"This is the reason why many more brahmin people keep coming here from different parts of Nepal. And once they start working here as pundits, they hardly go back to Nepal," said Govinda Prasad Panthi, chairman of the Bharatiya Nepali Bhramin Samitee, Dehradun.[break]
The committee was formed in 1986 with 25 members. Now the committee boasts 160 members, thanks to the priority Nepali bhramins get over the local ones.
"The reason behind this is that the people have always viewed Nepal as the only Hindu nation. Despite the political changes in Nepal, here people´s mindset has not changed," explained Panthi who came here in 1965 following his father who himself was a renowned pundit.
"My father was a well known pundit. There were some other Nepali pundits who were equally respected. And the people here think that people in Nepal are more religious, and the brahmins more devout, learned and pure, so Nepali brahmins are preferred."
"When they revere us highly, trust us and also reward us handsomely, we are bound to maintain the sanctity of our caste and profession. While Nepali pundits are much preferred by the Nepali community, even others keep calling us," Panthi said.
Panthi visits his home in Argakhanchi district of Nepal at least once a year. More often than not, he is followed by aspiring youths who want to build career as pundits in Dehradun. "I have already helped seven young lads from Argakhanchi become pundits here. They are my nephews, cousins or villagers."
While Panthi owns an imposing residence, a car and some motorcycles, his son is employed in the Indian Air Force and daughter is studying at one of the best schools in Dehradun. And those who followed his footsteps have not been disappointed either -- his cousin brother Thaneshwar Panthi has already acquired everything that it takes to be considered a second class citizen.
Thaneshwar who still speaks in typical accent of his village had come here 12 years ago. "I would never be this successful had I been a pundit in Nepal. Thanks to Govinda dai, I have everything today. People here are pious and value sanctity of brahmin," said Thaneshwar.
The experience of Shiva Raj Khanal from Okhaldhunga, another popular Nepali pundit in Dehradun is no different. "If you are Nepali bahun, know Sanskrit and can perform pujas properly then you don´t have to worry about respect or good income."
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