4th April 2008

Auspicious Beginning for the Eco Everest Expedition and the Scientific Research Teams

On 4th April 2008 at ICIMOD, the Eco Everest Expedition and the Scientific Research teams were given a traditional and auspicious start to their mission to spread the message about climate change and the need for every individual to be involved.

The Expedition team was represented by Dawa Steven Sherpa (leader of the Expedition) and Basanta Shrestha (leader of the Research Team). Other team members included: Samjwal Bajracharya, Birendra Bajracharya, Paribesh Pradhan and Sarad Joshi.

The auspicious symbols of tika (blessed vermilion powder) flower garland, and khada (silk scarf with auspicious symbols and greetings) representing Nepal's multicultural society were offered by ICIMOD colleagues Samjhana Thapa, Anjali Shrestha and Prerna Thapa respectively. These items symbolize protection, safeguard and success for anybody embarking on a major mission.

Milan Tuladhar rounded the ceremony off by "sweetening" the mouths of the team members by feeding them "laddoos" a traditional sweet, another symbol for wishing the team success and fruitfulness in their venture.

"... on behalf of the Team 1, I would like to express sincere thanks and appreciation for our Directorate colleagues for a surprise traditional Nepali programme 'wishing all of us a good luck' along with Dawa Steven Sherpa."- e-mail message from Basanta, 4th April 2008