Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural nation. Different languages and cultures exist in Nepal, which give the nation a rich and unique national culture. It is, in fact, a matter of pride for all of us. Our national identity is attributed largely to this cultural and ethnic diversity. Nepal is, thus, known in the world as a country with rich cultural and ethnic diversity. This ethnic and cultural diversity, which is also known as unity in diversity, is an important national heritage, which needs to be further strengthened. Thus, more attention and efforts are needed to promote and develop these languages and cultures on equal basis. The laws of the land have clearly prohibited discrimination on the ground of language and ethnicity and guaranteed equal treatment to all languages and cultures. However, some anomalies and contradictions do exist in translating these constitutional and legal provisions into practice. But the government is serious to ensure that there is no discrimination on the ground of caste, colour and cultures.

The government has already announced the policy of providing primary education in the mother tongue of different ethnic communities so as to promote and develop these languages. For this, textbooks on different ethnic languages are being written. The success of the Jana Andolan II has created a new sense of enthusiasm in all sections of the society including dalits and janajatis as the government has declared to institutionalize inclusive democracy. The government has also vowed to give all groups a due share in all sectors including bureaucracy and other decision making levels. These commitments are being gradually translated into action. The government has been sensitive enough to ensure ethnic and gender harmony in all sectors. Similarly, efforts are equally under way to preserve and promote all languages and cultures so that Nepal could be developed as a genuine mosaic of all cultures and languages. These are positive efforts that would certainly have a far-reaching impact for equal development of all ethnic, lingual and cultural communities that exist in the country. The ethnic and cultural diversity is a unique heritage of the nation which should be a matter of pride for all of us. Although the government is effortful, its efforts alone may not be sufficient. Thus, there should be constructive efforts and contribution from all sectors for the preservation and promotion of ethnic and cultural diversity.