On June 30, 2016 (16th of Asaar, 2073 BS), GP Koirala Foundation marked the 93rd birth anniversary of Late GP Koirala, or Girija Babu as he was popularly known, with a seminar on his contributions towards democratization in Nepal. The seminar also discussed the implementation of the new constitution. The seminar was co-organized by GP Koirala Labor Foundation. The program was chaired by Hon’ble Sujata Koirala, the chairperson of the foundation. Rt. Hon’ble Prime Minister KP Oli was the chief guest of the program. Deputy Prime Minister Bijay Kumar Gachchhadhar and senior politician Ram Chandra Paudel of Nepali Congress were special guests at the program, and the president of GP Koirala Labor Foundation, Hon’ble Puskar Acharya was a guest at the program.
On her welcome address, Hon’ble Sujata Koirala reminisced that the late GP Koirala believed that the making of a new constitution through the Constitution Assembly, built according to the people’s desires, would conclude the extended political revolution. The leaders would then have to strive for the country to have an economic revolution that would bring long-term peace, stability and prosperity, and an end to poverty, which was Girija Babu’s ultimate dream for the country. She further mentioned how the peace process initiated by him had reached successful conclusion and the newly promulgated constitution had granted sovereignty to the people of Nepal. It was due to the politics of compromise, co-operation and unity initiated by Girija Babu which had made these achievements possible, and that it was important for everyone to walk in the path directed by him to achieve the remaining goals of ending poverty and hunger.
Hon’ble Koirala then expressed her own desire for an economic revolution through the proper and quick mobilization of the country’s resources, for which the GP Koirala Foundation was always willing to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders.
Hon’ble Koirala also took a moment to appreciate the sacrifices of several prominent leaders such as the late BP Koirala, the late Pushpa Lal Shrestha, the late Ganesh Man Singh, the late Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, the late Madan Bhandari and the late Man Mohan Adhikari who throughout their lives fought for the principles of democracy. She further added that their contributions should never be forgotten for they are the trailblazers for future generations. She concluded her address with the belief that the efforts made by these leaders and Girija babu would forever be remembered by the people.
The program also had Dr. Ram Thapaliya present footage of Girija Babu on the historic day of November 21, 2006 when the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed between the Government of Nepal and the then Communist Party of Nepal (Maoists). Dr. Thapaliya praised Girija Babu’s contributions towards this agreement, his leadership style and his commitment towards the country, the rule of law and democracy.
PM KP Oli dubbed Girija Babu a true leader and a bright star on the Nepali sky and praised his extraordinary contributions towards democracy since the 1950s. PM Oli said Girija Babu was one of few who shaped the 20th century in Nepal. PM Oli recognized Girija Babu’s contribution in the labor movement, in the anti-colonial Quit India movement, and in the organization and management of political parties in Nepal’s nascent democracy. PM Oli further recognized Girija Babu’s efforts in overthrowing the party-less Panchayat system, absolute monarchy, and ending the decade long conflict, as being invaluable. He said that Girija Babu was a persona with a vision and that he had the capacity to lead revolutions to achieve that vision. PM Oli also expressed his sadness that Girija Babu had passed away prior to the promulgation of the new constitution and was unable to witness his dreams coming to fruition. PM Oli also appreciated Girija Babu’s talents in bringing together parties of different and even conflicting ideologies.
Deputy Prime Minister Bijay Kumar Gachchhadhar remembered Girja Babu as a guiding figure when he was starting his own political career, and that he had a lot of opportunities to learn lessons in determination and courage from the prominent leader while in exile in India during the Panchayat era. He also shared an anecdote of a time when Girija Babu told him and other leaders that had BP Koirala’s reconciliation efforts with the king failed, they would have to continue the revolution on their own. Such was the determination of Girija Babu towards restoring democracy. He even said that even chairman of UCPN (Maoist) Prachanda regularly acknowledged that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement would not have taken place had it not been for Girija Babu. Girija Babu’s courage needed to be emulated if the political deadlock was to end.
In his address, senior politician of Nepali Congress Ram Chandra Paudel dubbed Girija Babu as a leader of both revolution and peace. He added that Inclusive democracy and the new constitution were fruits of Girija Babu’s contributions, and that Girija Babu remained determined throughout his life for the wellbeing of the people of Nepal. However he remained fearful that the new achievements of the country – federalism and democracy could be reversed because the country lacked serious leaders like Girija Babu.
