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King Gyanendra’s message on 304th Prithivi Jayanti


On the occasion of Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day, or Prithvi Jayanti) on January 11, 2026, King Gyanendra Shah issued a message expressing deep concern over nation’s ongoing challenges and calling for national unity. He emphasized that the monarchy has always acted as a common representative of all the people and cannot abandon its responsibility to the people.

Key points from His Majesty’s address:

National Survival and Unity: His Majesty expressed worry that while in the past the concern was about nation-building, now there is despair over whether the country itself can survive. He stressed that Nepal's future lies in the unity of its people, transcending ideological or identity-based divisions.

Critique of Current Governance: He noted that nearly two decades after he stepped away from state power, the political parties that promised peace, economic progress, and stability have failed to deliver, leading to public frustration, mass migration of youth, and rising debt. He stated that speeches, magic, or miracles cannot build a nation, but rather collective effort and responsibility.

Role of the Monarchy: He reaffirmed that the monarchy served as a unifying force, representing all castes, religions, and regions, and that he stepped aside with "cooperative intent" in the hope the new system would succeed.

King Gyanendra urged all citizens to recognize their duty and follow the "Prithvi Path" (the unifying vision of King Prithvi Narayan Shah), emphasizing that every problem can be resolved through dialogue, consensus, and collaboration. He called for a shift from destruction-oriented politics to nation-building efforts.

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