Change The Mindset

Parmeshwar Devkota

Although there are about two hundred nations, only some of them are considered cultured ones because they possess certain features which the rest don't. Some people wrongly believe that economically strong countries are cultured, but it is not true. A country with good infrastructures and strong economy can be considered a developed one, but may not be a cultured one. 

A developed country may have huge development projects, wide roads, booming economy and strict rules and regulations, but it may not be tolerant of cultures, customs, religions and traditions of minority groups. A top-down approach of development is another characteristic of such a country. The people there live in persistent fear from certain leaders or from the ruling class. A civilised country, however, has different characteristics which are as follows.

A cultured country adopts bottom-up approach of development. The state mechanisms of such a country listens to genuine concerns of its citizens, promotes self-consciousness and discipline among citizens. The rule of law is another parameter of such a country. Because the roads, parks and even heritage sites of one community are considered as public property, people of different castes, creeds or religions can visit such places freely.  

It is the matter of pride that after adopting the new constitution in 2015, Nepal has been transformed into a more civilised and inclusive nation as it meets all the standards that a cultured nation bears.  We have periodic elections and honour human rights. The values of social and cultural solidarity, tolerance and harmony are well enshrined in the national charter. It stands for multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multicultural society. 

Forgetting or ignoring this reality, some sects and religious zealots tried to create discords in Dharan and Nepalgunj recently. The extremist activities do not match our constitutional vision, legal provisions and social norms. No community should hurt the religious values of other people in the name of freedom. We have also seen the religious and cultural processions in some parts of the country. A community of Banke, Saptari, Mahottari and some other parts have blocked roads, public places and thoroughfares during festivals of other community and pelted stones at the jubilant crowds.

In the modern times, it is not wise to promote religious radicalism and insult the holy texts of other communities. In fact, the ancient scriptures of any religion do not reflect the present reality as they were written long ago incorporating the faiths, social conditions and challenges of the given period. There is also a possibility that some scriptures may have been written to negate and discredit rival clans and enemy states. If a part of community takes inspiration from the irrelevant books, and works accordingly, then this will take society towards opposite direction. 

The blind adherence to obsolete thinking will give birth to another Ashurbanipal (cruel king of Assyaria). Only some Ashurbanipals can turn this part of world into a hell which nobody wants because we had sacrificed much to arrive at the present phase of development. Therefore, the modern day religious gurus have special responsibility to dispose impractical teachings of the past and adopt and teach new and innovative knowledge to their disciples. So the change of the old mindset is the key to building a harmonious and tolerant society.