Martyr's Day in Kathmandu

Martyr's Day in Nepal is the day Sukra Raj Shatri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Ganga Lal Shrestha and Dhasrath Chand are honored for sacrificing their lives for the rights of Nepali people. It seems people may have forgotten the great price these men paid for the freedoms they now enjoy.

Although a weeklong program was held the only people in attendance were government officials. Martyr’s Day has become ‘political holiday’, honored as a token gesture. This morning, Jan 30 2011, there was a small Martry’s Day event. The guests stayed barely long enough to salute the statue in Shaheed Memorial Park.

It was interesting to see such a large military and police presence and but I did not feel any great respect was being shown for men who paid the ultimate sacrifice for promoting democracy. It might be time to remember that without these men the situation in Nepal may currently be much worse.

If you are interested in some background on Martyr’s day the stories of Sukra Raj Shatri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Ganga Lal Shrestha and Dhasrath Chand are listed below.

Sukra Raj Shatriwas the President of the underground political party Praju Parishad. He gave lectures on human rights and published articles against the Rana Rule. He is credited with bringing political awareness to the people. After his arrest he was tortured and then hanged at Pachali Bhairab, near Teku.

Dharma Bhakta Mathema was one of the founders of the political party Prauj Parishad and the party was actually started in his home. He had ties to King Tribhuwan. It is said he was able to organize a meeting between the King and members of Praj Parishad. He was arrested, tortured and hanged at Siphal.

Ganga Lal Shrestha was a member of Praju Parishad. He distributed pamphlets for the party and gave lectures on human rights. He worked tirelessly to overthrown the Rana rules. He was brutally tourtured after his arrest and then shot at Bishnumati-Shobha Bhagawati.

 Dhasrath Chand was a member of political party Praju Parishad. He wrote many articles protesting the Rana Rule. After his arrest he was told to request a pardon. His brave refusal lead to savage torture and shooting at Bishnumati-Shobha Bhagawati.