newsletter of australia friendship - anfs canberra of australia-nepal friendship society inc....
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Issue 13/01 17 May 2013
Friendship
Newsletter of Austral ia -Nepal Friendship Socie ty Inc. Canberra
From the editors’ desk
Namaste friends! The Editorial team is pleased to present
the May 2013 issue of the Newsletter of the Australia-Nepal
Friendship Society Inc. (ANFS) Canberra. Highlights of
this issue include a brief recollection of how the Society
began, major ANFS events during 2012-13 and interviews
with the Nepalese and Australian Ambassadors. We would
like to thank the contributors for their invaluable inputs.
The views expressed in these contributions are those of the
authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views of
the Society and the Editorial Team. We welcome sugges-
tions and comments about this issue of the Newsletter and
they can be sent at [email protected].
(Children singing national anthems of Australia & Nepal, ANFS Dashain festival celebration, 20 Oct 2012)
In this issue
How ANFS began Page 2
Remembering ANFS pioneers no longer with us Page 3
Major events during 2012-13 Page 4
Interview with Nepalese Ambassador Page 6
Interview with Australian Ambassador Page 8
About Nepali language school Page 10
ANFS road ahead Page 11
2
The Canberra based Australia-Nepal Friendship Society was
founded in April 1982 by an intrepid group of Canberra resi-
dents with work or travel connections with Nepal and the small
(and possibly very homesick) group of Nepalese students based
in Canberra at that time.
An informal meeting was first held on 7 March 1982 at the
residence of Lindsay and Betty Brand in Grey Street, Deakin.
The Minutes from that meeting record 20 participants (see
names below) and a decision was taken to form a Canberra-
based “Society of persons interested in establishing and ce-
menting relations between the people of Australia and Nepal”.
An Ad Hoc Committee was formed at that meeting to draft a
Constitution for the proposed Society and to arrange a public
meeting to formally launch the Society. This public meeting
was held at a Black Mountain Peninsula BBQ on 4 April 1982,
attended by “approximately 60 interested people,” as noted in
the Minutes.
The name chosen for the Society (ANFS) has remained with us
till today. The Constitution drafted by the Ad hoc Committee
was adopted. The inaugural Executive Committee was elected
unopposed, which consisted of:
President: Mr. Micky Weatherall
Secretary: Mr. Sree Ram Lamichhane
Treasurer: Mrs. Kaye Weatherall
Members: Mr. John Draper
Miss Dorothy Brown
Mrs. Betty Brand
Mr. Jim Curtis
(The Weatheralls were residing in Cootamudra, NSW at that
time).
Annual membership fees were set at $7 for a family, $5 for
individuals (with an additional concessional rate of $3); and the
initial paid membership was 35.
The first official Function after the formal launch of ANFS was
held on Sunday 1 August 1982 at Cooinda Hut in the then Can-
berra College of Advanced Education (now University of Can-
berra). The Guest Speaker was Mr. Warwick Deacock, Honor-
ary Consul General of Nepal in Australia. There was a screen-
ing of the film “Kingdom of Discovery”.
The first Newsletter (edited by John Draper and Dorothy
Brown) is dated 4 July 1982. This Newsletter displayed the
newly created logo of the Society, with the “khukuri” and kan-
garoo combination representing Australia-Nepal connections in
a memorable way.
Another early event organized by ANFS was a meeting of
members with Sir Edmund Hillary who was visiting Canberra
around September 1982.
The first fund raising event of the Society was a Dinner on 31
October 1982, with the surplus funds pledged for relief of flood
victims in Sindhupalchowk district that reportedly claimed 114
lives that summer in Nepal. Funds were forwarded through the
Red Cross.
Notwithstanding this exemplary early effort to help Nepalis in
need in Nepal, the Minutes of the Executive Committee meet-
ing of 23 /09/1982 records a prescient statement that “...the
ANFS should primarily be concerned with the Nepalese com-
munity in Canberra at the moment”.
(I urge our current membership to contemplate if that
"moment" noted above has passed for good by now; or whether
that stated desire of the inaugural Committee to make ANFS
Canberra-focused is even more relevant today. As the Nepali
community in Canberra has grown rapidly, do we need to focus
more on helping each other here first, and also reaching out in
support of other Canberrans in need).
