Kathmandu, April 14: Nepal is celebrating the New Year 2083 on Tuesday, with prominent leaders extending their wishes for peace and prosperity in the nation. Prime Minister Balendra Shah congratulated citizens on the occasion, expressing hopes for a prosperous year ahead.
Unlike many other countries, both government and private institutions in Nepal operate according to the Vikram Samvat calendar, with the first day of the New Year typically falling in mid-April.
On social media platform Facebook, Prime Minister Shah used Vedic mantras to convey his greetings, stating, “Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niraamayaah. Sarve bhadraani pashyantu, maa kashcid-duhkha-bhaag bhavet.” He elaborated, saying, “May happiness, health, and prosperity dwell in our lives. May you always remain auspicious, free from obstacles, and become conquerors of sorrow. On this auspicious occasion of the New Year 2083, I wish you all happiness, peace, and prosperity.”
President Ram Chandra Paudel also conveyed wishes for peace, prosperity, good health, and happiness. He urged Nepalese people to reflect on the past and commit to progress in the future. His message highlighted the recent results of the House of Representatives elections, which he believes have paved the way for overcoming the difficult circumstances the country has faced.
Since the beginning of the Gen Z uprising last September, Nepal has been grappling with an uncertain future. The elections held on March 5 brought a new political force, the National Independent Party, to the forefront, with Prime Minister Balendra Shah taking charge of the government.
President Paudel stated, “Through the House of Representatives elections, the people have given a mandate for the rule of law, lasting peace, good governance, and social justice, which will strengthen the Federal Democratic Republic.”
Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav also extended his wishes and called on Nepalese to foster positive thinking, discipline, and brotherhood in the New Year. He emphasized the need for collective resolve to tackle challenges in the economy, public health, environmental protection, and climate change.
The past year, 2082 Vikram Samvat, was not particularly favorable for former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who was ousted from power. His party, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist), performed poorly in the March 5 elections. He faced allegations of murder during the Gen Z movement and was taken into custody. Currently under investigation for money laundering, Oli also shared his wishes via Facebook.
He wrote, “Success or failure, opportunity or challenge, weaknesses or achievements—2082 is now history. Reflecting on the lessons of the past and looking towards the future, I hope that the New Year 2083 establishes a meaningful synergy between ‘experienced expertise’ and ‘youthful energy’ for a safe and prosperous Nepal.”
On Monday, former King Gyanendra Shah also released a message for the Nepali people. He drew attention to the instability experienced by Nepal over the years, which has hindered the country’s prosperity.
The former king remarked, “We have been continuously searching for experiments and alternatives. As a result, our country has merely become a laboratory.” His statement referred to the transitions from monarchy to republic and from a unitary to a federal system.
He also praised the increasing participation of the younger generation in Nepal’s politics following the March 5 elections, noting a significant number of young MPs in the legislative body, the House of Representatives.
He concluded, “It is encouraging to see the growing involvement of the younger generation in politics and governance. We believe that the participation of educated, knowledgeable, technically skilled, and enthusiastic individuals will contribute positively to nation-building.”
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