Kathmandu, August 15

On the occasion the 69th Independence Day of India, the Government of India today presented 40 ambulances and eight buses to various hospitals, non-profit charitable organisations, and educational institutions in Nepal.

Speaking at a public function held at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu this morning, Indian Ambassador Ranjit Rae hoisted the National Flag of India.

He also read out the Address of President of India delivered yesterday by Pranab Mukherjee. The president in his message had stressed India’s support for peace, stability, and development in its neighbourhood.

Ambassador Rae presented 39 ambulances and eight buses to various organisations from 33 districts of Nepal. One ambulance was gifted by Consulate General of India, Birgunj to Primary Health Centre, Chhatiwan, in Makawanpur, which is under its consular jurisdiction.

During the function, Ambassador Rae also presented books to 45 libraries, educational and training institutions in different regions of Nepal. Since 1994, the Government of India has gifted 502 ambulances to various organisations across 73 districts in Nepal, according to a press release issued by the Embassy of India.

This has helped bring healthcare services to the doorsteps of thousands of Nepalis, who do not have access to healthcare services. Moreover, India has so far gifted 98 buses to various educational and welfare institutions across 25 districts in Nepal, making access to education easier for thousands of students.

Gifting of ambulances and buses is a part of the larger India-Nepal Development partnership with an overall outlay of over Rs 75 billion. The cooperation consists of over 500 large and small projects in the sectors of health, education, and infrastructure development, read the press release. “These projects represent the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries,” read the statement.

On the occasion, Ambassador Rae felicitated 20 retired soldiers, widows, and families of deceased soldiers of Indian Armed Forces, by distributing cheques worth Rs 25.3 million and a blanket each from the Defence Attache Welfare Fund of the Mission.