Have Your Say: Religiously Tolerant

Religion has always been a sensitive topic. An individual’s belief usually happens to be a personal affair, but these days we find the issue thrown onto the national stage for much debate and discussion. Should Nepal be declared a Hindu state once again? The question has left the nation divided, especially since the matter is being considered for the upcoming constitution. Since it has also prompted some very passionate and strong opinions, The Week lets the public have its say.

Ruby Pun, 39
Fitness Instructor

In many ways being a Hindu state had given our country an identity in the world. Along with the likes of Mt. Everest and our culture, it was just one of those things that we proudly associated ourselves with. So when that was taken away I felt a little incomplete as a Nepali. This is just my personal experience.
I guess some people are wary that other religions will be discriminated against, if Nepal does officially become a Hindu state again but I believe that it’s not about labels. Such discriminations depend on each individual. There is no guarantee that the citizens of a secular country will not try and dominate the people who have other beliefs. It’s up to each one of us to become tolerant. I want Nepal to yet again be declared a Hindu state but that doesn’t mean I don’t have respect for other religions. It’s quite the opposite. I wish people would understand that. We can regain the identity we had and once again become a Hindu nation that is famed for its religious tolerance.

Binit Raj Aryal, 37
Teacher

I can’t help but feel that our country is lost and confused. It has to be, for making this Hindu state debate a priority above all the other pressing issues. In my opinion, a country doesn’t have a religion or a caste. We can’t be seeking to divide the citizens in any way. Regardless of whether you are Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, unity must be our motive. Declaring Nepal a Hindu state would mean taking a step back. It’s regressive. We should be advocating people’s freedom to pick whichever belief they want to. Nobody’s religion is superior to others and being a Hindu, myself I say you can’t give preference to it in this way.
The new generation is not concerned about these things. They want to be part of progress and development. Some people from the older generations appear to be trying to corrupt their thoughts and mislead them. Similarly, the issue about conversion too is baseless. Most convert to Christianity because they are poor. If this government can tackle poverty I’m sure you will be able to stop the mass conversion problem. The leaders are focusing on the wrong issue here.

Bimala Khanal, 44
Consumer activist

The country has spoken. I think it is clear that majority want Nepal to be declared a Hindu state and considering that 90% of the population are Hindus, it does make sense to put that in our constitution as well. Nepal was operating peacefully as a Hindu state before as well so I don’t see why people are against the notion. Some have the idea that being a Hindu state will translate into ill treatment of other religions but that’s a baseless accusation.
Declaring Nepal a Hindu state isn’t about politicizing religion. It’s not our intention to force people to follow Hinduism at all. But considering the rate of conversion, declaring Nepal a Hindu state can help people feel more attached to it. Nobody can deny that religion is an integral part of our lives. From birth to death, and all the important milestones in between, a person’s religion is intertwined with his/her identity. Considering the magnitude of its influence, it is important for us to preserve it.

Rajib Shrestha, 23
Student

I’m of belief that everyone has the right to follow any religion of their choice, and if they are doing so, no one should have a problem with it. I don’t understand the focus of people who insist the country should be declared a Hindu nation. I don’t think it would make a big difference if people follow a certain religion or not. For centuries, we have been known to be a religiously tolerant country, and it should remain like that. Even though the older people in my circle agree with those who are fighting for the declaration of Nepal as a Hindu state, I don’t subscribe to that belief. We should be free to do whatever we want as long as it doesn’t harm anybody.

Abinash Shrestha, 24
Content Writer

There is no reason why any country should be given a religious tag. The concept of Hindu state makes no sense. If people think that Hindu state is a must because the numbers show that majority of the people here are Hindus, then does it mean that the opinions, beliefs, culture, and religion of the remaining people don’t count? I thought that, constitutionally, there is freedom of choice. People who are demanding a Hindu state might be feeling threatened by other people preaching about their religion. But maybe if they considered why this is happening and under what conditions people are converting their religion, then we might find a better solution to this issue. Historically, there has always been a religious competition, and this demand is nothing more than the party trying to promote themselves. They are trying to make their names synonymous to the religion and increase their PR.

Amika Raj Thapa
Journalist

I don’t think that the state should be declared a Hindu state. Secularism ensures a person’s religious freedom and the state should just try to maintain that. If people resort to such demands, then people of Muslim, Buddhist, or any other religion might ask for something like that, too and might ask for the same from the country.
Yes, there are people who misused the terms and condition in the interim constitution, but this is clearly not the solution. Two wrongs don’t make a right, and we need to seriously consider that. Rather, the government should analyze what led to this condition, and try to work on it. The ultimate aim is development in all fronts, and these issues will only hinder progress and set us back.