Arghakhanchi's Panini Tapobhumi Proposed for Promotion and Development

Kathmandu. A discussion was held in Kathmandu to promote the Panini Tapobhumi area in Arghakhanchi, the meditation site of the founder of Sanskrit grammar, Rishi Panini. Participants in the discussion emphasized the need to conserve and promote the Tapobhumi area, discussing the significance of Maharshi Panini, the proponent of the 14 sutras of Sanskrit grammar. They presented plans including developing the Tapobhumi area as a center for study and research, as a cultural, religious, biological, and natural tourist center, and attracting scholars of Sanskrit grammar and literature from around the world. Furthermore, concepts were presented for developing Panini as a world heritage site, publicizing facts about Panini, connecting nearby religious/tourist centers, creating a comprehensive master plan as an academic pilgrimage site, and implementing this master plan by communities and governments at all levels. This site is located at Shikhar in wards 1 and 2 of Panini Rural Municipality in Arghakhanchi. The program was organized in collaboration with the Panini Tapobhumi Management Committee, Panini Stakeholder Group, and Arghakhanchi Pokharathok Kathmandu Contact Forum. At the program, Sanskrit scholar Dr. Chintamani Yogi presented the fact that not only the fourteen sutras of Sanskrit grammar but also the vowels and consonants prevalent in the Nepali language are fourteen sutras. He stated the need to preserve and promote Sanskrit, which is becoming increasingly important globally. On the occasion, House of Representatives member Hari Prasad Bhusal, former MP Thakur Gaire, former minister Revati Bhusal, Management Committee Chairman Pushkarraj Pokharel, Forum Chairman Madan Gautam, Patron Baba Yogiraj, and others delivered speeches with their concepts. Activists Jay Bahadur Tandan, Tulsi Gautam, Dhananjay Poudel, Kapil Poudel, Subaschandra Poudel, Navin Poudel, Arjun Poudel, Khimlal Bhattarai, Vishnu Prasad Khanal, Khageshwar Gautam, Netrabandhu Poudel presented their views. Conservation activist Ram Prasad Bhattarai presented the conclusions of the conservation and promotion plans. The program was attended by leaders from all districts of Lumbini Province including Arghakhanchi, Kathmandu-based residents of Arghakhanchi, and various countries including America. On the occasion, it was informed that organized efforts are underway in countries like America, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia for the promotion of Tapobhumi.