Home Minister Bamdev Gautam recently said that the statues of former kings dotting the Kathmandu Valley would be removed and erected elsewhere. Indeed, with Nepal having undergone a radical transformation from constitutional monarchy to federal democratic republic, the significance earlier attached to the former royalty may not be all that relevant. But, the impulsive move does not imply anything more revolutionary than an action motivated by the spirit of vengeance. Moreover, viewed from an artistic angle, these statues have served

as adornments of the capital. Removing eyesores in the Valley, for instance, ugly billboards and renovating dilapidated temples, would be more sensible.

Similarly, the vehemence with which certain people have been clamouring for a change of names of things such as towns and universities, named after former royals, appears to mark haste. At a time when Nepal is undergoing transition, it is necessary that we set our priorities

right. Also, it is equally important that we expend our energies on constructive activities. Now that we have abolished the monarchy and chosen a democratic system of governance, it is time we forgot bitter experiences of the past and held hands together in our goal of building a peaceful and prosperous new Nepal.