IN SUPPORT OF DEMOCRACY

Nostalgia in Interesting Times





Pic/Sagar Shrestha


As the pro-democracy protests gains momentum in Nepal, I am becoming desperate in equal measure to go back. Sitting several thousand miles away in Pennsylvania, U.S. in the middle of nowhere hasn’t helped me a bit. When I left Nepal a year ago, I was equally desperate to get out. The paradox becomes even stronger.

I have gained a lot during my stay here in the United States, but I feel like what I am loosing is outweighing my gain—a slice of this historical time. My longing has been exacerbated by this one Chinese saying: May you live in interesting times. Clearly we are witnessing one of the most interesting time in the history of our country, at least for my generation. I know that the brave-souls who fought Rana and panchayat regime must have felt same way, yet I couldn’t help but believe that this is the most interesting of times.

Time is changing for better. Although blood, bullets, bricks and batons have obscured our vision, yet we all know for sure that a better future waits at the end of the tunnel. Hail all those who are braving the bullets and batons back home for each one of us. Success will be ours, and we all have collectively foreseen it.

Never before in the history of Nepal was monarchy at the eye of public outrage.

All past movements had provided the kings the comfort and luxury of retaining the kingship; no matter who won, the royals never lost. That era of cozy gambling has passed away. May no current breed unelected leaders fool themselves with the same delusion that their brothers and fathers got away with.


For those who have failed to feel the pulse of this historical development, I would like throw one proverb of caution: Regret and repent in time for tomorrow may be too late.
In an increasingly pro republican world, it would be hard for Monarchy to survive unless it moulds itself according to the will of people, not the other way round.

Patience is thinning out of even those who saw King Gyanendra’s usurpation of power as a stopgap in our democratic exercise, let alone those who cried foul from the day one of royal coup.

A word of caution for our leaders who are spearheading the burden of restoring a “brand-new democracy too:” When a wholesome meal of democracy is our objective, let no side-dishes quell our hunger.

If the preparation takes longer, I might have an opportunity of lending my helping hand in whatever I can; if not, I may have to forever long for a slice of it. Quite a price to pay!