KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 8

The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) honoured Nima Lama, Chair of Chumnubri Rural Municipality, in Gorkha during an event in Kathmandu on Friday. The occasion, coinciding with International Mountain Day, celebrated Lama's efforts in halting the practice of animal sacrifice and preserving the Shagya Tradition in Tsum Valley, Gorkha.

Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat, presented a letter of appreciation to Nima Lama for his commitment during the event. The letter expressed deep gratitude for Lama's extraordinary leadership, emphasizing his role in declaring Tsum Valley a non-sacrificing area. This not only signifies his dedication to ethical and compassionate practices but also contributes significantly to cultural preservation.

The letter further acknowledged Lama's invaluable contribution in safeguarding the cultural heritage of Tsum Valley. It noted that his efforts have set an inspiring example for sustainable and humane tourism practices. 'His unwavering commitment to creating a compassionate environment has positively impacted both the local community and the countless visitors who now experience the Tsum Valley in a manner that respects all forms of life,' it added.

The historical backdrop of Tsum Valley's commitment to non-violence dates back to 1977 BS, when Avatari Lama Dukpa Lama Sarp Dorje made a collective pledge during Buddha Jayanti. This commitment, upheld for a century, designates the northern Tsum Valley as a non-violence zone. In the year 2077 BS, it completed 100 years of the declaration of a non-violence zone.

Tsum Valley, renowned for its distinct identity and bordered by China, stands out for the steadfast promise of its people not to engage in animal killings and activities such as honey hunting.

Lama informed that the Shyagya Tradition Preservation Act -2023 was promulgated this year with a view to contributing to the recognition, continuity, dissemination and protection of biological diversity in the area of non-violence.