‘Old friends, like old wine are the best’
A saying repeated in different ways by different people over the years. On 18 May 2016, the British Ambassador to Nepal Richard Morris hosted the Bicentenary Chevening Reception at his residence in Kathmandu to celebrate the educational and academic ties between Britain and Nepal, raising a glass to the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
It was a joyous occasion, with a mixture of guests, from distinguished Chevening Alumni, who are now senior figures in the Nepali civil service, military, business world, media sector, education sector, and a range of other fields. The reception was also attended by other non-Chevening Nepalis who had studied in the UK, as well as figures from the world of education and members of other British organisations.
The Director for South Asia and Afghanistan at the UK Foreign Office, Owen Jenkins, who was in Kathmandu for a two-day trip joined in the celebrations. Also attending was visiting British neurosurgeon and author, Henry Marsh who expressed his delight at being part of the anniversary event.
Ambassador Morris said:
‘In Nepal, we have been offering Chevening Scholarships for many years. I’m delighted that, having given one or two scholarships a year for many years, last year we were able to offer 18, and we hope to offer a similar number this year. Our educational ties, and the Chevening alumni in particular, are a really important pillar in our two hundred year relationship. Let’s work together to build on that foundation a modern, forward looking, productive partnership between our countries in the years ahead.’
The residence staff served tasty samosas and canapés while the scholars, fellows and other dignitaries busied themselves in the garden chatting with each other.
President of the Chevening Alumni Association of Nepal, Laxmi Kant Poudel (MA, Public Policy, University of York, 1996/97) said: ‘Chevening Scholarship has been of great significance for the Nepalese youths who want to contribute back to their society. Thanks to the British government for bestowing such a grand opportunity to learn on new fields of study ranging from public policy to structural engineering.’
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