KATHMANDU: Religious leaders among more than 9,000 participants from different walks of life came together with the message of world peace and religious harmony as Annapurna Media Network in association with various colleges organised a memorial programme for earthquake victims at Basantapur yesterday. Captain Rameshwar Thapa, chairman of Annapurna Media Network, said the programme, which was organised in memory of those who lost their lives to the quakes in April and May, was also successful in delivering the message of peace and unity. The event proved that Nepalis were determined to live together in peace. “Religious leaders prayed for world peace as the event brought together leading Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Christian leaders, scholars, government leaders, intellectuals and civil society representatives among others,” Thapa added. The memorial programme was jointly inaugurated by former president of Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti and Chairman of Rastriya Dharmasabha Professor Madhav Bhattarai, Vice-chairman of Kapan Monastery Geshey Tashi Sherab, Catholic Vicariate Apostolic of Nepal Bishop Paul Simick, Muslim leader Imam Kari Wali Mohammed and Bachan Pravin Deenbandhu Pokharel. According to Thapa, participants who released balloons at 11:56am — the time when the first quake struck the country on April 25 — also inspired all stakeholders to adopt initiatives for harmonious and peaceful development in the quake-devastated country.