Nepal Army Completes Defense Correspondent Orientation Training

Thamman Thapa,

Pokhara. The four-day 'Defense Correspondent Orientation' program organized for journalists by the Nepal Army's Western Division Headquarters in Pokhara concluded today.

Twenty journalists from Gandaki Province participated in the program, which had been running at the Western Division Headquarters since January 26.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Major General Bholanath Thapa, the Division Commander, stated that the Nepal Army has made significant contributions across various sectors, including peace and security, development construction, nature and environmental conservation, disaster management and rescue, sports, education, and health.

"The Army has not only protected national security and borders but has also played a leading role in promoting national unity, peacebuilding, mutual harmony, and co-existence," Thapa said.

Major General Thapa expressed confidence that this program would help journalists understand the organizational structure, responsibilities, and national role of the Nepal Army, while fostering balanced perspectives and strengthening civilian-army and army-media relations.

During the four-day program, journalists were briefed on topics including the background and glorious history of the Nepal Army, the role of the Directorate of Public Relations and Information, army deployment and peacekeeping operations, contributions to development projects, the use of documentation systems, effectiveness and challenges, disaster response, biodiversity, environmental balance, and collaboration with local communities.

On that occasion, various FM radio stations were honored in recognition of the role media has played in bringing the Army's programs and social responsibility activities to the public.

During the event, the Nepal Army presented a demonstration of disaster response drills, and activities such as a friendly volleyball match between the Army and media personnel and a hike to Tiger Top Hill were also conducted.