Honest citizenry a must for a stronger Nepal
Honest citizenry refers to a population or community of individuals within a society/nation who uphold and embody the principles of integrity, truthfulness and ethical behavior in their civic and personal lives. Adherence to moral values, respect for the law and a commitment to transparency and accountability in action are some of its characteristics. It signifies a collective dedication to upholding the principle of honesty and integrity in all aspects of public and private life, contributing to the overall moral and fabric and integrity of the society as a whole.
Nepal, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is a nation with a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, natural resources and a diverse population. However, like many other countries, it faces numerous challenges, including political instability, economic disparities and social issues. One crucial aspect that needs immediate attention in Nepal is the need for an honest citizenry. In a society where honesty is a cornerstone of progress and development, fostering a culture of integrity can pave the way for a brighter future.
Honesty is a fundamental virtue that plays a pivotal role in shaping a nation's destiny. It encompasses not only telling the truth but also involves transparency, accountability and ethical behavior. In the context of Nepal, building an honest citizenry is essential for several reasons.
Nepal has been grappling with corruption for several years, hindering progress and development. Corruption has not only siphoned off public funds but also a trust deficit in government institutions. An honest citizenry can serve as a bulwark against corruption by demanding accountability and transparency from elected representatives and government personnel.
A culture of honesty can stimulate economic growth by creating a conducive environment for businesses and investments. When individuals and businesses can trust that contracts will be honored, property rights protected and transactions conducted fairly, it fosters economic stability and development.
Honesty fosters trust among individuals and communities. In a diverse and multicultural nation like Nepal, trust and mutual respect are essential for social cohesion and harmony. When citizens are honest in their dealings with each other, it helps bridge societal divides and strengthens the social fabric.
A transparent and accountable government is essential for effective governance. Citizens, who demand honesty and integrity from their leaders and government as well as non-government institutions are more likely to hold them accountable for their actions. This, in turn, leads to a better governance, improved public services and a more efficient administration.
While the importance of honesty is undeniable, there are several challenges that Nepal faces in its pursuit of building an honest citizenry.
Many individuals in Nepal are struggling with poverty and desperation, which can drive them to engage in dishonest activities as a means of survival. Addressing the root causes of poverty and providing economic opportunities is crucial to reduce dishonest behavior.
Nepal’s legal framework lacks teeth when it comes to addressing corruption and dishonesty effectively. There is a need for comprehensive legal reforms to create a strong deterrent against dishonest behavior.
A well-rounded education system that not only imparts academic knowledge but also instills values such as honesty is essential. Many schools in Nepal lack the resources and capacity to provide a holistic education, leaving a gap in character development.
Nepal’s political landscape is often marred by patronage and nepotism. This creates an environment where dishonesty is sometimes rewarded rather than punished. Political reform is crucial to eliminate this aspect of the culture.
To build a more honest citizenry in Nepal, a multi-pronged approach is necessary.
Investing in education and awareness campaigns that promote ethical behavior and values from a young age is essential. This includes not only formal education but also community-based initiatives and awareness programs. Reforming and strengthening Nepal's legal frameworks to make them more effective in combating corruption and dishonesty is crucial. This includes robust enforcement mechanisms and whistleblower protection. Citizens must actively engage in the political processes and hold their elected representatives accountable. Encouraging transparency and scrutinizing the actions of political leaders can help reduce dishonesty in politics. Creating economic opportunities and reducing poverty is vital in reducing the desperation that can lead to dishonest behavior. This involves job creation, vocational training and support for entrepreneurship.
Civil society organizations, including non-government organizations and community groups, can play a significant role in promoting honesty and integrity. They can serve as watchdogs, advocates and educators.
Nepal stands at a crossroads, with the opportunity to build a stronger and more prosperous nation. To achieve this, fostering an honest citizenry is paramount. Honesty is not just a personal virtue; it is a collective responsibility that can transform societies and nations. By addressing the challenges and actively working toward creating a culture of integrity, Nepal can make way for a brighter future where honesty is the norm rather than the exception. With an honest citizenry, Nepal can overcome its obstacles and unlock its true potential as a nation.
Young people can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of an honest and upright citizenry within a nation. Their behaviors, mindsets and ways of living are essential for fostering and attaining the ideals of an honest and responsible populace. It is undeniable that the youth of Nepal are grappling with challenges in foreign lands, courageously shouldering risks in pursuit of their aspirations. Regrettably, they often find themselves unable to realize their dreams within their own homeland, compelling them to invest their efforts, toil and make sacrifices in distant territories.
Development partners and nations globally have extended opportunities for skill development and exposure, yet many of these individuals choose not to return to their motherland. Consequently, they may not actively engage in contributing to the progress of the country, where their skills and knowledge can be instrumental. Unless the youth develop a collective sense of responsibility toward their country’s advancement, the nation cannot make substantial leaps in its development trajectory. Despite this, Nepali citizens residing in the country maintain a profound faith in the potential of the youths to actively participate in national development, hoping for a brighter and more prosperous future.
