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St Xavier’s College, Maitighar, celebrated its annual ‘Survaahini: A Musical Bliss’ event by honoring renowned fusion guitarist Anil Shahi with ‘10th Fr EL The Watrin Memorial Cultural Award’. 

Shahi, known for his blend of classical and contemporary guitar styles over a career spanning 25 years, emphasized the importance of preserving classical music in Nepal. “It is concerning that there are few listeners of classical music in Nepal.  But with dedication and effort, we can promote  it both at home and abroad”. 

The event, on Wednesday, featured musical performances including a fusion of Indian classical music with Western elements by Dr Neepa Chaudhary and Sudesh Subedi from the Fusion Roof Band.

Program director Sudhakar Pant and assistant Saurabh Sharma were also recognized for their significant contributions to the success of the event.

St. Xavier’s College has been honoring musicians annually since 2005 for their efforts in popularizing Nepali classical music among the youth. Artists honored through this program include Bhajan Shiromani Bhaktaraj Acharya, Kunti Moktan and Sila Bahadur Moktan, Prem Dhoj Pradhan, and Shambhujit Baskota.

Annapurna Media Network (AMN) and the Music Research and Development Forum Nepal (MRDF) jointly organized a live musical performance on Friday in celebration of World Music Day and Yoga Day.

At the Tinkune-based AMN office, MRDF artists performed popular Nepali folk songs for media personnel using live instruments such as the flute, sarangi, madal, tungna, and guitar. The performers included Geeta Pandey, Rajesh Kumar Shrestha, KC Raja, Amrita Limbu, Sarad Rai, and Shubham Bhetwal.

Speaking at the event, Akhanda Bhandari, Editor-in-Chief of Annapurna Post, emphasized that music is closely intertwined with human life and should be considered an integral part of it. Shiromani Dawadi, Station Manager of Radio Annapurna Nepal, highlighted the significance of World Yoga Day and Music Day, noting that music brings joy and refreshment to both the mind and the brain.

Soman Sainju, a music promotion activist, added that the experience and feeling of musical performances, including live singing with instruments, help foster positive thinking.

Yashaswi Pragya Pratishthan has requested all authors and publishers to send books for Yashasvi Book Award. The books are called for by the foundation through a public press release.

Books should have to be published by the end of 2080 Chaitra, and should be in Nepali or English language written by Nepali authors, published from Nepal and outside Nepal. Three copies have been requested to be delivered to the office of Yashaswi Pragya Pratishthan office in Ghattekulo, Kathmandu, by Friday, 21 of Asadh 2081.

In this way, five best books of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, history/culture/research and translation/various genres will be awarded among the participating books.

The author of the awarded book will be honored at the 3rd Kathmandu Kalinga Literature Festival to held on Saturday 22nd of Bhadra 2081. Ranjana Niraula, director of Yashasvi Pragya Pratishthan, informed that awardees will receive a certificate of honor with Rs 20,000 cash.

VFY Global, also known as Voice for Youth, is a program dedicated to youth motivation, public awareness, and leadership development. Broadcast under the aegis of Live Nepal Pvt Ltd, VFY Global is designed to inspire and empower young people through insightful conversations and discussions, says Dasarath Sunar, Director and Producer of VFY Global. “It features a diverse array of nationally and internationally acclaimed guests, including leaders, celebrities, entrepreneurs, diplomatic experts, government officials, journalists, spiritual gurus, and academics.” These guests share their experiences, ideas, and plans, aiming to motivate and energize the youth.

Superstar Rajesh Hamal will host each episode. Hamal will engage with guests on topics such as their personal and professional journeys, stories of success and failure, and the multifaceted dimensions of Nepal’s tourism industry. “His conversations explore a variety of subjects, shedding light on innovative ideas and opportunities,” says Sunar. “The program is accessible to a global audience through its official YouTube channel and Facebook page, ensuring that its inspirational content reaches viewers worldwide.”

VFY Global is an extension of the successful BVFY Talks, which has long been recognized for its youth motivation initiatives. “Launched from Nepal, the program aims to elevate Nepal’s profile on the international stage, leveraging the nation’s potential in global branding,” adds Sunar.