KATHMANDU: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki pointed out the need of changing Gorkhaparta with quality and relevant content to compete in the digital market.

Addressing the program organized on the occasion of the 122nd year of Gorkhapatra Publication and the 60th anniversary of Gorkhapatra Corporation, in Kathmandu on Saturday, Minister Karki urged Gorkhapatra management to make readers confident that it has a role in preserving history and national glory as well as in propelling social transformation.

He shared, “Gorkhapatra is said to have taken measures for a smart journey. It cannot be cherished just merely scribing editorial, and making document. The government is always with Gorkhapatra to put it into practice. Employees should involve responsibly for the same.”

Also the Spokesperson of the government, Minister Karki expressed the belief that Sher Bahadur Deuba-led government would always stand with determination to protect press freedom, freedom of expression, adding that the incumbent government was well-known and aware about the problems and opportunity of journalism sector.

The Minister urged all journalists to develop and dignify constitution-envisaged freedom of press and freedom of expression as the best one in South Asia.

Lauding that Gorkhapatra Corporation that published the first paper in the country was a glorious organization, Minister Karki said that debates had started on how to take forward Gorkhapatra in coming days.

“Our society understands Gorkhapatra as an institution of pride. The Gorkhapatra that has been continuously in publication for such a long time and has stood firm like mountain through various period of history,” observed Minister Karki, commending Gorkhapatra as the heritage of rich literature and linguistic diversity.

According to the Minister, Gorkhapatra had seen both controlled and open society and stood the test of time. “Gorkhapatra has been a witness of political, social and cultural changes in Nepal.”