KATHMANDU, May 29: Nepal is celebrating 18 years of its republican journey today, achieved through the peaceful movement led by seven major political parties and the armed struggle launched by the then-rebel CPN (Maoist) against the autocratic monarchy.
On May 28, 2008 (Jestha 15, 2065 BS), the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly abolished the 240-year-old monarchy and declared Nepal a federal democratic republic. Since then, the country has marked Republic Day every year to commemorate this historic transformation.
On that day, Nepali citizens secured sovereignty and embraced an inclusive, proportional democratic republic that ensured freedom and liberal social justice. The day also marks the people's victory over hereditary rule.
The federal democratic republic guarantees all political rights and aims to unify the nation for a prosperous future. It prioritizes addressing education, health, public transport, social security, and poverty while raising Nepal's global profile.
Republic Day to be celebrated for three days
Because a republican constitution reflects the people's will and aspirations, citizens must protect their rights and uphold Republic Day as a pillar of democracy. The democratic republic is not just a political structure but also a governance model and way of life founded on liberal ideals.
Globally, among all forms of governance, the democratic republic proves the most effective. It empowers people, raises living standards, and drives national prosperity.
To celebrate the Republic Day nationwide with enthusiasm and grandeur, the Republic Day Main Ceremony Committee has organized a special program at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel. President Ramchandra Paudel and other dignitaries will attend the event.
The ceremony will honor martyrs who sacrificed their lives for change and acknowledge the contributions of those who endured hardship to establish democracy, justice, and prosperity. Thousands of Nepalis faced imprisonment and torture during those struggles.
Leaders from various political parties have pledged to continue building an empowered, prosperous, and joyful society under democratic values.
They have stressed the need to uplift living standards by increasing production, fairly distributing opportunities, promoting employment, and ensuring good governance.
Their Republic Day message calls for ensuring prosperity through a strong economy and building a liberal state rooted in democratic ideals for future generations.
They believe Nepal can build a strong and resilient federal democratic republic by uniting under the people's mandate, election outcomes, and constitutional framework. Society must embrace a republican way of life at every level to institutionalize the republic at the grassroots.
This system must bring all citizens into the nation-building process by prioritizing development, good governance, prosperity, and national dignity.
