South Asian News Network

Kathmandu, July 18: Nepali Congress (NC) President, Gagan Kumar Thapa, has extended warm homage to prominent civil society leader Dr. Devendra Raj Pandey while expressing deep condolence to the bereaved family members. Taking to a social account today, leader Thapa said the passing of civil society leader Dr Pandey who championed the cause of civic freedom, equality, human rights and democratic awareness throughout his life has caused an irreparable loss to the nation. The country has lost a profound intellectual, moral leadership and cautious vigilant of democracy with his demise, Thapa wrote. “He had consistently raised a strong voice against autocratic regime coordinating struggle from citizens’ level in the decisive times of Nepal’s democratic uprising”, Thapa noted, recalling his ceaseless inspiration to the new generation. As a Secretary of Finance, Finance Minister, development thinker, and advocate of good governance, he brought a new perspective to Nepal’s economy, public administration, and development-related debates, Thapa stated. Thapa expressed confidence that the honesty, transparency, and ethics he demonstrated in public life would be an invaluable legacy for future generations. “His role in promoting social harmony, equality, and national unity is particularly memorable, and the light of civic awareness he kindled and the intellectual legacy he left will always guide us,” NC President said. Dr. Pandey had breathed his last on Friday evening at the age of 87 at his residence in Bishalnagar, Kathmandu. He had been brought to his residence from Patan Hospital earlier on Friday.—