BY A STAFF REPORTER
Kathmandu, Dec 16: Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has criticised the growing dependency on foreign aid as a hampering factor in attaining the goal of self sufficiency.
“The notion that nothing can be done without foreign aid has been established here as a tradition,” said Koirala adding that this may result in our inability to achieve an important goal of self reliance.
Koirala, who was releasing a book “Karmabir Ko Katha” (A Biography of a man of action) written by industrialist Hulaschand Golchha, pointed out at the necessity to act with courage, determination and dedication to achieve economic self reliance.
The book released today is the first volume of a biography of pioneering industrialist Ram Lal Golchha, father of the author, who started Nepal’s first jute mill in Biratnagar over five decades ago. The release of the 500-page book today coincides with the 101st birth anniversary of the industrial trail blazer.
Urging not panic over the doubt of not getting foreign aid, Koirala said “You always get assistance when you are in need of it and the performance on your part is good.” Given the kind of geographical situation of Nepal, however, foreign assistance is certainly necessary, he added.
Expressing concern over the rising trend of individualistic influence in the Nepalese economic horizon, Koirala emphasised an urgent need to revise the economic policy of the country.
Commending the role of late Ram Lal Golcha in his pioneering efforts for the industrial development of Nepal, Koirala said a man’s personality is formed on the foundation of his vision and sacrifice.
Former Finance Minister and senior UML leader Bharat Mohan Adhikari said those who are active in the field of trade and industry can drawn inspiration from late Golchha whose immense self confidence led to remarkable industrial and business achievement.
“I was in close association with late Golchha and was highly impressed with his quality of enterpreneurship,” recalled Adhikari.
President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Pradeep Kumar Shrestha said that vision of late Golchha might be a source of inspiration for industrialists and businessmen at the threshold of the new century.
Highlighting the contributions of the late industrialist and social worker, the FNCCI president urged the government to do something in recognition of that.
Author of the book and the youngest son of late Golchha, Hulaschand Golchha said the prominent and pioneering industrialist was qualified with rare qualities one of them being simplicity. The present volume of his biography has been published after the efforts of late 26 years, he said adding that next volume of the book that dwells on memoirs, is in the press and will come out very soon, he added.
He demanded the government to dedicate a postage stamp and name the Biratnagar-Devangunj road in late Golchha’s name.
UML leader and writer Mod Nath Prashrit who edited the released book said ‘Karmabir’ was a remarkable entrepreneur who pioneered the work of taking Nepal into industrial the era.
Dr. Ram Dayal Rakesh presented a critical comment on the book.
Vice Chancellor of Royal Academy and poet Mohan Koirala said the book will inspire all active in industry and business sectors.
Several other personalities hailing from trade, business and religious sectors also expressed the words of tribute to late Golchha who was decorated with Suprasiddha Prabal Gorkha Dakshinbahu.