KATHMANDU, APRIL 28
The Association for the Study of Culture and Religion Nepal (ASCR Nepal), a newly established non-profit academic organization in collaboration with National College, successfully concluded its inaugural two-day national conference on April 24–25, 2025.
Affiliated as an associate member of the International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) and the South and Southeast Asian Association for the Study of Culture and Religion (SSEASR), ASCR Nepal was founded with a clear mission to promote academic research and dialogue in the fields of religion and culture.
Demonstrating its commitment to fostering scholarly engagement, ASCR Nepal also supported the First HII Nepal Conference earlier this month, held on April 13–14, 2025. Building on this momentum, the association organized its first national conference in collaboration with National College, Dhumbarahi.
The conference commenced on April 24 with a pre-event academic writing workshop aimed at assisting students engaged in dissertation research. More than 50 students participated enthusiastically in the session, which was led by Prof. Dr. Jivlal Sapkota, former Head of the Central Department of English at Tribhuvan University.
The workshop focused on academic writing standards and methodologies, equipping participants with essential tools to refine their scholarly work.
The official inauguration of the conference took place on April 25. The ceremony was presided over by Prof. Dr. Som Prasad Khatiwada, Chairperson of ASCR Nepal, with Prof. Dr. Achyut Prasad Wagle, Vice Chancellor of Kathmandu University, serving as Chief Guest. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Peshal Dahal, former Registrar of Tribhuvan University.
In his address, Prof. Dr. Wagle emphasized how Western cultural influences are impacting Nepal's younger generation, leading to a gradual erosion of indigenous values. He underscored the urgent need to reconnect with and preserve Nepal's traditional heritage.
Similarly, Prof. Dr. Dahal advocated for the introduction of cultural education from the middle school level to instill an appreciation for Nepal's rich cultural legacy. Prof. Dr. Khatiwada, reflecting on the organization's journey, shared how ASCR Nepal was conceptualized during a three-day international conference held in April 2023 and outlined its future academic initiatives.
Following the inaugural session, the conference proceeded with technical sessions divided into two groups, each featuring three parallel sessions. Of the 33 papers submitted, 26 were presented, covering a broad range of topics-from the cultural traditions of far-western Achham and mid-hill Palpa to the vibrant heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.
Presentations explored diverse areas such as the role of museums in society, young people's perceptions of museum visits, and the impact of museums on buffer zone communities. The depth and breadth of the papers highlighted the growing vibrancy and quality of research in religion, culture, and heritage studies in Nepal.
The conference was widely hailed as a major success, providing an important platform for scholars, researchers, and students to exchange ideas and showcase their work.
The organizing committee announced plans to publish selected conference papers in a special issue of a peer-reviewed journal listed on Nepal Journals Online (NepJOL).
With the successful completion of its first national conference, ASCR Nepal has firmly positioned itself as a vital academic platform dedicated to advancing research in culture and religion studies in Nepal.
All the photos captured during the event were provided by ASCR Nepal.
