Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Jivan Ram Shrestha asserted that the government of Nepal was serious about bringing Nepal Sambat into practical use to further promote it.

At a greetings exchange programme organized by Cha: Mati Tol Bikas Samiti here on Monday, Minister Shrestha argued that it was necessary to bring Nepal Sambat into practical use to protect the originality and identity of Nepal.

Stating that although Nepal Sambat got national recognition, Shrestha dismayed that people could not yet fully realize it for lack of practical use of it. He shared that the government had taken serious steps to bring Nepal Sambat into use.

Reaffirming his commitment towards preservation, promotion and practical use of Nepal Sambat dubbing it to be a unique tradition, culture and ritual of Nepal, the Minister pledged to take forward the works that can be done immediately to bring Nepal Sambat into practical use.

He share that the incumbent government was preparing to institute a national award in the honour of national luminary and progressive social activist Shankhadhar Shakhwa at his recommendation.

Shakhwa had initiated Nepal Sambat or calendar year in 937 BS (880 AD) by relieving the people of Nepal off debt during the rule of Lichchhavi King Raghavdev.

The erstwhile government in 2056 BS (1999) announced Sakhwa a national luminary in recognition of his contribution.

Minister Shrestha, on a different note, stated that since pro-democratic forces and anti-democratic ones were contesting the upcoming elections on November 20, it was necessary to vanquish the anti-democratic forces in the upcoming House of Representatives and Provincial Assembly elections.