Nepal Army Day: Many Tales of Bravery and Pride
The primary responsibility of the Nepal Army is the protection of sovereign authority, national unity, territorial integrity, and national security. Whether it is a fire or a flood, storms or drought, disaster, crisis, or any accident, the Nepal Army stands as a companion in both happiness and hardship.
Established in Bikram Sambat 1819, the Nepal Army has entered its 263rd year while preserving countless proud stories and a golden history. On the special occasion of the Mahashivaratri festival and Army Day (Nepali Sena Diwas), the 263rd establishment day has been organized at the military pavilion at Tundikhel, Kathmandu. Founded by Prithvi Narayan Shah, the architect of Nepal’s unification, the Nepal Army has established itself not only as a security organization but also as a most trusted and reliable institution for the general public while maintaining national unity.
Army Spokesperson Rajaram Basnet says that, since its establishment, the Nepal Army has earned the trust and confidence of the general public because it has remained committed to the country, the people, and the Constitution, and has faithfully fulfilled the responsibilities assigned by the nation. He says, “The Nepal Army has always remained prepared, in accordance with the Constitution, to protect the country and its citizens and to confront even the most difficult circumstances. It will preserve this in the future as well.”
He also stated that the Nepal Army remains continuously dedicated not only to the overall security of the country but also to disaster management and nation-building (in infrastructure development), as well as to the protection of art, culture, and historical and archaeological sites. The Nepal Army, which successfully stopped colonialism—an era in the 17th century when state power was seized globally—at the border and kept Nepal free from colonial rule, has also been able to build a distinct identity in the world by serving on the frontlines for peacebuilding in conflict-affected countries, alongside internal and external security.
The bravery and sacrifice shown by the Nepal Army to protect the lives and property of citizens in many countries trapped in civil war due to internal disputes, and to support peace, has become Nepal’s own identity. The United Nations, regarding the Nepal Army as one of the most trustworthy and reliable security organizations, has been assigning it security responsibilities in complex and sensitive areas. At the call of the United Nations, more than 160,000 Nepali peacekeepers have so far been deployed to various conflict-affected locations.
The Army has established itself as the most trusted and reliable organization for the general public while maintaining national unity.
Along with peacekeepers, Nepal is now at the forefront in deploying women peacekeepers.
Former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Prof. Dr. Jayraj Acharya, says the Nepal Army’s role in world peace, stability, and fostering military diplomacy has been incomparable and distinctive. He says, “When I worked at the United Nations for the first time, there were a total of 881 Nepali peacekeepers deployed in Lebanon. We increased this to 2,400. Due to continuous efforts and the bravery and sacrifice shown by Nepali peacekeepers, Nepal is now in first place among countries deploying peacekeepers.”
Stating that it is a matter of national pride that Nepali peacekeepers have become a reliable organization for the United Nations, for citizens of conflict-affected countries, and for their governments as well, he said that this bravery, sacrifice, and trust are being praised by the global community itself. He also said that Nepal’s commitment to deploy 10,000 peacekeepers has further increased the United Nations’ confidence in Nepal.
Having built a proud identity in the world, the Nepal Army remains devoted to the country and its citizens, embracing the Constitution and inclusiveness, and is continuously active in nation-building as well. Overcoming numerous challenges in development construction, disaster management, and infrastructure development, the Army has also been making distinctive contributions to building quality infrastructure in remote and difficult geographical areas.
At present, the Army is constructing the national pride project, the Kathmandu–Tarai/Madhesh Fast Track. It has completed road construction in complex geographical terrains such as the Kaligandaki Corridor, the Khandbari–Kimathanka road, and the Karnali Corridor.
Likewise, the Ghatparichaur–Badrigaun–Bhukkakhola road section is under construction. The Benighat–Arughat–Larkebhanjyang and Darchula Tinker road projects are in the first priority.
Infrastructure expert and former Secretary Arjun Jung Thapa says the Nepal Army’s contribution to infrastructure development has been incomparable. Stating that road infrastructure projects such as the national pride fast track have opened the country’s eyes toward development construction, Thapa says, “The fast track saves around 12 billion in fuel annually, and its cost is recovered within eight/nine years.” By taking on the responsibility of constructing these large and complex road infrastructures that the private sector could not build, the Nepal Army has opened the country’s eyes toward development, he says.
Nepal Army