Russian Ambassador Novikov offers garland to Yuri Gagarin’s monument in Kathmandu

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Apr 11: On the eve of the International Day of Human Space flight and Cosmonautics Day in Russia, Ambassador of Russia to Nepal Alexey Novikov and the whole Embassy staff today offered traditional Nepali garland to the monument of Yuri Gagarin, Russian cosmonaut who was the first man in the world history to go to space.

The staff of the Russian Embassy in Nepal, the Russian Centre of Science and Culture, Nepali alumni of Soviet and Russian universities, representatives of local authorities, as well as students of the Embassy School gathered to honor the memory of the first human in space — Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin.

Flowers and traditional Nepali garlands were laid at his bust, located in the Central Park of Kathmandu, read a press note issued by the Russian Embassy in Nepal.

Ambassador of Russia to Nepal, Alexey Novikov, delivered a welcoming address, highlighting the heroism of Gagarin and the outstanding contributions of Soviet engineers and scientists who paved the way for humanity’s journey into space. He emphasized the deep significance and pride in the fact that it was a Russian citizen who became the first human to venture into Earth’s orbit.

President of the Association of Graduates of Soviet and Russian Universities in Nepal, Sushma Karki Ranjit, noted that the high-quality education provided by institutions in the USSR and Russia continues to play an important role in maintaining Russia’s leading position in advanced fields, including space exploration.

The event’s atmosphere was further enriched by a heartfelt performance by students, dedicated to the dream of reaching for the stars.

The bust of Yuri Gagarin was inaugurated on April 24, 2019, by the Mayor of Kathmandu, Bidhya Sundar Shakya, together with cosmonaut and two-time Hero of the Soviet Union, Viktor Savinykh.

The Russian embassy holds the event annually to honour Yuri Gagarin.

Yuri Gagarin’s name remains a symbol of courage, progress, and hope for the future. His legendary flight continues to unite nations and inspire new generations of explorers and dreamers.