SAF-Nepal Introduction & News

Founder's Prologue

Nepal was under strict security surveillance as we landed at Kathmandu Airport in the last week of September 2000. Nevertheless, Prime Minister G. P. Koirala found time to receive us in spite of the latest Maoist attack and ensuing political crisis. Ambassador Bhek Bahadur Thapa, the first chairman of the Nepalese chapter of the SAF, had briefed the Prime Minister on the SAF’s activities, and the Prime Minister cited several examples of his promotion of regional cooperation through the SAARC programmes and promised full support to the SAF in its future activities.

The Secretary-General of the SAARC, Ambassador Nihal Rodrigo of Sri Lanka, also extended his full cooperation. He received us in his office, on the table of which lay a copy of my publication on Himalayan art.

During discussions, he suggested that the SAF commence its activities in smaller countries, such as Bhutan and the Maldives, whose governments need help, particularly in the field of information technology.

Ambassador Rodrigo expressed his concern that a lack of cooperation between the SAARC member states was holding back South Asia’s cultural, social and economic development, while its sister intergovernmental organizations – ASEAN, NAFTA and APEC – and the Indian Ocean Rim countries had moved closer toward regional cooperation.

He told us that the ball was in India and Pakistan’s court, and hoped that they would soon recognize the damage their confrontational policies were causing to themselves and other South Asian countries, and would turn to cooperative policies that would yield both economic and cultural rewards.

At a meeting arranged by Ambassador Rodrigo, I explained to the seven SAARC directors of their representative countries that the SAF was averse to re-treading the beaten path of funding meetings and conferences, as in the case of many NGOs. The SAF preferred to take an entirely different route to promote regional cooperation through education and other practical, job-creation projects that mobilize youth at grassroots levels.

Madanjeet Singh
SAF Founder

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SAF Nepal Chapter

SAF Chairperson: Dr Nishchal Pandey
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SAF Vice-Chairperson : Dr. Jan Sharma

Mr. Ramesh Timasina
SAF-Nepal, Secretary
Email:- Timasina@safmail.org

News UMCDSRC, Kathmandu, Nepal - 15th April 2025

UMCDSRC, National College to Host Special Talk on the 101st Birth Anniversary of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh

A commemorative talk programme will be organized at the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre of Development Studies and Regional Cooperation (UMCDSRC), National College, Kathmandu, Nepal, to mark the 101st birth anniversary of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Late Madanjeet Singh. The event will be convened by Dr. Nishchal N. Pandey, Chairman of SAF-Nepal, and will bring together students, faculty members, and distinguished guests.

News Republica, The New york Times - 8th December 2024

Art as a bridge: SAF Exhibition celebrates South Asian unity

Speaking directly to the artists in attendance, Prof Hashmi challenged them to think deeply about the purpose of their work, “Every artist should ask themselves, 'Who is this for? Why am I doing this? Does it impact anyone’s life?' At that point, they create an audience for themselves."

News Switzerland - 4th July 2024

Mr Sambuddha Bajracharya, Alumni UMCSAWM from SAF-Nepal Secures Prestigious Research Fellowship in Switzerland

In an outstanding academic achievement, Mr. Sambuddha Bajracharya, a distinguished SAF alumni from Nepal, has been selected for the esteemed EPP Fellowship Program at Eawag in Switzerland. Mr. Bajracharya, who completed his Masters in Water Resources Engineering and Management from UMCSAWM University of Moratuwa, will embark on a four-month research journey at the renowned Swiss research institute.

News 24th June 2024

Two Scholars selected from SAF-Nepal to Join UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre of South Asian Journalism( UMCSAJ),ACJ

Dr. Nischal N. Pandey, Chairman of the South Asia Foundation-Nepal (SAF-Nepal), hosted a heartfelt farewell event for the scholars on June 24, 2024. Both Ms. Rai and Ms. Devkota are already making their mark as young journalists in Nepal, and their selection for this program highlights their dedication and potential in the field.

Testimony UMCDSRC, Nepal - 8th April 2024

From SAF Alumna to Erasmus Scholar: Ms. Pratibha Pant, UMCDSRC Batch, Chronicles Journey in Provocative Blog

Academic journey and exploration often lead us to unexpected paths, shaping our perspectives and opening doors to new opportunities. As a UMCDSRC, SAF-Nepal Scholar at Kathmandu University, Nepal, my undergraduate was a journey of discovery, where I delved into fields of environment, economics.....