Minister of foreign affairs Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat and Indian ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae launched the famous Coffee Table Book ‘A Day in the Life of Kathmandu’, a compilation of photographs by Jawed Ashraf amid a function organized by Embassy of India.

A compilation of about 130 photographs, the book is a dedication to the survivors of the earthquake that hit Nepal in April, 2015. The book was conceived by Ashraf after the earthquake as a tribute to the city and the people of Kathmandu. Speaking at the program, noted photographer Anil Chitrakar appreciated Jawed Ashraf for compiling the book with utmost sensitivity and a deep-rooted love for the city.

The coffee table book was launched jointly by Chief Guest Foreign Minister Dr. Mahat and Ambassador of India to Nepal, Ranjit Rae. Dr. Mahat, addressing the audience at the event, stated that Sri Jawed Ashraf is “Ambassador of Nepal to the World”.

The event was attended by more than 150 persons including prominent Nepalese writers, photographers, corporate personalities, artists and media persons. The launch program also included a vocal performance by the students of the Indian Culture Centre (ICC) of the Indian Embassy.

According to a press release issued by Indian Embassy, Jawed Ashraf is an Indian Foreign Service Officer of 1991 batch and is Ambassador-designate to Singapore. He served at Embassy of India, Kathmandu for the period 2004 to 2007.Apart from serving in Frankfurt, Berlin and Washington DC, Sri Ashraf was also the Joint Secretary in Prime Minister's Office in New Delhi.

A copy of the book, ‘A Day in the Life of Kathmandu’ was gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to PM of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ during his visit to India in September, 2016.