Gorkhapatra free to publish things as its conscience sees: Prime Minister Oli

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, May 7: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has viewed that the Gorkhapatra daily is free to publish things what its conscience sees fitting and appropriate.

Referring to the autocratic Rana rule and monarchical period when the editors of the nation's first daily had to operate as per the hints of the state, the Prime Minister made it clear that the editors are now free to choose the content of the paper.

Prime Minister Oli said so while addressing a special ceremony organized to celebrate the quasquicentennial anniversary of the Gorkhapatra and the 63^rd anniversary of the Gorkhapatra Corporation (GC).

"Gorkhapatra has stood witness to multiple ups and downs. It has faced them all. How difficult it was in the past for the Editor to write editorial. But today, there is no pressure from the government as to what editorial you are writing today. There is no pressure and control from the Prime Minister. You are all free to write anything that your conscience sees," said Prime Minister Oli.

On the occasion, he also extended congratulations and best wishes to the Gorkhapatra family, its readers, and well-wishers.

He observed that the Gorkhapatra was adapting to the changes in technology gradually although digital age marked with AI has made it possible to perform things in a much faster and efficient manner and stressed that the Gorkhapatra Corporation should take pace in adapting to technology.

He recalled that the publication had started with the proclamation – 'Sarbe bhawantu sukhina, sarbe santu niramaya…', the present version of the national slogan of 'Sambriddh Nepal, Sukhi Nepali or Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali' that the government has adopted.     

"During the rule of the Ranas and the monarchy, the situation was such that not even an anti-ruler sign/symbol could be printed. We are free to do that now. The Prime Minister does not give any coercion, instruction or indication these days. You are free to write anything as per your conscience," the PM said.     

As he said, in the past Gorakhapatra was always tormented by the 'sword of autocracy', now it is free. "It has been adhering to its loyalty to the government, the country and the people. I appreciate its contribution to the country's civilization and culture as well as to the development of the economy and the Nepali language,” he added.     

Stating that Gorakhapatra has truly served the entire society, the PM stressed the need for it to face the challenge the media with populist tendencies have posed before it.     

"Gorakhapatra will have to confront with the media which has the tendency to make negative comments anyway, indulge in character assassination using artificial intelligence, to spread a lie as true today and confirm it tomorrow. Gorakhapatra has set a standard in journalism. It is not a means for personal earning; it is an organization that provides information, entertainment and contributes to language, art and culture. Let it be able to meet the challenges of the future," said the PM.    

On the occasion, the Prime Minister presented awards to senior journalist and former chair of the Gorakhapatra Corporation Bijaya Chalise and other outstanding journalists and employees and also made public the Yugasakshi, a  souvenir published to mark 125 years of the Gorkhapatra.