UMCSAWM Joins SAF Alumni Meet in Kathmandu – A Heartwarming Reunion Celebrating the Legacy of Late Shri Madanjeet Singh
In a heartfelt gathering that brought together over 350 participants from across South Asia, the SAF Alumni Meet in Kathmandu was held in December 2024 to respectfully celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of Late Shri Madanjeet Singh, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and visionary founder of the South Asia Foundation (SAF). The event honoured his enduring commitment to regional cooperation through education, cultural understanding, and peacebuilding.
His Excellency Mr. Ram Sahaya Yadav, Vice President of Nepal, was the Chief Guest who inaugurated the event in the presence of Mr. N. Ram, and Madame France Marquet, the President and Principal Trustee and other Trustees of Madanjeet Singh Foundation (MSF). Chairpersons and other representatives of SAF Chapters and Directors of SAF Institutions of Excellence also attended the inaugural ceremony. The Event was organised and hosted by SAF-Nepal under the leadership of its Chairperson, Dr. Nshchal Nath Pandey and his team.
Among the invited attendees were Prof. Lalith Rajapakse, Director of the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for South Asia Water Management (UMCSAWM) at the University of Moratuwa, and Ms. Christina Hettiarachchi, SAF Board Member from Sri Lanka. They were joined by 14 proud UMCSAWM alumni, creating a memorable and emotional reunion that reflected the strength and unity of the SAF community.
Since its inception, SAF has awarded over 840 fellowships and scholarships to students across the region, with more than 54 scholarships granted to UMCSAWM, nurturing a new generation of water professionals committed to sustainable development in South Asia.
The event featured sharing sessions, cultural exchanges, and discussions on future collaborative initiatives. It highlighted SAF’s mission of fostering cross-border cooperation through youth-led education and professional development.
For all attendees and the UMCSAWM alumni, the gathering was a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of SAF’s vision and a reaffirmation of their shared responsibility to carry that legacy forward.
