Balmiki School Did Not Celebrate Dashain as the Nation Mourns

Pathari

In memory of the youths and police officers who were martyred in the Gen Z movement, Valmiki Residential Secondary School, located in Pathari Shanishswore–2, Morang, organized a mourning program instead of celebrating Dashain.

The school and its students observed a moment of silence to honor the sacrifice of the 72 youths who lost their lives in the movement, sending a message of unity.

While the entire country is filled with the festive atmosphere of Dashain and Tihar, Valmiki School turned its traditional Dashain celebrations into mourning and silence this year, according to the school’s director, Nawal Kishor Khanal. He said that the school made this decision in memory of the 72 youths who sacrificed their lives during the recent Gen Z movement while raising their voices for justice.

At a time when the nation is grieving, the school and its students demonstrated moral responsibility toward the country by choosing remembrance over festivities. Instead of Dashain tika and jamara, students and teachers united to deliver a message of mourning.

Emotional students shared their thoughts during the program, expressing deep respect for the martyrs. They said, “This Dashain has become a Dashain of sorrow for us. Seventy-two youths lost their lives in the Gen Z movement.”

The school clarified that its decision was not against tradition but rather an expression of respect for the youths who became martyrs in the struggle for the nation.

Calling the martyrs “heroes,” the students said that everyone had come together in their memory. All students and teachers observed one minute of silence and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls.

The program also included prayers for the speedy recovery of all those injured in the movement. Principal Chandra Prasad Dulal said that this different kind of Dashain had taught all students a new lesson of patriotism and unity.

“In such circumstances, we, the school family, are deeply saddened. The school could not refuse the heartfelt request of teachers and students who wanted to honor the martyrs with patriotism,” he added.