Even as the government decided not to celebrate the seventh Republic Day celebrations, which falls on Friday this year, messages to mark the day poured in from home and abroad.
Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, in his message to the people on Friday, expressed deep condolences to all who sacrificed their lives in the movements so far to empower the people. He also lauded the sacrifice of the people who fought for restoration of democracy fighters.
In remarks that might rile some opposition parties, Mr. Koirala said search, rescue, relief and rehabilitation in post-earthquake period would have been effective if there were elected local body representatives. He suggested prioritising elections for the local bodies. Opposition parties have objected to holding any such election before Constitution is drafted and federalism ensured. Nepal has not had any local body elections since the last one in 1998.
Meanwhile, President Ram Baran Yadav suggested that political parties should not delay the writing of the new Constitution, despite the focus on relief and resettlement of those affected by recent earthquake.
“I urge the political parties to stand together and united to write the Constitution as they have been in providing relief materials to the quake-victims now,” said President Yadav in his video message on the eve of the Republic Day. “The tasks of writing a new Constitution and rebuilding the damaged structures should move ahead simultaneously.”
After a successful second People’s Movement in 2006, which was seen a defeat of Nepal’s monarchy, the elected Parliament, in its first sitting on May 28, 2008, declared the country a republic.
Google Doodle congratulates Nepal
Google Doodle changed its logo for Nepal – with a picture of candles – Thursday to mark the Republic Day and to honour Nepalis’ resilience. “On May 28th, 2008, after decades of revolution and protests, Nepal became the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, the fund side of the search engine giant wrote. “Seven years later, this country is an international symbol of splendour, peace, and tenacity.”
The Doodle, which Google explains as a fun and spontaneous changes to celebrate holidays and anniversaries, said the change would remind the people of Nepal that they are an inspiration to the entire world. “The concept of light in this Doodle means three things for Nepal: celebration of this National day, prayers to Buddha, and a guiding light on the way home.”
