Kathmandu, Feb 10: Residents of Mustang and concerned stakeholders have emphasized the urgent need to properly highlight and promote the district’s rich history, culture and heritage.
Speaking at a programme organized in Kathmandu on Saturday by Nepal Samaj Media Pvt Ltd, participants said Mustang’s historical and cultural significance has not received recognition commensurate with its importance.
Amchi Tenzin Dharke, founding director of Sobariya International College, briefed the gathering on Mustang’s traditional healing systems. He said the region’s treatment practices, which resemble allopathy, homeopathy and Ayurveda, should be developed as a nationwide healthcare model.
Dharke said medicines could be produced at low cost using Himalayan medicinal herbs, helping create employment through local industries. He added that such practices are environmentally friendly, could boost tourism and reduce dependence on imported medicines, urging the government to prioritise the sector.
General Secretary of the Yogi Naraharinath Brihat Adhyatma Parishad, Dr Yogi Dayanath, said Himalayan herbs and Mustang’s traditional medical practices are mentioned in religious texts including the Shiva Purana, Himavat Khanda and more than a dozen books by Yogi Naraharinath.
Executive Director of the Boudhanath Area Development Committee, Mohan Kumar Tamang, said Mustang has the potential to be developed as a hub for religious and cultural tourism, particularly as a Buddhist pilgrimage destination.
Former Crown Prince of Mustang, Jigme Singye Palbar, said Mustang served as a vital link between Tibet and South Asia in the 15th century. He noted that climate change and migration have recently posed serious challenges to the preservation of Mustang’s culture and traditions.
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Nepal Country Director Dr Ghanshyam Gurung stressed the need to protect Mustang’s indigenous culture.
Nepal Samaj advisor Punyaprasad Parajuli said stronger government initiatives are needed to bring Mustang’s importance to the national spotlight.
Associate Professor Umesh Regmi of Padmakanya Campus and other speakers also shared insights on Mustang’s history and cultural heritage. At the programme, Nepal Samaj Dot Com Online founder Dhruv Paudel pledged continued efforts to preserve Mustang’s cultural and natural heritage.
