President observes Mahashivaratri and Army Day feu-de-joie in Tundikhel

President Ram Chandra Paudel today attended a special ceremony organized by the Nepal Army (NA), marking Mahashivaratri Festival and Army Day- 2082 BS. Today marks the 263rd Army Day.  

On the occasion, the Head-of-the-State observed the feu-de-joie and NA skill shows and performances. A contingent of NA presented a guard of honor to the President who also serves as the Supreme Commander of the NA.

The President laid a wreath at the NA memorial in Tundikhel. The NA celebrates its establishment in conjunction with the Shivaratri festival, which marks the birthday of Lord Shiva. According to Vedic beliefs, Shiva symbolizes peace and security.

As part of the celebrations, President Paudel also launched the annual magazine "Sipahi-2082 BS," published by the NA Directorate of Public Relations and Information.

Additionally, President Paudel presented prizes to Lieutenant Colonel Bibek Bikram Shah  and Corporal Ramesh Kumar Chaudhary who secured first and second place, respectively, in the 'free fall jump' competition. He also presented "Tokens of Remembrance" to the chiefs of military squads from India, the UK, and the US, who performed band displays during the event.

Before this, Skyhooks Army Aviation Services displayed banners, and an army helicopter showered flower petals on the occasion, also displaying a banner reading 'Sena Diwas-2082 (Army Day-2026)'.

Soldiers of the Nepal Army marked the occasion with celebratory rifle and artillery fire, accompanied by grand parades. The event featured demonstrations of various military skills, floats displaying traditional army attire, and performances by music and dance ensembles. A Nepal Army contingent also took part in the march-past. In addition, a range of vehicles, equipment, and weaponry used by the Army were put on display.

Among the dignitaries present were Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, and National Assembly (NA) Chair Narayana Prasad Dahal. 

The event was also attended by ministers and former ministers, heads and officials of constitutional bodies, senior government authorities, chiefs of security agencies, representatives of diplomatic missions based in Nepal, and other distinguished personalities from various sectors.

A large number of people gathered around the Tundikhel area to witness the celebrations, which were broadcast live by several media outlets, including Nepal Television.

 

 

President Paudel prorogues National Assembly current session

President Ram Chandra Paudel has prorogued the current session of the National Assembly to be effective from midnight on February 13.

President Paudel prorogued the session of the National Assembly, the upper house of the Federal Parliament, on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers on February 9, in accordance with Article 93 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal.

The current session of the National Assembly was convened on January 18.

 

 

Abuse of authority is a serious challenge on state's legitimacy, social justice: Prez Paudel

President Ram ChandraPaudel has shared that abuse of authority is not a minor mistake, it is a serious challenge upon the state's legitimacy and social justice.

Addressing a special program organized today on the occasion of the 35th Establishment Day of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), President Paudel said that the CIAA should pay attention to maintain good governance by fulfilling the assigned responsibilities.

He expressed the view that state's authorized bodies should work making people assure that no one could be exempted from legal accountability in the pretext of power and position. 

President Paudel argued, "Abuse of authority is not only the violation of law, but also a serious blow on citizen's trust, faith and future. It damages the bridge of trust between the state and citizens." 

"When public power is used for personal interest, the state's trust on citizens as well as citizens' trust towards the state becomes weak. It creates mistrust towards the rule of law, weakens faith in the law and undermines fundamental values of democracy," he underlined. 

The President mentioned that corruption could be rooted out if hunger of power, position and property wealth is controlled.

It is possible to combat and prevent corruption if good conduct, integrity, impartiality, transparency, and fearlessness are embraced as a way of life, the President said, adding that he wished to see greater effectiveness in policy, methods, technology, and attitudinal reforms, as well as the development of discipline and good conduct as a system.

Stating that accessible and efficient service delivery for citizens and the proper functioning of the Constitution through good governance are the desired goals of the Constitution, the Head of State said that voices have repeatedly been raised urging the authorities concerned to fulfill these aspirations. 

He made it clear that the recent youth movement was a demonstration of such expressions and desires, and called on everyone not to ignore these voices.

