Sanam Sharma-Beijing
In China, where trust is difficult to come by, a scholar from Nepal has defied the odds. Anyone familiar with the diplomatic arena knows how difficult it is to establish true trust with Chinese officials. However, in the last 2 decades, Professor Dr. Rajiv Kumar Jha has succeeded in doing just that, becoming a respected figure in Beijing as well as Xi’an. His relationship with Xi’an authorities and Communist Party officials is so strong that it seems like they wish they had trusted him sooner.
The China-Nepal Friendship Medical Research Center at Xi’an Medical University, where Professor Jha conducts ground-breaking research on cancer control—an increasingly pressing worldwide challenge—is evidence of the Chinese government’s appreciation of his accomplishments. His influence goes beyond the classroom; as an uncommon appointment for a foreigner, he was made the civil ambassador of Shanxi province to Nepal.
Professor Jha was born in Janakpurdham, a district of Nepal that borders India. He completed his post-doctoral studies and obtained his Ph.D. in China.
Even if he is occasionally disappointed by Nepal’s actions, which do not reciprocate Chinese willingness, his commitment to developing Nepal-China relations is unwavering. He is steadfast in his commitment to bolstering bilateral relations and expanding bilateral collaboration between the two nations.
His attendance at esteemed gatherings like as Premier Li Qiang’s Chinese New Year (2024) symposium for international specialists shows that his efforts are not unappreciated. The fact that Professor Jha attends these kinds of events shows how much value China places on international talent and knowledge.
In his words of thanks for the honor, Professor Jha highlights his sense of duty and dedication to advancing scientific inquiry and fostering cordial relations between China and Nepal. His honors, which include the ‘Three Qin Friendship Award 2022’, are a testament to his important contributions to the social, cultural, and economic advancement of Shaanxi province.
Professor Jha’s accomplishments go beyond the classroom; via sister-city links, he is instrumental in promoting collaboration between Chinese and Nepali cities. His nomination as Nepal’s Civil Ambassador to China strengthens his position as a go-between for the two countries.
Professor Jha is committed to bolstering the long-lasting relationship between China and Nepal as he carries out his duties as the director of the China-Nepal Friendship Medical Laboratory and a visiting professor at several Chinese universities.
The Xi’an provincial government established the “China Nepal Friendship Medical Research Centre of Professor Rajiv Kumar Jha” in honor of Jha, who completed his post-doctoral studies at Xi’an University and holds a doctorate from a Chinese university with a focus on reducing the effects of gallbladder cancer.
Under the direction of Professor Rajiv Kumar Jha, the China-Nepal Friendship Medical Research Center is the first foreign-named institution selected by the Chinese province of Shaanxi for research. The provincial government invites proposals for the expansion and development of technology and research every two years.
The institute was established in 2015 when Dr. Jha’s name was formally acknowledged by the Chinese government.
Jha has a low profile, but he serves as the primary link between Kathmandu and Beijing. Considering his skills and dedication, he is without a doubt a Nepali permanent public diplomat in China.
