Madhyapur Thimi, Oct. 30

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ today said the government declared the Nepal Sambat as a national calendar to establish it as a common calendar of all Nepali people by consolidating nationality and maintaining social justice and cultural transformation.

PM Prachanda expressed such views while speaking at a programme organized here to lay a wreath on the image of national luminary Sankhadhar Sakhwa.

Nepal Sambat is not the calendar of only Newari community but of all Nepali people, PM said, adding that a special taskforce would be formed soon to put it into practice.

Similarly, he said the Nepal Sambat is also the symbol of national unity.

On the occasion, PM Prachanda released a Tithi Micha Pou (Pocket calendar of Nepal Sambat) published by Lhyama Puchah Thimi.

PM Prachanda was provided a keepsake by the Lhyama Puchah and Nepal Scout.

Also speaking on the occasion were Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hishila Yami, Minister for Local Development Ram Chandra Jha, historian Jagdish Chandra Regmi, Newa Deya Dabu Chairman Malla K Sundar, Chairman of Panchanga Determination Committee Professor Dr Man Madhav Prasad Bhattarai, Amik Sherchan of People’s Front Nepal, Acting Chairman of Rastriya Prajatantra Party Jog Mehar Shrestha, Chairman of Nepal Sadbhavana Party Sarita Giri, and Chairman Nepa National Party Dr Keshavman Shakya.

The Nepal Sambat was introduced by the national luminary Sankhadhar Sakhwa by helping to write off the loan of poor Nepalis.

Also Prime Minister has said the Government of Nepal has already given its approval to Nepal Era as National Era and a taskforce would be formed to implement the decision soon.

In the function, organized here today by Nepal Manka Khala on the occasion of Nepal Era 1129, Prime Minister Prachanda said the government fulfilled Nepali people’s desire that remained unsatisfied for centuries and it would strengthened national unity.

He said government’s decision to formalize Nepal Era as national era by embracing Nepali people’s spirit is natural result.

He said founder of Nepal Era, Shankhadhar Sakhwa is national hero, he began the progressive work like abolishing people from debt and the movement was established as Nepal’s special and original character.

On the occasion, intellect Padhmaratna Tuladhar said the government should declare holiday on New Year of Nepal Era.

Prof. Manik Lal Shrestha said Bikram Era was imported in the name of foreign king and it should be replaced.

Earlier, cultural rallies had begun from various points of the Kathmandu Valley.

Prime Minister organized Tea Reception at his residence, Baluwatar on the occasion of Deepawali and Nepal Era.

On the occasion, Vice President, Chief Justice, Speaker, top leaders of various political parties, former Prime Minister, Ministers, heads of foreign diplomatic missions and high-level officers were present.

Similarly, leaders and activists of various political parties, industrialists, businesspersons, journalists and intellectuals were present in the program.

Various organizations, including Sisnopani Nepal presented Deusi Bhailo and cultural programs in the reception.

Prime Minister has said writing new constitution, establishing peace, stability and achieving economic development are the main agenda of the government and the government was committed to achieving these goals.

The Prime Minister made this remark while flagging off a motorcycle rally organized by the Nhunda Celebration Organizing Committee Mahadevstan, Itakhya, Thankot on the occasion of the Nepal Sambat 1129.

Prime Minister Prachanda said the economic revolution would be started by taking the international community into confidence.

He also expressed happiness over having the opportunity of declaring Nepal Sambat as the national calendar during the time of his leading the government.