Saint-leader wants to live, serve country till 100

REPUBLICA

KATHMANDU, Jan 1: He is frail, he suffers from the diseases of old age, and he doesn´t have family of his own. Yet he wants to live for 100 years.

"I still want to contribute to this beautiful, sacred land situated in the lap of the Himalayas -- the abode of holy saints who spent their lives searching for the truth. I want to live for 100 years," former prime minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai told friends and well-wishers who gathered at his residence at Bandegaun, Lalitpur, to extend greetings on his 87th birthday, Saturday.

Bhattarai, the only surviving founding-member of the Nepali Congress (NC), said he still wants to contribute to the country and see it become a developed country of Asia. As his birthday wish, he said he wants to see a peaceful and prosperous Nepal where all Nepalis can enjoy at least two square meals a day.

He is also known as a saint-leader for the simplicity of his life. A life-long fighter for the cause of democracy, Bhattarai has remained unmarried throughout his life.

President Dr Ram Baran Yadav reached the Bhattarai residence in the morning, while Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and former prime ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba, Kirtinidhi Bista and Lokendra Bahadur Chand attended the function in the afternoon.

When the president gifted Bhattarai a car on behalf of the government, the later joked, "Is that vehicle for me?" Bhattarai looked around, waving the key at others present.

Former prime minister Deuba appreciated Bhattarai´s contribution to democracy and requested him to play the role of a guardian of the country, though he is already in the twilight of his life.

"Ever since I met Kishunji, I have never seen a leader so clean and saintly and who has such a sense of humor," said Deuba. On the occasion, Bhattarai´s spiritual mentor Pilot Baba, who was chief guest, offered worship to various deities for the octogenerian´s longevity.

Former prime minister Surya Bahadur Thapa, NC President Sushil Koirala, General Secretary Prakash Man Shrestha, UML Chiarman Jhalanath Khanal and senior leader KP Oli, among other prominent personalisties, attended the function.

Similarly, former king Gyanendra Shah also extended greetings to Bhattarai. Pashupati Bhakta Maharjan, Shah´s former aide, offered a bouquet of flowers to Bhattarai on behalf of Shah, and read out greetings wishing him long life.

On the occasion, Bhattarai also released his autobiography "Mero Ma". Pilot Baba formally launched the book.