On Crisis of Identity in Nepal
In his new book, Prakash A.Raj, a well known scholar of Nepal, discusses Nepal’s identity in changing context
By A CORRESPONDENT
Following People’s Movement II or popular uprising, Nepal has seen many changes in its basic structures in politics, religion, society, values and ideals. After the success of Janandolan II, the leaders of agitating Seven Parties Alliance (SPA), with the tacit backing of Maoists, hit on many basic and traditional characters of Nepal .
Although SPA and Maoists launched the agitation with limited objective to end the autocratic rule of monarchy and to hold the elections for the constituent assembly by the restoration of House of Representatives, the members of restored HoR took several steps crossing the mandate of Janandolan II virtually changing the basic character of the state. Under the proclamation of House of Representatives, Nepal was turned into a secular state from a Hindu Kingdom curtailing traditional and constitutional role of the King.
At a time when all changes including in constitutional practices, cultural aspects, political structures and social sides have been taking place, the identity of Nepal is in crisis and nobody knows what identity it will retain in future.
Nobody knows what will be the structure of Nepal . Is it going to be federal structure on the basis of ethnicity? Or is it going to be federal state on geographical basis? Is it going to be the country ruled by eight parties or is it going to be the country with multi-party competitive politics? Whether the state will retain its traditional identity as a Hindu nation or become completely secular? These are the fundamental questions every Nepali has in his/her mind. From future of monarchy to future of country’s political system, everything remains uncertain.
When the country is facing a major crisis for the first time in its history, Prakash A. Raj, a well known Nepalese scholar who has written a number of book on Nepal , looks at all different aspects of ongoing political trend and crisis. The book deals with crisis of identity and examines if Nepal should be known by a new identity.
“ Nepal is at the crossroads of an epoch making change after Janandolan II organized by an alliance of Seven Political Parties and Maoist insurgents. The future of monarchy and democracy in the country is uncertain. Nepalese Diaspora in many countries and effects of modernization and westernization are also contributing factors for such a crisis. It is uncertain when elections for a constituent assembly will take place and if the Maoist will give up their violence before that. Maoist demands for creating six autonomous regions in Nepal based on ethnicity have raised questions about their utility and viability,” said Prakash A. Raj. “The purpose this book is to probe such a crisis in detail to be helpful in the understanding of Nepal .”
Analyzing various political, social and constitutional factors, author Prakash A. Raj argues what Nepal ’s new identity will be like. In his research, the renowned writer discusses issues related with the present crisis in Nepal .
“What kind of identity should Nepal have in the future, whether it continues to be a state having a ceremonial monarchy, or a republic? How did a peaceful land, which was Buddha’s birthplace with friendly people, become a country containing the largest number of disappeared people and where a Maoist insurgency has claimed 15000 lives? A study of the crisis of identity in Nepal could also be made with respect to the political, economic and sociological dimensions of the crisis,” said Prakash A. Raj.
At this point , Raj’s book helps to understand the crisis faced by Nepal and its implications to overall identity of Nepal .
Crisis of Identity In Nepal
Author: Prakash A.Raj
Published by: Pilgrims Publishing, Varanasi , India in 2007
Price: Rs. 208.00
