KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 22

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has stated that Nepal Sambat is now established as the native calendar of Nepal.

During a program organized by the Nepal Sambat Main Celebration Committee on Wednesday, PM Dahal recalled that Nepal Sambat was recognized as the national calendar during his term as prime minister in 2065 BS.

PM Dahal shared that leftist human rights defender Padma Ratna Tuladhar and poet Durga Lal Shrestha made significant contributions to the recognition of Nepal Sambat as the national calendar. He added that Shrestha and Tuladhar spread knowledge through arguments and facts about Nepal Sambat.

'Nepal Sambat is linked to social justice. The role of the Newar community is crucial for its official documentation,' PM Dahal reiterated. This calendar also reflects the current national anthem.

Moreover, PM Dahal viewed that communities which were suppressed for a long time have now gained rights in the federal democratic republic. The present system has been achieved through significant struggle and sacrifice.

According to him, the achievements gained so far must be protected and consolidated.

On the occasion, Nepali Congress leader Prakash Man Singh expressed the view that there is no option but to be united by institutionalizing the rights achieved so far.

Similarly, rights defender Malla K Sundar accused the then monarchy of not allowing the dissemination of news on Nepal Sambat. He asserted that it was an atrocity.

Former ministers Jivan Ram Shrestha and Bhimsen Das Pradhan also emphasized the need for unity and praised the democratic achievements that have empowered citizens of all castes, cultures, and marginalized people.