INF Nepal celebrated its 70th Anniversary amidst a formal programme in the presence of the Honorable Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Krishnachandra Nepali Pokharel and other distinguished guest members.

Inaugurating the programme, the Honourable Chief Minister of Gandaki Province said, “First of all, many congratulations to INF for reaching 70 years of its journey in Nepal. INF has played a vital role in providing health services to the rural communities of the western half of Nepal, providing much-needed support in livelihood, and promoting social inclusion.” He said Provincial Government would continue cooperating with INF in the coming days.

Chairperson of the programme and INF Nepal, Ramchandra Timothy, mentioned that the organisation is proud of its history and legacy founded by courageous pioneers. He said, “The contribution of former and current staff members to INF has been tremendous. We, as an organisation, are working tirelessly to serve the needy people of Nepal while keeping our dignity high.” Rajendra Kumar Adhikari, Vice-Chairperson of INF Nepal, welcomed the guests. The Chairperson used the occasion to thank Government stakeholders of all levels for their continued support and partnership, enabling INF’s work over the seven decades in the service of the Nepali people.

In the programme, the Executive Director of INF Nepal, Krishna Adhikari, introduced INF Nepal to the guests and programme participants. “Through these events, we celebrate how far INF has come since its humble beginning in 1952 and contemplate the milestones achieved over the years”, said Krishna Adhikari, Executive Director of INF Nepal.  Medical Services Director Dr Arun Kumar Budha presented the future plans for Green Pastures Hospital.

On occasion, Chief Guest, Chairperson, and other distinguished guests released the INF’s Souvenir Book “Yatra”, meaning journey.

Special guest, Vice-Chancellor of Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences, Dr Duk Bahadur Chhetri, Member Secretary of Social Welfare Council Manoj Bhatt, Vice-Chairperson of Gandaki Province Policy and Planning Commission Dr Raghuraj Kafle, Representative of Australian Embassy [DFAT] Kamakshi Rai (Yakthumba), Pokhara Metropolitan City Ward no. 1 Chairperson Sahara Pradhan, Ward no. 15 Chairperson Toran Baniya and other guests shared their best wishes message.

During the programme, INF staff from the hospital sang national songs while and community programmes team performed a drama on the social issue of domestic violence and disability.

The celebration programme was well attended by over 30 guests from the government and like-minded organisations and also saw the enthusiastic presence of Board Members, General Members, Life-members, staff and expatriate volunteers. Various government agencies, like-minded organisations, and some individuals who contributed significantly to the INF or their respective fields were felicitated.

The celebration programme has indeed become an opportunity to reflect on the progress and lesson learned while pursuing the vision of INF to serve Nepal’s poor and disadvantaged people. INF Nepal organised over 70 different programmes and major activities marking 70 years of service in Nepal since the celebration of the 69th Anniversary last year. There will be more celebration programmes on the 3rd and 4th of November in Surkhet and Banke, respectively, and on the 15th and 17th of November in Pokhara.

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