Nepal Varsity to launch courses on International Relations and Diplomacy

Professor Sushil Raj Pandey

Chairman, Central Department of Political Science, T. U. Nepal

TGQ1: Why Nepal’s first Tribhuwan University is in a complete mess? Why is this slide? Professor Pandey your comments please.

Prof. Pandey: The primary cause for the mess, as stated by you and everyone knows, is the over politicization of Education.

The Tribhuwan University for a long time operated without a functioning academic calendar because it is partly due to three major political parties which took advantage in appointing their men in various positions at the cost of merit principle. When party appointees dominate and take the leadership, the committed academicians with long contributions in the field of teaching and conducting research were marginalized.

The second reason is the management that failed to monitor periodically the works done by the administration as well as the teachers. And this has directly affected the quality of education being provided at the Tribhuwan University.

TGQ2: Amidst the existing mess, as subscribed by you as well just above, we have been told that Political Science Department is planning to open up various important Central Departments, for example, International Relations and Diplomacy. How could you proceed with these new disciplines given the chaotic environment at the TU? Your candid remarks please.

Prof. Pandey: It is indeed a very challenging task. Over the past eighteen months, much home works have been done to assess the logistics required.

As the Course is market friendly, we are confident that the number of students wanting to study this new discipline is very encouraging and the cost can be borne without any difficulty. Students interested in the media reporting, Foreign Service, corporate sector, national security affairs and the likes will have the opportunity for the first time to study these subjects in Nepal itself.

We are confident that within a decade or so, sufficient man power will be raised to meet the increasing demands of the country. It is all the more important when the country enters the 21^st century which is the century of globalization. Nepal will be further expanding its international relations and cooperation with a new vision and new skill.

We need this discipline to be competitive in promoting foreign investment, social networking, exchange of knowledge and expertise. This discipline will promote Nepal’s diplomatic skill and acumen and also be able to maximize its role in various international organizations. There is a wide menu of tools available for negotiation and bargain that this discipline will train the students who will enter the national and international market and strengthen and consolidate Nepal’s genuine interests.

TGQ3: What are the Courses that are being offered by this department to the interested students?

Prof. Pandey: There are both theoretical and practical subjects which are in tune with our national needs. As for the practical courses, the students, will for the first time, have the opportunity to learn the art of negotiation through simulation. The modus operandi of treaty making and agreements, of the diplomatic protocols, public diplomacy, administration of managing foreign missions, promotion of cultural diplomacy, the job of work-attaché, diplomatic correspondence, practical field visits those line ministries of the government which is associated with foreign matters.

TGQ4: Do you then have the adequate resources to train the students for such a new discipline as it would be the one for Nepal?

Prof. Pandey: The networking with the government institutions and the available skill will be tapped primarily. Within the Political Science field, quite a number of skilled hands exist even at the moment. We will also seek support from career diplomats who are eager to cooperate with us. Time permitting, we will invite experts.

At a later stage, guests’ lecturers from friendly countries will be invited to assist us. We are hopeful that the friendly international community will come forward to support and assist us in this new endeavor.

TGQ5: Do you expect the T.U management will remain cooperative in your noble mission? Are you hopeful Professor?

Prof. Pandey:  Yes! I am very much positive. The University authorities have already supported us with the limited “seed money” and there is the urgency to launch this program in the coming educational session that begins around April.

We also have already prepared a complete syllabus and submitted to the concerned Dean’s office for necessary actions.

What is remaining is the work related to the criterion for the admission of the willing students. We are also working on those lines.

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