KATHMANDU, Dec 11: Nepal's ambassador to Israel, Dr Anjan Shakya, is also a singer. Her song that featured Nepal's heritage sites – yo mandir yo masjid yo chaitya yo gumba, malai pyaro laagchha merai pran bhanda (these temples, mosques, stupas are dearer to me than my own life) was a huge sensation nearly two decades ago. Her musical journey did not quite thrive since then.

On Monday, she however, came back to her form – she sang 'Nepal Harekhokha (Nepal far away) amusingly. Clad in yellow sari and red blouse, a very graceful-looking Shakya stole the show organized to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Israel. During the performance, she was joined by renowned Israeli singer Gali Atari and the program was graced by senior musicians and diplomats; most of them wearing masks in view of the COVID19 pandemic.  

"It became quite difficult for me to learn the song. The pronunciation is very difficult," she said. "But this was very interesting as well; it's a respect for our bonding." 

'Nepal Harekhokha' that celebrates Nepal-Israel ties was written four decades ago. A lot of Nepalis working in Israel are familiar to this tune. 

"This song is in the Hebrew language, the most popular language here. And it is regarded as a bridge between Nepal and Israel. We organized this event to mark 60 years of our friendship," Shakya said. "On the occasion, we felicitated senior musicians and singers," she added. 

The program organized by the Embassy of Nepal in Tel Aviv was attended also by Culture and Sports Minister of Israel, Chili Tropper. 

Shakya had a few weeks ago grabbed the headlines for her remarkable efforts in bringing the two countries closer. Through the 'Agriculture Center of Excellence' in all provinces of the country, Shakya is committed to bringing the Israeli agricultural technology home. She was honored with the 'Ambassador of the Year 2019' award by the Ambassadors Club of Israel.

 
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