"My name is Dil Bahadur"

Currently, the Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Hanan Godar, is working to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Godre, who served as ambassador to Nepal for the first term from 2011 to 2014, has assumed the role of ambassador for the second time in 2020. Edited part of the conversation of Jagdishwar Pandey from Kantipur with Ambassador Godar who spent a long time in Nepal:

When did you first come to Nepal?

I came to Nepal for the first time in 2011. There are many differences between the Nepal of 2011 and the Nepal of today. Meanwhile I noticed a lot of difference.

What changes have you seen in Nepal?

You are not aware of the changes here because they are happening in Nepal. But since I am from outside, I have seen a lot of difference between when I first came to Nepal and now. Some changes are small, but some are big changes. Now electricity comes 24 hours a day. Back then we had to look at the load shedding schedule and wait to see when the light comes on and goes off. You should have seen the list of 16 hour load shedding in the schedule, sometimes in the morning, sometimes in the afternoon and in the evening. That is over now. Another change is the average life expectancy of people. You may not have noticed. 10 years ago, the average life expectancy of Nepalis was 67 years, which has now increased to 71 years. Average life expectancy has increased by four years in just one decade. It's dramatic. When I was last in Nepal, the literacy rate was 66 percent. Now it has reached 85 percent. These are dramatic changes. Another example, 12 years ago was an LLC. What we used to think of as the Iron Gate. But now everyone has completed 12th standard. There are many colleges. More than 50 percent of female students study in that college. Did you Have you noticed that? It was not like that in Nepal a decade ago. I can give many examples of the changes that have happened in Nepal in the last decade.

How was the experience of coming to Nepal for the first time?

Everyone who comes to Nepal for the first time from outside is amazed by the beauty here. The beauty, culture, environment of Nepal makes everyone fascinated. It takes some time to understand Nepal. But the diversity here attracts and brings joy to everyone. In the course of

work, he met many Nepalis. How did you find the Nepalis?

Nepalis are very kind. Speaks softly, welcomes guests. They enjoy welcoming others. Wants to speak and explain. Nepalis are proud of their country, culture, nature, language, music etc.

How was Nepal's weather?

The climate of Nepal is very pleasant. Spring is great, autumn is tempting. In Nepal, there are terrains with a height of 70 meters to 848.86 meters. This means that somewhere there is snow and extreme heat at the same time. Therefore, it is difficult to talk about Nepal's climate. But climate change is happening, but we don't know what it will be. I am not an expert on climate change. But we have to worry about it. Lack of rain and heavy rains, terrible winds and extreme fluctuations in temperature. Pollution has also increased. When I came to Kathmandu a decade ago, the sky looked open and pleasant. But due to pollution, it is now difficult to see the open sky. I have also seen plastic burned. It causes breathing problems. It also affects children more. Do not burn plastic. If you look at Israel, the sky is open.

Have you tasted Nepali food? What is your favorite food?

Whether you go east, west, north or south, Dalbhat gives you power for 24 hours. But I like it a bit more spicy. I like Nepalese food a bit more spicy. I feel fine. I find it very tasty. Mustang potatoes are very tasty if you eat them. Small but very tasty. I also like jerry as an after-meal dessert.

Have you celebrated Nepali festivals? Which festival did you like?

I celebrate Nepali festival. Just a few days ago I participated in the Indriyatra to pray for rain. If you want to have a good relationship with Lord Indra, you should pray during Indrayatra. I have also gone to Indradah to pray. I have also gone on the Jatra of Rato Machhindranath. Apart from that I celebrate all festivals including Dasain, Tihar and Holi. There are 73 days of public holidays in Nepal. I have been to Pashupati on Shivratri. There are festivals like every day in Nepal. Every festival in Nepal is special for me. But it seems that the festival holidays in Nepal are a bit more.

You have translated the Nepali national anthem into Hebrew. How did you learn to speak Nepali and how did you want to translate?

I learned Nepali from a language teacher when I came to Nepal in 2011 for my first term. His name is Gopal. His house was in Lalitpur. He also gave me a Nepali name. My Nepali name is Dil Bahadur. But I am still not perfect in Nepali, I am still studying. Because the words are not clear. The next day of tomorrow is called Farsi and vegetable food is called Farsi. I bow to Percy and Percy. Whenever I want to ask about Persico, Farsi comes up. That confuses me. Nepali national anthem is special. I also met Byakul Maila, the composer of the Nepali National Anthem. He had a good conversation and translated into Hebrew. As far as I know, the Nepali national anthem is in Nepali, English and Hebrew languages. I am surprised that Nepalis have not read the national anthem of Nepal. once

happens when reading. In the first line itself, 'hundreds of flowers, we are one garland Nepali...' It gives a big message. People of a hundred castes and species are living together in one garland. It gives a message to 193 countries of the world to live together in one place even though they are different. The national anthem of Nepal inspires everyone to live together, that's why I translated it into Hebrew.

What is your favorite Nepali song-music?

I love Adrian Pradhan's song 'Yo Man Ta Mero Nepali Ho...'. This song is very good. It has become like a national anthem for Nepalis living abroad. When you go out, this song always evokes a sense of patriotism. Besides, I like Nepali national anthem and other contemporary songs.

What do you know about Nepali literature?

I have been reading Nepali books till I understand. I read the translated books along with it. I read the book 'Hitler and the Jews' just a few days ago. The book was written by BP Koirala. It has a travel story. It can be read that he traveled from Mumbai to Rome by boat, went to Britain, etc. It is a combination of fiction and diary. I enjoyed reading it and I urge others to read this book.

Have you seen a Nepali movie?

I have watched some Nepali movies. I have some friends in that area. Watch the movie Mahapurush. It felt great. I watched that movie with subtitles and found it kind of touching.

Which places in Nepal have you visited and which place did you like?

I found Konjyosome in Lalitpur to be the best place. It is at an altitude of about 2,800 meters. The view from there is very good. I have traveled all around the Kathmandu valley. I have visited Shivpuri, Phulchoki, Sankhu, Jama Cho, Kasthamandap, Bhaktapur Durbar Square area, Patan Durbar area etc. Also, I have visited the Langtang area. This is a religious area. There is Gosainkunda. Another religious place I visited is Muktinath. It is the origin of Kaligandaki. I went there with my family. The interesting thing about Mustang is that it is located on the north side of the Annapurna range, due to which it does not rain. I have also visited Janakpur, Jhapa, Ilam, Pokhara and other places. I enjoy traveling to different places in Nepal. I want to go to Rara. I can't say it's my favorite place, it's hard to say. That means whether you like lamb or melon. Some days I like lamb and some days I like melon.

How do you feel about Nepal's art culture?

Nepalis do not appreciate their subjects very much. But there are many important things in Nepal. The society here, culture, art, behavior of people, good weather etc. are assets of Nepal. I would like to ask the Nepalese to stay in the country and make their homes beautiful. Many Nepalis are abroad, I hope they will return to Nepal. Change it yourself. Don't let others do it for you, do it for yourself.