Dignitaries extol martyrs’ contribution to the nation

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 30: The nation is marking Martyrs Day 2024 on Tuesday commemorating the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to usher in democracy in the country.

Four big martyrs—Shukra Raj Shastri, Dhrarmabhakta, Dasharath Chand and Gangalal-- got martyrdom in 1941 when they tried to overthrow the family rule of the Ranas and establish democracy in the country. Two of them—Chand and Gangalal were executed by the Rana rulers on Magh 16, 1997 BS (January 30, 1941). Their dream came true a decade later in 1951 when Nepali people overthrew the Ranas and establish democracy. The country has been marking Magh 16 as the Martyrs Day after the establishment of democracy every year. 

On the occasion of the Martyrs Day, President Ramchandra Paudel, Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba and other leaders have issued separate messages commemorating the martyrs and recalling their contribution to ensure people’s rights, establish democracy and safeguard national sovereignty. 

In his message issued today, President Ramchandra Paudel wished that the Martyrs Day might inspire all political parties, people and others to have courage to realise the dreams of those who got martyrdom for the freedom of the Nepali people. 

Stating that Nepali people have a constitution written by themselves because of the sacrifices made by the martyrs, the President said that the constitution has envisioned justice for the weak and income for the poor with political, economic, social, religious and cultural freedom.  

“Realising this spirit of constitution and federal republic to achieve the lasting peace, good governance, development and prosperity will be the only true tribute to our martyrs,” the President said.

Likewise, in his message Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav said that only by realizing their dreams, we will be paying true tribute to the martyrs.

Likewise, NC President Deuba in his message urged one and all to make resolutions to transform the dreams of the martyrs into reality by forgetting trivial differences to safeguard the nation and democracy on the occasion of Martyrs Day. 

Meanwhile, a memorial meeting was held at Sobha Bhagwati, the place where Martyrs Gangalal Shrestha and Dasthrath Chandra attained immortality. 

On the occasion, Kathmandu Metropolitan City Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol and other officials paid a heartfelt tribute to the martyrs.

Deputy Mayor Dangol said that the stories of the contribution of the martyrs should be handed to the next generations. She said,

"Today, the generations of grandparents and parents are present here. 

Next year, let's meet with the children and grandchildren. We need to make the new generation known about the sacrifices of the martyrs for the freedom of people and country."