16th EC of SONSIK Volume 9, Issue I, December 2019 Editorial: It is our utmost fortune to release this Volume 9, Issue 1, November 2019 of SONSIK e-Newsletter. This e-Newsletter covers the event reports of the programs organized and participated by SONSIK 16th Executive Committee (EC) within its first quarter of the tenure. We hope that you will enjoy going through it and will appreciate our effort of conn ecting with our society members who have always been an integral part of our journey. Last but definitely not the least, we would like to request each and every one of you to please help us make this newsletter reach more people as possible. Your suggestions and opinions will always be appreciated.

INSIDE THIS  SONSIK 16th AGM  Message from the president of SONSIK 16th EC  Yearly plans  Program organized/ collaborated by SONSIK . Orientation program in region 3 and 4 . SONSIK’ collaborations : Entrepreneurial debate . SONSIK’s Dashain dhamaka, tour, and 15th EC farewell . Deusi-bhailo program Editorial Board  SONSIK sustainable scholarship program Mr. Om Raj Sapkota  SONSIK interaction with embassy of Nepal and advisory  Participation in various programs by SONSIK Miss. Charu Bista  SONSIK cultural committee and university coordinators  SONSIK finance detail SONSIK 16th Annual General Meeting The shared organization between all the Nepalese students studying in the Republic of Korea (), Society of Nepalese Students in Korea (SONSIK) successfully held its 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM) under the leadership of Mr. Tulsi Poudel, the president of SONSIK 15th EC .

Acting ambassador Mr. Ram Sing Thapa ( third from left in the first row ) in SONSIK 16th AGM

The acting ambassador and deputy chief of the mission in embassy of Nepal, South Korea, Mr. Ram Singh Thapa was on hand to open the meeting as the chief guest of the program. The secretary of NRNA South Korea Mr. Keshav Thapa, education supervisor of the international student support team NIIED Mr. Jang Wonchang, general manager at Daejeon International Center Mr. Chu Gyowon, Dean of Hannam University Mr. Jong Woon Kim, member of HANNESA Mr. Ki-Soon Bae, SONSIK 15th EC advisors, past presidents and executive members of SONSIK, members of different Nepali organizations in South Korea and the Nepalese students in South Korea participated to make this program a grand success. The 16th AGM of SONSIK held in Hannam University in 24th and 25th of August elected Mr. Prakash Devkota as the president and 12 others as the office bearers of 16th EC of SONSIK. In this Executive Committee Mr. Siri Satyal, Mr. Pradeep Subedi, Mr. Yub Raj Dangi and Mr. Chhabi Lal Chaudhary were selected the vice president of region 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Likewise, Mr. Bishal Bhandari as the secretary, Ms. Shreedevi Gyawali as the joint-secret ary, Mr. Rajaram Shrestha as the treasurer, Mr. Om Raj Sapkota, Ms. Charu Bista, Mr. Ananda Baral, Ms. Alisha Bhandari and Mr. Gopal Lamichhane as the members, and Mr. Sunder Baruwal and Mr. Sunil Aryal as the nominated members complete the 16th EC of SONSIK.

SONSIK 16th EC with election committee

During the meeting, the participants were presented with the report of all the activities conducted by the 15th executive committee of SONSIK along with financial report which was followed by the attendees sharing their opinion, thoughts and suggestions for making SONSIK a better association for students living in South Korea. The 7th SONSIK Souvenir 2019 was also released on the same program by the chair person, chief guest and special guests of the program. Then all the distinguished guests, advisors of SONSIK, Nepalese professors and students in South Korea who have always invested their valuable time for making this organization more effective, were honored with certificates. After the very long but successful meeting at Daejeon the participants were taken to Daecheon beach for refreshments and exchanging good wishes. After all the fun and excitement in the Daecheon beach the program officially ended on Sunday afternoon. SONSIK 16th Executive Committee SONSIK 16th Advisory Board Message From The President Of SONSIK 16th EC

Respected all, Namaste!!

