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Establish a country all Nepalis can call their own

Three ways to realize the vision:

1) Make the constitution more accommodative.
2) Practice ‘rule of law’ instead of ‘rule by law’.
3) Reduce inequality through nationwide schemes and programs.

I am sharing my vision for Nepal, but there should be a vision shared by everyone with the common motive of establishing Nepal as a just nation. This has to begin with our constitution. Unfortunately, we have a contested constitution. But we could turn it into an inspiring document by accommodating in it the feelings of every Nepali.

Similarly, we seem to enjoy ‘rule by law’ but we should instead be rooting for ‘rule of law’. Under the rule of law, laws are updated timely and are upheld by an independent court. The media speaks for the weaker sections of society, and periodic elections are held to secure electoral mandates that are honored by the ruling parties.

Another problem in our society that needs to be addressed is inequality in wealth distribution. To reduce inequalities in society, the minimum and basic needs of the poor people need to be fulfilled. A collaboration between state-owned organizations and private profit-driven enterprises is needed for this.

The issue of social justice is as important. If the identity and dignity of every community are secured, we can achieve social justice. The economic, cultural, and linguistic components of social justice should also get due attention. This allows every individual to equally flourish in society. Access to development and an equal share of benefits from infrastructures, such as education and health services, also determines growth.

Like an organization, a country should also run on several principles. For example, India has ‘Satyameva Jayate’—the truth shall prevail, France has ‘Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity’ but to date, I have not known what Nepal, as a country, aims for. To be honest, Nepal itself doesn’t have a common vision statement or a foundational belief.

Many Nepalis are insecure about the existence of our nation. We live in fear rather than hope. We often think Nepal is being invaded by other countries. We lack motivation and aspiration. Our leaders should work to unite all Nepalis under a single national motto. But then we have no visionary leaders. I see that we even fear taking our nation to new heights.

Since the beginning, what our leaders have learned is that surviving is an achievement. No, it’s not. Afghanistan has survived, Haiti has survived, and Rwanda has survived too. It is not an achievement. If the lives of the people have not progressed, it can’t be termed an achievement at all.

This definition of achievement has to be changed immediately, and the old mindset must not be handed down to the new generation. Yes, survival might have been an achievement at one point, but now, it is not. Every generation has its values, and they should live by them.

I’m not saying we have not achieved anything yet. We have done a lot. But they are all indistinct due to a lack of something iconic. Talking about our achievements, let us compare our literacy rate, per capita income, and health facilities with the same figures from the 60s or 70s—we have progressed. But what we need is a national goal, and every individual working towards it . For this, we should come out of our fear and live with hope. So, Nepalis need a shared vision, which is only possible through social justice, equity, and basic fulfillment. All these things are connected.

Despite being one of the poorest countries for so long, Nepalis have maintained their dignity and high spirit. They have not given up, and I find that encouraging.

So, let’s push ourselves a bit—even small regular attempts will help us move upward. At this point, what bothers me is why Nepali youngsters do not find a way into politics. Every political change that Nepal has experienced, I believe, has been cosmetic, as the fundamentals have always remained the same. It is only with young minds and energy that we can see some fundamental and iconic progress.

Nepal had one of the longest and strictest Covid-19 lockdowns, and the people here accepted it all silently. Even with such an innocent citizen-base, our government has failed to provide safety to the public.

Lastly, life is a precious gift, and there are ways to live it according to an individual’s personality. Either you give up, or you just try to live a happy life, or you live with strict principles. The choice is yours; what counts is the progress you make. But living with principles will encourage you to have a progressive future. It will inspire others to do the same, which is helpful for humanity as it gives purpose and meaning to human life.

Quick Questions:

Who is your favorite Nepali author?
I have many, and I want to mention as many as I remember right now. Laxmi Prasad Devkota, Bisheshwor Prasad Koirala, Madhav Prasad Ghimire, Sangeet Srota, Shrawan Mukarung, Binod Bikram KC, Khagendra Sangraula, Rajendra Bimal, Mahendra Malangia, and Dhirendra Premarshi. They all are incomparable in their respective genre.

In how many languages can you comfortably read and write?
Four: Maithili, Hindi, English, and Nepali. I can speak and understand Urdu as well, but I can’t write in it.

Among these, which is your preferred language?
Let’s say Maithili while speaking and English while writing.

Create a pool of international-level women athletes

Three ways to realize the vision:

1) Ensure government and corporate funding for every trail running event and trail runner in Nepal
2) Create general awareness of trail running sports and lobby the government to recognize trail running as a formal sport
3) Motivate youths especially women and fill them with passion through better provisions to pursue sports

I was born and brought up in a remote village in Bhojpur district. I don’t exactly remember but unknowingly running—scampering around my village, climbing trees and cliffs to gather fodder for cattle—had become a part of my life.

