Kathmandu: The Gorkha Cultural Society has organized a felicitation and greetings exchange program on the occasion of Deepawali, Chhath, and Nepal Sambat.

The event was organized to congratulate Gorkhali artists who secured victories in various positions during the Ninth General Convention of the National Folk and Dohori Song Academy of Nepal. The society presented certificates of appreciation to the newly elected artists.

The program was chaired by the society’s Acting President, Hariram Pariyar, while senior lyricist and journalist Suman Pandit, a former president of the organization, attended as the chief guest.

Chief Guest Pandit, along with the society’s advisors Harimaya Gurung and Prem Shrestha and outgoing president Sunil Lamichhane, jointly honored the successful candidates and presented them with certificates of congratulations.

During the program, First Vice-President Mira Gorkhali delivered the welcome greetings, while General Secretary Tek Gurung coordinated the event. Guests were welcomed with traditional khadas and garlands by Women’s Vice-President Belimaya Pulami, Women’s Secretary Reshma Tamang, member Bhima Gurung, and others.

Five Gorkhali artists were elected to different positions in the academy’s Ninth General Convention. Former society Vice-President Rabin Lamichhane was elected Vice-President, while society advisor Prakash Bhatta secured the position of Secretary.

Similarly, society’s Second Vice-President Suman Pariyar was elected as a member with the highest number of votes. Popular Gorkha-based singer Manmaya Waiba was elected Joint Secretary, while Ishwari Prasad Pant was elected as a member. The society organized the program to recognize and congratulate all five artists.

Speaking after receiving the honor, Academy Vice-President Rabin Lamichhane highlighted the unity among Gorkhali artists. He said he would remain actively involved in promoting Nepali art and culture in a way that reflects society’s values. He also extended his best wishes on the occasions of Deepawali and Chhath.

Likewise, Academy Secretary Prakash Bhatta expressed happiness over the growing participation of Gorkhali artists in representing Nepali music at national and international levels. He said artists from Gorkha were increasingly taking an active role in leadership within the country’s largest umbrella organization of folk and dohori singers.

Society advisor Harimaya Gurung congratulated the newly elected representatives and urged them to work actively for the preservation of traditional art and culture and the rights of dohori artists. She also encouraged them to play a constructive role in the academy’s activities.

Gurung further mentioned that although she is a lifetime member of the academy, she has not yet received her membership certificate. She requested the newly elected Gorkhali representatives to take the initiative to address the issue.

Another advisor, Prem Shrestha, said Gorkhali artists were moving forward with a distinct vision and approach. Expressing happiness at having continuously supported the organization since its establishment, he wished all the elected artists a successful tenure.

Outgoing President Sunil Lamichhane emphasized the importance of maintaining unity among Gorkhali artists. He said they should continue working together to protect artists’ rights and contribute to the development of the music and cultural sector. He also extended festive greetings and congratulated the newly elected representatives.

Chief Guest Suman Pandit extended his wishes on Deepawali, Chhath, and Nepal Sambat, expressing confidence that the newly elected artists would play a positive role in representing the Gorkhali community within the academy.

Recalling the history of the society’s establishment, Pandit said that a lack of unity among Gorkhali artists in the past had made it difficult for them to reach leadership positions within the academy. He urged the new generation to follow the path shown by senior artists and protect the originality of Nepali folk art and culture.

He also called on the newly elected representatives to openly oppose vulgar and excessively flashy content in folk music and work toward preserving the traditional identity of Nepali music.

Concluding the program, Acting President Hariram Pariyar said the unity among Gorkhali artists following the establishment of the society had become an example for other districts as well. He expressed the committee’s commitment to working in a way that earns the trust and support of everyone.

Pariyar congratulated the newly elected artists and expressed gratitude to all the guests and executive committee members for their participation. He also extended festive greetings to the entire artistic community.

The program was attended by film actor Garudhwaj Gurung, medical entrepreneur Jeevan Balkoti, singer Shishir Gurung, singer Sanju Gurung, and several other artists and distinguished personalities.