border and of future generations. A reset in the bilateral relations is a necessity, for Nepal today is a completely transformed country and India too is very much on the rise, both confronted by new challenges as well as new opportunities in an uncertain and changing world order. Strengthening democracy, improving governance, and accelerating inclusive development must occupy top priority. Future major cooperation must be consensus-based cutting across party lines to the extent possible and civil society needs to play its part in this exciting endeavor.

Catering to the interests and aspirations of youth on both sides on the border, and improving the lot of the marginalized, the most disadvantaged, the poorest and the most needy, should also be a focus. Just as India has set a goal of becoming a developed country by 2047, we should dare to think of a new vision for India-Nepal ties, so that they can scale new heights within the next two decades. A joint endeavor in this direction—which would include sectors like education, health, creation of job opportunities on a huge scale to protect the demographic dividend, and new supply chains which will foster greater interdependencies and economic integration— would go a long way. 

Opportunity is banging at the door. A business-as-usual approach will not do. 

As a long-time scholar on Nepal, your book is making news in both India and Nepal. Could you reflect on Nepal’s prolonged transition and fluctuating graph of India-Nepal relations?

Atul K Thakur: Despite their much-vaunted ‘special relationship’ (a term rarely used by Nepal in recent times), India-Nepal ties have repeatedly experienced setbacks, some of them with long-term implications. Since India’s independence, Nepal has undergone several significant transformations, and not coincidentally, India has been intimately involved in many of these pivotal moments. 

Yet, there have been regular anti-Indian eruptions in Nepal, and there is so much mutual distrust and suspicion despite India's best intentions. I believe Nepal and India, both at the level of government as well as civil society, urgently need to come to terms with the past, understand comprehensively and objectively the unique challenges and opportunities offered by the present, and ‘repurpose’ their relationship if it is to achieve its exceptional potential in the coming years. 

Our book, based on first person experience, deep research, analysis and introspection, and new resource materials, facilitates understanding of how an India with credible aspirations to becoming a major world player and a transformed Nepal in a transforming world order could revisit their ties to ensure a steady upward trajectory.

Both countries owe it to their peoples to free the relationship from political vicissitudes as well as the negative legacies of the past. Concepts of national interest and mutual security need to be relevant to the world of today and tomorrow. Only mutual empathy, as either country strives to overcome its major challenges, can transform the relationship into a truly special one.

The book makes a sincere and honest effort to add to the literature on the subject through original analyses, interpretations and research.

How is China a big factor for repurposing India-Nepal relations?

Atul K Thakur: The new post-monarchy dispensation only hastened the expansion of Chinese influence and removed possibilities of ending long festering irritants like the border dispute in the Kalapani area—a unanimous multiparty Parliamentary vote endorsed a new map of Nepal incorporating border areas which it had not claimed earlier.

India has made its Nepal ties a function of Nepal-China relations. Yet the fact is that Chinese influence in Nepal will continue to expand. It is only natural that the people of Nepal, particularly the younger generation, yearn to take advantage of all kinds of economic opportunities and benefits that China has to offer. Nepal's importance to China was initially because of its desire for security on the question of Tibetan refugees. It did not seem to mind India’s preponderant influence over Nepal. Today China has additional reasons to assert itself: one is to reduce India to size to the extent possible, the other to ensure that its Middle Kingdom credentials are enhanced. But India can draw comfort from the increased wariness of Nepal about Chinese intentions because of its overtly intrusive interest in the former’s internal affairs, and the long term price of too close a Chinese embrace.

China is just not over-pervasive in Nepal with projects and political manipulation, its best edge is with the propaganda machinery that is oriented to damage the finer fabrics of India-Nepal relation beyond the core. The China factor is being played out in Nepal and unfortunately not for a constructive aim of enhancing its economic ties with the northern neighbor but to create a complex web involving India’s stake and finally letting a disastrous narrative help the traders of ultra-nationalism for scoring high politically and ruling the game of late.

How should Idia reclaim the true spirit of its old good bilateral relations with Nepal or reset it in the changed times?

