KATHMANDU:- The 19th Republic Day is being celebrated across the country today by organizing various programmes. Nepal was declared a Federal Democratic Republic on Jestha 15, 2065 BS following the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly, formally abolishing the monarchy and paving the way for a shift from a unitary system to a federal system of governance.

Addressing a special ceremony organized at the Nepali Army Pavilion, Tundikhel in Kathmandu on Friday, President Ram Chandra Paudel said the republic has guaranteed political rights to citizens and inspired the country toward unity, development and prosperity.

President Paudel said the republic has given citizens ownership over their identity, language, religion, culture and land, while also encouraging collective efforts for nation-building. He stressed that the federal democratic republic is not only a political system but also a way of life guided by morality, integrity and democratic values.

The President called on all political parties, leaders and citizens to work together with political integrity and changes in behaviour to protect the dignity of the republic and make it more prosperous. He emphasized that political change alone is not enough unless it is reflected in the conduct, accountability and values of leaders and institutions.

President Paudel stressed the need for good governance, economic revival, effective public service delivery and zero tolerance against corruption. He said the government has moved ahead with governance reforms, social progress and economic development in line with public aspirations. He also expressed confidence that structural and legal reforms aimed at promoting investment and trade would help restore public hope.

Stating that laziness, irregularities and disorder remain major challenges, President Paudel warned that such tendencies should not weaken the dreams of citizens for a prosperous democratic republic. He said prosperity with good governance can only be achieved through the proper use of national resources and by strengthening sectors such as agriculture, tourism, energy, industry and services.

The President also highlighted the importance of making governance structures and state institutions more dynamic, transparent and result-oriented. He said political parties and leadership must become more accountable and people-centered to strengthen public trust in democracy.

Describing the federal democratic republic as one of the world’s best political systems, President Paudel said Nepal’s Constitution has further strengthened it through the principles of federalism, inclusiveness, social justice and socialism-oriented democracy. He said the system has established citizens as the ultimate source of state power and expanded governance from Singha Durbar to local levels.

President Paudel paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during various democratic movements and struggles for people’s rights, civil liberties and republicanism. He also expressed respect to leaders, democracy fighters, civil society members and political parties who contributed to establishing the federal democratic republic.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Chief Justice, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chairperson of the National Assembly, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, diplomats, senior government officials and distinguished personalities from different sectors.