Schools can be a breeding ground for conflict
Formal education at school plays a pivotal role in shaping individuals’ perspectives and behaviors. These initial perspectives serve as the foundation upon which subsequent views and actions are constructed throughout one’s life. Consequently, school education leaves a substantial and lasting impact on individuals. Therefore, school actors must remain highly vigilant in overseeing every event and activity within the school environment. This vigilance is essential because each event can have a profound and enduring impact on individuals’ lives.
In July 2002, Transparency International issued a report highlighting that teachers had become primary targets for both the Maoist rebels and the security forces in Nepal. This situation is particularly noteworthy in a society where teachers hold an esteemed status; they, revered as god and goddess, are also equated as parents of the students. These unique cultural contextual ties naturally prompt us to ponder as to why teachers found themselves specifically singled out during the insurgency period.
Several factors could be behind this targeting, but many education experts now argue that the school education practices during that time, and even now, lack sensitivity toward conflicts that could take root in the formative years of children; the teaching methods and strategies employed were insufficiently attuned to the potential generation of conflicts; students from diverse backgrounds, including differences in learning capacities, cultural heritage, ethnicity, and caste, often did not receive the sensitive treatment they needed within the school environment. Additionally, these students often faced bullying and harassment. Corporal punishment of students was commonly accepted and practiced. As a result, certain binary oppositions were instilled in the young minds of students, such as males versus females, the rich versus the poor, Dalit versus non-Dalits, ethnic versus non-ethnic people, and Pahade versus Madhesi, among others. These binaries left negative imprints on young minds, fostering a readiness to oppose those on binary oppositions. Corporal punishment might have also contributed in building a deep-seated anguish and agony in students toward the teachers, and/or others opposed to their views. When these individuals became embroiled in conflicts, they subconsciously targeted their perceived adversaries as a form of retribution. If one were to endorse this perspective, it is disheartening to observe that no meaningful actions have been taken to date to introduce conflict-sensitive education or implement conflict-sensitive teaching strategies at the school level education.
Certain common school education practices inadvertently contribute to the development of a conflict-prone mindset and behaviors within the school environment. For instance, many schools form separate teams based on gender, creating a division between girls and boys. Some historical events, which are celebrated for their bravery and glory, are often presented in the class, in a way that (that) emphasizes the cast or ethnicity of the individuals involved. In the same strain, some specific qualities are assumed/attributed to the students readily in the class in terms of their ethnic, social and linguistic backgrounds while conducting various teaching-learning activities. But these practices only serve to perpetuate disparities and divisions among students from various backgrounds, including different castes, ethnicities, gender, geographical locations, and socioeconomic and cultural groups providing a fertile ground for the germination of a conflict-prone mindset.
The competitive teaching approach is usually practiced among students at schools to motivate learning and achievements at the cost of collaboration and teamwork. Instead of learning together, in a competitive teaching approach students may view their peers as rivals, which can hinder a cooperative environment. The fear of failure or falling behind their peers can have detrimental effects on mental health and overall well-being of students. Intense competition can lead to increased stress and anxiety among students. Competitive teaching can exacerbate inequalities among students. Students from privileged backgrounds or with access to additional resources may have an advantage, while others may struggle to keep up. As a result, a highly competitive classroom environment can strain teacher-student relationships, as teachers may be perceived as judges or enforcers of competition rather than facilitators of learning. It, then, unintentionally, results in developing conflict-prone mindsets in students.
Other prevalent teaching methods often center around competition, fostering a sense of rivalry among students. Competition establishes a hierarchy where excellent performers inhabit a higher pedestal, receiving preferential treatment and higher rankings, while those lagging behind land lower positions. This again unintentionally creates a division between high and low achievers, potentially leading to a conflict-prone atmosphere. There is no universally perfect teaching method that guarantees the creation of an inclusive environment and equal learning outcomes. However, one can exhibit sensitivity in choosing a teaching approach that maximizes learning opportunity for everyone. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of creating conflicting situations and minimizes the risks associated with a divisive learning environment.
Education is not merely about imparting knowledge; it’s also about shaping attitudes, fostering understanding and equipping individuals with essential life skills. In today’s interconnected and diverse world, the ability to navigate conflicts effectively and with sensitivity is a crucial skill. Teaching methods that promote conflict sensitivity is of paramount importance. Summing up, selection of conflict-sensitive teaching strategies is essential for nurturing well-rounded individuals, who possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to thrive in an increasingly diverse and complex world. By promoting empathy, critical thinking, effective communication and conflict resolution skills, these strategies play a pivotal role in shaping a more peaceful, inclusive and just society. Educators, policymakers and institutions have a collective responsibility to prioritize the incorporation of conflict-sensitive teaching strategies into educational curricula to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Teachers should also receive training in conflict-sensitive education methods and practices to better understand and address the potential sources of conflict that may grip young minds.