Atul K Thakur: India and Nepal must return to the core strength of their unique social, cultural, strategic, political, and economic ties. India and Nepal share deep social, cultural, strategic, political, and economic ties that have been forged over many centuries. Unfortunately, ties wither if exposed to the changing fundamentals of time. India-Nepal ties have frayed slowly as the economic bonds between the two countries have failed to keep pace with India’s modernization and growth. The opportunities offered by India’s prospering economy have become increasingly inaccessible, and thereby irrelevant to ordinary Nepalis. The persistent border dispute between the two countries is an opportunity for them to modernize old ties towards a shared vision of prosperity. India and Nepal must do more than merely resolve boundary issues.

Notwithstanding the centrality of complementarities in bilateral relations, oftentimes, the official line has taken its own turn in interpreting the not-so-easy situations. While repurposing India-Nepal relations, the prudent move would be to rely more strongly on the trust factor, subsiding apprehensions and complexities. India and Nepal have a credible past as well present in engaging with each other—and walking with the changing times. In knowing the new aspirations of both sides, and accordingly creating the background of cooperation, India-Nepal relations will see further heights. In the times to come, hopefully better chapters of India-Nepal bilateral relations will be scripted.

Khusbu Oli, a young politician from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, which holds 14 seats in Parliament, is making significant strides in national politics. As a young woman, she is actively engaged in party and national affairs, particularly through social media, where she debates and discusses with top politicians. Currently, she serves as a Central Committee member and deputy head of the party’s training department. ApEx spoke with her about her experiences and vision for Nepal. Excerpts.

It has been two years since you joined active politics. What has your experience been so far?

Before entering politics, I was involved in agricultural projects, leading national-level initiatives and witnessing firsthand the struggles of farmers, especially women. These experiences inspired me to represent them. My political journey has been a mix of challenges and achievements. As the first female candidate from my constituency.  There has been a significant shift, with women's representation in decision-making rising from five percent to over 30 percent. Despite challenges, my acceptance in both party and national politics is growing, and I am hopeful for continued progress. I advocate for servant leadership concepts and believe in the importance of youth involvement in politics.

You travel extensively and interact with people in the grassroots. What are their expectations from a young politician like you?

People have a high level of mistrust and disappointment with the state and political leadership. Society is deeply divided along political lines, and national priorities often take a backseat to partisan interests. However, there is a desire for politicians who prioritize national interests and unity.

Your party advocates for the restoration of monarchy and a Hindu state. Do you believe this is achievable?

There are misconceptions about our stance. We do not support an active monarchy but believe in a constitutional monarchy within the current democratic framework. We think that a monarchy can enhance national unity and reduce foreign intervention. Our party believes that the Nepali people should decide their country’s future without external influence.

As a youth politician, what is your blueprint for economic growth and development?

The main problem of this country is excessive political influence in bureaucracy, media and intellectual groups. The views, perspectives and policy they offer therefore are dominated by partisan interests. This is hindering Nepal’s overall development. If I could address this issue, it could correct the course of this country. We can do a lot for the country but our politicians are serving their own interests. In order to sprout hope and optimism among the public, our politicians should develop a noble thinking and mend their ways.

There is an alarming trend of brain-drain, labor migration, and capital flight. Everyone in both the skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled population is either going or planning to go abroad for employment. Over the past one year, around 700,000 people have left the country. Businesses in bordering towns are shutting down and moving to India. To turn around Nepal’s economy, there should be significant policy reform, but we do not have the educated human resource to formulate a sound policy.

As far as the specific areas are concerned, the key areas of focus should be industry, agriculture, tourism, and Information Technology (IT). The IT sector has immense potential, but it lacks government support. In agriculture, we need fertilizer industries, subsidies, better irrigation, and digitization. Tourism, particularly religious tourism, also has untapped potential. Additionally, there is a need to overhaul the education system to ensure quality education, health, and justice for all citizens. But there is a knowledge crisis to make any substantial headway in those areas. 

