Historic Leap of the Cultural Corporation Under the Leadership of Kiran Babu Pun

Achieves Net Profit for the First Time, Institutional Reforms Open a New Chapter

Kathmandu.

Leadership of Kiran Babu Pun at the Cultural Corporation: An Example of “The Right Person in the Right Place”

Kathmandu – The activities and achievements of Nepal’s Cultural Corporation have recently become a topic of widespread discussion in the fields of art, culture, music, and cultural preservation. In particular, individuals associated with the arts, music, and cultural sectors have viewed the accomplishments achieved under the leadership of General Manager Kiran Babu Pun in a highly positive light.

Artists and cultural figures say that the institution gained new momentum after Kiran Babu Pun, a well-known, experienced, and dedicated personality in the fields of art and culture, assumed its leadership. Many regard his appointment as a classic example of placing “the right person in the right position.”

Since taking charge, Pun has prioritized good governance, transparency, institutional reform, the use of digital technology, preservation of cultural assets, and revenue growth. As a result, the Cultural Corporation, which had operated at a loss for years, has managed to record a profit for the first time in its history. The cultural community views this achievement as a significant turning point.

Folk singers, musicians, dancers, actors, writers, and cultural activists have all welcomed the transformation taking place within the institution. According to them, the organization is no longer limited to hosting formal programs but is gradually evolving into a center for cultural production, training, research, archiving, and digital promotion.

They point to initiatives such as the construction of a modern recording studio, improved practice facilities, expansion of cultural programs, the introduction of a National Dohori Song Competition, digital publishing systems, artist-friendly working environments, and culture-based tourism programs as reasons for renewed optimism about the institution’s future.

Many cultural figures believe that whenever an institution is led by someone who possesses expertise, experience, and vision in the relevant field, positive results naturally follow. They say Kiran Babu Pun’s leadership has proven exactly that.

After years of financial difficulties and concerns about its relevance, the institution has once again emerged as a vibrant center for cultural activities. Artists commonly remark, “Kiran Babu Pun’s leadership has demonstrated that meaningful change is indeed possible within the institution.”

Experts in culture, arts, and music emphasize that effective institutional leadership is essential for preserving and promoting Nepal’s indigenous culture, folk arts, folk music, and cultural heritage. They believe Pun has sought to advance the institution not only administratively but also from a broader cultural perspective.

For this reason, many people from Nepal’s artistic, musical, and cultural sectors continue to praise Kiran Babu Pun’s leadership style and the positive transformation occurring within the Cultural Corporation. They hope that such result-oriented, transparent, and culturally focused leadership will continue in the years ahead.

A New Chapter in Nepal’s Cultural History

The Cultural Corporation, a government institution deeply connected to Nepal’s cultural history, has created a new milestone by earning a net profit for the first time since its establishment. Under the leadership of General Manager Kiran Babu Pun, the institution has successfully transformed itself from a loss-making organization burdened by long-standing financial, administrative, and structural challenges into a profitable one.

Pun was appointed General Manager by a decision of the Government of Nepal’s Council of Ministers on January 17, 2024 (Magh 3, 2080 BS) and officially assumed office on January 22, 2024 (Magh 8, 2080 BS). The very next day, he launched a reform campaign by abolishing long-standing practices of granting discounts and special privileges for halls, rehearsal spaces, and other facilities. This move is widely regarded as the first major step toward establishing good governance within the institution.

Leading Through Challenges

When Pun took office, the institution faced severe financial and administrative difficulties. Employee salaries were problematic, while millions of rupees remained unpaid to the Employees Provident Fund and Citizens Investment Trust. Retirement benefits owed to former employees had accumulated for years.

Institutional assets were underutilized, political interference was widespread, and various interest groups had diverted the organization from its original mission. Reviving the institution while simultaneously increasing revenue and preserving cultural heritage represented a major challenge.

