IN BRIEF

Call to defy ban

KATHMANDU: The struggle coordination committee of the disabled persons for democracy has strongly condemned the government’s prohibitory orders and urged all sections of the society to defy the orders on Friday, according to a statement issued by the committee here on Thursday. The committee has flayed the government for arresting political leaders, human right activists and civilians with a view to foiling the pre-scheduled demonstration of the seven party-alliance on Friday. — HNS

Aid for quake victims

KATHMANDU: A check of Rs 100,000 was jointly handed over to Pakistani ambassador to Nepal Sohail Amin by the Rotary Club of Kathmandu Northeast and the Kumari Bank in aid of the Pakistani earthquake victims. The amount was collected from the peace march organised some two weeks ago. On the occasion, chairman of the Club Ramesh Jung Rayamajhi and Kumari Bank officials said it was small help on behalf of the Nepali people for the Pakistani people. Club secretary Deepak Nath Chalise said clothes would also be provided to orphan children of the Newa Bal Sansar. — RSS

Festival for kids

KATHMANDU: Dharahara Festival, with a view to provide entertainment to children and help them develop intelligence, began on Thursday on the premises of the Dharahara at Sundhara. The festival will last till January 29. During the festival, children will be apprised on Dharahara and academic materials that extend their intellectual level will be exhibited. Likewise, movie, sports and magic show along with folk cultural competitions are scheduled during the festival. Around 20,000 children are expected to participate in the festival. — RSS

Talk on youths’ role

KATHMANDU: Former justice of the Supreme Court, Laxman Aryal, has said peace is the first perquisite for moving the country, which is caught up in the cycle of violence and terrorism, ahead. He was speaking at an interaction on the role of youths in spreading the message of Gautam Buddha and restoration of peace, organised by Sachet Yuba Samaj, Nepal, on Wednesday. On the occasion, litterateur Dr Tulsi Divas called on the youths to get organised for restoring peace in the country. — RSS

Book released

LALITPUR: Minister without portfolio Buddhi Raj Bajracharya released a book titled ‘Monthly Religious Discourse, Bodhipushpanjali’ by Acharya Dharma Bajra Shreedhar Rana, a scholar of Buddhist religion, at Achheshwor Mahavihar on Thursday. On the occasion, minister Bajracharya said that peace would prevail on earth if the Buddhist philosophy were followed in our day-to-day lifestyle. Stating that Nepal is a model country for religious harmony, Bajracharya expressed the view that the book would be beneficial for those who are eager to understand the Buddhist philosophy. Prof Asharam Shakya stated that the book has embraced the important aspect of the Buddhist philosophy. — RSS

Report submitted

KATHMANDU: The high-level task force formed to provide recommendations for the protection and management of major temples, ponds, religious structures and guthis within the Janakpur municipality area, on Thursday submitted its report to the Minister for Land Reform and Management Narayan Singh Pun. The panel has recommended to control encroachment and pollution, and formulate long-term plan for the development of such monuments. — RSS