Nepal foreign minister expresses need for an anthem to connect SAARC nations

A delegation of artists has proposed a song written by the Indian poet-diplomat to Nepal Abhay K which has been sung by various Nepalese artists to be chosen as the formal SAARC anthem.

The delegation met Nepal foreign minister Mahendra Pandey in Kathmandu.

The minister said that efforts will be made for strengthening the people-to-people relationship between SAARC countries.

Meanwhile, Nepal foreign minister said that the song has to be presented formally in the upcoming SAARC summit before it is approved unanimously as the formal SAARC anthem.

"It is not only one or two, it would be better if we present seven items in SAARC Summit. We are thinking that it could at least offer the flavour of seven countries to the participants. We are thinking to prepare this kind of cultural item. It may be a song or dance or other item. So, we have to make this kind of concept," Pandey said.

Various artists like Sapan Ghimire, Kaka Rai, Meena Singh and Kala Rai have given their voices in the song.

The languages of all the eight SAARC nations, Nepal, India, Maldives, Srilanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Pakistan have been used in the proposed SAARC anthem.