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By Rabi Raj Thapa

Nepali people celebrated the 303rd Prithvi Jayenti and Yekata Diwas in the country. This used to be a great day for all Nepalis for so many decades. Since the imposition of secularism and federalism in the country, this fervor has declined for some time and for many reasons. Now, it looks like Nepal has come re-invigorated by a new renaissance, an awakening on the values and principles of what we are and for want and why we should feel proud to be Nepali.

This day is not only remembered as the birthday of a King, but more importantly, is remembered and also celebrated as the Unity of 54 small principalities, including the economically and culturally developed kingdoms of Kathmandu valley into a Greater Nepal. It was King Prithivi Narayan Shah who was the architect of today’s Nepal.

Nevertheless, it was surprising to see the splintered political and ideological fragmentation of the people who were celebrating Unification Day in Nepal. This is customary to pay homage to this Nation-Builder by offering flowers at his statue in front of Singha Durbar and remembering him. The paradox, there were so many small groups who seemed so divided in the way they expressed their homage.

First of all, there are many nationalists in Nepal who see Prithivi Narayan Shah as no less than Americans see their First President George Washington and the Germans see their Otto-von-Bismarck. But when they celebrate, people see all Americans and Germans so united in mind, spirit and collective spirit. Contradicting, the celebration in Nepal lacks that collective spirit even among those who were really devoted and dedicated to the cause.

One of the most remarkable gestures of unity came from HM King Gynendra BB Shah with a very specific all-encompassing unbiased and balanced address to pay homage and offer due respect to the architect of greater unified Nepal. However, celebrating the Prithvi Jayenti and Unity Day programs by two Rastriya Prajatantra parties obviously transmitted the conditions and situations of Nepali national parties more divided than united even on such an auspicious Day of Unity. Then other unaccountable groups also could organize themselves in more unified and cohesive ways and much more organized and orderly manner.

Since the promulgation of the Secular Federal Republic, there has been a clear division among Nepali into secular Federalists and Unitary monarchist groups. However, all must remember that Nepal will not survive undermining Nepali identity along with undermining national towering personalities whether it is the King Prithvi Narayan Shah, King Mahendra or B P Koirala. Can anybody imagine and think of America without American personalities like President George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and others? Can a German think of Germany without Otto-von-Bismarck? Therefore, Nepal also must revere its leaders, recognizing their love for the nation, their sacrifices and dedication without any pride and prejudices.

It is really sad to see petty politics engrossed in conspiracies and animosity; crime and corruption like that of Ravi Lamichane and many other political stalwarts.   

Today, all Nepali need to remember that Nepal cannot survive without Nepali identity and Nepali will mean nothing without a towering leading personality like Prithvi Narayan Shah. Nepali cannot think of Nepal without Prithvi Narayan Shah.  

In this world of conflict, war and turmoil, Nepal must thank God that Nepali have overcome the past bloody decade and now this is a time for peace and reconciliation; once more remembering late King  Prithvi Narayan Shah’s dictum of “Char Jat Chattis Varna – “Sabai Jat ko Fulbri”. Let us take this Yekata Diwas or Unity Day as a day of enlightenment, togetherness and collective wisdom.