Nepal's Struggle for Existence
At a time when Nepal has been facing most serious challenges for its existence, Dr. Sharma's book highlights all important phases in Nepal's development
By KESHAB POUDEL
As Nepal has been facing one of the most difficult phases in its history for survival, Jagadish Sharma's book "Nepal Struggle for Existence" provides analytical information related with all those incidences.
Following the unification of Nepal by Gorkha's King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the country has seen many ups and downs and gone through crucial phases to survive as an independent nation.
Sandwiched between two Asian powers India in the south and China in the north, Nepal 's quest from the very beginning remains survival as an independent nation. In its course of struggle, though they are varied in forms but similar in nature, the country has paid heavy price.
Nepal 's trouble began along with the formation of modern Nepal in 1768 by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, a great ruler of Gorkha, who unified different principalities and Kingdoms. Since the time of unification, Nepal continues to face two powerful nations in its two sides of boundaries. This is a great challenge as well as strength of Nepal .
This book is reprinted version with epilogue updates; it covers the situation from early phase of unification of 1768 to recent Janandolan II. " Nepal : Struggle for Existence, a seminal work being also the first of its kind, is reprinted to meet public demand. The epilogue updates the book by focusing public attention on the feasibility of assimilating the Maoist movement into the political mainstream post-Jana Andolan II," writes Sharma. "It will be recalled that the initial section of the book contains the dissertation that was written for fulfillment of partial requirement for a Ph.D. degree under the proactive guidance of late professor Leo. E. Rose and benign mentioning of Professor Bhuwan Lal Joshi at Berkley in 1966-68."
Sharma discusses all aspects of role Nepal has played between the Chinese and Indian civilizations and the impact it has had in creating a symbiotic culture are mentioned. The author also discusses relations with China along with an extensive coverage of relations with India . According to Sharma, movement away from a satellite relationship with India to a more independent status is the hallmark of the Ph. D thesis written under the guidance of Leo E. Rose and constitutes the first part of this book.
Sharma highlights episodes from the unification of Nepal, the 1950 Treaty with India, revolution launched against the Rana oligarchy, Delhi Compromise, resurgence of Nepali nationalism, anti-India movement, General Elections insetting parliamentary democracy and its ouster in 1960, Panchayat era, restoration of democracy in 1990, Royal Massacre, King's Coup and Janandolan II.
"A live instance of democratic exercise emanating from the synergy created by aligning the SPA with the Maoists may act as a trendsetter for South Asia . A contrary scenario of a very dreadful kind could emerge if the entire Himalayan subcontinent does have to pass through the present Nepali ordeal and the trauma the Chinese themselves have had to undergo in the last century. The American and Indian authorities would do well to take this factor into cognizance," writes Sharma. "A ceremonial role to the monarchy , if the Constituent Assembly so accords with the authority to determine the line of succession fully reserved in the parliament, would not just forge national unity but also boost Nepal's existence as a sovereign nation-state with an identity separate and distinct from that of India."
Based on Nepal 's relations with China and India , this is very interesting book and for those who want to know the strategic interest of Nepal , this book gives in-depth and analytical information.
The book also highlights many important incidents such as Nepal 's two neighbor's interest on Nepal . "The government of India itself did not hide its discomfort over Acharya's personal diplomacy in China . New Delhi did not, of course, officially object to Kathmandu 's overtures towards Beijing but launched forth its own more to undermine Acharya's foreign policy. While prime minister Acharya was still on his way to Kathmandu from his far eastern trip, K. I. Singh suddenly appeared in New Delhi where he was accorded a red carpet treatment and closeted with the India leaders. A day later, he met with Indian prime minister himself. Rarely has a nongovernmental Nepali leaders received as much attention as K.I. Singh did during this time," writes Sharma, pointing out instances of neighbor's interest.
As Nepal is still surrounded by its two neighbors India and China , Nepal 's prime challenge remains how to pursue her foreign policy merely to survive as an independent nation.
Nepal Struggle for Existence
Written by: Jagadish Sharma, Ph.D.
Published by: CommInc, ICT Private Limited
Price: Rs. 999.00
Pages: 388