Persons attending the 1st informal gathering on 7 March 1982,
where the decision to establish ANFS was taken:
Betty and Lindsay Brand (the hosts), Kaye and Micky Weath-
erall, Anju and Shree Ram Lamichhane (and daughter Kenny),
TBS Mahat, Chiranjibi Upadhaya, Narendra Rasaily, Ilen
Price, S. Neupane, Yvone Webster, S.N. Maharjan, B.P. Arjel,
R.K Bista, John Draper, S. Draper, N. Draper, Lindsay Kenne-
dy, Lois Coleman and D. Robbins. (20 persons, including 3-
year-old Kenny Lamichhane)
Australia-Nepal Friendship Society, Canberra: It origins and a
tribute to the pioneers - Prem Jung Thapa
“The first Newsletter (edited by John Draper and Dorothy Brown) is dated 4 July
1982. This Newsletter displayed the newly created logo of the Society, with the
“khukuri” and kangaroo combination representing Australia-Nepal connections in
a memorable way.”
3
In memory of the ANFS Pioneers no longer with us - Prem Jung Thapa
John Draper (1955 - 1994)
John was born in and spent much of his childhood in Papua
New Guinea where he accompanied his parents on their many
travels to the frontier regions of PNG.
He completed his schooling in Melbourne and then graduated
from the University of Melbourne with degree in Political Sci-
ence (Honours). He moved to Canberra in 1981 where he
taught at the Bruce TAFE and then at the Canberra College of
Advanced Education. In Canberra began his encounter with
Anthropology which eventually led to his doctoral thesis field-
work in the mid-1980’s on the Sherpa community's traditions
of medical healing. His fieldwork was conducted in Thame
Village.
His dissertation was finished just before his untimely death
(from melanoma) and his doctoral degree was awarded posthu-
mously by the University of Sydney. He was married to Laurie
Zivetz who was working in Katmandu in the 1980’s.
Micky Weatherall (1909 - 1994)
Micky "Dai” was born in
India and his family had
for several generations
been living and working
in British India. His fa-
ther had retired to Dar-
jeeling and that is where
Micky Dai grew up and
learned to speak Nepali
and grow fond of Nepalis
and Nepal. After study-
ing in the UK he retuned
to work as an engineer
and eventually set up his
own engineering firm in
Patna. This is what took
him to Nepal to build
bridges and new high-
ways through several Indian and British aided projects, includ-
ing the Jhapa to Ilam Highway. He also worked to establish
new and rejuvenate old tea estates in Ilam. In Nepal he also met
Kaye. Though born in Sydney, Kaye worked with the British
Foreign Office for most of her career, and she was posted in the
British Embassy in Katmandu at that (right!) time.
Kaye and Micky retired to Australia in 1981, and they set up
the mustard oil milling business, “Yandilla” in 1985 near Wal-
lendbeen, NSW. Yandilla pioneered the growing of mustard in
this region and has developed an international niche market for
its high quality mustard seed oil. It is still being run by Kaye
and family.
Lindsay Brand, OBE (1916 -2010)
Lindsay was born and grew up in Melbourne. He attended
Scotch College on a scholarship and went on to complete a
First Class M.A. in
Mathematics and Eco-
nomics (in 1938 - long
before a mathematical
approach to Economics
became the fashion). He
had a stellar career in the
Australian public service,
working mainly in the
Australian Treasury. He
was appointed Secretary
of the Australian Loan
Council in 1954 and was
responsible for arranging
loans for Australia from
abroad. He traveled reg-
ularly to Zurich, Frank-
furt, London and New
York for these negotiations. He also served as Australian repre-
sentative on the Executive Board of the International Monetary
Fund in Washington D.C. between 1970 and 1975; and retired
in 1976.
During WWII, he was in the Royal Australian Navy and one of
the ships he served on was HMAS Nepal (a destroyer first
commissioned in the British Navy but handed to the RAN sub-
sequently). HMAS Nepal served in support of the Burma Cam-
paign and was also at Tokyo Bay soon after the Japanese sur-
render. Perhaps his time in HMAS Nepal developed his keen
interest in the country and people of Nepal.
Lindsay and Betty were married after the War in 1947, and
they were avid travelers all over the world but with a special
liking for their Nepal treks.
