On July 23, 2018 (Monday), FAAN organized a panel discussion titled "Cultural Heritage in a Changing Society: What Future Does Our Past Have?" in the scenic city of Pokhara in partnership with Pokhareli Yuwa Sanskritik Pariwar. Panelists included Mr. Tirtha Shrestha, poet, culturist, Ex- Member Secretary of Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, Secretary of Bindhyabasini Dharmik Pratisthan; Mr. Tulsi Prabhas, culture researcher; Mr. Minkaji Gurung, culturist (Gurung culture). Takeaways from the discussion in panelists' words: Mr. Tirtha Shrestha: "There’s a disconnect between culture and tourism in Nepal. It’s unfortunate that majority of the literature on culture and history are written by non Nepalis. We haven’t really tried to see what we have. To encourage the young generation towards preserving our cultural heritage, we should give it space in school curriculum. We cannot transfer our cultural legacy to young generation by building concrete houses with imported architecture." Mr. Tulsi Prabas: "There’s surficial attraction now seen to preserve our cultural heritage but unless we are able to connect it to people’s livelihood, we cannot see greater results in the future. There’s a need of clear policy to preserve our cultural heritage." Mr. Minkaji Gurung: "It’s unfortunate in our community that youth invest millions of rupees to be recruited in British Army. We need to create role models so that they can stay in the country and help promote or preserve our culture. We could create a cultural village in order to preserve the diversity of Nepali cultures. Gurung also talked about the revival of Panche Baaja." There were overwhelming questions from people from different backgrounds and age. Young students asked what the experts expected from them to contribute in the preservation. There were also questions and comments around social assimilation--for example how musical instruments played by a certain community is being used by another community to make money, and how people have embraced different food cultures. Nearly 70 people attended the program. The discussions revolved around preserving both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Ms. Prerana Marasini from FAAN moderated the panel discussion. The Fulbright Lecture Series is supported by U.S. Embassy, Nepal. FAAN also acknowledge support received from Siddhartha Bank Limited.
