KATHMANDU, Jan. 10: To mark the 281st Prithvi Jayanti and National Unity Day, Radio Nepal today brought together people from different cultural communities from across the country to disseminate the message of unity in diversity through music.

Artistes representing ethnic communities presented 22 musical performances of 13 national languages, which were aired live by the only national broadcasting agency of the country. The musical conference is held every year to mark the patriotic occasion.

Declaring the launching of the programme named Phulbari Geet Sammelan, Minister for Information and Communications Ramesh Nath Pandey said that the monarchical culture is the historical essence of Nepal. “The unity, independence and national integrity of Nepal have been consolidated under the able guardianship of the monarchy,” Minister Pandey said.

If we look at different times in history, the Shah Kings have played historical role for Nepal’s unity, progress and her dignified place in the world stage. “The auspicious birth anniversary of the Great King Prithvi Narayan Shah reminds us all of this historical fact,” said Pandey while addressing the musical gathering held in the premises of Radio Nepal in Singha Durbar.

His Majesty the King addressing at the civic reception function last week has said that the monarchy of the 21st century is for democracy, democracy for national development, and monarchy and democracy for the bright future of the nation, Pandey said.

Citing an example, he said that His Majesty was committed to multiparty democracy and faith of the Nepalese people in constitutional monarch. This proves the permanence of monarchy and multiparty democracy. “When the King and the people are committed to multiparty democracy, Nepal’s future is bright,” said Minister Pandey.

The differences that have cropped up will get their point of unity and agreement in monarchy, said Pandey said. He added that the best way to bring maturity in the political system is to infuse monarchical culture in the exercise of multiparty democracy. “This will advance the democratic practice unhindered.”

In the past there was little of Nepali music, even tunes played before the news were from foreign cinema. At such a time, late King Mahendra inspired Radio Nepal to play Nepalese songs. Today, we are rich in Nepali songs as a result of the inspiration of the late poet King Mahendra.

Information and Communications secretary and president of Radio Broadcasting Development Committee Mukunda Paudel said that the thoughts expressed in the Dibyopadesh (divine counsels) of the great unifier Prithvi Narayan Shah give us valuable message to the nation on politics, diplomacy and religion.

It is high time we follow the track envisioned by the Great King. “If we walk on the path shown by him, that will be the true tribute paid to the great unifier,” said the Communications secretary.

Sailendra Raj Sharma, Executive Director of Radio Nepal and Bhupendra Rayamajhi, chief of Radio Nepal’s music wing, also highlighted the importance of the National Unity Day and the harmony among the diverse ethnic and cultural communities of Nepal.