By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, jun,1: Former Prime Minister and Chairman of the ruling CPN (Unified Socialist) Madhav Kumar Nepal has said that taking and keeping pictures alive is very important.
Observing the photo exhibition organised by Gorkhapatra Corporation on its premises on Friday, Nepal said that the photo exhibition holds dual significance as it showcases the art of photojournalism and emphasises the importance of photo preservation.
He also congratulated the Gorkhapatra Corporation for organising such an important event, showcasing a history that should not be forgotten. He expressed his admiration for the photo exhibition, noting that it vividly reminded him of the 1990 People’s Movement, its success, and the powerful images of political leaders addressing the masses. The exhibition brought those memories back to life, making history feel fresh and immediate once again, he said.
“If a photo is taken and subsequently lost, it cannot contribute to an archive, underscoring the necessity of maintaining such collections. Archives thrive when the existence of historical records is ensured.
He also said that Gorkhapatra deserves commendation for its impactful role in documenting history through its photos and news. By prioritising photojournalism and organising exhibitions, Gorkhapatra enables the public to witness vivid historical images firsthand, making this endeavour truly commendable.
“A picture is itself living evidence. Unfortunately, some people fail to grasp this importance. Capturing a photo is not merely about taking an image, it represents the essence of that place and moment in time. This deeper significance underscores the crucial role photos play in preserving history,” he added.
He also recalled a news story published in the Gorkhapatra about his arrest in 1975. He said Gorkhapatra published, “Niraj Singh who had come from Siliguri, India, was arrested.” “Of course, it was me, and Niraj Singh was my underground name,” he said.
Then Nepal was a leader of the then underground CPN (ML).