Beloved Countrymen,

We are happy to share the warmth of feeling and intimacy amidst our beloved people in this beautiful city of Pokhara in the Western Development Region. As during our visits to the Eastern, Far Western and Mid-Western Development Regions, we hold in high esteem the affectionate welcome, confidence and trust with which we have been received here too.

An inherent feature of the Institution of Monarchy is to be guided by popular aspirations, ardently safeguarding the interests of the people and nation; upholding this glorious tradition is our commitment. History is testimony to the strong bond between the king and the people. This intimate relationship is also the cornerstone of Nepalese nationalism. This is the essence of the historical legacy of our great forefathers; this is the source of the distinctive Nepalese psyche.

Without wasting any more time on empty rhetoric, concrete measures must now be adopted to realise the Nepalese people’s desire for good governance. Our attention must be focused on ascertaining the long-term future course of the nation and how she should be steered, as well as identifying and prioritising development activities that are in the interest of the nation and people.

Other important issues that need to be addressed include providing relief to victims of violence, bringing into the mainstream of national development the underprivileged, socially oppressed, women and children, providing appropriate opportunities to youths who are desirous of contributing towards the country, fighting poverty and disease and winning the people’s confidence by maintaining peace, law and order.

In developing countries like ours, the unprecedented progress made in the fields of science and technology and the rapid global economic integration generated by market economy have created major challenges as well as unparalleled opportunities. We must face these challenges and utilise the opportunities in the interest of the nation and people. Resolute efforts must be made to elevate our country from her current status as a less developed country. For this, the people must be made happy, with emphasis on intensifying the all round national development.

Placing national interests and the people’s greater good above all else, it is now time to work towards fulfilling the long-term needs of the nation and the Nepalese people. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to adopt, in the greater interest of the country and the countrymen, an attitude free of selfish interests, be they personal or collective.

Multiparty democracy can be consolidated and made meaningful only if national politics, guided by the people’s aspirations and dedicated to their welfare, promotes peace, harmony and stability.

Creation of a prosperous future for Nepal is the need of the hour. In order to realise this aspiration of the Nepalese people, we reiterate the need to create, at the earliest, an environment wherein elected representatives govern the country.

In this regard, we have, time and again, called on all to move towards initiating due constitutional process as soon as possible by eliminating all obstacles. We believe that a corruption-free and pro-people form of governance, with elected representatives responsible to the nation and people, can be the basis for a bright and secure future.

We, therefore, call on all concerned to create an environment wherein the governance of the country can be handed over to elected representatives by initiating elections to the House of Representatives within the year 2061. The elections must be free and fair. Every adult citizen must strongly feel the franchise can be exercised to elect the representative of one’s own free will.

We are hopeful that necessary cooperation will be forthcoming from all those who have faith in multiparty democracy, including political parties.

As we stand here in the midst of our beloved people of the Western Development Region, which prides in Gorkha, famous as the place where the foundations of the Kingdom of Nepal and Nepalese nationalism were laid, Lumbini, the birthplace of the Lord Buddha, the Light of Asia, and the birthplace of Pioneer Poet Bhanukhakta, we call upon all Nepalese to unite in the cause of peace, harmony and progress.

Violence, terrorism and destruction can only reap ruin. In order to fulfill the people’s desire to bring to an end disruptive terrorist activities, we are confident that all those who have faith in the constitutional process and democratic ideals will contribute towards promoting peace, understanding and creativity in the welfare of the nation and people.

Whatever the problem may be, there is always a solution, provided patriotism remains the focal point and general welfare is placed uppermost. By restoring peace and security, let us pledge to develop our motherland into a prosperous state, with democratic norms and values guiding our perceptions and performance.

On behalf of the Queen and ourselves, we would like to thank the organisers of this function and all our countrymen who are present here today.

May Lord Pashupatinath bless us all!

Jaya Nepal!

(address from King Gyanendra at the function held at Pokhara Stadium, Pokhara to felicitate His Majesty on behalf of the people of the Western Development Region)