KATHMANDU: Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara has said that the essence of federalism is to preserve multiple languages, ethnicity and cultures existing in the country.

Inaugurating the first Marwadi Festival here today, Speaker Mahara said that unity in diversity is the beauty of Nepal.

Lauding the crucial role of Marwadi community towards promoting industry and enterprises in Nepal, he said, the community's consistent cooperation in the philanthropic area has contributed to uplift disadvantaged people.

At the programme organised by Jhapa Marwadi Society, Speaker Mahara felicitated Prof Dr Jagadish Agrawal, Binod Chaudhary, Om Prakash Sarathi and Dinabandhu Goyal with Marwadi Glory Award.

Also speaking on the occasion, Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Manjeev Singh Puri said that the Marwadi community has played pivotal role in the economic advancement of both Nepal and India.

Display was carried out in the programme that reflected Marwadi lifestyle and culture, including costumes and food items among others.