The 16th annual general meeting of the Lyricist Association of Nepal has concluded. The event was held under the chairmanship of the association’s president, Basanta Bityasi Thapa, and the chief guest was respected lyricist Rajendra Thapa.

The event was held under the patronage of former minister and senior lyricist S.P. Koirala, advisor to the association, Sabita Karki, Registrar of the Copyright Registrar’s Office, Shyam Tamot, Former member secretary of the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama, Dr. Krishnahari Baral, founding president of the association, Ashta Lama president of the Musicians Association of Nepal, Chudamani Devkota, Shubha Mukarung, Former President of the Lyricist Association Dr. Bhola Rijal, Advisor Radheshyam Lekali, President of the Literary Journalists Association and Deepak KC, Chairman of the Narayan Gopal Youth Fund, among others.

Welcoming the creators present at the program, Ramesh Koirala, Vice President of the Association, said that all creators should move forward by being aware of the protection of intellectual property regarding their creations.

Wishing the association’s 16th annual general meeting a happy one, former president of the association, Chudamani Devkota, said that the association has been continuously active in favor of the rights of songwriters and has been honoring both senior and junior songwriters. He also said that the association has been operating the office continuously for 16 years and has been establishing large sums of money as prizes.

Similarly, Sabita Karki, Registrar of the Office of the Copyright Registrar of Nepal, extended her best wishes to the 16th Annual General Meeting of the Association and said that there will be continuous cooperation in the protection of intellectual property. Stating that the creations of songwriters will have a greater impact than the movement, she said that they will create a long-term awareness of the country. She also urged people to be aware of the issue of royalty as songwriters play a major role in the Nepali language and culture.

Similarly, the association’s advisor and former minister, senior lyricist Shankar Prasad Koirala (SP Koirala), extended his best wishes on the association’s 16th anniversary. Koirala also said that we should all unite to take the progress and development of the association to even greater heights. He said that since the Lyricist Association has now become an adult, it has a strong presence not only within Nepal but also in the diaspora.

He said that it is necessary to organize solo evenings for songwriters in a respectful manner, provide energy, and engage in fundraising, as well as collaborate with the government to protect intellectual property.

The chief guest of the program, respected lyricist Rajendra Thapa, extended best wishes to the 16th Annual General Meeting and also discussed the past contributions. He said that the Lyricists Association is the mother organization and has succeeded in occupying its position honorably. Lyricist Thapa, who also complained about not receiving royalties, said that lyricists should continue writing songs without getting involved in politics.

Basanta Bityasi Thapa, President of the Lyricist Association of Nepal, said that the 16th annual general meeting brought a new message and that the organization has made strides due to the songwriters who have been continuously active since its establishment until its 16th year. Even though we are individuals who have come to different levels and stages with dignity, after joining the Lyricist Association, we have felt that we have equal status as all members. The association said that the path to royalties for songwriters has been very difficult and that it will now move forward with a new policy regarding the rights of producers.

The program was held at the Tamu Buddhist Service Committee Nepal Anamnagar hall. The program was moderated by Devi Parajuli, a member of the association.