National 3 (Spotlight Weekly)

Rooted In Commonalities

Nepal and India share many values and aspirations that can make their relations a model for other countries

By KESHAB POUDEL

As soon as popular Indian singer Usha Utthup sang a Nepalese song, the audience at the Birendra International Convention Center erupted with delight. Utthup's voice fused with the potent lyrics to win the heart of the audience. Some joyous fans joined in Utthup's beautiful rendition.

Utthup came to Nepal to perform a show as part of the 56th Indian Independence Day celebrations. Each year, the Indian Embassy invites popular Indian singers, dancers and musicians to celebrate the anniversary of Indian independence in Kathmandu. Such programs remind officials, intellectuals and common Nepalese of the commonalities the two countries share.

Thirteen kilometers east of Kathmandu, "Devdas", a Hindi movie based on a famous Indian story, reminded viewers of the commonalities in relations. Although Hindi movies are part of life of the Nepalese, "Devdas" seemed to have attracted larger crowds because of its powerful depiction of many similarities in culture and values.

For the elite and general public, Utthup's songs and the "Devdas" storyline embody the commonalities bilateral relations are firmly rooted in. Unfortunately, these ties are often marred by minor irritants. Sections of the ruling elite and foreign policy establishment in both countries prefer to play up these differences and adopt extreme postures. Some Indian and Nepalese intellectuals cross all limits to condemn each other's policies, motives and behavior. The intelligentsia on both sides of the border who present such extreme views serve the long-term interests of neither country.

Nepal-India relations, which have passed through many ups and downs, have several unique factors. "The special relations which India and Nepal enjoy have been shaped over the centuries by bond of geography, history, culture, religion, trade and economy. These very factors continue to foster our bilateral relations," said Ashok Kumar, Charge d'Affaires of India in his message to the 56th Indian Independence Day supplement published by Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Kumar's statement conveyed realities people on both sides of the border are familiar with. How these realities can be transformed into the core of bilateral ties remains to be seen.

"In Nepal, large constituencies seeking a happy, harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship with India are scattered all over the kingdom. They can be seen in economic and professional interest in the tourism industry, and trading sectors, in establishments of science and technology, among career and employment seeking youngsters, in the areas of thriving on agriculture produce, among intelligentsia and so on," said S.D. Muni, a renowned Indian scholar, in his article published in Nepali Journal of Contemporary Studies September 2001 issue published by Nepal Center for Contemporary Studies.

Religion, music, culture and geography, among other factors, bind Nepal and India together. The crowds drawn by Utthup and "Devdas" vividly testify to this fact. "Nepal and India have many common things. Whenever there is a possibility of certain differences, the two countries bring their relations back on track," says Nilamber Acharya, a former minister.

But there is no dearth of cynics in either country, who hold extreme opinions against the other. The voices of these personalities sometimes gain a level of prominence that obscures the vitality of people-to-people relations based on a common culture, religion and values.

Nepal's wish for prosperity and stability is impossible without the support of India. On the other hand, instability and disturbance in Nepal would affect India in the long term. "I would like to assure all Nepalese friends that with their friendly cooperation, we will be able to promote understanding and mutual trust between Indian and Nepal and succeed in achieving mutual prosperity through enhanced cooperation in all fields," said acting Indian ambassador Kumar.

The central message of the popularity of Utthup's show and "Devdas" is that Nepal and India must build on their commonalities to develop relations that would help both to live in harmony and prosperity.