KATHMANDU, Aug 19: Marxism-Asian Philosophy International Conference has kicked off on Monday in Kathmandu. The two days conference is scheduled to discuss similarities and dissimilarities between Marxist philosophy and various other philosophies that emerged in South Asia.
Inaugurating the conference, former Prime Minister and Nepal Communist Party (NCP) senior leader Jhala Nath Khanal stated that Nepal at the epicenter of Asian thinking is a source of various philosophies.
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"Marx did not get an opportunity to study Asian philosophy. The Marxist theory that was established following a study of other philosophies nears truth. Marxism has similarities with ancient philosophy," he said. He stressed the need for exposing Balmeeki Ashram, Sinja Civilisation of Western Nepal, Civilisation of 5,000 years old Silk Road of Mustang and Shaiva and Kirat civilization of the Kathmandu Valley to boost tourism.
Likewise, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Giriraj Mani Pokharel said the conference should send a message to the world. "Universities should focus on research for building a knowledge-based society. A good lifestyle could be lived by embracing the positive aspects of various philosophies. New research is needed on human conduct illustrated in Veda and Purans," he said.
Former Deputy Prime Minister and CPN-ML General Secretary CP Mainali said Marxist philosophy should also be used for changes in other sectors apart from the society. Federal Socialist Forum leader Rajendra Shrestha viewed that Marxism brought to Nepal by communist leader Pushpa Lal Shrestha would open the door to new knowledge.
Vice Chancellor of Nepal Sanskrit University, Dr Kul Prasad Koirala, Vice Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University, Hridayaratna Bajracharya, Vice Chancellor of Nepal Open University, Lekh Nath Sharma and Chairperson of Marxist Gurukul, Sonam Sathi also attended the conference.
Approximately 300 representatives from various countries including Nepal, India, China, Germany and the United Kingdom have taken part in the conference. Various 28 working papers on Marxism and other Asian philosophies will be presented and a Kathmandu declaration issued on the occasion, said the organiser.
