Updating the Nationalism

The talks and debate of nationalism and patriotic ideas are soaring as high as Mt. Everest and can be seen all over the Nepali circle in various social media. Though migrating to different destinations have become synonymous of going-to-the-office, there are still some patriots who condemn this practice. While Anuradha Koirala and Pushpa Basnet won million hearts with ‘CNN Hero of the Year’ award, while Prabal Gurung’s designs decorates famous female personalities, the unfortunate news of death of the Nepali workers in gulf countries while building roads and stadiums for privileged ones punctures our soul. These are the diversities of success and pain Nepali immigration have blessed us with.

Few years back, during a Facebook chat, a friend from Nepal asked if I would work in grocery store if I was in Nepal. I had answered him that if it would help me pay the semester fee, car costs, insurance, phone bill and shared apartment costs just like it does in US, then I would. Although, the chat ended with “nice talking to you” note, it had left questioning. I, and on the behalf of everybody that has left home for any purposes, apologize to my friends strolling the streets back home. We are sorry for not being there when ‘our country needs us the most.’

For a small country like Nepal; the whole length of the country less than 1000 kilometers, I believe the young hands present in Nepal should be able to irrigate a change. Since they advocate the possible changes, why not lead by example so that we migrants can follow? I do realize the power of united, strong teamwork. But then we are already the so called traitors that deserted Nepal.

Recently, Nepalese community claims to have evolved to appreciate labor and embrace the equality of every form of it. Often plagued by the culture of comparing our achievements with friends and neighbors, for decades we have only worshiped the white-collar jobs. The blues of leaving Nepal can be heard, seen, or often read all over the online Nepali community. If I have to summarize the content of a poem I recently read on a popular blog online, it was “I had a respected social lifestyle in Nepal, now I pitifully tussle with the cash register in a gas station. I miss my hills, meandering streams, peace and friends where as I do tedious work in US.” I- miss-home verses have become generic and overused. As soon as we are done celebrating labor, we are furious at our minimum wages jobs in foreign nations. Such hypocrisy nauseates me.

Even one of the greatest nations like America got founded by immigrants, people taking risks to create a better life for their families and future generations. I just hope we can keep pressing on towards this goal, and not just back-slide to the same condition that our fore-fathers tried to stave off. Everything is cyclical, though - there is no escaping the unending march of failure and progress. We just have to try and make sure we are on the right track.

I will not wander the streets wielding Khukuri to cement my patriotism. Sorry! A big Nepalese flag in the living room does not guarantee my nationalism. Spamming social media with “Buddha was born in Nepal” does not make you a die-hard Nepali fan. In addition, bashing India and using derogative terms like “dhotis” with foul language on YouTube comments should not make you feel proud for defending Nepali nationality. Winning India in occasional SAFF games should be not our ultimate victory. Also, wearing a handmade “Nepal” embroidered t-shirt cannot merely preserve the patriotism.

In this innovative era, stretching our horizon and thinking beyond the borders is cool. It might sound like a far-fetched task for a fellow Nepali when the country’s development is still in its infancy. But with the help of social media we've got today, it has never been so easier to share good works. Social sites have emerged as a pair of scissors that trims the barriers and shrinks the world into a global village. Our ideas, thoughts, high-spirits, actions and love should not stop at the borders but crush them. Communication and involvement has never been so easier. I can read Tsering’s blog from Namche Bazaar sipping a hand grenade in Bourbon Street in New Orleans. From any end of the road, from any corner of the world and from every walk of life, we can do something that allows us to invigorate mankind. Similarly, duty to motherland can be fulfilled from anywhere. Again, why not cultivate our minds to raise it beyond the social barriers and pave way for greater ideas and begin to think in terms of global citizens? Are not we already capable to do that?

looking out from my desk in University class

With plethora of social media, it is so easier to be heard, listen, watch and present. This is a generation of ideas, inventions and concepts, and high time for every one of us to come out of our cocoon, execute a positive change.

For few first steps, how about getting nominated or winning Oscars for Best movie in foreign language? Can we market Madal as an interesting musical instrument in foreign musical arenas? Or how about developing local tourism in your hometown? Have we tried exploring newer tourist destinations other than Pokhara and surroundings? How long should we wait to give our mouth some rest and exercise creativity? Can’t our thoughts soar as high as our mountains?

The crucial question that yields every time I see a fellow Nepali taking pride in birthplace of Buddha or Mt. Everest is “Are not we done embarrassing ourselves?”