The avalanche hit part of the Mount Annapurna circuit trekking route after heavy snowfall on 19th January 2020. On 20th January 2020, a search investigation initiated by Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), with the support of Nepal Army Rescue Team went to Annapurna Base Camp in search of four Korean citizens and three Nepali citizens who were missing from four days in avalanche at Annapurna Base Camp. Mr. Santa Bir Lama President of Nepal Mountaineering Association, Mr. Cholendra Karki 1st Vice President of Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) Mr. Chaya Lal Moktan Representative from Department of Tourism, Korean Ambassador to Nepal, Chief District Officer & Deputy Inspector General of Kaski District were also in the search team.
“Employees like you are the epitome of professionalism. Thank you for bringing your best to work every single day.†was the words spoken by Mr. Santabir Lama, the President of Nepal Mountaineering Association at the farewell ceremony on 14 January 2020 to Mr. Madhu Basnet who served the organization as a Computer Officer for 29 years. Mr. Basnet was an integral part of the organization that drove the organization towards its goals. A ceremonial program amidst the board member and the staff of the Nepal Mountaineering Association was held at the conference hall to bid farewell to Mr. Basnet. Mr. Kul Bahadur Gurung, General Secretary of NMA appreciated and thanked Mr. Basnet for his dedication and hard work for the organization. He also added that Mr. Basnets’ energy and patience had delighted him to work with him. The contribution Mr. Basnet made to the Association is invaluable and incomparable.
In an appreciation ceremony held in the office conference room for Mr. Basnet all his subordinates paid respect to his priceless work at the organization by offering him Khadas. The room was emotional while Mr. Basnet remembered his days at the office coming to an end. The Nepal Mountaineering Association board bestowed Mr. Basnet’s contribution by offering him a token of appreciation.
Appointment of new staffs
Nepal Mountaineering Association recruited 4 new staff members to the executive team of the organization. A selection committee from the NMA board selected 4 staff members in different positions through a systematic and fair recruitment process. Mr. Kul Prasad Rai was appointed as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sailendra Dongol as Communication Officer, Mr. Raj Kumar Tamang as Account Officer and Ms. Anita Bhandari as Receptionist.
NMA organized a cake cutting program on 1st January 2020 at NMA secretariat to mark Visit Nepal Year 2020. Chief Guest for the program was Mr. Ghanshyam Upadhya, Joint Secretary of Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation and Mr. Ang Rita Sherpa (Snow Leopard), NMA Board Members, NMA Adviser; representatives from different tourism related organizations were present during the program.