South Asian News Network

The three-day Cosmonautics Festival (8–10 April 2026), commemorating 65 Years of Human Spaceflight: The Legacy of Yuri Gagarin, successfully concluded in Kathmandu with a series of engaging, educational, and inspiring programs. The second day of the festival featured an insightful talk program organized by Mitra Kunj in collaboration with Russian House in Kathmandu. The session included a presentation on “Timeline of Nepal’s Space Program and Policy and Its Place in the Global Space Program”, delivered by Associate Professor Dr. Nanda Bikram Adhikari. Currently serving at the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuvan University, he provided valuable insights into Nepal’s evolving space initiatives and its position within the global space landscape. The session also included a documentary screening on Russia’s historic achievements in space exploration, enriching the learning experience for participants. Building on this momentum, the final day of the festival began with a tribute ceremony at Ratnapark, at the statue of Yuri Gagarin. The session brought together participants from the Nepal Russia Science and Technology Society, The Squad of ChangeMakers, and Russian House in Kathmandu, including Rinchen Rakshaev, Minister Counsellor and Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nepal, along with embassy staff, students, and representatives from organizing institutions. The tribute included floral offerings, student speeches, and remarks from distinguished guests, reflecting on the significance of International Cosmonautics Day and the enduring inspiration of space exploration. Following the tribute, the main formal session was held at the Russian House in Kathmandu, with the participation of around 100 students and teachers. The program featured engaging presentations, including “The Magnitude of the Cosmos” and “The Future of Space Travel,” introducing participants to both the vastness of the universe and emerging possibilities in space exploration. An interactive quiz and games session further energized the event, encouraging active participation and learning among students. Winners from the earlier aerospace and rocketry workshop were also recognized and awarded for their achievements. The highlight of the closing ceremony was the address by the Chief Guest, Madan Lal Shrestha, Academician at Nepal Academy of Science and Technology. In his remarks, he emphasized the growing importance of science and technology education in Nepal and encouraged students to pursue innovation, research, and curiosity-driven learning. He highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping Nepal’s scientific future and stressed the importance of strengthening engagement in space-related fields through international collaboration. An exhibition titled “A Legacy Beyond Earth: 65 Years Since Yuri Gagarin’s Historic Mission” is also being presented at the Russian House in Kathmandu, offering the public an opportunity to explore the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of Yuri Gagarin and Russia’s historic journey in space exploration. The event concluded with closing remarks, a token of appreciation ceremony, and continued exhibition viewing, followed by networking among participants.