Shun Partisan Path

In Hindu-majority Nepal, the echo of “isms” resounds louder than the sacred sound of Omkar. Socialism, nationalism, monarchism, Marxism, Leninism — the list of these ideological titles is pushing Nepali society towards deep polarisation. From tea shops to high intellectual forums, the distance between “ists” and “anti-ists” is widening, thus wasting our national energy in meaningless hostility.

Nepal itself is a multidimensional confluence. In the journey of one thousand kilometers from the far-east to the western plains, we witness an exceptional cultural treasure of around 142 castes and 124 languages at every kilometer. Located between two rising world powers, China and India, how does this small geography remain united, carrying so much diversity?

The firm answer is — indivisible nationality, social tolerance, and coexistence. This is the essence of the “garden of four castes and thirty-six sub-castes” envisioned by nation builder Prithvi Narayan Shah. The invisible power that ties the separate flowers of this garden into one garland is this trinity of values.  As long as these fundamental principles are not harmed, Nepal’s sovereignty will remain intact. However, recognising our internal weaknesses, the external powers often seek to dismantle unity. Until today, no external interference has been able — nor will be able — to destroy the deep-rooted national love settled in the hearts of Nepalis.

A few decades ago, our neighbouring countries, which had a weaker economic base than us, have now made rapid economic progress. But we are falling behind day by day, despite the scores of political upheavals since the 1950s. In all these political leaps, one fundamental irony repeated: the people got stuck in the swamp of ideology and “isms,” while the leadership got imprisoned in the “ism” of corruption and selfishness. No matter how many slogans for change were raised or promises of a new direction made, national interest always remained in the shadow of personal gain.

When the leadership veers off their principles, immorality flourishes in society. The extreme self-admiration and controlling mindset of our leaders became so strong that they forced their supporters to see them as “living gods.” Remaining silent even after seeing the faults of their leaders means political surrender of conscience.

The unethical practices have led to high-profile corruption cases and the exodus of youths to foreign nations. The feeling that the country does not have promising opportunities has forced the people in their prime youth into outmigration every day. Those who have the determination of “we will do something here,” have been disappointed when they are denied justice.

The Gen Z generation is a witness to this political helplessness and social disintegration. Instead of studying in a peaceful educational environment and planning for the future, we have been forced to rebel in the streets against political disorder. We had the indomitable energy and great courage to bring change, but due to lack of experience, the absence of capable leadership to properly guide that energy was deeply felt.

The use of force against peaceful demonstrations killed our friends — but it did not only bring the then rulers down, but also destroyed vital state buildings, including Singha Durbar and the Supreme Court. The reality that the youth movement was hijacked by intermediaries and vested interest groups has added even more frustration to us.

Now we must leave the debate of “who follows which ism” and analyse the interrelation between the present condition of the country and the existing system. After 2007 and till today, except for the dynamism of time, no fundamental transformation has been achieved in the development sphere.

Therefore, this is the time for all Nepalis to stand together, keeping ideological differences aside. Now, we must all rise above “isms” and focus on a common agenda of national economic, social, and political progress. We cannot move forward now by ignoring the geopolitical sensitivity. The present world is in the extreme phase of globalisation. Therefore, to maintain Nepal’s existence and dignity, it is necessary to develop relations with both neighbouring countries — China and India — through balanced diplomacy and by focusing on national interest.

Finally, let us integrate all our energy into the strengthening of economic prosperity and national unity. If we keep entangled in the swamp of “isms,” such movements of dissatisfaction will repeat every decade and will continue pushing our country backward. The collective determination to tie the nation into one thread and draw the roadmap of development is the inevitable need of today.