Most people interviewed expressed little or no excitement about the day. While some felt that the country would fare better in the hands of a king, others stated that they are least hopeful about the future of the country no matter which course it takes. [break]
Excerpts
Bishnu Bahadur Bista, staff at Kirtipur drinking water supply
Republic Day in a country like Nepal has absolutely no meaning. The republic day celebrations would be relevant only after 20 years. By then, perhaps, our country would be prepared to live the spirit of a republican state. The way things are unfolding, it makes me least hopeful about the future of this country. They will fight among themselves to grab power and for this they can even put the future of this country at stake. So, I feel that it would be far better if the king was ruling the country. It was a great mistake to oust the king from power. We still need him. Otherwise, there is no hope for this country.
Nita Khadka, Parphing, housewife
The day would have passed without me noticing it had it not been for the holiday at my child´s school. It was her holiday and we planned an outing.
During the time of conflict, I used to feel that the country was heading toward a great change. Many people lost their lives for the country. Many were injured and have been disabled. With all those sacrifices, the country should have been in a far better condition. But now, just like other people, I am hopeless about the future of the country. Even the Maoists could do nothing much. In such condition, how can we feel happy or be celebrating the Republic Day? It is just like another holiday or a Saturday.
Ramesh Lama, laborer from Udayapur
I am not aware that today is Republic Day or what it means. People like us toil hard day and night to make our ends meet. I make cottages here and feel happy when there is high demand. We hardly have time to think about anything else. I have been working as a laborer in Kathmandu for over 15 years now. However, I have not been able to earn much. My son studies in my village in Udaypur in class 11. I wish he will have a good future. I am least aware about the politics. I do not know who is heading the government currently. Friends sometimes talk about such things but I do not listen to them much. I feel it´s no use to take interest in such things.
Muna Gurung, student from Dhading
Yes, I know today is the Republic Day but I have no idea what it exactly means. For us, it makes the least difference what changes come in the country as we are fully dependent upon our parents. They look after us. They insist me to remain aware, go through newspapers and so on. However, I love to watch only Hindi serials. I have no knowledge of politics at all. When Girija Prasad Koirala had died, people in my family were sad. Then I understood he was a famous leader. I had thought Congress was a great party. But now, I am not sure, which one is good. This "republic day" is a new term for us but the word "democracy" sounds familiar.
Prativa Mishra, secondary school teacher
The Republic Day would have some meaning only if there was a constitution in place. Or, it would still have some sense if there would have been good political developments to see. Celebrating Republic Day makes little sense when people are clueless about the future of the country. As a teacher, it is often very difficult to answer students when they express queries about the future of the country. You cannot make the young minds hopeless by sharing what you exactly feel. Neither can you paint flowery pictures for their excitement. The depressing political situation has affected one and all.
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