Kathmandu, May 31: The Sagarmatha Day (Everest Day) was celebrated at the Consulate General of Nepal in San Francisco, USA, emphasizing the significance of Mount Everest, highest peak of world, as a symbol of Nepal’s identity and pride.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal gave a video message to the programme, explaining Nepal’s rich natural, cultural, and historical heritage.
Consul General Laxman Khanal requested the participants to make Nepal their next travel destination, reminding them of formation of a new government since the March 5 House of Representatives election. The government is devoted to good governance and economic prosperity through investment-friendly policies.
A representative at the US Department of State, John Y Choi, congratulated Nepal and its community on the Everest Day. US-Nepal relations could be strengthened through increased dialogue and cooperation, he added.
Foreign affairs adviser in California, Evan Reade, emphasized the growing partnership between US and Nepal, advocating for enhanced collaboration in trade, tourism, education and environmental protection.
The event underscored the mutual benefits of fostering closer ties between the two nations.
A press release from the Consulate General highlighted a discussion led by Dilli Bhattarai, an elected member of Hercules City Council, on the historical significance of the first successful climb of the Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary 73 years ago.
According to Bhattarai, this monumental achievement serves as an inspiration for humanity to strive for greater accomplishments. A researcher at the University of California, Nima Sherpa, presented her findings on the impacts of climate change in the Everest region, underscoring the environmental challenges facing this iconic mountain.
During the event, four climbers residing in the San Francisco Bay area were recognized with certificates for their achievements in mountaineering.
A seasoned climber Lhakpa Norbu Sherpa, with five successful ascents of Everest, shared his personal climbing experiences and the adverse effects of climate change undergoing high-altitude environments.
Additionally, Megha Sharma recounted own memorable trip to the Everest base camp and encouraged attendees to explore Nepal.
A professor at the University of California, Dr. Faith Boucher, and a former Peace Corps volunteer, also shared her experiences with Nepal and its people, further enriching the discussion on the cultural and environmental significance of the region. RSS #Nepal
