Expert to Discuss Aftermath of Nepal Earthquake in Cody, Powell and Worland

A University of Wyoming visiting scholar who has aided in the reconstruction of Nepal following last spring’s devastating earthquake will speak this month in Cody, Powell and Worland.

George Varughese (pronounced var-oh-gase), the Asia Foundation’s country representative in Nepal since 2009, was in Nepal at the time of last spring’s massive earthquake. He will discuss “Nepal in the Earthquake’s Aftermath: Development, Politics and Recovery.” The talk, free and open to the public, will be presented in the following locations:

Cody -- Monday, Sept. 21, 6 p.m., at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Coe Auditorium.

Powell -- Tuesday, Sept. 22, 4 p.m., at Northwest College, FAB 70.

Worland -- Wednesday, Sept. 23, noon, at the Washakie Museum and Cultural Center, 2200 Big Horn Ave.

Varughese is the senior visiting scholar in global studies at UW, while remaining country representative of the Asia Foundation in Nepal. There, he focuses on supporting transitional political processes, facilitating conflict transformation and peace building, broadening economic opportunities, and safeguarding women’s rights and security. In this context, he has managed development programs since the civil war ended in Nepal.

“The earthquake has complicated development and politics across the country,” says Varughese, who will discuss pre- and post-earthquake issues in Nepal.

He previously led Asia Foundation development programs in Afghanistan during 2005-09. Varughese received a Ph.D. from Indiana University and has worked in the development sector for 20 years in Asia, first for the United Nations and then for the Asia Foundation.

This program is part of the statewide UW Global Studies Lecture Series, which marks its seventh year in partnership with Wyoming colleges and communities. The series is sponsored by the UW Global and Area Studies Program and Center for Global Studies in partnership with the Wyoming Humanities Council, UW Outreach School, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Northwest College, and the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs of Worland. 

For more information, contact Jean Garrison at (307) 766-6119 or garrison@uwyo.edu.