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BOOK REVIEW |
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BOOK REVIEW |
Century Saga Barua retraces how a Rana
ruler chose faraway Japan to train eight students By A CORRESSPONDENT Despite their geographical distance, Nepal
and Japan shares many similarities. Both countries have a long history of monarchy as well
as a religious culture dominated by Buddhism. Perched along the world's highest mountain
range, Nepal is a small landlocked country in South Asia that emerged out of isolation
comparatively recently. But the Japanese model of development came in to inspire the
rulers of a century ago and continues to do so. In modern times, it is easy to think beyond
political boundaries. But it was virtually impossible to imagine a third country at a time
when the British government in India guided Nepal's foreign policy. Known as a liberal prime minister, Dev
Sumsher Rana had made many efforts to modernize Nepalese society and acquire knowledge and
culture of a country other than United Kingdom. After Jung Bahadur Rana's visit to the
United Kingdom, these eight Nepalese students were the first to cross the sea.
Unfortunately, Dev Sumsher was ousted in bloodless coup after a few months in power. The
visionary Rana prime minister's idea of training Nepalese students in Japan vanished from
the nation's attention along with him. Nepal had to wait another half century to
send students to Japan, as the country was totally isolated from outside world until the
revolution of 1951. The eight Nepalese students returned to Nepal after completing their
basic education in ammunition, engineering, agriculture, mining, mechanical engineering,
applied chemistry and ceramics. But they were given no role to implement their views.
Instead of inspiring them to perform their duties, the rulers asked them to forget what
they had learned. Written by Harendar B. Barua, the book is
first of its kind dealing with Nepalese students in Japan a century ago. It also
summarizes important historical events that occurred in Nepal and Japan towards the middle
and end of 19th century. Barua's book unfolds a new chapter of relationship between Nepal
and Japan. Divided into three language sections -
Nepalese, Japanese and English - the book, among other things, explains the circumstances
and challenges faced by Nepalese students during their stay in Japan. Based on historical
documents and photographs, Barua analyzes the events and their impact. "I am happy top say that since the
beginning of exchanges of personnel to current wide-ranging bilateral relations, Japan and
Nepal have enjoyed century old unblemished friendly ties. Japan's cooperation in
socio-economic development of Nepal has been continuing since the establishment of
diplomatic ties between out two countries in 1956," says Zenji Kaminaga, Ambassador
of Japan, in the foreword. Nepal has received enormous technical and
other support from Japan since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1956. A large
number of Nepalese students have gone to Japan to obtain higher education. At a time when Japan has been supporting
Nepal's social and economic transformation, Dr. Barua's work helps to explore how the
foundation of this enduring friendship was laid. From the infrastructures like
telecommunication, electricity road to health education and other sectors like
agriculture, Japan has been helping Nepal in all domains. Japan was a faraway place a
century ago. But today, it is a household name. Pioneer Nepali Students In Japan A
Century Ago |
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editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
