NEWSLETTER NEPAL-CANADA FRIENDSHIP & CULTURAL ASSOCIATION

Transcription

1 NEWSLETTER NEPAL-CANADA FRIENDSHIP & CULTURAL ASSOCIATION Volum 2 January 2016 No. 1 Friendship Day Nepal is Safe Place for Tourists Nepal-Canada Friendship and Cultural Association organized a function cum interaction programme on Tourism and Mountaineering: Nepal-Canada to mark the 51st year of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between Nepal and Canada on 18th Janauary in Kathmandu Nepal. The programme was chaired by Mr. Hiranya Lal Shrestha, the H.E. the Ambassador Kali Prasad Pokhrel met with Hon. Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities of the Government of Canada at his office on January 5, president of the NCFCA and a former Ambassador. The program began with singing of the National Anthem of Nepal and Canada. Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal Government Mr. Chitra Bahadur K.C was the Chief Guest at the function. He spoke on Nepal s Canadian Minister Sohi to Promote Economic Ties 1 - DPM Chitra Bdr. K.C. policy on tourism development Contd. Page 4 During the meeting, HE the Ambassador informed Hon. minister about the promulgation of Nepal's new constitution on 20 September 2015, and its Contd. Page 7

2 Editorial Nepal Canada Friendship and Cultural Association has been holding various programmes to strengthen and promote Nepal Canada relationship at state to state and people to people level. It observed the Canada Nepal Friendship Day on 18th of January by organizing an interaction on the 51st anniversary of establishing diplomatic relationship between the two countries. Though Nepal and Canada have geographical distance, Canada has always been supporting and assisting Nepal in different sectors of Nepal's development. Recently, Canada exemplified its good wishes to Nepal by extending a timely help to Nepalese people during the April 25, 2015 earthquake in Nepal. Nepal and Nepalese people will not forget the friendly gesture of Canadian government and the people. Thousands of Canadian citizens have shown keen interest in the mountaineering sector of Nepal's tourism. Canada has shown interest also in the development of hydropower industry of Nepal by showing readiness to make required investment. So, Nepal government should take initiative to utilize Canada's goodwill to Nepal. NCFCA has been taking all possible initiatives from the level of people and public. Moreover, a large number of Nepali nationals have now settled in Canada for various reasons and their co-operation in developing the bilateral relation between our two countries has come as an additional advantage factor in our mission of furthering our relationship to a new height. So, the Government of Nepal and people at large should utilize this opportunity to expand our relationship rigorously for the mutual interest of our two countries. We hope the celebration of Friendship Day will convey a strong message to take new initiative to solidify the relationship between the people of our two countries. Editorial Board CHAIRMAN Hiranya Lal Shrestha CHIEF EDITOR Prof. Dr. Shreedhar Gautam EDITORS Khadga Bdr. Thapa Nilkantha Tiwari Dipendra Rokaya PUBLISHER NCFCA Kathmandu PRINTER Modern Printing Press Jamal, Kantipath Tel: modprint@mail.com.np Credential Presented by Canadian Ambassador Patel Kathmandu September 2, Canadian Ambassador H.E. Nadir Patel presented his credential to the President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav on September 2, 2015 in a special ceremony at Sital Niwas, Kathmandu. Then Foreign Minister Mahendra Pandey was also present at the ceremony. 2