List of ANFS Presidents
1982-83 to 1994-95: Mr. Micky Weatherall
1995-96 to 1997-98: Mr. Mohan Pradhan
1998-99 to 2004-05: Dr. Krishna Hamal
2005-06: Dr. Pramod Adhikari
2006-07: Dr. Prem J. Thapa
2007-08: Dr. Hom M. Pant
2008-09: Dr. Amorattam Shrestha
2009-10 to 2010-11: Dr. Krishna Hamal
2011-12: Mr. Naresh Thapa
2012-13: Mr. Ramesh Paudel
(At Yandilla, 1990)
(At ANFS Silver Jubilee
Celebrations, Canberra, 2008)
4
Major events during 2012-13 - Nabin Dahal
New ambassador welcomed, 2 June 2012
The newly arrived Ambassador of Nepal to Australia, H.E.
Rudra Kumar Nepal and his wife Mrs. Karuna Nepal were wel-
comed by and introduced to the members of ANFS over a BBQ
and lunch organised at Acton Park. The Ambassador thanked
all the members for the warm welcome.
Special general meeting, 9 September 2012
A Special General Meeting (SGM) was organised to discuss
two disputed issues of the draft constitution amendments which
were presented in the AGM on 19 May 2012. A closed ballot
was arranged to vote on the disputed issues of:
1. Tenure of executives and
2. Article 12.9 of the constitution (A person shall not be eligi-
ble to serve as President of the Society for more than two con-
secutive terms).
Both the proposals failed to pass in the SGM and the current
constitutional provisions remains unchanged.
Teej celebration, 15 September 2012
Female members of the Society celebrated Teej over dinner
with dance and singing of the Teej songs at Hughes Communi-
ty Centre Hall.
(Teej celebration 2012)
Dashain festival, 20 October 2012
The biggest festival in the calendar was celebrated with a for-
mal dinner and Nepalese cultural program performed by volun-
teers of the Society.
The program was attended by most of ANFS members, non-
members and diplomats from the Nepalese Embassy.
(Dashain 2012)
Deusi Bhailo program, 10 November 2012
Deusi Bhailo program was celebrated by playing Deusi and
Bhailo over Tihar. Dr. Krishan Hamal, Mr. Choodamani Sap-
kota, Dr. Hom M. Pant and H.E. Rudra Kumar Nepal hosted
the Deusi Bhailo program at their residence. The fund collected
from the program was decided to be used as seed money to
build ANFS office in Canberra.
(Deusi Bhailo program 2012)
New Year and Christmas, 15 December 2012
A BBQ was organised to celebrate Christmas and New Year
2013. The event was also used to welcome new members to
the Society and farewell members returning to Nepal after
completing their studies.
5
Major events during 2012 - 13 (Continued)
Multi-cultural festival, 10 February 2013
ANFS, on an invitation from the ACT Government, participat-
ed in a three-day long multicultural festival program from Fri-
day 8 to Sunday 10 February 2013. The Nepalese show had
three Nepalese cultural performances by Nepali children and
performers. The cultural show was run by two school children
– Sapal and Sarick Chapagain. A Nepalsese food stall was run
by Mr. Surya Maharjan.
(Multi-cultural festival 2013)
Interaction program with new Ambassador of
Australia to Nepal, 5 April 2013
An interaction program was organised with the newly appoint-
ed Ambassador of Australia to Nepal, Mr. Glenn White. Vari-
ous national and international issues were discussed during the
program. The Ambassador of Nepal to Australia, H.E. Rudra
Kumar Nepal introduced Ambassador-Designate White to the
members present at the event.
(Australia’s Ambassador-Designate to Nepal, Mr. Glenn White
(centre) and H. E. Rudra Kumar Nepal, with ANFS members)
(From left Mr Glenn White, Australia’s Ambassador Designate
to Nepal & Mr. Rudra Nepal, Nepal’s Ambassador to Austral-
ia)
Nepalese New Year, 13 April 2013
BBQ and a potluck lunch were organized at Black Mountain
Peninsula to celebrate Nepalese New Year 2070. Several new
members were welcomed to the Society at the event.
Seminar programs, various dates
ANFS organised various seminar at ANU covering a wide
range of topics. The program was widely appreciated by the
community.
“The multi-cultural festival was a big
hit. Everyone loved the dances and
good food.”
6
Interview with his excellency Mr. Rudra Kumar Nepal, Nepal’s
Ambassador to Australia (April 2013)
Newsletter: Your Excellency, the Nepalese community in
Australia and Australian friends of Nepal are delighted to have
you as the Nepalese Ambassador to Australia. Could you
briefly tell us about your career and personal life prior to this
posting to Australia?
