The Day Of Reckoning

Today, the nation is marking Democracy Day amidst a political atmosphere charged with election fervour. At this critical juncture, Democracy Day carries special meaning to the government, political parties, the common people, civil society, the media, and other stakeholders of democracy. The day inspires the parties to be responsible as they are busy with electoral campaigns. Seventy-six years ago, Nepalis transitioned from raitis (subjects) to citizens for the first time on this very day. After years of struggle and sacrifice, Nepalis attained democracy, freedom, and the right to constitute governments of their own representatives. For more than a century, Nepalis were deprived of basic rights to speak, assemble or form associations. With the joint struggle of the Nepali Congress, Nepal Communist Party and the monarchy, the 104-year-long autocratic Rana regime was toppled, replacing it with multiparty democracy.

Our heads bow in honour of four great martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause of the nation and people. Shukraraj Shastri, Dharmabhakta Mathema, Dashrath Chand and Ganga Lal Shrestha were executed in January 1941. Their martyrdom caused unprecedented furor among the people against the ruthless system based on hereditary and feudal rule that had not the slightest regard for public feelings. These great martyrs belonged to the Nepal Praja Parishad established in 1936. Prachanda Gorkha, set up in 1927, had already initiated activities against the Rana regime. Internal and external factors had weakened the Rana rule that collaborated with the British rulers in India, thinking that they would be the last bulwark against the popular uprising against it.

However, the anti-colonisation movement that swept across the world destroyed the myth that the sun never sets on the British Empire. With the British colonial power collapsed, the autocratic Rana rulers were left high and dry. The last Rana Prime Minister, Mohan Shumsher, entered a Treaty of Peace and Friendship with independent India on July 31, 1950, with the hope that independent India would come to its rescue, but the winds of change fiercely blowing in Asia and Africa made it virtually impossible for the Rana regime to hold onto power. Thousands of Nepalis had participated in the First and Second World Wars. As they returned home, they brought with them a new consciousness. They had firsthand experience of freedom and democracy in other parts of the world. They mentally and physically supported the anti-Rana armed revolt.

Democracy Day is the day of reckoning. Today, we stand at a crossroads of history. We have recently witnessed a catastrophic Gen Z revolution that overthrew the coalition government of the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML, which were at the forefront of previous political movements. The Gen Z revolt was against the wrongdoings of the traditional parties that governed the nation for over three decades. The new elections that are taking place in two weeks are expected to bring the country back on the constitutional track. Moreover, it will give the country a new direction. Therefore, Democracy Day reminds all of the historic responsibility handed down by the first generation of political leadership. The nation faced one crisis after another because of the neglect of democratic ideals and values cultivated by the great martyrs. Thus, it is the duty of all to reflect on their contributions and embrace the path shown by them.