Book Review (Spotlight Weekly)

Nepal Shabda Chitra Ma
By: Govinda Raj Joshi
Price: Rs.500.00

BOOK
Portrait Of Nepal

Govinda Raj Joshi’s new book paints a useful profile of various districts of Nepal

By A CORRESPONDENT

At a time when there is a dearth of books highlighting different aspects of districts of Nepal, former minister Joshi has published a book giving detailed political, social and economic picture of all the 75 districts.

From history of the districts to political situation and economic status, the book is a first of its kind covering detailed scenario of various districts of Nepal. One of the major highlights of the book is that it gives the profile of the district by providing the number of local institutions as well as its political history.

Joshi’s book also reveals the achievement Nepal has made in the last five decades in various sectors. Despite difficult terrain and mountainous topography, 69 districts out of 75 are linked with each other.

When Nepal first opened itself up for the outside world in 1950, there was virtually nothing in terms of transport and communication infrastructure. In fact, the political parties, too, did not have organizational capacity then. In spite of such handicaps, Nepal has done remarkably well in establishing the local based institutions including certain level of infrastructures at district level.

The book also explains the change of political course in Nepal and participation of the political parties to effect the change. In early 1950, Nepal Congress led its nationwide organizations to overthrow the 104-year-old autocratic Rana regime. Then, Nepal faced more than eight years long political instability with frequent changes in the government.

In the first general elections of 1960, Nepali Congress secured two third majority in the lower house of parliament. In that first election, Nepali Congress was the only party with the nationwide organization. Joshi also discuses the 30 years of Panchayat polity highlighting the role political parties played to restore the democratic process.

Although the book does not sufficiently highlight the strength of political parties, it helps to understand what is the reality. The book also provides glimpses about the political history of each of the 75 districts in the country. In the political change of 1990, Nepali Congress along with the CPN-UML had launched nationwide agitations to overthrow the panchayat system. Joshi also explains the strength and role of different political parties in mobilizing the masses during the course of political change in 1990.

Along with discussing the role of different political parties in the political movement of 1990, Joshi also gives brief picture of the three general elections held following the success of political movement. He also provides detailed information about who won from which constituency and with what margin.

The book provides the information regarding the number of candidates and elections results of major political parties. One of the positive aspects of the book is that it will help researchers to understand what were the political scenarios in those years.

Former home minister Joshi utilized his time to bring out the district profile of the country. From Nepal’s integration to the present political situation, Joshi’s book is worth keeping for the researchers and public as well. After reading the book, one can see how the level of political consciousness in various districts particularly the districts out side the valley has risen in the last couple of years. Although the book deals all those aspects in brief, it helps to understand what is the reality of Nepal in terms of social, political and economic situation.