Statement
Attention of the Government of Nepal has been drawn to the various interpretations of the remarks made yesterday by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Mr. K P Sharma Oli during the 207th birth anniversary celebration of Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, the author of the Ramayana in Nepali language. In this context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to clarify the following:
- The remarks made by the Prime Minister are not linked to any political subject and have no intention at all to hurt the feeling and sentiment of anyone.
- As there have been several myths and references about Shri Ram and the places associated with him, the Prime Minister was simply highlighting the importance of further studies and research of the vast cultural geography the Ramayana represents to obtain facts about Shri Ram, Ramayana and the various places linked to this rich civilization.
- The remarks were not meant to debasing the significance of Ayodhya and the cultural value it bears.
It may be underlined that the tradition of celebrating Bibaha Panchami where a marriage procession coming from Ayodhya, India to Janakpur, Nepal takes place every year. The Prime Ministers of Nepal and India launched the Ramayana Circuit in May 2018, of which Janakpur-Ayodhya Passenger Bus Service is an important component. These facts signify the bond of time honoured cultural affinity between our two countries and peoples.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Singh Durbar
Kathmandu
14 July 2020