The President asserted that the fight against corruption is not the responsibility of any single institution; rather, it is a shared responsibility of all state apparatuses, political leadership, the bureaucracy, and civil society. According to the President, the fight against corruption will achieve its goals only through the joint commitment and coordinated actions of all these bodies.

“The struggle against the abuse of authority is ultimately a struggle for justice, equality, and good governance. Through this struggle, we can restore citizens’ trust in the system, strengthen democracy, and hand over a clean, competent, and reliable state to future generations.”

Strong political will is the first condition for combating corruption, the Head of State said, adding that he believes positive changes in the work culture of political officials will also guide the administrative sector toward greater accountability and integrity.

 

Nepal’s stability is important for us, says Japanese PM

Japanese Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae has said that stability in Nepal is important for Japan as well in ensuring regional stability as a whole. In a meeting with Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Paudel, she said that Japan will continue to support the consolidation of democracy in Nepal and cooperate in Nepal’s development.

Prime Minister TAKAICHI also stated that stability in Nepal is important for Japan in ensuring regional stability as a whole and, from this perspective, emphasized the importance of Nepal’s general election scheduled to be held on March 5 this year being conducted in a free, fair, and inclusive manner with broad participation by the people of Nepal, reads the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

The Japanese PM noted that Japan and Nepal have built friendly relations based on a long history of people-to-people exchanges, including student and mountaineering exchanges. President Paudel welcomed the promotion of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

This week, President Ram Chandra Paudel paid an official visit to Japan. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In the meeting, the Japanese PM said that she would like to further strengthen bilateral relations on this occasion. In response, President Paudel expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended by Japan and stated his desire to deepen the friendly relations between the two countries, which have spanned more than 70 years, across all areas.

 

President Paudel returns home

President Ram Chandra Paudel returned home today after completing his official visit to Japan.

Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, ministers and the chiefs of the security bodies welcomed President Paudel at the VVIP Lounge of Tribhuvan International Airport. 

A contingent of Nepali Army accorded a guard of honour to the Head of the State.

At the invitation of the Japanese government, President Paudel left for Japan, leading a Nepali delegation to attend a special ceremony organized on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations on February 1. 

The President addressed the special ceremony organized in Tokyo, Japan.

He was also accompanied by his spouse, Sabita Paduel.

During his stay, President Paudel paid a courtesy call on Japanese Emperor Naruhito, while the Japanese Prime Minister and the Minister of State for Foreign Minister paid a courtesy call on President Paudel separately.

Similarly, Paudel addressed a program of the Japanese businesspersons and of the Nepali diaspora in Tokyo. He also inspected the Nepali Embassy in Japan. 

Nepal and Japan had established diplomatic ties on September 1, 1956. 

Following the establishment of diplomatic relations, Nepal set up its embassy in Tokyo in 1965, while Japan's embassy in Kathmandu in 1967.

 

Nepal has benefited immensely from Japan's assistance: President Paudel

President Ram Chandra Paudel met with Emperor Naruhito of Japan at the Imperial Palace on Tuesday. .

During the meeting, President Paudel, who is on a four-day visit to Japan, highly appreciated the assistance provided and the role played by Japan as an important and reliable development partner in Nepal's socio-economic development. 

“Japan is supporting Nepal in areas such as human resources, health, agriculture, infrastructure development, environmental protection, and cultural preservation, and Nepal and Nepalis have benefited greatly from it,” President Paudel said, according to the President's press advisor Kiran Pokharel.

He also said that both countries are inspired by the teachings and ideals of Gautam Buddha. 

“Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, has served as a strong bridge to strengthen the relationship between the people of Nepal and Japan,” President Paudel said.

He said that the long-standing relationship between the two countries has progressed with closer and deeper friendship since the establishment of diplomatic relations. 

“The 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations that we are celebrating this year is a milestone in the bilateral relationship established between us,” Paudel said.

Stating that the exchange of high-level visits has further strengthened the relations between the two countries, President Paudel recalled Emperor Naruhito's visit to Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Pokhara and Lumbini during his friendly visit as a Crown Prince in 1987. 

He also expressed his gratitude to the Emperor and the Government of Japan for conferring the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun on him in 2020.

