KATHMANDU:- President Ramchandra Paudel has extended greetings to Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of Prithvi Jayanti and National Unity Day, marking the 304th birth anniversary of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the architect of Nepal’s unification.
In a message issued on Sunday, the President paid tribute to Prithvi Narayan Shah for uniting the small, fragmented states and laying the foundation of modern Nepal. “I express my heartfelt greetings to all Nepali sisters and brothers at home and abroad,” said President Paudel.
He stated that the efforts of Nepal’s brave ancestors across different periods of history ensured the country’s sovereignty and independence. Referring to the present political system, he noted that Nepal has been constitutionally established as an independent, indivisible, sovereign, secular, inclusive, democracy-based, socialist-oriented federal democratic republican state.
President Paudel said the teachings of Prithvi Narayan Shah remain relevant even today. “His divine teachings provide guidance for building a strong economy, fostering patriotism, strengthening relations with neighbouring countries, protecting religion, culture and tradition, and promoting justice, good governance and national unity,” he said.
President Paudel expressed hope that National Unity Day would inspire citizens to work for peace, prosperity and public welfare while safeguarding Nepal’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity.
Meanwhile, Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav expressed his hope that National Unity Day would help preserve and promote Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and pave the way to fulfil aspirations for lasting peace, good governance, development and prosperity through the federal democratic republican system.
In his message, Vice President Yadav emphasised Nepal’s multi-ethnic, multilingual, multireligious and multicultural character.
The day should be utilised as an opportunity to promote social harmony, tolerance and mutual coexistence, he added.
Vice President Yadav said the day reminds citizens that rising
above personal interests and prioritising national interest is the foundation to build a strong and inclusive nation.
The Vice President highlighted the day’s significance in inspiring the youth with a spirit of commitment, service and responsibility to the nation.
He urged everyone to renounce discrimination, hostility and intolerance, and to embrace equal
opportunity, social justice and respect for culture as guiding principles of life.
Likewise, former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has paid tribute to King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the architect of Nepal’s unification, on the occasion of his 304th birth anniversary and National Unity Day.
In her message, former President Bhandari described the unification of numerous principalities, once weakened by conflict, rivalry and instability, as a proud chapter in Nepal’s history that led to the formation of the modern Nepali nation.
She emphasised that Prithvi Narayan Shah’s far-sighted leadership transformed the unification process into a people-based national campaign by incorporating the advice and suggestions of citizens.
The former president said it was due to the sacrifices and dedication of Nepal’s brave ancestors, guided by Shah’s visionary leadership, that Nepal’s independent and sovereign existence has been preserved.