Nepal Development Academy (NDA) and Non-Resident Nepalis, the Netherlands (NRN-NL) organised the ‘Namaste Nepal’ promotional event recently with the objectives of strengthening the relationship between Nepal and The Netherlands.
A cultural show at the event. Photo source: NDA
A cultural show at the event. Photo source: NDA
According to the organisers, the event included the screening of four informative and entertaining films and documentaries like ‘Warzone’, a workshop, an audiovisual presentation, a lecture, a panel discussion and Nepali music and dance performances.
The panel discussion concentrated on the present political developments and future of Nepal. Elaborating on Nepal’s socio-economic developments in the aftermath of Janaandolan II, Prof. Dr Kul Bahadur Luitel of Cardiff University, England blamed the political leadership of having no clear vision for the country’s future.
He also claimed the Maoist dream to turn Nepal a Switzerland of the region leads the country nowhere. According to Luitel, average annual income of Nepalis in 1996 was US$ 88 while it was only $77 for Indians.
Also speaking at the event, Dr Krishna Chandra Prasad of UNESCO-IHE Delft blamed the eight party coalition government of reining the country arbitrarily and failing to address the demands put by the indigenous and Madhesi populations.
Dr Bal Gopal Shrestha of Leiden University said that the postponement of constituent assembly elections has created an uncertainty in Nepal’s political process.
The organisers said more than 380 Dutch and Nepalis including Ambika Luintel, Ambassador Charge d’ Affair to the Benelux countries, took part in the event.