Advertising Association of Nepal appeals to Indian advertising fraternity

Ujaya Shakya, vice president, AAN, has appealed to the Indian advertising fraternity to come forward and contribute to the restoration of quake hit Nepal.

The death toll from the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal about two weeks back has already crossed 7500 and left many villages destroyed. The Advertising Association of Nepal (AAN) has appealed to the international community to come forward and help Nepal in every possible way during this tragic time. It is also coordinating with the Nepal Government to accumulate an earthquake relief fund, as member agencies of the association contribute towards the same.

Ujaya Shakya, vice president of Advertising Association of Nepal, says, "Kathmandu valley was a city of temples. Now, it is a city of tents. This is a very unfortunate time for most Nepalese across the world. Saturday, April 25, 11:56 NST onwards, things have drastically changed for all of us. It has built in a fear within us on every occasion of aftershocks, which have been continuously taking place, even today."

The country witnessed severe damage to the Durbar Squares, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, in all three important cities within the valley - Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur. It was an ancient township with a public square preserved, almost intact, for centuries, but now is in ruins. These cultural sites are part of the skeleton of Kathmandu valley and the focal point for urban Nepal.

Shakya says, "There is also the economic aspect of these sites because almost 10 per cent of Nepal's economy depends on tourism. The earthquake has struck Nepal on so many levels. Personally, culturally, historically and socially, and the future of tourism - the very livelihood of certain sections of Nepalese are threatened. Therefore, it is an obligation for both Nepalese and the world to restore these structures in their former glory, despite both technical and monetary challenges. It is just simply impossible to imagine Kathmandu valley without them."

In his appeal to the Indian advertising fraternity, Shakya says that anyone wanting to help Nepal can reach out to the Advertising Association of Nepal office in Kathmandu for guidance.

Queries can be addressed to Ujaya Shakya, outreach Nepal at ujaya@outreachnepal.com.