Kathmandu: The Russian House in Kathmandu marked World Teachers’ Day with a special programme and documentary film screening on Vitaly Kostomarov for Russian language students and library users on October 5. Anastasia Khokhlova, Head of the Russian House, extended warm wishes to teachers and educators around the world and she expressed sincere appreciation for their selfless work, patience, knowledge, and contribution to society.
Pedagogy is a part of cultural and spiritual life that shapes what kind of person, society, and future world we will have: teacher, doctor, and priest are not merely specialities, but a calling, Anastasia Khokhlova said. “The profession demands not only skills and competencies but also a readiness for self-sacrifice: a teacher shares not only knowledge, but also life experience, wisdom, and spiritual values.”
Khokhlova also extended special thanks to Saira Shah, Russian language teacher at the Russian House, for her continued dedication to teaching and supporting students. As part of the celebration, guests watched the 40-minute documentary «A Star Named Kostomarov,» dedicated to the distinguished philologist and linguist Vitaly Kostomarov, one of the key figures in the development of Russian as a foreign language.
The film tells the story of his contribution to Russian language teaching and his many years of work promoting the language around the world. It highlights his central idea: learning a language should go beyond grammar and vocabulary and include an understanding of the culture, literature, and traditions behind the language.
The Russian House congratulated all teachers of Russia and Nepal on this holiday and wishes them inspiration, patience, and talented students.
Likewise, an event under the theme “Teachers as Catalysts of Young Scientists” was organized by the Nepal Russia Science Technology Society (NRSTS), Nepal Polymer Institute (NPI), Nepal Center for Advanced Research (NECAR) and Nepal Science Foundation Trust (NSFT), together with partner schools and organizations. It brought together around 35 participants, including teachers, researchers, students and science enthusiasts.
Er. Ganesh Sah, former Minister of Science and Technology, delivered the welcome speech. Prof. Dr. Bijoy Prasad Barua, Visiting Professor at Kathmandu University, spoke on participatory action research and society. Chemist and mentor Mr. Nelson Rai reflected on what one teacher can change, while Dr. Prasamsha Panta of the Nepal Polymer Institute discussed science, innovation and youth in research. Mr. Abiral Giri of St. Xavier’s College spoke on the role of mentors.
A key message was that teachers are not only educators but also liberators of minds. They encourage students to question, think independently, explore, and turn curiosity into research and innovation. An open discussion explored how teachers and students can stay motivated, and speakers stressed the need to strengthen the link between teaching, research and innovation.
Prof. Dr. Rameshwar Adhikari of Tribhuvan University delivered the closing remarks. Participants agreed that empowering teachers to inspire, mentor and engage students in research is essential for building future scientists, innovators and problem-solvers.
