NCC president urges development of Nepali music as competitive creative industry

KATHMANDU: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal has called for the development of Nepali music into a competitive creative industry. He urged the creation of professional career pathways and wider access for artists from rural and remote areas.

Agrawal made the remarks on Sunday as the chief guest at a Dashain special greetings exchange and honour programme organised by the Association of National Musicians. He said Nepali music is a core pillar of national identity and originality rather than merely a form of entertainment.

He urged measures to protect creators’ intellectual property, strengthen copyright enforcement, ensure transparency in digital royalties and secure fair remuneration for artists. Addressing the impact of streaming platforms, social networks and artificial intelligence (AI), Agrawal said technological advances should expand creative capacity without undermining ownership rights and called for legal steps to curb digital piracy and the unauthorised use of content.

Agrawal also linked the growth of original music to tourism promotion, increased economic activity and cultural diplomacy, and extended festival greetings for Badadashain and Tihar to all artists and music personnel.

NCC Senior Vice President Deepak Kumar Malhotra, a distinguished guest at the event, said art, culture, music and festivals strengthen social harmony and national unity. He urged the state to give priority to the art, literature and music sectors through collaborative initiatives involving the government, private sector, the media and artists.

The gathering was chaired by Association Central President Prakash Katuwal and coordinated by Senior Vice President Ramesh Dulal, and was attended by a range of creators, artists and social workers.