KATHMANDU: President Bidya Devi Bhandari today viewed that the state should honour the freedom fighters, who contributed to various political changes.

President Bhandari said so while addressing a programme ‘National Poetry Festival-2074 and felicitation programme’ organised in the Capital by the Ram Prasad Rai Academy on the occasion of the 109th birth anniversary of martyr and freedom fighter Ram Prasad Rai.

She also lauded the important role played by Rai in bringing about political change of 2007. "The present day democratic republic is a result of his contribution."

Emphasising the need for research and study about democratic fighters, she said, "It will be a good step to bring to light those who contributed to the nation, but remained in the shadow, through literature and writings."

Likewise, Chief Minister of Province 1 Sherdhan Rai viewed that the government should recognise contributions of those who fought for freedom in 2007 BS.

Co-Chairperson of the Federal Socialist Forum Rajendra Shrestha also praised the role of Rai as a democratic fighter.

On the occasion, President Bhandari handed out prizes to those who won a poetry competition at the event.

Meanwhile, the organisers also felicitated President Bhandari in the event.