Gita Pariwar to organise 'Geeta Maitri Milan'

Kathmandu, May 8

Geeta Pariwar is set to organise the 'Geeta Maitri Milan Programme 2083' in Nepal.

The Pariwar has been facilitating the study, meditation, and practice of the Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta for over 1.4 million seekers and beneficiaries in 14 languages globally.

The event will take place on May 10 Sundayat the Nepal Academy assembly hall in Kathmandu with the slogal 'Rad Geeta, Teach Geeeta, and Apply it in Life'.

To ensure the programme's success, various committees and sub-committees have been formed and mobilised under the chairmanship of the founder and patron of Geeta Pariwar Nepal, Jai Kishan Sharda, alongside the organisation's President, Sarika Agrawal, and Secretary, Ram Prasad Adhikari.

The organisers said at a press conference organised in Kathmandu on Friday that the upcoming programme, centred on spiritual and ethical awakening, is expected to expand Geeta consciousness across Nepal.

"This campaign, which aims to bring the eternal knowledge of the Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta to the masses through modern and simple mediums, is spreading worldwide. Geeta Pariwar Nepal, founded five years ago, currently has over 15,000 volunteers directly involved," said Geeta Pariwar.

Although physical attendance is limited to approximately 1,500 people due to the hall's capacity, the organisers have made arrangements for others to view the event live via online platforms, including YouTube and Zoom.

The programme will be attended by the founder of Geeta Pariwar, Swami Shri Govind Dev Giri Ji Maharaj, who is also the treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Likewise, Dr. Ashu Ji Goyal (International Executive Chairman – Geeta Pariwar and Programme Coordinator – Learn Geeta), along with high-ranking officials and seekers of Geeta Pariwar, will be in attendance.

According to the organisers, the primary goal of the campaign is to spread Geeta consciousness to every village, settlement, and town, despite Nepal's geographical complexities and technical challenges.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 9 May 2026.           

True revolution begins with 'gnya': PM Shah

Kathmandu, May 1

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has extended greetings to all on the occasion of the Buddha Jayanti – birth anniversary of Lord Buddha.

"On the occasion of the birth anniversary of the eternally great proponent of peace, the Buddha, I wish for world peace. Blessed is our Nepali land by the birth of the Buddha; it has always stood for non-violence and peace," he said in his Facebook post.

“There is suffering; there is a cause of suffering; there is the cessation of suffering; and there is a path leading to the cessation of suffering,” he quoted Gautam Buddha, and said, the path shown by the Buddha is the path to ending suffering.

"Darkness is simply the absence of light; when a ray of light steps in, darkness disappears of its own accord. Our journey, likewise, should be in search of the light of knowledge, along the path of resolving problems, said PM Shah.

According to him, true revolution (kranti) begins not with 'ka' but with 'gnya' which signifies knowledge (gyana). 'Ka' and 'gya' are the first and last letters in Devnagari script or Nepali language. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 2 May 2026.          

Pakistan Embassy launches 'Pakistanka Bouddha Sampadaharu'

Kathmandu, July 10

The Embassy of Pakistan in Nepal launched a Nepali-language book Pakistanka Bouddha Sampadaharu (Buddhist Heritages in Pakistan) on Wednesday.

The book highlights Pakistan’s rich Buddhist heritage. Authored by renowned scholar Om Charan Amatya, the publication aims to foster greater cultural understanding between Pakistan and Nepal, the Embassy informed in a statement.

Speaking on the occasion, Bhim Prasad Acharya, Member of Parliament (CPN-UML), underscored the shared spiritual legacy of the two nations and emphasised the importance of people-to-people connections in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.

U Myo Myint Maung, Ambassador of Myanmar to Nepal and Chameera Munasinghe, Charge d’Affaires of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Nepal, also attended the event.

The ceremony was also attended by venerable monks, Buddhist scholars, political leaders, members of civil society, officials of the Pakistan Embassy, and their families. Academic institutions and think tanks in Pakistan joined the event virtually, as read in the statement.

A. Imran Shaukat, Pakistan’s Envoy for Buddhist Heritage Promotion, addressed the gathering online and shared insights into the country's efforts under the 'Pakistan’s Buddhist Heritage Promotion Initiative'.

Author Amatya highlighted the historical and spiritual connections between revered Buddhist sites in Pakistan and Nepal, noting their value to global Buddhist communities.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Nepal, Abrar H Hashmi, praised the book as a bridge for cultural understanding, stating that Pakistan is proud of its preserved Buddhist heritage and welcomes pilgrims, scholars, and tourists to explore its historical richness.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 11 July 2025.   

