KATHMANDU, Jan.1: The government is working in line with the aspirations and wishes of the people from Mechi to Mahakali to usher in peace in the nation, Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand has said.
“The common people, businessmen, industrialists, intellectuals, students and civic groups want peace, and there is no two opinion on this,” Premier Chand said while inaugurating the “New Road Festival-2059”, organised to celebrate the 32nd Auspicious Birthday of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah Dev at Basantpur today.
The four-day festival, organised under the aegis of Dharmapath Youth Club, will last till Janaury 4. It has 103 stalls showcasing traditional methods of making beaten rice (chiura) to stalls selling utensils, clothes, foodstuffs and cosmetics. “Once peace as well as the law and order situation improves, industry and business along with other sectors will prosper,” he said.
The New Road Festival is aimed at uplifting the sagging business. “The Festival will also provide guidelines for the promotion of the tourism sector by knowing the interest of tourists,” he added. The Prime Minister also spoke about the importance of promoting Nepalese culture, religions and natural diversity to facilitate the growth of Nepalese tourism.
On the occasion, an Air Karnali helicopter flew over New Road and Basantpur and showered the area with flowers, ticker-taps and chocolates, sending the people running around to pick them up. At the inaugural function, Chairman of Auspicious Birthday Organising Main Committee Rajesh Kaji Shrestha said that it was a matter of happiness to have the opportunity to celebrate the birthday of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince at a time when the nation is passing through an uneasy time. At the programme, Prime Minister Chand presented gifts to 11 persons who helped organise the festival.