Kathmandu, Apr. 12: Chairman of the Rajparishad Standing Committee Dr. Keshar Jung Rayamajhi has underlined the need to raise awareness among the people for preservation of Hindu religion and culture.

Dr. Rayamajhi made this remark while inaugurating the first great religious meeting and the fourth general assembly of the world Hindu religion unity federation here today.

On the occasion, Dr. Rayamajhi gave away certificates to life members of the federation.

A host of other speakers including MP Shanker Pandey and Bada Gurujyu Keshari Raj Pandey had expressed their views at the function chaired by federation president Rhita Bahadur Budhathoki.

Addressing another function organized by the World Hindu Federation Nepal National Committee here today, Dr. Rayamajhi remarked that efforts made by the federation for the preservation of Hindu religion and culture are praiseworthy.

He also gave away this year’s Panini Award to Pandit Bhimkant Panthi for his remarkable contribution to Hindu culture and Sanskrit language and literature.

The award carries a purse of Rs 25,000.

Similarly, Dr. Rayamajhi presented letters of honour to chairman of the Sanatan Dharma Sewa Samiti Prof. Mukunda Sharan from the vedic sect, chief Lama of Namobuddha Kavre Sonam Gelbung from the Buddhist sect, Swami Manibhadraji from the Jain sect, Man Mohan Singh Sethi from the Sheikh sect and Bijayashree Gautam from among women.

A host of speakers from different sects had expressed their views at the function chaired by committee secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel.

A message from His Majesty the King wishing for the success of the programme was also read out on the occasion.