Mr. Rudra Nepal: I am also equally delighted to be here, and
would like to thank the Nepalese community and friends for the
warm reception extended to me since my arrival here last May.
As for my career, I have been with the Ministry of Foreign Af-
fairs of the Government of Nepal since 1983. I have already
served in different capacities at our missions in India, Japan,
USA and Israel before coming to Australia as Ambassador.
I also have had the pleasant opportunity of doing my Graduate
Diploma in Foreign Affairs and Trade from the ANU about two
decades ago, in 1993. In those days there were not many Nep-
alese students here in Canberra, and the local Nepalese com-
munity was also much smaller than what it is today. Things
have changed now.
Meanwhile, I am pleased to be here once again, and meet old
friends and refresh old memories, in a different capacity.
Newsletter: What are the main priorities of the Embassy of
Nepal to Australia?
Mr. Rudra Nepal: The Embassy is a diplomatic institution
which officially represents Nepal in Australia and endeavours
to promote Nepal’s interests in this country. Promoting tour-
ism, trade, foreign investment and technology transfer (all of
which could also be clubbed together as economic diplomacy);
generating goodwill, friendship and cooperation; protecting
the interests of Nepalese nationals; and public diplomacy are
among our priorities.
As the Nepalese community grows, consular services such as
passport renewals, document attestations, visa issuance are
also becoming more and more important. The Non-Resident
Nepalis (NRNs) have also emerged as a new element of in-
creasing significance to be dealt with by all our embassies
abroad. So these are all among our priorities.
Newsletter: By virtue of our location in the same city, there is
an opportunity for a close association between the Embassy
and the Australia-Nepal Friendship Society. What is your vi-
sion for how our mutual cooperation and interaction could be
enhanced?
Mr. Rudra Nepal: Being located in the same city is an ad-
vantage in itself. Even more so when the city is relatively
small, and the community not so big.
ANFS is one of the oldest such societies in this country. This is
a historic fact, and I appreciate the creative imagination and
vision with which this Society was established way back in
1982. I am glad that in spite of the limited resources at its dis-
posal, the Society has been extending its helping hand and sup-
porting various social development activities in Nepal in its
own modest ways.
Locally also, the Society is taking the lead in various communi-
ty programs such as sports activities, cultural performances,
observance of Nepalese festivals and special events of national
importance, participating in multicultural events, running of a
Nepali school for the children, organising interactive programs
occasionally with visiting officials and dignitaries, etc. We
appreciate all that, and extend our moral support to all such
creative and constructive social and cultural engagements.
As a diplomatic mission we are relatively new in Australia. We
opened our Embassy in Canberra only in 2007. The local Ne-
pali community has been very receptive, cooperative and help-
ful since the very beginning of our arrival here. And we have
close links with the ANFS also. We are glad about that. I have
a feeling that together we can work to enhance our national
identity, dignity and the level of our commitment to community
welfare in a more pragmatic manner in the days to come.
Newsletter: People-to-people relations between Nepal and
Australia are an important dimension of Australia-Nepal rela-
tions. What opportunities are there to expand and strengthen
this link? What is the Embassy of Nepal doing or planning?
Mr. Rudra Nepal: I said in the beginning that public diplomacy
is one of our priorities. The people-to-people relation you are
talking about is also a part of that. With the number of Nepa-
lese increasing in this country, the levels and frequencies of
our interactions also increase. In addition to Australian tour-
ists and mountaineers visiting Nepal, we also have Australian
youth volunteers who go to Nepal and work at various levels in
our societies. When they come back they return with a wealth
of practical knowledge and experience about our country, our
rich cultural diversity and about the warmth of friendship and
cordiality of the people of Nepal. All these would have a kind
of multiplier effect in terms of generating friendship, goodwill
and understanding towards our two countries and peoples.
Local Nepali media – both print and electronic – have also
been very helpful in promoting this in an important way. We
encourage community organisations to take advantage of this
ever-widening pool of goodwill and understanding and to en-
gage in more productive social and business interactions with
these well-wishers and friends of Nepal. From the Embassy we
also try our best to attend such community programs whenever
possible. (Continued to next page)
7
Interview with his excellency Mr. Rudra Kumar Nepal, Nepal’s
Ambassador to Australia (continued)
Newsletter: What would you personally like to see accom-
plished with regard to Australia-Nepal relations and activities
of the Nepalese Embassy during your term as the Ambassador
to Australia?
