A Revive On BP’s Thoughts

What makes a leader memorable? Many arguments can be made about it. But if we let the nation make some images of such personalities on its own, there will be only a few to remember. But why is it that many leaders, who make big promises and say they'll do great things for their countries, end up not being remembered in the long run, despite reaching the highest levels of power?

In casual conversations, we might not fully understand how serious this concern is. Some may say, "Why should we be concerned if many leaders fail or disappear from the political scene?" This argument might seem valid in our discussion. However, becoming statesmen who are remembered positively for their impact on societies in the long run isn't something that just any Tom, Dick, and Harry in politics can accomplish. It's not a task for every average person in the political arena.

But there is also a circle of scholars whose genuine concerns exist. Here we find some scholars who think, float ideas, search for the cause of deficiency in national politics, and warn everyone not to deviate from the moral path of governance. Recently, Professor Krishna Khanal has made one such praiseworthy academic exercise, which not only discusses the issues of making statesmen but also shows a broad canvass for everyone to be alert to all the temptations of selfish politics.

Professor Khanal enters the topic, and the personality for him to do research on it is B. P. Koirala himself. His book title in Nepali is the two-word name “Bishweshworprasad Koirala.". However, under these two big font words on the cover page, there are also three other smaller font words: Chetana, Chintan, and Rajniti, which highlight all the themes on the topic “Bishweshworprasad’. Outwardly, these three words may seem to readers that they are used by the author only to describe B. P. Koirala’s personality, but the intrinsic sense of the use is not so. They are more relevant to present and future times also because no one can imagine making or developing visionary leadership if politics is delinked from Chetana and Chintan (conscience and vision).

The author has divided this study into eleven chapters. Chapter one is “Chetana Ra Chintan” (Conscience and Vision), and the last one is “Lokatantra, Sambaidhanik Abhyas Ra Rajneeti” (Inclusive Democracy, Constitutional Practice, and Politics). Between these two themes, there are many events: the process of political awakenings, the revolution of 1951 AD, and the movements of restoration of democracy to the journey of the nation to institutionalise republican set up through the successful practice of the Constituent Assembly.

So, this book is wide, even from the point of view of time. B. P. Koirala emerged as a prime leader during the time of the revolution in 1951 AD, and it has already been more than four decades since his demise. He struggled for democracy throughout his life and remained uncompromised for democratic values, even with kings. Beyond doubt, these things are inspiring.

But these things were not the prime motive for author Krishna Khanal to produce this insightful book. His real surprise for him to write this voluminous 591-page book is the question of why B.P. Koirala, who floated the idea of national reconciliation to bring monarchy into the constitutional framework, has been continuously referred to and remembered even in post-republican governance in the country.

Professor Khanal’s findings in this book, however, are optimistic. He emphasises that BP. Koirala has been remembered in a symbolic sense, too. This means the country is still in need of a visionary leader.

But is it possible for leaders to act with this vision and become leaders like this? The first three chapters of this book are very important in the search for this kind of leadership.

B.P. Koirala faced significant challenges in his family background, reflecting the struggles endured by his father, Krishna Prasad Koirala. Despite these hardships, he had the opportunity to receive a liberal education and actively participated in the Indian independence movement. Engaging with prominent Indian leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Jayaprakash Narayan, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad during the fight against British rule further shaped his life.

 But the main point, as mentioned by Khanal in this book, should not be seen only in this background. The author is convinced to say that all such values are mere themes of background. The real secret is that BP Koirala himself was the creator of his personality. 

The inspiring point, therefore, is that the road to walk ahead in this vision and rise above the petty interests of societies or groups to enhance national glory in a new republican setup in Nepal is open to all leaders.

According to Professor Khanal BP Koirala’s intact remembrance even after more than four decades of his demise, this is a testimony to the trust of the people of Nepal in visionary leadership to act and deliver good governance in the country. Will someone come up this way? The book offers insights in detail.

(Kafle is a former Deputy Executive Editor of this daily)