President urges measures against discrimination

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, June 4: President Ramchandra Paudel, in his message issued on the occasion of the National Day for the Elimination of Caste Discrimination and Untouchability on Monday, extended warm wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad for happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Marked on June 3 annually, this day commemorates the pivotal declaration made by the Government of Nepal in 2006, designating the nation as a ‘caste-based untouchability-free nation.’

President Paudel acknowledged the progress made in altering social paradigms, customs, and traditions toward fostering unity and harmony. However, he highlighted persisting challenges rooted in historical biases, illiteracy, economic disparities and societal unawareness.

Expressing optimism for the future, President Paudel urged for concerted efforts from all sectors to lay the groundwork for ending discrimination and oppression across economic, social, political, cultural, and ethnic spheres.

Emphasising Nepal’s constitutional commitment to diversity and equality, President Paudel underscored the nation’s resolve to construct an egalitarian society grounded in inclusive principles to ensure prosperity and social justice for all.

Citing caste discrimination as an affront to human dignity, President Paudel called for heightened social awareness, national unity, and collective action to combat untouchability and discrimination.

President Paudel extended his best wishes for the collective endeavour toward building a cultured, egalitarian, and prosperous nation, urging individuals, communities, government bodies, political parties, NGOs, civil society and the media to uphold sensitivity and solidarity in the noble pursuit.