Bartamaan: a compelling story with logic for youngsters to stay in Nepal

Asmita Khanal 

'Bartamaan' is a novel written by Gayatri Adhikari, a reputed literary figure, which reflects present society’s hot issues of brain drain, flying of Nepali youngsters abroad for various purposes. The writer sheds light on how a small and happy family gets separated with the passage of time when most of the people from the village go abroad in search of nice lifestyle. Main character of the novel Daya is also dragged by the same situation, and goes to America with his wife Muna. Muna is a Newari girl who married Daya after falling in love in their college days. Writer here tries to present inter caste marriage and their impact on Nepalese society too.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of Nepalese citizens leaving their home country to work, study, or settle abroad. While this migration has numerous motivations, one of the most poignant aspects of this trend is the emotional cost it imposes, particularly on elderly parents who are often left behind on which the novel revolves around. For many Nepali families, the decision to migrate involves a difficult separation, particularly when it comes to caring for aging parents. The question arises: why are so many Nepalis leaving their parents and home country behind, and what can be done to reverse the brain drain and foster brain gain in Nepal?

In this book, writer has beautifully presented how parents who sent their children abroad with a heavy heart feel about their children. For elderly parents in Nepal, the migration of their children is often a painful experience. The traditional family structure in Nepal places a strong emphasis on intergenerational living, where children take responsibility for the care of aging parents. The emotional bond between parents and their children is deeply embedded in Nepali culture, and the idea of leaving parents behind, especially in their later years, is a significant source of guilt and heartache for many young migrants.

The novel presents a painful story of how parents left behind face emotional loneliness, social isolation, and financial uncertainty. With the migration of their children, they are often left to fend for themselves. elderly parents in this story have to rely on neighbors which is the only option left behind.

Moreover, the rise of an aging population in Nepal, coupled with a declining birth rate, poses further challenges for those left behind. The growing number of elderly individuals with fewer caregivers places a greater burden on the already strained healthcare system and social services.

The migration of Nepali citizens abroad in search of better opportunities is driven by a combination of economic, social, and cultural factors. While this migration has positive economic implications in terms of remittances, it also results in significant emotional and social challenges, particularly for elderly parents left behind. To address these issues, Nepal must focus on improving its domestic job market, investing in education and healthcare, and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.

The separation of family in this story leads to a widening of the generational gap between parents and children. As the children adapt to new cultures and experiences abroad, they become more modernized, and has been led to different perspectives on life, work, and family. Thus in this situation, parents hold on to more traditional values, which results in feelings of miscommunication, disappointment, or estrangement.

The writer tries to encourage brain gain through a beautiful story of village life. Nepal can retain its talent and ensure that the next generation has the opportunity to contribute to the country’s growth and development. Only by creating a thriving and sustainable environment for its citizens can Nepal stem the tide of migration and unlock its full potential for the future.

A strong social welfare system, including accessible healthcare, pensions, and support services for the elderly, would alleviate the concerns of young Nepali workers who feel compelled to leave to support their aging parents. Nepal must invest in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and establishing long-term care facilities to ensure that elderly citizens are taken care of, even when their children are abroad. Thus, If the government can provide adequate support for elderly citizens, including social security and healthcare options, it may reduce the emotional burden on migrant workers who fear leaving their parents behind.

Lastly, ‘Bartamaan’ is a strong story which encourages youngsters to stay in Nepal to feel love and companionship for their elderly parents and do something in Nepal in future rather than going abroad. And for the full detail story you should go through it. 

(Author Khanal is an architect, urban planner of the Bharatpur Metropolitan City)