KATHMANDU, Nov 10: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has honored former President Dr Ram Baran Yadav with the ‘Jana Aandolan Swarna Padaka (gold medal), 2074’ on the occasion of the 103rd birth anniversary of the late Ganesh Man Singh, the commander of the Jana Aandolan or People’s Movement –I.

Dr Yadav, the first President of Nepal, was honored and decorated by the Ganesh Man Singh and the People’s Movement Martyrs Peace Foundation amidst a function in the capital on Friday.

The former President has been honored in recognition of the contributions he made in various stages of the peace process, for playing the role of a campaigner fostering unity between the Himal, pahad and Tarai and also for shouldering the historic role of issuing the constitution of the federal republic of Nepal, according to the Foundation.

Addressing the function, President Bhandari appealed to all the people to take part in the impending House of Representatives and State Assembly elections as a political celebration, the same way they enthusiastically participated in the recently-concluded local level elections.

The President appreciated the commitment shown by the political parties in completing the elections to the various levels stipulated by the constitution in time and also expressed her happiness over the eagerness shown by the parties for healthy competition in the upcoming elections.

Head of the State Bhandari opined that all the elections would help maintain the political stability and maturity in the country while strengthening the political achievements made so far. She also expressed her confidence that this would play a role in steering the country ahead on the path of social and economic transformation.

“The late Ganesh Man Singh, who as a youth established his persona as a bold and strong leader, is known as an ‘iron man’ and an epitome of sacrifice in the Nepalis’ psyche,” the President said.

The role of the late Ganesh Man Singh was significant in initiating the partnership among the democrats for a well-developed political change in Nepal in practical terms, she added.

“On this occasion when the birth anniversary of the late Ganesh Man Singh is being commemorated, it would be a true tribute to the late leader if we worked towards holding the elections to all levels as stipulated by the constitution in a free, fair and peaceful manner,” the Head of the State asserted.

Former President Yadav stressed on the need of taking the country forward towards the path of economic prosperity through the full implementation of the federal democratic constitution of Nepal which is accepted by all.

Defense Minister and Foundation chairman, Bhimsen Das Pradhan said institutionalization of democracy itself was the true respect to the martyrs.

On the same occasion, President Bhandari garlanded the statue of the late Ganesh Man Singh at the Shanti Batika at Ratna Park. RSS