Hon’ble President of India and Guest of Honour Shri Pranab Mukherjee,
Hon’ble Ministers,
Senate Members of Kathmandu University,
Foreign Diplomats,
Journalists,
Kathmandu University Family
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, is a special day for Kathmandu University and for the people of Nepal. It is special in the sense that Kathmandu University is celebrating its 25th anniversary being organized with a grand ceremony with memories of successful earlier days. It is special for the people of Nepal particularly the Kathmandu University family that the ceremony is honouring the towering personality of South Asia, Hon’ble President of Republic of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the President for accepting our request of being the guest of honor and also for accepting the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (D. Litt.) from the university. We are very much delighted and grateful having you with us on this special convocation and receiving your insightful thoughts. We believe that your experience, knowledge and wisdom of thoughts have inspired us to understand the meaning of life and also help us to live with meaningful life. It is indeed a matter of pride for the people of Nepal and the Kathmandu University itself.
The Kathmandu University is an unique higher academic institution of its type. As an autonomous, leading privately managed public institution, the university is offering various types of courses to fulfill the need of the country. As the Vice Chancellor Dr. Makaju already mentioned in his welcome speech there are more than 150 programs in the fields of Arts, Education, Science, Management, Engineering, Law and Medical Sciences. I feel happy to mention in this august ceremony that the progress the Kathmandu University has achieved on its very short period is hardly observed in other institutions which are established even in the developed countries.
Its dedication to quality education and mainly community centric teaching learning approaches are some of the examples of unique features that lead this institution to become a world class university.
Hon’ble President!
Connected by geography, history and culture India and Nepal share on enduring bond of friendly relations marked by uniqueness and cordiality dating back to time immemorial which are broad and multi faceted that have stood the test of time. We stand on the bastion of glorious history. They have cultivated the humanity with spirituality and civilization, wisdom and invention. Ours are the lands of great philosophers, creative innovators and pioneers.
We know that this ceremony reveals Hon’ble President’s acknowledgment and regards to the people of Nepal. This occasion would be a milestone towards understanding our cultural, religious and societal values. That is the reason we respect each other and honour each other. We know that we will lose our cultural identity when we lose the values that we practice together in Nepal and India. I believe that today’s ceremony would be able to accelerate our bilateral relationship in the new zenith.
Hon’ble President!
I believe that we all present here representing South Asia know about you and your dynamic personality. Many of us present here are familiar with your knowledge, expertise and efforts that you projected in your versatile professional identities as a university teacher, journalist, banker, politician and now the statesman of India. You are the person of success who deserves the way of success in your career whatever roles you played in your life. I have confidence that the South Asia particularly India will move ahead on its destination with your visionary statesmanship.
Finally, as the Chancellor of Kathmandu University, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Hon’ble President Shri Mukherjee for your gracious presence and insightful thoughts that you delivered today in your Award Acceptance Speech.
Wishing you for your good health and active statesmanship in the days to come.
Thank you.
Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda”
Prime Minister and Chancellor
Kathmandu University, Nepal
3 November, 2016