After 46 years, 'Gidde Press' back to Gorkhapatra

Kathmandu, Nov 22: The historic 'Gidde Press', recognized as Nepal's first, has been returned to the Gorkhapatra Corporation.

Today, the press was officially handed over from the National Museum at Chhauni to the Gorkhapatra Corporation.     

Arun Nakarmi, the museum's head, presented the press to Ram Prasad Humagain, the deputy executive editor of Gorkhapatra. It has been decided that this press, which played a crucial role in printing Gorkhapatra approximately 125 years ago, will now be displayed in the corporation's designated room.     

Reports indicate that on 1 Ashoj 2036 BS, the press was transferred to the museum for its preservation. Prior to the transfer, a team led by museum official Subash Dangol conducted a visit to the institution and provided a report with essential recommendations.     

Previously, parts of the press that were sent to the museum for safekeeping were left exposed or stored in various locations due to insufficient space and a lack of skilled personnel for proper installation.     

There are also concerns that some components may have been buried within the Gorkhapatra grounds. Students from the Engineering Campus in Thapathali, studying mechanical engineering, have volunteered to assist with the necessary upkeep of the press, and discussions are ongoing for support from the National Innovation Centre, as stated by Gorkhapatra's Deputy Executive Editor Humagain.     

The press was originally brought to Nepal in 1908 B.S. by then Prime Minister Janga Bahadur Rana following his trip to Britain. After its arrival from Britain, it was initially housed in Prime Minister Rana's Thapathali Palace before being relocated to Gorkhapatra.(RSS)