Kathmandu, November 30:

The National Anthem Selection Committee (NASC) today recommended the government to recognise the song penned by an emerging litterateur and legal practitioner, Pradeep Kumar Rai, as the new national anthem.

NASC convener Satya Mohan Joshi handed over a copy of the song to Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, at a function organised here today.

“The song composed by Rai was adjudged the best on the basis of criteria set by the NASC,” Joshi said.

The NASC, after organising a series of interactions in the eastern, western and central regions of the country, had set the criteria. Joshi added that the government will declare the song the national anthem.

Altogether 1,272 songs were submitted to the NASC. Rai’s composition comprises 47 words in eight lines.

The first stanza of the song goes, Saiyoun Thunga Fulka Hami Yeutai Mala Nepali. Sarvabhoum Bhai Phailiyeka Mechi-Mahakali. Addressing the function, minister Gyawali said the song will be declared the nation anthem and composed as soon as possible.

Also known as Byakul Maila, lyricist Rai is a student of masters’ level in the Public Administration Campus, Kathmandu.