Former King Gyanendra expresses sorrow over Tikune incident, urges unity and self-reliance in New Year message

KATHMANDU, APRIL 13: Former King Gyanendra Shah has expressed sorrow over the recent Tikune incident. During the pro-monarchy demonstration held on March 28, two people lost their lives, and incidents of arson, vandalism, and looting occurred at Rinkune in the capital. Emphasizing that there is no system greater than civil liberty, he stated that the happiness of the people is his own happiness. He remarked that in genuine democracies, there exists a tradition and culture of listening to both praise and criticism from the public.

 Even in his non-monarchical status, Shah hinted that the people’s aspiration to build a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Nepal will be fulfilled in the year 2082.

Extending greetings for the New Year 2082, he expressed hope that the growing public awareness to free the country from existing complexities and to build a peaceful, stable, and prosperous nation would yield concrete results this year.

Full Text of Former King Gyanendra Shah’s New Year Message for 2082:

A brand-new year—2082—has arrived in the homes and courtyards of all Nepalis. On this auspicious occasion, I extend my warm wishes for peace and happiness to all Nepalis living in the country and abroad.

Every New Year brings with it fresh hope and belief. But for many years now, each passing year has ended in deep disappointment. In a democratic society, it is a beautiful feature that people from various political, social, and communal backgrounds can express their views and beliefs. However, while doing so, restraint must be exercised by all.

We were deeply saddened to hear about the violence, arson, vandalism, and human and material loss during the recent public demonstration. No system or ideology is greater than civil liberty. True democracy exists where there is a tradition of listening to both criticism and praise from the people.

We view positively the growing awareness among Nepalis regarding the country and its future. In fact, the patriotism seen in Nepalis is admirable and worthy of emulation globally. The momentum to free the nation from its current entanglements and build a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Nepal has grown, and we believe that in this New Year, the people's desire will begin to materialize.

The monarchy has consistently contributed to freeing the general populace from the widespread unrest, lawlessness, despair, and dissatisfaction in the country. Holding nationalism and democracy as central values, our belief has always aligned with a multi-party democracy and a constitutional monarchy that operates as per the will of the people. In today’s context, it must be clearly acknowledged that sovereign power originates from the people.

Might it be time to consider the divine guidance of the great founder of the nation, His Majesty Prithvi Narayan Shah, as the guiding principle for state power? His vision of balanced diplomacy and a self-reliant Nepal—"Nepal is a yam between two boulders"—should form the essence of our political discourse today.

In light of the changing global circumstances, and amid the severe economic recession brought on by globalization and free trade, countries like Nepal must now focus sharply on building a self-reliant economy. Using local resources to produce and consume within the country is a sign that the global environment now favors inward-oriented economic resilience.

In this land—one of the finest in the world—it has now become difficult even to live, and youth migration has surged. This trend must be reversed. We must ensure high-level utilization of youth labor and skills within the country itself. Creating opportunities for youth employment and income generation within Nepal has become the foremost priority. Every Nepali must direct their efforts, mind, and energy toward this goal.

The time has come to unite Nepalis scattered around the world. It is essential to inspire not only the return of their skills and knowledge but also of the capital and resources they have acquired abroad. The natural beauty of this land—this Himalayan realm resembling paradise—must be nurtured and developed. A campaign under the theme "Return to the homeland—our heaven on earth" is now the need of the hour.

It is evident that the country’s overall structure must undergo transformation and reform in line with public sentiment. Our education, healthcare, and everyday systems must be fundamentally overhauled and modernized. This is the era of technology. If used wisely, it can significantly contribute to national development. Good governance and a corruption-free administration must be the principal slogan.

We seek an end to instability, unrest, lawlessness, poverty, and corruption. We stand in solidarity with all efforts made by the Nepali people toward that goal. The declining economy, the ailing state of industrial production, the growing national debt, rising unemployment, weakened nationalism, fragmented national unity, social disharmony, cultural erosion, and widespread public discontent are all matters of grave concern. Along with human migration, capital flight, corruption, and systemic disorder have reached unsustainable levels. In such circumstances, making this New Year meaningful and result-oriented will require collective and unified effort from all Nepalis.

We remain ever-conscious and sensitive to the possibility of internal conflict, mistrust, and violence among Nepalis. We must ensure that our people are not divided under any name or pretext. We have embraced the reality that Nepal’s future lies in the unity of its people, and we believe that this truth must be internalized by all. Our call is not driven by personal ambition or any ideological agenda; it is for the sovereignty of the nation, the supremacy of the people, and the dignified happiness of Nepal and Nepalis. It is we ourselves who must build a leading nation in our own unique way and raise our existence with our own strength.

The world has advanced far, yet we remain entangled in endless ideological debates. Our thoughts and actions must now centre around Mother Nepal. Every problem can be resolved through dialogue, consensus, coordination, and cooperation.

We firmly believe that the coming year should become a memorable and golden chapter in Nepal's history—and it can be. May this New Year bring fresh hope, joy, and enthusiasm, and secure a golden future for all Nepalis.

May Lord Pashupatinath bless us all. Long Live Nepal!