KATHMANDU, Feb 15: The Nepal Army is marking the 263rd anniversary of its establishment today with various programs across the country.
A special Maha Shivaratri salute and Army Day ceremony will be held today at Tundikhel, which will be attended by President Ramchandra Paudel as chief guest. The President is the Supreme Commander of the Nepal Army.
The Army has been observing Maha Shivaratri as Army Day. On the occasion, the Tundikhel military pavilion will host the Shivaratri salute along with a parade, gun salute, drills, and various military skills and cultural performances.
Army spokesperson Rajaram Basnet said Army Day is also being observed with different programs under the Army Headquarters by divisions, brigades, battalions, and companies, as well as at diplomatic missions and peacekeeping missions.
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History and international image of the Army
The Nepal Army has carried out exemplary and record-setting work in different periods of history to safeguard the country’s independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.
The organizational form of the present army began in 1819 BS. Through proud service centered on patriotism, dedication, and the interests of the Nepali people, the army has earned firm public trust and confidence.
Nepal as a nation was built on the indomitable courage, bravery, and sacrifices of its military forebears. Maintaining national unity is the Army’s constitutional responsibility. Discipline, chain of command, political neutrality, and a strong sense of unity remain deeply rooted values within the force.
The Nepal Army has built an image not only at home but also internationally as a dependable and credible force. Inclusiveness within the military organization has been increasing, and women’s participation has also risen notably in recent years.
The Army’s remarkable contribution to peacekeeping in conflict-affected countries around the world under the call of the United Nations has received wide praise both nationally and internationally.
Nepal Army participation in UN peacekeeping began in 1958. So far, 162,496 Nepali peacekeepers have served in 44 missions.
In the cause of peace in conflict-affected countries, 74 Nepali soldiers have sacrificed their lives, and 77 have been injured. At present, 4,302 Nepali peacekeepers, including 391 women, are deployed in 10 missions. Nepal also ranks among the leading countries in deploying female peacekeepers.
Nepal has become a training ground for professional capacity building for soldiers from some of the world’s most powerful countries. Continuous participation of foreign troops at the Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre in Bhaktapur Kharipati, the military academy there, and the Army Command and Staff College in Shivapuri has affirmed this.
The Army has also made notable contributions in disaster management and road infrastructure construction. Work on the national pride project, the Kathmandu-Tarai-Madhes Fast Track, is underway under army management.
According to the Army, responsibilities such as the protection and security of palaces, forts, museums, historically important structures, hydropower plants, physical infrastructure, and natural heritage, along with mountain cleanup and development works, have strengthened civil-military relations.
An integrated security plan led by the Nepal Army is in place to ensure the upcoming House of Representatives election is conducted in a clean, free, fair, and fear-free environment.
