Change in Nepal: An NRN’s Perspective

We hear a cry for voice for Non-resident Nepalis (NRNs); true it is important to provide them with a forum and a platform to share their concerns and issues, but the onus lies on them to prove themselves worthwhile of a group to be given a voice.

By Dibesh Karmacharya

As we hang in these uncertain times, general feeling is that Nepal is headed right towards a dark tunnel without any ray of light at the end of it. And to a certain extent, one could look at the current situation and come to that logical conclusion. But as it so happens, for someone who has been engaged in Nepali business landscape with will and determination to look at things from “glass half full” perspective; there is tremendous amount of opportunities to be had. If we ignore, and it is almost impossible to do that, politics and chaos in the country, there are business prospects that are just dangling up in the air.

And as it so happens, Nepal is going through this transitional phase where, amongst all these upheaval, there is a growing need to build the infrastructure, improve the public services and figure out ways to catch up with economically expanding countries like China and India. We recently established an ultra-modern biotechnology facility in Nepal to lay the foundation of creating an industry. Initially, there was a lot of skepticism, but as we ploughed head on with certain degree to calculated risk, we have gradually realised that technology based industry like Biotechnology can be planted in Nepal and make it a success story even during a period of chaos in Nepal, amidst global recession and in an environment where a lot of educated Nepalis are going aboard to seek better opportunity or higher education or just escape from current situation.

Amidst the dark cloud of political uncertainty and confusion in Nepal, we have to come up with stories that evoke patriotism, initiate ideas that will bring economic prosperity and indulge ourselves into constructive actions. For too long, we have complained about things that are not working or have not worked; for too long we have played this blame game. It is about time that we undertake a paradigm swift. Injecting new ideas to improve the lives of ordinary Nepalis would be a good starting point. Involving in community based programme to educate and engage people, who are often sidelined or made passive by years of stagnant culture, would be another. It seems the educated bunch in Nepal is too eager to act as an armchair political expert, but when it comes to actually hitting the pavement and doing something concrete, they are either disengaged or too pompous to be there.

We hear a cry for voice for Non-resident Nepalis (NRNs); true it is important to provide them with a forum and a platform to share their concerns and issues, but the onus lies on them to prove themselves worthwhile of a group to be given a voice. And we are not talking about labourers that go to the middle-east and sweat their blood to funnel back remittance money back to their villages; we are talking about middle class and upper middle class group that goes to the US or other western countries. These NRN groups, often highly educated and professionally experienced, should rethink the way they can contribute to Nepal. Sending scholarship money here and there and building health posts and clinics are good, but it will take more than that to really bring some tangible change in Nepal. Running away from a burning house and crying out for help from a mile away will not save the house. Often times, using a military term -boots on the ground is only the sure way of making sure you bring in the change. So until and unless this group of people who have the potential to play a leading role in Nepal’s many facets of development, need to really engage themselves in programmes and projects that are of high priority for the country’s development. And just having rights for dual citizenship as the main agenda will not do.

To bring about change, Nepal needs a community based movement, a movement that highlights patriotism and engages community in a way that is non-divisive and unifying. To bring about change, we need to present with alternatives to the current political culture of greed and short-sightedness. We need to define our vision, determine our destiny. It is really a shame to see the political parties espousing big agendas but not doing anything in practice.

Having said that our experience working in Nepal has been one that is rewarding and exciting; we are no less smart than anyone else and we are no less capable than anyone else. It seems the younger generation in Nepal is energetic, vibrant, well informed and patriotic. And it is a high time to mobilise patriotic Nepali people, who are the majority, to create an environment where fair, just and progressive ideas and initiatives are given the driving seats.

(Karmacharys is a businessman based in Canada. He also heads the Center for Molecular Dynamics-Nepal, a research center based in Nepal. His email: dibesh@intrepidmedtech.com)

(Editor’s Note: Nepalis, wherever they live, as well as friends of Nepal around the globe are requested to contribute their views/opinions/recollections etc. on issues concerning present day Nepal to the Guest Column of Nepalnews. Length of the article should not be more than 1,000 words and may be edited for the purpose of clarity and space. Relevant photos as well as photo of the author may also be sent along with the article. Please send your write-ups to editors@mos.com.np)

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