President Paudel stresses harmony through spirituality

 Kathmandu, May 3

President Ramchandra Paudel has stated that Nepal is a source of eastern knowledge traditions, and within this knowledge, tradition and civilisation, one can witness the unity and harmony of various cultures and civilisations.

“There is a need for this harmony to contribute to fostering a sense of peace, tolerance, and brotherhood across the world,” he said while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Badrinarayan Dham in Ramkot of Nagarjun Municipality-7 in Kathmandu, on Saturday.

According to him, it is essential to cultivate sacred values of mutual friendship, love, goodwill, and coexistence within human beings.

President Paudel stated that today, alongside material development, the modern world is increasingly recognising the importance of spiritual consciousness, knowledge, and awakening. He said that the very reason why people are restlessly searching for peace and happiness amidst material progress is because of this realisation.

Stressing that spirituality is above religion, and religion is above sectarianism, the President remarked that such a spiritual centre has now been established in a convenient location in the sacred western region of Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu.

President Paudel expressed his belief that the construction of Badrinarayan Dham, which is considered extremely significant in the Vedic Sanatan culture and tradition, would bring happiness.

He further noted that this Dham would also contribute to Nepal’s economic prosperity by promoting tourism.

“There is a growing desire and race for extreme material development in the world, and as a result, peace, order, mutual goodwill, and a spirit of cooperation are deteriorating in society. We are experiencing this even in our communities. In such circumstances, I believe this spiritual centre will bring about spiritual awakening,” said President Paudel.

According to him, the spirit of human service that emerges from this awakening will help establish love, goodwill, and peace in society, thereby making a significant contribution to the creation of a civilised and cultured society.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 4 May 2025.

Lumbini International Peace Festival from Friday.

Kathmandu, Mar. 19

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is set to organise the Lumbini International Peace Festival from Friday.

It is orgnising the event in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Nepal and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA).

"The festival will take place from March 22 to May 11 in Lumbini, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as in surrounding cities," the NTB informed in a statement on Wednesday.

The festival aims to promote Lumbini as a global centre for peace and spiritual tourism while encouraging cultural, sporting, religious, and people-to-people exchanges between Nepal, China, and other nations.

The festival will feature a meditation session on 23 March in the sacred garden outside the Maya Devi Temple, with the participation of 100 monks and 400 practitioners.

On March 24, the third Lumbini International Peace Marathon will be held to mark the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

During the festival, various events such as the Lumbini Peace Musical Programme, a photo exhibition commemorating the 25^th anniversary of Zhong Hua Monastery, and a Buddha ordination ceremony will be organised.

The festival will conclude with a special closing ceremony on Buddha Purnima.

The event will be supported by organisations including the Lumbini Development Trust, the Nepal Olympic Committee, the Yunnan Mountaineering and Outdoor Sports Association, KGH Group, Vivo, Deepal, and Buddha Air, among other local and international partners.

Deepak Joshi, CEO of the NTB, said that the second edition of the Festival represents Nepal’s commitment to promoting peace and cultural exchange. He said, "We invite guests from around the world to experience the spiritual essence of Lumbini and celebrate global harmony."

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 March 2025.    

Cable car will preserve Pathibhara’s heritage, boost local economy

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Feb. 8

The Pathibhara Devi Darshan Cable Car Limited said on Saturday that the construction of the cable car will not disturb the surrounding environment, beauty and cultural heritage at the Pathibhara area.

“The cable car's upper station will have only basic facilities for pilgrims, such as water, toilets, and oxygen. Beyond these necessities, no additional structures will be built, ensuring that the temple complex and its surrounding environment, beauty, and cultural heritage will remain unaffected,” the company said.

According to it, the cable car's construction will provide easy access for children, the elderly, physically disabled individuals, and those unable to walk uphill or downhill, thus benefiting all pilgrims and tourists. It will not obstruct the existing walking path for those who wish to travel on foot.

Upon completion, the Rs. 3 billion project will directly create jobs for around 300 people, with priority given to about 80 per cent of locals.

“As with previous tourism infrastructure projects by the IME Group, locals will have opportunities to invest in and own shares in the venture. The cable car is expected to boost the number of visitors and play a significant role in promoting local products, such as agricultural goods and handicrafts,” chairman of the company, Chandra Prasad Dhakal said at a press conference organised in the Capital on Saturday.

According to him, this will also lead to notable growth in self-employment and businesses in sectors like hotels, restaurants and transportation, particularly in the Mechi Highway’s Jhapa and the Baraha region of the Tamor Corridor in Sunsari. Consequently, this will increase the state’s tax and revenue collection.

The press meet was organised in the wake of the series of protests organised by the local and ethnic groups in the district and Koshi Province as well as in the capital which resulted in a negotiation with the government and temporary suspension of the construction work.

