Sanjana Agarwal.

December 20, 2013

Lotusbari, an initiative of Nepal Soka Gakki International under the Bagmati Cleaning Program was inaugurated on Friday, 20th December, 2013. It is located on the banks of Bagmati river just a little further down from Tilganga Hospital.

NSGI is a part of  Soka Gakkai International which is a lay Buddhist movement linking more than 12 million people around the world. As “engaged Buddhists,” SGI members aim to create value in any circumstances and contribute to the well-being of others. The promotion of peace, culture and education is central to SGI’s activities. Nepal SGI Vice General Director Mr. Sagar Thapa said that NSGI firmly believes in creating value in the society and hence became a part of the cleaning bagmati program. SGI members integrate their Buddhist practice into their daily lives, following the Lotus Sutra Based teachings and hence the garden got its name Lotusbari, with bari meaning garden in nepali.

The inaugration was a fun filled event which kicked off with the members of NSGI singing a song of their organization called “Shoulder to Shoulder marching along”. The song had a beautiful message to lead humanity towards peace. It was followed by a poem which was a tribute to the Bagmati river.

Dr. Raju Adhikari, one of the Board members of the Bagmai cleaning program provided highlights of the program. He mentioned how the local people had supported them and urged he others to join hands with the program as well. He informed that the group meets near Min Bhawan bridge every Saturday at 8am for two hours where they work on cleaning and beautifying Bagmati. Lotusbari, is the first project that has been completed and is an example asking others to follow the footsteps of SGI.

The garden was inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Guest Mr. Leela Mani Poudyal, Chief Secretary of Government of Nepal.

The chief guest left after addressing the crowd. The people present were further entertained by a musical performance by the Alankar group, a part of NSGI who claimed that it was a matter of pride to play in the laps of Bagmati. Later, the members of NSGI also performed a dance to keep the spirit joyous. The cold winter wind made the atmosphere chilly while the excited spirits made the atmosphere warm.

The meeting was made more vibrant with slogans such as – We CAN clean Bagmati;  We WILL clean Bagmati; If WE don’t then who will; If not NOW, then when?

The local people present were encouraged not to lose an opportunity to be a part of this program and create a better Kathmandu for the future generations.

It was an inspiring event, and I am definitely joining the Bagmati cleaning program this Saturday at 8 am at Min Bhawan bridge. Are you joining us as well?Sanjana Agarwal.