For many decades, Nepal-Russia relations have been developing rapidly in a variety of areas. The priority areas of bilateral cooperation include education and culture. The Rossotrudnichestvo representative office in Nepal – Russian House in Kathmandu conducts awareness-raising activities, supporting numerous cultural projects and educational initiatives.
Saakanush Vanian, Acting Director of the Russian House in Kathmandu, talks about the key events held in 2025.
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
In January 2025, the Russian House, together with the Prisoner Assistant Nepal (PAN) charity school, celebrated Orthodox Christmas and the arrival of New Year 2025. The charity school students delighted those present with their artistry performing Nepalese folk dances. Bright costumes, live musical accompaniment and fast dance moves created a festive atmosphere. Also, Russian Father Frost came to visit Nepalese children.
Exhibition “In Search of Shambhala”
On January 22, the Russian House opened an exhibition titled “In Search of Shambhala” by the Russian artist Natalia Zaitseva-Borisova. It featured more than 20 paintings made using different techniques (oil, gouache, and tempera) and united by the theme of the Himalayas in Nepal and India.
The exhibition was attended by Nepalese connoisseurs of art, heads of partner organizations, universities, colleges, representatives of the Russian expat community in Nepal, diplomats, employees of the Embassy of Russia, and journalists.
The works presented at the exhibition emphasized the importance of painting as part of cultural diplomacy.
Anton Chekhov’s Anniversary
On January 24, 2025, we held an unforgettable literary evening dedicated to the 165th anniversary of the great Russian writer Anton Chekhov. It was organized in collaboration with the Nepal Russia Literary Association (NRLA). The event brought together many Russian literature and culture lovers. During the evening, Chekhov’s short stories were read, his works were discussed, and the animation movie “Kashtanka”, based on his famous work, was screened.
The literary evening was a striking example of the uniting and awareness-raising potential of art and culture as well as contributed to the promotion of Russian literature in Nepal. We hope that this event will give rise to new projects and initiatives in the field of cultural exchange between Russia and Nepal.
65th Anniversary of RUDN
On February 5, 2025, the Russian House in Kathmandu hosted an important event — the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN).
It was organized by the associations “RUDN Friends” and “Mitra Kunj” that created an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding, showing the importance of academic and cultural ties between Russia and Nepal.
The event was attended by a large number of guests, including diplomats, cultural figures, and friends of the university. One of the key speeches was the one by the Former Ambassador, Mister Hirani Lala Shresthi, on the contribution of the Russian Federation and the Soviet Union to the development of Nepal. He noted that Nepal has historically been a center for uniting various religions and cultures, which makes it unique. In his study, he also highlighted the necessity of strengthening ties with Russia and other countries, emphasizing that international cooperation can play a key role in the further development of Nepal.
Safer Internet Day
On February 12, students of New Sumnima School took part in an interactive session on the protection of children in the digital space on the occasion of Safer Internet Day. It was organized in collaboration with the Russian House and aimed to raise awareness of the safe and responsible use of digital devices and online platforms.
Continuation of such initiatives will generally improve the learning environment and build trust in Russian education in Nepal.
80th Anniversary of the Great Victory
In May, the Russian House and the Embassy of Russia in Nepal conducted a series of activities dedicated to the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War that included the Immortal Regiment and the St. George Ribbon events and an exhibition dedicated to the significant events of the Great Patriotic War. These events brought together the diplomatic corps members, Nepalese public figures and the Russian-speaking community, creating an atmosphere of unity and pride in their shared historical memory.
The Russian House also hosted a roundtable discussion dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory Day. At the event, organized in collaboration with the partner organizations, we discussed the important issues of peace, stability and shared history, ending the meeting with a joint message of solidarity and friendship to the Embassy of Russia, which confirmed strong cultural and diplomatic relations between Nepal and Russia.
Moreover, as part of the joint celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, we held a meeting with the students of National Orchid Boarding School in Chabahil, Kathmandu.
The Russian House’s events, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, were a powerful reminder of the importance of military history and the necessity of commemorating the heroism of those who fought for the Motherland.
Mitra Kunj
On May 16, 2025, the Russian House proudly celebrated the 58th anniversary of Mitra Kunj, the Association of Graduates of Soviet and Russian Universities, that continues to symbolize abiding friendship and mutual respect between Nepal and Russia.
Russia Day
On June, 12, as part of the events dedicated to Russia Day, the Russian House hosted a concert by the Academic Orchestra of Russian Folk Instruments named after N.N. Nekrasov of the Orpheus TV and Radio Center. The musicians presented a unique program that included famous folk songs and classical and folk music improvisations. The concert brought together the employees of diplomatic missions and a wide audience. It was opened by the Consul of the Russian Federation, Artem Maksimov, who emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the Russian and Nepalese peoples through art, literature, music, and cultural exchange.
Consultations for Applicants
In 2025, we continue to provide ongoing online and offline consultations for those wishing to study in Russia. The Russian House conducted competitive interviews for Nepalese students applying for scholarships to study in the Russian Federation within the government quota for the 2025/26 academic year. A total of 161 students applied for participation in the scholarship program.
Interviews were conducted for those applying for programs at all degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.