Born into a rural family dependent on subsistence agriculture, life was tough. I learned to work hard early on, and continue to push myself mentally and physically to this day.

I am keen to share the story of my struggle with my juniors and students, especially girls. Even with limited government support, I am doing what I can to build a solid platform for sports in Nepal. I am especially keen on developing ultra-trail running, my forte. My hope is that other athletes will be similarly inspired to work for the development of their own sports. Perhaps, in due course, I can help with the development of other sports as well. 

We can’t expect much from our government. Yet we can certainly lobby and work with government representatives to establish a better sporting culture in the country. Our beautiful country that is filled with hills and mountains is also blessed with a favorable climate for trail running. If only we could better manage our trails, Nepali trail runners could perform much better in international competitions.

Besides, I believe the corporate sector should also collaborate with and sponsor athletes. The field of sports is one of the most resource-intensive and players can never give the desired performance without the right investment. Proper gear, diet, and other facilities are a must to succeed.

In most countries, what I see is both the corporate and the governmental sectors facilitate players. I know we are a poor country and there are many constraints, but we must at least try to emulate them.

Right motivation is also important. Many Nepali athletes struggle to keep themselves motivated when they have to struggle just to put food on their table. I have myself been through a similar situation. When I was a child, I had to drop out of school and I used to carry rice on my back to earn my livelihood. It was an obstacle-filled road for me the whole way.

It was during the final years of the Maoist insurgency that I joined the rebel force. I was 14 at the time. I was determined to progress in life and support my family. Sports became a part of my life when I started taking part in various sporting activities the local Maoist groups organized. We used to play various sports. My journey started with karate, then I moved to football, volleyball, and then running. 

After the peace agreement between the government and the Maoists, I was labeled an ‘ineligible combatant’ and dismissed with Rs 10,000 in compensation. They said I was under-age. After that, I tried many things but was unsuccessful each time. I would probably have flown to Malaysia for foreign employment if not for my former karate teacher who motivated me to pursue running and to realize my potential. So, the point is, every athlete needs the right motivation and a certain pathway to success.

Mira Rai carrying Nepali flag and running towards the finish line at Mont Blanc Marathon 80km, Skyrunner World Series, France in 2015 | Salomon

As I always say, people should grab the opportunity when it comes knocking at their door. But many young talents across Nepal don’t know about sports and related opportunities. For this reason, in 2017, I started the Mira Rai Initiative to empower Nepali trail runners, especially females, and promote trail running as a mainstream adventure sport in the country.​

After I got a bit of recognition, I thought, why not use this fame for a good cause. I wanted to establish a non-governmental non-profit, and soon I started receiving donations from individuals and organizations. With the small amount of donation, I began by supporting three athletes with their diet, gears and resources, and training, enabling them to participate in international competitions.

The Mira Rai Initiative is now working with the Hong Kong Trail Running group to run an ‘Exchange and Empower’ program. The program gives a nine-month scholarship to young talented and passionate female trail runners from disadvantaged and marginalized backgrounds to pursue trail running sports and send them to international competitions. This program also provides them with a trekking guide license, as a sport career will not sustain them economically and support their livelihood. The overall goal is to empower these young women to become independent and pursue their dreams. Under this initiative, 10 female runners have successfully graduated and six have become national-level professional athletes. We ensure that all the runners we take have the wherewithal to follow their passion.

This year, we have collaborated with Shakti Samuha, from where we include one athlete who is a trafficked survivor. In the coming days, we want to be more inclusive focusing on LBTI from the queer community, but there is a long way ahead for this as there needs to be formal recognition of queer community in the sports arena itself. We want to remove the stigma queers and victims of human trafficking face, which, hopefully, will also help with their social rehabilitation.​

I have a vision for Nepal. The Mira Rai Initiative aims to create many more international-level women athletes within the next decade. This comes with making people aware about what trail running is, as many do not even know this sport. I wish people from all sectors join hands to provide a beautiful platform for all those talented women who would otherwise be locked inside their homes all their productive years.

Quick Questions:

Any specific reason you joined the Maoist insurgency?
I always wanted to leave my village and travel in search of new opportunities. The Maoists convinced me that they would open the doors for such opportunities. That was all that I wanted.

What was your first competitive running event?
It was the Himalayan Outdoor Festival, 2014. As part of the race, I ran 3,000 m without proper gear and shoes. Rain and hailstorm hit and 50 kilometers later, I was the only woman to complete the course.

How much have you run in competitive races to date?
It’s exactly 1,769 km.

Reduce wealth inequality among Nepali families

Three ways to realize the vision:

1) Increase tax on rental earnings such as dividends, inheritance, personal capital gain, and the like.
2) Create opportunities for community enterprises. Discourage multinationals from overshadowing local businesses and rendering them redundant.
3) Eradicate the existing patron-clientele politics. Establish the rule of law and practice good governance.

