South Asian News Network

Kathmandu, July 13: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shisir Khanal, has said Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya made a significant contribution to emotionally connecting Nepali across the world through the Nepali language. During his address to a ceremony held here today by the Nepal Education Council and Bhanu Secondary School, marking the 213th birth anniversary of the legendary poet of Nepali literature, the Minister acknowledged the contribution of Acharya to connecting the Nepali sentiments worldwide. “The way Prithvi Narayan Shah unified Nepal’s territories, Bhanubhakta Acharya united the sentiment of Nepali through language and literature,” the Minister said. Describing the Nepali language, religion, culture, and civilisation as Nepal’s ‘soft power’ in the present context, the Minister said that such strength connects Nepalis wherever they are. Highlighting the story of Bhanubhakta and Ghanshi (a fodder collector), the Minister said that the role of every citizen is vital in nation-building. He said the celebration of the Bhanu Jayanti inspires all to contribute to the preservation and promotion of the Nepali language and literature. Council Chair Rama Sharma said the celebration of the Bhanu Jayanti is a recognition of Nepal’s historic literary achievements. On the occasion, a wreath was laid at the statue of Bhanubhakta Acharya established on the school premises on Asar 29, 2016 BS (July 13, 1959), at the initiative of the Nepal Education Council. The statue was unveiled by the then Prime Minister Bishweshwor Prasad Koirala. —