Minister Rai encourages to use local art as token of love

By Our Correspondent,Urlabari, Mar. 5: Koshi Province's Minister for Social Development, Panchakarna Rai, has urged people not to use imported items as tokens of love.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Koshi Province-level Fine Arts Exhibition on Tuesday, which began last Friday at Tamu Buddhist Monastery in Belbari-1, Morang, Minister Rai emphasised the importance of literature, culture, and art in reflecting the uniqueness of various ethnic groups.

 He expressed the government's commitment to supporting the commercialisation of art that contributes to Nepal’s economy.

“The identity of Koshi is linked to Nepali fine arts,” he said.

 Highlighting how indigenous art has introduced Nepal to the world, Minister Rai stressed the need for the art sector to play a role in promoting tourism.

 He urged people to use indigenous art as a token of love and encouraged the creation of handicrafts and fine art products that can be sold in countries like India, contributing to the GDP.

He also emphasised the importance of providing opportunities to local talents, stating, “We must give a platform to our Leonardo da Vinci of our neighborhoods.”

 He further suggested that students who struggle academically should be given opportunities in the arts to help them develop their potential.

Vice-Chancellor of the Nepal Fine Arts Academy, Lal Kaji Lama, said that such province-level exhibitions help discover new artists.

According to the programme coordinator Ganesh Lama, the exhibition attracted 20,000 visitors.