Minister Pande suggests strategy of cultural economy

Kathmandu: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pande, has suggested the adoption of a strategy of cultural economy to boost the national economy.

During a programme organised on the 39th establishment day of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) here on Wednesday, Minister Pande viewed that the Hindu and Buddhist people scattered across the globe since ancient times have been willing to visit the Pashupatinath and the Lumbini. Therefore, Nepal can adopt and expand the strategy of the cultural economy.

The followers of the swami narayan from India were revering the Muktinath as their family deity, while Janakpur and Ayodhya have special ties since ancient times, the Minister reminded, reiterating that it was time to leverage the economy from a cultural lens. The Ministry was thinking in this end, he informed.

Minister Pande further shared that the Ankur Temple of Cambodia was contributing 10 per cent to its national economy, while entire tourism sector in Nepal hardly contributes 10 percent in economy.

He wondered why he was not receiving positive news on Pashupati Area, Lumbini Area, and Janakpur Area. He urged all sides concerned to study the facts and present accordingly.

“Only physical things do not suffice but spiritual awakening. For this, a heritage trekking route is being announced in the Kathmandu Valley. Preparations are afoot to manage a pedestrian way from Swayambhu to Budhanilakantha via Hanumandhoka, Patan, Pashupatinath, and Boudha, according to him.

Member Secretary at PADT, Dr Milan Kumar Thapa, demanded the Minister that he took initiatives to forward amendment of the PADT Act and Regulation.