NEPAL: Heroes & Builders of Nepal


Source:THE HIMALAYAN BEACON [BEACON ONLINE] EXCLUSIVE

BY DIRGHA RAJ PRASAI


Dirgha Raj Prasai
Pous, a month as per the Bikram Era is known as the shortest month with short days and long nights. The period from 15 December to 12 January that lies in the same month holds its own significance. Modern history of Nepal was created in the period between the start and end of the month of Pous. Creator of the modern Nepal Prithvi Narayan Shah the Great, was born on 27 Poush or 10/11 January. The then king Mahendra assumed power abolishing the parliament to save Nepal from drowning on 1 Poush (13 December). Nepalese across the nation and non resident Nepalese illuminated butter lamps at houses against Indian expansionism while celebrating king Mahendra’s step on 1 Poush. Similarly, on 16 Poush, Nepali Congress leaders BP Koirala, Great Ganeshman, Shailaja returned from India citing danger to nationality and work closely with the monarchy to free the nation of Indian pressure. The creator Prithvi Narayan Shah the Great, king Mahendra, king Birendra and BP Koirala and Ganeshman Singh among the people’s representative can never be forgotten.

King Prithvi Narayan Shah the Great was born in the month of Pous created a greater Nepal to protect it from British attack. The British Empire, spreading in Asia, after getting hold of its influence in India had eyed on mountainous region of Nepal. It was not an easy task to fight British imperialistic force in the mid 18th century. But the nation’s nationality is in a dangerous turn. The rulers after the 2006 insulted the major policy of Unity in Diversity to disrespect the creator of the nation and national unification. They have disrespected the Nepal’s sovereignty by scraping public holiday on 27 Pous celebrated as National Unity Day. It is condemnable. Nepali people aspire for political stability and peace through the medium of parliamentary democracy. But an attempt has been made to break these very norms and ridicule the golden history of Nepal’s national unification.

It has to be noted that Prithvi Narayan Shah has mentioned a dream in his divine message as a source of encouragement for greater Nepal’s unification, “a girl of 8/9 years of age came to me holding two ‘Kadga’(sword) and I asked- ‘who’s daughter are you and she said she was the daughter of Priest Rana and handed me both the ‘Khadga’. Brought something from ‘Khokila’ and asked me to eat it. Your wishes have been fulfilled.” The girl of Magar caste had incited the king to create the foundation for national unification. In the initial stage Magar, Gurung, Khas, Thakuri, Bhramin including Kami, Damai, Sarki among other castes had helped in the campaign for unification. Later, all the castes supported the campaign. Prithvi Narayan Shah unified the small Hindu states and protected Buddhism and other religions. Because the king had kept the originality of mountainous Nepal was kept alive by allowing the Moon-Sun depicting flag to flutter, we Nepalese are proudly known in the world. Nepalese who disrespects and forgets Prithvi Narayan Shah will never be known as patriot.

What the then king Mahendra did on 1 Poush 2017 (15 December 1960) for prosperity of prosperous, sovereign Nepal and Nepalese is immortal in the history of nationalism. Before 1960, foreigners were free to purchase land in Nepal. After 1961, king Mahendra banned foreigners from purchasing Nepalese land. People were compelled to walk through Indian roads to move from one Nepali district to other. In 1961, King Mahendra laid the foundation for East-West Highway at Gailakot to free the people of Indian torment. Nepali language was continued as national language across the nation. Before 1960, 90% of Indian currency notes were in use which was removed and use of Nepali currency was made compulsory. Our pride was restored. King Mahendra without any condition asked the Indian force deployed for security of Nepal to leave.

King Mahendra incorporated the phrase ‘Hindu Kingdom’ in the constitution upgrading the morale of India and Hindus all over the world. His work increased Nepal’s prestige. He introduced Nepal in the United Nations by adopting the ideology of foreign policy. He maintained a balanced friendship with Chinese powerful leader Mao Ze Dong and Indian powerful Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. King Mahendra introduced more than 50 industries and organizations that directly benefit the people, fulfilled the essential as education, health, transportation, roads construction, irrigation, electricity. In 17 August, 1963 the late King introduced the Muluki Ain (people’s code) and made attempt to break untouchables, caste discrimination and policy of gender-discrimination. In 1955 he declared land reform act and abolished landlords, secured the right of farmers by ending Birta system. That is why he is immortal.

Likewise, patriotic King Birendra was born in 14 Poush (29 December). King Mahendra’s decision to continue Hindu Kingdom in the constitution and King Birendra’s proposal to declare Nepal a zone of peace are the norms of the Nepal’s prestige and security opinion. King Birendra supported the democratic norms and rules. He made the people’s direct participation in the nation’s development and went on nation-wide tour encouraging all sectors. He bore the expenditure and arranged for medical treatment in US for BP Koirala, King Mahendra and his opposition. King Birendra held referendum on state’s political system reflecting the democratic image of Nepal’s monarchies. He played a big role in development based on geography in mountains, hills and Tarai plains.

Congress leaders among BP Koirala and Ganeshman Singh living in exile in India returned on 16 Poush (31 December 1976) in condition of working hand-in-hand with the monarchy with the slogan of national reconciliation. BP Koirala acknowledging danger upon Nepal’s nationality after Sikkim was annexed by India returned to Nepal. Since then he has been alive in Nepal’s democracy. Although BP’s brother Girija has burned all his ideologies, although BP’s views will not be forgotten by Nepal’s society. All sides may agree with BP’s ideologies that came after 1976. There is no alternative to move ahead in unison between King Mahendra’s nationalism and BP’s democratic socialism. Lastly, the month of Pous reminds us of the leadership and creators in Nepal. King Mahendra, King Birendra, democratic leader BP Koirala, Ganeshman Singh are remembered in month of Pous while on 27 Poush nation’s creator Prithvi Narayan Shah is venerable.


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