SURKHET, Jan 9: The monuments of King Birendra at Dhamboji of Nepalgunj and Birendranagar Chowk of Surkhet were destroyed during the 2006 people's movement. The vandalism of these iconic monuments that stood at the heart of the cities took the gloss off the popular movement.
According to CPN-UML Banke district Secretary Ratna Khatri, destruction of the memorial effigies of great historical value under any pretext is absolutely wrong. “We can debate on the good and bad aspects of historic personalities,” he said, adding, “However, the destruction of historical monuments can never be accepted.”
UML leader Khatri argued in favor of re-establishing the monuments in those places.
It was not just the monument of King Birendra that was destroyed in Surkhet, but attempts were also made to erase the name of Birendranagar municipality. The city council had sent a recommendation to change its name to Surkhet municipality. However, the government is yet to approve the new name.
Bishnu Khadka, assistant professor at the Mid-western University, said that the historic contribution made by our ancestors has to be properly evaluated. “But the destruction of historic monuments linked with our culture is a form of extremism,” he said.
Khadka questioned what is left to hand over to the new generation with the destruction of history. “If we destroy our history, what will we hand over to the younger generation?”
Unlike the misdeeds of some kings, the contribution of Prithivi Narayan Shah in unifying Nepal out of numerous small states should not be forgotten, according to Pitambar Dhakal, associate professor of political science at the Tribhuvan University.
“Obliterating the unification day means to reject the historical reality,” Dhakal said.
A statue of Mahatma Gandhi in London serves as a good example in the context of Nepal. Gandhi's monument stands at the Westminster in central London. Whoever has reached the site not only expresses his respect toward Gandhi, but also appreciates the generosity of the British people.
Gandhi was once enemy of the British, who had rule over India, since he fought against the British imperialism. However British have also learnt many good thoughts from Gandhi, Arjun Bahadur Aydee said.
Aydee who is currently pursuing his PhD degree in political science at Jawaharlal Nehru University, India, told Republica argued that Nepalis should learn from the British. The wrong deeds in historic period ignites present scenario and it reflects on future course as well. This is the reason for the respect and preservation of history, he added.
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