The way Nepali elders used to bless !
Nepalese septuagenarians used to bless their relatives and
younger generation in their families until three decades saying that they be blessed with
sons in good numbers who could spread to a considerable distance on all possible
directions. The idea then was to see the family tree growing so that a particular clan or
race leaves its influence in so many areas thus adding to the prestige and honor of that
family lineage. The elders in the family used to offer this sort of blessings during
festivals such as Durga Puja or else when a family member returned to his home after
spending quite some time abroad. This practice continues till to date in some remote parts
of the country where the elders of that age still continue to exist. Fortunately, the
Family Planning schemes were not there in those days. Later things changed with the advent
of "vasectomy" and "tubectomy" and the older generation effected some
changes in their blessing styles. Now it was confined to "have a small family and
live a good life. May your children give you happiness".
(During the mid seventies, the then Indian Prime Minister
Indira Gandhi went on a rampage. Her son Sanjaya Gandhi took the lead and mercilessly
chased even the bachelor boys in India for vasectomizing them in the plea of controlling
the vastly swelling Indian population. Out of fear, a considerable number of Indian
bachelors sneaked into Nepalese territories and saved their would be married life.
However, the Indian married couples or even bachelors were awarded Rupees 200 each after
the vasectomy.)
Now the younger generation of the fifties have become older
who bless their children saying that "’get postings at the customs, tax offices
and more so at the Airport customs". This special blessing has assumed special
importance well after the advent of this order. Nepali democracy definitely has come as a
boon to some special Nepali families. The families understandably belong to some special
Brahmins, Chettris and others. The men belonging to these families inevitably belong to
the ruling class. This happened in the Panchayat era. Those who were close to the then
ruling set up, were considered to be first class citizens. The rest were taken as
ruffians. This practice also contributed to the collapse of the system. Fortunately, the
same old practice continues yet which will perhaps pave the way for its collapse as well,
time permitting.
I remember a few Brahmins who used to write Sharma or
Upadhyaya in the Panchayat era, have started writing "Koiralas". This they write
clearly to expose their proximity with the Koirala ruling class. Koirala at the end of
one's name in itself is a big post in today's Nepal. Whether it is a paying or even non
paying post, but it pays to be a Koirala for obvious reasons. Similarly, if you are a
Biratnagarite, this is an added advantage . People around you double their respect onto
you. By the same token, if you have some connections with the Koirala Nivas in Biratnagar,
the whole of the country belongs to you. Look the charm around you. The administrative
staffs will throng around and will seek favors from you for obvious reasons.
Contrary to these special characteristics which is a must for
in today's Nepal, you are cipher. And if you talk against all these phenomenon you are
instantly branded as "reactionary intending to overthrow the system". The UML
also followed this practice during their nine months rule, to recall. The Adhikaris, the
Nepal's and the Khanal's and the likes were among those who enjoyed the rule then. If the
Prime minister is listening, he is hereby advised to change this shocking practice and
look the charismatic change in your favor. The common men will double their respect. Take
it easy Mr. Prime minister.
God is simply great. The Almighty offers chances to a
selected few. Panchayat offered such moments to a noted few and this democracy too has
maintained the practice. Perhaps the Maoists' are listening ! |
