Amrit Gurung meets the Finnish President

Amrit Gurung the frontman of Nepalese folk-rock Band – Nepathya, today met the Finnish President, Mrs. Tarja Halonen at the World Village Festival (Maailma Kylasaa).
During a short conversation – the Finnish President expressed curiosity over Nepal's situation. She said – "I had been to Nepal in 1990. How is it now?"
Amrit replied – "The Mountains and the scenery all remain the same – only the situation has changed, but it is improving now."
The President expressed optimism over Nepal's changing situation. She said, "I hope it will be better now."

Amrit also presented the President with Nepathya's two CDs – Bhedako Oon Jasto and Ghatana. Amrit said while presenting the Cds – "Bhedako Oon Jasto contains folk melodies from Nepal, where as Ghatana is based on real incidents and feelings from the Nepali conflict."

Earlier toady– Finland's largest and main daily newspaper – Helsingin Sanomat printed a 4 column story on Nepathya and Amrit. It compared Nepathya with Finland's extremely popular and pioneering folk –rock band 'Eppunormaali'. The story also credited Nepathya's effort for bringing serious messages of the people of Nepal through their music.

It further said – "Nepathya are here to take part in the World Village Festival as the main performer and they will perform at the Savannah Stage (main stage) at the festival venue – Kaisaniemi Park.

Nepathya had arrived in Finland on the 25th to take part as the main performer of the 2 day festival.

"The villagers of the world come to meet us" – has been the theme statement of this weekend festival. It will feature 150 shows from 4 continents. Along with multi cultural activities about 200 Finland based NGOs will put up stalls and showcase their work in these continents.  The festival is organised by KEPA and Nepathya's visit and performance has been hosted and produced by Nepal-Finland Friendship Association.

"I am very excited to be part of the festival. This is an important opportunity for Nepali music." says Amrit.