Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Vice President Ramsahaya Prasad Yadav on Sunday said indigenous nationalities have made significant contributions and sacrifices during Nepal’s historic transformative movements.
Addressing the main ceremony organized by the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities in Kathmandu on Sunday to mark the 32nd World Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Yadav said aspirations of indigenous nationalities could be incorporated into the constitution and state system because of their contributions to these transformative movements.
Every year, August 9 is celebrated as International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples to commemorate the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1982.
Stating that the core principles of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015, are inclusive democracy, social justice and equal opportunity, he stressed the need for all communities to move forward together.
According to Yadav, the establishment of democracy, republicanism and federalism is deeply linked to the struggle of indigenous nationalities for their rights. “The constitution has already guaranteed the rights of indigenous nationalities, Madhesis, marginalized and oppressed communities. Ensuring the practical implementation of those rights is now our key priority,” Yadav said. “Inclusion should not remain limited to slogans. It must be reflected in proportional access to state policies, plans, resources and opportunities, as well as in education, health, employment and decision-making at every level.”
Yadav also said the younger generation should preserve their indigenous languages, cultures and identities while moving forward through the modern use of education, science and technology.
