The newly constructed building of Shree Jestha Varna Mahavihar in Lalitpur, Nepal, was inaugurated on Friday. This project was undertaken as part of the post-earthquake reconstruction grant provided by the Government of India in the cultural heritage sector.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Dhan Bahadur Budha, the Minister of Urban Development for Nepal, and Naveen Srivastava, the Ambassador of India to Nepal.
Notable attendees included Buddhiraj Bajracharya, President of Lalitpur Development Society, representatives from the local community, and members of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). Additionally, officials from the Government of Nepal and the Embassy of India in Kathmandu were present at the event
The Jestha Varna Mahavihar, which suffered damage during the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, has now been restored with the assistance of the Government of India. The reconstruction was carried out at a tendered cost of NPR 13.78 crore. The project was executed by the Central Level Project Implementation Unit (CLPIU–Building & Housing) under the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC), Government of Nepal. The Indian Embassy, in a press release, expressed gratitude for India’s support in post-earthquake reconstruction and its commitment to Nepal’s economic development
During the inauguration program, Minister Budha acknowledged India’s role in reconstruction efforts and its positive impact on Nepal’s development. Ambassador Srivastava emphasized the strong ongoing development cooperation between India and Nepal, highlighting their shared cultural heritage. He stated that restoring cultural projects is a collaborative endeavor, reflecting the common culture that strengthens the friendly relationship between the two nations.
This project exemplifies India’s commitment to Nepal’s development and complements the Government of Nepal’s efforts in post-earthquake reconstruction.