I want to express my sincere gratitude towards all of you who have trusted me and my abilities to be a president of Society of Nepalese Students in Korea (SONSIK) – an umbrella organization established with the foremost aim of conducting activities that are directly or indirectly associated with the benefit and welfare of students living all over Korea. I am deeply humbled to welcome you all and an indeed a privilege to be serving as a president of SONSIK. This year marks the time in which we continue the journey for a much more fulfilling student experience with great fervor and alacrity. I strongly believe in a team work. I started learning how important a single individual could be to build a strong team since from the day I came to knew how the small drop of water collects and converts into a huge ocean via small rivers and streams. I am nothing as a single individual but I am SONSIK with the combination of you people. We will continue to seek out your ideas, suggestions, and recommendations, as my team is always here to listen and extend a helping hand. Together we can and we should. Another important thing is about knowledge. I believe and feel that knowledge is more about what we face than what we read. Everything that I have faced in these 4 years during my stay in Korea has made me more stronger about dealing with the situation. I am very much confident that the hard working and experienced team of SONSIK is as strong as a ocean and we can do much more with the support and enthusiasm of all of you. Let’s always remember, our time, our unity, our experience, our knowledge and take SONSIK on new height. Sincerely Yours, Prakash Devkota, President, 16th Executive Committee, SONSIK SONSIK 16th EC Yearly Plan Program Name Date Place Proposed 8th Sept. Yeungnam University Orientation program for new 15th Sept. CBNU & Sunmoon Unviversity Students and interaction program. 22nd Sept. Seoul Area Interaction with the peoples from various Nepalese organization in 28th Sept. Seoul Korea and Dashain/Tihar suvakamana adan pradan. Introduction and interaction with 29th Sept. Embassy, Seoul Embassy of Nepal Dashian celebration and Farewell to 5th October Gwangju 15th EC Nepali cultural booth with cultural 26th Oct. Daejeon (with DIC) performances Seoul/ Suwon (Regional if Deusi bhailo Program 27th Oct. possible) SONSIK futsal tournament November Region 2 SONSIK seminar with international November students association Visit Nepal 2020 promotion cultural December Gwangju and Seoul event SONSIK educational seminar 8th ,9th Feb. Daegu SONSIK educational and February Region wise recreational tour SONSIK sports meet March Chonbuk National University SONSIK international Cultural Chosun University Night Yoga and meditation learning April program Daewonsa Temple. Temple stay program SONSIK investment / Startup May Seoul workshop Nepal day celebration June Seoul SONSIK re-creational program July Not fixed SONSIK annual general meeting August Not fixed SONSIK Orientation Program -2019

SONSIK had organized “Orientation and Interaction Program” for the new Nepalese stude nts to brief them about the various obstacles and opportunities of being an International student, in order to help them adjust their life here in Korea. It was conducted successfully with the active participation of new students and seniors.

Region No. 4

The first “SONSIK Orientation and Interaction Program – 2019 “was held on 8th Sept., 2019 in Yeungnam University, Daegu under the co-ordination of the Vice President of Region – 4, Mr. Chhabi Lal Chaudhary. During the program, Former SONSIK advisor Dr. Rajesh Chandra Joshi and SONSIK Alumni Dr. Ganesh Bista briefly highlighted about the opportunities and obstacles faced by Nepalese Students in South Korea along with valuable advises in order to help them adapt themselves in foreign land. Finally, the program was concluded by President Prakash Devkota presenting the SONSIK 16th Executive Committee Yearly Plan and a closing remark.

SONSIK Orientation and Interaction Program (Region - 4) Region No. 3

The second “SONSIK orientation and interaction program – 2019” was held on 15th September, 2019 in Chonbuk National University, Jeonju under the co-ordination of the vice-president of Region – 3, Mr. Yub Raj Dangi. In the program, SONSIK alumni members Dr. Govinda Bhattarai, Dr. Madhav Neupane and Dr. Shiva Ram Bhandari briefly explained about their experience as an international student in South Korea along with advices in order to help the new Nepalese students adapt themselves properly in hectic laboratory environment and life in foreign land. Finally, the program was concluded by SONSIK 16th EC president Prakash Devkota presenting the SONSIK 16th EC yearly plan and a closing remark.

