Kathmandu, May 16: Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said Monday that in a democratic set up responsibility and freedom go hand in hand.

“People will have increased responsibility in a democratic set up as they go about enjoying their freedom,” Deuba told the Charter presentation ceremony of the Rotary Club of Kantipur.

He hailed the positive role played by the Rotary Club in various developmental activities like rendering of health services and eradication of illiteracy and poverty.

Deuba hoped that the efforts of the Club would go a long way to alleviate poverty.

“I have always been impressed by the works carried out by the Rotary Club to establish international peace and understanding,” Deuba said.

He underscored the need to have peace and equality in the world.

President of the Rotary Club of Kantipur, Prabal Shumshere J.B.R said that the club had been devoted to social service.

Prior to the receiving of the Charter the Club has already constructed the shade for a bus stop opposite Teaching Hospital. It has also conducted rural eye treatment camp and has participated in the national campaign for the administration of polio vaccine., Rana said.

He said that after receiving the Charter the Club was looking forward to expand its activities.

He said that the Rotary International was spending 90 million dollars every year for international scholarships, cultural exchange programmes and social welfare projects.

“Even if we utilise just a small part of the spending of the Rotary International here in Nepal it will make a big difference,” Rana said.

Meanwhile, on the auspicious occasion of the 2544th Buddha Jayanti, a talk programme on ‘The Relevance of Buddha’s Teachings in the 21st Century’ was organised by the Rastriya Yuwa Samuha at Swayambhu here recently.

Speaking as chief guest former prime minister and Leader of Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba said that Buddha’s teachings and words of wisdom must be followed by the youth of today as it takes the accumulated miseries and frustrations away. “We all have ambitions and desires but if we follow the path shown by Lord Buddha, right thoughts will come to us”, he said.

Nepali Congress MP and former minister Prakash Man Singh applauded the works of the Rastriya Yuwa Samuha in bringing the youth in one forum and utilising their energy for the benefit of the country.

Former minister Mani Lama, Dr Durga Prasad Bhandari and the co-ordinator of the programme Amit Lama also spoke on the occasion.

Former prime minister Deuba also distributed certificates to participants of a blood donation programme held on the same occasion by the Rastriya Yuwa Samuha.