BIRATNAGAR: The Chief of Madhesh Province, Dr Surendra Labh Karna, has said that the Maithili community and civilisation believe in coexistence.

Inaugurating the two-day ‘International Maithili Conference-2025’ held today in Biratnagar by the Maithili Association Nepal, he stated that the Maithili civilisation is strong because it embraces the spirit of coexistence of all.

Discussing the development of language, literature, and culture along with the development of society, Province Chief Dr Labh expressed the view that it is necessary to focus on the development of civilisation and culture to bring prosperity to society.

He maintained that the Maithili community should also play a role in maintaining political stability in the country and that creating employment domestically would end the problem of youth migrating abroad.

Minister for Tourism, Forests and Environment of Koshi Province, Sadananda Mandal, emphasised the need to work to attract tourists to Nepal, a country endowed with natural richness. He stated that important religious sites in the country should be promoted and developed, and Indian tourists should be invited to visit Nepal.

Executive Chairman of the National News Agency (RSS), Dharmendra Jha, expressed the view that, in recognition of the need of the time, the Maithili language should also be promoted as an issue in the upcoming election.

He emphasised the protection of the Maithili language, culture and civilisation, and highlighted that the Maithili-speaking population has been decreasing recently, stressing the need for inquiry into this matter as well.

Constituent Assembly member and politician Jitendra Dev stated that everyone should strive to prevent the Maithili identity, culture, history, and civilisation from dying.

At the programme chaired by Dr SN Jha, President of the Maithili Service Committee, the Vice Presidents of Maithili Association Nepal, Pankaj Barma and Awa Anupama, Maithili writer Rambharos Kapari, and youth leader Umesh Yadav, among others, had expressed their opinions.