SATV NOV 26 KATHMANDU: Kathmandu hosted a press conference on Tuesday for the "Lighting Up Villages" project, where solar lamps were donated to rural Nepalese communities by Chongqing Huayan Temple. The event highlighted cross-border solidarity and cooperation aimed at improving lives in Nepal's under served regions.

The program saw the presence of Counselor Ci wang from the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, Secretary Yin Liang of the Chongqing Huayan Education and Culture Foundation, Dinesh Lama, Chairperson of Roshi Rural Municipality, Master Dao Qian from Chongqing Huayan Temple, Ward Chairperson Lal Bahadur Pakhrin, project representative Man Bahadur Tamang, and Vice Chairperson Chandika Tamang of Aamachodingmo Rural Municipality, Rasuwa District. Also attending were numerous editors and journalists from both national and international media.

The villages of Mindupa and Sim, located in Ward 11 of Roshi Rural Municipality, have long suffered from the absence of electricity. Representing the project, Man Bahadur Tamang personally distributed solar lamps to the residents, provided by Chongqing Huayan Temple.

In his remarks, Secretary Yin Liang explained the project's significance and reiterated their commitment to refining the initiative and extending its reach to other underserved areas in Nepal. Master Dao Qian, in a video message, expressed his blessings and joy for bringing light to remote Nepali homes that had been shrouded in darkness for years.

During the program, project manager Man Bahadur Tamang shared his firsthand experience of the dire conditions in these villages. He described the project’s impact, emphasizing how the solar lamps have brought transformative change to the community. A documentary showcasing the solar lamp distribution and its effects was also screened during the event.

Dinesh Lama, Chairperson of Roshi Rural Municipality, expressed gratitude for the support while highlighting the challenges his municipality faces in recovering from recent floods. He called for further assistance to help rebuild the affected areas.

Similarly, Vice Chairperson Chandika Tamang of Aamachodingmo Rural Municipality praised the foundation’s efforts, noting its meaningful contributions to her region.

Beneficiaries of the project expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the initiative, stating that the solar lamps have not only illuminated their homes but also provided relief from their struggles due to the lack of electricity. Residents shared their joy in overcoming some of the daily hardships they had endured for years.

Counselor Ci wang from the Chinese Embassy in Nepal highlighted the embassy's pride in supporting such initiatives. He reaffirmed China's commitment to assisting Nepal through various programs under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aimed at helping Nepal transition from a least-developed country to a developing nation. He emphasized that such collaborative efforts strengthen the enduring friendship between the two nations.

The "Lighting Up Villages" project has brought more than just light to remote Nepalese communities—it has kindled a beacon of hope, demonstrating that compassion knows no boundaries. This initiative stands as a testament to the transformative power of mutual support and cooperation.