3 Canada Day Celebrated Kathmandu July 1, Mr. Sunil Bahadur Thapa, Minister for Commerce and Supply said that Canada was extending assistance through Colombo Plan even before establishment of formal diplomatic relations in Canada is Nepal's development partner and one of the main trading country of Nepal. Minister Thapa was addressing as the chief guest in a programm to celebrate the National Day of Canada organized by Nepal-Canada Friendship and cultural Association in Kathmandu on July 1, President of NCFCA Mr. Hiranya Lal Shrestha said that multi-dimensional relationship between Nepal and Canada is growing at state to state and people to people level. Former Nepalese Ambassador to Canada Bhoj Raj Ghimire said Nepal Canada relations are cordial & friendly ever since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries. Honorary Consul of Canada to Nepal Dr. Buddha Basnet said that Canadian tourists are interested in mountaineering, trekking and adventure tourism. President of Nepal Chamber of Commerce Mr. Rajesh Kaji Shrestha said that there is big potential to develop trade between the two countries. Co-chairman Dr. Pradeep Khadka, Vice Chairman Rameshwor Shrestha and General Secretary Prof. Dr Shreedhar Gautam also shed light on different aspects of Nepal-Canada Relations. Meeting with Canadian MP Oberai Ottawa, November 1, 2015 Canadian Member of Parliament Honorable Deepak Oberai met Hiranya Lal Shrestha, President of NCFCA, at his Parliamentary office in Ottawa on November 4, Nepalese Ambassador to the Canada H. E. Kali Prasad Pokhrel was present during the meeting. They discussed the prospects of establishment of Nepal Friendship group in Canadian Parliament and promote relationship between parliamentarians of two countries. Ambassador Pokhrel and President Shrestha congratulated Honorable Oberai on his reelection to the parliament of Canada in MP Oberai reelected sweet memories of recent Nepal visit and wished early recovery of the earthquake damages. 3

4 Canadian Aircraft in Nepal Kathmandu, September 18, Nepalese Private Sector Airlines Service TARA Air bought Canadian Aircarft Viking DHC 6-400'. Nepal Civil Aviation Authority granted call sign 9N-AKL to the viking DHC aircraft. Then Civil Aviation, Culture and Tourism Minister Kripa Sur Sherpa was present at Tribhuvan International Airport to lunch viking DHC aircraft service in Nepal on September 18,2015. Tara Air provided viking DHC air service in remote mountain areas of Nepal. Contd. Form Page 1 and appreciated the noble works of NCFCA in promoting Nepal -Canada relationship by organizing different programmes and publishing literature related to two countries. He stressed on promoting the tourism sector from people s level to invite more tourists. He pointed out the need of delivering the message that Nepal is safe after quake to welcome more tourist in the country. The president of NCFCA Mr. Hiranya Lal Shrestha adjourned the function with his concluding remarks. He said that the efforts should be made from people s level to invite more Canadian tourists in the country. Dr. Buddha Basnet, Honorary Consul for Canada, congratulated the people of Nepal and Canada on the occasion and spoke about the interest of Canadian citizens in climbing mountains of Nepal. Mr. Ang Tshering Sherpa President of Nepal Mountaineering Association presented a working paper on the occasion highlighting the various aspects of mountaineering in Nepal and also the contribution of Canadian citizens in this regard. Former Tourism Minister Yankila Sherpa commented on his working paper and expressed the view that Nepal Government should promote tourism sector by developing further infrastructure. She urged the government to bring out new policies to attract more tourists. Ms. Maya Sherpa and Ms. Mira Rai mountaineer and athlete shared their experiences of mountaineering and athletics with the audience on the occasion. Ms. Nirose Maskey welcomed the guests on the occasion and the Secretary General Prof. Dr. Shreedhar Gautam highlighted the theme of the progamme for the general information of the audience. On the occasion, Co-President of NCFCA Prof Dr. Pradip Khadka, Vice-Presidents Prof Dr. Gopal P. Pokharel and Tashi Shanogmo Gurungseni briefed the guests and the audience about the activities of NCFCA. They informed that NCFCA has been publishing Journals and Newsletter regularly to highlight the Nepal- Canada relationship. Likewise, Mr. Mankajee (Jena), a resident of Vancouver, Canada and Chair of Canada-Nepal Friendship and Cultural Society, also highlighted the relations between Nepal and Canada. Mr. Khadga Bahadur Thapa. Secretary of the NCFCA, gave a vote of thanks on the occasion. 4