Mr. Rudra Nepal: Nepal is a developing, or rather a least de-
veloped country. Our development challenges are numerous.
Even basic services like primary health care and education are
rare in most parts of the country. We are still struggling to
meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In spite of
the many challenges, we have made good progress in some of
those goals. Australia is one of the most developed countries
in the world, and one of our important development partners.
We would like them to continue supporting our own efforts in
attaining those goals. Their offer of scholarships has been
very useful in the development of our human resources. In the
past Australian assistance in the area of community forestry
had been very successful. Our people remember that as a suc-
cess story in our development endeavour. I am trying to attract
the attention of the Australian side to some kind of similar de-
velopment projects in Nepal in the days to come. A technical
or vocational training institute to train our foreign-oriented
workers could also be of immense value to us.
Newsletter: It has been a year since you assumed your current
role as the Ambassador to Australia. How would you appraise
the first year of your current term?
Mr Rudra Nepal: Frankly speaking, it has been a kind of
learning experience for me. Australia is a huge country, a
commonwealth of six States and two Territories. Look at the
diversity of Australia in terms of nature, culture and resources.
Their federal system is already a century old, but it is still
evolving. Parameters of power sharing and resource alloca-
tion between the centre and the States are still being debated
here.
In Nepal we have been working to craft our own model of fed-
eralism suitable for our own social, economic, political and
topographical context. From that perspective also it is exciting
to be here and observe developments taking place in this coun-
try from close quarters including the day-to-day politics as
Australia also prepares for a general election later this year.
Newsletter: Do you have any special message to the Nepalese
community in Australia?
Mr Rudra Nepal: As we have just stepped into the Nepali New
Year 2070 BS, I would first like to extend my best wishes to all
the Nepalese community members in Australia for a very happy
and fulfilling year ahead.
The Nepalese community in Australia is known for its affabil-
ity, integrity and industriousness. It has now become an im-
portant component of a larger Australian multicultural social
mosaic.
The NRNs advocate a feeling widely held among the diaspora
community: ‘Once a Nepali, always a Nepali’. The Nepalese
community in Australia also carries this sentiment strongly. In
fact, it is my personal feeling that every Nepali heart beats with
the ideals espoused by the Buddha, one of the most brilliant
sons of Nepal, and rises to the height of the Sagarmatha (Mt.
Everest) in self-esteem and dignity. With this in the back-
ground, I would like to urge and encourage all the Nepalese
community members to continue to uphold the high ideals of
humanity and human values and contribute to the advancement
of the interests of our two countries and peoples as best as pos-
sible.
Newsletter: What would you personally like to get out of your
posting to Australia?
Mr Rudra Nepal: I have no personal ambitions as such. I was
born and brought up in a village called Pokharathok in Palpa
district. I went to a local school during my early childhood
years. I come from a rural family background, and I owe a
great deal to my parents and grandparents for the great sacri-
fice they made for our upbringing and education in a joint fam-
ily. But for them and their dedication and sacrifice, I wouldn’t
have become what I am today.
In my later life, having chosen diplomacy and Foreign Service
as my professional career, I am happy with what I have at-
tained so far. No personal grudges, and no unrealistic dreams
either! Having said that, however, I must add that I would like
to do more and contribute as much as I can for the benefit of
my country and community.
“No personal grudges, and no unrealistic dreams either! Having said that, however,
I must add that I would like to do more and contribute as much as I can for the ben-
efit of my country and community.”
8
Interview with Mr. Glenn White, Australia’s Ambassador-Designate
to Nepal (April 2013)
Newsletter: The Nepalese community in Australia and Aus-
tralian friends of Nepal are delighted to learn that you have
been appointed as the Australian Ambassador to Nepal. You
have previously served as Australian ambassador to Jordan,
and have been deputy head of mission in Baghdad and in Ri-
yadh. How will you bring to Nepal from these experiences in
the Middle East?
Mr. Glenn White: The Middle East is of course a much differ-
ent region from Nepal and its neighbourhood. Nonetheless, I
will continue to practice the diplomatic art of listening to what
government representatives and the people have to say about
their challenges and successes, and to communicate Austral-
ia’s support and views as required. My experience tells me
that the only real experts about a country and its people are the
communities which make up the nation as a whole. I also look
forward to identifying areas in which our two countries can
find mutual interest, be it business, policy or cultural.
