MUMBAI: The news coming in from India’s neighbour- Nepal over the last one week has been distressing as the death toll from the massive earthquake that hit the mountain country continues to rise. What’s more, with the latest aftershock on 12 May, 2015, the death toll has crossed more than 7500.
In the wake of thousands being affected by this natural disaster, the Advertising Association of Nepal (AAN) has been coordinating with the Nepal Government to accumulate an Earthquake Relief Fund. All member agencies of AAN have come forward to contribute. Additionally, AAN has also appealed to the international community to come forward and help Nepal in every possible way during this tragic time.
Advertising Association of Nepal vice-president Ujaya Shakya says, “Kathmandu Valley was a city of temples. Now it is a city of tents. This is a very unfortunate time for most Nepalese across the world. On 25 April, Saturday at 11:56 NST onwards things have drastically changed for all of us. It has inbuilt a fear within us on every occasion of aftershocks, which has been continuously taking place even today.”
Along with terrible loss of life, Nepal has also suffered severe damage of Durbar Squares, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, in all three important cities within Kathmandu valley – Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur – ancient townships with a public square preserved almost intact for centuries, which now lies in ruins. These cultural sites are part of the skeleton of Kathmandu valley and the focal point for urban Nepal.
Shakya points out, “There is also the economic aspect of these sites because almost 10 per cent of Nepal’s economy depends on tourism. The earthquake has struck Nepal on so many levels. Personally, culturally, historically and socially and the future of tourism - the very livelihoods of certain section of Nepalese are threatened. Therefore it is an obligation for both Nepalese and the world to restore these structures in its former glory despite of both technical and monetary challenges. It is just simply impossible to imagine Kathmandu valley without them.”
Appealing to the Indian advertising fraternity, Shakya said, “If anyone wants to help Nepal, please reach out to Advertising Association of Nepal Office in Kathmandu and we will guide you in the process.”
