In September 2015, Guido Van Briel from Belgium made a cultural trip to India and Nepal. His journey in India included visiting Delhi, paying respects at Mahatma Gandhi’s grave, admiring Jaipur and its ‘Palace of Winds’, witnessing the grandeur of the Taj Mahal in Agra, observing the sacred Hindu rituals in Varanasi, and experiencing spiritual devotion in Sarnath.

In Nepal, his focus shifted to deeply meaningful places — the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini, the rich wildlife of Chitwan National Park, and the historic beauty of the Kathmandu Valley, including the royal cities of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, with their magnificent palaces and monasteries.

However, just months earlier, on April 25 and 26, 2015, Nepal had been struck by a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake. The heartbreaking images of destruction — especially the temporary tent camps in Ratna Park and the open grounds near Pashupatinath, where thousands of displaced families were struggling — deeply moved Guido. This experience inspired him to take action and support Nepal in its time of need.

During his visit, he formed genuine friendships with several Nepali individuals, including Bamshaj, Suraj, Nikesh, Rojit, and especially Niraj Joshi and Sudip Dhamala, who became lifelong friends.

Upon returning to Belgium, Guido organized various fundraising and awareness activities with his village community to support Nepal. A year later, he returned to Nepal and, together with his Nepali friends, successfully completed several meaningful projects.

Their initiatives, under “Namaste Nepal–Belgium,” focus especially on education and supporting underprivileged communities.

                             

  “It is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratitude that makes us happy.”