Today is National Unity and Reconciliation Day

Reconciliation Day is observed today to honor BP Koirala, the nation’s first elected prime minister, who came home from exile with a commitment to national unity and reconciliation and a readiness to devote his life to nationalism in spite of eight court proceedings involving the death penalty.

After accepting the policy of national unity and reconciliation, the Nepali Congress party, led by its founding leader BP Koirala, along with senior leader Ganeshman Singh, leader Shailaja Acharya, Nilambar Panthi, Khum Bahadur Khadka, Ram Babu Prasai, and other members, returned to Nepal on Poush 16, 2033 BS (December 30, 1976). This marked the end of nearly eight years of political exile in India.

BP Koirala and other leaders kept a watchful eye on Sikkim’s annexation to India while they were living in exile. On this day 49 years ago, they returned to Nepal, embracing the policies of nationalism, unity, and reconciliation. In order to protect the nation’s sovereignty, BP and his fellow leaders risked their lives to return.

The first democratically elected prime minister, BP Koirala, was imprisoned at Singha Durbar for about three months on Poush 1, 2017 BS, after the royal coup by then-King Mahendra. He was moved to the Sundarijal Detention Center, a prison constructed by enclosing the home of the Nepali Army’s arsenal officer in Sundarijal, on Falgun 26 of that year.

BP Koirala was freed for medical treatment in 2025 BS, eight years later. Following his release, he sought medical treatment in India, where he started engaging in political activities opposing the authoritarian Panchayat regime. In order to keep nationalism from waning, he implemented the policy of national unity and reconciliation after observing events like India’s annexation of Sikkim, Bangladesh’s secession from Pakistan, and the growing fragmentation in other Asian nations. This mission was brought back to Nepal by BP and other leaders on this same day 49 years ago.

When BP Koirala, leader Ganeshman Singh, and others landed at Tribhuvan Airport, they were promptly returned to Sundarijal and placed under arrest once more. BP Koirala was released on Jestha 27, 2034 BS, with the understanding that he would return to prison following therapy. He was then brought to the Sundarijal Detention Center once more before being moved to the Maharajgunj Police Training Center. On Bhadra 24, 2061 BS, the 24-ropani prison center was converted into the BP Museum.

The short story collection “Shwet Bhairavi,” the novels “Sumnima,” “Babu Aama Ra Chora,” “Tin Ghumti,” “Modi aain,” and “Hitler Ra Yehudi,” as well as his autobiography “Afno Katha,” were among the works that BP Koirala wrote when he was incarcerated at the Sundarijal Detention Center. He also kept a journal of his everyday activities while incarcerated, which was eventually published under the name “Jail Journal.”

BP Koirala’s collection of short stories, “Doshi Chashma,” was released in 2008 BS prior to his incarceration. Koirala produced important literary contributions and is well-known as a statesman as well as a pioneer of psychological and sexual issues in Nepali fiction. He was arrested once more at the Sundarijal Detention Center after he returned to Nepal on Poush 16, 2033 BS and adopted the policy of reconciliation. Later on, his journal from that time was published under the title “Feri Sundarijal.”

To commemorate Unity and Reconciliation Day, the Nepali Congress and its associated and well-wishers are planning a number of events throughout the nation.

Sher Bahadur Deuba, the president of the Congress party, will be the principal guest at an event hosted by the Kathmandu District Committee. The BP Museum has also said that it will host an event on this date. According to stakeholders, the yearly Poush 16 Unity and Reconciliation Day ought to encompass more than just formalities.