Minister Timilsina Emphasizes Preservation of Art, Literature, and Culture for National Prosperity

Kathmandu. Minister of Communications and Information Dr. Vikram Timilsina has stated that art, literature, language, and culture are the basis of any nation's strength and identity, and that prosperity without their preservation and promotion is incomplete.

Speaking at the 'Madhupark Samman-2083' program organized by Gorkhapatra Corporation here today, he said that along with the country's physical infrastructure and economic indicators, the robust development of language, literature, and culture is also necessary in parallel.

"Art and literature are the nation's strength and identity," Minister Timilsina said. "The prosperity of a nation cannot be complete unless language, literature, and culture are strong. The time has come for the government to seriously consider how literature can be preserved."

He mentioned that social media has recently developed as an important medium for literary expression, stating that with changing technology, new dimensions of literary presentation and access are opening up. He said that the government is committed to making policy arrangements that have a result-oriented and sustainable impact for the long-term development of the literary sector.

Communications Minister Timilsina expressed the view that the political sector has not given the importance it deserves to literature and art. Mentioning that literature significantly helps in understanding society, identifying human emotions, and analyzing various aspects of life, he shared his experience that literary consciousness and study have continuously helped in working in other fields.

He expressed concern that government and public communication institutions and literary and cultural institutions with long histories are becoming economically weak, stating that it is necessary to give new life to such institutions and make them economically strong. "The time has come to revive our history," he said.

Clarifying that government institutions in trouble cannot become strong by merely expecting additional budget and support from the government, Minister Timilsina said that improvements are also needed in institutional working style, management capacity, and accountability.

"The government is only a manager, and the money the government has is also the people's money," he said. "Therefore, the people's money must be used correctly. It's not just about the financial aspect; there is a need for extensive improvement in the working style as well."

He stated that in the past, many institutions became weak because institutional culture could not be developed and government institutions were used as recruitment centers for political activists. Mentioning that institutions are currently in a challenging situation, he said that the government is working with a clear roadmap for reform to overcome those situations.

"Now the government will be responsible and accountable in the matter of how to reform," Minister Timilsina said. "The support of all sectors is necessary for this. It is expected that institutions will also move forward with new strength, new thinking, and a new working style."

Stating that the government is committed to developing Gorkhapatra Corporation as a more dignified, professional, and competitive institution, he clarified that the public welfare advertisements provided to the media have not been stopped.

At the program, under the 'Madhupark Samman-2083', senior litterateur Yadav Kharel in poetry, senior story writer Bhaupanthi in prose, and Dr. Geeta Tripathi were honored with the 'Madhupark Pratibha Samman'. Gorkhapatra Corporation stated that they were each presented with a cash prize of Rs 50,000 along with a letter of appreciation. Former editor of Madhupark, Kapil Ghimire, was also honored at the program.

Honored senior litterateur Yadav Kharel expressed concern that literary creation and reading culture are declining with the rapid development of information technology and artificial intelligence. He emphasized the need to pay special attention to the preservation of reading culture, even though the use of new technology is necessary.

Senior story writer Bhaupanthi said that investment from the state is also necessary for literary creation, publication, and promotion. Mentioning that the gradual closure of literary magazines in recent times is a matter of concern, he stressed the need to protect and promote the dimensions of creativity, which are developing in different ways, in a timely manner.