KATHMANDU: Well wishers of national anthem composer Amber Gurung — senior artistes of Nepali music industry, family members and others — had gathered at the auditorium of Comfort Housing, Budhanilkantha on April 13. And they had come together to felicitate the musician as well as to wish him good health and life. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Bhim Rawal awarded him a with felicitation letter at the event. Rawal also recited a poem and Gurung was touched by his effort. For his contribution to Nepali music, Gurung was also awarded with first ‘Gyan Bahadur Shrestha Smriti Sangeet Puraskar’ (award named after senior composer Gyan Bahadur Shrestha) and cash prize worth Rs 25,101 at the event. The participants also requested the Government to honour Gurung with the title of ‘Rastra Gayak’. But why should be he called ‘Rastra Gayak’? “Amber Gurung has composed and sung songs in multiple languages, and preserved them — he is the singer who has sung numerous songs of a culturally rich country. So, we request the Government to honour him with the title of ‘Rastra Gayak’,” organiser of the event Prakash Sayami expressed adding, “He has composed songs in Newari, Tharu and Tamang languages, along with composing timeless songs.” Meanwhile, legendary lyricists Ratna Shamsher Thapa and Kali Prasad Rijal got nostalgic recollecting their memories with Gurung. The event also witnessed the performance of poems, and music of Gurung. And the 60th marriage anniversary of Amber and his wife Bina Gurung was celebrated at the event. The event also demanded the Government to provide allowance and other helps to Gurung.