KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) Balendra (Balen) Shah has called on citizens to unite against corruption, misgovernance, negligence, inequality and political unrest, describing them as negative tendencies that must be eliminated to bring positive change to the country.
In a message issued on the occasion of Bijaya Dashami, the main day of the Bada Dashain festival, Prime Minister Shah said honest efforts, determination and collective hard work were essential to ensure that every citizen feels that the government is there for them.
Highlighting Bijaya Dashami as a festival symbolising the triumph of truth over falsehood, Shah said, “We must unite to eliminate the negative tendencies of corruption, misgovernance, negligence, inequality and political unrest and ensure that every citizen feels that there is a government for them. To bring about change, we must change our behaviour alongside our thinking.”
Referring to the mythological accounts of Goddess Durga’s victory over demonic forces and Lord Ram’s triumph over Rawan, Shah expressed hope that the festival would inspire people to abandon negative traits such as arrogance, greed, jealousy, violence and discrimination.
Stating that Dashain brings together people from diverse social groups, communities and regions in Nepal’s geographically, culturally and linguistically diverse society, the prime minister urged Nepalis at home and abroad to celebrate the festival by sharing goodwill, strengthening unity, and showing mutual respect and love according to their means.