FNCCI President Dhakal highlights growing religious significance of Gandaki region
He added that the Baglung region, intersected by the Kaligandaki Corridor and the Mid-Hill Highway, holds strong potential for religious tourism, and called on all sides to assist in advancing the ongoing humanitarian initiatives.
KATHMANDU: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has said that religious activities have been increasing in the Gandaki region, which holds special significance in the Vedic Sanatan tradition.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Shrimad Bhagwat Gyan–Vigyan Mahayagya organized to support the construction of the Human Service Ashram’s branch building in Baglung, Dhakal praised the nationwide ‘Street People Free Campaign’ run by the Ashram across all seven provinces. He said that the initiative reflects deep humanitarian values and added that the construction of the “Temple of Humanity” has now begun on the sacred banks of the Kaligandaki.
He stressed the need to further promote Baglung by linking religious faith with humanitarian compassion. “I will contribute to the construction of the Temple of Humanity to the best of my ability. Such a noble humanitarian mission deserves support from everyone,” he said.
Dhakal highlighted the religious importance of the region, noting that holy sites like Muktinath, Damodar Kunda, Galeshwar, Baglung Kalika, Modi Benai, and Jaimini Ghat—where Sage Jaimini meditated—should be connected and promoted through the Ashram’s efforts.
He added that the Baglung region, intersected by the Kaligandaki Corridor and the Mid-Hill Highway, holds strong potential for religious tourism, and called on all sides to assist in advancing the ongoing humanitarian initiatives.
The Manav Sewa Ashram’s Baglung branch, established in 2015, currently shelters 64 individuals who are homeless, abandoned, or without guardians.
The branch is currently operating from a rented building. Construction of the new facility in Nirayaghat, Baglung-4, began in 2021 and has already incurred expenses of around Rs 50 million, with an additional Rs 40 million required for completion.
The Mahayagya will continue until Kartik 28, with Bhagwat scholar Kamalnayan Gautam serving as the chief narrator.
