Indian ambassador Srivastava offers worship in Pathibhara

BY CHANDRA PANDAK,Taplejung, May 8: Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, visited the famous pilgrimage site Pathibhara (Mukkumlung) in Taplejung district on Wednesday. He also offered worship at the holy shrine. 

The ambassador was in Taplejung to consult and meet with local officials regarding the construction of a school building being developed with the support of the Indian Government.

According to Prajin Hangbang, Executive Director of the Pathibhara Area Development Committee, the temple is regularly visited not only by the general public but also by high-ranking and distinguished individuals. He said that notable visitors to Taplejung often visit Pathibhara before returning.

A permanent building for Sawa Secondary School is set to be constructed in Mikwakhola Rural Municipality with Indian government assistance. In connection with this project, Ambassador Srivastava held discussions with Mikwakhola officials on Tuesday.

During his visit, he met with Mikwakhola Chairman Bhakta Bahadur Karki, Vice-Chairman Dandu Lama Sherpa, Chief Administrative Officer Bimal Gautam and school representatives.

According to Ghanendra Thapa, a personal secretary to Chairman Karki, Ambassador Srivastava discussed the process of moving forward with the school building project. Chairman Karki, municipal officials and Chief Administrative Officer Gautam informed him that construction had already begun and expressed their commitment to expedite the work.

The 12-room concrete school building is to be constructed under the High-Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) operated with the support of the Indian government. 

According to Secretary Thapa, an agreement has been reached for the school building's construction at a total cost of Rs. 42. 9 million. Of the total cost, five per cent will be covered by the rural municipality, as per the agreement.