SATV, Kathmandu, July. 30 - The Pokhara Academy, established by Pokhara Metropolitan City, has received a new leadership team.

Mayor Dhanraj Acharya appointed Saraswati Pratikshya as the Chancellor of the Academy based on the recommendation of the selection committee.

Pratikshya has published three poetry collections ‘Bagi, Teen Kabita Sangraha’ and two novels, ‘Nathiya’ and ‘Swa.’

Tilak Purja Pun Magar has been appointed Vice-Chancellor, representing arts and literature, while Jiwan Dahal has been appointed member-secretary representing folk songs and music.

The members of the Academy Council are Shreejang Gurung (dance), Hareram Jojeju (fine arts), Dilip Gayak (music) and Pramila Tamrakar Tulachan (theatre). 

The members of the Academy Assembly include Kalpana Chilwal (literature), Krishna Prasad Gautam (culture), Gam Bahadur Pariyar (artists), Jyoti Gurung (fine arts), Nawaraj Adhikari (literature), Prem Raj Adhikari (folk songs), Bhaskardhwaj Shrestha (music), Rabindra Makaju (literature), Rita Pahari (literature) and Shivahari Dhungana (folk songs).

At a ceremony held on Wednesday, Mayor Acharya presented the letters of appointment to the newly appointed office-bearers. He expressed confidence that the Academy would make a significant contribution to the promotion and development of literature, arts, culture, language and the overall academic and intellectual sphere within Pokhara Metropolitan City.

“We have made legal and budgetary provisions to ensure that the Academy has a well-managed office and can function effectively as an institution,” he said. “We expect your tenure to become a golden chapter in the advancement of Pokhara's arts, literature and culture.”

Deputy Mayor Manju Devi Gurung expressed her belief that the Academy's active role would make a meaningful contribution to the development of literature, arts, language, creativity and culture across the metropolitan area.

Newly appointed Chancellor Pratikshya pledged to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to her with dedication and integrity.

"We will remain committed to the development of Pokhara's academic and intellectual sphere," she said. "We will strive to establish the Pokhara Academy as a model institution."

Pokhara Metropolitan City made the appointments of the Chancellor and other office-bearers in accordance with the Pokhara Academy Act, 2076 BS (Second Amendment, 2082 BS).