FORMER KING SAYS HE HAS UNRESERVED COMMITMENT AND RESPOSIBILITY TO SAFEGUARDING NATIONALISM, NATIONAL INTEGRITY AND DEMOCRACY

FORMER KING SAYS HE HAS UNRESERVED COMMITMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY TO SAFEGUARDING NATIONALISM, NATIONAL INTEGRITY AND DEMOCRACY
Kathmandu, 19 Feb.: Former King Gyanendra reiterated Sunday his ‘unreserved commitment and responsibility’ safeguarding nationalism, national integrity and democracy.
He said this in a message coinciding with the 62nd National Democracy Day
"Today, democracy is an attractive ornament of modern statecraft but, more importantly, it is crucial in the promotion of civil rights, liberties and welfare, as well as national development.
"Inspired by this noble belief, the king, people and democracy-loving personalities successfully introduced democracy into the country 61 years ago through their concerted efforts and sacrifice. Let us never forget those golden moments in the annals of our nation’s history. As we celebrate the 62nd National Democracy Day today, we pay homage to our august grandfather, the Father of the Nation, late King Tribhuvan, all those who lay down their lives and contributed to the cause of democracy.
"It would do well to remember that democracy is meaningless if the nation’s independence is lost. In the absence of democracy, civil liberties would be constricted and the foundations of nationalism weakened. The national polity must reflect our distinctive national ethos to ensure a stable and vibrant democracy and a sense of pride in nationalism. Like my ancestors, I, too, have unflinching faith and confidence in the principles of nationalism, public welfare and democracy. I feel that secession, discord, conflict and revolt are serious hurdles in the functioning of true democracy. It is my belief that if we are to consolidate democracy and safeguard the nation through a democratic polity, the political, social, economic and social sectors must give due serious consideration to these issues. I would like to reiterate, once again, my unreserved commitment to fulfilling my responsibility towards safeguarding nationalism,
national integrity and democracy.
"Democracy is, no doubt, an ornament but it must be polished by good deeds. Democracy is definitely a good polity but it must be infused into the way of life. May democracy flourish in Nepal, its warm radiance reflected in the faces of all Nepalese and
Nepal," the former king said.
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