59 Years of Mitra Kunj: A Living Bridge of Nepal-Russia Friendship Forged Through Education

Kathmandu — Mitra Kunj, the international association of graduates of Soviet and Russian universities who returned to Nepal, celebrated its 59th anniversary with a grand ceremony at the Russian House in Kathmandu. The event, marking nearly six decades of the organisation serving as a living symbol of friendship between Nepal and Russia, witnessed the notable presence of diplomats, former ministers, professors, doctors, engineers, literary figures, and alumni from diverse professional backgrounds.

Inaugurating the programme, Ambassador-Designate of the Russian Federation to Nepal, Alexey Vladimirovich Surovtsev, commended the contribution made by graduates of Soviet and Russian educational institutions to Nepal’s development in the fields of medicine, energy, engineering, education, and culture. He further characterised Mitra Kunj as a key conduit for humanitarian and professional exchange.

A special highlight of the event was the launch of a souvenir edition and the opening of an exhibition chronicling the association’s journey, its members, initiatives, and achievements.

Head of the Russian House in Kathmandu, Anastasia Khokhlova, remarked that Mitra Kunj has established itself over the years as an important symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries. “Mitra Kunj is a symbol of strong friendship between Nepal and Russia. Bringing together generations of graduates of Soviet and Russian educational institutions, it plays an important role in promoting cultural dialogue, educational exchange, and people-to-people ties that form the basis of our bilateral relations,” she said. Khokhlova also noted that the organisation has moved well beyond alumni gatherings, remaining equally active in social initiatives such as healthcare, charity, and blood donation, thereby making a notable contribution to the broader development of Nepali society.

President of the association, Sushma Khatri Ranjit, the first woman to head Mitra Kunj, stated that the 59th anniversary is not merely a date but signals the organisation crossing a milestone of maturity and entering a new phase. “Mitra Kunj is more than an alumni association. It is a true club of friends, where people of different professions and generations are united by shared memory, shared values, and a desire to serve Nepal’s development. Today, the association not only preserves the spirit of Soviet-Russian education, but also continues to strengthen ties between our peoples through education, culture, public initiatives, and support for youth,” she said. She also informed that Mitra Kunj now extends beyond its central office in Kathmandu, with a network of branches already established in various cities across the country.