Abhi Subedi
Head of Central Department of English Tribhuwan University
My name is Abhi Subedi and I am a professor. I have been teaching English for the last 45 years. I first came in contact with the British Council while doing my Master’s degree, because the British Council library was the only valuable resource centre back then.
On one such visit, I met a brilliant Dutch lady who was a carefree hippie with an M.A. in English from Oxford University. When I told her I was preparing for the modern English poetry examination, she kindly offered to help me. This wonderful lady not only taught me modern English poetry but selected various books for me to read. The librarian was kind enough to arrange for us to sit next to each other, so we could talk without disturbing the others. This was one amazing experience at the British Council.
Later I became a British Council scholar and was sent to Edinburgh University where I established close ties with the people there. The first person who comes to mind is Madame Lauden. She was a very interesting person with diverse interests. So when she invited me to join the Scottish Country Dancing event, I readily agreed. I learnt about 22 dances - I still remember 4 or 5 major ones. Thereafter, I attended every program. Those were wonderful times.
When my scholarship was terminated in 1979, after the British Government’s policy to do so, the British Council was kind enough to hold on to my return ticket. Years later while doing my PhD, I revisited Britain to attend a month-long Cambridge seminar. This time too, the British Council made it possible.
The British Council’s English teaching and cultural programs are both very effective in Nepal. In fact, no other foreign educational institution has been as successful. As part of its cultural programme, the British Council organizes various seminars and meetings; film screenings; literary events and; in earlier times, even classical music listening sessions.
Most importantly, the British Council funded and initiated the Nepal English Language Teachers’ Association (NELTA). And since then NELTA has become the most powerful organization of its kind in Nepal. The Council is a very active supporter of NELTA even today. It not only helps to bring experts to Nepal, but sends people on a scholarship to Britain for training, and provides different kinds of resources.
I am so happy to extend my congratulations to the British Council at this time. I remember all those great people on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the British Council, and extend my warm greetings to all past and present employees.