In recent months, there has been some criticism claiming that the cable car could damage the historical and cultural identity of the Pathibhara Temple. Although discussions around building a cable car to the temple began four decades ago, Pathibhara Devi Darshan Cable Car Pvt. Ltd. was established in 2015, and in 2018, the project received approval from the Cabinet.

The project gained momentum around two years ago when the IME Group took a significant stake in the venture, aiming to build cable cars at tourism destinations across all seven provinces of Nepal. After obtaining all the necessary permits, the project was included under the national priority plan. Land rights were secured, and the necessary tree-cutting and environmental clearance were completed, marking the official launch of the construction this month.

“Despite the official launch, some individuals have begun to create obstacles in the project’s progress, attempting to undermine private investment and tarnish the reputations of those involved,” said Dhakal, “It is disheartening to see these attacks, which not only target private enterprises but also disrespect their contributions to society, the economy and national prosperity.”

Dhakal is also the chairman of the IME Group and Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

IME Group was involved in the Pathibhara Cable Car just two years ago. “Discussions about building a cable car at this sacred site began four decades ago, and the company was officially established in 2018 to move the project forward. Therefore, the debate on whether to build the cable car now is not helpful,” said Dhakal.

He said that they had hold numerous discussions with local representatives, political leaders, businesses, and other stakeholders, addressing concerns and adapting the project as needed.

“After completing all legal and regulatory processes, it is disheartening that efforts to block the project persist. This undermines private sector initiatives aimed at attracting investment, creating jobs and fostering tourism,” Dhakal said.

According to him, it is painful to see local people leave in search of work abroad while, at the same time, opportunities within their communities are being disputed.

The cable car will span a distance of 2.75 kilometers from the base station in Phungling Municipality-11, near Kaflepati, to the Pathibhara Temple complex, about 700 meters west of the temple. It will feature 36-passenger gondolas and two cargo gondolas. After completion, the cable car will take just 10.31 minutes to reach the upper station from the base station.

Stating that due to the remote location, high altitude, and steep paths, accessing the temple is extremely difficult for pilgrims, especially for children, the elderly, the sick and those with disabilities, the developer company said that the cable car will make the pilgrimage easy and economical.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 9 February 2025.  

Prevent politicising Buddhism: PM Oli

Kathmandu, Nov. 16

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stressed the need to prevent the misuse of Buddhism for political purposes.

Addressing the 49^th annual celebration and the commencement of the golden jubilee year of the Buddhist Bihar Association at Aksheshwar Mahabihar in Lalitpur on Saturday, he said, in the past, due to Hindu fundamentalists, the promotion and expansion of Buddhist ideas were difficult in both Nepal and India but there is resurgence of Buddhist principles of late.

He also emphasized that there should be no schism in the name of religion.

"Buddhism and its teachings should not be exploited for political purposes. Religion is meant for humanity, unity, and peace, and Buddha’s philosophy stands for non-violence and human welfare," Prime Minister Oli said.

According to him, the essence of Buddhism is not to commit violence or take life. The followers of Buddhism are the true protectors of the faith. "We must spread the values of Buddhism among the youth. I will do everything I can from my side to support this. This religion embodies compassion, love, and humanity. It promotes selflessness, which is why it must not be misused politically," he stated.

Prime Minister Oli recalled participating in an international Buddhist conference in Vietnam five years ago and mentioned discussions about holding such events under the auspices of the United Nations in Nepal. The event was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

PM Oli also remembered establishing an international meditation centre with a capacity of 5,000 people in Lumbini.

On the same occasion, PM Oli honoured the Lotus Research Centre and Dundu Bahadur Bajracharya for their contributions to the promotion of Buddha’s teachings and philosophy.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 17 November 2024.  

Positive mindset needed towards businessmen: Prachanda

Kathmandu, Oct. 18

Former Prime Minister and Chairman of CPN (Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said on Friday that the mindset of taking the businesspeople and capitalists as 'brokers' and 'exploiters' should be changed.

Speaking at the Business Meet 2024 organised by the Hindu Economic Forum, Nepal, in the Capital, the former Prime Minister said that such a mindset particularly in the bureaucracy and political leadership was more fatal. "We don't have a good view about the businesspeople. Such mindset in the bureaucracy and political leadership will certainly slow the economic progress and development," he said.

Stating that the ultimate goal of politics is to make people happy, Prachanda said that politics becomes meaningful when it drives development and helps people and the country achieve prosperity.

He expressed worries over the country's failure to exploit natural resources for development and economic progress. "We have an immeasurable amount of natural resources in Nepal but the country has missed the opportunity to utilise them as the means for prosperity," he said, "Overpoliticisation of development has marred the process."

