The occasion was Democracy Day. In the year 2026, Mahendra Narayan Nidhi was sentenced to three years imprisonment and a fine of 3000 rupees by the District Magistrate of Janakpur Zone in 2026 for publishing an article against the autocratic monarchy established under the guise of independent Panchayat system under the leadership of King Mahendra.

This incident five decades ago was considered easy in the politics of that time. However, against this decision, lawyers who were well-versed in the country's constitutional law at the time fought a case in the Supreme Court in favor of Nidhi. They also achieved some success in reducing the imprisonment and fines imposed on the fund. However, the Supreme Court could not show the courage to prove Nidhi completely innocent. 

Nidhi has always been a supporter of press freedom. Had he not entered into active politics, he would probably have become a journalist. Nidhi knew that sharp expressions of people are more dangerous than weapons. He used to publish his expressions almost regularly in Hindi and Nepali languages. His ideas were original and focused on innovative topics. Kathmandu and Janakpur, wherever he lived, loved the company of journalists.

Today is Mahendra Narayan Nidhi's 103rd birth anniversary. He was born in 1978  It happened on the 13th of February in Nagarine village of Dhanusha district. Even after decades of birth and death, the influence and memory of a person remains deep in the minds of the people, if that person is not limited only as an individual. It becomes an idea, a link in history. One such link in history is Mahendra Narayan Nidhi.

Mahendra Narayan Nidhi was a tireless warrior of democracy. He was one of the founding leaders of Nepali Congress. Ideologically, BP Koirala and Dr. Nidhi, close to Ram Manohar Lohia, was one of the coordinators and commanders of the 2007 people's revolution against the autocratic Ranatantra. After the success of revolution in Janakpur front which was geographically located in Mahottari district at that time, Nidhi became the main man of Janakpur command. In the year 2017, after King Mahendra dissolved the popularly elected parliament and took power in his hands, Nidhi's struggle for the restoration of democracy through the path of non-violence continued for three decades until 2046. His campaign was successful in 2047. 

Looking back at that period of history, the period of four to five decades is not that long between the events in which the introduction and identity of nations and the state system are changing. However, when a person dares to fight continuously and unceasingly for his ideal, purpose and life value, he also changes the course of history. Therefore, Mahendra Narayan Nidhi is not a person, but an idea, an ideal and a value of life for the Nepali people who are standing in favor of independence. 

How does Nidhi's memory inspire today's generation? What should we remember about Nidhi? This question must have arisen in the minds of many today. The effort that is being made to make the political entities of Nepal who hold any ideology unknowingly irrelevant is not good for the Nepali society. If we don't learn from history, no matter what the changes are, the society will not be able to move forward. 

Mahendra Narayan Nidhi was non-violent and sattvic, a socialist. He also followed Gandhian ideas and lifestyle as much as possible in practice. He was born in Madhesh, Madhesh language, Madhesh taste and Madhesh culture were his originality. However, he was never the leader of only 'Madhesh'. His thoughts and thoughts were always for the whole of Nepal and Nepali people. He was also the leader of the mountainous region between Madhesh and Himal. When the present generation assesses his life, it seems that those times were different. At that time, democracy and socialism were not limited to the speeches of leaders. His words, thoughts, ideals and values ​​of life used to waver in one spirit. 

The current youth generation should ask themselves the question - have the various dimensions of change and the inconsistencies that have appeared along with the change blurred the principles, ideals and values ​​of life, or are we getting lost among all the big and small changes that we have brought due to the lack of these essential elements?

Democracy, socialism, non-violence, human rights and freedom of expression achieved by generations before us – can these subjects ever become irrelevant? Or are they just irrelevant now? As we age the model of our mobiles and the apps we use, the price of life does not age. Mahendra Narayan Nidhi, a personality who fought till his life to establish the value of life of modern society in the civilization and history of Nepal, is the light of that value of life. 

Sure, science, technology, and media can make life easier, but they can't guide society. To guide the entire society and the entire nation, the need for ideas and values ​​of life is as much needed as it was yesterday. Isn't our struggle today for the practice of democracy and freedom of expression? Wasn't the violent rebellion initiated by the Maoists against the state power ended in peace and harmony with the unity of all the political parties?

Nepalis still believe that socialist policy can and should solve the problems of education, health and employment. Socialism is as relevant today as it was in Nidhi's time. Yes, what kind of socialism do we need? The new generation has to explore its new dimensions. It requires a flow of new ideas. Without new ideas, society loses its dynamism. It is certainly not an easy task to transform our society's tendency to enjoy the wealth earned by the grandfather from generation to generation into a dynamic one. Every generation has its own struggles. It has its own importance. Leadership should be able to give a new dimension to the struggle. For that he must understand about the struggles in the past  Without understanding the 'pattern' of past events, new and timely change paths cannot be made.

After every big change society, social structure expects dynamics. To be sure, the revolutionaries seek to establish the merits of their struggle without delay. However, even after extensive changes in Nepal, it is not customary to show readiness and eagerness for development.