The United States of America has become one of the popular destinations for Nepali students to continue their higher studies. According to the Institute of International Education, there were 8,155 Nepali students studying in different colleges and universities across America in the academic year 2013/2014.
The graduates in various disciplines of science, health, engineering, computer, technology, business, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and others can prove to be a great resource for the country if they go back and join the workforce. However, the graduates face a big dilemma when trying to decide whether to go back or not. The pros and cons of going back have to be carefully weighed, before they come to any decision.
While some Nepalis in the USA are optimistic about the new constitution, many believe that the ongoing protests in Madhesh and economic blockage by India will discourage Nepalis abroad from moving back to Nepal.
Sweta Shrestha is a doctorate student at Ohio Student University pursuing her degree in Chemistry. Shrestha said that she is excited about the provision of dual citizenship in the new constitution. "As a soon-to-be young graduate, I believe there is still a lot more work experience I need to have in my field. Currently in Nepal, there is very limited exposure in terms of resources and manpower in chemistry field," Shrestha said. "I plan to stay here in the US long enough to be fully confident to embark on a new journey in Nepal in the future."
Shrestha added that she plans to be able to contribute to the Chemistry research field in Nepal after she gains enough experience and skills in America. Santosh Bhatta, PhD, works as an engineer at Areva Inc. in Virginia. He voiced his concerns regarding the unofficial blockage imposed on Nepal by India.
"Nepalis across the world see this blockade as an attack on its sovereignty. Nepali masses see the blockade as a blatant violation of international laws and also view this as an attempt by India to create social unrest in Nepal," Bhatta said. "This will only promote anti-India sentiments among Nepalis living in the country and abroad as well."
Bhatta added that the recent developments can also hurt proposed hydropower and other trade developments between the two countries. He further mentioned that the hopes of Nepalis living abroad to return to the country after the promulgation of the new constitution have been negatively impacted, if not completely thwarted, by the current political developments.
"The ethnic unrest, fueled and supported by India, in the bordering parts of Nepal could further lead to a civil war like situation in Nepal, if not handled properly," Bhatta said. "It will lead to more talent fleeing out of Nepal in search of economic opportunities and hamper aspirations of Nepalis abroad who want to return home to invest in Nepal," he added.
Samata Prawah works as a software engineer at True Blue Inc. in Chicago. She expressed her optimism regarding the promulgation of the new constitution and noted that there is much to be done. "Nepal has long been transitioning with a series of political struggles to form a government on constitutional ground. The newly promulgated constitution, more or less, makes the political achievements official," Prawah said. "At the same time, it opens up doors for many political struggles to follow."
Prawah emphasized that the shortcomings in the constitution should be amended over time to form a progressive, responsible, stable, and strong system. She said that the focus now should be on economic development.
"As for those living abroad and wanting to return home, there are plenty of areas they can get involved in. We severely lack proper infrastructures for a 21st century nation," Prawah said. "There are tremendous opportunities for innovative minds to flourish with their start-ups by serving great national causes. Nepal can largely benefit if ideas learnt abroad are leveraged by returning citizens," she added.
Most Nepalis living abroad were optimistic that the new constitution might open doors for much needed political stability that would encourage them to go back and invest in their soil. However, the ongoing tensions at the border areas and the unofficial blockade imposed by India have spread fear of the rise of an even more unstable nation, thus discouraging Nepalis abroad to go back home for good.
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