'We want to help our motherland, but we need legal status'

Chiranjibi Dhakal is the Regional Coordinator of Europe for the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA-ICC). He was recently elected President of Yeti Nepali Association, a pioneer and the first Nepali Association in the United Kingdom, for the second time. Besides this, he devotes himself with various social and religious organisations in UK. He talked with Nepalnews while he was here to participate in the NRN Day programmes. Excerpts:

Tell us about the outcome of the Fifth NRN Day function organised in Janakpur.

Well, we marked the Fifth NRN Day in Nepal when the country is in the process of achieving lasting peace and transformation. The important thing is that the function was held in the cultural and religious city Janakpur where NRNs around the world met and discussed on various issues. It is the first time we celebrated NRN Day out of Kathmandu Valley and I think it has significant meaning. Many NRNs have shown concern over the fragile structure of Janakpur and have committed to contribute for its renovation. Moreover, at a time when Terai is facing challenges with security, the gathering in Janakpur gave the message that we all are Nepalese people and we should be united to build the nation. We have given clear message to the nation that we want to help our motherland, but need to get the legal status.

It's been five years you have been asking for the same things, do you at all expect to get dual citizenship?

Yes, we have been asking the same things to the government for the last five years and even each government has been positive to the demands forwarded by NRNs. This time too, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has assured that he will do necessary things to fulfill the demands of NRNs. Other political leaders like Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala, CPN-UML general Secretary Jhala Nath Khanal, ministers as well as other political leaders whom we met were positive to us. They have said that our demands are genuine and they would support it. So we are optimistic that the government will work as per its assurance.

It's indeed unfortunate that the government has not even introduced the NRN Act. We do hope that the government will introduce the NRN Act and provide dual citizenship to NRNs.

How much NRN investment will enter the country?

I think the perception on investment needs to change as you are counting only monetary investment. There is a large scale of indirect investments as well. I believe indirect investment would indeed help to build New Nepal. For instance, more Gurkhas are going to the UK selling their properties here which has resulted in billions of rupees moving from Nepal. Had there been a provision of dual citizenship, they would have not sold their property in Nepal. Nepal's present law does not allow you to keep property if you have a foreign passport. This is very serious issue we have raised everywhere and every time, and if the government does nothing, the nation will lose. I hope the government understands this and implements its commitments.

What is the Yeti Nepali Association doing currently?

Yeti Nepali Association is oldest Nepali association in the UK. Yeti is a non partisan social organization working to promote goodwill and co-operation among Nepalese, preserve Nepali culture and tradition, voice Nepali aspirations whenever necessary and enhance Nepali people residing in the UK. Likewise, we celebrate Dashain, New Year, Republic day, Buddha Jayanti and cultural activities in close collaboration with Nepali people organizing various activities. We have conducted Nepali classes for youths and young children, youth co-ordination and sports activities, Yeti Cup tournament and other sports activities involving Nepalese youth from various parts of Britain and our fellow countrymen from the brigade of Gurkhas. Lately, we have expanded Yeti as a more inclusive and broader association including all Nepali people.

Similarly, Yeti has always shown solidarity and compassion towards Nepal and Nepalese people in the time of need by extending support and raising funds. We are very much encouraged by the positive response shown by the Nepalese community and also by our British friends towards achieving our goals. Yeti has been proved to be a true friend to all Nepalese living in the UK.

(Editor's Note: Nepalnews will continue this column by talking to officials, professionals, politicians, businessmen, diplomats, those who make outstanding achievements in their chosen field and newsmakers. Please post your suggestions/comments to nepalnews@mos.com.np)

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