Preservation of traditional indigenous culture is common responsibility of all Nepalis: PM

 Kathmandu, Dec 26: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said it is the common responsibility of all Nepalis to protect and preserve the traditional indigenous culture.

"The traditional indigenous culture of various castes, linguistic and cultural groups is the identity and prestige of the Nepalis," he said while addressing a programme organised by Jyapu Culture Development Trust at local Basantapur today on the occasion of the 20th National Jyapu Day. 

The PM described the traditional fairs, festivals, cultural heritages and activities as priceless assets of Nepal. "Nepal is a common country of various castes, linguistic, religious and cultural communities. Although small in terms of its geographical size, the biodiversity, enchanting natural heritages and the social structure found here remain as typical in the world," he said.

Stating that Nepal is rich in terms of ethnic, linguistic, religious and cultural diversity, PM Prachanda said every community has taken the culture as an inseparable part of their life. 

"I am confident that the National Jyapu Day would help promote mutual friendship, amity and tolerance not only amongst the Jyapu people within and outside the Kathmandu Valley but also among the citizens of various faiths and cultures from different communities and regions," the Head of Government said on the occasion.

Noting that it is the State's responsibility to conserve the historical and cultural heritages, to keep its traditions alive and align them with the new concept of development, he said the government is committed to preserving and promoting the culture, keeping this fact in mind. 

Prime Minister Prachanda maintained that the government applauds the efforts of Jyapu people within the Kathmandu Valley in preserving their traditional unique culture despite several obstructions. 

He also congratulated the Jyapu community for their initiatives for cultural preservation through the Trust that was initiated with a small assistance of the government, and for celebrating the 20th National Jyapu Day.

The PM pledged further assistance to the Trust from the government side in the coming days.

PM Prachanda mentioned that he during his first premiership had decided to celebrate Nepal Sambat as National Sambat and made the mandatory decision to use Nepal Sambat in government documents during his present third premiership and the decision is being implemented. 

He stressed, "I am constantly struggling for the identity and rights of all communities, caste, gender and groups as per the specialty and social structure of the Nepali society. I want to make sure that there will be support from the government's side and my own in the coming days too. "

The Prime Minister wished that National Jyapu Day could disseminate the message of national unity and prosperity by spreading new enthusiasm and happiness among all communities, not only in the Jyapu community. 

Similarly, Nepali Congress leader Prakash Man Singh pointed out the need that all should be united in the conservation and promotion of the Newari language, heritage and culture. 

Deputy Mayor of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, explained that the KMC has paid special attention to the conservation of Jyapu community and archeological heritages.   

Likewise, Trust Chairperson Mangal Krishna Singha and Coordinator of National Jyapu Day, Dhan Bahadur Maharjan, have been moving ahead coordinating in the task of promoting Jyapu culture nationally and internationally. 

On the occasion, the Trust honored Prime Minister Prachanda with a shawl and letter of appreciation for his decision to use Nepal Sambat in the government's documents announcing Nepal Sambat as National Sambat. 

DGM Shakya honored

Deputy General Manager of the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), Raju Shakya, has been honored on the occasion of National Jyapu Day.

The Trust honored Shakya, involved in journalism for three decades, for his remarkable contribution to the promotion of the Jyapu community through the media sector.  The Trust honoured 27 individuals from the different sectors including DGM Shakya for their contribution to the promotion of the Newari language and Jyapu culture on the occasion. (RSS)