It is crucial to remember Nepal extends beyond Kathmandu. The damage of some of our manmade structures in Kathmandu is not likely to dissuade tourists from coming to the country to enjoy adventure sports and tourist destinations such as Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini which are unscathed. Local groups such as Social Tours have been ahead of the game to ensure that the detrimental image of Nepal (thanks to the Indian media) will not impede tourist arrival.
As citizens, it is our responsibility to ensure that we present the world with the real Nepal, which is not defined by the destruction of mere structures made by former rulers. We need to focus on positive promotion and continue to work to bring people into the country. As the second largest sector in the nation, tourism can bring valuable income for families around the country.
For years, the concept of development has focused on Kathmandu and then taking models outside the Valley. This disaster has displaced families, causing them to move outside of Kathmandu. Many people have left the city to move back to their villages which they are helping to rebuild. This is a good opportunity to invest capital and effort in these rural areas which currently have the support and manpower to develop model villages around the country.
In a recent trip to Mude in Sankhuwasabha district, I was able to witness the willingness of locals to work together to promote the local economy. In almost every one of these households, one member of the family has worked either in Kathmandu or in foreign nations. These people have brought back skills and experience which they can contribute towards the restructuring of their society's economy. The government can play an important role by creating economic zones the way Narendra Modi did after the 2001 earthquake in Gujarat.
This is a win-win situation for both rural and the urban areas: it reduces the over-crowded population of Kathmandu, while providing economic opportunities in rural Nepal.
The three sectors Nepal needs to focus its outside-in development strategy on are health, education, and agriculture. The goal in the reconstruction phase should not only emphasize rebuilding schools, but providing training for teachers and ensuring proper management of schools. With the development of an educated pool of children, health education is likely to flourish and parents are able to focus on using up-to-date technology for agricultural practices.
The earthquake has clearly demonstrated that, in times of crisis, our elected officials have found it challenging to meet our needs. As a result, groups such as Bibeksheel Nepali have taken the baton to provide relief support across the affected regions. Many young leaders have gained strong momentum through their relief and rebuilding efforts, and it is important for them to turn this energy into long term leadership in Nepali politics. Only when young leaders start engaging themselves in local politics (Gagan Thapa and Ujwal Thapa being examples) can communities rally to install fresh leadership in Nepal.
Youths have proved their mettle during this time of crisis. Continued work and local initiatives are likely to turn this generation of 'tire-burners' into a generation of positive change makers. Browsing through my Facebook page, I find it inspiring that a majority of my friends continue to volunteer in any way possible. The ones abroad are organizing fundraisers and raising awareness on what is happening in the country. They have really pushed the Nepali agenda to ensure that we aren't removed from the radar any time soon.
The author is a freelance activist
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