Keep Your Promises

Parmeshwar Devkota

Hundreds of philosophers had purposed how to make human civilisation more human and free before the 19th century. There were well over a score of prominent philosophers who had worked honestly to offer a fresh path to the whole humankind even in the 19th century. However, the disparity between the rich and the poor was getting widened. For example, the condition of factory labourers was going from bad to worse because they had to live in a confined area of a factory. They had to work for unlimited hours in an unhygienic environment. They also had to face a shortage of food, healthcare services and other amenities. The condition of the slaves in the feudal Europe was even more pathetic because they were hardly considered as humans. So, with the labour of those people, the rich were becoming richer and the poor poorer. 

Amid that confusing situation, a man from a corner of a library wrote: “The philosophers have hitherto only interpreted the world in various ways. The point, however, is to change it’. He was Karl Marx, one of the great thinkers of all times. Though he was made stateless due to his political publications, his thoughts became inspirational for the common people as well as revolutionaries around the world. The labourers and slaves also raised their voices. They fought for rights, justice and equality with confidence without knowing that in real life, all humans are not equal as George Orwell says in Animal Farm,’’…some are more equal than others.’’ But the powerful thought of a stateless person forced to establish egalitarian states in Asia and Europe. 

While there were many philosophers in those days, we have many leaders today. Some leaders are so legendary while others are so experienced that they do not match with even regional leaders others. But, the condition of the country is not showing any sign of improvement. It seems that the condition of economy and politics, and efficiency of civil servants have not been getting refined. Amid this chaos, two young leaders-- Rabi Lamichhane and Dr. Swarnim Wagle—have spoken up that they would tackle the nation’s problems. Lamichhane has been reelected as a lawmaker from Chitwan-2 while Dr. Wagle has been elected from Tanahun-1 in the recent by-election. So, the irritated, wise and frightened citizens of Chitwan and Tanahun voted them to the federal parliament members. Their victory was celebrated in different parts of the country. 

But, a small chunk of Nepali society is suspicious that Lamichhane and Dr. Wagle will bring Nepali politics, economy and bureaucracy on track easily. Until and unless they are able to bring about radical changes in the matters mentioned below, they may also lose their heroic postures. 

First, they should be able to forge a working alliance with youth leaders belonging to other political parties in the House. Second, they should also make drastic changes in laws and by-laws, especially procurement and contract laws, to check procurement-related corruption and inordinate delays in construction works.    

Third, a punishment culture must be established in the civil service so as to address dilly-dallying and other anomalies effectively. 

Finally, the new generation leaders should not run into any controversy. They need to be a role model for others when it comes to their expressions and actions. They must keep their promises made to people.