Prez, PM express sorrow
KATHMANDU, June 7: Veteran musician Amber Gurung was cremated at Pashupati Aryaghat with national honors Tuesday.
Gurung's eldest son Kishor Gurung lit the funeral pyre as a contingent of Nepal Army personnel presented a guard of honor in his respect.
National poet Madhav Prasad Ghimire cremated with state honors
Gurung, who also composed the music for the national anthem, passed away at the age of 78 at the Dhapasi-based Grande Hospital at 2:37 am.
President Bidya Devi Bhandari expressed grief at the demise of the veteran musician. Issuing a statement, she said that with Gurung's death, Nepali music has lost a maestro. "Gurung will remain immortal among us with his remarkable contributions. I wish enternal peace for the departed soul," read the statement.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is also the chairman of the CPN-UML, expressed sadness over Gurung's demise. Issuing a statement, Prime Minister Oli said Gurung was a bright star of Nepali music and Nepali music fraternity has suffered a huge loss with his demise.
He said, "I pay my tribute to Gurung and offer my condolences to the bereaved family."
Likewise, political parties and various leaders also expressed sadness at his demise.
Issuing a letter of condolence, President of Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba also expressed grief at the death. "He was a guardian of Nepali music and today the industry has lost its guardian," he said. Stating that he was deeply pained by Gurung death, Deuba expressed condolence over his death.
Likewise, CPN-UML also issued a condolence statement and expressed grief at the death of the great musician.
Various other political parties have also expressed sorrow over Gurung's death.
