KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that the republican system has ensured citizens’ full political rights and serves as a great source of inspiration and responsibility for nation-building.
Addressing a special ceremony held at Tudikhel on Friday to mark the 19th Republic Day, the President said the republic has united the people, inspired a shared commitment to nation-building, and strengthened citizens’ sense of ownership over their language, culture, religion, identity, and homeland.
“Republicanism is not merely a system of governance; it is also a way of political, economic and social life guided by values, principles and ethical boundaries,” Paudel said. “Without understanding and upholding these ideals, we cannot fulfil our historical responsibilities.”
He stressed that preserving the dignity of the republic and making it more prosperous requires changes in political commitment, values and conduct. Republic Day, he said, provides further inspiration to advance the meaningful implementation of the federal democratic republic through social justice, development and prosperity.
President Paudel noted that the current government, backed by a strong public mandate, has prioritised good governance, improvements in public service delivery, economic recovery, zero tolerance towards corruption and social progress. He expressed confidence that the implementation of the government’s 100-point governance reform agenda would help restore public optimism.
Stating that political change alone is not sufficient, the President said reforms are also needed in the character of state institutions, political culture and administrative practices.
“Our greatest enemy today is not any external force, but delay, irregularities and poor governance,” he said.
Highlighting public aspirations for prosperity alongside good governance, Paudel underscored the need to achieve economic growth through the development of agriculture, tourism, energy, industry and the service sector.
The President also described the federal democratic republic as one of the world’s most advanced political systems, saying Nepal’s Constitution has further strengthened it through the principles of federalism, inclusiveness, social justice and democratic socialism.
“This system has made citizens sovereign and established that the source of state power lies with the people,” he said.
He added that the practice of sovereignty has reached citizens’ doorsteps through local and provincial governments, reflecting the democratic principle that the people are the ultimate authority.
President Paudel paid tribute to all martyrs who sacrificed their lives in various movements for republicanism, democracy, civil liberties and people’s rights. He also expressed gratitude to those who endured imprisonment, exile and hardship while fighting for democracy.
The ceremony was attended by Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Balen Shah, the Chief Justice, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chairperson of the National Assembly, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, members of the diplomatic community, senior government officials and other distinguished guests.
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