Nepal marks 304th National Unification Day, calls for national unity amid political uncertainty

Nepal on Sunday observed the 304th National Unification Day, coinciding with the birth anniversary of nation-builder Prithvi Narayan Shah, with leaders emphasising the need for national unity amid ongoing political, economic and social challenges in the post–Gen-Z revolution era.

President Ram Chandra Paudel, accompanied by Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, and members of the Council of Ministers, paid floral tributes at the statue of Prithvi Narayan Shah in front of Singha Durbar early in the morning.

In a message marking Prithvi Jayanti and National Unity Day, President Paudel recalled Shah’s historic role in consolidating scattered principalities to lay the foundation of a modern Nepali state.

“Remembering Prithvi Narayan Shah, we see how he unified Nepal, established national independence and shaped a common identity. His teachings remain relevant and inspiring today,” the President said.

Paudel said Shah’s ideals continue to guide Nepal in strengthening its economy, fostering patriotism, preserving culture and religion, maintaining diplomatic balance, promoting public welfare, ensuring justice and safeguarding national unity. He reaffirmed Nepal’s constitutional status as an independent, indivisible, sovereign, secular, inclusive, democratic, socialist-oriented federal republic.

“I hope National Unity Day inspires all Nepalis to uphold the country’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity while working for the happiness and prosperity of the people,” he added.

Born in 1779 BS (Bikram Sambat), Prithvi Narayan Shah led the historic unification of the Baise and Chaubise states, setting the groundwork for modern Nepal. The Nepali Army continued its annual tradition by paying tribute at the full-length statue of the nation-builder at Army Headquarters and other military installations across the country.

Shah ascended the throne of Gorkha at the age of 20 and launched the unification campaign despite immense social, economic and geographical challenges. He passed away in 1831 BS at the age of 52. His unification drive enabled Nepal to remain one of the world’s oldest independent nations, preserving its sovereignty amid regional power struggles. His famous description of Nepal as a “yam between two rocks” continues to resonate in the country’s geopolitical discourse.

Meanwhile, former king Gyanendra Shah, in a video address, expressed deep concern over Nepal’s future, warning that the country now faces a crisis more serious than in the past.

“Earlier, there was worry about whether Nepal would be built. Today, there is fear about whether the country can even be saved,” the former monarch said, citing prolonged political instability and economic and social distress.

Gyanendra said that nearly two decades after stepping away from royal duties, the country’s situation had left him deeply worried. He stressed that Nepal could not be rebuilt through speeches or miracles and called on national institutions representing all castes, religions and regions to act responsibly.

Recalling the Shah dynasty’s role in national unification, he said the monarchy had historically prioritised national unity and the welfare of the Nepali people over institutional interests. He added that when political parties sought the monarchy’s withdrawal nearly two decades ago, promising peace, prosperity and stability, he had complied in good faith.

His remarks come amid renewed political uncertainty and growing debate over Nepal’s future political direction.

National Unification Day serves as a reminder of Nepal’s shared history, cultural diversity and collective responsibility to place national interest above personal or political gains, particularly in inspiring commitment and service among the younger generation.

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