Right Honourables
Honourables,
Distinguished Guests,
Heads of Diplomatic Missions,
Esteemed Nepali Sisters and Brothers at Home and Abroad,
At the outset, on the happy occasion of the 19th Republic Day, I extend my congratulations and best wishes to all Nepali sisters and brothers living within the country and abroad.
Today is a special day for us. This day is not just an ordinary day; it is a historic day for us. Because exactly 19 years ago today, we attained a democratic republic founded upon the sovereignty of the people. On this historic occasion, I pay my heartfelt tributes to all the martyrs who sacrificed their precious lives during the historic peoples movements, various other movements and struggles throughout different periods of history to establish a federal democratic republic with pluralistic democracy, civil rights, civil liberties and good governance.
Furthermore, I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude from the bottom of my heart to the warriors of democracy who endured imprisonment, chains, exile and countless hardships during the movements, and who remained unwavering in the cause of change even in the face of those ordeals. Likewise, I respectfully remember the senior leaders, civil society, and all political parties who made immense sacrifices and contributions in bringing the nation to the present stage of the federal democratic republic.
We are all aware that the democratic republic is among the finest political systems in the world. Through the Constitution created by the people themselves, we have made it even more exemplary by further enriching it with the noble ideals of socialism based on federalism, inclusiveness, social justice, and democratic values. Therefore, there is no political system in the world that is more advanced than this, for this system has made citizens sovereign. It recognises the people as the ultimate source of state authority and power. Our Constitution has enshrined the supremacy of the people as a great national achievement, and we are committed to its meaningful implementation. It is through this practice that the powers concentrated in Singhadurbar have now reached villages across the country.
The local and provincial governments are discharging their responsibilities as per the constitution. Under this system of governance, sovereignty is being exercised from the very doorsteps of the people. A liberal and advanced democratic practice is in place whereby, if citizens have any grievance, it can be addressed through the very structures of governance. This strengthens the foundations of democracy. The idea that the people themselves are the ultimate sovereign in a democracy has been firmly established.
Our Constitution envisions a federal democratic republic that guarantees the political, economic, social, religious and cultural freedoms of citizens, while also seeking to ensure justice for the disadvantaged and livelihood opportunities for the deprived. Although various categories of rights have been enumerated, the essence of the philosophy embodied in the federal democratic republic lies in ensuring that disadvantaged and deprived citizens are able to enjoy unhindered freedom and opportunities to improve their standard of living.
The republic has guaranteed us our full political rights. It has also provided us with the opportunity to move forward together in unity in pursuit of a prosperous future. It has brought the people of the nation together and inspired us with a shared resolve to build a common national destiny. It has given us ownership of our identity, language, religion, culture, civilisation and homeland. Therefore, it stands as both a profound inspiration and a solemn responsibility for nation-building.
Political achievements alone are not sufficient unless they bring meaningful change into the lives of citizens. We must transform the character of our governance. We must change the character and conduct of politics, political parties and leaders. In order to realise the true excellence of the republic, I believe we must not delay in making our politics, governance system, political parties and representative institutions fully democratic, impartial, competitive, just, and effective.
We must now focus on strengthening the achievements we have attained through dedication, sacrifice and humility. Upon the foundation of our political rights, we must ensure economic and social prosperity together with social justice. Our political parties, our government, and our leadership must be creative, humble, accountable to the people, and of integrity and ethical conduct. Our institutions of governance and organs of the State must become dynamic and result-oriented. We must ensure good governance.
It is obvious that our greatest enemy, today, is none other than delay, irregularities and malpractice. We must ensure that these shortcomings do not dishearten citizens who carry the beautiful aspirations of the democratic republic. Until the light of hope shines in the life of every citizen, the objectives of the federal democratic republic achieved through blood and sacrifice shall remain unfulfilled.
Today, citizens have sought prosperity with good governance. To this end, it is essential to optimally utilize our resources. Only then can we strengthen our industrial and service sectors, including agriculture, tourism, and energy. Only then can we connect governance to the lives of the citizens by means of economic development and prosperity. This is our historic responsibility today. In this sense, this day has reminded us of our historic duty. I believe we shall not forget this duty.
Following the successful completion of the election to the House of Representatives held to address the extraordinary circumstances facing the nation, a government with a strong popular mandate has been formed. In accordance with the aspirations of the people, the Government has resolved to advance good governance for prosperity, improvement in public service delivery, economic recovery, zero tolerance against corruption and social progress as the fundamental guidelines. I am confident that the Government’s commitment to fully implementing its hundred-point governance reform agenda, along with structural and legal reforms aimed at fostering a borderless economy and weightless trade shall inspire renewed hope among the people.
All of us ought to understand that the aspirations of our times cannot be fulfilled merely through changes in the political system and governance structure. They also require transformation in the character, conduct, political integrity and values of our state institutions. Otherwise, practice will not validate political change.
I hope that to preserve the dignity of the republic and to enrich it further, we will all unite with a commitment to transform political integrity, core values and conduct. A republic is not merely a system of governance. It is also a disciplined political, economic, and social way of life. It carries with it its own values and moral responsibilities. By forgetting these, we cannot fulfil our historical responsibility. May this day inspire us all to advance towards the highest and most meaningful practice of a federal democratic republic founded upon social justice, development and prosperity, and to bind politics, the state and governance within the limits of morality, integrity and values. With these wishes, I extend my best wishes for a prosperous and happy future to all.
Jai Nepal!