Nov 16, 2016, Lumbini: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and Chairman of Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) Hon. Jiban Bahadur Shahi visited Lumbini today. He was accompanied by Personal Secretary Raj Bahadur Rokaya and other delegates Janak Bahadur Shahi, Bharat Jang Shahi and Manoj Pokharel. The Minister Shahi paid homage to the birthplace of the Buddha in Lumbini. He also inspected various project being carried out by the LDT. He inspected Administrative Building and Visitors' Information Centre in Lumbini that are under construction. He was briefed by Information Chief Hari D. Rai and Chief Engineer Saroj Bhattarai about the history, archaeology and recent development activities. 

The Minister instructed the staff and officials of the LDT amid a formal program organized at the LDT Head Office, Lumbini. The Minister Shahi recounted on the outstanding spiritual, cultural and touristic value of Lumbini as an international pilgrimage centre. I feel pity that Nepal has not been able tap such big potentials for development and identity of the nation, he said. He instructed all the officials and staff of the Trust to work in team spirit with positive attitude. He also expressed strong commitment for every necessary assistance from the ministry for good cause. He assured for positive response from his behalf for honest endeavor done to develop the holy land of Lumbini and its peripherals.         

The Minister and his delegates were welcomed by the the Vice Chairman Ven. Nigrodha, Member Secretary Ajitman Tamang and Project Chief Iman Singh Muktan at Gautam Buddha airport, Bhairahawa. The officials also provided guided tour to the Minister's team to Kapilavastu sites.