Chairman Prachanda also maintained that cooperation and collaboration with the neighbouring countries were also the need of the time for national development. "We need a pragmatic approach to deal with the development and for diplomacy rather than a dogmatic one," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Swami Vigyananand, Founder President of the World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF), said that despite having natural resources and cultural heritages as well as economic opportunities, Nepal has not been able to attract foreign investment including that from India.

"Indian investors have been taking more than US$ 35 billion in a year to Dubai where there is no conducive environment and cultural proximity," he said and asked, "Why is Nepal which is at proximity with India in terms of geography, culture and religion has not been successful to attract such investment?"

It's because Dubai has a better policy framework for businesspeople and investors, better facilitation and a pragmatic approach, Vigyananand said while suggesting Nepal create a better doing business environment to attract the investors of various background.

"Nepal has the Himalayas, home of Gods, which is a matter of respect and attraction for Indian people. If you offer a better environment and offer facilitation, more investment will come here," he suggested.

Vigyananand said that prosperity should be the main agenda of all economic philosophies, and maintained that the Hindu philosophy is the foundation of social and economic prosperity.

According to him, the governments should impose taxes in such a way that should help survive the business, increase the income of the state and add less burden to the consumers. He also said that the coming era would be the age of Eastern and Hindu philosophies.

The WHEF was launched to bring together financially successful elements within Hindu society such as traders, bankers, technocrats, investors, industrialists, business persons, and professionals, along with economists and thinkers, so that each group can share their business knowledge, experience, expertise and resources with their fellow brethren, said the organisation.

The first WHEF was organised in 2012 in Hong Kong and this year's Forum will be organised in December in Mumbai, India. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 19 October 2024. 

Maulakali Cable Car comes into operation

 Kathmandu, Apr. 14

Maulakali Cable Car has come to operation at Gaindakot in Nawalpur (Nawalparasi Est) from Friday – the first day of the Nepali New Year 2080.

Abhishek Bikram Shah, Head of Maulakali Cable Car Management Department, informed that the service has been started on the occasion of New Year. The new facility came into the motion at 6:00 AM in the morning. Centenarian Saraswati Kandel, a local resident, and Chief District Officer of Nawalpur, Krishna Prasad Lamsal traveled as the first passenger of the cable car.

Maulakali Temple is at the distance of about two kilometres distance and can be reached within five minutes by cable car. There are 12 gondolas in cable car.

Shah informed that the two-way price of the cable car has been fixed at Rs 550.

According to him, the ticket price of the cable car is Rs 330 for children between 3 to 4 feet, Rs 415 for students, Rs 415 for senior citizens and Rs 275 for the differently abled people. The cable car has said that it will provide free service for the elderly above 80 years and children below 3 feet.

Responding to ethnicities' demand, NSO holds cultural data

Kathmandu, Mar. 24

Contrary to the expectations of the many, the National Statistics Office (NSO) has not included the details of the ethnicities, caste, language and religion in its first final results of the National Census 2021 published on Friday.

While some, in social media, raised questions over the motives of the office and the government behind this act, Deputy Chief of NSO, Nebin Lal Shrestha, who is also the spokesperson for the statistical body, said that it would take about four months to publish the final data on cultural aspects - ethnicities, caste, language and religion.

According to him, various communities and ethnicities had approached the NSO demanding to include or exclude them or the others from certain castes, ethnicities and language groups which has made the issue 'sensitive' and 'complex'.

The NSO high officials said that the increased awareness created by the republic governance and 'realisation' of ethnic identities were the causes behind the disputes being made on the cultural and ethnic statistics. There have been some cases where a certain caste of one ethnicity wanted to mention itself as a separate ethnic community. "This is the issue beyond our jurisdiction," said Shrestha.

To address the demands of the concerned communities and groups of people, the government has formed a high-level panel under the chairmanship of the secretary of the NPC which included the representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Language Commission, National Inclusion Commission, Indigenous Nationalities Commission and other concerned bodies.

The commission is studying the issues being raised by the ethnic and language communities and the results would be published only after it gives a nod to the NSO.

The NSO said that ethnicity/caste is the major issue of contention following by the language. Religion is not the concern of that importance but since it should be bundled with the ethnicities and other cultural aspects, we plan to publish the entire data together, said Shrestha.

According to the census in 2011, there were 126 caste/ethnic groups inicluding Chhetri (16.6 per cent), Brahmin-hill (12.2 per cent), Magar (7.1 per cent), Tharu (6.6 per cent), Tamang (5.8 per cent), Newar (5 per cent), Kami (4.8 per cent), Muslim (4.4 per cent), Yadav (4 per cent) and Rai (2.3 per cent) being the major ones.

