INF marked its 66th anniversary this year, celebrating INF Day on November 16th. Each year INF Day marks the anniversary of the early founders who first arrived in Pokhara in 1952 and set up a medical clinic.
INF Nepal organised a special programme at the Green Pastures Complex to reflect on, and acknowledge INF’s work over the past 66 years serving the poor and marginalised of Nepal. The programme brought together board members as well as staff from across local and international offices. former Executive Director of INF Nepal and Advisor of INF Nepal Board, Dr Deependra Gautam opened the day in prayer and was followed by the guest of honour Chairperson of Ward No. 15, Pokhara Metropolitan City, Prakash Poudel who lit a candle in the traditional Nepali way and who cut the cake together with Chairperson of INF Nepal, RC Timothy.
Treasurer of INF Nepal Board, Dhana Lama welcomed everyone to the event and Executive Director of INF Nepal, Krishna Adhikari briefly introduced the organisation and shared the challenges and opportunities ahead for INF. Chairperson of INF UK, Michael Jordan Thomas; and Hari Ram Ghimire also addressed those in attendance. International Director of INF International, Alastair Seaman spoke about three important life lessons that can be learnt from INF’s founders – sacrifice, endurance and a risk-taking attitude even when there is uncertainty in the days ahead.
Participants were also privileged to hear personal stories of how INF’s work had changed people’s lives. Giri Nath, a leprosy patient from Parbat; Basanti Thapa, a spinal cord Injury patient from Syangja and Bharat Shrestha, an ear patient from Pokhara each shared their experience and gratitude towards INF for the life-changing treatment that had brought practical change and hope for their futures. Prizes were also given out to the winners of different sports activities that took place during the INF Sports Meet-2075 and Indra Bahadur Ranabhat was congratulated for 25 years of service in INF.
The INF staff choir led the sessions with songs and hymns, and guest of honour, Prakash Poudel, expressed his gratitude for all the services INF has provided to the community especially in the health sectors. RC Timothy gave a token of thanks to Prakash Poudel, and to Alastair Seaman, as outgoing International Director.
Staff and board members shared lunch after the official programme had finished. The programme was conducted by IIFS Manager, Dipendra Pahari. A short video can be found here.
Guest of Honour, Prakash Poudel begins the day by lighting a candle
INF day was also celebrated in various INF offices across the country: Banke, Kapilvastu, Surkhet, Jumla, Bajura.
INF day celebrated in Jumla
In Jumla, all the staff attended the programme held at the Jumla office. INF Nepal Board member, Mohan Das Gurung was the guest of honour in Jumla. INF staff member, Hari Rawal was honoured for his 25 years of service to the organisation. The programme was conducted by District Incharge of INF Jumla, Jeevan Giri.
INF day celebrated in Mugu
In Mugu, the day was celebrated among staff members and other invitees. INF Nepal Board member, Madhu Kumar Thapa was the chief guest of their programme which was chaired by District Project Coordinator, Daljit Gharti.
INF day celebrated in Bajura
In Bajura, INF day was celebrated among staff members and leaders from local churches. District Project Coordinator, Juwarilal Karki gave a brief introduction about the organisation to those in attendance.
In Banke also, INF day was celebrated by organising a special programme at the Banke office. The programme was chaired by INF General Member Jyoti Ramdam, the message speaker was INF Nepal Life Member, Lok Bahadur Chaudhari; and the programme was conducted by Senior Admin Officer Narendra Saud. Opening prayer & worship was led by Hospital Manager, Nirmala BM; welcome speech by Cluster Manager, Shyam B.K. The programme also included many recreational activities such as cultural dance and drama shows. The programme was well attended by the staff members of INF Banke Shining Hospital and Community Cluster.
INF day is a time to be together and to reflect on INF’s achievements over the years. Thank you to everyone for your support, prayer, and partnership.