Sudan Kirati, the Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, believes that the future of tourism should focus on culture and being welcoming to tourists. He shared these thoughts at an event in Pokhara where the ‘Hem Devi Region Culture and Social Service Award-2080’ was given out. This event was organized by the Bindhyabasini Religious Area Development Committee.
The minister stressed that Nepal’s tourism should highlight the country’s special cultural and natural treasures. He said, “Our tourism’s progress should be based on our culture and nature. We won’t stand out if we just copy other countries. Authentic Nepali tourism combines our rich cultural heritage with our natural beauty.”
Minister Kirati is hopeful that Nepal will become a major global tourism destination in the coming years. He envisions millions of tourists from all over the world coming to Nepal for meditation and quiet time. He believes that every part of the country, including its streets, temples, clothing, and languages, can be attractions in themselves.
Minister Kirati also emphasized the importance of religious tourism and called for a connection between two well-known religious sites in Gandaki Province, Muktinath, and Bindhyabasini.
During the event, Minister Kirati honored Muktinath Peethadhishwor Swami Kamalanayancharya Maharaj (Muktinath Baba) with the ‘Hem Devi Religion, Culture, and Social Service Award-2080’. This award, which includes a cash prize of Rs 101,000 and a certificate, was established by Hem Bahadur Pradhan, the founder and president of the Bindhyabasini Religious Area Development Committee. Swami Kamalanayancharya was recognized for his significant contributions to the development of religious sites and sacred shrines like Muktinath, Bindhyabasini, and Panchkot of Baglung, as well as his contributions to Sanatan religion and culture, according to Gane Bahadur Shrestha, the committee’s chairperson.
The ‘Hem Devi Religion, Culture, and Social Service Award’ is given every two years to individuals who have actively contributed to Nepal’s social sector, as explained by the committee secretary Tirtha Shrestha.
Past recipients of this esteemed award include Satya Mohan Shrestha, Aatma Nanda Giri, Tulasi Dibas, and Durga Ghimire.