Similarly, there were 123 languages – Nepali (spoken by 44.6 per cent), Maithili (11.7 per cent), Bhojpuri (5.98 per cent), Tharu (5.77 per cent), Tamang (5.11 per cent), Newar (3.2 per cent), Bajjika (2.99 per cent), Magar (2.98 per cent), Doteli (2.97 per cent and Urdu (2.61 per cent).

Likewise, in terms of religion, Hinduism was followed by 81.3 per cent in 2011, Buddhism by 9 per cent, Islam by 4.4 per cent, Kirat 3.1 per cent and Christianity by 1.4 per cent. Other small religious groups included Prakriti, Bon, Jainism, Bahai and Sikhism.

 

No census in Kalapani

Meanwhile, the NSO said that no census could be conducted in Kalapani region including Limpiyadhura and Lipulek – Nepali territory encroached by India which came to an international limelight after Nepal published a country map including the encroached land in 2020.

India obstructed the movement of Nepali officials and enumerators in Kalapani region. Deputy Chief of NSO, Nebin Lal Shrestha, said that the surveyors had taken a great risk even to reach the settlement in Nepal's mainland as India did not allow them to reach their by using its land.

"We tried to use satellite image to make the estimates of the families and population in Kalanapi region, but that was not as easy as we thought earlier," he said.

However, according to the rough estimates as reported to the NSO, about 500 people live in the territory encroached by India. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 March 2023.  

GIBL to provide foreign exchange to Hajj pilgrims

 Kathmandu, June 22

Global IME Bank Limited is going to provide the facility of exchange of foreign currency including Saudi Riyal to all the Hajj pilgrims departing from Nepal for Hajj in 2022.

The bank has made arrangements to exchange foreign currencies from Kantipath, Thamel, Tinkune and Sinamangal branch offices.

The bank has also requested the pilgrims to contact the mobile number 9851165520 if they need any information regarding currency exchange.

Global IME Bank is providing banking and financial services to more than 2.8 million customers from around 875 service centers including 288 branches, 262 ATMs, 275 branchless banking services, 51 extensions and revenue collection counters and 3 foreign representative offices in 76 districts.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 23 June 2022. 

President, PM wish for peace, prosperity on Buddha Jayanti

Kathmandu, May 16

The nation is marking the 2566^th Buddha Jayanti by organising various programmes in Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha on Monday.

On the occasion of the 2566^th Buddha Jayanti, President Bidya Devi Bhandari has expressed best wishes for happiness, peace and prosperity to all Nepalis at home and abroad.

She has urged one and all to take the lead in building greater national unity by enhancing the spirit of mutual harmony, tolerance and brotherhood among religious, social and cultural diversity by embracing the timeless teachings and guidance of Gautama Buddha.

Since the birth of Gautama Buddha on the Baisakh Shukla Poornima (full moon day of Baisakh) is a triple coincidence of birth of Buddha, attainment of knowledge and Mahaparinirvana, this day is celebrated by the Buddhists around the world as a holy day of reverence and devotion to Gautama Buddha.

"Gautam Buddha guided the entire human civilisation towards peace and non-violence. He has a unique place as a seer who paves the way for the alleviation of human suffering by developing the knowledge gained from the experience and practice of life as a specific philosophy," said President Bhandari.

According to her, stakeholders need to pay special attention to the proper development and protection of Chaityas, Gumbas, Vihars and Buddhist cultural and archeological sites spread across the country.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of Ubhauli, the great festival of Kirant community, President Bhandari expressed best wishes for happiness, peace and prosperity to all Kirants.

With the onset of summer, Baisakh Shukla Poornima is celebrated as a time of migration as wild animals and livestock migrate from the valley to the mountains.

There is a tradition of worshiping the father and the land in order to celebrate the festival of Ubhauli, to get good crops, stay safe from diseases, droughts, floods and landslides.

"I would like to express my best wishes that this uplifting festival of the Kirant community will further strengthen the socio-cultural solidarity among all Nepalis and inspire us all to build a prosperous, egalitarian, and civilized society," said President Bhandari.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that life should be made happy and peaceful by putting into practice the teachings and messages given by Gautam Buddha.

In a message issued on the occasion of the 2566^th Buddha Jayanti on Monday, PM Deuba has urged one and all to work towards making the society prosperous by following the teachings of the Buddha.

Since the teachings of the Buddha are still relevant, useful and true for the human race, it is necessary to put into practice the teachings of the Buddha to make human life better, he said.

  Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 17 May 2022. 

Embassy in Yangoon organises alms-offering programme

Kathmandu, May 15

On the occasion of Buddha Jayanti, the Embassy of Nepal in Yangon organised an alms-offering programme on Sunday.

The monks preached a 'dharma deshana', teachings of dharma and prayed for peace and prosperity of people, the embassy said in a statement.

