The 2065 Dashain has become historic. It was the first in the Republic of Nepal. It witnessed the sad demise of the 239 years old Shah monarchy. It was also conspicuous for being Dashain under the government led by a Maoist who refused to share the rejoicings of the biggest national festival with his countrymen. But, by taking the Tika from his parent, the Maoist Prime minister did manifest his flexibility in his convictions. He does not, it seems, mind to bend his rigid principles to suit his convenience. Nepal is not only one of the poorest countries where 40% of the populace is still illiterate and steeped in blind faith and superstitions, but also where the Santatan Dharma and Buddhism have taken so deep roots for centuries that even vicious and ruthless bigots cannot make any dent in their religious armor. Marx or Mao, whom only an insignificant number of Nepalis must have read, cannot dream, even in their graves, to paint this country with their ideologies. A handful of their followers will be lost as fragrance in the desert air. As such, prime minister Prachanda, must not do things that might alienate the sympathies of the masses. With high ambitions to rule the country for decades, he should not antagonize his own countrymen by denying their religion, culture, tradition and even their identity. How will he identify himself as a patriotic Nepali? Moreover, he can neither forget nor overlook the fact that he has achieved the distinction of being where he is with alien help, without which he may not be there for long. Therefore, we would like to give him our unsolicited advice that he must first try to establish himself as a politician totally different than his predecessors. He must also prove that he has strong knees and can stand on his own legs and not go piggy backing. One even more important thing he cannot afford to forget is that guns and muscle power can only generate fear and hatred, not win hearts, neither inspire regard and respect. As such, he must think first of the country and the countrymen. His party cannot get any priority over them. Even Sarah Palin thinks the country comes first. We do believe he has heard what Jack Kennedy had said about the country. Another very important thing he must not do is to politicize the administration. Unless the bureaucracy acts as a faceless establishment no body can get thing done. And so are the armed forces. They must not be indoctrinated with any political ideology. Politicians are expendable not the Nepali army. Its sanctity and impartiality must be preserved at all costs. The Nepal army, we trust, knows well about this. Even though belated and might not be acceptable to him, we do wish him a Happy Vijaya and Happy Deepavali and do pray to our Benign Mother to grant him wisdom to respect and honor the nation’s culture and identity and also shares the miseries and rejoicings of his countrymen. Otherwise, his countrymen might not accept him for long.