Traditional Knowledge, Skills and Technology and their Creative Use

Nepal is one of the richest cultures in the world. Nepal is known as a non-stop festival’s country and living cultural museum in the world. Culture has been called ‘the way of life for an entire society’. There are more than hundred cultural practices due to the differences of caste. Hinduism and Buddhism are major religions of Nepal beside that Muslim, Christian, and other religious people also stay in Nepal. With the changing time and pace, culture is practiced by people.

Nepal is a multicultural, multilingual and multiethnic country. Similarly, Nepal has the people of different religious tolerance among the people. However, the people who follow Hindu religion are in great number. Besides this, Buddhism is another popular religion of Nepal. The founder of Buddhism is Gautam Buddha. Who was born in Lumbini, Nepal. He is famous as the Light of Asia. There are many followers of Islam, Christianity, Shikhism, Jainism and Kirat religion. Every religion has its own values and norms. People of every religion can celebrate their festivals according to their culture and traditions. 

In past,people use local knowledge, skill and technology to survive their lives which are called traditional knowledge, skill and technology. Likewise, bamboo hole to dry out the vegetables (gundruk), use of cow dung as firewood, use of ropes to cross the river , etc.

The importance of traditional acknowledges,skill and technology

• It preserves our culture,tradition etc
• It is cheaper and easily available as they're produced locally,etc
• It completely based on Nepalese originality
• The pride of ancestor deeds
• Environmental friendly and durable
• It is base for using modern technology

Cultures,traditions, and technology are being modified as per the changing pace of time.For eg: "Grinding machine" has been modified as "Mill",Tuin has been modified as the cable car,etcBut,our originality should not disappear in the name of change and modernization.Modernization is a big challenge. There is a lack of interest among people in following their tradition and cultural practices; youth are becoming more attracted to Western culture and following tradition is considered outdated. Traditional knowledge holders face a lack of respect and appreciation for such knowledge. There are also few safeguards to protect traditional knowledge holders against misuse of their knowledge. Intellectual property is often acquired illegitimately by third parties.