Nepalese Canadian Network

Montreal (NCN) - His Excellency, Bhoj Raj Ghimire, the first Ambassador of Nepal to Canada , was warmly welcomed in Montreal by the Association of Nepalese in Quebec (ANQ). Speaking in the welcome program, Dr. Hemant Paudel, Mr. Pabitra Upaddhaya, Mr. Muga Rajbhandari, and, ANQ President, Mr. Prakash Mungrati, stated that their community is always ready to help the Nepalese Embassy whenever it needs help from the community.

Ambassador Dr. Ghimire mentioned that the embassy is now up and running and everybody should be able to receive services such as a visa, permit, etc. within two hours, except in cases where services take longer such as a long translation. He also appealed to the community members to move forward to promote Nepali language and culture within their community and requested to promote travel to Nepal to make a successful Nepal Tourism Year 2011.

Her Excellency, the Right Honorable, Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada , received the credentials of the new Nepalese ambassador on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, in the Ballroom, at Rideau Hall, Ottawa.

Wife of His Excellency, Ms. Ghimire, first secretary, Mr. Rajendra Pandy, and Secretary Madan Karki were also presented in the welcome program.

Traditional Nepalese potluck foods were served during the program and the program was hosted at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Hemant Paudel in Point-Claire. Almost all community members had a chance to talk and ask questions to the ambassador during the Q&A session. A brief biography of Dr. Ghimire was also read by Prativa Baral. The program was facilitated by ANQ Executive Member, Mr. Gyanendra Pokhrel.

Photo by: Rishi Shrestha