Nepal-Japan SEWA exchange program organized
The Nepal-Japan SEWA Exchange Program was held on Monday, aiming to foster service-driven collaboration and economic empowerment while taking a visionary step toward socio-economic transformation. The program was initiated by Zenkou Research Institute, Kozaike Kohsan Co Ltd, and Progressive Staff Agency Co Ltd (Japan) in partnership with Kathmandu University School of Medical Science, Sun and Company Pvt Ltd, and Saandipani Group of Education (Nepal).
As part of the event, the institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate a structured exchange of knowledge, skills, and opportunities between the two nations. Key highlights of the program included the empowerment of 20,000 Nepali youths, caregiving as a service (SEWA), knowledge and skills transfer, the establishment of caregiving in Nepal, and the promotion of medical and pharmaceutical advancements.
Speaking at the event, representatives from all participating institutions and companies reaffirmed their commitment to making the initiative a success.
NAMI hosts first annual day celebration
NAMI International School successfully hosted its first Annual Day Celebration for the Primary Wing, marking a significant milestone in its academic journey. The event, held on Saturday, brought together students, parents, and distinguished guests for a morning filled with cultural performances, exhibitions, and celebrations. The program was attended by Capt Rameshwar Thapa, Chairperson of the NAMI Group of Companies, along with Directors Yograj Kandel Sharma, Uma Rajya Laxmi Shah, Soni Joshi, and CEO Pranil Pandey.
Students showcased their talents through a series of performances, including songs, dances, dramas, and speeches, emphasizing the school’s commitment to holistic education. An exhibition featured creative student projects, including models, artwork, and digital innovations. A major highlight was the 3Di Digital Learning Program, where students presented projects on drones, claymation, animation, and 3D printing.
Addressing the audience, Capt Thapa lauded the school’s achievements and its vision for inclusive and innovative learning. The event concluded on a high note, with attendees expressing excitement for future milestones.
Meanwhile, NAMI International School has expanded its Primary Wing, now offering education from Grade 1 to Grade 6. Admissions for the upcoming academic year are open.
Chaudhary wins best children’s literature award
Author Indra Chaudhary has been honored with the ‘Nebashasa Children’s Book Writing Award.’ The award was presented on Sunday during the Second Children’s Book Exhibition and Valley-wide Children’s Story Writing Competition held at the Nepal Academy in Kamaladi. The award was jointly conferred by Chancellor Bhupal Rai, Member Secretary Dhan Prasad Subedi, and Nepal Children's Literature Society President Pramod Pradhan.
Chaudhary received the award for his illustrated children’s book ‘Naya Banpale’, which was published by Room to Read in 2022 and was recognized as the best book for children under eight years of age.
With a background of five years in children’s literature translation and writing, Chaudhary has published four illustrated children’s storybooks and translated dozens of children’s stories from English to Nepali, as well as into Tharu and Rana Tharu languages. Expressing his joy at receiving the award in such a short span, Chaudhary said, “I had not expected this achievement so soon. This recognition has inspired me to contribute even more to children’s literature.”
A former journalist who later ventured into theater, Chaudhary is now a teacher. He credited senior children’s writer and editor Ananta Wagle and illustrator Anushree Lama for their significant contributions to making his book exceptional. “Editor Ananta Wagle and illustrator Anushree Lama played a crucial role in refining my book. I sincerely thank them,” he said, also extending gratitude to the award selection committee for recognizing his work.
Alongside Chaudhary, Srijana Rai won the award in the 8+ age category for 2022, while poet Mitralal Pangeni and Hari Khanal received awards for 2021 in the under-8 and 8+ categories, respectively. In the illustration category, Kalagraj B (2021) and Krisha Tamrakar (2022) were honored. Additionally, publishing houses were also recognized during the event.
10th cancer awareness cycle rally held
The 10th Cancer Awareness Cycle Rally, organized by Annapurna Media Network in collaboration with Nepal Cancer Care Foundation, was successfully held on Saturday. The rally, inaugurated at Annapurna Corporate Tower, Tinkune, was flagged off by Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Paudel and Capt Rameshwar Thapa, Chairperson of Annapurna Media Network. The event saw an overwhelming response, with 5,000 registered participants cycling a total distance of 22 kilometers to raise awareness about cancer prevention.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Minister Paudel emphasized the need for public awareness to prevent cancer and reduce the increasing number of patients. “The growing number of cancer cases in Nepal demands urgent attention. We need to work towards a future where cancer does not become a threat to Nepali lives,” he said. He also stressed the importance of preventive measures over curative treatments, noting that the government is working with the Ministry of Education to make health education mandatory in schools.
Highlighting the seriousness of cancer in Nepal, he revealed that 14,000 people died from cancer last year. “This is not a small number. Cancer is becoming a major public health challenge, and the government must prioritize investments in advanced treatment facilities,” he added.
Capt Thapa reiterated the organization's commitment to promoting public health through awareness campaigns. “For a healthy nation, a healthy population is crucial. Through our decade-long collaboration with Nepal Cancer Care Foundation, we have continuously worked to educate and inform the public about cancer prevention,” he said. He also praised the foundation’s efforts in saving thousands of lives, particularly young girls, from cancer.
The Cancer Awareness Cycle Rally has been organized annually for the past 10 years under the theme ‘Ride for Life’. It remains a key initiative in the fight against cancer, encouraging a healthier lifestyle and raising awareness about early detection and prevention.