Symposium on 'Nepal Studies in Russia' held at Russian House in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: Shailee Theatre and the Russian House jointly organised a one-day symposium on 'Nepal Studies in Russia', at the Russian House in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

Held to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Russia, the event reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between the two countries and explored future opportunities for cooperation across cultural, educational and developmental sectors.

Opening the programme, Rinchen Rakshaev, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nepal, stressed the role of cultural and academic cooperation in strengthening bilateral ties and described cultural and scholarly exchange as central to deepening mutual understanding.

Prof Dr Jangab Chauhan, a prominent Nepali academic, author and translator who formerly served as Nepal’s ambassador to the Russian Federation and as president of the Nepal‑Russia Literary Society, delivered the symposium’s focal address. Dr Chauhan traced literary and cultural connections between Nepal and Russia and recalled the historic visit of poet Laxmi Prasad Devkota to Moscow as a landmark moment in cultural diplomacy. He also highlighted the contributions of generations of Nepali students who studied in Russia in medicine, engineering, management and other fields, noting their role in Nepal’s nation‑building and development on returning home.

Meanwhile, Nabaraj Budhathoki presented on the history of Russian plays staged by Shailee Theatre, highlighting a 17-year partnership between the troupe and the Russian House. He reflected on how theatre has served as a powerful medium of cultural exchange and signalled Shailee Theatre’s commitment to further artistic collaboration and new productions.

In closing remarks, Anastasia Khokhlova, Director of the Russian House, congratulated Shailee Theatre for its sustained cultural contributions and thanked Prof. Dr. Chauhan for his reflections. She reaffirmed the Russian House’s commitment to promoting educational and cultural exchange and emphasised Russia’s readiness to support Nepal’s development through continued cooperation across multiple sectors and by strengthening the long-standing bilateral partnership.

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