5 Ambassador with Canadian MPs His Excellency Kali Prasad Pokhrel Ambassador of Nepal to Canada held meetings with some newly elected Hon. Members of Parliament both from the Governing Liberal Party and Official Opposition Conservative Party at their Offices. During these meetings, HE briefed MPs about the promulgation of Nepal's new constitution on 20 September 2015 and the main features of the constitution. He mentioned that the constitution making process went through an open, transparent and democratic deliberations in the democratically elected Constituent Assembly of Nepal and also said that it took almost eight years and two elections for the Constituent Assembly to complete the process. HE the ambassador thanked the Government of Canada for welcoming Nepal's new constitution soon after its promulgation. During these meeting, he discussed also with the Hon MPs about the post earthquake recovery, rebuilding and reconstruction. He thanked the government of Canada for the support Canada provided in the immediate aftermath of the devastating earthquake and also requested for Canada's active involvement in the post earthquake reconstruction process as well. His Excellency also requested Hon. MPs to play active role for Canada' s involvement in 5 Nepal's economic development. He highlighted on the need of Canada's diplomatic presence in Nepal to enhance trade, investment and cooperation between the two countries. He also mentioned the difficulties facing the country in the passage of essential supplies of food, fuel, medicines and other commodities into Nepal in the Nepal India border checkpoints severely affecting the daily lives of ordinary people. All MPs he had met expressed their dismay over the obstruction of essential supplies. HE also shared with the Parliament Members about the idea of forming a Nepal-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group. They were quite positive about the idea of the formation of such Group and they assured ambassador that they would discuss the matter with their all party colleagues. Hon. MPs assured HE the ambassador their full support for Canada's engagement in Nepal. The Hon. Members of Parliament that HE Ambassador met at different dates were Mr. Deepak Obhrai. Mr. Jason Kenney, Mr. Chandra Arya, Mr. Sukh Dhaliwal and Mr. Ramesh Sangha, Mr. Brad Trost. Among them, Hon. Jason Kenney, a very senior and influential Conservative Party leader, is one of the longest serving Members of Parliament from the Conservative Party. He was defence minister of Canada until the October 19, 2015 election. He is also one of the three aspirants of Conservative Party leadership in the coming election of the Party. Hon. Deepak Obhrai, the longest serving Conservative MP visited Nepal in January He was Parliamentary Secretary to minister of foreign affairs on International Human Rights in the previous government. Hon. Kenney and Hon. Obhrai have been in Parliament for almost 20 years.

6 His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Kali Prasad Pokhrel handed over flag of Nepal to the Mayor of Greater Sudbury Municipality Mr. Brian Bigger to reserve a spot for the flag of Nepal on the Bridge of Nations at a programme organised at the Mayor's Office. The Bridge of Nations contains more than 82 countries' flags. The City of Greater Sudbury created an idea in 2007 to name one of the busiest Sudbury bridges as Bridge of Nations and put flags of as many countries as possible to reflect solidarity and harmony in the city of Sudbury. This is the only bridge in North Nepal Flag in Canada America to hoist the flags of multiple countries and nations. The project to collect flags from countries began from 2007 and now it is in its third and final phase to add flags from additional countries. The Embassy of Nepal and the Nepalese community in Greater Sudbury jointly made financial contribution to reserve the spot for Nepal. Nepal's flag will be officially hoisted on the Occasion of Canada's National Day, July 1, 2016 at a special ceremony. The flags are changed every three months due to wear and tear. Canada-Nepal Friendship Day in Toronto Toronto, November 7, 2015 Non- Resident Nepalese Association Canada organized the Friendship Day at Toronto on November 7, On the occasion, President Hiranya Lal Shrestha of Nepal- Canada Friendship and Cultural Association stated, the 50th anniversary of Nepal-Canada diplomatic relations, bilateral relations have been marked by Canadian friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Canada on January 18, The growing number of NRNs in Canada is an additional factor in the development and consolidation of people to people relations between two countries, Shrestha said. Honorary Consul General of Nepal in Toronto Dr. Kunjar M. Sharma said that largest number of Canadians visiting Nepal as tourist are getting visa from his office and expecting more in coming years as tourism in major area of bilateral relation between two countries. Mr. David Jackson said that Canadian people are extending assistance to the earthquake victims in Nepal. He 6 informed that several projects for renovation of school building in Kavre district of Nepal are undertaken by the Canadian INGOS. President of NRN-Canada, Mr.Tulsi Sapkota welcomed new Nepalese constitution, particularly the provision to grant NRN citizenship to the Nepalese abroad, which will forge unbreakable link between people inside and outside the country.

