Remarks by Sujata Koirala, Central Committee Member and Head of International Relations Department of the Nepali Congress Party and former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, at the annual function of the Lord Buddha Pratisthan , on May 14, 2013 in Mumbai.
Founder President Mr Tayade
Distinguished Scholars
Nepalese Brothers and Sisters
Ladies and gentlemen
First of all, I would like to covey cordial greetings from the Nepali people to the distinguished audience here and their best wishes for the success of this annual gathering.
It is a great pleasure and privilege for me to be present amidst this distinguished gathering in this annual function of “The Lord Buddha Pratisthan” in this beautiful and dynamic city of Mumbai. I thank Founder President Tayadejee for his kind invitation to me to be the chief guest, and for words of warm welcome and hospitality.
Nepal and India are old friends and close neighbors. Our relations are unique in scope and character. They have been nurtured from times immemorial. People to people relations are the brightest aspects of these relations. Siddharth Gautam Buddha who was born in Lumbini, Nepal, and attained the enlightenment in India provides the strongest links that bind our two countries and people together.
Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace, taught that peace can be established on the foundation of compassion, tolerance, coexistence and non-violence. His teachings are inspiring to the entire humanity and remain ever relevant today as we confront the host of problems that are rooted in conflict, violence and terrorism. We plan to develop Lumbini as a world pilgrimage center for all the peace loving people of the world with support and assistance from our friends and well wishers.
Mr. President,
Nepal is making a democratic transition after the late leader Girija Prasad Koirala brought the underground armed Maoist rebels into the democratic politics in 2006 through a peace process that ended their decade long armed conflict. While we thank the government and people of India for their support and understanding for concluding the various constituents of the peace process, we need enhanced support and cooperation from our friends and well wishers for completing the remaining elements of the peace process including the conduct of fresh elections for writing a democratic constitution through people’s representatives. It is our firm belief that violence can never ever a solution to any problems anywhere, and only democratic means produce sustainable solutions to them.
I would also like to congratulate the distinguished scholars from different walks of life for their dedication and hard work in the service of the betterment of humankind and hope that they will continue to inspire all to work together for universal peace and harmony.
Thank you