Let’s Envision Beyond The Horizon

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.