For the first time since he became an ordinary citizen, ex-king Gyanendra took a regular flight to Janakpur and on Wednesday, worshipped at the Janaki Temple. He spoke to Avenues Television at a hotel in Janakpur. Excerpts from Nagarik, 25 March
Avenues: If the Nepali people want to restore the monarchy, are you ready? 
Gyanendra: That is a hypothetical question. On the monarchy, or any other question, the people's wishes and opinions should be respected. Everyone has to follow that.
What do you think of the state of the nation after the end of the monarchy?
Whatever the majority of the people want, that is also my wish. I get the feeling most people want security. My prayers are also for security and the people. I hope the Nepalis get what they pray for quickly. And, the garland that our ancestors put together to unite this country, let's hope that it never breaks.
Some say you are engaging in power politics?
If that was the case, I could have done many things long before this. We have no such ideas, and no such plans. We left (the throne) asking for nothing other than peace and harmony in the country. I think the Nepali people understand that. You have to leave this question to the Nepali brothers.
Isn't it true that the reason for the loss of love and respect for the monarchy was due to the royal massacre and your February First move?
There are two things here. First, the people can teach leaders a lesson. Maybe the people were giving us a similar message? Maybe the people thought kings should not be active. I learnt that lesson. But the people shouldn't forget that the king should also play the role of a guardian and take timely steps that the country needs. And there will come times when the people's security and defence need to be addressed. In those days, that was the situation and those were the concerns, today the people have different concerns and there is a different situation. We shouldn't be looking back, what does the future hold for the country? We need a successful and prosperous nation, and we should all work towards that goal.
