Nepali art, culture should be protected: State Minister Thakuri

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, July 4: The 13th Academic Council of the Nepal Music and Drama Academy was held in Kathmandu on Monday. Sushila Sirpali Thakuri, the Minister of State for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation inaugurated the council.

Speaking at the inauguration programme, the State Minister highlighted the increasing cultural encroachment in Nepal under the guise of modernity. She also acknowledged the challenges posed by technology to the preservation of Nepali original art, culture, and language. However, she expressed her optimism that by transforming this challenging phase into an opportunity, Nepali art and culture could be spread globally.

State Minister Thakuri expressed her confidence in the academy's ability to safeguard and promote Nepali music and the diverse cultural heritage of Nepal. 

Likewise, Shambhu Rai, the Vice Chancellor of the Academy, reiterated his commitment to preserving Nepali original music, art, and culture and promoting them both at home and abroad. 

 He mentioned that the academy currently lacks its building and requested government assistance in constructing a hall with a capacity of at least 300 persons. He envisioned a permanent building equipped with all the necessary facilities to further promote and protect music and art. 

Ram Kumar Phuyal, the President of the Language Commission, stressed the need for promoting not only the Nepali language but also all indigenous languages. 

He highlighted the inclusive nature of Nepal’s constitution, which recognises the diverse castes and languages within the country. Phuyal emphasised that the academy should be aware of this diversity and strive to address multi-language and multi-caste art forms in its endeavours.