KATHMANDU: President Ram Baran Yadav on Sunday said religion, philosophy, art and culture descended from the ancestors as identities bearing national life. The President made the remark at a special ceremony held at his office to honour four artists who have made significant contributions to the country's music and drama. On the occasion, President Yadav conferred 'Nepali Sangeet and Natya Rastriya Pragya Award' of this year to senior drama director Hari Prasad Rimal, senior music director Chandra Raj Sharma, senior dance director Bhairav Bhahadur Thapa and senior player of folk musical instrument Nhuchhe Bahadur Dangol. The award carries a purse of Rs 100,000 each and copper plaque. 'Various ethnic communities living in Nepal's mountainous, hilly and Tarai-Madhes region for hundreds of years are preserving their traditional cultures,' President Yadav said. He added that a time has come for the intellectual society to preserve the invaluable arts and cultures of the country. At the function, Chancellor of Nepal Academy of Music and Drama, Saru Bhakta, said Nepal is not only rich in terms of natural beauty and bio-diversity but also in cultural beauty and the literary diversity. Academy Vice-Chancellor Shambhujit Banskota said the Academy is active in preserving Nepal's music, culture and dance and promoting those in the international arena.