Gandaki Province’s Minister of Social Development and Health, Bindukumar Thapa, underscored the importance of integrating the nation’s art and culture with tourism for economic benefit. Speaking at the inauguration of the seventh plenary meeting of the Gandaki Pragya Pratisthan today, Minister Thapa highlighted that art and culture are essential to the country’s identity and should be leveraged to boost tourism.
Minister Thapa acknowledged the significant role played by the Pratisthan in transmitting language, attire, and culture to the new generation. He pledged the provincial government’s support for the development of this sector.
Chancellor of the Pratisthan, Surya Khadka Vikharchi, stated that the institution has been conducting programs for the development of art and culture and aims to implement such initiatives more effectively in the future. Secretary Man Kumar Shrestha reported that all 54 proposed programs for the fiscal year 2080/81 were completed. Following this achievement, the ministry increased the budget by Rs 5.8 million for two additional programs in the current fiscal year.
The meeting resolved to invite proposals from literary organizations for new programs in the upcoming fiscal year. Planned initiatives include conducting two-month language classes for at least 25 ethnic groups, offering two-month musical training sessions for 20 traditional instruments, and undertaking research on 10 ethnic communities.
In recognition of creators’ contributions, the Pratisthan will continue producing audiovisual works and plans to create at least 15 such projects in the coming fiscal year. The health insurance program for 200 artists will be maintained, and the cash prize for the annual Gandaki Pragya Nari Samman award will be increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 100,000. Proposals for two programs per district by the end of July are also being solicited.
This series of initiatives and commitments marks a significant step towards preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Gandaki Province while enhancing its tourism potential.