The President also expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Government and people of Nepal for the goodwill and support of the Government of Japan, and extended an invitation to the Emperor and Empress to visit Nepal at a suitable time.

On the occasion, Emperor Naruhito of Japan said that the anniversary of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations should be celebrated with joy. 

He mentioned that the memory of his visit to Nepal in 1986 was still afresh, shared President Paudel's Press Advisor Pokharel.

Emperor Naruhito mentioned that he was inspired to study water-related issues after seeing women carrying water pots for drinking water during his trek to Sarangkot in Pokhara. 

He said Japan would provide Nepal with all possible assistance and noted that Japan honored President Paudel for his contribution to strengthening Nepal–Japan relations.

At the invitation of the Japanese government, President Paudel, along with First Lady Sabita Paudel, arrived here on Monday to participate in a special ceremony to be held on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan.

President Paudel urges Japanese business community to invest in Nepal

President Ram Chandra Paudel has called on the Japanese business community to explore investment opportunities in Nepal. 

He reminded that the Government of Nepal is committed to providing all possible support to Japanese investors, according to the President’s Secretariat.

The President made the remarks while addressing an interactive program with the Japanese business community in Tokyo today. 

The event was held on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan. 

On the occasion, President Paudel expressed Nepal’s desire to build a close partnership with Japan’s private sector.

“We have created an overall economic environment that offers lucrative returns to investment along with easy procedures for repatriation of profits and capital. The Government of Nepal is committed to providing full support to foreign investment, facilitating it without conditions, and ensuring the security of investments,” the Head of State underlined. President Paudel is currently on an official visit to Japan that began on February 1.

As Nepal and Japan celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations, the President said the moment is appropriate to begin deeper cooperation in the areas of mutual benefit. 

He added that Nepal and Japan share cultural ties dating back to ancient times and expressed appreciation for the philosophy of Gautam Buddha. Quoting Buddha, he said, “The victory of peace is one in which nobody loses.”

The President urged Japan again to invest in Nepal with confidence by exploring potential opportunities in agriculture, water resources, and tourism, thereby contributing to Nepal’s prosperity while ensuring benefits to the investors themselves.

“Japan’s investment in Nepal will serve two purposes: securing economic benefits and contributing to service and religious values at the same time,” he commented. According to the President, Nepal–Japan relations, founded on goodwill, friendship and cooperation represent exemplary bilateral relations.

He said the encouraging participation of the business community in such program would be fruitful in establishing robust trade and investment ties between the two countries.

Calling the 70th anniversary historic, the President said that bilateral relations are deepening at the people-to-people level beyond official engagements. 

He also praised Japan’s long-standing support to Nepal, describing Japan as a reliable development partner in Nepal’s socio-economic endeavours.

President Paudel shared that Nepal's efforts are focused on social justice, good governance and people's prosperity along with political stability. Nepal would be upgraded from the least developed country by the end of this year and its graduation to a status of middle-income country by 2030 would be another important achievement for Nepal, he argued.

He opined, "A huge resource is needed for such a campaign. Nepal has focused its attention on attracting maximum foreign investment in the areas of national priority, increasing Nepal's trade, diversifying inter-affiliation, promoting tourism and acquiring advanced technology." 

The Head of the State expressed the belief that no country would be prosperous without working together by government and private sector internally and partnership with other countries at present.

Nepal has opened almost every sector for foreign investment including manufacture, hydropower, tourism, service, information technology, mines and industry based on agriculture, to make trade smooth and to promote innovation by making legal, procedural and institutional reforms following the liberal economic policies, he made aware the business community.  

The President mentioned, "Investment Board Nepal provides a one-door service to big investors. The International Monetary Fund, World Bank and major international credit rating agencies through independent assessments have confirmed that Nepal offers one of the most favourable business environments in South Asia."

In his belief, Nepal's location in between two rising economic giants India and China could offer a huge advantage to the potential investors.

On the occasion, Charge d' Affaires of Nepal to Japan, Harihar Kant Poudel, welcomed President Paudel where Secretary at the Foreign Ministry, Amrit Bahadur Rai, and Joint-Secretary Bhrigu Dhungana made presentations on the potentials of investment in Nepal.

