Man Mohan Adhikari: A tireless warrior of left-democratic movement

Kathmandu, April 25: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said that the late leader Man Mohan Adhikari was a tireless warrior of Nepal's left-democratic movement.     

At a programme organised by the Man Mohan Memorial Foundation on the 25th death anniversary of Man Mohan Adhikari, here today, former President Bhandari shared that Man Mohan was established as a simple and honest leader in contemporary Nepali politics as well as a respected leader of the entire Nepali society.     

He was a leading personality of Nepali Communist movement, she mentioned, adding the entire life of Man Mohan is like an open book that must be read compulsorily by the new generation.     

"We have got open environment due to high-level awareness, sacrifice and determination of first generation leaders like Man Mohan. We have got freedom. Man Mohan Adhikari is in our memory and will always remain", added the former President.     

Stating that the elderly allowance programme introduced by Man Mohan Adhikari-led government became a model programme of social security in the South Asia, she underscored, "This step contributed to bring positive change in prospective of state, society and family towards senior citizens. It has made significant contribution to boost self-confidence of the senior citizens."     

Former President Bhandari shared that the Constitution of Nepal institutionalized the fundamental rights of senior citizens by strengthening the activities launched by Man Mohan Adhikari in respect of senior citizens, adding senior citizens remember and respect Man Mohan Adhikari as their true friend and a good leader.     

Man Mohan had led UML's nine-month government efficiently, she explained.     

Adhikari was appointed the Prime Minister of Nepal in 2051BS, representing the CPN (UML), the largest party in the parliament.     

Programmes such as "Let's Build Our Village Ourselves" and "Old-Age Allowance for Senior Citizens", implemented under his government leadership earned popularity among the citizens.     

Adhikari had actively participated in India's independence movement in 1942 while he was pursuing his education in Varanasi, India. This marked the inception of his political career, and he played a significant role in the workers' movement in Biratnagar in 2003 BS.     

Throughout his long political career, Adhikari spent a cumulative total of around 14 years in jail for his involvement in various movements against the Rana and Panchayat regimes, as well as for advocating for the restoration of democracy at different junctures.     

He passed away on April 26, 1999, at the age of 78.     

In honor of his contributions, the former President released a souvenir titled 'The Life Story of Man Mohan Adhikari', commemorating his remarkable life and achievements.     

Foundation Chair and UML senior Vice-Chair Ishwor Pokhrel said the establishment of the Foundation aimed to promote and institutionalize the ideologies and contributions of the late Adhikari.     

Adhikari was revered as an elder of the Communist Party in Nepal, known for his simplicity and lack of controversy, Pokhrel said, advocating for the internalization of simplicity that Adhikari lived with throughout his life within the communist circles.     

Party leaders Yubaraj Gyawali, Bishnu Paudel, Pradeep Gyawali, Bishnu Rimal, and Yogesh Bhattarai, paid their respects to the late Adhikari.     

On the occasion, the former President bade farewell to members embarking on a nationwide tour organized by the Foundation. The Foundation organizes a nationwide tour for old-aged citizens each year. (RSS)