UNITED STATES, May 20, 2015 (U.S. Department of State): Nisha Desai Biswal, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, issued a detailed testimony to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, on Nepal in the aftermath of the terrible earthquake that struck on April 25th. The outpouring of concern from the U.S. Congress in the days and weeks following the earthquake and the surge in contributions to relief organizations are a testament to the generosity of the American people. It is a true indicator of the common values that unite us during these difficult times.
And as the world looks to helping Nepal rebuild, a top priority should be restoring the damage to its world-famous cultural heritage. The devastation is deeper than the toll in bricks, mortar and the economic costs of lost tourism: these sites represent the idea of Nepal as a wellspring for Asian religion and culture. The development and expansion of Buddhism and Hinduism over many centuries inspired a unique artistic and architectural heritage in Nepal that represented impressive achievements in not just artwork and buildings, but also in developing a tolerant and inclusive society that was a melting pot for diverse faiths and cultures. The earthquake completely destroyed some of the grand monuments to this important legacy, and strong and sustained international efforts will be required to restore them.
Full report at source.