Likewise, some of the members of the Japanese Business Community shared that they were happy after getting to know that there are many opportunities for investment in Nepal, expressing the view that it would contribute to open doors for investment.

 

President Paudel leaves for Japan

President Ram Chandra Paudel left for an official visit to Japan on Monday. . 

Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, ministers, chiefs of the security bodies, high level government officials and Japanese Ambassador to Nepal saw off President Paudel at the VVIP Lounge of Tribhuvan International Airport.

The President is accompanied by his spouse Sabita Paudel, high level government officials and the officials at the President's office. He is scheduled to return home on February 4.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed that the Head of the State was visiting Japan by leading a Nepali delegation at the invitation of the Japanese government on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations. During the visit, he will attend the anniversary function to be organized by the Japanese government. 

The President is also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on the Japanese Emperor.

 

President Paudel to leave for Japan on February 1

President Ram Chandra Paudel is embarking on an official visit to Japan from February 1-4, leading a Nepali delegation.

He will leave for Japan on a Nepal Airlines plane on February 1 and is visiting Japan at the invitation of the Japanese government on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations, said Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai.

The President is scheduled to return home on February 4. 

During the visit, President Paudel is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Japan's Emperor Naruhito at Tokyo-based Imperial Palace on February 3. 

Similarly, President Paudel and Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae will hold a meeting on the same day, added Rai.

President Paudel will participate in the special welcome program to be organized by the Japanese government in the context of celebrating the 70th anniversary of establishment of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations on February 2.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Horii Iwao, will pay a courtesy call on President Paudel.

President Paudel is also scheduled to participate in a meeting with the Japanese Business community.  

According to the Foreign Ministry, the President will attend a reception to be organizes in his honour by Nepali Embassy in Japan. 

President Paudel will be accompanied by his spouse Sabita Paudel and high-level government officials.

 

President Paudel urges collective effort to fulfill martyrs’ aspirations

President Ram Chandra Paudel has urged the political parties, general public and all concerned to dedicate their sincere efforts towards realizing the aspiration of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence of Nepal and Nepali people. 

In his message on the occasion of the Martyr Day, President Paudel wished that the Day provide inspiration and energy to translate the dreams of martyrs who obtained martyrdom for serving the country and the people. 

Paying heartfelt tribute to the great martyrs – Shukraraj Shastri, Dharmabhakta Mathema, Dashrath Chand and Ganglal Shrestha – and all other known and unknown immortal martyrs, who sacrificed their invaluable lives for civil liberties, establishment of democracy and protection of nationality, he remembered today as a day to specially commemorate the great martyrs who offered their lives for the nation. 

“Each year on the 16th of Magh, we observe Martyrs' Day remembering the brave men and women who laid down their lives in various movements against feudal, autocratic and tyrannical regimes throughout different periods of history to make the Nepali people sovereign citizens”, the message reads. 

"I believe that progressing towards fulfilling the aspirations of sustainable peace, good governance, development and prosperity through the federal democratic republican system of governance achieved by the sacrifice of great martyrs will be the true tribute to the martyrs", the Head of the State noted in the message. 

NA election report presented to President Paudel

The report of the election of the National Assembly held on January 25 has been submitted to President Ram Chandra Paudel.

Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari presented the report to the President at a ceremony held at the Rastrapati Bhawan, Shital Niwas today.

High officials including the Commission's two commissioners Sagun Shamsher JBR and Dr Janaki Kumari Tuladhar, and Secretary Krishna Bahadur Raut were present on the occasion.

 

 

President Paudel attends 'Basanta Shrawan' ceremony

President Ram Chandra Paudel attended the 'Basanta Shrawan' ceremony at Nasal Chowk, Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, on Friday morning to mark Basanta Panchami.

During the ceremony, the President listened to the hymns and the melody played as per the Vedic rituals. 

There is a tradition of the Head of State attending this ritual at the Nasal Chowk of Hanumandhoka on the day of Magh Shukla Panchami (the fifth day of the waxing moon in the month of Magh according to the lunar calendar). This tradition has started since the Malla period. 

On the occasion, the chief priest of Hanumandhoka Management Office presented President Paudel with Abhishek, tika, garland, and flower offerings. President Paudel worshiped Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge. 

