KATHMANDU: Noted culture expert Satya Mohan Joshi has said that Araniko played a leading role to strengthen Nepal-China relations.

At an event organized by Non-Resident Nepalis Association (NRNA) on Saturday to hand over ‘Araniko International Prize’, Joshi asked the Language, Literature and Heritage Promotion Committee of NRNA to set up a gallery in the name of Araniko.

On the occasion, Joshi said that Araniko was the first non-resident Nepali.

Senior litterateur Hari Adhikari was selected for the prize from among the literary publications published in the year 2077 BS. The prize carries a purse of Rs 200,000.

NRNA’s President Kumar Panta, former president Jiba Lamichhane among others expressed their opinions in regard to arts, literature and cultures.