Region : South Asia
City : Kathmandu
Country : Nepal
Chapter Leader
Dr. Shankar Sharma
(OG 79-83, RSI 83-86)
E-mail: shankarphsarma@gmail.com
Communication Liaison
Mr. Nirendra Dhoj Maske
(ISI 66-68)
Geological Consultant/ Ret. Sr. Geologist
c/o Mili Pradham
The Fulbright Commission/ USEF - Nepal
P.O. Box 380
Gyaneshwar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: 977-1-43651129
Email: ndmaske@hotmail.com
For this quarter, Nirendra Maske reported on 3 events that the chapter was involved in: 1) On December 7, 2011, the 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Educational Exchange Program in Nepal was celebrated by the Nepal Association of Humphrey Fellows with a dinner at the Summit Hotel. Important speakers included: H.E. Scottr H. DeLisi ,USEF Director and Larue Vasily, Fulbright Executive Director. The Pres. & General Secretary of the EWC Association were also in attendance. 2) On December 8, 2011 Nirendra Maske along with the other dignitaries above, was invited as a guest to the FAAN’s (Fulbright Alumni Association of Nepal) 50th Fulbright Day. Mr. Maske spoke about the East West Center’s objectives. 3) On December 24, a potluck gathering of Hawaii alumni was held. The purpose: share experiences and interact with East West Center and University of Hawaii alumni.
On September 11-12, 2011, the Chapter took part in the 10th Commemoration Ceremony at the Phora compound of the US Embassy. The EWC alumni took part in the reception welcoming the 2011-2012 Fulbright scholars and students organized by USEF at the Commission Auditorium Gyaneshwar on September 12. Towards the end of October, the Chapter is planning a potluck picnic.
The Chapter noted two special events for this quarter. 1) First, the celebration of EWC Day on May 14, 2011 at the Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka.The gathering was attended by about 26 people including EWC alumni and spouses, Fulbright and Humphrey alumni guests and USEF officials. The day highlighted Nepal’s contribution to the 50th EWC anniversary in Honolulu – Alumnus Ambassador Shankar Sharma received the “Distinguished Alumni Award”, Nepal Chapter was awarded the “Outstanding Chapter Award” and Nirendra Maske was elected to the EWCA Executive Board for 3 years and appointed Chair of the EWCA Executive Board for 2011. The 3D Google models of EWC buildings in Manoa displayed during the Conference, was also shown at the gathering by alumnus Asheshwar Shrestha and his team. 2) On the call for Chapter collaboration on fundraising for Alumni Endowment Student Scholarship, the Chapter expressed difficulty in raising funds from individual members. However, the Chapter decided to request the Nepal government to donate to the EWC, which they believe is overdue, since decades have passed, since the government last contributed to the Center.
Nepal Chapter received two notable awards during the EWC’s 50th Anniversary Conference.
1. Nepalese Ambassador to the US and former EWC alumni Shankar Prasad Sharma received the 2010 EWCA Distinguished Alumni Award. At the EWC Conference, Ambassador Sharma presented a paper on “The Political Economy of Nepal’s Constitutional Reform.”
2. The EWCA Nepal, Kathmandu Chapter was honored with the 2010 Outstanding EWCA Chapter Award. Nirenda Maske, the Chapter leader received the award. He likewise presented a paper at the Conference on “Glacial Retreat and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF’s) in the Nepal Himalayas” and was recently elected to the EWCA Executive Board for the next 3 years.
Leading up to the 50th Anniversary of the EWC, the Nepal Chapter celebrated two special events. 1) May 14, 2010, Bal Bhojan, a brainchild of Dr. Suddh Rauniyar, is an organization program for very poor underprivileged and street children. Thirty-five children and teachers from the Program and twelve EWC alumni visited the Jawalakhel Zoo. The observation trip included free lunch and a coloring/essay contest on the children’s favorite living creature at the zoo. 2) June 3, 2010, Prize Giving Day: The EWC alumni and Dr. Rauniyar judged the ten best drawings/essays and the best 3 drawings and 2 essays were given prizes. The event ended with the EWC alumni sharing with the kids and teachers information about the EWC and the role the Center plays in the community, their countries and the world.
