KATHMANDU: Former King Gyanendra Shah in a message on the occasion of the 74th Democracy Day, has highlighted the essence of democracy and the need for practical implementation.

While acknowledging the reverence for democracy, he underscored that mere verbal worship is insufficient.

In his message, the former king expressed that the current imperative is for the people to align the state system with the practicalities of democratic methods and behavior.

He articulated, “Democracy is undeniably venerable, yet mere verbal worship falls short. True worship involves duty, sacrifice, and generosity, along with principled politics and correct conduct.”

He urged everyone to heed the voices of the people, stating, “Let’s listen to what the people say. Those who disrupt the state system should contemplate democratic legal behavior grounded in reality.”

According to Shah, democracy truly holds value when everyone can enjoy good food, live in peace and contentment, maintain good health, and receive education and employment opportunities according to their capabilities within the nation.

The former king emphasized a holistic approach to democracy, emphasizing not only its symbolic reverence but also the practical application that benefits the well-being and progress of the citizens.