The founder of the Nepali nation, consolidator of Nepali society and the pillar of unity, His Majesty King Prithivi Narayan Shah the great, is a figure of reverence in the eternal memory for all Nepali. On the occasion of his 304th birth anniversary and National Unity Day, we bow to him and offer our respectful tributes.
The history of the Shah Dynasties Royal Institution, which actively, strongly, and successfully led all castes, religions and regions of Nepali in the unification of the Nation even in struggles against any powers, is clear to all. The tradition of the Shah Dynasty has always considered the happiness and prosperity of the Nepali people over its own interest.
The institution has always emphasized and continues to emphasize the unity and development of the Nepali people within the framework of the guidance provided by His Majesty King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the Great. However, in recent times, the country has fallen into the trap of unwanted confusion generated from elsewhere.
Nearly two decades ago when the political parties came to power promising to bring peace, lead the country towards economic progress and provide stability, we handed over the “Crown and Sceptre” to the people’s secure protection with a cooperative intent and stepped away from royal duties.
This commitment should not be seen as an endorsement of weakness for evasion of responsibility or prohibited politics. Neither was this sentiment shared by the general public. Nearly after two decades since we left the Narayanhity Royal Palace, the crisis, the country continues to face, has us worried. Yesterday, there was concern that there was no development in the country but today, there is a bigger worry that the country itself, might not survive.
After the successful unification of Nepal, initiated by His Majesty King Prithivi Narayan Shah, the Great, at the young age of 22 years modern Nepal was depicted as a “common garden of 4 varnas and 36 castes”. He was clear in his message that the country belonged not only to the King but the ownership was to be shared by the citizens and the King.
This country was not built, nor will it be built, by speeches, magic or miracles. The Royal Institution, which has worked as a common representative of all castes, religions and ethnicity of Nepali, cannot turn away from the responsibility intrusted by the people of Nepal. It is our belief and call to all Nepali to realize this duty and embrace the “Prithivi Path”.
Wherever in the world a Nepali may be, they remain of Nepali origin. Therefore, the prestige of a Nepali is connected to the prestige of the Nation. Leaving the country permanently or temporarily does not sever the bond with the Nation. The ongoing exodus of human resources from the country is signalling despair about the country’s future. Now, even capital, capitalists and entrepreneurs are beginning to leave the country.
It pains us to see that if this trend is not immediately discouraged and controlled, the country could arrive at the threshold of failure. His Majesty King Prithivi Narayan Shah the Great, emphasized the importance of preventing the outflow of domestic capital and stated in his teachings that “Only if the people are capable and strong, will the country be strong”.
Whenever the sentiments, desires and needs of the youth are not addressed, dissatisfaction arises, which can even take the form of rebellion – a truth that political leadership must perceive. The tendency of leadership to repeatedly use the youth but not work by understanding their needs has bred dissatisfaction amongst the youth, leading to loss of life and property, in the country.
The loss of lives of the future of Nepal has silenced everyone. The intolerance towards corruption and the enthusiasm for leading in IT competition amongst the youth are signs of a bright future but if politics falters on the path to progress it becomes merely a futile dream. A self-motivated person seeks the nation interest, while a manipulated person seeks to fulfil other’s interest. Seeking solutions without national consensus is merely wasting time. Let us all unite and move forward in the journey of prosperity.
Due to the failure to understand Nepal’s sensitive situation and the changing geopolitical context, we have reached a state where we are losing the trust and confidence of friendly nations. At a time when unbalanced foreign policies and our behaviour are seriously affecting national interest, the importance of teachings of “Path of Prithivi” and intellectual perspectives have increased even more. While some countries seek some form of security cover for their own interests; the true cover for our country must be peace. As the representative and descendant of the Great King, our role is abundantly clear.
The national independence advocated by the “Prithivi Path” considers corruption at all levels, as a punishable crime and maintains no “grudge” towards anyone. The concept that “governance” should be determined by the people’s desires is the fundamental aspiration of the “Prithivi Path”.
In conclusion, embracing the overall welfare of the Nepal nation, built through the unification by the people and monarchy, let us all join in the great task of making a strong nation and uplift Nepal once again. May lord Gorakhnath grant us all good sense. Jai Nepal! #nepal
Statement from Former King Gyanendra Shah On the Occasion of the 304th Prithvi Jayanti and National Unity Day