7 Hydro Quebic Interested in Nepal His Excellency Ambassador Kali Prasad Pokhrel held a few meetings with senior authorities of Hydro Quebec, the biggest Hydro power producer in Canada (produces more than 45 thousand MW Hydropower) and Manitoba Hydro International (consultant at Tanahun Hydro, 140 MW) at different dates explained about the incentive provisions in the FDI Policy 2014 of Nepal to Contd. Form Page 1 salient features, the deliberation process in the Constituent Assembly and the endorsement of the constution by over 85 percent of the total constituent members. He also thanked the Government of Canada for welcoming Nepal's new constitution soon after its promulgation. During his one hour long meeting, HE the Ambassador Kali P. Pokhrel also gave Hon. Minister a brief update about the endorsement by the parliament of Nepal of the post earthquake Reconstruction Act and the appointment of CEO and other authorities of the Reconstruction Authority. He thanked the Government and people of Canada for their overwhelming support in the immediate aftermath of the devastating earthquake and also requested the Government of Canada for its active involvement in Nepal's post earthquake reconstruction campaign. He also outlined the foreign investors. Hydro Quebec Authorities have indicated that Hydro Quebec will keep Nepal in their priority when they review their policy in February 2016 to go international. Manitoba Hydro authorities said that they were interested to work in Nepal not only in Hydro power Consultancy but also in management contract of various agencies. difficulties facing the country due to the obstructions in the passage of essential supplies in the Nepal India border checkpoints. His Excellency emphasized on the need of further expansion and diversification of trade between Nepal and Canada. Describing the features of the FDI Policy 2014 of the Government of Nepal, His Excellency also requested Hon. Infrastructure Minister for Canadian investment in Nepal's infrastructure development including the development of Hydropower. He also highlighted the need of Canada's diplomatic presence in Nepal to focus on bilateral trade, investment and cooperation between the two countries. H.E. mentioned that the increasing number of Nepalese diaspora in Canada and the encouraging number of Canadian nationals visiting Nepal every year could also be another important aspect for the need of Canada's diplomatic presence. 7 HE Ambassador meets with Ms. Shawana Pachal, Senior Managing Director of Manitoba Hydro International.jpg H.E. the Ambassador also shared with the Minister about ambassador's idea of forming a Nepal Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group to promote Nepal Canada bilateral relations. Hon. Minister Sohi expressed sincere thanks to H.E. the ambassador for all the information H.E. provided about Nepal's recent development. Hon. Minister expressed the desire of the Government of Canada to work closely with the Government of Nepal to promote trade, investment, economic cooperation and other areas of interest between the two countries. Hon. Minister assured HE the ambassador that he would talk to his International Development colleagues about Canada's involvement in Nepal's post earthquake reconstruction. In response to ambassador's idea of forming the parliamentary friendship group, Hon. Minister assured all possible support to form such a group.

8 Interaction with Nepalese Community in Ottawa Ottawa, November 5, An interaction between the President of Nepal Canada Friendship and cultural Association, Mr. Hiranya Lal Shrestha, and Ottawa based Nepali Communities was held in the Embassy Hall under the coordination of Nepal's embassy in Canada. During the programme, the Nepalese Ambassador to Canada, Mr. Kali Prasad Pokharel appreciated the role of NCFCA in strengthening people to people relation between Nepal and Canada. On the occasion, he informed the audience that the number of Canadian tourists visiting Nepal was on the increase. He highlighted the potential to increase Canadian investment in the hydropower sector of Nepal. H.E. Ambassador informed the audience also about the Canadian government and people s prompt action to help the earthquake victim of Nepal. Mr. Hiranya Lal Shrestha the president of NCFCA, expressed the view that the Federal Republic Nepal could learn much from Canada s experience and Characteristics in regard to multicultural an and federalism. He further added that Nepal and Canada should promote people to people and state level relationship for the mutual interest of the both countries. Krishna Hari Gautam, on behalf of the Ottawa based Nepali Community gave a welcome remark on the occasion, Participant in the programme Tara Upreti, Sonam Sigdel, Kailash Dongol, Madhusan Mahat, Niru Shrestha, Tulsiman Singh, Suren Upreti, Bhim Adhikari, Govinda Dahal, Shiva Ghimire, Bhola Baral, Shambhu Baral, Jaya Ram Simkhada, Kamal Mahat, Ram Acharya, Chiju Gautam and Shiva Kumar Upandhyaya gave suggestion for promoting Nepal Canada Relations at people to people and government to government level. Bhutanese Refugees in Canada Kathmandu, November 19, UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration marked the resettlement of over 100,000 Bhutanese refugees from Nepal in third countries since the programme was launched in Canada took 6,500 Bhutanese refugees for resettlement there till To quote Adre enne clarkson, former governer general of Canada ( ) After all we are a country of immigrants, built on the foundation of the aboriginal peoples. We must be reminded to love the stranger, as we ourselves were once strangers. (INYT ). 8

