Preserving Historical Heritage Is Our Shared Duty: President Paudel

President Ramchandra Paudel has emphasized that the preservation, development, and promotion of Nepal’s rich historical and cultural heritage is a collective responsibility of all three tiers of government as well as the general public.

Speaking at the inauguration of the reconstructed Shree Degutaleju Temple and the unveiling of a commemorative stone inscription at the Patan Durbar Area today, President Paudel called for heightened public awareness and engagement in safeguarding the country’s invaluable heritage.

“Our heritage is a vital link for future generations to understand our time, history, and ancestors,” said President Paudel. “Preserving such landmarks—symbols of our ancestors’ dedication and craftsmanship—is a duty we all share.”

Describing Nepal as a land of geographic diversity and cultural richness, the President highlighted the significance of temples, shrines, Shaktipeeths, and pilgrimage sites, which are closely intertwined with the civilization, culture, and national pride of the Nepali people. He noted that the Degutaleju Temple, located within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Patan Durbar Square, is a priceless asset contributing to Nepal’s global recognition.

President Paudel also commended the successful reconstruction of the Degutaleju Temple, which had been severely damaged in the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, noting that the restoration has further enhanced the beauty and historical significance of the heritage site.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey praised the efforts made by Lalitpur Metropolitan City in preserving cultural heritage. He acknowledged the decade-long support from the Government of Japan and the active involvement of local communities, which were instrumental in maintaining the temple’s archaeological integrity during the reconstruction.

Minister Pandey also underscored the importance of promoting Nepal as an “open museum”, preserving its diverse natural and cultural assets for global appreciation.

Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Maeda Toru echoed these sentiments, noting that the restoration project was a result of sustained international cooperation and the resilience of the Nepali people. He expressed hope that the temple would stand as a symbol of lasting friendship between Nepal and Japan.

Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City Chiribabu Maharjan shared that the reconstruction was carried out by a local committee, with responsibility entrusted to the community. He expressed confidence that the reconstructed structure would endure even stronger earthquakes than the one in 2015 (2072 BS).

Kiran Man Pradhan, Chairperson of the Degutaleju Temple Reconstruction Committee, said the successful rebuilding of the temple is a gift to future generations, fulfilling their duty to preserve an irreplaceable piece of history.