NeFE bids Farewell

Nepalese Forum in Ehime (NeFE) organized a program to bid farewell to Nepalese students graduating from the Ehime University on 15 March 2009. The formal session was conducted in the discussion room of the main library building of Ehime University that was followed by the luncheon at Tokyu Hotel. First half of the program included the brief sharing of the research conducted by the graduating student during his/her course of study in Japan. A token of memory was granted to students including spouse and their children.

The program started with the welcome remarks by Mr. Arjun Shrestha, Secretary, NeFE. Brief sharing of the research followed the welcome remarks. Mr. Achyut Nainabasti who received Ph.D degree from Graduate School of Agricultural Science talked briefly about his research on rice production and marketing system with special reference to Chitwan district of Nepal. The paper attempted to analyze the situation of rice production, efficiency of the farmers in production and distribution; and problems encountered in context of Nepal. The paper has also made comparative analysis of the production and marketing system of Japan and has recommended prospects for Nepal, he said.

Mr. Bhoj Raj Pantha was the next speaker. He has been awarded Doctoral Degree in Engineering from the Graduate School of Science and Engineering. He said his research at Ehime University dealt with road infrastructure and landslide in context of Nepal with particular case studies from Nepal. His research dealt with both new road construction mainly GIS model for roadway route selection and maintenance of existing highways. He considered Kathmandu – Hetauda section as the study area for roadway route optimization model and certain stretch of Prthivi and Mugling – Narayanghat highways (from Jogimara to Jugedi Bazar) as the study area for highway maintenance prioritization model. He said the research has rather opened up a way for further research in these fields. He expressed his commitment to continue working on it contributing on the sustainable development of the country.

Ms. Ava Khatri shared briefly about her research on usage of fly ash as a supplementary environment friendly means of concrete construction. She completed Master Course from the Graduate School of Science and Engineering. Her research analyzed the strengths and drawbacks of the flyash.

The program continued with the handing of the token of memory to the graduating students, and their family members. Ms. Sharaswoti Bharati, President, NeFE granted a token of memory and flower bouquet.

The program invited Mr. Ranjan Kumar Dahal as a guest. Ms. Bharati bestowed him a flower bouquet as a token of farewell for his successful accomplishment of Ph.D degree from Kagawa University.

Mr. Pashupati Poudel expressed the words of appreciation to the friends who are graduating in this session of March 09. He appreciated their effort and perseverance to accomplish the academic career in the Ehime University and wished them a successful future.

Mr. Netra Prakash Bhandary, Advisor, NeFE highlighted on the importance of being in the community sharing what he has learnt from his 11years journey in Japan. He urged for the same solidarity and cooperation in order to pursue ourselves towards a good society and professional enhancement.
The first session concluded with the vote of thanks from Ms. Bharati. The entire program was facilitated by Ms. Manita Timilsina.A total of 22 participants were present at the program.

Farewell program is one of the events NeFE organizes annually. It aims at enhancing social relations and solidarity among Nepalese residing in Matsuyama.

Ms. Uprety bagged award

Ms. Anupama Uprety residing in Matsuyama won first prize in a Photo Exhibition organized by Matsuyama International Center on 6th February 09. The exhibition entitled “Japan which you find in Matsuyama” was observed by numbers of Japanese and other nationals. She bagged the award of a book voucher amounted 10,000 yen and other special prizes.

NeFE congratulates Ms. Uprety for her endeavor and wish for the similar accomplishments in the future course of life.

Good Time with GUESTS

We all are aware that two Nepali Experts on the disaster management viz., Mr. Amod Mani Dixit and Dr. Jishnu Subedi came to Ehime University for research. Welcome cum presentation programme at the Matsuyama Guest House was organized and this sort of mixed programme is first of its kind as far I know. Presentation by Mr. Dixit about Earthquake in simple language and experience sharing by Dr. Subedi was praise worthy. All Nepalese participants were enjoyed and enlightened by the interaction.

Likewise, presentation by Mr. Dixit and Dr. Subedi at the university on 10th February was attended by people from different corners. Both Japanese and foreign nationals were present in the seminar. It was a successful program.

Both guests have returned from Matsuyama and we have only sweet memories. During their stay, we can hope that they had good time over here.

Talk Program on Towards Sustainable Development Efforts in Asia

Ehime University International Center and Center for Disaster Management Informatics Research (DMI) organized an international talk program on Towards Sustainable Development Efforts in Asia on 10 February 2009 in Ehime University Industrial Science and Technology Research Support Center.
Experts from Nepal and Ehime University made presentation on different aspects of disaster mitigation, reduction and environment of sustainable development in Asia. Mr. Jishnu Subedi, Associate Professor, Nepal Engineering College and Former Researcher of UN Center for Regional Development, Hyogo Office highlighted the topic Disaster Risk Prevention in Asia: Resilient Communities for Sustainable Development. Quoting Asia as Earthquake prone Zone, he presented the statistics that the ten hazardous disasters of the world occurred in Asia only in the year 2008. His presentation depicted the climate change as one of the major factors for natural disaster in the world. The trend shows that number of disaster and number of affected people are increasing; however, reported number of persons dead due to the natural disaster is decreasing. It may be because of the preventive measures and preparedness, he expressed. He accentuated on building resilient communities as a strategic approach to prevent the natural disaster
Similarly, Amod M. Dixit, Executive Director, National Society for Earthquake Technology, Nepal(NSET) highlighted on the earthquake reduction efforts in Nepal and South Asia. Because South Asia lacks the preventive measures it is more prone to the vulnerability of the natural disasters, he started. He opined that earthquake indeed is human friendly because it gives us beautiful mountains and natural resources; it is the improper structure and unplanned management that invites irreparable hazards. He summoned for the strategic approach such as risk assessment, planning for vulnerability reduction and building resilient communities to name a few.
Presentation by Katsuya Osozawa, Associate Professor, Ehime University, Faculty of Agriculture followed the next. He highlighted the topic Towards Creating Coastal Region Pilgrimage In Heisei Era presenting his experience gained in course of his research study in the rural village of Indonesia.
Series of queries were raised after the presentation and clarification was made by the presenters. About 50 participants including Japanese and international students, faculty members and professors participated in the talk program.

World Citizen Festival – Nepal Participation

Nepalese in Ehime participated in the World Citizen Festival organized by Matsuyama International Center at its Community Center on 18th January 2009. The program aimed at providing platform for the participants to get acquainted with socio-cultural aspects of different countries and to enhance interaction among them. An individual booth was provided for 20 countries participating in the program. Entry was open for all interested national and foreign visitors. Nepali booth acquainted visitors with the geo-cultural attributes of Nepal. Chicken curry and rice with papad and tea were sold to the visitors. This program has been the one to collect fund for Nepalese Community in Ehime that would be utilized to conduct its activities in the coming year.


Written by -Bidhya