What Will Nepal's Current Leaders Leave for the New Generation?
In every society, each generation is handed a torch from the preceding one, a torch that carries the essence of its legacy, values, hopes, and aspirations. It serves as an emblem of past accomplishments, present challenges, and future ambitions. However, what happens when this torch appears to be tainted, its flame flickering uncertainly under the burden of systemic corruption, unchecked misuse of power, and widespread disregard for public trust? This, unfortunately, is the grim reality in Nepal, a question echoed increasingly among its citizens, disillusioned by their leaders' actions.
Reports of corruption, once seen as sporadic outbreaks, now seem to have entrenched themselves within the highest echelons of Nepalese government and bureaucracy. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), an organization formerly vested with the responsibility of unearthing corruption, now finds itself charged with the very crime it was instituted to counteract. When those entrusted with the mantle of integrity are caught red-handed in corrupt practices, it poses a severe challenge to the moral compass of the nation.
The malaise doesn't stop there. Home ministers, deputy prime ministers, even seated parliament members - those who should represent the ideals of public service - have been caught attempting to monetize Nepalese citizenship for personal gains. What message does it send to our youth, the future of the nation, when they witness a cascade of corrupt practices from those who should epitomize honesty and integrity?
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Times of national crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic, are often seen as litmus tests for a nation's resilience and unity. It is during such times that one would expect business and community leaders to rise, filling the void left by the failures of political leadership. Unfortunately, the opposite seems to have transpired in Nepal. Established business houses were found exploiting the pandemic's chaos, selling crucial medical equipment such as infra-red thermometers in the black market. Such actions amplify the distress of an already beleaguered population, further eroding public faith.
And if the state of affairs were not bleak enough, the nation now finds itself confronting a brain-drain phenomenon of unprecedented scale. Over 600,000 Nepalese, disillusioned by the rampant corruption and seemingly insurmountable hurdles in their homeland, have chosen to leave the country within the fiscal year of 2022/23, seeking greener pastures elsewhere. This exodus is not limited to the general populace but extends to our national sportspeople, academics, and skilled workforce. They are settling in foreign lands, often accepting a lesser social standing, preferring it over the stifling corruption that pervades their homeland.
Such a hemorrhage of talent and potential poses a severe challenge to a developing nation like Nepal. It directly undermines the country's future prospects for growth and socio-economic stability. However, instead of addressing this critical issue, the government seems preoccupied with expanding the number of universities, largely ignoring the pragmatic questions surrounding their execution and feasibility.
It is worth noting the rising desire among Nepalese students to study abroad, reflecting a lack of faith in domestic educational opportunities and a dwindling confidence in their country's future under the current leadership. While the government busies itself by adding universities, it overlooks the necessity to enhance the quality of education and ensure adequate employment opportunities for graduates.
Despite these deeply concerning developments, we must remember the indomitable spirit of the Nepalese people, a spirit that has weathered countless trials over the centuries. The prevailing climate of corruption and misuse of power does not have to define the legacy of the leading generation. On the contrary, these trials present a poignant call to action, urging the nation's leaders to introspect on their values, priorities, and the future they envision for Nepal.
The leaders need to realize that their legacy will be measured not by personal wealth or power, but by the overall development and prosperity they facilitate for the country. A respected citizen of any nation holds more honor than the leader of a corrupt one. This basic principle of public service seems glaringly absent in the current leadership's worldview.
The legacy that this generation ought to strive to leave behind is one rooted in integrity, public service, and an unwavering commitment to the nation's development. To establish such a legacy, leaders must first embody these values themselves. This commitment should manifest in rigorous efforts to combat corruption, improve the quality of education, and create viable opportunities for Nepalese citizens within their homeland.
In conclusion, the present state of affairs poses significant challenges for the leaders of Nepal. However, it also provides a window of opportunity for transformative change. The legacy of the current generation will be shaped not just by their shortcomings but also by their capacity to learn from these failures and guide the nation towards a more optimistic and prosperous future. The responsibility now lies with Nepal's leaders to rise to this occasion, to sculpt a legacy that the new generation can proudly inherit and carry forward.
