The 22nd International Mountain Museum (IMM) Day was celebrated today with a series of engaging activities at the IMM premises in Pokhara, Nepal. The event was graced by several prominent figures, including Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), Mr. Badri Prasad Pandey; Honorable State Minister Mr. Arun Kumar Chaudhary; MoCTCA Secretary Mr. Binod Prakash Singh; and the President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa.
The dignitaries gathered to participate in a flag-hoisting ceremony and a plantation event, marking the significance of this annual occasion. The event also witnessed the inauguration of a temporary photo exhibition by Honorable State Minister Mr. Chaudhary and Secretary Mr. Singh. This exhibition, a collaborative effort between the Patan Museum and the National Archives, was organized by the NMA.
It showcased a collection of photographs related to Sundari Chowk, a historic site, and other significant archival materials, providing an in-depth look at Nepal’s cultural heritage. To commemorate the occasion, all dignitaries, including NMA President Mr. Sherpa, participated in a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the ongoing success and growth of the IMM.
During the inauguration, Honorable State Minister Mr. Chaudhary addressed the gathering, urging all stakeholders to unite in advancing Nepal’s tourism sector. “Everybody should act honestly for the betterment of everything, and this applies to us as well. We need to stand and work together for the advancement of Nepal’s tourism,” he stated.
The Minister emphasized the need for collaborative efforts, ensuring that every individual plays a role in enhancing the nation’s tourism industry. He further assured the audience of his commitment to work diligently for its improvement in his capacity as State Minister.
MoCTCA Secretary Mr. Binod Prakash Singh also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of the IMM in promoting Pokhara’s tourism and preserving Nepal’s museum culture. He praised the IMM as a significant asset, showcasing the tireless efforts of the NMA in promoting mountain tourism and safeguarding Nepal’s rich mountaineering history.
“The IMM has been developed as an important asset. It stands as an example of NMA’s outstanding efforts in promoting mountain tourism and preserving Nepal’s mountaineering history,” Secretary Singh remarked. He encouraged everyone to support the NMA’s initiatives to promote the museum both nationally and internationally, ensuring its global recognition as a valuable cultural and educational resource.
Addressing the gathering, NMA President Mr. Sherpa also took the opportunity to highlight an important concern regarding the government’s financial support. He urged the Government of Nepal to release the allocated funds to the NMA.
“NMA has been conducting all its activities as per the Government’s directives and has been significantly contributing to the national economy through dollar income. However, it has not yet received its allocated funds from the Government. We humbly request the Government to release these funds and support us in sustaining our daily operations,” Mr. Sherpa stated.
He further shared that the NMA continues to work towards expanding the museum’s collection of artifacts, particularly those linked to renowned climbers and historical mountaineering instruments.
One of the key highlights of this year’s IMM Day celebrations was the announcement by Mr. Sherpa regarding the 75th Anniversary of Mount Annapurna’s first summit. He revealed that the NMA would be bringing the ice axe used by Maurice Herzog during his historic climb of Annapurna for the first time in 1950.
“We are tirelessly working to expand our exhibits and artifacts in this museum. We also seek support from all of you for its national and international promotion,” Mr. Sherpa added, underscoring the NMA’s continuous efforts to preserve Nepal’s mountaineering heritage.
In addition to these remarks, NMA Advisor Dr. Ganesh Gurung and renowned poet Saru Bhakta, who is also the former Chancellor of Nepal Music and Theatre Pragya Pratisthan, expressed concerns regarding the environmental changes affecting Nepal’s mountains.
They warned of a climate crisis, emphasizing that Nepal’s mountains were rapidly transforming into barren, black rock due to the impact of climate change. The concerns raised during the event highlighted the need for urgent action to protect the environment and preserve the natural beauty of Nepal’s iconic mountain ranges.
The International Mountain Museum (IMM), established by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), was initiated to document and preserve the history and development of mountaineering worldwide, with a special focus on the Himalayas. The foundation stone for the IMM was laid on December 1, 1995, and after years of development, the museum had a soft opening on May 29, 2002.
It was officially inaugurated on February 5, 2004. Today, the IMM stands as one of the largest and most significant mountain museums in the world, continuing its mission to educate and inspire visitors with its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the legacy of mountaineering achievements and the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. The 22nd IMM Day celebrations have highlighted not only the accomplishments of the NMA and the IMM but also the ongoing efforts to promote Nepal’s tourism and mountaineering heritage globally.
