Author: space4knews

RG Creations has transformed Nepalese wedding and banquet venues into spaces that create an ‘experience’ by blending tradition with modernity. The company’s design philosophy is rooted in aesthetics, functionality, and cultural coherence, prioritizing banquet halls over five-star hotels. RG Creations has expanded its services across major cities in Nepal and has also entered the international market, revitalizing old party palaces through renovation.

Two decades ago in Kathmandu, the typical scene of a Nepalese wedding or banquet was often the same—guests seated in rows on an open field or school courtyard, dining arranged on simple plates. Over time, this scenario gradually evolved. Temporary structures adorned with tarpaulin roofs, colorful lights, and fabric decorations offered a fleeting sense of modernity. However, the transformation witnessed in the past five years has been substantial and qualitative. Today, weddings, parties, or special ceremonies are no longer just gatherings; they have been transformed into venues that create an immersive ‘experience.’

According to Ram Giri, Executive Chairman of RG Creations, this change began with a simple yet profound question: If our traditions are so rich, why should celebration venues be ordinary? Thus, the company’s focus shifted beyond ‘building structures’ to ‘creating experiences.’ Giri states, “Previously, a party palace was merely a large hall where people gathered, but we aimed to transform it into a harmonious amalgamation of beauty, grandeur, appeal, safety, and ease of management.”

The design philosophy of RG Creations rests on three main pillars—beauty, functionality, and cultural relevance. The venues constructed by the company exhibit a blend of classical grandeur and Nepali identity. Giri emphasizes that the success of any venue depends on the fresh concepts and content introduced. Consequently, RG Creations sends its engineers abroad for training to acquire the latest knowledge and skills.

RG Creations offers an integrated service covering the entire project cycle—from concept development to design, construction, and operations management. The company breathes new life into old and outdated party palaces by renovating them into modern spaces. This approach has paved the way for Nepalese celebrations to evolve from mere occasions into experiences to be cherished.

The government is preparing to operate training programs for both domestic and foreign employment under a single umbrella. The National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) has reached the final stage of its five-year strategic plan for 2026–31. Vocational training centers will be established in all seven provinces to integrate the training system at the national level. Kathmandu, 23 Chaitra. The government plans to operate training programs under one roof not only for domestic employment but also for workers going abroad for foreign employment. To implement this, the National Vocational Training Institute is developing a five-year strategic plan. Until now, the institute has operated training programs aimed at domestic employment; however, it is now expanding its structure and operational scope to include skill-based training for foreign employment as well.

Ever since Deepak Kumar Sah was appointed Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Security, his first decision was to prepare the “Strategic Plan 2026–31” for producing skilled manpower through the National Vocational Training Institute. According to Ramesh Kumar Bakhti, Executive Director of the institute, the strategic plan is currently in its final phase and will be finalized shortly. “So far, training was provided only for domestic and local employment, but now, we are moving forward with the process to include training for those going abroad for foreign employment,” Bakhti explained.

Currently, training centers in regions such as Itahari, Butwal, and Bhainsepati are operating separately under the ministry. Under the new structure, a vocational training center will be established in each of the seven provinces, all of which will come under the National Institute. The expansion of the institute’s operational scope followed the issuance of the “National Vocational Training Institute Development Committee Formation Order 2080.” Given the need to include foreign employment-related training, a new strategic plan was required and thus prepared. Training providers will now be required to develop the necessary infrastructure not only for domestic but also for foreign employment.

The institute has stated that standards are being developed to provide training according to the tools, technologies, and work methods used in destination countries. Following the organizational restructuring, the institute’s scope has increased, and accordingly, the new strategic plan is being prepared with technical assistance from SAMI program. Once Minister Sah’s decisions are finalized, the plan will be officially published. In coordination with returnee workers and related foreign institutions, necessary skills, practices, and infrastructure studies will be conducted to prepare training standards.

