Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel has reaffirmed that Nepal's federal democratic republic is a system achieved through immense sacrifice, ensuring that citizens are no longer mere subjects but sovereign individuals with the right to hold those in power accountable.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of a newly constructed administrative building in Nechasalyan Rural Municipality, Solukhumbu, the President emphasized, "Each citizen is sovereign in the federal democratic republic." He asserted that it is the collective responsibility of the government and political parties to make citizens feel that this system secures their future and destiny.

President Paudel underscored Nepal’s historical rejection of authoritarianism, citing the 104-year Rana regime, the 30-year Panchayat system, and monarchy as systems that the people opposed. He reminded the audience that the federal democratic republic was not easily attained but was the result of struggles, dedication, and sacrifices by the people.

Recalling his past experiences trekking through Nepal’s eastern hills as Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President became emotional as he remembered his visit to Timburbote, a site where, in 2041 BS, the Panchayat government executed over a dozen democratic fighters.

The President stressed the importance of addressing youth migration and called for citizen-centered policies to improve access to education, healthcare, industrial development, job opportunities, and income-generating activities in rural areas. He noted that Nepal’s three-tier government is actively implementing federalism by decentralizing power from Singha Durbar to local levels, urging local governments to be more proactive in governance and development.

Highlighting Nepal’s economic potential, President Paudel pointed to the expansion of agriculture, water resources, tourism, infrastructure, and industry as crucial to national development. He expressed hope that the hydropower projects under construction in the Solu and Dudhkosi rivers would contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth.

The President also acknowledged the significant role of the Sagarmatha region in boosting tourism through mountaineering and adventure activities. He was pleased to see that Mount Everest is now more accessible via road connections from Kathmandu and the Madhesh region. Recalling his contributions to infrastructure development, he mentioned his role in initiating the Upper Sagarmatha Route’s construction.

He further highlighted the improved road connectivity from Dunai in Dolpa to eastern Nepal, which has relieved people from the hardships of carrying essentials on foot for days. "Such transformations, made possible by democracy, should not be forgotten," he concluded.