Colloquium for Strengthening Democracy, Peace and Development

On the occasion of the 90th Birth Anniversary of Great Leader of the Democratic Movement, First National Leader of Republican Nepal, Former Prime Minister and President of Nepali Congress Girija Prasad Koirala an Interaction Program on “Hydropower Integrating with Agriculture and Natural Resource Management for National and Regional Collaboration” was organized by Girija Prasad Koirala Foundation for Democracy, Peace and Development in Kathmandu.

Inaugural Session

The Inaugural Session was facilitated by Ram Krishna Pokhrel. He schedule and the objective of the program. Outlined the Chief Guest Honorable Speaker of the House Subash Nembwang formally inaugurated the program by lighting a lamp.

Chairperson of the Girija Prasad Koirala Foundation and Constituent Assembly Member Honorable Sujata Koirala said that the program was being organized on the 90th birth anniversary of late GP Koriala who fought for democracy throughout his life. He contributed greatly to the strengthening of democracy and Nepal was able to uphold a respectable platform in the whole of Asia during his time. She stressed on the importance of bilateral and trilateral discussions for hydro power management. There is a need to develop the Constitution at the earliest since it is the main law of the country. She informed that the Foundation could function as a regional platform for cooperation and coordination of common regional resources. She mentioned that Nepal should be able to take the offer put forward by the Indian Prime Minister in supporting the hydro power sector and in coordinating and partnering with China for the speedy and effective benefit of the region as a whole. She thanked all the participants for attending the program.

Chief Guest Rt. Hon. Subash Nembwang praised the work of late Girija Prasad Koirala and recollected his moments with him. He said that his opinion of Girija Prasad Koirala totally changed after he met him personally. He became the leader of the whole nation during the people’s movement and brought the campaign to a conclusive end. He noted that Ganatantra would not have been established if Girija Prasad Koirala and the Nepali Congress Party had not taken a stand. His achievements and his dreams will only be successful if the Constitution is in place by 08 Magh 2071 BS.

Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission Dr Govinda Pokhrel praised the achievements of the late leader Girija Prasad Koirala and stressed on the development of three sectors namely energy, agriculture and tourism. He highlighted the importance of private sector investment to achieve the desired success in these three development sectors. He said that regional collaboration and coordination is very essential to subsidize and have abundant energy. He informed that the resources that are available in Nepal have not been managed effectively. He cited an example of Bhutan where ‘gross happiness index’ was measured and said that Nepal could come up with ‘zero carbon economy’.

Former Speaker of the House Taranath Ranabhat said that there is a void in leadership quality in the present scenario such as the leadership skills that the late Girija Prasad Koirala had. There is a rising concern among the people of the lack of peace and stability in the country. He informed that the best Constitution was the 2046 Constitution at that time which was drafted in three months. He questioned why the present Constitution is taking such a long time. The long transition phase has created a state of impunity and rule of law is not seen.

Minister for Trade and Commerce Hon. Sunil Thapa said that late Girija Prasad Koirala was multi-talented personality and a great leader. He sacrificed his whole life for democracy. He was always committed to the democratic movement despite extreme conditions. The future generation can learn much from his work in this field. The three topics that are being discussed here are very important and contextual. At present, Nepal is in isolation – there is a need to be land linked not landlocked through road connections.

Minister for Irrigation NP Saud said that the late Girija Prasad Koirala was a strong leader who never compromised with the case of democracy. He recollected the time when he first met late Girija Prasad Koirala in Mahenderanagar in 2036 BS. He always believed that the power should be in the hands of people’s representatives. He was very practical and always believed in team spirit.

In the vote of thanks, Hon. Man B Biswokarma of the GPK Foundation and member of the Constituent Assembly thanked all the eminent personalities present on the occasion. He praised the work of late Girija Prasad Koirala and said that he motivated all those people around him and the future generations to come.

Leaders of various parties, CA members and professionals attended the program organized by GP Koirala Foundation on the occasion of the 90th birth anniversary of late Girija Prasad Koirala.

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