NATIONAL8 (Spotlight Weekly]

Proposal For New Nepal

Former university lecturer and Nepali Congress leader Narahari Acharya proposes new Nepal in his book

By A CORRESPONDENT

Narahari Acharya is often described as one of the "thinkers in Nepali Congress. Unlike his colleagues, Acharya prefers to remain silent and keep low profile.

A modest leader with whom one can build up immediate rapport, Acharya has a number of admirers cutting across party lines.

Although many criticize his views on the elected prime minister, Acharya always puts his arguments with forceful thoughts.

Many people celebrated the new millennium going to parties but youth Congress leader Acharya released a book "Naya Nepalko Prastabana" (Vision for New Nepal) that proposes to usher in new era for the development of Nepal.

Published by Sambastar Publication, the book discusses the political development of 1990's. Acharya argues that the objective of political change of 1990 was to establish the multi party parliamentary democracy.

Acharya's book foresees continuity of democratization process through which the living standard of every Nepalese will be uplifted.

According to Acharya, political process has no limitation as it demands continuous change. New generations come up with newer thoughts and perceptions for the development.

While proposing new and dynamic vision, Acharya envisages Nepal where every citizen can obtain what he really wants.

Acharya presents the book to young generation as a gift for the new millennium, registering his opinions regarding different aspects of Nepalese society.

Released around the midnight that ushered in the new millennium, the book is a compilation of his opinions and articles he had published in different journals after the restoration of democracy in 1990.

The book, among others, also includes an article that preaches for the political system where prime ministers are directly elected by people. Acharya dedicates the book to his two young daughters Anamika and Aparajita. "I am very proud that my father presented his publication to me and all my colleagues," said Anamika Acharya.

Released by journalist Govinda Adhikary on the night of new millennium, the book describes a futuristic society ruled by youths.

Some of Acharya's articles are highly critical and opposed to his party's official line. For example, Acharya's views on independent government media is not yet endorsed by the Congress.

Acharya argues that younger generation have a lot of responsibilities. His analytical views on the society and political development provide a fascinating read. The readers get to know what is needed to realize the proposed new Nepal.

As an independent thinker, Acharya also takes the liberty of expressing his own views. "Although I am a member of Nepali Congress, it does not mean that I cannot hold any opinions that deviate from that of my party.

In the last one decade, Acharya has published many articles regarding different contemporary issues but in the book he has included just 28 selected pieces.

In the very first article of the book, Acharya explains his proposal for new Nepal -- the challenges and promises before the country.