The Right Honourables,
Distinguished Guests,
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Today marks the completion of eleven years since the promulgation of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, institutionalizing the achievements attained through the Nepali people’s struggle, sacrifice, and dedication spanning over seven decades, who drafted their own Constitution through their elected representatives, in Nepal’s Constitutional history. On this glorious occasion, I, would first like to pay heartfelt tribute to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the establishment of the Democratic Republic.
I also wish to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation, from the bottom of my heart, to the champions of change and warriors of democracy who advocated for self-governance, and remained steadfast amidst immense hardship, enduring imprisonment, shackles, exile, and various forms of torture during the movements. Likewise, on this occasion, I wish to respectfully remember the pioneering leaders of the democratic movements.
On this historic occasion of Constitution Day, I extend my warmest greetings to all Nepali brothers and sisters residing in Nepal and abroad.
This year, as we observe the Constitution Day, the country is grappling with the deep anguish caused by floods and natural disasters. Many Nepalis have lost their loved ones, their homes, and their livelihoods. In this moment of sorrow, I once again pay tribute to the departed souls and offer heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and for the successful search and identification of the missing. Likewise, on behalf of the Government of Nepal, I convey our deepest condolences and sympathy to the families and Governments of the nationals of friendly countries who lost their lives during the devastating floods of 26 August 2026.
Today is a day to celebrate the achievements of the Constitution and also a day for reflection and introspection, amidst the pain caused by disaster. This disaster has reminded us that development is not merely about roads, bridges, and buildings; It is also a matter of safeguarding people’s lives, livelihoods, and futures. Therefore, during reconstruction, we must restore not only the collapsed structures but also the dreams of displaced families. We must never forget that the duty of the democratic system of governance envisioned by our Constitution is inextricably linked to the paramount interest of the people. I also believe that, amidst the challenges of climate change, our models of development must become more humane, equitable, and nature-friendly.
In the course of the country’s Constitutional evolution, this Constitution promulgated by the people has bestowed democracy upon us, enabling us to attain unprecedented levels of freedom and dignity in our history. This Constitution has provided us with provinces, offering us the opportunity to make our respective provinces peaceful, magnificent, and well-organized. Federalism, adopted in place of the unitary and centralized system of governance, is a significant gift from the Constitution; However, we must seize this opportunity and develop it as an essential tier of national development. The Constitution has given us the chance to build an inclusive Nepal rooted in pluralism, and through it, we have established a new structure of state governance. These are monumental achievements granted by the Constitution. I firmly believe that our future journey toward prosperity is assured upon the foundation of these very achievements.
We know that a Constitution is not merely a written document comprising of words or sentences; it is a collective pledge embodying the dreams, hopes, expectations, and rights of the citizens. Its true significance is realized when the state stands in solidarity with the citizens in their times of distress, when the Government acts as a servant of the people, when justice becomes the state’s core objective, and when no Nepali feels isolated or alienated within their own country. To achieve this, we must with profound respect for the Constitution as the supreme law of the land translate the pledges and commitments enshrined within it into the lives of the general public. This is possible only through a Government that is accountable to the people, transparent, result-oriented, and committed to upholding the supremacy of the citizens. It cannot be achieved without breaking the traditional patterns of structural privilege and ensuring equal rights, social justice, and prosperity for all.
Therefore, I urge all tiers of Governments to pay heed on this matter. Democracy will be strengthened and the aspirations enshrined in the Constitution are realized, only if we establish a culture of respecting dissent, learning from criticism, and holding the state accountable to the people. To this end, let us resolve today to translate the Constitution from mere rhetoric into the lives of citizens. The true meaning of the Constitution, secured through immense struggle and sacrifice, will be fully realized only when no Nepali has to plead the state for justice, dignity, and a secure future.
Connecting political change with the lives of citizens requires good governance and excellent service delivery in practice, capable of instilling hope among the people. Neither a state nor a political system can succeed leaving its citizens in despair. We must all understand that changes in governance structures alone cannot fulfill the expectations of the times; it is also essential to transform the character of the state apparatus, as well as our political integrity and values. Otherwise, it will fail to validate the political change itself.
Therefore, I believe that this day will instill in us, our political parties, leadership, Government, and the entire state apparatus a deep sense of responsibility to become more democratic, just, and result-oriented.
Jai Nepal!
19 September, 2026