Newsletter: Nepal has recently experienced a prolonged period
of unrest, and is currently struggling to establish its constitution
and democracy. You have previously worked with the Peace
Monitoring Group in Bougainville, and most recently as direc-
tor of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT’s)
Counter-Terrorism Cooperation Section. Could you comment
on this work and its application to the Nepalese situation?
Mr. Glenn White: I would consider Nepal to be further along
the path of peace and stability than was Bougainville when I
had the opportunity to serve there. While disappointing, the
political situation in Nepal is still finding its way, a more opti-
mistic approach is that the country and its political representa-
tives have covered a lot of ground in the last several years and
that dialogue continues to be pursued despite frictions between
players. It’s important the people of Nepal educate themselves
about their human and democratic rights, and engage those
rights through the ballot box and at all other times when the
opportunity presents to ensure their representatives remain
accountable. Australia and other friends of Nepal will contin-
ue to do what they can to support democratic evolution.
Terrorism is a global challenge that needs all countries to
work in concert to ensure their own citizens and law-abiding
visitors are not put at risk by the violence of a relatively ruth-
less few who follow an ultimately criminal and de-humanising
agenda.
Newsletter: What will be the main priorities of the Embassy of
Australia to Nepal when you begin your term?
Mr. Glenn White: I believe that the Embassy will follow a
business as usual approach following my arrival. Ambassador
Grace has been a good friend to Nepal and a strong advocate
for Australian perspectives within the country – I could not
aspire to a better strategic approach than hers. An enduring
priority will be ensuring our development assistance program
does the most good for the most people, and advocating pro-
gress on the country’s constitutional and democratic frame-
work.
Newsletter: As a well-established democracy, what role is Aus-
tralia playing to help institutionalise democracy in Nepal?
Mr. Glenn White: Australia is supporting the operation of the
Electoral Education and Information Centre, and our Australi-
an Electoral Commission has developed useful capacity devel-
opment links with the Centre’s staff in terms of education,
training and library services advice. Nepal also participated
in the February 2013 South Asian Civic Electoral and Voter
Education Forum which Australia sponsored with Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India and Thai representatives. Once Nepal has se-
lected a date for elections, Australia may be able to assist with
matters relating to the management of the event. Australia has
an interest in Nepal’s constitutional and democratic develop-
ment and will continue to observe the direction it takes.
Newsletter: People-to-people relations between Nepal and
Australia are an important dimension of Australia-Nepal rela-
tions. What opportunities are there to expand and strengthen
this link?
Mr. Glenn White: A lot of work has been done already by or-
ganisations like the ANFS and alumni groups in Australia and
Nepal – personal relationships and networks are enduring
mechanisms in bringing countries closer in cultural, political
and business fields. The number of Australians visiting Nepal
continues to rise with over 16,000 arrivals in 2012, and I look
forward to learning more about Nepal’s economic and social
environment to identify further ways to achieve mutual ad-
vantage.
Newsletter: What would you personally like to see accom-
plished with regard to Australia-Nepal relations during your
term as the Ambassador to Nepal?
Mr. Glenn White: Bit early to say apart from the stock answer
that Australia would like to be perceived by Nepal as a solid
development and strategic partner across a range of issues and
fora. I will take a particular interest in political developments,
and expect that a maturing democratic process will lead to an
economically stable and prosperous future for Nepal’s commu-
nities. (Continued to next page)
9
Interview with Mr. Glenn White,
Australia’s Ambassador-
Designate to Nepal (continued)
Newsletter: Do you have any special message to the Nepa-
lese community in Australia?
Mr. Glenn White: Look forward to meeting some of you in
Kathmandu when you travel – Australians of Nepalese de-
scent are in the unique position of knowing both our coun-
tries and their strengths. Your perceptions of the bilateral
relationship will be valued.
Newsletter: What would you personally like to get out of
your time in Nepal?
Mr. Glenn White: To learn more about a fascinating coun-
try and have the opportunity to not just visit as a tourist, but
experience the breadth of Nepal over my three year posting.
My wife Marianne and I hope to have the opportunity of
experiencing Nepal through the eyes and voices of its peo-
ple as we travel the country on business and pleasure.
International Nepalese students
at ANU - Binod Chapagain
The Australian National University (ANU), a leading univer-
sity of Australia, has been a popular destination of Nepalese
students. Currently, a total of 28 Nepalese students are pursu-
ing their postgraduate studies as international students at the
ANU. Out of them, 13 are Masters and 15 are PhD research
students. See graph below. Only five students are women.
