Preserve Heritage

Nepal has a rich mosaic of diverse cultures, ethnicities, languages and identities. People practise various religions. With about 30 million people, the country possesses 123 languages spoken as a mother tongue. Most of them belong to the Indo-Aryan and Sino-Tibetan language families. This is also the land of as many as 125 different ethnic groups. Though the Nepali language is an official working language, the Constitution of Nepal, 2015 allows each province to select one or more official languages. In view of the prominence of varied languages in different provinces, the Language Commission has suggested 14 official languages for various provinces. Thus, in terms of lingual and ethnic diversity, Nepal has been very unique. Unity in diversity is one of the key features of the Nepali society because the people regardless of their ethnicities, languages, religions and regions respect one another. 

It is needles to reiterate that language is one of the most essential components of any culture. Being a vital means of communication among people, a language helps build relationships and create a sense of community. Promoting language, culture, literature and art is essential for every nation to move ahead on the path of development and prosperity. Many countries around the world with enriched language, culture and literature have achieved significant progress in the areas of economic and social development. Art is also a medium of communication. People can express their feelings such as happiness and sadness through a work of art. In view of the importance of the country’s abundant language, culture, literature and art, the government needs to prioritise their preservation and promotion. Such invaluable treasures could be a vital means for the nation to achieve the envisaged goal of overall development. 

In this regard, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has underlined the need to protect language, literature and culture as they reflect the nation’s civilisation. The Prime Minister said: “Because language, literature and culture are the heritages of national pride, they have their contribution to enhancing the nation's image.” He expressed the view while addressing an award distribution ceremony organised by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) in the capital on Sunday. He added that the nation's language, culture, art, music and drama form the civilisation, culture and national identity. With these heritages, the country’s distinct identity can be highlighted at home and abroad. It is also necessary for the nation to recognise the personalities contributing to the creation of language and culture. What is equally imperative is encourage the new generation people to get involved in creative activities.   

Presenting the awards to different personalities, the Prime Minister expressed his happiness over the distribution of the accolades to those who have contributed to the preservation of Nepali art, language, literature and culture. A total of 43 people were given various awards, including the National and Provincial Talent Award, Mahakavi Laxmi Prasad Devkota Award, Bhagat Sarbajeet Manab Maryada National Award, and Gopal Prasad Rimal National Award and Itihas Shiromani Baburam Acharya Award under nine different genres. The PM hoped that those receiving the awards would continue giving their best to the respective field in the days to come as well. Presenting such prestigious awards is sure to inspire more people to contribute towards the preservation of the tangible and intangible cultural assets. The country is really proud of those heritages that have immensely enhanced her dignity and image.