Issuing a statement on July 14, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stated that the Nepali Government has taken note of the ‘interpretations’ of the remarks by the PM on the occasion of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya’s birth anniversary.

The MoFA has clarified that PM Oli’s intentions were only to cite the need for further research on related facts about Ayodhya and Rama.

“The remarks made by the Prime Minister are not linked to any political subject and have no intention at all to hurt the feeling and sentiment of anyone,” reads the press statement.

“As there have been several myths and references about Shri Ram and the places associated with him, the Prime Minister was simply highlighting the importance of further studies and research of the vast cultural geography the Ramayana represents to obtain facts about Shri Ram, Ramayana and the various places linked to this rich civilization,” stated MoFA.

“The remarks were not meant to debasing the significance of Ayodhya and the cultural value it bears,” added MoFA.

The Ministry further reiterated the significance of honored cultural affinity between Nepal and India.

Earlier on Monday, PM Oli made an off-the-mark comment claiming that India is manipulating cultural and historical facts by creating a fake Ayodhya, which in fact lies in the west of Birgunj.

PM Oli’s controversial remarks came at a time when the diplomatic relations between Nepal and India were at a delicate stage over border issues.

The post MoFA Clarifies PM Oli’s Controversial Remarks on Ayodhya! appeared first on Nepali Sansar.

As part of the celebrations, a morning procession was held in Kathmandu, wherein, various dignitaries paid floral tributes to the most-respected poet of the country.

Speaking at the program, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called on the new generation to follow the ideals of the great poet in transforming their own lives.

Lauding the poet’s contribution to Nepal literature, Oli said Bhanubhakta played a key role in uniting cultural and linguistic diversity of the country through Nepali language.

In his address, the Nepali Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari praised the legendary poet for his contribution to the promotion of Nepali language through his literary works.

Meanwhile, Bhanu Pratisthan Chair Professor Brataraj Acharya pitched for the development of Bhanubhakta’s birth place as a literary pilgrim center of Nepal.

Nepal Academy Chancellor Ganga Prasad Upreti recalled Prithvi Narayan Shah and Bhanubhakta as the key personalities behind the unification of Nepal.

On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Ishwar Pokhrel spoke about famous literary personalities before releasing a publication called ‘Sanskritik Asmitaka Prateek: Tulasi Das ra Bhanubhakta’ (Symbol of Cultural Dignity: Tulasi Das and Bhanubhakta).

Originally published by an Indian publication house, Nepali writer Rajendra Prasad Upadhyaya Dhakal translated the book into Nepali.

Nepal’s Adikavi

Born on Ashad 29, 1871 BS (July 13, 1814 AD) in Tanahun District of Nepal, Bhanubhakta has a major contribution to Nepali culture and literature.

The poet is well-known for translation of epic Ramayana from Sanskrit to Khas language.

For his contribution to Nepali literature, Bhanubhakta has been honored with the title of Adikavi (First Poet) of Nepal.

Bhanu Jayanti is celebrated each year by Nepalese across the world as a mega cultural festival with literary seminars, programs and events attended by renowned writers and literary enthusiasts.

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