There has been a raging debate to as to what to “beg” from Indian PM Narendra Modi or our neighboring country India when he comes to Nepal for an overnight trip, including to worship at Pashupati Nath temple early next week.
I wonder why are we debating, arguing about what to beg for!
Nepal could have been a self-sufficient country without needing to beg if we had used our resources prudently and with long-term vision. But most of our politicos have “sworn” to squander our resources for some personal gains (also to family and near and dear ones).
Actually Nepal has been “beggared” from our own resources by repeated mistakes of our politicos beginning with Matrika, BP and Girija Koiralas (sons of same father) in Koshi, Gandaki and Tanakpur “treaties” (the last leading to disastrous Mahakali treaty in which Nepal’s sovereign right has been surrendered for some benefit to these politicos, including hydrocrats) respectively. We now have another Koirala brother of past PMs (not of the same father, though) as PM who is going to lead us Nepali people to “beg” once more.
Nepal is entitled to “consideration” for several things like contribution to Ganga River and defense. Nepal contributes more than 70% water in Ganga River during dry season (8 months in a year). By simply implementing Harmon doctrine, Nepal could have created problem for India in this respect as India has done to Bangladesh. But we are simple, honest and god-fearing people and we, generally, don’t know deviousness (certain hydrocrats, however, excel in this).
India has budgeted $39.2 billion (equivalent to NRs 3 trillion 724 billion) for security/defense for current fiscal year and half of that goes to “secure” India from Pakistan and China (e.g. in Siachen glacier and north east India). However, if Nepal hadn’t played the role of a buffer between China and India the cost of Indian defense would have at least been higher by 25% (NRs 931 billion). India pours $ 833 million into Bhutan for playing buffer in similar manner. Nepal deserves a bigger amount than that. But this “service” isn’t recognized.
Pondering about it, I became impelled to think that perhaps it is in the destiny of people of Nepal to be rendered “beggar”. Because it is the people of Nepal (WE) who have elected politicos who take pride in being able to beg highest amount (especially the finance ministers who can “beg” highest amount goes about preening as if he has made an achievement to his credit – we have yet to have a female finance minister); not make Nepal a self-sufficient country. Then there are people who make sweeping statement that Nepali people “have an inferiority complex” (wonder if that person includes himself or not in this generalization!).
But we should resent such an attitude and endeavor to stand on our own feet on the strength of the natural resources that our Mother Nature has bestowed on us, if we don't wish to exhaust our self respect any further.
3 comments:
We can't ask anything to Modi bhai. We have to take in whatever he gives. After all "beggars can't be choosers"
Anyways jokes apart, today's world is very competitive and market driven. If Nepal's hydro energy is actually in India's mind, they will bound to have an acceptable agreement. As far as I know, hydro electricity comes third in their list. Flood control mechanism and irrigation are on top of the list.
Finally, today's world is full of business minded people. And in business, sentiments and emotions do not work at all.
Btw, I follow your blog on a regular basis. Keep up the good work!
India is always there to help India in any manner , China and other will not have such bounding like India. Maximum Nepalis are working in India dear, we respect them as all have adhar card etc...we accept Nepali as we find brotherhood in same.
If possible pls go to China and find same....do not consider Nepal as beggars.
India is always there to help India in any manner , China and other will not have such bounding like India. Maximum Nepalis are working in India dear, we respect them as all have adhar card etc...we accept Nepali as we find brotherhood in same.
If possible pls go to China and find same....do not consider Nepal as beggars.
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