Beloved countrymen,

On the auspicious occasion of our national festival of Bada Dashain, celebrated since time immemorial as a symbol of the victory of good over evil, we extend our best wishes to all Nepalese, living within the country and abroad, for peace, prosperity and progress.

Earlier this year, we had to endure the bereavement of the tragic loss of our revered and benevolent brother His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah and our affectionate and caring sister-in-law Her Majesty Queen Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah along with some other members of the Royal Family. The extraordinary patience and fortitude displayed by our beloved countrymen, reposing deep love and trust in the institution of monarchy, was a clear manifestation of the unique characteristic inherent in the Nepalese people. Our people deserve profound appreciation.

The Nepalese people aspire to lead a comfortable life with political stability and good governance. At the same time, they also wish to see their national glory enhanced and religious and social harmony nurtured in an environment of peace and security. We should, therefore, be pragmatic in the analysis of our geo-political sensitivities, socio-cultural systems and economic realities, ensuring a just and equitable share for all. We should be mindful that a nation to prosper must be built on the foundations of moral character, and this character is the principal element of its strength and the guarantee of its permanence and prosperity.

The institution of monarchy will, as in the past, always remain steadfast in its commitment to the unity and welfare of the Nepalese people. It remains unwavering in safeguarding the constitution and upholding nationalism. Political parties, civil servants, eminent persons along with all other citizens should be sensitive to the fact that solutions to the problems confronting our nation must be addressed from within the framework of the constitution. We must, therefore, remain alert and united; otherwise the possibility of our unity, religious tolerance and social harmony being undermined will always exist.

The recent events that have taken place in the international arena have created an uncertain environment in the world, affecting our region too. Prudence dictates that we give timely attention to the adverse effects this could have on our nation.

May Goddess Navadurga Bhawani bless us all !

Jaya Nepal ! (rss)