For this purpose, the government has developed strategies in cooperation with employer associations and organizations such as the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) to determine the training content. Demands for specific types of skilled manpower from the private sector will be collected. Corresponding curricula will be developed, and private sector involvement will be ensured throughout the training and employment process. This approach is expected to facilitate direct employment for those trained. Currently, numerous private training providers are also capable of delivering training to workers intending to go abroad.

However, additional infrastructure focused on foreign employment will be required. Institutions providing training for domestic employment will also train workers going abroad, but they must develop infrastructure aligned with the practices, technology, and equipment of the respective destination countries. Coordination with institutions in the destination countries will be conducted to identify infrastructure needs, with training delivered according to established standards. The Ministry of Labor is preparing to integrate all types of skill-based training under the ‘One-Stop System.’ Presently, the institute has the authority to conduct skill-based training for up to six months, and the training offerings will be expanded within this scope. Training for foreign employment is already provided by the Foreign Employment Board Secretariat and various associations. Now, efforts are underway to centrally conduct all training through the institute. The new strategic plan prioritizes skill-based training alongside skill testing, certification, entrepreneurship development, and ‘green skills.’ Preparations are in progress to provide training aligned with global market demands in terms of manpower, technology, and skill levels. By integrating the entire system in this manner, the institute aims to strengthen the linkages among skills, training, and employment, with the strategic plan nearing completion.

Kathmandu – The exhibition titled ‘Forms of Abstraction’, showcasing Nepalese abstract painting, is currently underway at Taragaon Next in Boudha, Kathmandu. The exhibition, which began on Thursday, will continue until Monday. Organized with support from the Saraf Foundation for Himalayan Tradition and Culture, the exhibition features 49 abstract paintings created by 26 Nepalese artists.

Roshan Mishra, Director of Taragaon Next, stated that Nepalese abstract painting is deeply intertwined with the country’s history and traditions. “It is essential to introduce this art form linked with history and tradition to everyone,” he said. “Exhibitions such as this play a crucial role in recognizing and providing opportunities to remarkable artists.”

Mishra also noted that abstract painting has become highly popular among young people, and events like this exhibition help in deepening their understanding of the art. He described this exhibition as the largest and most participatory organized so far.

The roots of Nepalese abstract art date back to the 1960s when Lain Singh Bangdel pioneered the movement. After studying modern art in Paris, Bangdel successfully introduced a new artistic language in Nepal through color, texture, and emotion. Subsequent artists such as Gehendra Man Amatya, Laxman Shrestha, Uttam Nepali, Govinda Dangol, Krishna Manandhar, Kiran Manandhar, Laya Mainali, and Sharad Ranjit continued to develop abstract art in Nepal.

The participating artists in the current exhibition portrayed Nepal’s history, spirituality, culture, and nature through colors and artistic expressions. Some works also exhibit influences of geometry and architecture. The exhibition pays special tribute to late pioneering abstract artists including Lain Singh Bangdel, Uttam Nepali, Bal Krishna Sam, Indra Pradhan, and Prashant Shrestha for their invaluable contributions to abstract art.

The lineup of exhibiting artists includes Bidhata KC, Navindraman Rajbhandari, Vijay Maharjan, NB Gurung, Binod Pradhan, Nemba Tamang, Chandra Shrestha, Pramila Bajracharya, Govinda Dangol, and Ramesh Khanal. Additionally, Jeewan Rajopadhyay, Ratnakaji Shakya, Kiran Manandhar, Rita Manandhar, KK Karmacharya, Sagar Manandhar, Krishna Manandhar, Sangeet Shrestha, Laya Mainali, Sharad Ranjit, Madan Chitrakar, Sunita Rana, Mukesh Mall, Sushma Rajbhandari, Nabindra Limbu, and Vijay Thapa are also participating.

Director Mishra emphasized that although abstract art has been practiced in Nepal for nearly 65 years, there has been limited discourse and attention devoted to the subject until now.