I was offered a tour of the Square for as low as Rs 50 which would have otherwise cost me anywhere around Rs 300 to 500. The argument I'm trying to evolve is that tourism is the worst affected domestic industry after any natural calamity, especially in the scenario wherein a catastrophe is of a recurring nature.There is a negative connotation often attached to the concept of 'disaster tourism'. One of the major arguments against foreigners visiting a disaster-affected area is the infringement of the dignity and privacy of the local population of such places. It is noteworthy, however, that the only way to report on quality of life in a post-disaster situation is by interviewing the victims, sharing experiences, raising awareness, which further contributes to attracting the attention of relief workers and donor agencies and governmental bodies alike. Having said that, greater attention must be paid to the sensitive circumstances, an omission for which the Indian media was rightly shunned.
Heritage Walks are the most comprehensive way to disseminate knowledge about the historical evolution of monuments of cultural, religious and architectural significance. While most of us might wonder as to what is left of the heritage when structures in their entirety have been reduced to rubble, I'll share a small anecdote to explain the significance and respect for the damaged mud and bricks from a believer's perspective.
I recently informed one of my Nepali friends back in New Delhi that Swayambhunath, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, as well as the shrines and temples surrounding it, had been completely destroyed and were scheduled to be rebuilt. With tears in his eyes, he asked me to click as many pictures as I could, of every damaged space since that was his last opportunity to experience the beauty of this holy place in its original form and architecture. This only reiterated my existing belief that faith never dies with the fall of structures which are mere instruments of reinforcing an already strong system. It is undoubtedly one of the most significant considerations in the context of disaster tourism.
Nepal is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As soon as a monument is given the said status, it is elevated from the pedestal of a structure of domestic value to one of international recognition. Therefore, the protection of these sites is a joint and self-imposed responsibility of all relevant stakeholders, both local and international. To suggest that the deprivation of the rest of the world from the last walk down history is in anyway going to be a relief to the victims is as unfair as it is unfounded.
Moreover, it is fallacious to compare disaster tourism to guided walks to the slum areas in India or Brazil. The distinction can be drawn on the understandable premise that the idea of disaster tourism is not to showcase and exhibit the poverty or misfortunes of the people of a country arising out of governmental inaction. It is, in fact, a positive action-centric opportunity for tourists to either participate in relief work, contribute in terms of money or skills or simply enjoy themselves in a country where the currency has become weaker by virtue of the disaster. Apart from the access to monuments and places of entertainment for a cheaper price, boosting tourism is sometimes the calculated aim of a disaster tourist.
The idea may be perceived to be a selfish one, but the self-less ulterior motive is largely unappreciated. I can argue this with conviction mainly because the progression has been similar in my case. I had come to Nepal mainly for tourism purposes, but talking to a few people and making a few friends made me recognize how some of my skills could be utilized for relief activities. The decision to stay back for a period which has been extended to almost a month now has given me unfathomable personal satisfaction.
Often the terminology "disaster pornography" is used to describe photographs of the damage caused to infrastructure in the post-disaster period. While most people argue against it, it is extremely essential to archive this 'porn' for two basic reasons. First, it shall aid in tracking the progress of reconstruction work for memorialization of how far the country has reached in different stages of rehabilitation. But more important, sometimes the ruins create a much stronger impact than beauty.
On a simple impact analysis, it is easy to identify that at a time when Nepal is seeking aid from international bodies and foreign countries, not only is there going to be an influx of relief workers but the same will also boost the economy and give the people a sense of security. There have been a few instances where Nepali youth have asked me in what way they can contribute since the motivation to work for your country can be realized when someone else shares a story of their attempts to help, one who has no patriotic or emotional consideration towards your country.
Yes, Nepal has been hit by a catastrophic earthquake which has left 1,000 years of heritage in a shambles, the remnants of which lie before me, but what it hasn't been able to destroy is the spirit of the people. The best time to connect with a country and its people is in times of sorrow. You could be a shoulder to cry on or a knight in shining armour or just a harbinger of positive vibrations. Every stone has a story and I'm sure some of them will definitely intrigue you. The Nepal Tourism Board has released numerous updates to encourage tourism, because the country needs you now more than ever. Breath in a bit of Nepal, you'll return a happier person. I assure you.
The author is a resident of New Delhi and a final year law student at Symbiosis Law School, Pune. He is currently in Kathmandu volunteering
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