NRNs and the NRN conference are often seen in Nepal with hope and expectation, and sometimes with cynicism. With hope and expectation because of the success stories of Nepalis who left their country for work and study aboard and who with their hard work and dedication earned fame and prosperity. There are expectations also. People expect NRNs to bring some of their affluence back to the country, make investments here and share their knowledge and experience. But there is also cynicism because some see NRNs as a lot that left the country for greener pastures, made money but seldom contributed to their country of origin and yet often seek recognition and privileges when they come back, especially during such conferences.
But that´s now how NRNs should be seen. Irrespective of where they live, what they do, and which country´s citizenship they carry, they remain Nepali in flesh and blood. Their bloodline and roots back home obviously weigh heavier than any certification or citizenship card. People migrate from one country to another for different reasons and under different circumstances, and such migration is taking place on an unprecedented scale. As the world becomes a global village, to use the cliché, and people´s country of origin is becoming less and less relevant we should also learn to see Nepalis working and staying abroad as a natural phenomenon.
The Nepali state is moving in that direction, if gradually, and during this NRN conference the government announced it is to provide NRNs an identity card that will offer them special visa privileges. The government has also said it will give them the right to buy houses and land, a long-time demand of the NRNs. The NRN Association, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Construction Association of Nepal have jointly offered to take up construction of the proposed Fast Track Road from Kathmandu to Nijgadh. This proposal should be taken up seriously and implemented sooner rather than later, for it will provide a model of cooperation between Nepalis and NRNs.
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