Nepal passes through the political upheavals while it is in transitional time. The burning Terai has been discovering new threats to the nation. More or less, almost all of the youths are directly fighting against the conflicts. In spite of such a dreadful condition Kathmandu University made an effort to unite the youths of South Asia for peace and growth.
KU in collaboration with the Association of Indian Universities passed through the series of a five-day long gathering - South Asian University Festival 2008. The festival proved that South Asia is culturally rich. The folk songs and dances which existed in the lifestyle of the people of this region are full of hidden treasures. And these carry lots of prospects for its peace and prosperity.
SAUFEST 2008 where Three hundred and fortynine students from thirtyone universities of five countries were brought together, was inaugurated by speaker of the legislature parliament, Mr. Subashchandra Nembang on 7th feb. Speaking in the program Mr Nembang emphasized on the importance of interaction among the youths in South Asian Region. He said, 'University youths are the forebearers of change and particularly the youths of this region have the responsibility and capacity to promote culture of understanding among each other.'
Addressing the event, vice chancellor of Kathmandu University Prof. Sureshraj Sharma remarked, 'Its a matter of pride that KU has provided an opportunity for University across the region to come to a common meeting ground. Likewise the event was addressed by general secretary of Association of Indian University Prof. Dayananda Dongaonkar, SAUFEST chief coordinator Mr Sampson David, Vice Chancellor of BITS Prof. L.K. Mahesweri, Minister of Education and Sports Mr. Pradip Nepal as well as Vice Chancellors From Nepal and Other Universities.
What is SAUFEST ?
With the noble concept of the Association of Indian Universities that ensued with a goal to promote active collaboration and mutual understanding among the South Asian countries in educational, social, cultural and economic fields, South Asian University Festival 'SAUFEST' came into existence. The first SAUFEST was organized by University of Jammu in February 2006. Secondly, it was organized by SNDT Women's University, Mumbai in March 2007 in which more than 50 universities were brought together in common platform. And the third is organized by KU in Dhulikhel.Cultural Exchange
SAUFEST 2008 was mainly focused on the exchange of culture. The participants performed enchanting cultural program. The students of Rastriya Sanskrit Vidhyapeetha, Tirupati, India gave their exclusive performance of Kali dance forming 'human pyramids'. Different performances from Universities of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri-Lanka made audience clap on their every move. Likewise a Bengali song presented on the second day of SAUFEST 
gave the real meaning of mutual understanding and fellowship among the people in South Asia.
Banasthali University, Rajesthan also played with fire to show a tribal dance of their locality. There was always smile though any mistake would make the earthen pots fall from their head. Their smile showed that they wouldn't lose their balance even in miserable situations.
Welcoming the guests, Dhulikhel Municipality arranged the cultural shows of local communities. Local mugicians, elderly people and school children were among the people who welcomed and guided the guests through the clobbed streets of Dhulikhel to its historic areas. On the way the participants observed compact settelments, Newari craftsmanship and artistics carvings of Shreeshes Narayan and Harisiddhi Temples. The paintings by local artists on Nepalese life style exhibited the attraction of Nepali art and culture. The visitors were also provided Nepali lunch that comprised with rice, nan, dal fry, mix veg tawa, Newari achar and salad.
Intending to promote tourism Nepal Tourism Board organized a program which began with the documentary show 'Naturally Beautiful'. The documentary included beautiful places, adventurous activities that can be carried out and accommodation in Nepal. The participants of SAUFEST 2008 keenly visited the historic places like Patan Durbar Square and Kathmandu Durbar Square. The participants and the deligates also watched Ghanachakkar in Gurukul. 'My play is based on the theme of madness', Dr. Sanjeeb Uprety the writer of Ghanachakkar said briefing about his play to the audience, 'drama is an important platform to share culture.'
Youth being in transitional phase of life proper guidance and educational institutions have greater responsibility to play. Events like SAUFEST can provide constructive outlet to youths' inhibitions and designs. Though five -day long festival seemed short for the cultural practises, it initiated binding force for the youths.
gave the real meaning of mutual understanding and fellowship among the people in South Asia.Banasthali University, Rajesthan also played with fire to show a tribal dance of their locality. There was always smile though any mistake would make the earthen pots fall from their head. Their smile showed that they wouldn't lose their balance even in miserable situations.
Welcoming the guests, Dhulikhel Municipality arranged the cultural shows of local communities. Local mugicians, elderly people and school children were among the people who welcomed and guided the guests through the clobbed streets of Dhulikhel to its historic areas. On the way the participants observed compact settelments, Newari craftsmanship and artistics carvings of Shreeshes Narayan and Harisiddhi Temples. The paintings by local artists on Nepalese life style exhibited the attraction of Nepali art and culture. The visitors were also provided Nepali lunch that comprised with rice, nan, dal fry, mix veg tawa, Newari achar and salad.
Intending to promote tourism Nepal Tourism Board organized a program which began with the documentary show 'Naturally Beautiful'. The documentary included beautiful places, adventurous activities that can be carried out and accommodation in Nepal. The participants of SAUFEST 2008 keenly visited the historic places like Patan Durbar Square and Kathmandu Durbar Square. The participants and the deligates also watched Ghanachakkar in Gurukul. 'My play is based on the theme of madness', Dr. Sanjeeb Uprety the writer of Ghanachakkar said briefing about his play to the audience, 'drama is an important platform to share culture.'
Youth being in transitional phase of life proper guidance and educational institutions have greater responsibility to play. Events like SAUFEST can provide constructive outlet to youths' inhibitions and designs. Though five -day long festival seemed short for the cultural practises, it initiated binding force for the youths.
Education, Peace and Growth
Speaking in the press conferences Prof. Sureshraj Sharma said that SAUFEST is not about competition but its all about maintaining relationship and learning from eachother. Sharma said that now is the time for people to decide and government to act on it. He explained that education in few years back was withing the national boundary but now it has become borderless. 'Any task can't be completed without energy'; Sharma pointed out,' Peace, security, employment have become global issues. So in order to fulfill these youths should be educated.' According to him South Asia needs the youths who can overcome the problem of their nation and live in cooperation. He said that university students should be able to solve the problems of energy crisis, threats of diseases and discover new technology for sustainable development with proper utilization of natural resources.
During conferences Prof. Dayananda Dangounkar, General Secretary of AIU spoke on the prevailing education system in India and the advances made during the post independence years. He emphasized the importance of youth population across the region and because of their roles as the potential leaders of tomorrow. Mr. Sampson David, Chief coordinator of AIU expressed that 'peace and growth' was the main theme of SAUDEST 2008. 'Our participation in the festival could flourish peace, love and message for prosperity. And this is the greatest thing we are taking back.' Without political discussions how can we relate cultural performances with peace and growth ? 'Harmony and coordination are needed for growth. And these are found in the cultural shows. Our present mission is to activate and unite youths through cultural performances. University students should give more time to
their study than to panel discussions,' replying to the media-queries, Mr David said, 'this way they can be able to change the society towards peace and progress.' Likewise the Muim Khalid the joint secretary of ministers of Bangladesh expressed that the participants not only crossed the challenged the physical boundary but also crossed the national boundaries. He claimed that they developed the relation of brotherhood among each other. ' We shall have common identity as South Asian', he said;' we also have diversity but at the same time we need common platform to show that talents lie in South Asia.'The festival signed a Memorandum of Understanding between Kathmandu University, Nepal and Guru Govinda Singh Indrapradesh, India on the second day of SAUFEST 2008. The memorandum was signed for the research collaborations of Universities with industry for welfare of the society as well as nation.
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