When the Government of Nepal appointed me as the Consul General to Lhasa on August 29, 2024, I felt a sense of joy and challenge at the same time. This marked a new dimension in my professional life—an important responsibility entrusted to me by the state and a profound duty to introduce Nepal to foreign lands.
The mission in Lhasa was established as the New Nayab Residency in 1642, the first diplomatic body of Nepal and of South Asia as a whole. It was later renamed the Nepali Wakil Karyalaya in 1856. After the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Consulate General was formally established in 1956. When I learned that distinguished individuals like Nayan Bahadur Khatri and Dor Bahadur Bista had previously served here, I wondered whether I could live up to the standards set by such figures.
I have been working as the Consul General since November 2024, fully mobilising myself to strengthen relations and promote Nepal’s interests. I am confident that I will fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to me by the state without weakness.
The biggest event I attended in Lhasa was the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Xizang Autonomous Region. On August 21, a special ceremony was organised in Potala Square, where His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, was the chief guest. I was the only diplomat on the stage. Among foreign citizens, there were only two—my wife Bimala and me. When the interpreter Yang informed me that the stage was occupied only by officials of at least ministerial level, I felt like a Lilliputian.
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Having often sat through long speeches at such events, this programme felt truly different. The chief guest did not address the gathering. Instead, Wang Huning, Chairman of the CPPCC, handed over President Xi’s inscription, which read: “Jointly building a community for the Chinese nation, writing a new chapter for a beautiful Xizang”, to the Party Secretary of Xizang. Only three leaders addressed the event. The Chinese army and police staged a parade, followed by a cultural programme representing all regions of Xizang. The event was short, well-organised, dignified, disciplined, and meticulous. Thousands of artists performed before an audience of 20,000 people, including central and provincial officials. Another notable aspect was the modest seating arrangement for the chief guest, identical to that of others.
Earlier, President Xi met with officials and discussed development and prosperity. He urged everyone to remain united and to work together to build a beautiful Xizang with modern Chinese characteristics.
The three and a half hours I spent in the company of President Xi over those two days felt like a lifetime of learning. I witnessed Xizang’s achievements unfold like a reel of film—the transition from hardship to comfort. On the high plateau, I saw paved roads, high-speed trains, modern cities, skyscrapers, greenery, and the calm faces of the Tibetan people. In six decades, development has been unprecedented. The gross domestic product has risen from 327 million yuan to 276.5 billion. Some 120,000 kilometres of blacktop roads and 183 railway networks have been built. Thousands of skyways have been constructed. 5G services have reached the Everest base camp. Per capita income in rural and urban areas has grown from 108 and 456 yuan to 21,578 and 55,444 yuan respectively. Average life expectancy has doubled. Development in electricity, security, drinking water, irrigation, and environmental protection has been remarkable. I had the opportunity to witness rapid physical infrastructure growth, environmental conservation, preservation of historical and archaeological heritage, and improvements in people’s living standards.
Although the main programme had been planned in advance, only the top leaders knew that President Xi would attend. He landed at Lhasa Airport on August 20. Thousands of people welcomed him with the cultural traditions of regions across Xizang, including Lhasa, Shigatse, Sannan, Nakchu, Linchi, Ali, and Chamdo. The sight of President Xi waving to the cheering crowds was unforgettable. Remarkably, he travelled in a minibus without special markings. In Nepal, officials above ministerial level typically use flagged vehicles, but here even the President of China travelled without such symbols.
That same evening, President Xi attended the Gala Cultural Festival at the Xizang Grand Theater. Calm and gentle as always, he greeted the audience warmly. The event presented the diverse lifestyles of Xizang’s communities, from ancient traditions to modern developments.
The people’s faces reflected deep respect and trust in their country, government, and leaders. I was reminded of certain Nepali elites, desperate for DV and PR, in contrast to the proud and patriotic senior citizens of Lhasa, who hold onto their Nepali passports even in their final days.
During the President’s visit, Lhasa was decorated like a bride. Streets lined with colourful flowers were immaculate as always, the city brightly lit. Alleys glowed with red lanterns and flags, while fireworks and rainbow-coloured skies made the city even more enchanting. Lhasa seemed to smile, like a statue carved by a master artist. The drizzle, shy clouds, and occasional sun appeared to welcome the distinguished guest. The joyful atmosphere felt as though nature itself had joined in celebration. As the programme concluded, I too waved farewell to President Xi, staring at him like a statue.
The author serves as Consul General at Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa, China.