Most of the students are AusAID funded students (71%).
These figures do not include the undergraduate students at the
ANU, students at the University of Canberra and the Canberra
Institute of Technology.
The students at ANU have been part of social activities in
Canberra. They have made valuable contributions to the ac-
tivities that ANFS has organised in Canberra, including partic-
ipation in the multi-cultural festival. In addition, they are rep-
resented on the Executive Committee of the Society. In the
2012 election of ANFS, a total of 4 students were elected to
the Society’s Executive Committee including the President.
ANFS office bearers 2012-13
President: Mr. Ramesh Paudel
Vice President: Mr. Binod Chapagain
Secretary: Mr. Nabin Dahal
Treasurer: Mr. Chudamani Sapkota
Public Officer: Mr. Shiva Raj Sapokota (since Sep 12)
Mr. Deependra Shrestha (May-Sep 12)
Members: Ms. Sue Salthouse
Mr. Prakash Prasain
Mr. Keshab Gautam
Mr. Pradip Adhikari
Mr. Yuvaraj Khaniya
Ms. Zeenat Burdick
Advisors: Dr. Krishna Hamal
Dr. Hom M. Panta
Mr. Naresh Thapa ANFS in Facebook
Australia-Nepal Friendship Society has opened an account
in Facebook. ANFS hopes this will boost communication
and sharing of information. If you are interested, please
visit
http://www.facebook.com/anfs.canberra/
Editorial team
Dr. Binod Nepal, Ms. Sue Salthouse, Mr. Sudeep Acharya
(Number of international Nepalese students enrolled at ANU
by Gender & Program)
10
Hamro Pathashala (Our School) - Nepali language school for
school-age children - Anita Shakya
Hamro Pathashala (Our School) is a Nepali language school for
school-age children, which has been fully functional since it
was opened in July 2011 by ANFS. It is a member of the ACT
Community Language Schools Association. The teaching ma-
terials and venue hire costs are covered by the ACT Govern-
ment’s community language schools grants. The classes are
run by volunteer parents. We have a flexible teachers’ roster
for each term. The Pathashala mainly focuses on teaching Ne-
pali language, culture and festivals. Recently, the Pathashala
gurubas/gurumas (male and female teachers) completed a ma-
jor three-month project in 2012-13 preparing three Nepali
workbooks tailored to beginner, intermediate and advance level
learners of Pathashala students.
Currently, 14 students are enrolled at the Hamro Pathashala.
These students are from pre-school to Year 6 and aged 5 to 12
years. The classes are run on Sundays from 9:30am to
11:30am during School Terms except for public holiday long
weekends. The Pathashala does not have a permanent venue.
Last term the classes were held at Griffin Centre and this term
at Western Creek Scout Hall. Parents or carers who wish to
enrol their 5-12 years old child in the Hamro Pathashala may
send an email at [email protected]. The classes
are free of cost. Ms. Punam Panta is the Coordinator and Ms.
Anita Shakya is the Principal of the Pathashala.
(Children learning at Hamro Pathashala)
“My experience in Hamro Pathashala has been great. I learnt
new things there and met some new friends. I got to tell a story
in Nepali in front of the class! We get some treats after class,
but only sometimes. Most of the time the gurubas/gurumas
teaches something that I already now, but that’s okay. The
thing that bothers me is that we keep on moving to different
venues. Once we were at Civic library and Australian Nation-
al University, which was kind of weird, but now we’re in the
Griffin Centre. My mum is the principal of the Pathashala, she
takes me and my brother there almost every Sunday” Karuna
Adhikari, age: 8
(Pathashala parents and students)
“I have been a student of Hamro Pathashala since it opened in
2O11. The Pathashala is awesome because I learn a lot of
stuff - writing, reading, Nepali culture and festivals & have fun
at the same time. All the parents are also teachers which is
excellent. We also go to other places like Floriade and camp-
ing.” Ayush Adhikari, age: 9
Recipe: Kaju Barfi - Kaavya Bhattarai, age: 10
I made Kaju Barfi, a sweet to
celebrate Mother’s Day. My dad
who is a Heart surgeon says that
it is better if you make it with
Glucose Powder. He says "it is
better than sugar" so I made it
with Glucose. If you decide to
follow my recipe, please use 8
spoons of glucose. You need
more glucose than sugar!
