Catholic musician chosen as Nepal’s goodwill ambassador for North America

Purna Nepali is a member of the Nepal Academy and has taught for 30 years at St Xavier School. His songs are famous throughout the country and are used in the liturgical celebrations. "Prayers and God’s blessing led me here."

Kathmandu (AsiaNews) – For the first time in Nepal's history, a Catholic was chosen as goodwill ambassador to the United States and Canada.

Purna Nepali, a member of the Nepal Academy, is a famous musician whose task will be to preserve and promote Nepal’s culture, art and traditions in North America.

"The credit for this success goes to God, who always guided me,” he said after a liturgical service in Kathmandu’s cathedral. “He blesses and encourages the Catholic community. "

With the musician’s appointment, the Nepali government acknowledges the Catholic contribution in promoting the culture of the Himalayan country.

Purna Nepali has taught at St Xavier School for 30 years, and two years ago became a member of the Nepal Academy. He also sings in choir of the Cathedral of the Assumption and his songs are used as prayers during liturgical celebrations.

Over the next two years, the musician will travel to the United States and Canada to promote Nepali traditions. The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare announced his appointment in a letter in which it recognises his “valuable contribution” and extends its “wishes for the successful tenure.”

The musician represents two disadvantaged groups. He is a member of the Dalit community, once known as "untouchables", who still suffer discrimination despite the law banning it. And he is a Catholic, the member of another minority group.

Christianity is recognised in Nepal but the country’s new secular constitution adopted last year bans all forms of proselytism.

Nepali Catholics congratulated their co-religionist, wishing him success in his task. Ganesh Parajuli, president of the Nepal Catholic Society, said, "We are happy; our prayers are for his work. We are proud of this important recognition."

Purna Nepali agrees. "Prayers are the most important thing in a person's life. Prayers and God’s blessing led me here. I represent the whole nation.”

“I ask everyone to remember me in their prayers. I will try to do my best, always keeping in mind my community and my faith. "

• nepal
• canada
• united states
• catholic musician
• goodwill ambassador