The Kathmandu Valley is not just the administrative and political center of Nepal; it is also the fundamental foundation that gives Nepal a distinct identity in the international arena due to its civilization, culture, and heritage. Within it, a cultured human civilization has developed over thousands of years, possessing its own values, beliefs, and philosophy of life. This is considered a pride of human civilization as a whole. Therefore, it holds a very special place not only within its Himwatkhanda Nepal Mandal but across this entire subcontinent. Scholars, researchers, and experts have thus praised the indigenous Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley as its creators and originators.have been praising.
But due to various reasons, there is a feeling that such valuable knowledge, life philosophy, culture, and heritage might disappear or be lost in the future. On one hand, such valuable and important heritage culture knowledge is shrinking in many places and aspects, and on the other hand, experts, scholars, or resource persons are also gradually becoming scarce. In such a situation, taking necessary steps in time is an urgent task. This means compiling and transcribing the resources, information, and knowledge available so far in one place, and taking appropriate steps towards how it can be preserved. If this happens, the knowledge, skills, and arts will not only be preserved for a long timebut also there will be a possibility to hand them over to future generations.
This work should be undertaken by a publicly elected local government like Kathmandu Metropolitan City. To fulfill the autonomous rights and responsibilities guaranteed by the federal constitution.
Having been trusted by the people to lead the Metropolitan City, this kind of work has been given great importance. Kathmandu Metropolitan City's fundamental belief is that along with new physical structures, facilities, and services, the preservation and promotion of our heritage and culture, which are linked to our history and pride, should be equally important.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City, in collaboration with highly respected and established academic institutions like Nepal Bhasa Academy, was able to cooperate on a grand project like creating a Newar Cultural Encyclopedia as part of its objectives and initiatives to preserve Nepal's indigenous heritage and culture. This is not only a matter of pride but also historical. Kathmandu Metropolitan City has accepted this encyclopedia creation project as a glorious work among its various projects. The Metropolitan City is equally delighted for this opportunity to work together on such an important task.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City is extremely grateful to all the experts and scholars who helped complete such a grand, extensive, and difficult task like the encyclopedia.
We hope that this encyclopedia will be equally useful for everyone, and everyone will appreciate and like this endeavor.
Balen Shah
Mayor
Kathmandu Metropolitan City
Kamaladi, Kathmandu.
