The Himalayan country of Nepal has undergone many changes in recent years. Nepal, founded in 1769, in 245 years of long history, has experienced aristocracy, autocracy and democracy, too, in her political realm. Nepal has traveled a long and arduous journey of political changes from monarchy to republic. Now, in the contemporary Nepal, the concept of Democracy, Peace and Development are knotted together. In absence of one, hardly another can survive and flourish. All enjoy a complementary relations marked by reliance and dependency on each other.
As Nepal is still in political transition and has been overwhelmed by a rapid globalization process, the society needs to institutionalize various aspects of universal democracy. Likewise, it requires institutionalizing the achievements of people’s 3rd movement by concluding the ongoing peace process. At the same time, to address these challenges, it is imperative to take measures into account relating to the modernization of societal order and alleviating widespread poverty exiting in society besides renewing people’s allegiance to the political system and state.
With these noble yet contemporary objectives the GPK Foundation has been envisioned. The Foundation firmly believes that a proper equation of human endeavors entangled in Democracy, Peace and Development are underpinnings for a prosperous and modern Nepal. The Foundation owes its name to GP Koirala, a man of “simple convictions” who played a pivotal role in restoring democracy in Nepal in 1990 and was principal actor in bringing derailed 1990 constitutional process back on track and ending a decade long bloodshed. Since Koirala was a staunch believer of democracy and its strength, he tenaciously brought the Maoists- who had raised arms against the state and used violent means to achieve their goals in society, in the mainstream politics.
GP Koirala, who tirelessly worked for a popular political system and social justice for more than six decades, as a Prime Minister of the country, formulated many policy measures to liberalize the economy of Nepal and also encouraged policy measure for colossal investment particularly in health and educational sectors. He always focused his attention to empower and uplift marginalized social groups.