NATIONAL10 [PROFILE (Spotlight Weelky)]

Home Away From Home

Wife of Finnish diplomat, Ritva Hurtig says she really enjoys her stay in Nepal

By A CORRESPONDENT

Hurtig : Enjoys being in Nepal

She has lived in different countries of Asia, Africa and Europe but Ritva Hurtig - wife of Esa Hurtig, Charge d'Affaires in the Finnish Embassy - finds her stay in Nepal as something very special.

During her four-year-long stay in the country, Hurtig has developed a special bond with the country. The snow-clad mountains and lush green forests of Nepal remind her about her own native Finland.

Hurtig is impressed by the culture, history and other aspects of the country. "Through my stay here, I have learned a lot about the diverse culture and tradition of this country," she says.

Being a wife of a career diplomat, Hurtig has travelled to different parts of the world with her husband and has gained diverse experience.

As her husband remains busy in his official matters, she spends her time learning about the country. A mother of three children, all of whom are presently pursuing higher studies back home, Hurtig is happy to be here.

One thing that is close to Hurtig's heart is helping poor women and disabled people. She spends her free time listening to their plight and trying to help them. "The role of women is very crucial for the successful development of Nepal," says Hurtig. "There is no way you can develop the country without the active participation of women."

A micro-biologist by training, Hurtig has diverse interest. Her love for nature is apparent with the way she has kept her garden. Despite her residence being located in the middle of the town in Bhatbhateni, she has maintained a fascinating and beautiful garden.

Hurtig has developed her own style of living in Nepal as she spends most of her time learning different things about Nepal. Being the wife of Charge d'Affaires, she has to attend different official functions, too. "Actually, I still have a lot of things to do and learn in Nepal."

Hurtig believes Nepal can develop itself by harnessing its natural resources properly. She feels Nepal can put her natural resources like forest products and hydro-power to good use. She says to harness these resources honest commitment and proper planning is required. "There's no other way to exploit natural resources."

As Hurtig has plenty of leisure time, she puts them to good use by involving herself to the cause of women.

Apart from these, Hurtig also has to entertain guests from Finland. She says she feels happy to tell her visitors about the country. "In fact, I enjoy guiding them to the Nepalese marketplaces."