Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, March 24:

Former minister Dambar Narayan Yadav today said the monarchy can live and flourish only when there is democracy in the country. “Madhesi community opines that democracy is essential to strengthen the monarchy in the nation and vice versa,” Yadav said at a talk programme on Opinion of Madhesi community on the Royal proclamation, organised by Madhesi Maitri Kendra. Talking about the problem faced by the Madhesi community, he said, “Madhesis want inclusive and participatory democracy. They seek equal opportunity. This is what we want to convey to the monarch.” Yadav added that the wishes of the monarch will be seen only after the implementation of the programmes devised by the government.

At the same function, Education Minister Radha Krishna Mainali wished that the Nepalis could celebrate the next Holi freely and peacefully. Participants urged all concerned parties to stop playing Holi with the Nepali people’s blood. Gulabji Maharaj, another speaker, said the festival’s significance does not lie in colouring the body but the soul inside. President of Madhesi Civil Society, Dhruv Narayan Shrestha, urged the government to declare all the corrupt people ‘financial terrorists’ and punish all of them. He also demanded for an end to discriminations against the Madhesi community. “Not only the people who wear dhoti are Madhesi, but also people like me who live in the Madhes (Terai) are Madhesi,” he said.

On the occasion, minister Mainali felicitated Parameswor Mahaseth, general manager of the Salt Trading Corporation, and Dr Ram Narayan Shah, director general of Singha Durbar Baidhyakhana, for their special contribution to the development of the community. A cultural programme followed the talk programme and the participants exchanged greetings of Holi with colours and fruits.