The Kathmandu Post reported that after four years of diplomatic service often spent under public scrutiny, Naveen Srivastava turned to birdwatching in and around the Indian embassy during his concluding weeks in Nepal. The outgoing envoy posted images featuring a pair of rose-ringed parakeets, presenting a relaxed counterpoint to the formal meetings and events that marked his tenure. Srivastava took up his role as ambassador in June 2022, according to ANI, overseeing developments in bilateral energy projects, connectivity initiatives and cultural exchanges between India and Nepal.
According to the Kathmandu Post article, Srivastava’s social media activity adopted a playful approach reminiscent of the well-known phrase ‘It’s a bird, it’s a plane,’ which ultimately framed his farewell to the host country. The tweets provided a personal window into his downtime, with visuals captured directly from embassy grounds that highlighted local wildlife. This method of signing off differed markedly from the standard protocol of official calls and compiled video recaps that envoys typically employ.
Srivastava completed a round of farewell visits in September with senior Nepali officials, India Today reported from Kathmandu. Those discussions with Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai reviewed advancements in trade, infrastructure links and people-to-people relations over the prior four years. The ambassador conveyed appreciation for the cooperation extended to him throughout his assignment in the Himalayan nation.
On October 1, the diplomat published a nearly five-minute farewell video on X that compiled scenes from his stay, ANI stated in its coverage. The montage included official engagements with leaders, community yoga events, interactions with Buddhist monks, golf tournament appearances and treks through mountainous terrain with views of lakes and peaks. It ended with a message in Nepali that thanked Nepal and expressed hope that the friendship between the two countries would remain immortal.
The Kathmandu Post situated its coverage in the culture and lifestyle section, noting how the ambassador’s focus on local birds served as an informal cultural link during his departure. Rose-ringed parakeets, common across the region with their distinctive green plumage and ringed necks, represent an element of the shared natural environment between Nepal and India. Srivastava’s documentation from inside the embassy illustrated the blending of diplomatic life with everyday natural surroundings in the Kathmandu Valley.
Nepal’s diverse bird population has drawn international attention for decades, with the country’s varied topography supporting hundreds of species, according to regional environmental assessments. By featuring these creatures in his final posts, the ambassador shifted focus momentarily from policy matters to an appreciation of natural heritage. The posts have prompted online discussions about blending personal passions with the conclusion of high-level diplomatic assignments.
