Very often, I think about the events that unfolded in the past few years such as the day when monarchy was abolished because of the Nepali people’s desire to make their country a republic. Then, it seemed like a republican state was just what we needed but I cannot say if we wanted a republic quite like the one we have right now.
The constant fighting between political parties has destroyed our desire to see a better Nepal; something that I was dearly clinging to. Our trust towards the revolutionaries, nay, the Maoists has long expired due to numerous and obvious reasons that I do not need to elaborate. As a common citizen of Nepal, I cannot point out any area in which any of the parties have done anything good for the citizens. I am forced to wonder where I stand in this mayhem? Where should I stand?
They say Nepal is a country cursed by Sati and if that’s so, then I have nothing to say. But if that’s not the case, then why are we compelled to a life without basic necessities? I’m not asking for much, just basic amenities like water, electricity, law and order and progress and development— like in any other country.
I’m 22 and I hate to say that sometimes I think this country only belongs to those who play dirty games. Those sitting in plush sofas in this Valley determine the future and welfare of the people in Jumla. I may be young but I can definitely question the credibility of this sordid game that has made the lives of many people miserable. I simply can’t foresee a moment in the near future when political parties will start conversing in earnest with the common people and consider them as equals and help make real progress.
I am not a Jumli but a common Nepali citizen with no political affiliations who is concerned about the woes of the people in Jumla. I try to gauge their pains and difficulties and think deeply to muster up viable ideas and plans that could benefit them. On the contrary, the so-called leaders, entrusted with establishing peace and development, seem to have their eyes shut tight.
Our country can boast of 170 INGOs and 25,000 NGOs. Each claim to be bettering the health, education and socio-economic condition of deprived Nepalis. But, despite having a heavy presence of I/NGO’s, I only see suffering wherever I go.
I think that I know the exact reason for our lack of progress; it is because we think in terms of “me” and not “we”. When it comes to Gautam Buddha’s birthplace and Mt. Everest, we speak in one voice and articulately state they belong to our country. But, we do not consider the vision Buddha conjured or worry about the oxygen tanks left behind atop the mountains. We don’t seem to take pride in what already exists.
In the land where Buddha was born, we surely can espouse honesty and discipline for the sake of peace and progress. Progress that is not limited to construction of infrastructure and high-tech machineries but a place where every human is treated equally and granted dignity.
But when I walk about Kathmandu, I find Nepalis enforcing bandas, burning tires, etc, all that amuse me amply. Do we really deserve everything we want? By easily yielding to the demands of protestors, the government has helped set a terrible trend, which has only contributed in making the life of future governments difficult. Instead of easily giving into the demands of the protestors, how about addressing problems at its roots? I cannot help but feel utter loneliness as I wonder about this all.
Everyday, I glance over unwelcome speeches in newspapers given by plenty of folks “representing” a plethora of parties. Unfortunately, the very people they claim to represent are in turn manipulated and misinformed by them. It is truly up to the politicians to stop playing their dirty games. A few more years of the current imbroglio and our country many not even appear on the world map.
In my own lifetime, I have continuously witnessed the ever-increasing dependence on foreign nations. Our leaders don’t even hesitate to “step across” the border to make an internal decision. What better testimony of their qualifications and motivations?
Waiting is what we all are collectively doing. We are waiting for our new constitution. We are waiting for the integration process to end. Some are fighting for sexual freedom. When will the wait be over
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