Kathmandu, August 20
Indian television channel NDTV World is set to launch a global dialogue series that brings together prominent figures from India and Nepal on a single platform, starting on August 27 (Bhadra 11).
The series, titled “NDTV Anviksha: Cross-Border Ideas,” will begin from Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. The event, to be held at Yak and Yeti starting at 9 am, will bring together leaders ranging from ruling RSP chairman Rabi Lamichhane to main opposition Congress president Gagan Thapa.
Promotional material for the event indicates that, alongside Lamichhane and Thapa, Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, International Relations Committee chair Sumnima Udas, actor Rajesh Hamal, and actress Manisha Koirala are set to take part in the dialogue.
According to an NDTV report, from the business and industry sector, Nepal Chamber of Commerce president Kamlesh Agrawal, Confederation of Nepalese Industries president Birendra Raj Pandey, and Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry vice-president and Surya Nepal managing director Gaurav Tayal will also participate.
From the sports sector, former Nepali cricketer and CAN general secretary Paras Khadka will present the perspective of Nepal’s sporting community.
From the Indian side, India Foundation president Dr Ram Madhav, BJP national executive member Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, head of BJP’s foreign affairs department Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale, former Union minister and Congress leader Dr. Shashi Tharoor, and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava are reported to be taking part.
The event will cover Nepal’s changing politics, economy and society, along with its relationship with India and Nepal’s role in regional politics.
Discussions will also touch on Nepal’s economic development plans, business opportunities, changes in its democratic system, and the expectations of young people.
Topics such as technology, tourism, infrastructure, environment, trade and regional cooperation will also be part of the conversation.
The dialogue will focus on how Nepal is trying to position itself in a changing world, and what its priorities and challenges are.
NDTV describes the special program, called “Anviksha,” as one that will not be limited to traditional discussions of India-Nepal relations, but will instead try to understand Nepal by centring the country’s own voice, thinking, aspirations and plans.
Similar programs planned in other countries
The India-Nepal dialogue in Kathmandu will be the first step of a larger plan for “Anviksha,” which is expected to extend to various countries and continents around the world, exploring each country’s identity, ambitions, and the issues shaping its future.
NDTV has said the Kathmandu program will therefore not be limited to India-Nepal relations alone, but will also raise important questions about Nepal’s place in regional and global politics, its role in a changing world, and the future dreams and ambitions of Nepali society.
