Will speak if people ask me to: Ex-king

TKP

KATHMANDU, OCT 08 - Former King Gyanendra Shah on Friday said he would not mind anyone calling him a common

citizen.

Inaugurating a non-profit charitable organisation—Himani Trust —established by his daughter-in-law in coordination with seven other ladies from the former royal family, including former Queen Komal Rajya Laxmi, the former king said, “I am a common citizen now,” adding that he was not eligible to comment on any of the political issues.

“Parliamentarians are political geniuses and they know better than I do. I am no one to comment on politics,” he sarcastically said. “I won’t be commenting on the current political deadlock unless the public asks me to do so.”

However, despite the former king’s admission that he could be called a common citizen, throughout the entire inaugural ceremony, the “his/her majesty” tag was there before the names of all former royal family members attending the programme.

On the Himani Trust, former crown princess Himani said the organisation, which according to her, is “inspired by the sorrows of the public” she saw during her recent visit to Dolakha district, will be fully dedicated to social service.

According to her, the Trust intends to work in different social sectors like health, education, social development, skills for earnings and employment, children, youth, women and senior citizens.

“The initial fund we have invested for our social agency is Rs.50,000,” she said. “Our work will focus on providing quality social services to the deprived groups, mainly in remote areas.”

According to the secretary of the Trust, Pawana Shah, the Trust will start its work initially from Dolakha. “Providing scholarships to students, conducting various employment-related training, promoting elderly education and providing free health facilities will be our major areas,” she said.

One of the most non-controversial members of the former royal family, Himani Shah, who is also considered to be among the first to settle down to a changed way of life since the abolition of the monarchy, has been seen in social functions in recent times.