Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS) had the honour of welcoming Dr. Anil Joseph, President of the Indian Geotechnical Society (IGS), during his recent visit to Nepal. The visit was marked by a series of impactful programs and meetings aimed at fostering collaboration and advancing the field of geotechnical engineering.

1. Interaction with MSc Geotech Students and Young Members
Dr. Joseph engaged with MSc Geotech students and young members of NGS at the Institute of Engineering. He provided an insightful presentation on IGS, highlighting its activities and the opportunities available for Nepali students and young professionals in India. He emphasized the importance of integrating computer science knowledge into civil engineering, inspiring students to pursue their careers in the geotechnical field. The students actively participated, posing questions about career development and opportunities.

2. NGS Special Meeting with Dr. Anil Joseph
A special meeting was organized with NGS executive members, advisory board, senior members, and GeoMandu organizing committee members. Hosted by NGS General Secretary Er. Udaya Raj Neupane, the meeting featured discussions on NGS activities, updates on the upcoming GeoMandu 2024, and potential future collaborations.

Highlights of the meeting:

• Dr. Mandip Subedi presented about NGS, its activities and its relation with IGS.
• Dr. Dhundi Raj Pathak, coordinator of GeoMandu 2024 technical committee, provided a status update.
• Dr. Anil Joseph was honoured as an ‘Honorary Member’ of NGS for his contributions to society and the geotechnical profession.
• Dr. Joseph shared insights on IGS activities and the collaboration among South Asian geotechnical societies, inviting attendees to the ‘1st Geotech Asia’ conference scheduled for October 7-10, 2025, in Goa, India.

3. Courtesy Meet with Deputy Prime Minister
Dr. Joseph, accompanied by the NGS team, held a courtesy meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Hon’ble Er. Raghubir Mahaseth. They discussed potential collaborations between Nepal and India in the fields of engineering and development. Er. Gopal Sigdel, Secretary of MOPIT also attended the meeting.

4. Visits to University, Laboratories and Construction Sites
Dr. Joseph also toured geotechnical laboratories at the Institute of Engineering and several private company laboratories. Additionally, he visited various construction sites to observe geotechnical investigation and design practices in Nepal.

5. Meeting with Water and Energy Commission Secretariat
Dr. Joseph and Dr. Subedi also met with Er. Keshab Kumar Sharma, Secretary of the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat. They had a fruitful conversation, discussing further opportunities for collaboration.

Dr. Anil Joseph’s visit was a significant step towards strengthening the ties between NGS and IGS. The collaborative efforts are expected to enhance the geotechnical engineering landscape in both countries across policy, academic, and industry levels. NGS extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Joseph and the IGS family for their continued support and looks forward to more fruitful collaborations in the future.