Stresses that Republic Day Should Be Celebrated Joyfully as a Day of National Pride

Kathmandu – Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stated that there is no alternative to the federal democratic republican system, which allows citizens to elect their own leaders.

Addressing a special ceremony organized at Tundikhel on the occasion of Republic Day 2082, Prime Minister Oli said that the republican system is the only one that ensures the self-respect of every citizen. Highlighting the significant progress made in education, health, entrepreneurship, employment, and infrastructure, he emphasized the need for unity to further strengthen the republic.

He said, “Good governance, transparency, and accountability are the backbone of the republican system, and we are committed to strengthening them. We are working to fulfill the national aspiration of a Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepalis.”

PM Oli asserted, “The republic does not belong to any single party; its true owners are the people. A democratic republic is ‘a government of the people, by the people, for the people.’ In this system, people can elect or replace leaders—from ward members to the President—making them ultimately responsible for both good and bad outcomes.”

He further clarified that today, through voting, people have elected at least 36,057 representatives from diverse castes and communities, ranging from local levels to the President, under an inclusive system.

Prime Minister Oli challenged the youth to compare development indicators between the monarchy and the republic, stating:

‘Where were the development indicators before the republic, and where are they now? Where was the Human Development Index during the monarchy, and where is it today? How many schools and hospitals existed in 250 years of monarchy, and how many do we have now? How many kilometers of roads were there then, and how many now? What was the poverty rate, and how much has it decreased? How many people had access to drinking water and electricity then, and how many now? What was the standard of living, and where is it today ? All these achievements have been made possible because of the democratic republic.’

He continued, “Today is a very special day for us. On Jestha 15, 2065 (May 28, 2008), after years of struggle, the sacrifice of thousands of brothers and sisters, and our collective hard work, the democratic republic was established. Today we celebrate Republic Day in memory of that historic moment.
The republic was not given to us; we earned it—through the sacrifices and dedication of thousands. We dismantled a state system based on royal decrees, and established a new system based on the will of the people.
We must never forget the value of that proud day achieved by our society, and we never will.”

The event was attended by President Ram Chandra Paudel, Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut, former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, and other dignitaries.