Jyapu Day is Farmers' Day: DPM Singh

Kathmandu, Dec 15: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakashman Singh acknowledged Jyapu Diwas as an honour of all farmers across the country rather than a mere celebration for the Newar community in the Kathmandu Valley.     

DPM Singh said it at the 21st National Jyapu Day celebration organized by the Jyapu Culture Development Trust in Basantapur, Kathmandu on Sunday.     

Singh argued that making of Yomari (a delicacy of the Newar people) out of newly harvest crop symbolizes the labour of all farmers, thereby making Jyapu Diwas the day for all farmers. Singh called for changing the societal mindset of looking down hardworking profession.     

He asserted, "If we do not value labour and respect those who work hard, there will be no development. On this day, we must respect those who toil in farmland and provide food to everyone." Emphasizing a permanent Trust to organize and oversee the Jyapu Diwas celebration, the DPM viewed that the cultures and festivities passed down to us by our ancestors should be celebrated and preserved.     

Similarly, Bagmati Province's Minister for Culture, Tourism and Cooperatives Bimal Thakuri commended that the Newar community's language, vibrant cultures, varieties of cuisine, costumes and traditions are unique and unparalleled in the world.     

Likewise, Kathmandu Metropolitan City's Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol argued that various festivals being observed across the country had not only showcased country's rich cultural heritages but they also embodied national identity.     

Deputy Mayor Dangol highlighted the importance of developing and promoting tourism for driving economic revolution in the country.     

Meanwhile, during the event, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli honoured several individuals in recognition of their significant contributions in social service.     

Cultural expert Purusottam Lochan Shrestha was feted with Jyapu Pragya Award, senior sculptor Dharmaraj Shakya was awarded the Jyapu Samman.     

Roshika Gadhari was feted in musical instrument category while Sunil Maharjan in media category, Bikram Maharjan, Yonoj Maharjan and Anjali Maharjan in sports, Anand Maharjan in arts, Jayanti Maharjan in education sector.     

Each award and honour carries a purse of Rs 10,000.     

The Jyapu Youth Empowerment Award went to Sanjay Maharjan while the Jyapu Child Talent Award to Sujita Dangol. The Taman Sewa Samaj Award was given to Sharan Gopal Dangol and Musical Instrument Guru Krishnabhai Maharjan Award to Buddhi Bahadur Dangol.     

Jyapu Samaj's Chairperson Mohan Krishna Singh stressed that Jyapu Day should be recognized as a national celebration for all Nepalis. (RSS)