Minister for Youth and Sports Maheshwor Jung Gahatraj has recognized that there was huge contribution of music to change society.

Athletes and artists were deprived of proper respect despite their contribution to make the country known to the world, he rued at an event organised by the Music Association of Nepal to exchange wishes on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami here Friday.

On the occasion, senior dance director Bhairab Bahadur Thapa, dance director Kamal Rai, song writers Kiran Kharel, Dr Bhola Rijal and Pramod Dhungana, singer Bhakta Raj Acharya, folksinger Kumar Basnet, musicians Shambhu Jeet Banskota, Amul Karki and Bhupendra Rayamajhi, film director Yubaraj Lama, singer and film director Narayan Rayamajhi, Deuda singer Nanda Krishna Joshi and classical music teacher Chandan Shrestha were honoured.

Speaking at the event, musician Baskota stressed the need for the establishment of a music board for the honour and rights of artists. The Association President Chetan Sapkota said for the welfare of the whole entertainment sector, the Association would cooperate with all sides including songwriters, singers, music producers and the royalty collection society.