KATHMANDU: Speakers in a programme in the capital city on Saturday stressed the need that Nepalis should not forget the role Prithvi Narayan Shah had played to unify the principalities and make modern Nepal.

In the programme organised on celebration of the 294th birth anniversary of Prithvi Narayan Shah and the National Unity Day, Professor Dr Surendra KC said Nepal is one of the 17 ancient countries that Prithvi Narayan Shah unified.

"He was for empowering citizens rather than palace. As his successor failed to understand such divine views of the unifier, the monarchy collapsed in the country," KC argued.

On a different note, he said the Prime Minister had drained the State coffers by making the cabinet enormous.

On the occasion, former Minister of State, Dr Ram Chandra Adhikari, concurred Professor KC that it was because the Nepali spurned the divine views and roadmap of Prithvi Narayan, Nepal lost monarchy.