I returned to Nepal last September after working as the Nepalese ambassador to Russia for 2 years and 1 month. Representing the country was an opportunity for me, who was studying and researching in the field of foreign affairs and diplomacy, apart from that, it was also an opportunity to directly experience and practice diplomatic relations.

The country's political system and leadership may continue to change. Due to its change, the dimensions of mutual relations with any country may also be different. However, diplomacy is not guided by politics. In relation to the country, 'soft' diplomacy is of greater importance. Soft diplomacy is especially important for poor countries. 

I participated in many events as an ambassador. Various seminars, cultural and ideological exchange programs were organized in our embassy. Promotional work was done by reaching different geographical areas of Russia for the expansion of political, social and cultural relations. In that process, I had the opportunity to understand and experience many dimensions of Nepal's cultural relations with Russia. 

I would like to add some historical context here. It will help to understand the impact and importance of 'soft diplomacy'.

The then Soviet Union had President Vorosilov and Prime Minister Nikita Khrushchev. At that time, diplomatic relations were established between Nepal and Russia. After diplomatic relations were established in 1956, in 1958, King Mahendra and Rani Ratna, who were the then heads of state of Nepal, were invited to visit. Before that, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited Russia for the first time in June 1955, while the Chinese leader visited Russia twice in 1950 and 1957. Nepal, which is between those two countries, was also invited in 1958. Accordingly, there was a grand reception. During the 28-day long visit, Communist Party General Secretary Khurchev and Vorosilov met with the delegation including Rajarani. After that visit, Verosilov also came to Nepal in 1960. 

Russia had a very good relationship with both China and India. Even when there were problems between China and India, Russia moved forward by balancing the relationship. Despite being a communist country, there was a rift in relations with China. However, relations with India remained stable and close. To some extent, immediately after Mahendra's visit, Khrushchev told Mao in Peking on October 3, 1958, "Nepal had asked to open the Russian embassy, ​​but understanding Nehru's intentions, I have asked not to open it now." This indicates the diplomatic efforts made by Nepal and the level of Russia-India consultations at that time.

At that time, the countries of the 'Eastern Bloc' were in favor of Russia. That is why Russia gave importance to those countries. China also helped a lot. In the 1950s, it provided extensive financial and technical assistance to China. Then India also helped Bhilai Ispat Mill.

During that time, Russia gave importance to Nepal even though it is a small country. Some assistance was also given to Nepal. It helped to build Panauti hydropower project, Kanti Children's Hospital, Pathlaiya-Dhalkebar Road, Janakpur Cigarette Factory, Birgunj Sugar and Agricultural Tools Factory. At that time, the Janakpur Cigarette Factory used to generate a lot of revenue and other projects also played a major role in the development of the country. 

Nepali students started going to study in the Soviet Union after that visit which was discussed internationally. Russia has made a great contribution in preparing the first generation of technical manpower such as doctors, engineers, and economists in Nepal. 

The talk of that visit has become a folk song in Russia. That song is still being hummed by the people there. Who originally sang and composed that song? Don't know that. However, that song is still being sung there. The song talks about the then Rani Ratna Rajyalakshmi Devi Shah who visited Russia. However, the words 'Ranilakshmi' and 'Nepal' are found in the song. They may have said the words that they found easier to speak. They may have chosen the words that were easy to make and made a song that would fit in with the love of their language. 

In that song called 'Karaleva Nepala' (Queen of Nepal), Rani's beauty is described in his own way by saying that she has a thin, smooth body and a bright face. The sentiment of the song sung by the Russian folk artist is as follows:

O Nani! Look at this beautiful woman!

She is thinner than Salla, see Niali!

Why did she get married to Mahendra Raja?

O Nani, don't listen to him! 

Don't let him hear our song!

must be healing, baby!

if it's a hand-me-down, tell it to me 

Our sweet song!

, don't do it, Nani!

(a part of the song, emotion : Dhananjay Shrestha) 

Someone told me that there is such a song. There is no survey that such a song is popular in which area, but this song is being transferred from generation to generation. In Moscow, our family friend and Russian poetess Tatyana Cheglova gave us a recording of the song and gave us more information, while our friend Dhananjaya Shrestha helped us with the translation. That song being alive and still being preached is a very beautiful thing for Nepal itself. This is particularly an example of 'soft diplomacy'.  'Soft diplomacy' plays an important role in