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Nepal ’s Transformation
Quentin W. Lindsay discusses how Nepalese society has been transforming from subsistence-based to modern one
By KESHAB POUDEL
After the country was opened up in 1950s to the outside world, many western experts, diplomats and others visited Nepal . But only a few of them have written a book observing various process of Nepalese society. Quentin W. Lindsay, who came in Nepal in 1962 as an advisor on Land Reforms, has come out with a new book.
Lindsey has seen all transformation that have taken place in Nepal in last 44 years. He came in Nepal at a period when Nepal was still not too open to outside world and there was virtually no link between different places within Nepal . From currency to other economic activities, India was dominant economic force in Nepal . Feudal society was resistant to transformation. As an advisor to land reform, Lindsey saw all resistance from powerful landlords.
He again came to Nepal following the political change of 1990 as an advisor on decentralization. In different circumstances and different scenario, Lindsey worked to develop a strategy for decentralization. Lindsey observed Maoist movement and a series of political instability in Nepal . Lindsey tried to explore ways to improve the life of millions of poor living in Nepal .
From former prime minister Surya Bahadur Thapa to former foreign minister Dr. Bhekh Bahadur Thapa and former vice chairman of Nepal Planning Commission Dr. Mohan Man Sainju, former chief secretary Kul Shekhar Sharma, former member of National Planning Commission Dr. Ram Prakash Yadav and Shree Krishna Upadhaya, Dr, Bal Gopal Vaidya and Dr. Hari Krishna Upadhyaya, Lindsey has long list of working with planners and policy-makers of Nepal.
When author Lindsey arrived in Nepal , Nepalese society was in a great shock following the dismissal of elected government led by B.P. Koirala. Along with political shock, the implementation of land reform programs was rocking the society as upper class land lords were fighting tooth and nail with the government.
Lindsey, a young economist who had acquired a Ph. D. from America ’s renowned Harvard University , had hardly realized that he has to work in a country with a very limited knowledge about the globe. As an advisor to Nepal government on land reforms, Lindsey faced a number of challenges.
Written as a narrative, fundamental ideas in the book are easily understandable in the reality of Nepali politics and religion. The scholarly book focuses on how to improve the life for all Nepali; the story follows eight fictional characters- who described as misfits by the prime minister- as they explore innovative ways to develop this small country nestled in the Himalayas .
One of the most important aspects of this book is that it defines the development as a transformation of people, society and the environment. According to the author, the transformation brings change in all aspect of life. Development can appear good or bad, depending on the purpose and who gains and who loses.
“This book is not a grandiose of ideas but it offers real solutions on how to make life better in a small country plagued by big problems, including over population, illiteracy, corruption and political instability,” said Lindsey. “This is a very challenging period in the history of Nepal .”
A scholarly work focusing on how to improve life for all Nepali and the story unfolds through the eyes of a small band of misfits – a servant, professor, two virtual monks, a medical doctor, a country lad and two foreigners. According to author Lindsey, the purpose of development should be the pursuit of an equitable, productive, peaceful society for all Nepalis within a sustainable environment.
Transformation is always a painful process and Nepal , too, has to encounter similar crisis. For the past fifty-six years, Nepal has been facing all kinds of painful situation. Author Lindsey records and explains all of them. This book deals with development and its challenges. This is eye-opener to all those who are involved in development process of Nepal .
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