68th National Democracy Day celebrated

Kathmandu, February 19

The 68th National Democracy Day was observed with great fervour with various programmes throughout the country today.

The National Democracy Day Celebration Main Organising Committee organised a special function at the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel, to mark the day, which is a reminder of the advent of democracy and the abolition of autocratic Rana rule that had lasted for 104 years.

The president, vice president, prime minister, chief justice, ministers, and chiefs of constitutional bodies and security agencies, among others, attended the function.

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli congratulated all the Nepali people and expressed their best wishes on the occasion.

In a message, President Bhandari wished economic prosperity and good governance to prevail in the country through the recently held elections. The president said that our common duty was to move ahead by internalising good governance, peace and consensus, and being directed by the experiences and lessons of our achievements.

In her message, President Bhandari said the day reminded the people of the importance of renunciation and sacrifice for the sake of change. “Democracy is the best governance system in the world, as it makes people sovereign. The Nepali people are now enjoying the federal democratic republic system as a result of the successful movements of 1951, 1990 and 2006, which aimed to restore and institutionalise democracy,” read the message.

President Bhandari also expressed her best wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad on this important occasion. The day will encourage all to move ahead by embracing the fundamental norms and values of democracy, she said.

Likewise, marking this occasion, PM KP Sharma Oli urged all Nepali people to move ahead with positive ideas to meet the unmet dreams of martyrs. In his message today, the PM wished happiness, peace and prosperity to all Nepali sisters and brothers on this historical day, which marked the beginning of democratic governance in the nation with the end of an oligarchic and autocratic regime.

PM Oli has also assured the public that the current government, with its goal to improve the livelihood of people, was committed to the country’s development and prosperity. President Bhandari and PM Oli also expressed heartfelt condolences to all known and unknown martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the cause of democracy. The government had announced a holiday today.

FILE - A Nepali Army helicopter hoisting a flag of National Democracy Day
FILE - A Nepali Army helicopter hoisting a flag of National Democracy Day