Kathmandu, May 29: The country is celebrating the 19th Republic Day today with various programmes across the nation.

Nepal was declared a Federal Democratic Republic by the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly on Jestha 15, 2065 BS (May 28, 2008), formally abolishing the monarchy and ushering in a federal system of governance.

On the occasion, Ramchandra Paudel extended greetings to all Nepalis, stressing the need to achieve good governance, development and prosperity through a strong, accountable and people-oriented federal democratic republican system.

In his message, President Paudel called for cooperation among all tiers of government, the private sector and civil society to realise social justice, inclusive development and economic prosperity envisioned by the Constitution.

He also urged political parties and stakeholders to contribute towards sustainable and balanced economic growth while safeguarding national sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and national interests.

The President paid tribute to all those who contributed to the republican movement and expressed condolences to the known and unknown martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the establishment of the republican system.