Interfaith Peace Federation Nepal has completed a program on media lobbying. Federation completed this program along with various media personnel on the topic of Interfaith peace and harmony. Ms. Bimala Shrestha, Program manager of IPFN, informed me about the contribution provided by Interfaith Peace Federation Nepal to society. She discussed the roles and responsibilities played by religious leaders of different religions for the establishment of social peace.

In the program federation, religious leaders from four religions and various other stakeholders were present.

Faith leaders have shown sorrow that the media has not given the priority to the issues of Interfaith peace. Hindu religious leader Pandit Ramchandra Bhandari also mentioned that Interfaith Peace Federation Nepal has incomparable contributions towards society but the media are not recognizing the impactful work. Media is known as the fourth organ of the nation so, for social peace and harmony in the community media, religious leaders have requested that the media should give companionship in the upcoming days.

The questions raised by religious leaders and stakeholders in the lobbying program were answered by the Secretary of the Journalist federation Mr. Pawan Acharya.

He clarified that there is no such policy to not publish, play, or show any religious content.He said that the subject of religion is intense and complex which is why it is not the priority. Although, he does not agree that the media has not played or published such news.He said, “Religious topics are very intense and complex that is unknown to most people. Each word can create an effect on society and religious follower groups. So, journalists fear to write on such topic but if there is good research on the religious subject then it has been published in various media.” He added that it will take time, but the day is near when the media will build or build bricks to write about religion.

Similarly, Journalist Narendra Saud from Annapurna post daily has given suggested having a purposeful encounter for the impactful session and effectiveness between IPFN and media in further days.
The chairperson of the lobbying program Mr. Ram Bhakta Kurumwang said that religion plays important role in society so he requested the media to raise the topic of religion.

He asserted that for the establishment of a peaceful society along with social harmony, religious tolerance, co-existence, cooperation, respect, the media will play and invest their time to run the such campaign.