Kathmandu, 21 October
Russian House and Shailee Theatre have jointly felicitated Prof. Dr. Jangab Chauhan nominated as Nepal’s next Ambassador to Russian. In a felicitation ceremony organised by Shailee Theatre at Russian House, Kamalpokhari, event Chair and Shailee Director Nabaraj Budhathoki, Chief Guest, senior writer and literary journalist Mohan Duwal, Deputy Director of Russian House Mrs. Anush and other guests felicitated Prof. Chauhan with a citation, ceremonial shawl and garland, congratulating him on his nomination as Nepal’s next envoy to Russia. Speaking on behalf of the Russian House, Deputy Director Anush wished Prof. Chauhan a great tenure and hoped his term would take Nepal-Russia ties to new heights. Critic and translator Mahesh Paudyal threw light on Prof. Chauhan’s academic, literary and journalistic achievements and said, the nomination of a man of letters as a nation’s envoy is an indication that the two nations would have better people-to-people relationship through the exchange of art, literature and culture, besides the routine diplomatic and trade relationship. Session Chair and Shailee Director Nabaraj Budhathoki recalled Prof. Jangab’s contribution to Nepali literature and theatre through the translation of Russian stories, poems and plays. He also declared that Shailee would soon establish a school of arts and drama in Kavre, and requested Prof. Chauhan to bestow his guardianship to the new project. Speaking as the Chief Guest, writer and literary journalist Mohan Duwal said, he had been in Prof. Chauhan’s comradeship for decades, and no other person would be a better ambassador to Russian than him, given his expertise in Russian language, literature, history and culture. He wished Prof. Chauhan a successful tenure.
Addressing the gathering, ambassador-nominated Prof. Chauhan said art and literature are indeed the strongest bridges between people, and he would prioritise such ties during his term. Unlike strategic, diplomatic and trade relations that are conditioned by time and national interests, literary and cultural ties are timeless, and they extend to the level to common people, making relationships eternal and unbreakable. He thanked the organisers to ensuring that it was a literary gathering that first felicitated him on his appointment, even before the appointment process was complete. He said he was humbled by the presence of seasoned writers, theatre practitioners and journalists — the category of people he always felt at home with and drew inspirations from.
The event was also marked by the recital and dramatic performance of poems by Russian poets Alexander Pushkin’s and Fyodor Tyutchev, translated into Nepali by Prof. Chauhan. Poets Khadga Sen Oli, Bhawani Khatiwada, Mahesh Karki Kshitiz and Sushila Khadka Hasina, and theatre artists Kedar Shrestha, Karma Shakya and Menuka Pradhan recited the poems while actor Ashish KC performed two of Pushkin’s poems, under the direction of Kishor Anurag.
The event was supported by Dryice Solutions, Save the Heart and Ojas Theatre as web partner, health partner and theatre partner respectively. Senior theatre activist and director Sunil Pokharel, Badri Adhikari, Kedar Shretha, Kishor Anurag, senior journalist Raghu Mainali, photo journalist and newly elected president of Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ) Chandra Shekhar Karki, writers Pushkar Lohani, Ghanashyam Rajkarnikar, LB Chhetri, Gopal Parajuli, Prateek Dhakal, Yubaraj Nayaghare, Kashi Raj Pandey, Ghanendra Ojha and a significant number of other writers, theatre activists, educators and journalists attended the felicitation ceremony. Literary journalist Shilash Thapa Tamang moderated the bilingual event as its host.
