A remarkable tourism-centered book titled “The Soul of Nepal: सात प्रदेशको चित्र, एउटै क्यानभासभित्र जहाँ हरेक पालिकाले सुनाउँछ आफ्नै कथा” has been officially launched amidst a grand ceremony organized by YAD Nepal. The event was graced by the honorable Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba as the chief guest, highlighting the book’s significance in portraying Nepal’s diverse cultural and geographical identity through the lens of tourism.
Authored by Dr. Maheshwari Kunwar, the book is a unique literary creation that presents the essence of all seven provinces on a single canvas where each municipality narrates its own story. It beautifully captures Nepal’s rich heritage, natural wonders, and community-driven tales that have the potential to attract both domestic and international travelers.
During the launch, Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba emphasized the need to counter the misleading narrative that “nothing has changed in Nepal.” She pointed out that substantial progress has been made, especially in tourism infrastructure like roads, health facilities, and communication networks reaching even remote corners of the country. “Such positive transformations must be highlighted in the media as part of tourism promotion,” she said.
Bagmati Province Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama echoed the sentiment, stating that post-democracy Nepal has seen a rise in physical and tourism-related infrastructure, which should encourage optimism rather than despair. Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey added that Pokhara has already been declared the tourism capital of Nepal, and efforts are ongoing to enhance infrastructure to support this title. He emphasized that showcasing such developments through platforms like The Soul of Nepal plays a key role in drawing global attention.
Author Dr. Maheshwari Kunwar stated that the book is designed not only as a literary piece but also as a promotional tool to help the world better understand Nepal’s beauty, diversity, and potential as a must-visit destination. “The Soul of Nepal” stands as a testament to the untold stories of Nepal’s localities stories that could inspire a new wave of tourism rooted in culture, community, and heritage. Nepal is often recognized for its natural wonders, including the Himalayas and lush green valleys. However, as this publication demonstrates, the soul of the nation lies equally in its cultural traditions, folklore, cuisine, festivals, and community practices.
“The Soul of Nepal” serves as a reminder that each province, from the Terai plains to the Himalayan highlands, offers its own story. These stories can be turned into tourism assets. For instance, a municipality in Province 2 may highlight its Mithila art and cuisine; a village in Karnali might present indigenous musical traditions; and a community in Province 1 could showcase its rich Rai-Limbu heritage. Dr. Kunwar mentioned that her motivation behind writing the book was to give a voice to the silent tourism possibilities scattered across Nepal’s rural landscapes. “There’s so much more to Nepal than just Everest and Pokhara,” she said. “Each local body, each ward, has something beautiful to offer.”