9 Mountain Legacy Ottawa October 29, Canadian mountain expert and advocate Dr. Jack D. Ives received Sir Edmund Hillary Mountain Legacy Medal. According to Dr. Kumar P. Mainali, a research professor at the University of Marryland and President of Mountians Canada Welcomes Nepal's New Constitution Ottawa. According to the Nepalese Embassy source, Canada Government welcomed the new constitution of Nepal. Canadian Authority stated, "I am writing to extend congratulations on behalf of Canada to Nepal on the promulgation of its Constitution, an important accomplishment for the constitutent assembly and a significant milestone in Nepal's democratic transition." As Nepal looks forward to the important work of implementing the constitution and setting up a federal structure, I want to reiterate my Legacy, the award is presented for remarkable service in the conservation of culture and nature is mountainous regions. In the event of awarding Mountian Legacy, the Nepalese Ambassador and the New Zealand High Commissioner to Canada were present. Canefriacus Activities Vancouver Canada-Nepal Friendship and cultural Society (Canefriacus) organized cultural program in 2015 in honor of visiting Eng. Keshab Kunwar, Patron of Nepal- Canada Friendship and cultural Association. CANEFRIACUS organized memory program on Narayan Gopal and Fateman Rijbhandari, popular singers to pay tribute to poet lauret Sidhi Charan Shrestha and literary person Jagdish Ghimire. CANEFRIACUS also organized fusion program of literary and music known as Knitting the circle in Vancouver. The society organized Nepali Language training for local Canadians. The society president Mankajee Jena was in Nepal to assist earthquake victims and launch a campaign to protect lighting causalities. comments during our meeting on September 2nd of Canada's offer to share experiences and expertise in this area. As discussed, the Forum of Federations project funded-by Canada entitled "Consolidating Democratic Transition in Nepal" aims to build capacity and engagement amongst key stakeholders around the establishment of a decentralized system of government. The project will continue to send experts on federalism to provide training and technical support to build capacity and knowledge in Nepal on 'federalism' topics. 9 Canadian Training facilities Kathmandu September 1, Himalayan Airlines of Nepal entered into an agreement with Canadian Pelesis to provide online and offline training to pilots and other staff pelesis sepecilist in A 320 aircraft related training globally. Nepalese Publications in Canada Ottawa, January 1, Nepalese Ambassador to Canada, H.E. Kali Prased Pokhrel, launched two separate Nepalese publications, Ottawa Chautari published by Nepalese Canadian Association of Ottawa and Pratidhwoni, by International Literary Society of Canada during a new year day celebration in Ottawa. The success of a constitution derives in part from the support it receives from the population. We encourage Nepal to foster inclusion and ownership of the constitution throughout the many diverse sections of Nepal's society, including civil society. The constitution can serve as a building block for Nepal to develop practices to advance and protect fundamental rights and freedoms, including gender equality, which are essential components of sustainable development, peace, and security.

