Kathmandu, January 11

National Unity Day was observed by organising a special function here today on the occasion of  296th birth anniversary of late king Prithvi Narayan Shah, the architect and unifier of modern Nepal.

The day was marked for the first time after the country became Federal Democratic Republic 11 years ago.

Amid a function held at the western gate of Singha Durbar, where a life-size statue of founder of modern Nepal has been placed, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari garlanded the statue.

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Federal Affairs and Local Development Kamal Thapa and Chief of the Army Staff Rajendra Chhetri also  garlanded the statue of Shah.

Several misters, former ministers, government secretaries, chief of security agencies and general public gathered to pay homage to Shah. On the occasion, a contingent of Nepali Army offered a guard of honor to the president. The NA also regards Shah as its founder supreme commander.

All public offices, banks and financial institutions, schools, colleges and other academic institutions remained closed, as the government had declared a public holiday today to celebrate the special occasion.

Meanwhile, Rastriya Prajatantra Party today organised a separate function to celebrate the day and birth anniversary of the late king. On the occasion, RPP hosted a tea reception and invited government officials, leaders of political parties, representatives of diplomatic missions in Nepal and the general public.

RPP Chair and Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa welcomed all guests and dignitaries at the function organised in Nepal Police Club, Bhrikutimandap.

Prime Minister Deuba, CPN-UML leader Subas Chandra Nembang and senior leaders of other parties attended the tea reception. Prime Minister Deuba said, “Shah played an important role in creating modern Nepal.”

RPP Chair Thapa said there were no disputes among parties over contribution made by Shah to unify the country. “We should not underestimate the contribution of Shah by linking with it to the then political system,” said Thapa.

Similarly, CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, in his message, said Nepali people had entrusted the left alliance with keeping national unity and dignity intact. He said the left alliance would fulfil the responsibility bestowed by the people.