Finance Minister Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada has said art, literature and film has made a big contribution to removing the anomalies and aberrations in society.
"I appreciate the contribution made by artists and litterateurs in building a new Nepal through big popular movements waged in the country in the past for bringing political change," Finance Minister Khatiwada, who is also looking after the portfolio of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, said while addressing the Sixth Anniversary Programme of Janachetana Nepal.
He said the forewarning that the artists and litterateurs give to the policy makers and country’s leaders through art and literature as to what the leaders in a democratic republic needed to do to fulfill the aspirations of the country would help them correct the mistakes and address the dissatisfaction.
"Even the entertainment should contain valuable messages for social reform. Special contribution has been made by the art and literature for the protection and expansion of language and culture which are the identity and asset of the nation," he said.
Stating that the government has been pursuing programmes for supporting the livelihood of journalists, artists and litterateurs, Finance Minister reiterated that the state would never forget the contribution of the literati making contribution to the various aspects of social life.
On the occasion, more than 30 people carrying out outstanding works in various sectors of the country were felicitated.
Those felicitated on the occasion are Nepal Television general manager Rameshwor Shukla, oncologist Dr Sudip Shrestha, lyricist Unnati Sheela Bohara, film director Rishi Lamichhane, movie actress Sapana Shrestha, actor Binod Shrestha, Pashupati Area Development Trust director Dr Ghanashyam Khatiwada, among others.
Also speaking on the occasion, lawmaker Komal Oli, Nepal Motion Picture Association president Rabindra Khadka, Janachetana Nepal president Bal Krishna Niraula said the tradition of honouring personalities contributing to various social sectors has encouraged the people to work in those sectors with more dedication.
The Janachetana Nepal (Public Awareness Nepal) has been producing telefilms spreading noble messages and contributing to social reforms.