SONSIK Orientation and Interaction Program (Region - 3)

“SONSIK Orientation and Interaction Program – 2019” helped many new Nepalese Students understand and adapt the student life here in South Korea. SONSIK’s Collaboration: Entrepreneurial Debate

SONSIK in collaboration with Wonkwang University Nepalese Club organized the “Entrepreneurial Debate” on 19th October, 2019 in Wonkwang University, Iksan. In the program facilitated by Mr. Kamal Sapkota, SONSIK members Mr. Yagya Raj Pandeya and Mr. Subham Sharma presented their views on the topic “Transforming of cultural values into business” and “Opportunity recognized model for being successful entrepreneur in Nepal’ respectively. It was a very productive program which directly benefited many Nepalese students living in South Korea and also raised a sense of endowing the knowledge and skills acquired in abroad to develop our own motherland. SONSIK Dashain Dhamaka

SONSIK’s Dashain dhamaka and 15th EC farewell Program

SONSIK delightfully carried out its “SONSIK’s DASHAIN DHAMAKA” program on 5th and 6th October, 2019 in Universal Cultural Center (UCC), Gwangju where Nepalese students from all over South Korea along with Korean and Nepalese supporters and well- wishers of the association came together and exchanged their greetings for the festival of victory over evils, Vijaya Dashami along with preparing and enjoying scrumptious Nepali cuisine.

Nepali cuisine SONSIK’s Tour and 15th EC Farewell

After SONSIK’s Dashain dhamaka the 16th executive committee of SONSIK threw a wonderful farewell program where all the 15th executive committee members of SONSIK were felicitated and also cherished for their unforgettable achievements and activities during their successful tenure. After which the program was concluded with all the participants enjoying the traditional

Nepali music and dances. Ex VP-4 Rajendra Acharya

Finally, the program officially ended after the fun filled second day where all the participants jointly visited Gwangju Institution of Science and Technology (GIST) and “Yellow

Flower Festival” in Janseong. SONSIK tour in Yellow city, Janseong

SONSIK tour in GIST, Gwangju SONSIK Deusi-Bhailo

SONSIK had organized “Deusi - Bhailo” program on 26th and 27th October, 2019 as a sequel of the program conducted last year, with a purpose of reflecting our rich culture and tradition in foreign land. The very talented and enthusiastic deusi – bhailo team was successful enough in amusing and entertaining their audience with the fun-filled Nepali songs and energetic dance performances in the Embassy of Nepal, Seoul, South Korea and many Nepalese restaurants in Suwon, Seoul, Anyang, and Jonggak. The main motive of the whole program was to celebrate the festival of lights, Tihar, together with all the Nepalese people living in South Korea in a very traditional way along with raising funds to support the underprivileged children in the rural parts of Nepal through “SONSIK Sustainable Scholarship Program”. SONSIK 16th Executive Committee would like to take the privilege of thanking each and every one who whole heartedly supported this movement and made this program a huge success.

Deusi-bhailo Program , Embassy of Nepal , Seoul S. Korea SONSIK Sustainable Scholarship Program

SONSIK with the help of Korean Universities Alumni Association Nepal (KUAAN) has been helping the children in need in many remote parts of Nepal through “SONSIK Sustainable Signing of MoU between SONSIK and The Cross Remittance Scholarship Program”. So to broaden the horizon and to make this program more effective and beneficial SONSIK has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with The Cross Remittance, with the constant help of Mr. Dharma Raj Gautam in a program held at the office of The Cross-Remittance in Yeouido in 10th November, 2019 under the guardianship of Federatio n of Nepali Journalists, South Korea. Therefore, to begin with, both the parties have funde d 500,000 South Korean Won each to establish an effective fund of 10,00,000 South Kore an Won (10 Lakh South Korean Won).

This partnership mainly aims to provide scholarship and stationery items to more number of children in many remote parts of Nepal. Introduction And Interaction With Embassy Of Nepal

Interaction program with Embassy of Nepal, NTB , and NRNA S. Korea representatives

SONSIK had organized “An introduction and interaction program” with the Embassy of Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Non-Resident Nepali Association, South Korea (NRNA) on 29th September, 2019 in the Embassy of Nepal, Seoul, South Korea. In the program coordinated by the secretary of the SONSIK 16th EC, Mr. Bishal Bhandari, the acting ambassador and deputy chief of the mission in embassy of Nepal (South Korea ), Mr. Ram Singh Thapa and other officials of the embassy along with SONSIK 16th EC members, advisors, SONSIK alumni members and Nepalese Students had participated to make the program a grand success.

The first session of the program was started by the vice-president of Region – 1, Mr. Siri Satyal addressing the mass with SONSIK 16th EC Yearly Plan followed by the attendees sharing their opinions and suggestions to help the SONSIK16th EC conduct all the programs successfully. Moving on, the former President of SONSIK, Mr. Tulsi Poudel briefly mentioned about the challenges faced by the Nepalese students in South Korea alo ng with the measures to overcome the challenges completed the second session of the program. During the program, the acting ambassador Mr. Ram Singh Thapa affirmed to support the SONSIK 16th EC to execute the programs effectively and successfully along with the vow to address the problems faced by the Nepalese students in South Korea.