Charge D' affaires of the embassy Khuman Singh Tamang and other staff offered robes, umbrella, sandals and alms bowls to the monks. Nepali food was also served to the monks. Nine monks from Baranasi Bihar, a Nepali Monastery in Yangon were invited for the offerings.  

According to the embassy, about 80 people from the Nepali community in Myanmar were present at the programme. Offering alms to monk is considered as sacred and good deed in Myanmar as monks are venerated in society.

Alms offering programme not only contribute to promoting Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha but also spread Nepali culture abroad, said Tamang. 

Before COVID-19 pandemic, around 50,000 people from Myanmar visited Lumbini every year. About 89 per cent of the total population in the country follows Buddhism. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 16 May 2022. 

Indian PM Modi paying fifth visit to Nepal

Kathmandu, May 12

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Nepal on an official visit on Monday, May 16, to attend a special ceremony to be organised on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti in Lumbini, the birthplace Lord Buddha, both the countries announced on Thursday.

He will be on the fifth entourage of Nepal since he assumed the post of PM in 2014, and the first after his re-election to the post in 2019. PM Modi is coming here at the invitation of his Nepali counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the PM of India together with the PM of Nepal, will participate in a prayer at the Mayadevi Temple, lay the foundation stone for the construction of a centre for Buddhist culture and heritage at the Monastic Zone in Lumbini, and address the special ceremony to celebrate Buddha Jayanti at the Lumbini International Buddhist Meditation Centre and Assembly Hall.

The centre for Buddhist culture and heritage will be built on a plot belonging to the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), New Delhi within the Lumbini Monastic Zone.

“While in Lumbini, the two Prime Ministers will hold bilateral talks and exchange views on Nepal-India cooperation and matters of mutual interests. PM Deuba will host a luncheon in honour of the Prime Minister of India and the visiting delegation,” the MoFA said in a statement on Thursday.

It said that the upcoming visit of the Indian PM will further strengthen the bilateral relations and the age-old socio-cultural bonds between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs of India said in a statement on Thursday that PM Modi’s visit continues the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Nepal in furtherance of its Neighbourhood First policy.

“It underscores the shared civilizational heritage of the peoples of both countries,” read the statement.

Earlier, on Tuesday, PM Deuba in his address to a rally in Dadeldhura had said that the West Seti Hydropower Project in Sudurpaschim Province would be handed over to India during the visit of PM Modi. According to him, an agreement would be made between the two countries on the project since export of electricity to India is more convenient compared to China.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Narayan Khadka, will call on the visiting PM. PM Modi will return to New Delhi on the same day.

The PM of the southern neighbour had visited Nepal twice in 2014 in August and November, and twice in 2018 in May and August. The visit in 2014 August was a state visit, and that of November was to attend the 18^th SAARC Summit while the visit in 2018 August was for the 4^th BIMSTEC Summit.

Meanwhile, PM Deuba had paid a three-day official visit to India in April this year at the invitation of his counterpart, Modi. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 13 May 2022. 

Religious leaders gather in Kathmandu

 Kathmandu, May 7

Faith community members, religious leaders and educators from 21 different countries have come together in Kathmandu to learn about interreligious dialogue, conflict prevention, and the promotion of social cohesion.

The event being organised from 6 to12 May is the first event ever hosted by the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) in Nepal, it said in a statement on Saturday.

The event titled 'International Fellows Programme' is a capacity-building and training programme organized by the centre, which is based in Vienna of Austria. It brings together participants from different corners of the globe and different religious backgrounds who receive training in interreligious dialogue facilitation, conflict prevention, intercultural communication and the promotion of social cohesion, read the statement.  

The KAICIID was initiated by Saudi Arabia, and it signed an agreement for the establishment of the organisation in Vienna of Austria. Holy See is the founding observer, the centre said in its website. Its Board of Directors comprises prominent representatives from five major world religions - Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. The Board designs and supervises the Centre’s programmes.

"It promotes dialogue to build peace in conflict areas. It does this by enhancing understanding and cooperation between people of different cultures and followers of different religions," it said in a statement.

According to the centre, the fellows are a global community of diverse religious leaders, educators and dialogue practitioners from Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and other religious backgrounds. This second training of the 2022 fellows cohort in Kathmandu is also the first event that KAICIID ever hosted in Nepal.

Throughout these six days, participants will not only undergo training, but they will also get to embark on excursions to some of Kathmandu´s most important sacred sites.

Since the programme was launched in 2015, more than 400 Fellows from over 80 different nations have completed it and have therefore joined the 'Fellows Alumni Network'. The centre also provides the fellows with small grants to implement their own dialogue projects, tailored to the needs of their institutions and communities back home.

