Kathmandu, April 14 (NationPress) As Nepal marks the arrival of New Year 2083 Bikram Sambat (BS) on Tuesday, the nation's prominent leaders are expressing their hopes for happiness, peace, and prosperity.

In contrast to many nations, the government and private sectors in Nepal operate according to the Bikram Sambat calendar, with the New Year typically commencing in mid-April.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah initiated the warm wishes with Sanskrit verses that conveyed his hopes for universal happiness. He stated on Facebook, “May happiness, health, and well-being flourish in our lives. May we always experience auspiciousness, freedom from hindrances, and relief from distress.” He further added, “On this sacred occasion of New Year 2083, I convey my sincere wishes for happiness, peace, and prosperity to all.”

President Ram Chandra Paudel also conveyed his wishes for peace, prosperity, good health, and happiness. He encouraged Nepalis to reflect upon the past year and set resolutions for future advancement. In his address, he underscored the recent conclusion of the House of Representatives, which he believes has provided a pathway out of the challenging circumstances that the country has been facing.

The nation has been navigating an uncertain future after the Gen Z uprising in early September of the previous year. The elections on March 5 ushered in a new political player—the Rastriya Swatantra Party—bringing Prime Minister Balendra Shah into leadership of the government.

“The HoR election has granted the people a mandate for the rule of law, sustainable peace, good governance, and social justice, reinforcing our federal democratic republic,” President Paudel remarked.

Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav joined in extending greetings, urging the population to utilize the New Year as a moment to foster positive thoughts, discipline, and brotherhood, while stressing the necessity for a united effort to tackle challenges in the economy, public health, environmental protection, and climate change.

The year 2082 B.S. was particularly challenging for former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who not only lost his position but also saw his party—the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) or CPN (UML)—perform poorly in the elections held on March 5. He has also faced custody over alleged homicide offenses during the Gen Z movement and is under investigation for money laundering. Despite these challenges, Oli expressed his best wishes for everyone on Facebook.

“Success or failure, opportunity or challenge, weaknesses or achievements—2082 has become part of history,” he stated. “Reflecting on the lessons from the past while looking forward, may New Year 2083 foster a fruitful synergy between ‘seasoned experience’ and ‘youthful energy’ for a secure and prosperous Nepal.”

On Monday, former King Gyanendra Shah also shared a message with the Nepali people for New Year 2083. He highlighted the instability that has plagued Nepal over recent years, which has hindered the nation's progress toward prosperity.

“We have been consistently engaged in experiments and seeking alternatives. Consequently, our country has merely functioned as a laboratory,” he remarked, reflecting on the transitions from monarchy to republicanism and from a unitary to a federal system.

He also praised the increased involvement of the younger generation in Nepal's political landscape following the March 5 elections, as the legislative body—the House of Representatives—has seen a significant influx of young lawmakers.

“It is heartening to witness the growing participation of the youth in politics and governance. We believe that the engagement of educated, informed, technologically adept, and passionate individuals will positively influence nation-building,” the former monarch concluded.