SpardhaChand Kathmandu, May 26: Nepal the land of Mount Everest and the Buddha, is a Himalayan nation known to the world for its rich diversity in ethno-culture. To a lesser extent it is also associated as the origin of the Gurkha, revered the world over as a race of feisty, courageous soldiers. The exquisite beauty of its geography, culture and nature has earned it the mystic title of Shangri-La to the outside world.
As far as peace is concerned, it has always been a deep rooted essence of the very nature of the state since the beginning of human civilization. Over centuries wars have plagued the continents of Asia, Europe, Africa and America. The aftermath of a war is no guarantee of prosperity for a nation as illustrated by the examples of Germany and Japan during World War I and II respectively.
In the context of Nepal, people have endured untold suffering since the UCPN Maoist (CPN-Maoist earlier) began its 'People's War' in February 1996. They shot opponents on suspicion of fraud and feudal oppression. Though there were many conflicts earlier the movement proved horrific for the nation, claiming more than 15000 lives and devastating the nation in 'tears of war'. It is irrelevant whether they were rebels or the future ruling party, it was the loss of human lives and humanity that was significant. Nepal has been known for peace in the past but the peaceful nation has been divided into different eras of violence. The main debate is on power lust. Some intellectuals claim that the nation enjoyed the unilateral system in the past which led to backwardness. They cannot see beyond the Rana and Royal rule in the past.
Where the question of the constitution is concerned, the statute is not all it takes to build the nation but it can be the milestone if we are all committed to it. Rule of law can be a step towards civilization and institutionalization. The main obstacle of the country is not the statute; it is the nature of our mentality. Everybody who beaks the law, thinks that h/she is superior to others and takes pride in their status and actions. But they think that they are above the law.
The nation is caught in a rush hour of constitution building and peace process. Everybody claims that all the irregularities are to be blamed on the leaders of the political parties but no one is ready for self criticism for her/his own deeds. It is the main mechanism of the country in politics. There is not a single person who can be seen as the founding father capable of changing the fate of the nation in contemporary politics. The country has overthrown monarchy some years ago. The reality is that it has left a glaring cultural void in the nation.
Let us hope there will be a silver lining in the dark cloud hovering over the nation once we emerge from the current turbulent times. And that the nation will be prosperous in economic, physical and social science and technology utilising its potential in tourism, water and energy and other sectors in the nation with the help of complete intelligence, knowledge and strength of the people.
