Kathmandu, Nepal: The 19th Republic Day was celebrated across Nepal today with a variety of programs and ceremonies marking the historic abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a federal democratic republic.
Nepal was officially declared a Federal Democratic Republic on Jestha 15, 2065 BS, following a decision by the first Constituent Assembly to end the centuries-old monarchical system.
The government declared a public holiday to commemorate the occasion. A special ceremony was held at Sainik Manch, Tundikhel, in Kathmandu.
President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister Balen Shah, and other distinguished personalities attended the ceremony. However, despite his presence, Prime Minister Shah did not deliver an address.
The Prime Minister had earlier written to the President, requesting that an address be delivered in accordance with a decision of the Council of Ministers.
President Calls for Good Governance and National Unity
On the occasion of the 19th Republic Day, President Ram Chandra Paudel extended his greetings, stating that achieving good governance, development, and prosperity remains a national priority.
He emphasized the need to strengthen accountable and people-centered service delivery through the federal democratic republican system. The President also highlighted the importance of collaboration among all levels of government, the private sector, and civil society to achieve the constitutional goals of social justice, economic prosperity, and inclusive development.
He called on all political parties, civil society, and stakeholders to contribute from their respective fields to safeguard Nepal’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity, and dignity, while ensuring sustainable, broad-based, and equitable economic growth.
Recalling the historic declaration of the republic on Jestha 15, 2065 BS, he noted that the day is observed annually in remembrance of the achievements made possible through the long struggle and sacrifices of the Nepali people.
President Paudel also paid tribute to known and unknown martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the establishment of the democratic republic and expressed hope that the occasion would further strengthen mutual trust, cooperation, and national unity among Nepalis.
Leaders Stress the Importance of Strengthening the Republic
Meanwhile, CPN-UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stressed that safeguarding key institutions such as the Constitution, Parliament, judiciary, and a free press is essential to protecting the democratic republic.
In a message shared on social media, Oli warned that weakening these institutions would undermine society and deprive citizens of prosperity. He noted that the value of the republic is often realized only in its absence, recalling the experiences of previous generations.
Similarly, Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa stated that Nepal can be transformed into a civilized, developed, prosperous, and happy nation only through the protection of the Constitution and the institutional strengthening of the federal democratic republican system.
In his message, Thapa recalled that the Constituent Assembly elections were held following the success of the historic People’s Movement of 2062–63 under the leadership of then Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala. He noted that the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly formally abolished the monarchy and declared Nepal a republic.
He emphasized that all citizens must play a responsible role in safeguarding and strengthening the republic, achieved through the sacrifice, struggle, and martyrdom of the Nepali people. Thapa also expressed confidence that the occasion would inspire renewed commitment to building a just and egalitarian society while advancing the country toward economic prosperity.
A Symbol of Democratic Transformation
Republic Day is observed annually as a symbol of Nepal’s transition from monarchy to a democratic and republican system of governance, achieved through decades of political struggle and public sacrifice.
