Peace, stability and development make strong foundation for democracy: President Bhandari

Tanahun - President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said only peace, political stability and development could ensure foundation of democracy. 

President Bhandari said this while inaugurating the Gorkha Liglig Palungtar Bhawani Educational and Religious Festival-2074 at Palungtar, Gorkha on Sunday. 

On the occasion, the President said that the contributions of Prithivi Narayan Shah made for the nation's unification should be praised with due respect. 

President Bhandari said that the religious festival shall be instrumental for the publicity of humanitarian norms and values adopted by the eastern philosophy. It also develops a peaceful lifestyle and a sense of philanthropic aspiration, she added. 

The President expressed her pleasure for the opportunity to meet the people of her roots adding that her ancestors (Pandey) had migrated to Bhojpur from Gorkha district. 

She further said she was confident regarding the continued glory of Gorkha district in the country's politics as well. 

Stating that the local level polls were conducted in a grand manner, President Bhandari added that Nepal's democratic system and process of state restructuring would create a crucial history once all three layers of polls were conducted. 

President Bhandari also expressed her deep sorrow over the heavy damages caused by Gorkha Earthquake in the district and urged the government to expedite the reconstruction works. 

On the occasion, former Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai, former Deputy Prime Minister Narayankaji Shrestha, former minister Bachaspati Devkota, lawmaker Kamala Panta, Mayor of Palungtar Municipality Dipak Babu Kandel and others expressed their commitment to the development of Palungtar.