Nepal is probably the only country in the world which is best
known by the amazing and distinct human qualities rather than the physical
quality of life. Bravery, courage, hospitability, kindness, hope and faith are Nepalese
people’s homemade attributes. The way Nepalese people help each other at the
time of difficulty is something other nations and society should learn from Nepal. This
has been verified by the activities of Nepalese youth who are being involved
in rescue and relief of the earthquake victims. These activities are truly
humanitarian which are self initiated in most cases. Of course the earthquake
was unexpected and Nepal was least prepared on its part to tackle its
consequences. Nevertheless, Nepal is always blessed to have generous friends
who help it at its time of difficulty.
Our close neighbors- India and China played significant role.
The immediate response by the Indian government to address the aftermath of
earthquake was noteworthy but it was immediately pulled into controversy taking
the behavior of Indian media in quake affected areas. Other south Asian
countries- Bangladesh, Bhutan and Pakistan also showed kind behavior. Other
friends of Nepal also played important roles for rescue and relief.
Natural disaster itself is unpleasant. The massive earthquake
and more than a hundred aftershocks that followed it, was very devastating and
fearful. It took thousands of lives and made millions of people homeless. Many
buildings of historic, religious and cultural importance including centuries
old Dharahara were destroyed. And the economic loss is huge.
While the country was in deep sorrow, it made people feel sad and
instilled some depression and frustration, particularly among the victims and
their kiths and kins. In some places, though not significantly some abnormal
behaviors were noticed but they were addressed promptly. These abnormal
behaviors are not typical Nepali behavior but maybe the outcomes of
frustrations and helplessness. Whatever be the causes, such behavioral changes
are generally counterproductive which tarnish the image of the country. So the
government of Nepal should take wise decisions not to allow such abnormal
things to repeat.
As mentioned earlier, Nepalese people have distinct human qualities
with added ingredients in the form of rich and age old culture which is
temporarily vulnerable due to this earthquake. Nepal should take adept steps
and Nepalese people should be creative to keep the qualities intact and save
its rich culture.
After rescue and relief, the next steps are rehabilitation and
reconstruction which are supposedly of long term importance to rebuild and
revitalize the nation. While doing so, we should envision to see beyond the
horizon.
The writer is an Ex-Lecturer of Economics at Chelsea International Academy, Baneshwor, Kathmandu.
