Effacing original culture is wrong: Vice Chancellor Dr Wagle

Kathmandu, April 26: Vice Chancellor of Kathmandu University, Prof Dr Achyut Wagle, viewed that the multinational companies were thriving with the rising effacement of Nepal's original culture. 

During a two-day conference organised by the Religion and Culture Study Association, Nepal, in the federal capital, Vice Chancellor Dr Wagle opined that the trend of preferring coke, beer and whisky to mahi (whey) was a sheer attack on Nepal's aboriginal culture. Although there is no trend at all in our tradition to provide dowry, it has flourished to promote the trade of multinational companies, he observed.

Another front losing the originality is residence culture, he said, adding that there is lessening difference among the designs of houses in Kathmandu, New York and London. The tea taking is another significant deviation, he added. 

The Vice Chancellor underlined the need to revive Ayurved, yoga and mantra chanting that binds us in culture and togetherness.

According to him, although Kathmandu University launched yoga education, it did not see students, so it was made available free of cost. He wondered about the public psychology that only doctors, engineers and pilots are the courses requiring a fee. Preservation of culture requires investment, he stressed.    

On the occasion, Prof Dr Prem Kumar Khatri viewed that the Association had launched a positive intervention on the preservation of Nepali culture. He, however, said documentation is urgent in this regard.    

He drew the attention of all concerned to pay heed to the languages like Surel and Bankariya, which are facing extinction fast. Khatri worried over the Mehandi trend getting entrenched during the marriage ceremony. It needs immediate cessation, he viewed. 

Association's Chairman Prof Dr Som Prasad Khatiwada informed that the Association was set up in line with the international seminar the Central Department of History, Archaeology and Culture of Tribhuvan University organised two years back.    

Dr Peshal Kumar Khatiwada emphasised the mandatory teaching of culture in all schools and colleges in Nepal.    

Chief of the National College, Madhv Prasad Neupane, informed that his college was offering education on Nepal's society and culture. (RSS)