Nepalese Ambassador Her Excellency Chitralekha Yadav Visits ANMC
On 17th March 2025, the Australian Nepalese Multicultural Center (ANMC) had the honor of hosting Her Excellency Chitralekha Yadav, Ambassador of Nepal to Australia, along with her partner, Dr. Shree Krishna Yadav, and the Honorary Consul of Nepal to Victoria, Nirajan Gauli.
The distinguished guests were warmly received by ANMC President Dr. Tilak Pokharel, accompanied by Vice President Keshav Kandel, Secretary Sudhir Shakya, Executive Committee member Rubi Thapa Magar, and NRNA Victoria Coordinator Mani Ratan Sapkota. The visitors were welcomed with traditional rituals conducted by ANMC priest Milan Gyawali and Baal Byas Shrawan Neupane, who performed religious rites and offered tika and blessings.
Ambassador Yadav expressed heartfelt joy and gratitude upon visiting the ANMC temple, remarking how blessed she felt being able to worship at a Nepali temple on foreign soil. She received tika and prasad and shared her profound appreciation for the spiritual and cultural presence the ANMC offers to the Nepali community in Australia.
During her visit, President Dr. Pokharel briefed Ambassador Yadav about ANMC’s inspiring journey and extensive activities. Highlighting the preliminary master plan for ANMC’s future, Dr. Pokharel emphasized the community’s goal to build a multipurpose community hall. This initiative aims to meet the increasing demands of Victoria’s growing Nepali population and to preserve and promote Nepal’s rich culture and heritage. Dr. Pokharel requested Ambassador Yadav’s assistance in facilitating connections with Nepalese government officials, specifically to aid in sourcing culturally significant artifacts for the proposed museum within the community hall.
Vice President Keshav Kandel emphasized the essential role of the Nepalese Embassy in collaborating with the Nepal Tourism Board and the Nepalese government to support and enrich ANMC’s initiatives.
Ambassador Yadav enthusiastically pledged her support to ANMC, emphasizing that acquiring such significant land for the Nepali community was a commendable and proud achievement. She suggested that major Nepali cultural festivals and events in Australia should be centralized at the ANMC in the future, promising active facilitation from her office with the Nepalese government.
Honorary Consul Nirajan Gauli also assured his cooperation, pledging to work collaboratively with the Nepalese Embassy in Canberra to strengthen ANMC’s ties with both the Nepalese and Australian governments.
Adding historical context to the gathering, retired British Gurkha Bharansher Rai highlighted Nepal’s invaluable contributions to Australia during World Wars I and II, sharing compelling narratives of Nepalese Gurkhas who bravely fought alongside Australian soldiers and assisted significantly in freeing captured Australian troops.
Concluding the visit, Dr. Pokharel extended an invitation to Ambassador Yadav to attend ANMC’s upcoming Teej event, which she graciously accepted, demonstrating ongoing support and strengthening bonds between the ANMC and the Embassy of Nepal.
ANMC is immensely grateful to Her Excellency Chitralekha Yadav and all distinguished guests for their visit, support, and dedication to the Nepalese community in Victoria, Australia.
