Address by the Rt. Hon. President Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari at the ceremony organized on the occasion of the Constitution Day and the National Day of Nepal, 2022

Rt. Hon’ble Vice President,

Rt. Hon’ble Prime Minister,

Rt. Hon’ble Speaker of the House of Representatives,

Rt. Hon’ble Chairman of the National Assembly,

Former President and Former Prime Ministers,

Excellencies/Heads of Diplomatic Missions, and Spouses

Dignitaries,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

We are celebrating the 8th Constitution Day and the National Day of Nepal today. Promulgation of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal on this day seven years ago marked the culmination of the decades of struggle and sacrifice of Nepali people. On this auspicious occasion, I am pleased to welcome you at the Office of the President.

This day is being celebrated by Nepalis not only at home here, but also in the countries where many Nepalis have been living. I extend my sincere felicitations and best wishes to all of my Nepali brothers and sisters and to You on this historic occasion.

Our Constitution has entrusted the people with the powers to safeguarding the freedom, sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity and independence of our nation. The Constitution binds our ethnically, linguistically, religiously, culturally, and geographically diverse country into national unity. It is the historic achievement of our Constitution to ensure gender participation at all levels of the state instruments, inclusion of our cultural and geographical diversity and guarantee of fundamental rights.

While appreciating the leadership of political parties demonstrated in developing and drafting this Constitution, I would like to draw their attention towards defending and upholding the values of the Constitution.

Let me stress- we will continue with our efforts to institutionalize the federal democratic republic guaranteed by the Constitution.  In this context, it is important to recall here that we have recently held successful local elections. We will be conducting provincial and federal elections in a couple of months’ time. After the elections of all three levels of governance, I am confident that the elected representatives will be able to work more industriously for the country’s social, economic, cultural, educational development, prioritizing the comprehensive welfare of the people.

Distinguished guests and diplomatic community,

The challenges faced to Nepal’s development process today are of multi-dimensional nature.  For a mountainous country like ours, there is a huge significance of adaptation programmes to mitigate the consequences of climate change. We need to create employment opportunities at home for our youth. We are required to run comprehensive and far-reaching programmes in the sectors of education, health, drinking water and sanitation. We need to generate resources, technology and know-how to conduct these programmes as national campaigns to catch up with the pace of progress around us.

Our development partners are present in this program today. On this historic occasion, I would like to thank you for your contribution to Nepal’s development and your support and solidarity in implementing the Constitution of Nepal. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your generous support for the reconstruction work after the Earthquake as well as during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nepal, as a member of the United Nations is committed to its Charter. Nepal has been conducting its foreign policy based on the principles of non-alignment, Panchasheel, cooperation for mutual benefit, and friendship. I am confident that the international community will continue its support towards our efforts in strengthening democracy and achieving Nepali people’s aspiration for progress and prosperity.

Constitutional supremacy, rule of law, abolition of gender-based violence and ethnic discrimination, environmental safety, and respect for human rights remain our highest national priority.  In addition, we are fully committed to realize the national aspirations of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’ by achieving Sustainable Development Goals. On this occasion, I would like to specifically mention that Nepal in a few years will be graduating from the Least Developed Country to a middle-income developing country.

Finally, I would like to express sincere thanks and gratitude to all of you for being part of this ceremony organized on the occasion of our Constitution Day and National Day. And now, I invite you all for the Dinner.

Thank you.

19 September 2022

Rastrapati Bhawan, Maharjgunj, Kathmandu.