Sahid Diwas

Did the sacrifices of the martyrs get justice when the reins of the regime brought from Narayanhiti to Singha Durbar reached the state and local level respectively? Disintegrated House of Representatives and invited regression, after all, democracy has become a chariot driven by selfishness. Or has Nepal yet to taste real democracy?

 Thanking the martyrs or apologizing to them? This question on the National martyr's day, Sahid diwas of Nepal.

This year has been as odd as the previous ones. In terms of patriotism and democracy, many questions have arisen in the Nepali Parliament and society, many questions are still awaiting answers. Tensions in Parliament, the unhygienic equations of government formation, the MCC debate, the controversial decision to open a canteen at the Narayanhiti Museum and many other things happened this year. Every time these sort of patriot and the nationalist question arises, then the dream and sacrifice of martyrs seem to have been axed.

This year's Martyr's Day has also come, let's talk in this periphery. According to the dictionary of Nepal Pragya Pratisthan, a martyr is an immortal person who sacrifices his life for the protection of his country, culture, existence, and the attainment of freedom.

In the changed perspective, Nepal is celebrated not only as Martyr's Day but also as Martyr's Week with various programs a week in advance. Martyrs Shukraraj Shastri, Dharmabhakta Mathema, Dasharath Chand Thakur, and Gangalal Shrestha were killed on the charge of advocating for democracy among the people, this week and day is a tribute to them.

The sacrifices made by the martyrs for the freedom, equality, and sovereignty we are enjoying today are still being narrated by various trees and events including the Sukra tree of Teku, the Sifal tree.

Lakhan Thapa is considered to be the first martyr of Nepal. Thapa was hanged in a tree near the Manakamana temple in Gorkha on February 2, 1933, for spreading propaganda against the then Rana Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana. Thapa was serving in the then-military platoon. Martyrs Shukraraj Shastri, Dharmabhakta Mathema, Dasharath Chand Thakur, and Ganga Lal Shrestha were also killed during the Rana rule.

Shukraraj Shastri was hanged from a tree in Pachli, Kathmandu on Magh 10, 1997 BS at midnight in the night. Mathema was killed in Sifal. Similarly, Dasharath Chand Thakur was shot dead at Shobha Bhagwati on Magh 14 and Ganga Lal Shrestha was taken to Shobha Bhagwati at 10 pm on the same day and tied to a pole and shot dead.

 Nepal's most downloaded mobile application, Hamro Patro, pays homage to all known and unknown martyrs who sacrificed their lives to bring change for the dimensions of future generations and the country. The time has come for Nepali politics and leadership to think about how much we have been able to realize the dreams and sacrifices of these martyrs.

What is the condition of the families and houses of the martyrs and the members of the martyr's family in remote areas? Blessings of the martyrs should always be received by this state and the tears of the martyrs should be wiped away by the state.

The colors of the blood of the martyrs are mixed in the soil all over the mountains, hills and the Terai, they have a dream in the Nepali sky and the selfless sacrifice of the martyrs in Nepali democratic practice is incomparable.

We are all equally responsible for building a new Nepal based on the republican democracy achieved through the freedom sacrificed by the martyrs for us, isn't it?

Today, Martyr's Day is being celebrated with various programs all over Nepal. Instead of looking for and keeping pictures of martyrs between Mala and Abir, keep the martyrs in your heart and love the country.

World Leprosy day 2022 AD "United for Dignity"

It was misinterpreted as a delusion to say that leprosy and those who are afflicted with the disease are unforgivable sinners. As this delusion was cultivated based on some myths and memories written in the middle era, leprosy was considered a curse and a sin in Nepali society for centuries. Many patients were tied up in the corner of the backyard, and the horrific scenes and stories of those who died after leprosy melted parts of their bodies are still heard in society.

  After decades of suffering from leprosy, Nepali society is now looking at leprosy in general. If the older generation still sees leprosy as a curse, time will answer.

 Today, the 69th World Leprosy Day is being celebrated with various programs. The theme for World Leprosy Day 2022 is 'United for Dignity. The campaign honors the lived experiences of individuals who have experienced leprosy by 1) sharing their empowering stories and 2) advocating for mental wellbeing and the right to a dignified life free from disease-related stigma.

Rallies are being held with placards with slogans such as "Let's not discriminate against lepers, let's love lepers, let's end discrimination against lepers". Rallies and other programs are also being organized in the rural areas of the country to spread public awareness against leprosy. To raise awareness about leprosy sufferers, the worldwide anti-leprosy campaign was started on January 30, 1954.

 The disease is caused by an infection with the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. There may be no symptoms at the beginning of the infection. Some infected people do not see much effect for five to 20 years. Leprosy is of two types. That is why some affected people are found to be in critical condition and even die when they neglect treatment due to lack of awareness. The most common symptoms of leprosy are a tingling sensation in the body, a tingling sensation in the hands and feet, and a feeling of weakness in the body. To completely eradicate leprosy, the government has also provided allowances for the patients to have access to health treatment centers.

 Medications are free in Nepali health centers.

 Suyog Dhakal