23rd May 2024, Kathmandu
The Embassy of Nepal in Yangon consecrated marble statue of Lord Buddha, and organized Dharmadeshana (#BuddhistSermons) and alms offering ceremony at the Embassy premises on the auspicious occasion of 2568th Buddha Jayanati (#VesakDay) on 23 May 2024 (Jeshtha 10, 2081).
At the outset, nine venerable monks from Vanarashi Nepali Bihar, Yangon performed the consecration ceremony. It was followed by remarks by Ambassador Mr. Harishchandra Ghimire. Welcoming venerable monks and other dignitaries from various organization, Ambassador underlined Lord Buddha’s contribution to humankind and peace.
Embassy of Nepal in Yangon Celebrates
Highlighting the Nobel eightfold pathway of Buddhism which helps individuals to escape from misconceptions and attachments, resulting in rational and moral maturation, Ambassador Ghimire underscored the significance of Buddha Purnima for humankind all over the world. Furthermore, Ambassador mentioned events such as visit of Lord Buddha to Myanmar, few strands of hair of Gautam Buddha which have been preserved in Shwedagon Pagoda and images of Shakyamuni Buddha, Krakuchhanda Buddha and Kankamuni Buddha of Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon which were brought from Nepal.
He described these events as testaments for historical linkage existing between Nepal and Myanmar.
Venerable monks preached sermons, Dharmadeshana on Buddha’s life discourse, his teachings and principles. After the sermon, alms and donation were offered to monks.
Ambassadors, Head of Missions, representatives from various Diplomatic Missions, UN agencies, and international organizations attended the event.
Also, the chairman of Tourism Myanmar, president of All Myanmar Gorkha Hindu Religious Association, president of Myanmar Nepal Chamber of Commerce, president of NRNA Myanmar, president of Bodhgaya Pilgrimage Working Committee and Nepali citizens working in the UN Agencies and other organizations were present in the ceremony.
Prasad consisting of Sel roti, Kheer, Puwa, Nepali Achar was served to the guests, aftermath of the ceremony.
For more Information: Embassy of Nepal in Yangon
About Ambassador
Mr. Harishchandra Ghimire has been serving as the Ambassador of Nepal to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar since September 16, 2022. Before this, he held the position of Joint Secretary and Head of the Central Asia, West Asia, and Africa Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu from 2019. Notably, he coordinated the Covid-19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC) during the first and second waves of the pandemic in Nepal and led the inter-agency task force for the rescue and repatriation of Nepali citizens in Afghanistan in 2021. His diplomatic career includes roles such as Minister Counsellor in Beijing (2016-2019), Deputy Head of Mission in Riyadh (2011-2015), and First Secretary in Washington D.C. (2006-2009). He also served as Second Secretary at the Embassy of Nepal in Yangon (1999-2003), where he acted as Charge d’Affaires for nearly three years.
Mr. Ghimire’s extensive experience within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu includes positions as Director of the Department of Hospitality, Liaison Officer at the Office of the Rt. Hon’ble President of Nepal, and Director of the Department of Consular Services. He began his career in Nepal’s Foreign Service in 1996 and has since contributed to various task forces addressing migrant worker issues. His academic background is equally impressive, holding a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (2006), an MBA (2001), a Bachelor’s Degree in Management (1994), and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (1997), all from Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu. Additionally, he completed a Diploma Training in WTO Regional Trade Policy Course from the University of Hong Kong in 2005.
Born in Temma, Khotang District, Nepal, Mr. Ghimire is married to Dr. Sirjana K. Bhandari, and they have two sons, Mukesh and Nikesh. His diverse roles and responsibilities in various international and domestic positions underscore his dedication to diplomatic service and his capability in managing complex international relations and crisis situations.