Yeti - 'Guardian of the Himalayas' to feature on currency notes
KATHMANDU, MARCH 31
In a significant move Nepal's government has officially designated the legendary Yeti as the guardian of the Himalayas and nominated it as the country's national symbol.
Consequent to this decision, Yeti will assume the prime position in all of Nepal's branding both at home and abroad. An artistic interpretation of the mythical creature will also feature on new currency notes which are to be printed hereafter.
The landmark decision which takes effect today on signifies a departure from traditional wildlife emblems and underscores Nepal's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and natural wonders, highly placed Government sources told The Himalayan Times.
The decision which attracted international attention was met with cautious interest from international organizations.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF)
spokesman Lipra Loof stated, "While the IMF acknowledges Nepal's prerogative to select its national symbol, we encourage the government to ensure that this decision does not detract from our recommendations on its broader economic and development goals, which gravitate around privatizing all public services irrespective of public pain. We stand ready to support Nepal as it grapples with severe recessionary trends and this landmark decision will have salutary effect", she added.
Similarly, the World Bank spokesperson Rosemary Marlowe emphasized the need for balanced development strategies, with its spokesperson remarking, "As Nepal moves forward with its national symbol designation, it is essential to maintain a focus on inclusive and equitable development as defined by The World Bank's criteria and not Nepal's. Like always we know what is right for Nepal", she said.
Echoing these sentiments, United Nations' Secretary-General's office underscored the importance of cultural preservation and environmental conservation, stating, "The UN recognizes the cultural significance of the Yeti in Nepali folklore. We encourage Nepal to leverage this designation to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism and to continue justifying the UN's prolonged and sustained presence in Nepal, especially without any measurable impact."
The sources pointed out that the government has finalised plans to introduce new currency notes featuring artistic depictions of the Yeti alongside iconic Himalayan range. The design for these new banknotes will be finalised through a national competition wherein Nepali design professionals will present their innovative takes on the mythical creature that has captured imaginations worldwide.
Meanwhile a gender equity committee has been set up jointly by the Nepal Rashtra Bank and the Fine Arts Academy of Nepal to agree on an unisex depiction of the Yeti that would also be acceptable to the LGBTQI+ community of Nepal.
Trasheet Nayaghare, a spokesman of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, emphasized the symbolic significance of the Yeti, stating, "The designation of the Yeti as Nepal's national symbol is a testament to our country's rich cultural heritage and natural diversity. By showcasing the Yeti on our currency, we celebrate the enduring spirit of the Himalayas and our commitment to preserving our natural wonders for future generations."
Foreign policy hawks in Nepal have applauded the decision too, highlighting that, unlike other national symbols, the Yeti cannot be appropriated by any of its neighbours. Nepal's mission to the UN in Geneva has been reportedly instructed to file a Trademark claim on the Yeti with the World Intellectual Property Organisation headquarters.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has also expressed positive sentiments regarding Nepal's decision to designate the Yeti as its national symbol. Their spokesperson reportedly said, "The WWF applauds Nepal's decision to honour the Yeti as its national symbol. By embracing the Yeti's status, Nepal has the potential to leverage its cultural heritage to promote wildlife conservation and sustainable development.
We look forward to raising funds to build a Yeti sanctuary in the high Himalayas, which will attract wealthy western kids as interns and ensure a non-stop feed of selfies on social media."
The decision has garnered widespread support within Nepal, with many viewing it as a unique opportunity to finally acknowledge what most in the Himalayan nation have known all along- the Yeti is real. Enthusiasts have now begun asserting the claim that the logo of Nepal Airlines should also be changed to the Yeti. Observers say this demand, under popular pressure, may extend to all other governmental logos and brands.
As Nepal embarks on this new chapter in its cultural history, the designation of the Yeti as the national symbol represents a convergence of tradition and modernity. Clearly, the 'Guardian of the Himalayas' serves as a powerful reminder of Nepal's unique place in the world.
(Disclaimer - Yeti national symbol story)
Expectedly we got you there! Continuing the two decade long tradition, we at The Himalayan Times, chose the legendary Yeti as the subject for this year's April Fool joke. With due apologies to all those who have been quoted and not quoted including the government and international multi-lateral agencies, Happy April Fool's day to all. - Editor
