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Diversity Defined Dr. Harka Gurung dissects
the social demography of Nepal By A CORRESPONDENT A country of profound cultural, ethnic and
topographical diversity, Nepal provides social scientists a wealth of subjects to explore.
Many books and scholarly papers have written by national and international experts
highlighting the importance and implications of the vast social and cultural diversity of
the country. Dr Harka Gurung's contributions carry extra depth and significance because of
the rich personal experience as a planner, politician and thinker he brings to his
subject. Dr. Gurung, who is among the pre-eminent
social researchers of contemporary Nepal, explains the prevalent social and demographic
trends and their expressions in Nepali society. He goes on to assess the realities on the
ground as well as make valuable recommendations. The book is a significant contribution to
the literature of Nepali social demography. Dr. Gurung tackles his subject from the
angles of ethnic, caste, linguistic, and religious diversity and divisions. He probes such
elements as education, elitism, ethnicity, elections, development, ideology, the state and
society with immense incisiveness. An important strength of the book is the
statistical tables that illuminate spatial patterns as well as temporal process. Amid the
raging debate on how Nepal should maintain its ethnic balance, the book contains special
relevance. "The political change of 1990 was
instrumental in yielding a new constitution that marked a watershed in the concept of
national construction. It defined Nepal as a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual state despite
the vestige of Hindu Kingdom. The recognition of distinct ethnic identities instead of
common culture as the basis of nation has given enormous impetus to social
assertion," says Dr. Gurung in his preface. Dr. Gurung, who served in various senior
positions during the partyless Panchayat decades, including vice-chairman of the National
Planning Commission and minister of tourism, draws heavily on his extensive background
while handling crucial demographic issues. When the Bhutanese government evicted
people from the south, saying they were of Nepali origin, it touched off a debate on what
constituted 'Nepaliness'. Beginning with the premise that Nepal is composed of various
ethnic groups spread across different regions, including the Terai, hills and Himalayas,
Dr. Gurung surveys the way they are commonly termed as Nepalis. In his book, Dr. Gurung tries to explain
the people of Nepal in terms of various ethnic groups. He blames the Panchayat regime for
imposing the Hindu social order among various ethnic groups. The author presents a descriptive account
based on available data. In Part I, he presents a simple demographic account of the growth
and redistribution of the population as well as its composition by ethnicity, language and
religion. Like all his previous books on social
demography, Dr. Gurung tries to explain the process of social transition based on
ethnicity, language, religion, culture and language. As a social researcher, he has always
been interested in the patterns of social and cultural system among various ethnic groups,
including domination and exploitation. In discussing what are highly sensitive issues for
many, Dr. Gurung is known for the frankness and courage with which he speak his mind. Although his analysis and arguments have
always been based on the available data, some of his reports have generated controversy.
After the publication of report on migration in 1980s, a large section of the population
of Terai districts demonstrated across the country. It is said that after the publication
of his report, the people in the Terai started to identify themselves as Madhesiyas. Dr. Gurung remains undaunted by the
criticism he provokes, as he bases his study of demographic transition and related
developments on existing data and analyses. Nepal: Social Demography and
Expressions |
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editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
