National 7 (Spotlight Weekly)

A Man of Commitment

Heribert Wirth and his wife have resolved to promote Nepal in Germany

By A CORRESSPONDENT

Although Nepal and Germany are geographically far apart, there are widespread people-to-people contact. One can see the immense contributions German citizens have made in different areas of development in Nepal.

German citizens have supported such vital sectors as health, social welfare and culture preservation. A few years back, a German couple supported the construction of Maiti Nepal's shelter home in Gaushala. A German lady provided generous support to a kidney patient. Many Germans have been working in the preservation of Nepalese heritage and cultural sites.

One German couple has added a new dimension by erecting a permanent Nepal Pavilion in Germany. Thanks to their initiative, many German citizens can see the cultural, religious and artistic sites of Nepal.

When he first visited the Nepal Himalayan Pavilion at the Expo 2000 in Hannover, Germany, the art, culture and other aspects of Nepal inspired Wirth. His first visit to Nepal the following year added to his resolve to preserve and promote Nepal's opulence.

He considered transferring the Nepali Pavilion from Hannover to his part of Germany. At his request, Nepalese professional and entrepreneurs agreed to erect the pavilion at Wiesent-Matiniplatte near Munich.

Wirth couple : Committed to the cause

The maintenance and other activities will be taken by Nepal Promotion Center (NPC), a newly established organization in Germany. A Nepalese entrepreneur, Amrit Ratna Shakya, has played a very important role in redirecting "Little Nepal" in Germany.

"Established and to be operated and funded by Implementing Experts group (group of Nepalese entrepreneurs, professionals and artisans) and Wirth, the NPC will endeavor to contribute in the economic and social development of Nepal and also to strive for the promotion of trade, investment, tourism and technological development between Nepal and Germany/Europe," said Shakya.

The NPC will organize various promotional programs between May and October and operate Nepal Himalaya Pavilion. Erected in the center of 25 hectares of land, Nepal Himalayan Pavilion presents together Swayambhunath Stupa and Changunarayan Temple. Laliguras garden with pond and meditation center are the other prominent attractions of the pavilion.

"Nepal is a beautiful country with high mountains, Himalayas, the combination two great civilizations and cultures and people are very friendly," said Wirth, founder chairman of the German social organization Wasser fud der Welt (Water for the World). Proceeds from entrance fees to the pavilion will be used by the organization to finance water projects in Nepal.

The erection of the Nepali Pavilion took about year after Nepalese artisans were flown to Germany. "We have learned many things from Nepalese workers. They do not complain as loudly as we do, but speak in a low voice," said Wirth.

"When many different communities have been fighting each other, it is inspiring to see the two oldest religions and cultures stand harmoniously with each other," said Wirth. The two different temples Swayambhu, a Buddhist temple, and Changunarayan, Hindu temple, are standing facing each other in Germany. Everyone must learn this emblem of harmony."

Wirth applauds the diversity of Nepal's mountain ranges, culture and religions and pleads for its preservation. "Many rural Nepalese who have never visited other parts of the world, don't realize how beautiful their country is. If they see other countries, then they would come to know the beauty of theirs," said Wirth.

"I am happy that Nepal Pavilion has been erected permanently in Germany. It will strengthen the friendly relations between two countries," said German Ambassador to Nepal.