‘Music and literature protect social values’

Patan, May 25: Speakers at a programme have said music and literature could protect many things to retain social values and national pride. Music covers the areas that politics fails to incorporate, they argued.

Addressing a programme organized to release a collection of songs, ‘Nabhujhiyeko Jindagi’, penned by former chief justice Kalyan Shrestha in Lalitpur on Friday, the speakers underlined that need for music and literary activism so that Nepal’s identity and values could be made known to the world.

On the occasion, musician Prof Deepak Janggam viewed quality production of Nepali songs and music would contribute to nation. Their values exist for centuries, he added.

“The songs in this collection are however excellent. These are melodious and meaningful,” he commented, adding that those devoted to music and literature must be active for the laws friendly to their rights.

The outsiders without minimum ken of music push the devoted literati, singers and musicians to edge, he made aware.

The former chief justice Shrestha has also the identity of poet and lyricist. He however viewed himself as a new entrant to this field.

Literature and creation are sources of knowledge, he stressed, adding that Nepal needs to augment its literature in the international arena as well.

“Nepalis’ lifestyle itself is musical,” he observed.

Similarly, musician Mahesh Khadka expressed worry that their copyright was not ensured. Nepal lacks laws friendly to creative people.