Distinguished President Xie, esteemed guests, faculties, staffs and students,
Dear Friends,
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am indeed pleased to be here amidst intellectuals, professors, academicians, students and friends ofNepal. Let me express my sincere gratitude to you, Mr. President, for your thoughtful gesture in organizing this programme today.
No need to mention that the city ofChengduand theprovinceofSichuanare uniquely recognized for their ancient and rich culture and civilization.
This land is known asthe land of abundance. It is more than this. It is in this part ofChinawhere the preaching of Confucius, a great philosopher ofChina, became famous. It is this part ofChinathat gave birth to visionary leader like Deng Xiao Ping popularly known as a great economic reformer of modernChina. It is also this province, which, as one of the thriving economic hubs, contributes substantially to national economy ofChina. These facts suggest how important theprovinceofSichuanis inChina. As a friend, we share your pride; we share your joy; we share your happiness. We believe in fraternity and we believe in shared destiny.
Standing, as it is, on the solid foundation of rich culture and civilization, theUniversityofSichuan, established 120 years ago, is closely linked to the great civilization and development ofSichuanProvince.
It is heartening to note that the University has, since its inception, been able to maintain the fame of the city ofChengduas one of the most ancient cultural centers. Now the university stands as one of the best educational institutions. I wish to acclaim the outstanding performance of the University and the dedication of the University family who are behind this success.
From the beginning, the University has produced a good numbers of scholars, doctors, philosophers, historians, geographers and people of excellence in other disciplines including some from my country.
Not only this, the University has exhibited great strength in research and made remarkable achievements in innovations over the years. And, I am sure that it will continue to move ahead on its path of illuminating the humankind and society with the light of education.
Distinguished Friends,
It is not necessary to shed light on the importance of education in human life. We all are aware of it. Still I feel I must say a few words, not because I have superior knowledge than anyone about education. As prime minister of a country that still confronts poverty and hunger and other deep rooted structural problems to development and as a person who nurtures the genuine desire to develop the country, I deem it important that I share my feelings with you about education the most humble way.
Every individual is full of potentialities. Education must enable individual to fully develop his or her potentials. Not all share the same potentials. Our task is to identify the areas of interest of individuals and help them, through counseling and other means, unlocking their potentials and get them realized.
Development is not possible without education, without knowledge and without skills. The level of education, the quality of education and the level of commitment determine the level of development. An individual who is equipped with knowledge and skill alone can explore the potentials for development and apply his mind for its realization.
So, all academic institution must realize this fact and develop a tailor-made system of education to help individuals unlock infinite human potentials for themselves and for the humanity as a whole.
This part of the world gave birth to major civilization and our ancestors were great thinkers, leaders, innovators, explorers, scholars and researchers. Take the example of China alone, Laozi, Confucius, Li Bing, etc. all left indelible imprint in the minds of many in China and beyond with their contribution during their times. This part of the land inAsiahas also been greatly benefited from ideals propounded by Lord Buddha, Mahabir Jain and many other thinkers. While the east was at the climax of progress and prosperity, the west was under dark period.
The rest of the world simply emulated everything we invented and everything we developed. I cannot find answer why we lagged behind during the course of history despite such rich knowledge, culture and tradition? Are we not able to revive the trend and make a new history? What is required is our vision, what is required is our commitment and that is required is our action.
We must, therefore, work towards rededicated ourselves to regain the glorious past and establish ourselves as the real inheritors of such distinguished and renowned forefathers on all accounts. And quality and research oriented education is perhaps the most reliable path that can lead us towards this goal.
In this age of heightened globalization and information technology, connectivity plays a prominent role in shaping and defining relations between nations and societies. The more connectivity exists, the deeper becomes the relations. Apart from infrastructural connectivity, the connectivity of people, the connectivity of culture and the connectivity of ideas are equally important in promoting relations. It is where the institutions like university can play an important role. Through the exchange of scholars and students, through the establishment of special affiliations, through the education of training and study of programme, they can connect the people and ideas and thus promote relations.
It is in this context, I would like to request the authorities ofSichuanUniversityto promote its relations with University inNepal. I would like to encourage them to engage more, to exchange more and to interact more with the Universities and similar other institutions inNepal.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,
Now a few words about Nepal-China relations.
Our nations,NepalandChina, have a long history of harmonious relationship with each other. Our nations had cooperated in the areas of culture as well as commerce, had exchanges in the areas of trades as well as civilizations through centuries.
Our friendly relations, have been built on the solid foundations of Panchasheel, the sovereign equality, non-interference, and respect for each other’s sensitivities.
As a friendly neighbor,Nepal, sincerely adheres to the ‘One-China Policy’, and remain committed not to allow its land be used, under any pretext, againstChina. And it will continue to keep this commitment firm and intact.
Similarly, the People’s Republic ofChinahas respected our sovereignty and supported our development endeavors. Our two nations have been all-weather friends, friends at the time of distress as well as at the time of comfort. Our people have stood with each other at the time of difficulties. The Nepalese people are always appreciative of the Chinese support in our development endeavors. And, I believe, my visit has taken our relations to a newer height.
ToNepal, theprovinceofSichuanis even closer. Our cultural linkages, people to people exchanges, and economic interactions withSichuanare strong. To further promote our cooperation with this province, and the city ofChengdu, we will soon be formalizing sister city relationship between capital city Kathmandu andChengdu.NepalandChinahave also exchanged useful views on the establishment of s Consulate General of Nepal inChengdu. I hope these initiatives will bring us further closer.
Chengduis as attractive location for Nepalese students seeking to pursue higher studies. This must be the reason that many Nepalese students find easy way to come toChengduto fulfill their educational aspirations. I am happy to note that quite a number of Nepalese students have come to pursue and are pursuing their educational degrees in this University. I am sure that the number will increase in the days to come as our relations and interactions further deepen and widen.
During this visit, we have recognized the fact of our closer affinity and have agreed to enhance further cooperation withSichuan. It is in this context too, I believe, our relations and interactions withSichuanwill further intensify, which will naturally promote our engagement with theUniversityofSichuan.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With the promulgation of constitution last year and the settlement of political issues,Nepalhas entered into the phase of economic development and prosperity. Creating a prosperous society based on socio-economic development of all parts of the country and in a responsible manner is our motto. And, I am confident that the Chinese people and government are, as always, with us in helping attaining these objects,
We have given top priority to cross border linkages through various means of connectivity. We believe thatNepalcan benefit from ‘One Road One Belt’ initiative advanced by President Xi Jinping. For a landlocked country,Nepal, connectivity matters more than anything else. We have made an important achievement during this visit by signing a transit transport agreement withChina. This must lead to progress in other areas of connectivity and cross-border linkages.
Finally, Nepal-China relations are multidimensional and are progressing well in the last six decades. We remain committed to further strengthen our relations consistent with the trends of our time and as per the wish of our peoples. Mutual benefits and equality underpin our relations. It is our sincere hope that Nepal China relations will grow from strength to strength in the days ahead.
With this note, I thank you all!