Past initiatives have included interfaith youth projects, trainings in interreligious/intercultural dialogue for future religious leaders, hate speech awareness campaigns, and initiatives designed to empower women, it said.

“Nepal is a nation that is abundantly multicultural and one that celebrates its diversity. We are very excited to come here with our programme for the very first time. Through this programme, we provide our Fellows with an opportunity to interact with religious leaders from around the world and forge real friendships with “the Other,” KAICIID Senior Programme Manager, Kyfork Aghobjian said.

According to him, the interreligious and intercultural exchange that they go through leaves an enormous impact. For many, it is the experience of a lifetime.  

Meanwhile, Rajendra Century, a fellow of the centre from Nepal said that the fellows will visit some religious and cultural sites in Nepal which will help to promote Nepal's touristic destination. "This is a growing organisation and fellows will help to enhance Nepal's image as multicultural and multi-faith nation across the globe," he said.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 8 May 2022. 

NATTA to hold webinar on Buddhism

Kathmandu, Dec. 31

Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) is organising a webinar on 10 January 2020 on Nepal's Buddhist sites with the motto of ‘Following the Footsteps of the Buddha for Universal Peace and Prosperity.’

The webinar aims to showcase and publicise important Buddhist sites and Nepal's Buddhist tourism on the global platform, it said in a statement on Thursday.

Four important high-level Buddhist monks and scholars are scheduled to speak on the philosophical aspect of the Buddha’s teachings where Ajahn Burin Thitakusalo of the United States of America will discuss on ‘Lumbini the Fountain of World Peace’ and Jaffrey Kotyk of Canada will deliver speech on ‘Medieval Chinese Interactions with Nepal’.

Likewise, Mattia Salvini from Italy will present on ‘Nepal and Sanskrit Buddhism Revisiting in the Present day Context’ and Matthieu Ricard of France will talk on ‘The Sacred Places and Art as a Way to Cultivate Pure Perception’.

“With more than 53 years of experience in tours and travel, NATTA has successfully pooled together professional travel and tour operators and agents under one roof. The purpose is to guide and lead private enterprises within the tourism sector to collectively strengthen and promote Nepal as a top holiday destination in the global tourism map,” it said.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 1 January 2021. 

PM has no intention to harm Nepal-India ties with his remarks on Lord Ram

Kathmandu, Jul 14

The government on Tuesday said that the remarks made by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli regarding the birthplace of Lord Ram was not intended to harm the cultural relations between Nepal and India.

“The remarks were not meant to debasing the significance of Ayodhya and the cultural value it bears,” it said in a clarification note issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.  

Stating that the attention of the government has been drawn to the various interpretations of the remarks made on Monday by the PM, it said that the statement was not linked to any political subject and had no intention to hurt the feeling and sentiment of anyone.

“As there have been several myths and references about Shree Ram and the places associated with Him, the Prime Minister was simply highlighting the importance of further studies and research of the vast cultural geography the Ramayana represents to obtain facts about Shree Ram, Ramayana and the various places linked to this rich civilisation,” read the statement.

The government has also noted that the tradition of celebrating Bibaha Panchami where a marriage procession coming from Ayodhya, India, to Janakpur, Nepal, takes place every year.

It said that the Prime Ministers of Nepal and India launched the Ramayana Circuit in May 2018, of which Janakpur-Ayodhya Passenger Bus Service is an important component.

“These facts signify the bond of time-honoured cultural affinity between our two countries and peoples,” read the statement.

While speaking at the 207^th birth anniversary celebration of Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, the author of the Ramayana in Nepali language, on Monday, PM Oli had said that  there were also links that Lord Ram might have born in Thori of Parsa district in Nepal.

Birthplace of Sita and Valmiki Ashram – the place where Sita and her sons Lava Kusha spent their time after Lord Ram disowned his wife after bringing her from Lanka, and sage Valmiki scripted ‘Ramayana’ epic – are in Nepal.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 July 2020. 

President Bhandari graces Bibaha Panchami

Janakpurdham, Nov. 29

President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Friday participated in the Sita Rama Bibaha Panchami Festival in Janakpurdham. She welcomed and honoured the wedding procession that came from Ayodhya – the capital of Kosala, the kingdom of Lord Rama.

In the day of Bibaha Panchami, Janakpur celebrates the wedding of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita with various programmes, worships and procession from Ayodhya to Janakpurdham – ancient capital of Videha, the kingdom of Janak.

President Bhandari felicitated priest of Digambar Akhada Baishnav Das, General Secretary and Secretary of World Hindu Council Milendra Pandey and Rajendra Singh Pankaj, Kanhaiya Dasji Maharaj, Bhaiya Dasji Maharaj, story teller Madhavi Bijaya Laxmi and Rambhushan Das amidst a programme organised at the Barha Bigha Rangabhumi ground in Janakpurdham.

