The 'Fourth National Conference on Architectural Trends and Heritage' was inaugurated by Nepal Workers and Peasants' Party Chairman Narayanman Bijukchhe (Rohit) on 15 Baisakh 2082 (Monday), in Bhaktapur. The event was jointly organized by Khwopa Engineering College and Khwopa College of Engineering, both institutions run by Bhaktapur Municipality, in collaboration with the University Grants Commission, to mark World Heritage Day 2025.

Wishing the conference resounding success, Chairman Bijukchhe expressed his belief that it would serve as a platform for meaningful discussions on diverse architectural disciplines and global heritage concerns. He highlighted that architecture has significantly contributed to both tangible development and the evolution of abstract art across various historical periods within shared geographical settings.

“Our ancient tangible and intangible heritage, art, and culture are the essence of our identity,” said Chairman Bijukchhe, emphasizing that our pride and vitality are deeply rooted in them. He remarked that while tangible art reflects material progress, intangible art expresses the inner emotions and thoughts of humanity across the globe. He noted that various forms of songs, music, and dance convey powerful messages that resonate with the hearts of society and its listeners.

Chairman Bijukchhe further stated that tangible arts and heritage not only showcase the physical advancement of various sectors but also highlight their contributions to global civilization. “The dances, paintings, traditional attire, and decorative artifacts of a society,” he said, “offer a glimpse into human emotions, a sense of fulfillment, and cultural pride.”

Highlighting the cultural depth of traditional performances, Chairman Bijukchhe stated that dances such as the Nava Durga, Bhairav, and Devi evoke a deep resonance within the collective consciousness of ancient human societies. He remarked that the symbolic expressions embodied by each character and the rhythms of traditional musical instruments bring joy and stimulation to the human mind.

He acknowledged the remarkable achievements being made through the use of modern technology and advancements in science, noting that humanity's logical reasoning and creative expression continue to drive development and progress.

Quoting the proverb, "Old things serve the new era and foreign things serve the homeland," he emphasized that Nepal's ancient heritage plays a vital role in supporting the contemporary economy. At the same time, both domestic and international scientific and technological innovations have propelled the nation forward.

The program chairman, the Mayor of Bhaktapur Municipality, and the Chairman of the College Management Committee, Mr. Sunil Prajapati, stated that the National Conference on Architectural Trends and Heritage has been jointly organized for the past four years, while a biennial international conference is also being jointly held by the colleges run by Bhaktapur Municipality. He emphasized that the heritage sites of Bhaktapur are among the finest and most exemplary in the world in terms of architectural value.

Underscoring that cultural heritage is a shared asset, Mayor Prajapati stressed that its preservation is a collective responsibility. He reiterated his longstanding position that the reconstruction of heritage sites should not be handled through conventional contract systems.

Architect Rajani Joshi, Deputy Mayor of Bhaktapur Municipality and Vice Chairperson of the College Management Committee, stated that Bhaktapur Municipality has been using the book Bhaktapur After a Century, authored by Nepal Workers and Peasants' Party Chairman Narayanman Bijukchhe (Rohit), as a guiding principle for its development initiatives.

The Director of the University Grants Commission, Mr. Kedar Prasad Acharya, expressed that the conference would play a vital role in revealing students' knowledge and skills while uncovering new facts and insights. He emphasized that the primary responsibility for heritage conservation and promotion rests with us all.

Speaking at the program, Chief Administrative Officer of Bhaktapur Municipality, Mr. Basanta Bhattarai, remarked that heritage conservation is a matter of social responsibility. Given Bhaktapur’s immense cultural and archaeological significance, he noted that preserving its heritage directly contributes to the growth of tourism in the region.

Principal of Khwopa Engineering College, Er. Sujan Maka, Principal of Khwopa College of Engineering, Er. Sunil Duwal emphasized the significance of the conference and noted that both colleges have been placing special focus on documentation as a crucial element in heritage conservation efforts. Program Coordinator, Architect Libas Phaiju, also addressed the gathering and shared her remarks.