Revitalizing a 67-Year Legacy

Originally established in 1959 (2016 BS) as the National Theater (Rastriya Nachghar), the institution was reorganized in 1972 (2029 BS) as the Cultural Corporation. It remains one of Nepal’s most important cultural institutions, employing artists directly and serving as a center for cultural preservation and promotion.

Pun introduced a vision centered on adapting the institution to the digital era. His long-term philosophy, “Culture + Nature + Human Resources = Prosperity,” has become the foundation of institutional planning. He believes that Nepal’s cultural heritage, natural resources, and skilled human capital can generate prosperity when effectively linked to production, tourism, and innovation.

First-Ever Profit and Significant Revenue Growth

According to the Ministry of Finance’s Annual Review of Public Enterprises 2083, the Cultural Corporation recorded a net profit of NPR 2.9 million (29 lakh rupees), the first profit in its history.

The previous year’s report had already highlighted a 69.47 percent increase in operating income, one of the highest growth rates among social-sector public institutions.

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation also recognized the institution’s financial turnaround and reforms as notable achievements in an official press release.

Major Infrastructure Development

The institution has completed numerous infrastructure projects that had remained only on paper for years. These include:

• A modern recording studio
• A seminar hall
• Soundproof rehearsal and training rooms
• Accessibility ramps for senior citizens and persons with disabilities
• A library
• Hall equipment management facilities

These developments have strengthened both institutional operations and cultural production activities.

A Bold Digital Transformation

Under Pun’s leadership, the institution launched YouTube monetization and mobile app-based content distribution for the first time. It also introduced:

• Online hall booking
• Online artist certification
• Online ticket booking systems

These initiatives have enabled artists’ works to reach audiences worldwide and have positioned the institution as a growing player in Nepal’s cultural industry.

Revival of Cultural Heritage

One of the institution’s most celebrated achievements has been the revival of the historic musical drama Muna Madan, based on the renowned work of national poet Laxmi Prasad Devkota. Audio materials that had been lost for years were recovered, allowing the production to return to the stage.

The institution has also launched the research journal Culture Studies (Sanskriti Adhyayan).

Expansion of Cultural Programs

The Cultural Corporation has expanded its annual programs to include:

• Gaijatra special performances
• Comedy and satire productions
• Cultural evenings
• National Dohori Song Competitions
• Folk culture conferences
• Traditional food festivals
• Province-based cultural showcases

For the first time, the institution itself has become the organizer of a National Dohori Song Competition.

Employee Welfare and Financial Responsibility

The institution has resumed regular contributions to the Employees Provident Fund and Citizens Investment Trust. It has also reduced long-standing gratuity liabilities through increased internal revenue and aims to fully resolve outstanding retirement benefit obligations in the coming fiscal year.

Education, Tourism, and International Partnerships

In partnership with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the institution has developed training programs in music, dance, and acting under the “Book Free Friday” initiative.

It has also partnered with the Nepal Tourism Board and the United Nations Development Programme to develop cultural tourism packages under sustainable tourism projects.

Preserving Cultural Assets

The institution has established a dedicated committee to identify, document, archive, and protect copyrights related to audiovisual materials and other cultural assets produced since the era of the National Theater.

It has also played an active role in Nepal’s national intangible cultural heritage listing campaign, helping secure recognition for cultural traditions such as the Bhume Festival and Nacharu Syain Dance.

Government Recognition and Continuity

Even when the government led by Balen Shah canceled numerous political appointments, Kiran Babu Pun was retained in his position. This decision has been widely interpreted as recognition of his performance and achievements.

Looking Ahead

Pun has proposed adding another floor to the institution’s Mega Hall building and establishing a modern digital filming studio. He believes this project will further increase cultural production, digital content creation, and revenue generation.

According to the institution, these efforts in good governance, digital transformation, cultural industry development, and financial sustainability are laying the foundation for transforming the Cultural Corporation from a traditional government body into a modern cultural production hub and a model institution for Nepal’s cultural future.