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Posted
on 08-Feb-04 10:09 AM
ADDRESS FROM HIS MAJESTY KING GYANENDRA BIR BIKRAM SHAH DEV AT THE FUNCTION HELD AT THE KING MAHENDRA STADIUM, NEPALGUNJ TO FELICITATE HIS MAJESTY ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF THE MID-WESTERN DEVELOPMENT REGION FEBRUARY 8, 2004
Beloved Countrymen,
We are happy to share the warmth of feeling in the midst of our beloved people in the city of Nepalgunj in the Mid-Western Development Region. The Queen and we are specially touched to find them here today despite all their difficulty and suffering, in view of the fact that the beloved people of this region have been in the grip of violence since the past few years. We believe this strong bond between the Institution of Monarchy and the people, having withstood the test of time and always dedicated to the welfare of the motherland, is the quintessence of our national identity.
On this occasion, we would like to reiterate that the trust and affection we have received from our countrymen provides us the inspiration to remain resolute in our dedication to the welfare of our motherland and people. Popular aspirations will, as always, continue to guide us and to fulfil them is our duty. We are totally committed to multiparty democracy. It is our conviction that it will have meaning only if politics is inspired by the people, dedicated to the people and dependent on the people.
Top priority must be accorded to the all round progress of the Mid-Western Development Region, which has lagged behind in the process of development. To ensure this, the government will formulate a special programme for the benefit of the people with their participation. This programme, to be accorded national priority, will seek to utilise the border points with India and China in ensuring goods of the region greater access in the markets of these emerging economic powers. We also hope the nation's efforts will be focused on implementation of various welfare and development schemes in compliance with the aspirations of those living in the plains and the hilly and mountainous areas of the region. Let nobody take advantage of the people's simplicity or a situation wherein they are deprived of the fruits of development. The days of Monarchy being seen but not heard, watching the people's difficulties but not addressing them and being a silent spectator to their tear-stained faces are over.
Today, our country is passing through a critical phase in its history. There are grievances that since the introduction of the multiparty democratic polity in accordance with the people's wishes, neither has politics addressed national and public welfare, nor has governance been pro-public.
Although history has established the multiparty system as the finest polity in the world, attempts have been made to discredit it in Nepal. Similarly, there are also those who, instead of raising their voices in favour of the people, are weakening the very fabric of the democratic polity by indulging themselves with the tug-of-war for power, terrorising people and destroying development infrastructures built with great difficulty. Such activities against the nation and people must now be put to an end. On this occasion, we, once again, call upon politicians to stop saying 'me' but say 'us', stop saying 'party' but say 'people' and ensure that multiparty democracy is dedicated to the greater interest of the nation and people. Consolidation of democracy with pro-people governance is our only desire, happiness of our countrymen and the overall welfare of the nation our only goal. We wish to see a democratic polity wherein the people's fundamental rights are not infringed upon and wherein they do not have to live in a constant state of fear. We wish to see a corruption-free economic structure, which guarantees realisation of their basic needs. We wish to see a social edifice wherein one Nepali is not the cause for another Nepali's exploitation or death.
Although differences in opinion and competition are but natural in a multiparty polity, we would like to reiterate once again that patriotism must always remain the focal point. An Institution of Monarchy dedicated to the nation and her citizens and a people whose tradition and conviction is patriotism remain Nepalese history's glorious past, its present and its future. The government must give due attention to the nation's aspirations for peace and security, good governance, development and discipline. At a time when the country is passing through a difficult period, our security forces continue to work very hard and make sacrifices to ensure that peace and security are upheld in the country. As the civil servants and non-government sectors can play an important role in this regard, their active support is solicited in the interest of the people.
Tussle for power should not jeopardise our national unity, which, in fact, should be further refined and consolidated in upholding our national dignity with the active participation of the youth, the pillars of tomorrow. Instead of hindering the acquisition of useful abilities and misguiding them into politicking, it has now become imperative to give the youth an opportunity to harness their creativity by enhancing their skills and diligence, for which appropriate measures should be undertaken in the form of a campaign. To uphold a pro-people and corruption-free form of governance, we call on all those who have faith in the multiparty system to rise above petty disputes and contribute to the maintenance of peace and security along with the creation of an environment wherein the governance of the country can be handed over to elected representatives by holding general elections at the earliest. Let us not forget that while, on the one hand, history is witness to the terrible consequences of discord, it has also taught us that the fruits of concord and harmony are sweet. On this day, while paying reverence to Goddess Bageshwari Mata, let us pledge to uphold the multiparty system in the interest and welfare of the Nepalese people.
On behalf of the Queen and ourselves, we would like to thank the organisers of this function and all our countrymen who are present here today.
May Lord Pashupatinath bless us all!
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