10 Tourism and Travel Show in Montreal Embassy of Nepal, Ottawa participated in the International Tourism and Travel show organized by Expo Media Inc. in Montreal, Canada from 23 to 25 October The colorful show was a magnificent three day journey around the world in a festive ambience with an amalgamation of various folk dances, music, costumes, conferences, arts and crafts, cinema, presentations, and other activities. The show was a mosaic where approximately 100 countries including Nepal, China, Japan, Korea, Slovenia, India, Philippines, Kenya, South Africa, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Morocco, Egypt, Cuba, Ethiopia, Myanmar, France, Spain, Zambia and many others participated. The purpose of the Show was to disseminate information about the wide range of fascinating and interesting travel destinations all around the world. The Show functioned as a platform to offer helpful tips to the interested visitors about how to pack and travel safely, cheaply and widely. The show was mainly comprised of the travel agencies across and beyond Canada who actively furnished the visitors about the itineraries, cheap trip plans, best time for travelling, safety precautions and the like. The show was a trajectory where the travel professionals, journalists, agents and documentarians met and beautifully projected their respective countries with the information of natural richness and fascinating beauty of the world. More than 30,000 visitors with the passion for unlimited travelling visited the Show to gain insights about the captivating destinations across the globe. H.E. Kali Prasad Pokhrel, Ambassador of Nepal to Canada and Mr. Bernard Voyer, Honorary Consul of Nepal to the city of Montreal in Quebec, Canada, also visited the stall and disseminated the information about Nepal to the visitors. The visitors at our stall mainly expressed their earnest concern for the well-being of the Nepalese citizens as Nepal was hit hard by the devastating earthquake of April 25, 2015 and the subsequent aftershocks. They expressed their sadness for the loss of life, properties and infrastructure in Nepal caused by the horrible disaster. They were curious about the situation and safety of life in Nepal following the devastating earthquake. We thanked for all the international support, including Canada for overwhelmingly offering the Nepal during such unpredictable disaster. We also furnished the visitors with information that life is back to normal in Kathmandu and other affected areas by now. All the trekking areas except a few, are safe to travel. All the facilities including accommodations, telecommunication, local transportation and internet services are intact. Even in the affected areas such as Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan, the rubbles have been cleared and the public has 10 started living a normal life. The visitors were also curious to know about the reconstruction of the damaged monuments and the UNESCO world heritages. Seeing their love for Nepal and its cultural heritages, we responded that the government has formed the national authority for reconstruction and informed the visitors that the complete reconstruction of the entire monuments would take longer. Some of the professionals and experts on travel and tourism also suggested that we should rigorously promote, publicize and advertise Nepal to spread the message that Nepal is safe to visit now. We need to conduct many awareness programmes about Nepal for promoting tourism of Nepal as a huge number of people around the world love Nepal and explore Nepal on their own. Regarding trips to Nepal, the visitors were mainly interested to know about various relevant issues ranging from trip plans, itinerary, proper time for travelling in Nepal and activities to be done in Nepal, baggage facilities, amenities available in the travel destinations, means of transport, entry and exit points to other places to visit in Nepal, apart from the trekking in Himalayas. At this juncture, we felt that the Embassy should take assistance of the available travel agencies who can acutely describe the costing for the trips, including the expenditure of accommodation and travel. Nevertheless, we shared that we

