Falgun 7: Reminder And Responsibility

Seventy-five years ago, Falgun 7 dawned in Nepal as a symbol of democracy. Yet even today, the people of this country are once again heading towards elections with the hope that newly elected leaders will pave the way for a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous life. That was the day when the 104-year-old Rana regime was overthrown by the people of Nepal, ending a dynasty of oppression. Jang Bahadur Rana had confiscated power from the Shah dynasty in 1903 B.S. through the infamous Kot Parva. The Ranas ruled for 103 years, suppressing the people while keeping the Shah Kings under house arrest. 

The population at the time was less than five million. A limited number of landlords owned the majority of land, and despite abundant land and a small population, most people were landless. Many generations of these families are still estimated to remain landless squatters. While Europe was undergoing the Renaissance and later the Industrial Revolution—advancing in science, technology, agriculture, education, health services, and transportation — Nepal was under an autocratic regime. The general population was treated almost like slaves. Available data suggest that only about two per cent of the population was literate, and the average life expectancy was around 25 years. 

Limited access to education 

Towards the later stage of the Rana rule, institutions such as Darbar High School and Tri-Chandra College were established, but access was limited to members of the elite class. Ending the Rana regime was therefore a major step towards establishing democracy and paving the path to the republic we have today. However, the road has not been smooth, nor the journey peaceful.

The BS 2007 revolution was led by the Nepali Congress under the leadership of BP Koirala, with support from Praja Parishad and the Nepal Communist Party. The then King Tribhuvan sought refuge in India with the support of the Indian Embassy, while his grandson Gyanendra was placed on the throne by Mohan Shumsher. Later, after the tragic palace massacre in which King Birendra and his family were killed, Gyanendra was crowned king. Eventually, in 2008, the monarchy was abolished and Nepal was declared a Federal Democratic Republic.

Since 2007 B.S. Nepal has gone through multiple regime changes. Not only rulers by birth but also elected leaders have often focused more on personal gain than national development. The Shah dynasty, in many ways, was no different from the Ranas who had seized power from them. In the name of democracy, administrative systems were established, decentralisation was introduced through districts and development regions, and educational and administrative institutions were set up across the country. Access to education expanded, media developed, and Nepal entered the international arena by signing treaties and joining the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.

The then King Mahendra introduced the Panchayat system, which, in theory, was not unsuitable for a country like Nepal. However, it was administered in an autocratic manner. Education, media, security, and governance remained under royal control, and citizens were not allowed to express themselves freely. Political parties were banned, and leaders were arrested for speeches and writings critical of the monarchy. Despite this, political parties continued operating underground, with many leaders taking shelter in India. The Nepali Congress and various communist parties mobilised dissent, which gradually spread among the people. Educational opportunities expanded through scholarship programmes, creating a more aware population. Both rural and urban citizens quietly supported democratic forces.

The students' movement of in 1980 nearly succeeded but was suppressed. It was followed by the Janaandolan of 1990, when the Nepali Congress and leftist parties joined hands to restore multiparty democracy and establish Nepal as a constitutional monarchy. Although King Birendra largely fulfilled his constitutional role, internal power struggles among political parties prevented stable governance. Many citizens felt that constitutional democracy alone could not address deep-rooted class inequalities. This dissatisfaction eventually culminated in the Maoist insurgency, and in 2008 the monarchy was formally abolished, establishing a federal republic.

Unfortunately, since 1990, no elected government has completed a full term. Political instability has led to the uncertainty the country faces today, once again approaching elections under unprecedented circumstances. Why has this happened? Leaders once idolised by the Nepali people became engaged in power struggles and were increasingly accused of corruption, with some alleging that the system is drifting towards kleptocracy. This frustration culminated in the Gen Z protests in September 2025, led by a generation deeply dissatisfied with the state of governance. While many young people may not fully grasp Nepal’s political journey prior to 2007 B.S., they clearly recognise the rise in corruption and inequality.

Mistreatment 

A small elite — often enriched through access to public resources rather than inherited wealth — enjoys privilege, while the majority of Nepali youth continue to struggle for quality education, healthcare, and employment within their own country. They are also disheartened by the mistreatment of migrant workers who contribute significantly to both their families and the national economy.

The struggle of the Nepalis for dignity, accountability, and genuine democracy continues. As Falgun 7 is observed this year, it must also honour the lives lost during the September 2025 protests and serve as a reminder of unfinished commitments. Citizens must cast their votes responsibly, choosing candidates who will serve the nation in the true interest of the country and its people.

(Sharma is a senior journalist and women rights advocate namrata1964@yahoo.com X handle: @NamrataSharmaP)