Kathmandu, Nepal - The Vice President of Nepal, Rt. Hon. Parmanand Jha, said his heart was “deeply touched” during his recent visit to Korea, where he addressed the Interfaith Assembly sponsored by the Universal Peace Federation.
He was speaking at the Welcome Back Home reception in Kathmandu, Nepal on October 31 held at UPF-Nepal headquarters.
At the reception in Kathmandu, Rt. Hon. Jha said he was very impressed about Father Moon's “serious concern about peace in Nepal and throughout the global interfaith community.” The Vice President was the highest level dignitary attending the international conference in Korea.
The theme of the October 8 – 12 program in Korea was “The Significance of Interfaith for Peace and Development.” The Opening Session was inaugurated by recitations of seven sacred texts and prayers for peace by 11 religious leaders. The venue was the Chung Bok Gung, Korea's first interfaith temple.
Rt. Hon. Jha said that while he was in Korea on a private visit, he nonetheless promoted Nepal and Nepali culture at every opportunity. For example, at the conclusion of the World Peace Blessing Ceremony at Sun Moon University on October 10, before an audience of 14,000 people, the Nepalese Vice President ended his Congratulatory Remarks on a light note. “Next year, 2011, we are celebrating Nepal Tourism Year," he said, adding, “I would like to invite you all the newlywed couples to come to Nepal for your honeymoon.”
At the reception in Kathmandu, Hon. Nilamber Acharya, Chairman of the Constitution Committee responsible for drafting Nepal's new constitution, said he very much liked Father Moon's concept that the family is the basis for world peace. Hon. Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani, member of the Constitutional Assembly and Former Foreign Minister, marveled at Korea's development over the past 50 years and said Nepal can learn a lot from the Korean miracle. Both Hon. Acharya and Dr. Lohani attended the Interfaith Assembly in Korea with the Vice President.
Five Members of Parliament, nearly two dozen senior Ambassadors for Peace, and other dignitaries attended the reception at UPF-Nepal's Peace Embassy building.
For a report of the Interfaith Assembly in Korea, click here.