Prime Minister Balendra Shah has urged Nepalis to draw inspiration from Vijaya Dashami to fight corruption, poor governance, bureaucratic delays, inequality and political distortions.
In a festival greeting issued on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami, Shah called for collective efforts to create an environment in which every citizen feels that the government is there to serve them.
He also urged people to abandon negative attitudes such as arrogance, greed, jealousy, violence and discrimination. Changing society, he said, requires changes in both attitudes and behaviour, while honest efforts, firm resolve and collective action can help overcome entrenched problems.
Describing Vijaya Dashami as a celebration of truth's triumph over falsehood, Shah recalled the Hindu mythological accounts of Goddess Durga Bhawani defeating Mahishasura and Lord Ram vanquishing Ravana.
He said the festival could strengthen unity among people from different communities and regions in Nepal, a country marked by geographical, cultural and linguistic diversity. He also highlighted Dashain as an opportunity to renew bonds with friends and relatives from whom people have grown apart over the years.
Shah extended wishes for happiness, peace, prosperity and continued progress to Nepalis at home and abroad, urging them to celebrate the festival with goodwill, unity, mutual respect and affection.