Kathmandu, 24 November
Engineer Ram Bindu Shrestha’s book Thousand Victories was officially released at a program jointly organized by the Nepal–Russia Literary Society and the Russian House in Kathmandu. The chief guest of the event was former minister and former ambassador Nilambar Acharya. Other distinguished guests included former ambassador and writer Prof. Dr. Jangab Chauhan, former ambassador Milan Raj Tuladhar, Chancellor of the Nepal Bhasa Academy Malla K. Sundar, Director of the Russian House Anastasia Valentinovna Khokhlova, Embassy Attaché of the Russian Federation in Nepal Nikita Vadimovich Mansurov, Prof. Dr. Khem Koirala Bandhu, and writer Ram Bindu Shrestha.
The book describes the sacrifices made by 27 million Soviet heroes for the liberation of the Soviet Union and Europe during World War II, the unprecedented patriotism they demonstrated, the changes this victory brought to world geopolitics and maps, and the wave of anti-colonial freedom it inspired in countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The author also discusses the neo-Nazi practices prevalent in today’s world and the intentions of certain countries to minimize the decisive role of the Soviet Union’s victory over fascism in World War II. In addition, the book analyses neo-Nazi tendencies to distort historical facts and rewrite history.
Speaking at the event, Anastasia Khokhlova, Director of the Russian House in Kathmandu, expressed gratitude to the authors and guests for their contributions to promoting friendship between Russia and Nepal. She especially thanked Nepal for supporting the UN resolution on combating the glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism, and all forms of racial discrimination. Emphasizing the importance of historical memory, she noted that when humanity forgets the lessons of history, wars and tragedies can repeat themselves; therefore, it is necessary to speak about the victory and the price paid for peace and to pass this memory on to younger generations.
Commenting on the book, chief guest Nilambar Acharya said: “Today, there are attempts from some quarters to destroy history. But we must remember history; we must not allow it to be destroyed, because if history is destroyed, our freedom will be taken away and our conscience will be killed. History warns us and shows us the way. This applies to the context of World War II and to our country as well.
“The book not only shows that the Soviet and Russian people made the greatest contribution and sacrifice in the anti-fascist war, but also explains the importance Russia and the Russian people had, and still have. Why are there fierce campaigns of attack, protest, and condemnation against Russia today? Why are there still attempts to weaken it? This book helps us understand these questions as well.
“History should not be destroyed, and statues of heroic martyrs should not be demolished. The book explains why and even includes the example of the sacrifice of an eleven-year-old girl.
“In world history and world development, Russia has had importance, a role, and a contribution, and that importance still exists. If we are to move world relations forward in a truly democratic way, and if we believe that no single power should exercise hegemony, then this book highlights the importance of Russia in preserving a multipolar world.
“Today, we are celebrating the 80th anniversary of victory, while the Second World War broke out just 21 years after the First World War. What made it possible to prevent another great war for nearly eighty years? Because the Soviet Union achieved strategic parity with the United States. That is why peace lasted so long. Russia has been, and still is, important in ensuring that humanity has lived without a Third World War for so many years. If the world is to be genuinely multilateral, this is essential.
“This book reflects the feelings of the Nepali people toward the Soviet people and the Russian people. Its significance is far-reaching. Although the book is a collection of small pieces, taken together it is multifaceted. The sentence structures are simple, the language is clear, and the book is highly readable. I once again offer congratulations and thanks for dedicating this book to the people in this way…”
Krishna Malla K. Sundar described how, following the German invasion on June 22, 1941, an article appeared in the national daily Pravda on June 23 stating, “Do not be afraid to die; defeat will be the enemy’s, victory is inevitable for us.” He noted that after this quotation appeared in the editorial declaring, “This is the war of all of us; this is a patriotic war,” World War II came to be known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War.
He said the book contains numerous stories of heroes and heroic deeds, descriptions of monuments, and accounts of major battles such as Moscow and Stalingrad. He further explained that during this war, the Soviets transformed the struggle of Eastern European countries into a movement for national liberation, shattering Hitler’s ambition to colonize the world.
Former Ambassador Milan Raj Tuladhar recalled that during his time in Russia, he saw the words “No one is forgotten. Nothing is forgotten” inscribed on monuments from Siberia to the Caspian Sea, commemorating Soviet heroes who lost their lives in the war.
Former Ambassador Jangab Chauhan mentioned that when Russia was facing war and blockade, he sought to touch the Russian heart by strengthening public diplomacy and literary engagement.
During the review, Prof. Khem Koirala Bandhu explained how the book elevates death as a matter of pride when it is for the upliftment and freedom of humanity.
The program was chaired by Dr. Amod Mani Dixit, President of the National Earthquake Technology Society. The welcome speech was delivered by Shakuntala Joshi, a member of the Nepal–Russia Literary Society, and the program was conducted by Bhabana Neupane, Head of the Russian Cultural Center Library.