She also observed a ballet performed by Mithila Natyakala Parishad which depicted the matrimonial activities of Rama and Janaki.

President Bhandari worshipped at the Janaki Temple and accepted Prasad. Panchakanya, main Priest of the Temple Ram Tapeshwor Das, Manantha Baishnav and Mayor of Janakpur Lal Kishor Shah and other dignitaries had welcomed her at the temple.

Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Padma Aryal said that Sita had an important contribution to promote Nepal around the globe.

According to her, characters of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita are an immense resource of education for the people of modern age as well.

Maintaining that the event like Bibaha Panchami would help to develop Janakpurdham as a touristic attraction, Aryal said that the federal government was committed to the development of Janakpur and entire Terai Madhesh region.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai said that the Bibaha Panchami was the festival that exhibited the cordial cultural relations between Nepal and India. He said that the relations between the two countries and people should be spotless and cordial.

He urged the Indian tourists to make a trip to Nepal during the Visit Nepal Year 2020. He informed that the Janakpur-Pokhara aviation service would start soon.

Chief Minister of State 2 Lalbabu Raut said that his government had planned to create connection between the two countries as it had been maintained since Treta Yuga – the period of Lord Rama.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri said that the relationship between the two countries was cordial since Treta Yuga.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 30 November 2019. 

Aagam Chhen and Degu Taljeu to be built by Consumer Committees

Kathmandu, Sept. 29

Aagam Chhen Temple in Basantapur Durbar Square and Degu Taleju Temple in Patan Durbar Square will be built by the consumer committees. 

A meeting of the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) on Sunday decided to handover the rebuilding responsibility of the two historic monuments to the local consumer committees. 

Although the government had invited Japan to reconstruct the two temples, which were completely destroyed in the devastating 2015 Gorkha Earthquake, the reconstruction body had revised the decision. 

However, the representatives, local community and Japan government had agreed to rebuild the Aagam Chhen by consumer committees. 

The confusion about the reconstruction entity had halted the restoration of the cultural heritage. Chief Executive Officer of the NRA Sushil Gyawali said that it was more important to rebuild the temple safely so it should not be delayed for any technical aspects. 

Lalitpur Metropolitan City had also demanded that the Degu Taleju should be rebuilt by the consumer committee. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 30 September 2019. 

Not trustees, farmers should have begun the protests

 Jagat Deuja

Land Right Activist

Guthi practices have a history of more than one and a half millennia. Outside the Kathmandu valley, the guthi is mostly related to the land. The Guthi (Trust) Act, 2033 had a provision to sale out the guthi-land through the auction but the new bill does not have such provision instead it has proposed to use the land for cultural development and open spaces. It has also provision to pull down home or other physical structure that have or may have adverse impact on the heritages.

Some critics have been alleging that the new act will give away the guthi-land to the farmers which is not true. It has curtailed the rights of the farmers. It proposed to provide the land to the farmers if they have any documents that promises to provide them the land by 1998 but no farmer has such documents so there is no chance of creating new tenants in the guthi-land. Therefore, I think instead of the trustees, farmers should have begun the protests.

Farmers who were weak and had no political connections could not get the land registered to their name but those near to the political power have already brought the land in their names. The people who are saying that registering the land in the name of the farmers is not acceptable should know that there was a practice in the past to privatise the land in the name of the tenants with the payment of the 25 per cent price of the land.

People in the Valley are primarily concerned to the Article 23 and 24. Article 23 has a provision to convert the properties of public and private guthi into the raj guthi. Article 24 intends to terminate all the rights of the trustee of the guthi, which were obtained through various orders, letters and documents, over the temples and religious sites. These heritages will be operated and managed by the government proposed powerful National Trust Authority. The Article 24 should be annulled. Apart from about half a dozen new provisions, the new bill is the continuation of the Guthi Act 2033.

Guthi Sansthan has worked for about two years while preparing the draft of the bill but never consulted with the key stakeholders. A meeting point should be found to address the demand of the guthiyar and farmers. People are saying that the bill can end the century-long traditions. There are more rumours than the facts. Most of the land of the guthi in Kathmandu has already been distributed or encroached. Hundreds of ropani land of the Pashupatinath Temple and other religious sites has been lost.

Heritages like the Pashupatinath Temple should be managed in a new style. Some temples can be managed from the offerings of the devotees. So far as the preservation of the heritages and religious sites is concerned, the new bill has better provision for the conservation. However, in an effort to make it more detailed, the drafters of the law have made some technical mistakes which need to be ratified.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 17 June 2018.