KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 19

President Ramchandra Paudel recognized Nepal Sambat as a distinctive national heritage, emphasizing its deep historical ties to religion, culture, and social life.

Nepal Sambat, an indigenous calendar initiated by national luminary Sankhadhar Sakhwa, was officially declared the National Calendar by the government in 2065 BS.

Speaking at a program commemorating 25 years since Sankhadhar Sakhwa's designation as a national luminary, President Paudel highlighted the uniqueness of Nepal Sambat, noting its establishment in the name of the nation, making it a shared heritage for all Nepalis. He underscored its vital role in preserving cultural diversity in Nepal's multilingual, multicultural, and multiethnic society.

The President praised Sankhadhar Sakhwa's exemplary efforts in using his personal wealth to liberate impoverished communities from debt, describing his public welfare initiatives and social reform efforts as revolutionary for their time.

The event was attended by Bagmati Province Chief Deepak Prasad Devkota, Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama, and other provincial ministers. Bagmati Province's Minister for Tourism and Culture, Bimal Thakuri, presided over the program.

On this occasion, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Lalitpur Metropolitan City, and Madhyapur Thimi Municipality were honored for their contributions to local development and social transformation.