Anti-corruption drive advanced with priority: DPM Shrestha

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, June 6: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha has said that the government has advanced the anti-corruption campaign. 

Inaugurating the 8th annual general meeting and the 4th session of the Gorkha Cultural Society in the Capital on Monday, DPM Shrestha said that the government had prioritised anti-corruption campaign and good governance.

"Writers, artists, litterateurs and journalists have an important role to strengthen the campaign against selfishness, corruption and individualistic tendencies," he said. Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha said that the government was determined to take Nepal on the path of development and prosperity while saving the achievements gained through the long political struggle. 

He said that the government had moved forward to build a prosperous country. He emphasised that everyone should unite to make Gorkha a model district. The DPM said that the artists who protect the original identity and culture should move forward for the country's betterment.

Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha mentioned that the government was going to build a 'Gorkha heritage settlement' to build a cultural city for Gorkhalis while protecting the art, culture, language and costumes of Gorkha locals. 

He said that Gorkhalis have been able to establish themselves in the world because of their historical role in the creation of Nepal and their important role in the democratic movements. DPM Shrestha said that the responsibility of saving culture lies with the writers, artists and litterateurs.

President of Gorkha Cultural Society, Suman Pandit, said that the Gorkha Cultural Society was established eight years ago by bringing together writers, musicians, singers, painters, sculptors, dramatists, journalists and all those active in the field of art and culture who came to Kathmandu from Gorkha.

The Society awarded Melwadevi Music Award to senior singer Ramchandra Aryal, Shanti Maske Art Award to senior artist Rashmi Bhatta, Yuva Pratibha Award to Marichman Shrestha (Balchi Dhurbe) and Journalist Award to journalist Rajendra Baniya. They were honoured with shawls, cash Rs. 5,555 and copper-plate certificates.