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BOOK REVIEW |
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BOOK REVIEW |
Fictional Primer Dr. Rishikeshab Raj Regmi
encapsulates Nepal's multiethnic and multilingual culture in a gripping narrative By A CORRESPONDENT Every political movement has cultural, religious and social dimensions. Political change in Nepal, too, has many such dimensions, but only a few scholars have made efforts to analyze them. Although Nepal is a small country in terms of geography, it has a vast cultural heritage based on its multiethnic and multilingual richness. Many books have been written highlighting the cultural and religious parts of Nepal, but only a few authors have described the implications of cultural and ethnic diversity. Dr. Rishikeshab Raj Regmi has stepped in to fill the void. Although fictional, his narrative has its own character. The plot of "The Change" revolves around the struggle for democracy and the political turmoil of 1990. In weaving his tale, Dr. Regmi evokes the history and glory of an ancient civilization. "This novel is based on the culture and society of Nepal, a society whose foundation has been laid by its multiethnic and multilingual character. I have attempted to portray the vicissitudes of the political conditions of the country using an anthropological view," said Dr. Regmi. "Nepal is experiencing cultural, political and economic upheavals and degraded environmental conditions." Dr. Regmi, a professional anthropologist, has written a number of books providing sociological and anthropological perspectives of Nepal. As the chief of Tribhuvan University's Central Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Dr. Regmi also has rich experience in teaching and research on cultural and religious values. In his novel, Dr. Regmi tries to explain the cultural, religious and spiritual trends in Nepal, describing the moods and modes of various ethnic and religious groups. "Our cultural values and norms, our religious tolerance and beliefs, are deteriorating. Our interest and aspirations reach the sky but our resources are limited. Our youths and leaders who were supposed to guide us, are themselves misguided and confused," said Dr. Regmi. Dr. Regmi has tried to depict through his main characters the strength of the amalgamation of the different kinds of people that make up Nepalese society. He has also attempted to awaken the people from their slumber. As a country with an ancient civilization, Nepal has its own glory. But it is gradually falling. One of the aims of the novel is to show how social, economic and political conditions are being influenced in a country situated between two such powerful neighbors like India and China. "In this complex situation, we must seriously question our independence and sovereignty for the future. If we do not go ahead with our own initiatives for its preservation, our independent identity is bound to break," said Dr. Regmi. The book highlights the scenario since the democratic movement of the 1950s when country has gone through unsuccessful planning, political instability and undemocratic political system. The change brought in 1990 opened up society, but it has been facing crisis after crisis because of lack of democratic and institutional capacity. In the process of creating a more vibrant democratic society, the country has seen many ups and downs. Although the country has a pluralistic political system, it is yet to build the institutions vital to sustaining it.
"Many people have sacrificed their lives, and we must now overcome past failures and insecurities and create a new, independent and democratic society. The time has come to direct our social and financial efforts to modernity," the author said. Although Dr. Regmi focuses on portraying the change of Nepalese society through a character who encountered different changes and challenges in the process of modernity, there are some contradictory points that confuse the readers. While talking about the process of political modernization, one cannot ignore the implications of economic and social process. Every traditional society has to confront an unusual phase of modernity. Dr. Regmi explains this entire phenomenon with the power of his plot and style. The Change |
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