DC 50 years ago: Welcome to Nepal Royal couple

New Delhi (PTI): King Mahendra of Nepal today expressed satisfaction at the way India had been trying to understand the problems of Nepal.

The King was replying to the brief address of welcome by President Radhakrishnan on his arrival here today on the 12-day state visit to India.

The King and Queen Ratna were given a warm welcome by a large gathering, including ministers, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, members of Parliament, Nepali residents in Delhi and members of the Indo-Nepal Friendship Society.

Dr Radhakrishnan, in his speech praised King Mahendra for the reforms he had introduced recently in regard to land and social matters and said that they were great steps towards emancipation of the people of Nepal.

The King in his speech said, “We are naturally pleased to come here this afternoon in response to a friendly invitation of His Excellency the President of India, and to convey once more, on behalf of the peace-loving people of the Kingdom of Nepal, best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of India and her people.

“Nepal desires peace with all countries. This had been our constant endeavour. Engaged as she is in her efforts to march ahead along the path of progress, in keeping with the traditions and the needs of the country, within the framework of the Panchayat system based on popular will, Nepal does not want to get entangled in disputes and conflicts with any nation. It is a well-known fact today.”