Kathmandu, 29 May: Â It has been 18 years since Nepal began practicing republicanism, achieved as a result of the peaceful people’s movement called by the then seven political parties against the autocratic monarchy, and the armed struggle led by the rebel Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist).
On Jestha 15, 2065 B.S. (May 28, 2008), the first meeting of the elected Constituent Assembly declared the end of the 240-year-old autocratic monarchy and officially announced the establishment of a federal democratic republic. To commemorate this historic day, Republic Day is celebrated annually.
On that very day, the people of Nepal achieved citizen sovereignty, along with an inclusive, proportional democratic republic rooted in freedom, liberalism, and social justice. Republic Day is also a celebration of the people’s triumph over hereditary rule.
The federal democratic republic has ensured full political rights for the people, encouraging unity for a prosperous future. Its primary responsibility is to address public concerns such as education, healthcare, public transportation, and social security, while also working to eradicate poverty and elevate Nepal’s reputation on the global stage.
Among all governance systems practiced around the world, the democratic republic is regarded as the most ideal, serving as a powerful tool for improving people’s quality of life and ensuring national prosperity.
Meanwhile, the 18th Republic Day is being celebrated across the country today with grandeur and joy through various programs. A special ceremony organized by the Republic Day Main Ceremony Committee is being held at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel, with the presence of President Ram Chandra Paudel and other distinguished guests.
On this occasion, tributes will be paid to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for this proud transformation, and the contributions of the veterans who struggled, sacrificed, and fought for democracy will be remembered. Many Nepalis had to endure imprisonment and torture during the movements and struggles to establish social justice, independence, and prosperity in the country.
Leaders from various political parties have expressed their belief that this day further strengthens the commitment to work towards making citizens empowered and content within a democratic culture. They emphasized the responsibility to uplift people’s living standards through increased production, fair distribution of opportunities, promotion of employment, and the establishment of good governance in a democratic environment.
Messages shared on the occasion stress the need to ensure prosperity with a strong economy for the current generation, while creating a liberal state with unity, unique identity, and a high democratic culture for future generations.
It is believed that if the country moves forward in a united and coordinated manner, in accordance with the public mandate, electoral results, and constitutional provisions, the federal democratic republican system of governance in Nepal can become strong, resilient, and stable.
There is a recognized need to promote a republican way of life across all levels of society and foster awareness among citizens to institutionalize the republic at the grassroots level.
The democratic republican system must focus on development, good governance, prosperity, and national dignity, while ensuring that every Nepali citizen becomes a part of nation-building.
