KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that Nepal is a country rich in culture, art and knowledge.

Inaugurating the 205th Bhanu Jayanti programme organised by Nepal Academy here today, Oli said the government will work to develop the country's academic, cultural, art and education sector. "Our culture, art and literature need to be rejuvenated and updated."

Nepal is home to both the world's 'height and light' — Mt Everest, the tallest mountain in the world and Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, also called the light of Asia. The purity bestowed upon it by nature makes Nepal a land for knowledge and meditation.

He also lauded the late Bhanu Bhakta Acharya's contribution to Nepal's language and literature.

Speaking at the same programme, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari stressed on protecting the culture along with academic discussions and programmes.

Likewise, Indian ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri shared that the age-old ties between Nepal and India existed since the puranik era and it should be strengthened through the books and writings.

He also committed to timely completion of developmental projects supported by India.