Nepal

Nepal (Kathmandu visit), February 2019

[Nepal Trivia: The name "Nepal" is first recorded in texts from the Vedic period, since beginning of Hinduism. Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born in Lumbini in southern Nepal (around 500 BC). Had many internal struggles; Constitution of Nepal, adopted in the year 2015, affirms Nepal as a secular federal parliamentary republic, divided into seven provinces. Present Population around 3 Crore. Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. Believed to be built by Licchavi King, Jayadeva-11, 2500 years back (on the bank of Bagmati river). The main temple was built in the Nepalese pagoda style of architecture.]

My Nepal visit was for (and facilitated by) SANH – GCRF research project, where I am one of the 30 odd professors from 8 countries, working as PI.

Already I had got duty leave sanctioned. Made all last-munte preparation, on 23^rd Jan. (Saturday). I have to go with Prof. Damodar Jena to airport. Prof. Suraj Tripathy and Prof. Mrutyunjay Suar (both of KSBT, KIIT) are supposed to reach airport independently, directly. Prof. Tapan Adhya (our chief coordinator) had already reached Delhi.

Evening AI flight was late by 40 min; so we boarded at 10 pm and reached Delhi airport at 12 midnight. Prof. M. Suar had booked a nearby hotel (individual rooms) near airport. We all checked in and took rest. Dr. Jena and me had a brief morning walk next morning, near hotel; purchased a muffler for me.

Next day, on 24^th (Sun), we had our (complimentary) breakfast at hotel; checked out and then reached Delhi airport T3. There was a huge queue; but we had time with us, for immigration and security check formalities. Then Dr. Tapan Adhya (Prof, KIIT Biotech) joined us. We boarded AI flight for TIA Kathmandu. My first visit to Nepal. Reached Kathmandu after (journey of) 1hr 20 min. Small airport. Went through immigration again, there. Hotel (Yellow Pagoda) had made arrangements for pick up from airport. Checked into respective rooms in hotel at around 2:30 pm. It was bit cold there, around 10 degree C. Damodar Jena and me ordered some snacks, then had early dinner in hotel. I was feeling tired, as I had not good sleep last night.

Next day (on 25^th Monday), after breakfast, we first assembled together in the auditorium of the hotel, for formal inauguration of SANH – Inception meeting. It is a UKRI funded GCRF project, with over 100 delegates from 8 South Asian countries and UK.

Main contributors to this 200 crore mega research project are: Mark Shutton, Roger Jeffery, Vera, Cleeve from UK, Shubash from Nepal; Tapan Adhya and Raghuram from India and A Baser from SACEP, Afghanistan.

Inauguration was graced by senior Nepal Minister, Kathmandu University VC, Prof. Subhas and Trbhuban University representative, Govt. Representatives from 8 South Asian countries. They made their formal presentations. Prof. Mark Shutton coordinated the inauguration function.

After Inauguration, we had parallel meetings, specific group wise called, RP & WP. I was with Prof. Roger Jeffery (Scotland) & Vera. It was a nice learning experience for me, for being a part of huge international research project.

Evening we had one grand reception dinner at ‘Nepal Authentic International Restaurant’, with traditional dances and welcome drink.

I came early to the hotel rooms and took rest.

Next day on 26^th, Prof. Damodar Jena had his Nepali guest (Dr. Jyoti Regmi Adhikary, of Kathmandu University) in the morning, who suggested us to explore local heritage places, visiting on walk to Basantpur durbar square. Evening we visited famous Pasupatinath temple. Daytime, we all were busy for workshop.

27^th (Wed) was thelast day of SANH workshop. Afternoon, we were relatively free. Dr. Jena and me decided to take a cab and visit historic Bhaktapur Palace (ruins). It is 25 km away from Kathmandu. It was raining initially, but stopped later. Cool bridge. Below 10 degree temperature. Place was really very interesting to visit. We returned to the hotel before evening. Total expenses incurred for this local visit (of Bhaktapur) was 2,000 NPR. We were tired. Had very simple dinner (roti, dal fry). Planned to leave hotel tomorrow before 11 am. M. Suar had already left. Tapan Adhya had to stay back, for executive board meeting.

Next day (on 28^thThu), we had a good (complimentary) breakfast in hotel. Packed our belongings. Checked out of the hotel after settling our bills, by 11 am. We three of us, reached airport, by 11:31. There was huge queue for immigration. But, we had time, as the flight was at 2:30 pm. It was still cold, temperature at 11 degree. Reached Delhi safely. There was extra security because of Indo–Pak border tension. One Indian Pilot (Abhinandan) is captured by Pak air force. After immigration formalities, we checked out of T3 and walked down to T2 of Delhi airport. Flight was at 7 pm. Finally, we left Delhi at 7:30 and reached BBSR at 9:30 pm; and my residence at 10:30 pm.

The return journey was bit tiring, but it was surely a very satisfying and memorable visit to Nepal.

Omm Jai Shree Pashupatinaath Ji.