FEATURES NEWS THE RISING NEPAL (DAILY)

Democracy Day Dedication Must Be Uppermost

By Prem N. Kakkar

THE 53rd National Democracy Day is being observed today amidst a variety of programmes. It is a fitting day to remind us of the great struggles that took place to usher in democracy in the country. Over half a century of democratic experience has certainly made the people aware of their rights as well as their duties.

Spirit

It is true that times are different now than what it was in 1951 yet the spirit remains the same. That was a time when illiteracy was rampant and the people were not aware of their rights and the light of education was not there so the condition was not conducive for talking about democracy and rights but there were groups of people who were dedicated to the welfare of the nation and did not think much about their personal interest.

Despite the lack of access to education a few people were there to lead the thrust for a greater freedom of the people. There is no denying that the steel-willed people had their way in their fight against the then regime. The role of His late Majesty King Tribhuvan was a vital factor in seeing that the people's rights were restored and democracy with multi-party system put into place.
The institution of Monarchy has always played a crucial role in the country. Come any problem on the nation, it is the Monarch that sees to it that it is resolved in the right scheme of things. This is our greatest asset.

The Monarch has always been the focal point of inspiration and guidance for the Nepalese people.
The Monarchs have always held the welfare of the people uppermost. Even in the present times this is true.

His late Majesty King Tribhuvan realised that the then situation did not favour the Nepalese people so he showed his discontentment by supporting the freedom fighters. Being confined within the four walls of the palace, it was difficult for him to keep in touch with those who wanted to liberate Nepal from the autocratic regime. It was the king siding with the people that led to the successful culmination of the then people's movement. It was all for the greater benefit of the Nepalese people.

With the entry of democracy, the wish of those who had sacrificed their lives was fulfilled. A new era had begun. The people had the right to form their own administration. But there were many hurdles ahead. This was seen by the frequent changes of government.

In 1990, the Nepalese people again joined forces for the reinstatement of democracy. The People's Movement was an important landmark of the time. Many youths of today still remember the enthusiasm that the people had in those days. The people had aspirations that they thought would be fulfilled with the multi-party dispensation in place. But the later years saw aberrations. The different political parties were responsible for bringing this country to this state.

Despite the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal-1990 being in place, the political parties did not work in the fashion that it was supposed to. The gray linings in the Constitution were exploited by them for their petty interests, the consequences of which the nation is facing today. Had they been more mature, the country would be passing through a happier phase now. It would have been more prosperous and better off than what it was twelve years back. Unfortunately, the country has come to the brinks all because of the follies of those who were at the helms of affair in all this duration.
The political instability prevalent in the country is all because of the inter- and intra-party conflicts that have been witnessed in the past- for almost thirteen years now.

Had we been able to utilise all that we had achieved, the Maoist problem would not have come about. With the death of over 7,000 people belonging to all walks of life, it has been a tragedy.
His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev has always been aware to the problems of the people. This is the reason why His Majesty had said, at the Civic Reception in Biratnagar recently, that we all had to move ahead together. This is an important remark in the sense that the Maoist problem was at the top of the agenda.

Fortunately, a cease-fire has been declared by the government and the Maoists which surely is an indication that better days are ahead as far as lasting peace in the country is concerned.

Essence

The essence of the celebration of the Democracy Day is itself a reminder of the fact that it is everyone's duty to work for the country. Fitting tributes on this day can only be paid if our contributions are for the country and not limited to our own interests.

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