From Okhaldhunga to Oklahoma- I

This is the story of Ram Prasad, a Nepali caught between two worlds. Many Nepalis, both at home and abroad, will find it familiar. Read Part One below.

By Dr. Ambika Prasad Adhikari

Kathmandu provided the best of both worlds, a sophisticated urban life in the midst of mountainous landscapes!

The setting in Nepal

The fifties were an interesting time internationally and for Nepal too. Many nations, including neighbouring India had just become free from the clutches of Colonialism. Following the Second World War, many countries of the world had begun the nation building process and were gearing up towards development. In Nepal, democracy was instituted for the first time in her history. Extraordinary personalities in all fields, such as B. P. Koirala and Laxmi Prasad Devkota, had begun to lead Nepal towards modernity in politics and literature. Many pioneering events had just taken place in a country of just 10 million people. For example, Radio Nepal had been launched, and the aviation era had dawned in mountainous Nepal. Nepal was negotiating with India to construct its first highway ever– the Tribhuvan Highway– linking the nation’s capital with the India border, a gateway of the outside world to exotic Nepal.

----------- continued in the following links
- http://www.kantipuronline.com/feature.php?nid=62309
- http://www.kantipuronline.com/kol/artha.php?&nid=62526