December 5, 2014

Kathmandu University (KU) felicitated two distinguished personalities at KU premises, Dhulikhel on Friday, December 5.

Prof. Dr. Ram Kantha Makaju Shrestha, Vice Chancellor at KU and Prof. Bhola Thapa, Registrar at KU honored Prof. Saraswati Prasad Rimal and Mr. John Aiden Warlow with KU Oration 2014, the first award of KU to honor notable scholars, academicians and experts for their remarkable contributions to the academic sector.

Prof Rimal started his professional career from Tri-Chandra College. He obtained M. Sc. in Botany from Patna University under Colombo Plan in 1956. At the age of 42, he joined Tribhuwan University (TU) and became professor after 12 years. He also served as the Dean of the Institute of Science and Technology of TU for three years from 1982.

Prof. Rimal was one of the key contributors to initiate M.Sc. program in Botany at TU. Similarly, he served as a member of Colombo Plan Selection Committee. As the Dean, he provided permission to run Kathmandu Valley Campus and later became the board member of the management committee of the Campus. He has served KU in various capacities, as a member of KU Senate, member of the Academic Council, member of the KU Examination Board and also as the Dean of School of Science.

Mr. Warlow, who was serving as a Headmaster in UK, set up a model school under KU. He served for over five years as the Principal of KU Preparatory School, now Kathmandu University High School. Later, he set up Department of Fine Arts at KU. His vision for the department has led it to be one of the finest departments at KU. He has also been working to better Early Childhood Literacy in Nepal. He has assisted in uplifting primary education, mostly in public schools, by conducting researches and providing trainings to primary level teachers.

Speaking at the Oration, Mr. Warlow shared how surprised, yet appreciative he was for being honored with such a prestigious award. Sharing his memories at the University, he expressed his intimate love for KU. “The reason that I enjoy being here so much is both because of the outstanding students, who are a joy to teach, and the trust that has been placed in me by the University authorities,” he said. Adding further, he said, “As part of my effort to improve the quality of government education, I would like my research to center on the weakest part of government schools, especially the Pre-schools, which are the most under-researched sectors”.

Addressing the program, Vice Chancellor at KU, Prof. Dr. Ram Kantha Makaju Shrestha congratulated the recipients and stated that he was fortunate to celebrate the presence of such personalities. “The presence of these remarkable scholars vibrates and motivates us,” he said. Recalling their contributions, he said that the University valued good small things and changing small lives with quality education. “In order to maintain quality at KU, we will never compromise on competitiveness,” he said, adding that the University is ready to carry any amount of load and liability in order to provide the best and quality education.

The Oration was attended by distinguished guests including the founder VC, Suresh Raj Sharma, Senators, Board of Trustees, Deans, Principals and academicians among others. The University will award KU-Oration annually.