The promulgation of the new Constitution on September 20 marked a historical day for all Nepalis. Some celebrated and welcomed the new Constitution, some disagreed and protested the same. Here’s what our college students did on this historic day and what they think about the new Constitution

I was watching TV and I felt happy that new Constitution was announced though it took more than eight years. I was excited and it was fun after the announcement. So, with my friends I too participated in candle lighting. I had never imagined that the day of announcement of the new Constitution would be interesting. Now I hope with the new rules and its implementation our country will develop.

— Sabina Pradhan, Class XII, Damauli College, Damauli

I was at the main chowk of Baneshwor and there were more than 3,000 people gathered. And I joined in the celebration on that day. I lit candles, sang national songs and got infected with the happiness all around. I am looking forward to a developed Nepal and it is up to us citizens to follow what has been laid down in the new Constitution. I have not yet read the Constitution document but I believe it is not possible to fulfil everyone's wishes.

— Anita Bimali, Class XII, Shree Jante Higher Secondary School, Morang

It was like a concert of songs with patriotic feeling at the local Radha Krishna temple. In our area we had a projector for the live telecast of the Constitutional Assembly hall. I think on that day everyone watched NTV even those who do not usually watch the channel. The ambience was like as if Nepal had won the World Cup. The new Constitution will only be successful if it can bring positive changes in Nepal.

— Shiv Dhakal, Class XII, Nagarjuna College, Balaju

I was both happy and sad on that day. I felt the country was divided as in one part of the country there was celebration, while on the other side there was protest. Looking at the atmosphere I was happy. Meanwhile, getting a Constitution is not enough for the development — there must be leaders with vision but we have the same old leaders who are going to rule the country. The new Constitution has provided protection for the LGBT community which is positive, but I feel Nepal divided into states is unnecessary as it just fragments us more — Nepal is a small country and having states has made it even smaller.

— Manogya Pokharel, BSc Networking and IT Security VIth Semester, Islington College, Kamalpokhari

I didn’t feel right about the promulgation of the new Constitution as it has not considered the rights of Madheshi people. The new Constitution has not altered the demarcation of boundaries of federal units properly where industries and factories are not included in our area. Here everyone was celebrating, but in Janakpur people were protesting and are unsatisfied with the new Constitution. And I also did not feel good about the new Constitution.

— Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Class XI, Trinity International College, Dillibazar