The first conference of the Nepal Chapter of Indian Institute of Mass Communication Alumni Association was held in Kathmandu on Saturday.

The conference, named 'Connections 2019', was organised by the newly formed Nepal Chapter. Addressing the conference, Manjeev Singh Puri, the ambassador of India for Nepal, said that Nepal and India have a similar history of civilization and possess a similar ideology.

The role of mass media has become more important than politics and diplomacy to maintain cordial relations between the two countries, said the ambassador.

"The institution is preparing to impart post-graduate education," Kuldip Singh Dhatwalia, the director-general of IIMC said. "More than 2,700 Nepalis have already received training and education from the institution."

IIMC, which was established in 1965, is considered one of the leading institutions of mass communication in South Asia. Its Alumni Association was established in 2012.

Anil Giri, chairman of the Nepal Chapter of IIMC Alumni Association, said, "Though there has been a delay in forming the association, I express my commitment to carry out the creative works in the coming days."

The association will play a significant role in taking Indo-Nepal relations to a new height, said Sharas Chandra Bhandari, a member of the working committee of Alumni Nepal Chapter.