Discussing Nepali youth with Professor Andrew P Morriss

KATHMANDU, July 30: Professor Andrew P Morriss of the University of Alabama, School of Law, was recently in Kathmandu where he took classes at the four-day residential workshop – Neetishala – organized by Samriddhi, the Prosperity Foundation, from July 23 to 28.



Prof Morriss, who can give a good series of lectures on the history of trade in Nepal when he talks of the country’s trade with the Arabs 1,400 years ago, conducted classes on environment policy at the workshop.[break]



He is of the opinion that the country has great potential in entrepreneurship among the youth.



Teaching Nepali students, according to him, was “very inspiring.”



This, however, was not his first encounter with Nepali students.



At The Asia Institute for Political Economy (AIPE) in Hong Kong where he delivered lectures on economy and public policy earlier this month, there were students from all over the world, including Nepal.







He says he learnt about Nepal while still at school and had always wanted to come and see the country. Talking to Republica, he shared his experiences while being here in the country and about Nepali students.


How do like the country?

Although I have only been in and around Kathmandu, I already like the country very much. I’m planning to come back again with my family for a vacation and not just to take classes.



How was your experience with Nepali Students?

According to my experience, Nepali students are very vibrant and eager. During my classes in Hong Kong and here in Nepal, too, all the students have engaged themselves very actively in discussions and class work.


From what you’ve observed, what’s the reason behind the youth being pessimist about the country?

From the very little I’ve learnt from my students, the youth of this country aren’t pessimistic at all. In fact, they seem to be constantly engaged in discussions and programs on how to improve the state of the country. The problem, I see, is with the ruling body. It’s them who have failed in making the country an attractive place for the youth to want to stay back.



What’s your message to the youth of Nepal?

Although the political state of the country isn’t as good as it could be, it shouldn’t be a reason to be depressed. There’s a lot of creativity and enthusiasm among you, and that’ll take you a long way. Even bad politicians can’t keep you from being great entrepreneurs.

Related story

Andrew stripped of 'prince' title, evicted from Royal Lodge