Kathmandu: The 304th birth anniversary of King Prithvi Narayan Shah was celebrated with a variety of programs on January 11. Recognizing the contribution made by Shah, the leader of the unification campaign of modern Nepal, wreaths are laid at the statue of King Prithvi Narayan Shah in front of the west gate of the main administrative building, Singha Durbar.
President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Sushila Karki attended the special ceremonies to mark Prithvi Jayanti and National Unity Day. A special event is organised on this day in Gorkha, Shah’s birthplace. Shah was born in Gorkha in 1779 BS. The then King Shah of Gorkha, who unified the then principalities into modern Nepal, passed away in 1831 BS at the age of 52. He ascended the throne at the age of 20 and launched a unification campaign.
Shah’s unification campaign paved the way for Nepal to remain one of the oldest independent nations in the world, as it laid the foundation for preserving national independence and sovereignty. Shah’s divine teachings during his reign’ are equally relevant today in the context of reducing corruption and promoting good governance in the country.
Considering the geographical situation, he had given Nepal the nickname of a yam between two rocks. The day is also observed as National Unity Day, with both formal and informal events organised to remember the late King.
(RSS)
