Namaste!

Having browsed through a number of postings, I would agree with one oberservation i.e. Nepalis like to talk more than putting their words into action. I've been interacting with these wonderful people since 2005 and of late I'm beginning to notice that there's more talk and less action.

Could this be one of the reason for the current situation in this beautiful country? Why is this country losing its brain to the west? Is the lack of money such an attractive force? If all the wealthy, educated, qualified, intelligent, creative, hardworking and smart individuals decided to pack their bags and leave for greener pastures, who will be left behind to nurture and guide the next generation?

You guessed it! The growing generation will be lead by examples set by school dop-outs; adults who talk and make empty promises; employees who accept bribes for favours; the unemployed who find time to participate in street rallies; dirty children who beg in the streets; businessmen who fail to deliver their products; government authorities who cannot be bothered about the poor and needy.

So, while our hardworking, financially well-off family members are earning their bread and butter and diligently sending back part of the pay-packet to their relatives who are left behind, what else can one do but talk, about the unfortunate situation back home. That's easier said than done, right.

This "rich" and beautiful country is losing its "wealth" to other developed nations who entice them by hanging the proverbial carrot. And let's not live under the illusion that we are helping our country. Because by leaving your 'Desa Maatha' for the temporary attractions of the richer nations, you are indirectly draining your country's "wealth".

What "wealth" is this? Its "Manusha Pivari' - your human birth. Instead of building up your motherland, you are contributing to the overflowing coffers of your 'adopted' country. Why? Is that why your parents educated you? So, that you can walk down well-trimmed lawns and pathways, drive through miles of tip-top highways, consume the best of food and nutrition, develop your curious mind even further, wear branded clothes, live in warm cosy homes and make alot of money.

Whilst your unfortunate relative walks down broken pathways, poorly maintained roads filled with potholes, wonder where the next meal will come from, continues to wear the same torn and dirty clothes, live in cold homes and begs for money.

Sad but true. Still want to talk about it? You wouldn't dare throw rubbish along Wall Street in New York. But have you seen the piles of rubbish thrown along streets in Thamel? You wouldn't hesitate to sue the relevant authorities if your vehicle was damaged in a pothole along the road. Why not try riding a bike down memory lane to see if you can reach your destination without any personal injury? Now who would you like to sue?

Yes, some of us like to burn our bridges for two reasons. First is, you don't intend to go back to where you came from. Second is, you're afraid others may follow. So, it becomes even easier to talk when you are high and dry. If you are really that great an individual,
I challenge you to go back home and build up your nation. That takes guts and courage and sheer determination. Do you have what it takes?

If every single Nepali can put his Motherland first, this God's gift to mankind will become a nation to reckon with. As we were taught in our mother's lap "United, we stand; divided, we fall". Let's not waste time pointing fingers at our own kind, instead come forward, set the right example, develop national awareness, educate the young, feed the poor, eradicate corruption, strengthen the forces, enlock your hands and stand together like a proud nation.

That is your birthright! Do it while you're still young and hot-blooded. Don't wait till its too late. Pull your country back on track. A nation's strength does not lie in its size but in its people. A nation without the right kind of people to lead at its helm will soon be lost in the pages of history. Your future generation may become displaced citizens or sitting somewhere in refugee camps. When people become helpless victims of injustice, the nation has to stand together and help pull each other up.

The curtain has risen and the drama has begun....it's time to play your roles!

God bless you!

good write-up!

I hope that your advice is not for the sake because you don't use it for yourself. Pls don't take my comment negatively.

Pls guide us n' we'll follow u. We're desperately looking for some unifying leading force so much so that we're seeking it even to a singer of a foreign national.

I've seriously been thinking about the issues that you've written for quite some time not because I'm patriotic, but for my own sake, for my own satisfaction and happinees. I walk around here and see how isolated I'm. I can never be the part of society here no matter what I do. I remember the scene from a movie based on Bruce Lee where his to be mother-in-law were saying to her daughter: he's american citizen but he's not an american when she said that Lee was an american. Many dream to hold a green card or become american citizen, and when I project myself also into that, I question myself if I'm ever going to be happy again.

I agree with you absolutely, but pls tell me honestly and frankly also about your own decision.

Yes, that to-be mother-in-law is right. You can never be an American, like I can never be a Malaysian. Citizenship or PR status or Birth certificate cannot nurture patriotism. That comes from the heart.

You've heard the quote "Tiny drops of water make a mighty ocean"..meaning if every single Nepali would make up his mind to help his countryman grow, even in the smallest possible way, you have done your part for the country. And I'm not refering to sending money as a token of love. I'm refering to service in kind, not in cash.

Ah yes! The American Dream! What a hype! But its good to dream though. Do you know that Americans are excellent in business strategies? By helping others achieve their dreams, the country flourishes. Likewise, if you can help someone back home achieve their dream, your country will flourish.

And how have I helped your country? By continuously serving the poor and needy. With the help of family and friends, I've held a free medical camp for an orphanage in Pokhara; distributed stationeries and toys; distributed T-shirts for porters who work as mountain trekkers; conducted Anti-Smoking Awareness programs in schools and intend to distribute 115 walking canes for the blind in Nepal (which is currently stuck with the Customs Authorities).

I love Nepal and intend to live there for the rest of my life - God willing!