Please follow these steps: 1) In a bowl with three fourth cup
of water dissolve 3 tea spoons of sugar and bring it to boil.
2) In a pan melt the ghee and add this to the syrup. 3) Take
200 grams for cashews and grind it. 4) Add cashew nut
powder and mix it thoroughly to syrup prepared in first step.
5) Allow it to cool slightly. 6) Knead it well and roll it into
half centimetre thick rectangle. 7) Spread silver foil over
these and cut it into diamond shaped pieces of approximate-
ly one and half inch.
11
Australia-Nepal Friendship Society: the road ahead
- Ramesh Paudel
Background
The Australia-Nepal Friendship Society (ANFS) of Canberra is
one of the pioneer organisations for Nepalese communities in
Australia. ANFS is a non-political organisation, and involve-
ment of anyone who supports the values of the Society is high-
ly encouraged and appreciated. Since its beginning, members
of the Australian community have been involved in ANFS, and
we hope this will be continued in the future.
Focused activities of ANFS
The main objective of ANFS at its inception was to help Nepa-
lese students who were new to Canberra. But in many years
since 1982, the Nepalese community has grown almost 50
times bigger and the composition of Nepalese people is very
diverse. Now, not only students but also high level bureau-
crats, entrepreneurs, professionals and other white- and blue-
collar job holders from the Nepalese community reside here,
some of them temporarily and some permanently. The age
group is also diverse. It is estimated that the number of people
of Nepalese origin at any one time in Canberra is now more
than 500. Such a large, diverse community naturally expects a
wider range of activities.
The current Executive Committee, following the trend of past
Executive Committees, has conducted a range of focus activi-
ties during its tenure. Apart from this, we initiated the revival
of the Society’s Newsletter. We have also initiated the ANFS
Research Seminar series at the Australian National University
(ANU) focusing on research in a Nepalese context – interaction
with student communities, diplomatic missions and distin-
guished visitors from Nepal are particularly mentionable.
Challenges ahead
Struggle is an indispensable part of life not only for human
beings, but also for social organisations. A good struggle
makes an organisation able to face the challenges and progress
well. As an organisation, ANFS’s past is commendable. Its
historical strength and present role signals a bright future as an
organisation. However, to achieve this, we need to manage the
challenges on time, uniting the diverse community. As the
members of the community grow, it brings both opportunities
and challenges. The opportunity is that it brings strength in the
organisation if we are able to manage it properly. The chal-
lenge is that it is hard to meet the many different expectations
of all members.
ANFS needs to have fair dealings with all members, and im-
partial behaviour of its leadership; respect for the senior leaders
of the community; and non-political behaviour with members
enabling its leadership to face the challenges. The immediate
challenge I feel as the President of this organisation is repre-
senting the community over all. With the help of all members
in the community, we have made good progress on member-
ship during this tenure, but have still not reached many poten-
tial members residing in Canberra. In addition, we need to
specially think about how we can involve the teenagers from
our community in the organisation so that they will be in touch
with the cultural and social aspects of our activities. In addi-
tion, extending our relationship with the wider Australian com-
munity is another area of challenge which needs our attention.
As the number of students is increasing every year with the
size of the community, we need to think how to get them in-
volved in ANFS. We have experts in a wide variety of fields in
our Society, and if we can mobilize them well, they can be
valuable asset of ANFS, either to serve in our community in
Canberra or to serve our beloved nation-Nepal.
Road ahead
As a representative of Nepalese community and its supporters
in Canberra, and noting the growing membership, we need to
improve the quality of the programs that we routinely organise
and need to focus to diversify the programs' nature. To cover
the interests of heterogeneous groups in the Society, we need to
add many programs with new characteristics and features.
More members who actively participate are needed to maintain
the unity of the Society and make most of the community
members happy in the future. Sports, activities suited to vari-
ous age groups, cultural programs, seminars and intellectual
discussion and debates relating to the development and govern-
ance issues of Nepal need to be included in our programs. Ob-
viously, the tasks of connecting Canberra and Kathmandu,
Australia and Nepal, and the community of Canberra to other
cities in Australia also are important. For this, we should work
together with the Nepalese Embassy in Canberra and Australi-
an Embassy in Nepal, and of course independently in many
issues.
“...noting the growing membership,
we need to improve the quality of the
programs that we routinely organise
and need to focus to diversify the pro-
grams' nature”