KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stated that it is the duty of the present generation to preserve cultural diversity and wealth of knowledge in Nepal which is the cradle of an ancient Vedic civilisation.

Virtually addressing the 35th academic assembly of Nepal Academy here today, PM Oli further asserted that it is the academic sector's duty to seek solutions to the problems emanating from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Stating that every sector had their important role in achieving the national goal of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali', he argued that it was the duty of academic agencies to raise consciousness and inner-wisdom of humans, and lead the society meaningfully.

Citing that there were many unwritten epics still lying hidden in many corners of Nepal, and multiple discoveries and inventions that haven't yet seen the light of day, the Prime Minister expressed his exuberance over Nepal Academy's plan to publish 'Nepal Darpan', a book that he said would introduce Nepal and Nepali people in an authentic manner.

He viewed that initiation of converting the house of great poet Laxmi Prasad Devkota into a national museum has started a new academic culture of honouring the senior litterateurs. PM pledged the government's continued support towards such endeavours.

Nepal Academy's secretary Jagat Prasad Upadhyay appraised the assembly regarding the Academy's annual policies, programmes and budget.