Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has lauded the Sherpa community as the true guardians of the Himalayas, likening them to the renowned Gorkhali warriors.
Speaking at an event organized by the Nepal Mountaineering Association today, Minister Pandey emphasized that just as the world recognizes the bravery of the Gorkhalis, the Sherpas are the heroes who have brought global recognition to Mount Everest. He stated, “Every society and country has its own unique culture.
The brave Gorkhalis and the Sherpas, who climb and guide others on the mountains, are our pride. The courageous Sherpas have played a pivotal role in bringing the Himalayas to international prominence.” He further warned that if Nepal loses its traditions and culture, it risks losing its very identity.
Minister Pandey also highlighted the importance of advancing the Mountain Academy as an international educational hub. “We must work towards making this an international university. I am confident that in the future, the academy will expand to accommodate students not just from Solukhumbu and surrounding areas but from all over the world,” he said. He also reassured me that there are no plans to merge the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) with the Mountain Academy.
The event also featured former ministers Bal Bahadur KC and Shankar Prasad Koirala, along with former presidents of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Shankar Prasad Pandey and Prem Kumar Shrestha. Santosh Thapa Magar and Lhakpa Futi Sherpa were honored during the ceremony. Additionally, students from the Mountain Academy presented their research journal, and the “Voice of the Himalayas” publication was officially launched.
