India’s Reconstruction Grant: Shree Jestha Varna Mahavihar Inaugurated in Lalitpur

In a significant stride towards preserving Nepal’s cultural heritage, the Minister for Urban Development of Nepal, Dhan Bahadur Budha, and Naveen Srivastava, the Ambassador of India to Nepal, joined hands in inaugurating the newly reconstructed building of Shree Jestha Varna Mahavihar in Lalitpur.

The endeavor, funded under India’s post-earthquake reconstruction grant, symbolizes a crucial partnership between the two nations in safeguarding Nepal’s rich cultural legacy, as stated by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.

The inauguration ceremony, held on Friday, witnessed the presence of key figures including Buddhiraj Bajracharya, President of Lalitpur Development Society, local community representatives, officials from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), project management consultants (PMC), and government officials from both Nepal and India.

Shree Jestha Varna Mahavihar, which suffered damage during the devastating 2015 Gorkha earthquake, has been meticulously reconstructed with a grant assistance of NPR 13.78 crore. The Central Level Project Implementation Unit (CLPIU–Building and Housing), DUDBC under the Government of Nepal, spearheaded the implementation of the project.

During the ceremony, Minister Budha lauded India’s unwavering support for post-earthquake reconstruction efforts and its pivotal role in Nepal’s economic development. Ambassador Srivastava underscored the robust ongoing development cooperation between India and Nepal, particularly highlighting endeavors in preserving cultural heritage.

The collaboration underscores the deep-rooted cultural ties and shared dedication to conserving heritage for the benefit of future generations, as reiterated by the statement issued by the Indian Embassy. India has reaffirmed its commitment to conserving 28 cultural heritage sites across seven districts in Nepal, while also extending support for the reconstruction of private houses, educational institutions, and health facilities in earthquake-affected areas.

The joint effort between Nepal and India in restoring Shree Jestha Varna Mahavihar stands as a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations, paving the way for further collaborative initiatives aimed at safeguarding Nepal’s cultural treasures and fostering bilateral ties.