Finally, thanking the participants for their valuable time and support president of the SON SIK 16th EC, Mr. Prakash Devkota concluded the program. Interaction With Advisors-2019 SONSIK president Mr. Prakash Devkota, treasurer Mr. Rajaram Shrestha, cultural committee coordinator Mr. Tonking Bastola and SONSIK alumni member Dr. Suresh Pou del had joint as well as separate meetings with SONSIK Korean Advisors Mrs. Laxmi didi (고영순), Dr. Jeon-sung Hyung (정성현), Chairperson of Universal Cultural Center (UCC ) Mr. Mukul Basu and Executive of Bangladesh Students Association Korea (BSAK) Mr. GM Rabbani in Gwangju on 17th November, 2019 where the team discussed on various points so as to create a better understanding which is beneficial for the association in the days to come.

Interaction with advisor Dr. Jeon-sung Hyung

First of all, the team Congratulated Dr. Jeon-sung Hyung (정성현) for being appointed as the Honorary Consul of Nepal to Gwangju province, South Korea. Furthermore, Honorary Consul Dr. Jeon and SONSIK vowed to work together in every events related to Nepal and SONSIK would coordinate with other Nepali organizations in South Korea and arrange joint meetings (if necessary) along with newly appointed Honorary Consul to discuss about various events and issues. The team also discussed about the Joint Seminar on Social Science with the Executive of Bangladesh Students Association (BSAK) Mr. GM Rabbani. The main topic of discussion included achievements of the seminar till now and the role of SONSIK as well as other Students Association in South Korea to make this Joint Seminar a grand success.

Interaction with Executive of (BSAK) Mr. GM Rabbani

Moving on, Chairperson of Universal Cultural Center (UCC) Dr. Mukul Basu affirmed to help SONSIK add more cultural and traditional items of Nepal and would also arrange the place to store them. As a whole, SONSIK Korean Advisors Honorary Consul Dr. Jeon, Laxmi didi and the Chairperson of Univer sal Cultural Center (UCC) Dr. Mukul Basu gave some valuable suggestions and ideas of the event Interaction with advisor Laxmi didi and Chairperson for promoting SONSIK in South of UCC Mr. Mukul Basu Korea along with the promotional events to make visit Nepal 2020 successful. It was a really effective and a much needed interaction program in order to strengthen our ties and help each other move forward. SONSIK 16th Executive Committee is really thankful for their keen interest and help in making SONSIK the best organization for all the Nepalese students living in South Korea. Participation In Various Programs By SONSIK

2nd position by Prakash Raj Pandey (Singing) and 3rd position by Tonking Bastola & Nita pandey (dancing) in Foreigners Talent Show

SONSIK made an attempt to participate in various cultural programs and foreign talent shows to promote Nepalese culture and tradition in a foreign land and was successful enough to represent and reflect ourselves through colorful and energetic performances in an International platform. Starting the list is the YUT-NORI program organized by Daegu Metropolitan Office on 15th September, 2019 in Banwoldang (Down Town Daegu) where a large number of SONSIK members participated and whole heartedly enjoyed the program.

Next is the “Nepal Visit Year 2020 Launch Event” organized by the Embassy of Nepal, So uth Korea in 16th October, 2019 where representatives from SONSIK attended the program which mainly highlighted the significance of “Nepal Visit Year Program 2020”.

SONSIK representatives in Nepal visit year 2020 lunch event SONSIK along with the coordination of “LOVE ASIA” had successfully carried out the “ Nepali Saanjh – 2019” program in 24th November, 2019 in Daegu Dongsan Hospital Hall , Daegu. It was a marvelous night filled with melodious Nepali music, energetic dance performances and pleasant Nepalese cuisine. But more importantly, the participati on and support of the huge number of Nepalese people made it more memorable.

Nepal’s “4th Constitution Day and National Day” was hugely celebrated in the Embassy of Nepal, South Korea on 20th September, 2019 where many of our SONSIK representatives participated and whole heartedly enjoyed the program along with exchanging their greetings for the program.

