KATHMANDU: Students of Kaushal High School, Manamaiju clad in traditional Nepali dresses of mountain, hill and plain regions danced to the tunes of Nepali Hami Rahaula Kaha Nepalai Narahe, on the stage of Nepal Academy, Kamaladi on February 1. In their colourful outfits, they added colour and vibrancy to the venue. Dancing to the patriotic songs with utmost sincerity and through facial expression, they evoked patriotism.

Painting and awakening nationalism through such dances and songs, ‘Bal Rastriya Geet Sammelan - 2072’ was organised by Nepal Academy of Music and Drama (NAMUDA) in which patriotic songs, and dances were performed. The conference was celebrated with a slogan ‘These young children are the future of the nation’.

Inaugurating the event, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli said, “I am happy to be a part of this event that has given platform to these creative and talented children.” He also committed to “secure the children’s future by working towards fulfilling their basic needs like food, shelter, education, health and other needs”.

The event was divided into two parts. The first-half witnessed the opening dance by Kaushal High School and a duet performance of singers Pramod Kharel and Nisha Desar. The duo performed Koti Koti Pranam Chha Nepal Ama Timilai, penned by Unnati Bohora and composed by Sambhujeet Baskota.

“Children are our future and through this event, we want them to develop the patriotic sentiment towards the country. We also want to raise the feeling of togetherness, peace and harmony among each other,” lyricist Bohora, Head of Music Department at NAMUDA stated.

Patriotic songs, and dances were staged back to back in the second half of the programme. Students from a total of 20 schools performed in the event. These songs were written by the students themselves — songs describing geographical to historical context of Nepal were presented and those heart touching songs evoked patriotic feeling in audience. This included Nepali Birka Chhora Chhori Haun by Him Rashmi High School, Tarkeshwor. Penned by eighth grader Mokshyata Amghai, it was a group song in which students played the guitar and maadal.