Former King Gyanendra calls for unity, reform, and self-reliance in New Year message

KATHMANDU: As the sun rises on the Nepali New Year 2082, former King Gyanendra Shah has extended heartfelt greetings to all Nepalis at home and abroad, urging unity, national awakening, and a collective push toward self-reliance and reform.

In a comprehensive New Year message, Shah acknowledged the arrival of a new dawn — “a new sun, new light, and new enthusiasm” — and offered warm wishes for peace and happiness to the entire Nepali population across the globe.

However, the former monarch expressed concern over recurring disappointments that have marked the farewell of each passing year, saying, “For many years now, the end of each year has been overshadowed by deep despair despite the new hopes each year brings.”

Emphasizing democratic values, Shah stressed that Nepal’s diversity of opinions and beliefs is a beautiful hallmark of democracy. Yet, he cautioned that such expressions must always be exercised with restraint.

He condemned the recent violent protests involving arson and vandalism, lamenting the loss of life and property as deeply saddening.

“There is no system or ideology greater than civil liberty. True democracy exists where there is a culture of listening to both praise and criticism,” he remarked.

Shah noted a rising sense of patriotism and awareness among Nepalis regarding the country’s future. He welcomed this awakening as exemplary on the global stage, calling it an opportunity to achieve the people’s aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity in the year 2082.

Reflecting on the role of the monarchy, Shah reiterated that the institution has consistently contributed to ending unrest, disorder, despair, and dissatisfaction. He reaffirmed the monarchy’s long-standing support for constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy aligned with the will of the people.

“State power must always remain rooted in the people,” he asserted.

He invoked the teachings of Nepal’s founder, Prithvi Narayan Shah, emphasizing a balanced diplomatic approach and the vision of a self-reliant Nepal. According to Shah, these principles should form the foundation of modern political ideology.

In light of global shifts and the challenges of globalization and economic slowdown, Shah urged Nepal to adopt an “Arjuna-like focus” on building a self-reliant economy. He emphasized utilizing domestic resources for local production and consumption to revive Nepal’s internal economy.

The growing outmigration of youth was also a focal point. Shah warned that when even survival becomes difficult in a land as blessed as Nepal, it is imperative to halt youth exodus and create opportunities for employment and income generation within the country.

“We must channel the energy, skills, and knowledge of our youth within Nepal. This is our foremost need today,” he stated.

Calling for unity among the global Nepali diaspora, he appealed for their collective strength—not just in knowledge and skills but also in capital and resources—to be directed toward national development.

Shah advocated launching a national campaign under the banner “Swadesh Nai Swarga” (Home is Heaven) to encourage return, development, and transformation of the country’s pristine and naturally gifted land.

He underscored the urgent need to restructure and reform the nation’s foundational systems. Key sectors such as education, healthcare, and daily governance must undergo sweeping modernization to meet the demands of the technological era.

“Good governance and corruption-free administration must become our core slogan,” Shah emphasized.

Decrying instability, lawlessness, poverty, and corruption, Shah expressed full solidarity with all efforts by the Nepali people to overcome these challenges.

Highlighting his concerns, Shah noted the deteriorating economic conditions, declining industrial output, rising national debt, and unemployment. He warned of a weakening sense of nationalism, eroding social harmony, and rising frustration among the people.

“Capital flight, corruption, and disorder have reached unbearable levels. It is now imperative for all Nepalis to unite in collective and determined effort to make this new year meaningful.”

Shah called for an end to division and distrust among Nepalis and urged the public not to fall into polarizing rhetoric. Emphasizing unity as the key to Nepal’s future, he affirmed that his appeal was not for personal or ideological gain, but for the sovereignty of the nation and the welfare of all its citizens.

“We must craft our thoughts and actions with Nepal at the center. Every problem can be resolved through dialogue, consensus, coordination, and cooperation.”

He concluded his message with a hopeful vision, saying, “Let the upcoming year become a golden chapter in Nepal’s history. May it bring new hope, enthusiasm, and the assurance of a prosperous future for all Nepalis.”