What are your future plans?

I believe politics is in my blood. I am preparing to run in the national elections in 2027, aiming to inspire and represent grassroots people. My goal is not personal gain but national development. Before that, I plan to contest for an office bearer position in my party’s upcoming general convention, focusing on the areas I have highlighted.

Vishnu Kumar Agarwal is the Managing Director of the MAW Group of Companies and the Honorary Consul General of the Czech Republic in Kathmandu. He actively supports the bilateral relationship between Nepal and the Czech Republic. Agarwal is also the dean of the Honorary Consular Corps-Nepal (HCC-N), an organization of non-residential consuls. In this interview, Pratik Ghimire of ApEx talks to Agarwal about the role and work of Honorary Consuls. Excerpts:

What are the key responsibilities of Honorary Consuls?

Honorary Consuls play a crucial role in diplomacy. As the Honorary Consul General of the Czech Republic in Nepal, I represent the Czech Republic, which is a significant responsibility. If any Czech citizen encounters issues in Nepal, they should contact us for assistance. This is our primary objective. Additionally, we facilitate visits for Czech delegations and embassy officials.

Our role also includes developing relations between the Czech Republic and Nepal for mutual benefit. We promote cultural exchange, showcasing each country’s culture in the other. Furthermore, we foster trade, investment, and tourism between the two nations.

How do Honorary Consuls help in trade, investment, and tourism?

Honorary Consuls facilitate bilateral and multilateral agreements that promote regular discussions on trade and investment. Individually, we promote trade and investment through various means. For instance, my office has many Czech-related books and catalogs that we promote in Nepal.

For the Nepal Investment Summit 2024, we invited all Honorary Consuls and embassies. Through them, invitations reached the business community, resulting in significant participation from the sending countries. We also organize events to promote trade, investment, and tourism. Honorary Consuls in Nepal represent 63 countries, and about 15-20 percent of tourists visiting Nepal come from these nations. These countries also participate in trade fairs, education consultancy, and investment activities.

What were the key takeaways from the peace conclave in Lumbini in March 2024?

The two-day event, ‘Global Peace for Prosperity,’ in Lumbini was organized by HCC-N and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our goal was to highlight Nepal’s advocacy for peace and the importance of peaceful conflict resolution for a sustainable future.

We invited all ambassadors from the sending countries, and around 20 attended, along with 45 Honorary Consuls and Foreign Ministry officials. This gathering significantly improved diplomatic relations.

The event also aimed to showcase Lumbini, a significant yet underexposed tourist and historical site in Nepal. Many delegates visited Lumbini for the first time and were captivated by the Maya Devi Temple and the story of Lord Buddha’s birth in Nepal. We believe this exposure will boost tourism in the region.

Another objective was to attract participants for the Nepal Investment Summit. Sushil Bhatta, CEO of the Investment Board of Nepal, presented at the event, providing attendees with insights into the summit.

What are the key objectives of the gathering on July 23?

The 17th General Assembly and Charter Day of HCC-N will take place on July 23, where we will hand over leadership. HCC-N, established on July 23, 2007, brings together all Honorary Consuls and Honorary Consul Generals and is affiliated with FICAC, a global network of consular associations. This network allows us to collaborate effectively and address common challenges.

HCC-N has been very successful, especially in facilitating aid during the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2015 earthquake. The Dean serves a one-year term based on seniority among Honorary Consuls.

How are you coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)?

Our engagement with MoFA is extensive. We work closely with MoFA whenever delegates arrive or when individuals from the sending countries need assistance or coordination. MoFA acts as our patron, and we collaborate closely with them. We have received excellent support and assistance from MoFA. Our work indirectly supports and complements MoFA’s efforts.

What are your expectations with the new Minister for Foreign Affairs?

I believe the new Minister is highly experienced in foreign affairs. She has been in public service for a long time and understands diplomacy well. I am confident that under her leadership, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will achieve new heights in both bilateral and multilateral relationships. Her extensive experience in dealing with people will likely be transformative for MoFA.