Happy Birthday

DEEPLY respectful of the age-old institution of monarchy, the Nepalese people are celebrating the auspicious 56th birthday of His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev today with much eclat and enthusiasm. Their abiding love and reverence for the monarch has come out strongly in expressions and sentiments in the run-up to this auspicious day as well as in various celebratory events being organised from all sections of society. Such fervour in marking this important day in the Nepalese calendar is quite natural. For, His Majesty King Gyanendra’s role in the consolidation of democracy since the enthronement last year has been fully praised by all. His Majesty ascended the throne following an extraordinarily tragic event.

Overcoming colossal personal grief, His Majesty swiftly moved to work for the interest of the country and its people by adhering strictly to the letter and spirit of the constitution. The Nepalese people have a lot to be grateful to His Majesty as the monarch most competently upheld the traditions of the institution of monarchy and its unifying role in the Nepalese society.

That His Majesty is deeply concerned about the welfare of Nepal and the Nepalese is well-known. His Majesty’s addresses to the nation and the interviews His Majesty has granted to media in recent times have amply demonstrated His Majesty’s serious concern over the affairs of the nation and contain wise words of wisdom to all the Nepalese on what they could do, from their station of life, to collectively rise to the challenges that lie on the path of socio-economic development and peace. His Majesty’s thoughts on democracy and nation-building as well as the suggestion His Majesty has made to solve national problems, constitute invaluable encouragement to those who wish to consolidate democracy and advance the pace of development. Indubitably, if all heeded the advice of His Majesty on the issues confronting us, Nepal could certainly come out of the current national problems. His Majesty has also shown sagacity in his choice of visits to Nepal’s friends to further advance the relationship with the latter. By undertaking a state visit to India last month and with a trip to China scheduled to begin on Tuesday, His Majesty has emphasised the indispensability of close relationships with Nepal’s southern and northern neighbours. A highly successful state visit to India is being followed by another state visit to China which promises to be an equally successful one.

The Nepalese continue to look up to His Majesty for guidance and counsel, in the firm conviction that His Majesty has only their welfare in mind as he perfectly plays the role of a constitutional monarch in a multi-party democracy. They look to a future of peace and development. By celebrating His Majesty’s 56th birthday joyously, the Nepalese are only demonstrating their gratitude to the monarch for the words of wisdom and encouragement they have received from him. We join all in offering our felicitations to His Majesty for a very happy birthday and many happy returns of the day.

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