Gorkhapatra is free to write what it deems fit: PM Oli

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 8:  Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli  has said that Gorkhapatra is now free to write what it sees through its own conscience. 

He mentioned that while in the past, under the rule of the Ranas and monarchs, Gorkhapatra editors were compelled to operate under state directives, today they have the freedom to write what they deem fit.

Inaugurating the special programme organised on the occasion of Gorkhapatra Daily’s 125th anniversary and 63rd anniversary of the Gorkhapatra Corporation on Wednesday, Prime Minister Oli remarked said, “Gorkhapatra has seen many ups and downs and also endured them. 

On the occasion, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli unveiled a special commemorative publication released by the Corporation during a special event organised to mark the milestone.

“It must have been extremely difficult to write editorials in the period of Ranas and monarchy,” PM Oli said. “But today, you can write whatever you see through your conscience. There is never any pressure from the government. There is no pressure or control from the Prime Minister. You are now free to write anything your inner wisdom perceives.”

He reiterated that Gorkhapatra has stood as a witness to many historical events and has contributed to the nation. He appreciated its dedication to the government, country and people, and its contribution to civilization, culture, economy and the development of the Nepali language.

Highlighting the challenges ahead, he said Gorkhapatra must now face off against populist media that use artificial intellect for character assassination, promote falsehoods, and later try to validate them.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Oli extended congratulations and best wishes to Gorkhapatra, its team, readers and researchers. He highlighted how technological advancements have enabled faster work through the use of AI in the digital era. Although not all changes have occurred at once, he acknowledged that Gorkhapatra is gradually evolving.

He stressed that Gorkhapatra, which has witnessed 124 years of upheavals, royal and Rana family feuds and vested interests, must now embrace the current transformation.

He also recalled discussions during the Panchayat era, questioning why the monarchy was not criticized like the hereditary Rana regime. He remembered how Gorkhapatra raised voices against political oppression and injustice, even when it caused suffering to the people without reason.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Oli also paid tribute to the warriors who struggled for political change in the country. He said that his vision of "Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali" was essentially reflected in Gorkhapatra’s very first publication 124 years ago, when it began with the Sanskrit verse -- “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah, Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu, Ma Kashchid Dukhbhagbhavet or “May all be happy, may all be healthy, may all see good things, may no one suffer.”

Prime Minister Oli said, “Gorkhapatra has set a standard in journalism. It is not a vessel for profit but an institution meant to inform, entertain and contribute to language, art, and culture. I hope it remains capable of facing future challenges.”

During the event, Prime Minister Oli awarded senior journalist and former chairman of the institution Vijay Chalise, among other outstanding scribes and staff, with honours.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, said that like Radio Nepal and Nepal Television, Gorkhapatra Corporation should now transition into a public service publication.

“Gorkhapatra has endured all forms of governance. There are no new regimes left for it to face. Just like Radio Nepal and Nepal Television, Gorkhapatra too must now function as a public service publication,” said Minister Gurung.

He stressed that 125 years of existence is a rare milestone and that the organisation must move forward by addressing its internal challenges.

Minister Gurung stressed that when one is given an opportunity, one must act during that time and justify the leadership role by delivering results. He also advised the leadership of the institution to make maximum use of the opportunity at hand.

“Life is incredibly uncertain. In such a life, whatever responsibilities we have received, we must utilise them to the fullest,” he said.

He acknowledged issues within Gorkhapatra related to infrastructure and staff promotions. He said, “There are problems with the building. It has been seven to eight years since staff promotions have been halted in Gorkhapatra. That is another major issue. Proper management of human resources is now essential.”

He said standing only on the foundation of past glories was not enough. “The key question is, what do we do today.”

Executive Chairman of Gorkhapatra Corporation, Bishnu Prasad Subedi, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Oli for gracing the anniversary programme with his presence. He also urged the government to allocate funds in the upcoming budget for the reconstruction of the Gorkhapatra building, which was damaged in the 2015 earthquake.

He said that the long-delayed career development of the employees will soon resume. “The Ministry has approved the by-laws, paving the way for staff promotions and new appointments,” he said.

He said, "For the past 124 years, Gorkhapatra has continuously journeyed through all the ups and downs of political transformation. We are rich in heritage and history. However, considering the current changes in information technology, it is necessary to adapt our working style accordingly."

Chairman Subedi said that the results of the transformation that has been initiated are already becoming visible. He stated that, based on those outcomes, a 15-day incentive package has been provided to employees on the occasion of the 125th anniversary.

General Manager of the Corporation Lal Bahadur Airi said that the management is actively working to make Gorkhapatra relevant to the times. 

He said, “Even in these challenging times for the media, the Corporation is operating at a profit. As a result, we have decided to provide some incentives to our employees. We have also decided to increase the insurance coverage,” he said. He expressed gratitude to the staff of the Corporation and representatives from the Ministry for facilitating these efforts.

He stressed the significance of the media’s role in social transformation, saying that this is a particularly important theme for today. “Those who have tirelessly brought Gorkhapatra to this day as a symbol of social transformation, including the staff, the general public and all our readers, are truly deserving of appreciation and best wishes,” he said.

Gorkhapatra, with a history spanning over a century, is a prestigious national publication. From its inception until 1991 B.S. (1934 A.D.), it was published weekly on Mondays, later switching to Wednesdays until 2001 B.S. (1944 A.D.). It then increased to two or three editions a week, and finally became a daily publication from 2017 B.S. Falgun 7 (1961 A.D.).

To commemorate the start of Nepal’s oldest news-based publication, the date Baisakh 24, 1958 B.S. (May 6, 1901 A.D.) is celebrated annually as National Journalism Day. This observance officially began in 2073 B.S. (2016 A.D.).

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli presented Ramchandra-Indu Gautam Journalism Award established by FNJ-Gorkhapatra Chapter in memory of the late Editor-in Chief Ramchandra Gautam. The award carries a purse of Rs. 50,000. Several journalists and employees working in the corporation were also presented with different awards.