|
Nepal represents a mixed culture wherein tolerance is unique
-Cedric Rehman, Freiberg University, Germany
I am a student of Freiberg University in Germany.
My sphere of interest and realm of study is History and Knowledge. Prior to coming to Nepal, I have had a short stint in some Latin American countries wherein I was attached to some African Non Governmental Organizations which helped me in understanding the politics in that part of the world.
Later I wanted to have a short glimpse of the existing global politics and more so I was interested in having some knowledge of South Asian politics.
Knowledge as such is an effective instrument through which a human being attains enlightenment which finally liberates the human being from irrational and non-rational forces. Futher, knowledge to me is also a continued practice of doing things in a planned and matured manner.
I must confess that South Asian politics has attracted my attention because it is in effect worth studying for a variety of reasons political and apolitical.
Upon conclusion of my gaining knowledge of the South Asian politics, I plan to learn diplomacy, which deals with country to country relations and much more than that. This domain provides one to understand the conduct of international relations and enables one to understand as to what and which factors guide the world politics at a particular time.
However, it would take some more time to fix my future plans. Until it is fixed, I would keep on studying the topics that I have just pointed out.
Because of my profound interest in the factors behind the emergence of a conflict, I am here to study the nitty-gritty of the Nepalese conflict and also of the instruments that the Nepali brains and leaders of the political sphere here have been adopting for its resolution. In saying so I am not telling you that I am here to resolve the conflict. My intention as a student would be to learn the peace building efforts and resolution of the conflict that are being adopted by Nepalese nationals.
Nepali conflict assumes all the more significance and importance because of the strategic location of Nepal as it is between two Asian giants- India and China, with two different traditions and cultures and even politics.
I am happy to note that Nepal possesses a mixed culture that satisfies both the Hinduism and Buddhism. Let me go a bit ahead in this regard. As I saw being in Nepal for quite some time, Nepal is a land of varied culture and tradition but then yet I am surprised to see the mix of cultural traditions in even diametrically opposed religions. I could see cultural influence in between various religions but yet since the tolerance factor is very high so there has been not any disturbance that could agitate the cultural harmony that so happily exists here between people of varied religions. This is some thing very special in Nepal. People go to same temples and Mosques and Bihars. Unimaginable though it may appear but this is a fact. I wish this process continued in the future as well. A superb cultural harmony indeed.
The tolerance is unique which makes Nepal bit different than other countries.
Talking of the prevalence of various cultures in the present day world, let us think on how different cultures can be brought to coexist with each other. It is this intolerance in between a variety of cultures that the world is feeling the pain of such differences. In my opinion, European and the American cultures differ. So it differs with those of the South Asian nations. It is up to the intellectuals and the leaders of the world to bring about a change in perception that is causing tensions and conflicts in between cultures in the world. So I would politely suggest initiating a sort of dialogue of cultures so that we understand each other better. If it so happens, it would not only enhance friendship in between nations, in between cultures but would also bring nations together for development, which is what is needed today.
I am happy to state that Europeans, more so my own country, Germany, believes in initiating dialogue of cultures so that the European Union that comprises of almost 25 member states having different cultures could live together as a single family within the group of nations. Let us make a habit of living together for common benefit.
Having said so let me reject straight the theory of Clash of Civilization propounded by Samuel P Huntington, the American scholar of international standing.
Indeed, fanatics are everywhere in the world. Let me presume that in Nepal this group could well be present as it is else where in the world. It is this set of fanatics who have been spreading hatred against different religions. Our duty should be to cope with this challenge in a befitting manner.
Germany is bit different. We are working in the framework of European politics albeit safeguarding German interests but our entire effort is how our joint plan of actions benefits as a whole the entire European community. But then yet Germany as a nation-state should remain alert in curbing the racial and ethnic hatred as and when it comes to surface.
Talking of the emergence of some fanatics in Germany, neo-nazism for example, let me tell you frankly that since the civil society and the law maintaining agencies are very strong in the country so we have full confidence that fanaticism would never prevail in the country. For your information, SWASTIKA, is forbidden in my country.
I am happy that Germany is not only sincere but also adequately alert in this regard. That's all.
# Mr. Rehman was in Nepal recently working as FES intern. He is currently studying at Freiberg University in Germany-Ed.
|
