'Mera Samjhana' of Indra Bhakta relaunched

Kathmandu, Aug 27: I. J. Charitable Trust has published the second edition of ‘Mera Samjhana’, a memoir of late Indra Bhakta Shrestha.

The book was launched amidst a programme in Lalitpur on Saturday.

The trust has brought out the second edition of the book with some additional write-ups and photographs after fifteen years on the occasion of the 93^rd Memorial Day of late Shrestha who played a crucial role in the Nepal’s chamber movement.

Born on August 16,  1924, Shrestha involved himself in business from early age. He was a member of ‘Banik Mandal’, a delegation formed to enhance trade, in 1951.

He became vice-president of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) in 1963 and president in 1970.

Shrestha was elected as the president of the Federation of Nepal Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and served as the president of NCC for two terms from 1983 to 1989.

Also known for his contributions to social service, he established I. J. Pioneer Higher Secondary School and served as the chair and member of various social and charitable organizations.

The book, compiled by Basant Basnet, tells the story of Nepal’s chamber movement and Shrestha’s contribution to it. It describes the development effort of the country, too.

Speaking on the occasion, past president of FNCCI and son of Indra Bhakta, Ravi Bhakta Shrestha, and other businessmen highlighted the contribution of late Shrestha to the business development in the country.

According to them, he was the man of integrity and played a lead role in creating environment of coordination instead of competition among the business communities.

FNCCI president Pashupati Murarka said that without Indra Bhakta, history of Nepalese chamber would be incomplete.

Former president Ananda Raj Mulmi said, “Fighting for common interest leaving personal benefits will be a true tribute to late Shrestha. If we don’t show unity for creating business environment in the country, we won’t progress.”

He criticized the large business groups for their reluctance in being transparent and paying taxes.

Another former president Pradip Kumar Shrestha also urged for unity among businessmen. “In the absence of unity among the businessmen, economic agenda won’t get priority and government may not listen to their demands.”

Past presidents of FNCCI Mahesh Lal Pradhan and Kush Kumar Joshi, president of NCC Rajesh Kazi Shrestha and its past president Suresh Kumar Basnet and other representatives of business community spoke about Indra Bhakta’s contributions.