Embassy of Nepal, South Korea along with the support of Women for Women, South Kore a organized a program highlighting the issue “ Problems and Solutions of women residing in foreign land” in 20th October, 2019 in Seoul, South Korea where SONSIK women members along with SONSIK Vice President of Region – 1, Mr. Siri Satyal had shown their active participation. 1st position and Best booth in Ajou International Day

Moving on is the “The 11th Together Day” program organized by the Daejeon Internationa l Centre on 26th October, 2019 in Daejeon Boramae Park where SONSIK participated on behalf of all the Nepalese residing in South Korea. Our Very talented team did not fall behind in reflecting our rich culture and tradition through their melodious songs and energ etic dance performances. Not only through the performances but also through our booth decorated with Nepalese cultural dresses and accessories, musical instruments, posters an d descriptions of all the breathtakingly beautiful tourism destinations in Nepal, we were a ble to win the hearts of all our audiences from all over the world and also promoted “Visit Nepal 2020” successfully.

Furthermore, members of SONSIK also lightened up the Ajou International Day organize d by on 8th November, 2019 and GIST Cultural Night organized by GIST International Students Association (GISA) & Section of Public affairs (SPA) on 15th Nove mber, 2019, through their mesmerizing performances where they were able to secure first and second place respectively.

GIST Cultural Night The 11th Together Day, DIC

In GIST cultural night, GIST Nepali group along with SONSIK team secured 1st position in fashion show, 2nd position in performance, and 3rd position in booth. SONSIK Cultural-Committee

Cultural Performances SONSIK- 16th EC - University Coordinator

Region Name University Email Address Kumar Sapkota Ajou University [email protected] Puspa Raj Adhikari SKKU [email protected] Saha Dev Poudel Gacheon University [email protected] Shashi Raj Pandey [email protected] Bishal Bhandari Kwangwoon University [email protected] Laxman Pd. Bhatta Sejong University [email protected] Asmita Gyawali Sookmyung Women's University [email protected] Region 1 Jyoti Mahato Seoul National University [email protected] Suman Bhandari [email protected] Ujwal Thapa [email protected] Rajesh Nepal Inha University [email protected] Ramesh Khadka Kangwon National University [email protected] Sagar Shrestha Hankuk University [email protected] Sangita Karki [email protected] Sandeep Giri Calvin University [email protected] Nisha Ghimire [email protected] Karun Gyawali Sun Moon University (Language) [email protected] Sabin Sapkota Joongbu University [email protected] Region Ramesh Sharma Chungnam National University [email protected] 2 Ashmita Tamang Woosong University [email protected] Ravi Ghimire Paichai University [email protected] Anjana Silwal Eulji University [email protected] Sushil Khanal Hannam University [email protected] Kamal Sapkota Chonbuk National University [email protected] Shiva Chhetri [email protected] Shrijana Saud Cheju National University [email protected] Suresh Poudel Chonnam National University [email protected] Region Janam Maharjan Chosun University [email protected] 3 Rajaram Shrestha GIST [email protected] Rishikesh Bajagain Kunsan National University [email protected] Saugat Shiwakoti Mokpo National University [email protected] Rajmani Sigdel Wonkwang University [email protected] Pramod K.C. Daegu Catholic University [email protected] Sanjita Poudel Kyungpook Nat. University [email protected] Region Raju Gyawali Daegu University [email protected] 4 Santosh Bashyal Keimyung University [email protected] Charu Bista Dongseo University Sandip Tiwari Kyungsung University [email protected] SONSIKSONSIK 11ststQuarterQuater FinancialFinancial DetailsDetails

Income Expenses S.No. Date Particulars Remarks (Won) (Won)

Orientation and 1 08/09/2019 87,480 Region 4 Interaction Program

Orientation and 2 15/09/2019 59,180 Region 3 Interaction Program

Interaction Program ( with Embassy, Past EC, 3 29/09/2019 29,700 Region 1 Alumni members)

4 05/10/2019 Dashain Program 1,110,000 1,178,900 Supported by UCC

Bus supported by Gwangju Tour and 5 06/10/2019 70,590 Laxmi Farewell to 15th EC members didi

Entrepreneurial 6 29/10/2019 29,410 Debate, WKU

26/10/2019 Deusi bhailo 7 program and DIC 2,087,700 1,026,570 27/10/2019 Program

Membership with 8 16/11/2019 50,750 UCC

9 25/11/2019 Website hosting and Backup 260,000

Saving: Total 3,197,700 2,792,580 405,120

5,233,047 Won Received from 15th EC 4,827,927 (Money in Bank)