A contingent of the Nepal Army presented a ceremonial salute to the President on the occasion.

The ceremony was attended by First Lady Sabita Paudel, Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, Sunita Dangol, Acting mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, and other distinguished guests. 

Basanta Panchami is traditionally observed by worshipping Goddess Saraswati, and it is believed that performing Basanta Shrawan on this day brings happiness, peace, and prosperity.

President extends Sonam Lhosar greetings

President Ram Chandra Paudel has wished for all Nepalis to further strengthen our unity to build an economically and socially prosperous Nepal.

In a message today on the occasion of the Tamang community's Sonam Lhosar festival, the President has extended best wishes to all brothers and sisters at home and abroad for happiness, peace and prosperity. 

President Paudel has expressed confidence that this festival will further contribute to strengthening our broader national unity in a multiethnic, multilingual and multicultural diverse Nepali society.

 

Maghe Sankranti enhances brotherhood and tolerance: President Paudel

President Ram Chandra Paudel has conveyed his belief that festivals such as Maghe Sankranti enhance feelings of brotherhood, mutual harmony, and tolerance among all Nepalis. 

On the occasion of Maghe Sankranti and the Maghi Festival, 2082 BS, he offered his best wishes for happiness, peace, and prosperity to all Nepali brothers and sisters, both within the country and abroad. President Paudel remarked, "I believe that festivals like Maghe Sankranti not only aid in fostering ethnic harmony, respect for diversity, and national unity in Nepal's multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multicultural society but also nurture feelings of brotherhood, mutual harmony, and tolerance among all Nepalese." 

The Maghe Sankranti or Makar Sankranti festival is celebrated joyfully by various communities in Nepal, each in their unique manner. 

Notably, the Tharu community observes the Maghi festival as their New Year. Families traditionally enjoy the festival by indulging in delicacies such as ghee, chaku, tarul, laddus, sel roti, dhikri, and khichdi. 

President Paudel also highlighted that it is customary for people to take a holy bath in sacred rivers and confluences like Barahkshetra, Devghat, and Ridi Kshetra, and to worship at temples on this day. 

He emphasized that such festivals, as unique intangible cultural heritage, play a significant role in showcasing our country to the world. 

In his message of best wishes, he expressed, “I hope that Maghe Sankranti and the Maghi festival motivate all of us to preserve our culture and create a civilized, cultured, and egalitarian society.”

Similarly, while extending the best wishes on the occasion, Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav has emphasized the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources. 

He has highlighted that all citizens and relevant stakeholders must be conscious about the conservation and sustainable use of resources. 

Vice President Yadav stated, “In Nepal, the day of the Maghi festival is also observed as National Agricultural Biodiversity Day. 

All three levels of government have been given the responsibility for conservation, and since Nepal is a signatory to international treaties, the importance of biodiversity conservation has increased even more.

 

Contribution of ancestors important in unification of the country: President Paudel

President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that the contribution of many of our ancestors was important in the building of a modern Nepal through unification among many principalities.

In a message today on the occasion of Prithvi Jayanti and National Unity Day, he has said that Prithvi Narayan Shah built modern Nepal and established national independence and a common identity for the Nepalis. His divine teachings are equally popular and relevant today.

He mentioned that we are proud to be a sovereign and independent Nepal today because our brave ancestors continued the campaign of nation-building in various periods of history.

The President has also wished that National Unity Day would inspire everyone to achieve the happiness and prosperity of the people while maintaining the country’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity.

Paying heartfelt tributes to the leader of the Nepal unification campaign, Prithvi Narayan Shah, on the occasion of his 304th birth anniversary and National Unity Day, President Paudel has expressed his best wishes to all Nepali sisters and brothers at home and abroad.

 

US Ambassador Thompson pays farewell call on President Paudel

US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R Thompson today paid a farewell call on President Ram Chandra Paudel. 

During the meeting held at the Office of the President, Shital Niwas, the two discussed matters relating to the Nepal-US ties, mutual interests and concerns, according to the Office of the President. 

Thompson has served as the US Ambassador to Nepal since October, 2022.