India cooperation for religious tourism in Nepal: Indian Minister Sonowal

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, August 12: Indian minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has expressed commitment for Nepal for the promotion of  religious tourism.

Speaking at the Dashamahavidya Rudra Havan Mahayagya held at Hans Mandap on the premises of the Pashupatinath Temple, Minister Sonowal—who had come to Kathmandu at the invitation of Kalibaba—emphasized the historic ties between Nepal and India. He expressed commitment to support the promotion of religious tourism and stressed strengthening people-to-people relations for mutual economic progress.

Also, Sonowal was a chief guest in the ceremony of appointment of Dr Milan Kumar Thapa as the Chairperson of Kalika Sadhana Ashram on Sunday. The organization is established with the objective of protecting and promoting Sanatan Dharma. The appointment was made by the religious leader and international saint Swami Mahamandaleshwar Krishnanand Paramhans Kalidas Baba (popularly known as Kalibaba) as per the decision of Ashadh 3.

Dr. Thapa stated that the Ashram will work to promote Nepal’s religious tourism and invite Sanatan followers from across the globe to visit Nepal and lay a foundation for economic growth and prosperity.

“Kalika Sadhana Ashram is a purely religious and social institution. By connecting this organization with society, we will advance knowledge and education rooted in ancient sciences and promote Nepal’s major religious sites for the nation’s prosperity,” he said.

Sonowal also offered prayers at the Mahayagya, which, according to the Chief Advisor Dr. Thapa, was organized with the goal of promoting religious tourism, fostering economic development, and introducing innovative transformation for prosperity.

“At Kalibaba’s invitation, Minister Sonowal visited Kathmandu. Our aim is to develop infrastructure to promote Nepal’s religious tourism. Initiatives are being taken to ensure that pilgrims visiting sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Muktinath, the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha in Lumbini, and Ram Janaki Temple can have a smooth and comfortable experience,” Dr. Thapa explained.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava accompanied Minister Sonowal during the visit. Earlier, under Dr. Thapa’s leadership, the “Pashupati Darshan Campaign” was held from Magh 1 to 11, 2081, in Mumbai, where the Dashamahavidya Vishnu Sahasrakoti Havan was performed. Minister Sonowal also participated in that event.

Kalibaba stated that Indian ministers and leaders were invited to the Mahayagya keeping in mind Nepal’s economic prosperity. “We sincerely wish for political stability, economic development, and public welfare in Nepal. Stronger ties between top political leadership in Nepal and India will benefit both nations,” he remarked.

Social activist and former Additional Inspector General of Nepal Police Bishwaraj Pokharel, who attended the Mahayagya, stressed that Nepal should advance religious tourism with innovative thinking to achieve prosperity.

Similarly, at Dr. Thapa’s invitation, religious leader Dr. Gurujee Kumaran Swami, along with various other saints, artists, and politicians from different states of India, also participated in the Mahayagya.