Former Ambassador Mohan Krishna Shrestha Unveils “Three Decades in Diplomacy” at FCC South Asia
A veteran Nepali diplomat reflects on 31 years of global service, crisis management, and economic diplomacy.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 21st Jan: The Foreign Correspondents Club of South Asia (FCC) hosted the launch of Three Decades in Diplomacy: A Book of Practical Diplomatic Experience, a seminal new memoir by the former Ambassador of Nepal to France, Mr. Mohan Krishna Shrestha. The event, organized in association with the Center for Diplomacy and Development, Kathmandu, and Samagra Vikas Nyas, New Delhi, brought together a distinguished gathering of diplomats, scholars, and media veterans.
Distinguished Guests and Speakers The launch ceremony was presided over by Dr. Waiel S. H. Awwad, President of FCC & IAPC, who served as the Chair of the Session. The event was further elevated by the presence of Dr. Kumar Rakesh, Editorial Chairman of Global Governance News Group, as the Guest of Honour.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Dr. Geeta Kochhar of Jawaharlal Nehru University highlighted the significance of documenting South Asian diplomatic history from a practitioner’s perspective. The panel of distinguished speakers also included Ms. Poonam Sharma, Founder and Director of Samagra Vikas Nyas, and Mr. Ambika Joshi, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of Nepal.
A Chronicle of Service:
The book chronicles Mr. Shrestha’s extensive career spanning over 31 years in the Nepalese Foreign Service. From his humble beginnings in Kathmandu to his rise as a Section Officer and eventual appointment as Ambassador, the memoir offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the machinery of Nepal’s diplomacy.
During the event, speakers discussed key themes from the book, including:
Global Footprint
Mr. Shrestha’s experiences serving in diverse geopolitical landscapes, including Japan (The Land of the Rising Sun), Thailand (Land of Thousand Elephants), the United Arab Emirates (City Built on Desert), and France.
Crisis Management
The book details high-stakes situations, such as the dramatic theft of diplomatic passports during the NAM Summit in Durban.
Economic Diplomacy
His efforts in promoting Nepal’s tourism and trade potential, particularly during his tenure in Paris.
Protocol
Insights into the rigors of diplomatic protocol, from credentials presentation to VVIP visits.
Author’s Reflection
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Mohan Krishna Shrestha reflected on his journey, emphasizing the power of “positive thinking” in overcoming diplomatic challenges. He noted that the book is an attempt to share practical knowledge gained from visiting 74 countries and navigating the complexities of international relations.