11 have beautiful tourist destinations such as Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitawan National Park, Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot for those aspirants who do not wish to trek but wish to hang out around during their vacation trip. We also mentioned that Nepal is safe for women who wish to travel alone in Nepal. The Show was really meaningful as it provided an opportunity to allay the doubts of visitors about safe travel to Nepal. Categorically, the visitors at our stall were those who had past experience of visiting Nepal earlier. Canadians at Montreal have showed their vivid love for Nepal by visiting distant country repeatedly. They are highly impressed by the mesmerizing pristine beauty of the Himalayas and the colorful surrounding in Kathmandu valley. It is good news for Nepal that most of the visitors have Nepal in their list of places to visit in their life. A few Canadians also shared bitter experience as they had suffered difficulties during their stay in Nepal. Their concern was about political unrest which forced them to suffer. Despite the bitterness, they appreciated the beauty of Nepal. In that context, we updated them about the recent political developments that has taken place in Nepal such as the promulgation of constitution, formation of new Government which will lead to a peaceful, safe and developed Nepal in near future. Such promotional programmes are beneficial as we get the chance to project Nepal as a place to be visited once in life time. Approximately 20,000 visitors visited our stall and promotional materials such as posters and brochures (1000 copies), vcds (200 copies), maps (100 copies) reflecting the beauty of Nepal were distributed. Nepalese products such as tea, coffee, pashmina shawl, handicrafts, silver jewellery, woollen bags, caps etc. were exhibited. Sabita Nakarmi, Second Secretary and Kapil Mani Ghimire, Attache, were present throughout the programme. In conclusion, the show was useful as it provided an opportunity to promote Nepal s tourism. Meanwhile, we also learnt that Nepal needs to be promoted more rigorously in order to spread the message that Nepal is safe now. The embassy has decided to install a booth in a larger scale next year in collaboration with Nepalese community and travel agencies in Montreal and other cities. Following recommenda-tions may be taken into account while conducting show next time: 1. The show process must begin on time (few months earlier than the exact date of the show), not at the eleventh hour so that good preparation can be made to present Nepal at its best, so that Nepal s name is printed in the advertisement of the Show in print and virtual media everywhere. 2. The embassy should mobilize the Honorary Consul General or Honorary Consul s office to participate in such programmes as their contribution in promoting Nepal leaves convincing impression upon the visitors. 3. We can mobilize the Local Nepalese community as 11 volunteers to distribute brochures, to explain about the itinerary of trips in Nepal and also to participate in cultural activities such as dance, song like other countries usually do. Even Nepalese community is happy to participate in such programme. 4. Nepalese Embassy can initiate measures such as requesting Nepalese travel experts and professionals available in Canada to present the culture, tradition and richness of Nepal in front of the world. 5. Some videos from Nepal Tourism Board, You Tube that beautifully introduces Nepal s tourism, art and culture can be presented to attract the attention of visitors towards Nepal. A collaborative effort with the local travel agencies would be beneficial. 6. The Embassy can also take help of the travel agents, travel agencies or airlines which can efficiently provide information about package tours to Nepal. Their briefing would clarify the doubts the aspirant visitors have about Nepal. 7. Similarly, we met some documentarians who have made video documentaries about Nepal such as Homage au Nepal. We can establish friendly and professional relationship with them so that we could use them to promote Adventure tourism in Nepal. We can also help them get connected with the team of Toronto Film Festival so that their film could -be projected in an appropriate atmosphere.

12 Youth of Nepali Origin Wins Music Award in Canada Leaving behind competitors with more years of experience than his age, 16-year-old Abhi Bastakoti, representing himself as Trunks, secured his posi tion on the top 2 of Feedback Friday - Beat Battle Volume 2, held at Calgary in Canada on December 11. Abhi, who hails from Amppipal VDC in Gorkha District, had participated in the competition for the first time, and hasn t received any formal training in music whatsoever. I ve always been interested in music, and I started producing music beats as a hobby. I ve been practicing really hard for the past one year, but I had never thought that my music could even be compared to that of experienced music producers who participate in Feedback Fri day, he said. But Abhi, with his unbeatable talent, was able to impress the organizers from the very first round of the competi tion. After he successfully ascended to the top 8, the organizers openly applauded his flair in music. His competitors had more years of expe rience than his age, but he s giving all of them a good competition. If he continues working hard, we can expect a lot from him, they said. After reaching the top 2, he was awarded with a scholarship worth Canadian dollar 2,400 to pursue musical training at Beat Drop, a music production and DJ School in Calgary, and the only Ableton Certi fied Training Center in Canada. The class 11 student at Sir Win ston Churchill High School is now confident about making a career in music. Canadian and American singers have started singing to Abhi s music beats, and local managers have shown interest in becoming his music manager. Besides producing music, Abhi also has an interest in graphic design ing, writing, editing, and social service. He is in the editorial team of Kids Cre ation -a magazine aimed at children of Nepali origin living abroad. Feedback Friday, presented by 10 at 10, Cold Soul Production House, Beat Drop and Dirty Needles, is held every second-last Fri day of the month, and sees beat makers and fans of production come together to vibe out, listen to beats, share techniques and pro vide feedback to help share in the growth of professional beat making. 12