‘Kolkata played a crucial role in Nepal’s democracy’

The 63-year-old Yadav — who spent 10 years studying medicine at the Medical College and clinical pathology at the School of Tropical Medicines in Kolkata—- spoke fluent Bengali.

He discussed how Kolkata had nurtured parties and groups that played a significant role in Nepal’s democracy.

“This was where the great democratic leaders of Nepal held the first conclave of the Nepali Congress,the premiere political organisation of Nepal. The Communist party of Nepal was also born here,” he said.

Yadav also pointed out that the leaders of Nepal had a fruitful stay here during the struggle of the 1940s and the first meeting of the Nepal National College was held at Khalsa College,Bhawanipore.

He also spoke of the contribution of the city in producing doctors who went back to serve their motherland.

The President,who was witness to Naxalite violence in Bengal and Maoist insurrection in his country,evaded any direct response on the Maoist problem in India. “The state government and the Centre will take care of situation. I hope everything will be okay,” he said.

He also expressed hope that his country would tide over the current political crisis. A seven-month caretaker government is in place in Nepal in the absence of consensus between political parties and a clear majority.