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LEADERSHIP |
King's Way A nation in turmoil hails
the monarch's emphasis on the people's welfare By AKSHAY SHARMA A bloody insurgency, relentless inter- and
intra-party rivalry, and the predicaments posed by a rapidly globalizing world - each of
these challenges is enough to test the skills of a leader. Together, they have overwhelmed
Nepal in an unprecedented way. The people, understandably, have been looking for a leader
who is sensitive to their plight, cognizant of the scale of the nation's challenges and
capable of tackling them. Many believe they have already found one.
In the year since he ascended the
throne amid tragic circumstances, King Gyanendra has succeeded in establishing a potent
connection with the people. In his regular meetings with people from all walks of life,
the monarch has come out as a leader sympathetic to the people's concerns and intent on
working for their welfare. The constitution has defined the boundaries
within which the crown can become involved in day to day affairs. "I am clear about
my constitutional role as a constitutional monarch," King Gyanendra said in a recent
interview with Dilip Padgaonkar of The Times of India. "I intend to fulfill the role
in the interest of Nepal and the Nepalese people." He has been doing that from the very first
days of his reign. In his messages to the nation, King Gyanendra has been vigorously
alerting the political leadership not to ignore their primary responsibility to the
people. In meetings with journalists, the monarch has expressed his vision of a strong and
prosperous Nepal resting on a deep sense of patriotism and national pride. "I was delighted by the humble nature
of the King and Queen," said a student who had turned out on the streets to welcome
home the royal couple from their recent state visit to India. "We seem to have found
the leader who could lead the nation out of the biggest crisis of its history. He seems
dynamic, confident, and balanced in his speeches. Moreover, the King and Queen returned my
namaste with great humility. I have come to admire him more." Dr. Niranjan Sharma, a dentist at Bir
Hospital, said he was impressed by King Gyanendra's prudent approach to foreign policy.
"I read the King's interview in which he affirmed that Nepal's first priority is the
nation itself and that both of our neighbors deserve the same respect," said Dr.
Sharma, who had come out to greet Their Majesties. "It was delighting to see His
Majesty handle the agenda with humbleness, even though he is new to politics. In meetings
with Indian leaders, the monarch spoke of Nepal's problems and ways of solving them with
great efficiency," he said amid the boom of the 31-gun salute. "King Gyanendra has been able to gain
popularity in Nepal and win great respect abroad," said Manish Sherchan, while
struggling to get a glimpse of the royal couple. "Gauged by the current visit, King
Gyanendra will definitely be successful in strengthening the integrity and pride of the
nation." Added Dr. Sharma: "Democracy means
listening to the voices of the people. More so in a country where more than 70 percent of
the population is uneducated and does not understand the norms of democracy. How can
democracy work perfectly where uneducated masses are exploited by rebels and a vote can be
bought for 10 rupees?" Driving democracy and development together
is the country's key priority today. Under the existing constitutional framework, the king
can do that by exercising his prerogative to be consulted, the responsibility to warn and
the right to encourage. While standing aside from politics, the monarch can intervene to
break deadlocks. "In the midst of great difficulties, King Gyanendra has been working
for the welfare of the people in the illustrious tradition of the Nepalese monarchy,"
said Dr. Sharma. |
Send your feedback to the
editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