Time has come to rethink capitalism. The whole ideology is flawed in the contemporary world. We should evaluate the consequences of massive wealth inequalities in Nepal and all over the world. As societies, we have evolved dynamically from our past. So many issues such as gender roles and other forms of social injustices are being considered and solved collectively to make our society better. If you look back at the past 100 years, so many things have changed in our society.

But capitalism remains in its most primitive form. We still follow the ideology of wealth accumulation that has been passed on to us from the early human hunter-gatherer stage.

The thought process has not changed much. If it does not change soon, wealth inequality will reach its peak and we will have to face dire consequences. Time has come to seriously evaluate the consequences of massive wealth inequality. Over time, the class divide due to wealth will grow and all opportunities of wealth accumulation will be reserved for the privileged few. When this divide keeps increasing generation after generation, there will definitely be a disruption in the peace and harmony of our societies.

So, it is high time we start talking about wealth distribution in Nepal. Personally, I feel the government needs to tighten laws on rental and inheritance-based income in Nepal. I know this is against the very idea of capitalism, but this traditional thought is what we want to unsettle right now.

Rental income is unproductive and parasitical. Fundamentally, rent-seeking involves low risks or no risk at all and does not contribute much to the economy. It is not an actual income and just contributes to making the rich richer and the poor poorer. While some privileged people enjoy generational wealth, rent costs and the prospects of ownership gradually decrease for most others. The gap thus created will grow too huge to fill in the coming years. So, I think there should be a good amount of capital gain taxes on rental agreements and deals involving similar personal gains.

For a least developed country like Nepal, the medium for wealth creation must be redefined. We have to move back to the community instead of depending on multinationals. Take agriculture. We import over Rs 300 billion worth of agricultural products a year. This just shows that there are immense opportunities for commercial agriculture production, processing, and marketing, which will also create innumerable well-paid jobs. If we can industrialize agriculture people will have disposable income, which in turn could have a trickle-down effect on other trades and industries like personal care and entertainment.

We are too dependent on multinational companies right now. We need to get back to the community enterprise models to save our economy and maintain fair wealth distribution in the country. Let’s take aerated drinks. We send millions of rupees abroad to buy them. What if we were to substitute imported aerated drinks with something homegrown? It might turn out inferior but there’s also an equal possibility that it might turn out superior. In any case, once we can produce and sell something locally, we will be creating opportunities for wealth distribution within the country itself.

Consider some of our local restaurants and eateries such as Bajeko Sekuwa. These businesses started small in the community but are now opening chains around the country and giving tough competition to multinational companies. They are gaining traction and setting examples for other businesses to follow suit.

Multinational companies do not contribute much to the country’s economy besides giving a false sense of employment generation. The prices of some products appear to have decreased because of the multinational companies, but that is only at the micro level. The reality is, the multinational companies are reducing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and in the grander scheme of things, taking away billions from Nepal. They are also killing small community-based ‘mom and pop’ businesses and creating monopolies in certain industries. So, I think we should have stronger restrictions on multinational companies operating in Nepal and promote local enterprises.

This is only possible when we have a strong rule of law and good governance. The present patron-clientele political culture should be abolished. In a country where leaders reign over their parties till they die and their sustenance and earnings depend completely on politics, such a practice must be eradicated as well. Leadership should now be based on governing capacities and chair-holders of political parties should not be allowed more than two defined terms. Also, one person should not become prime minister or president for more than two terms.

For this to happen, we have to be more vocal. We can’t remain mute spectators anymore. Gone are the days when politicians used their cadres for information dissemination and brainwashed the general public. In the past, the system controlled all forms of communication and politicians used their cadres to get to people. This cadre-based political age is gone now.

Digital media is taking control away from the politicians and giving it to the common people. This is already bringing a lot of change in how people are selecting their leaders in other countries and I see this as a possibility in Nepal too. We need new platforms and new faces in Nepal.

Quick Questions

The biggest challenge for Nepal’s aviation industry today?
Bureaucracy and red-tapism. Some people in the bureaucracy with this egoistic mindset want to dominate the aviation industry. This mentality has to be fought against. 

Do you have political aspirations? 
For those who love their country and the society and are not happy with the current state of affairs, social work and politics would be an obvious choice. 

Could you name three of your favorite books?
I read a lot of books so choosing three would be difficult. But I find ‘Capital in the Twenty-First Century’ by Thomas Piketty insightful. If I have to name two more, they would be ‘The Difficulty of Being Good’ by Gurcharan Das and ‘The Third Pillar’ by Raghuram Rajan. Currently, I am reading ‘Capital and Ideology’, also by Piketty.

Establish a national culture of human rights 

Three ways to realize the vision:

1) Put into practice the constitutional guarantees concerning our rights.
2) Make the government realize and implement requisite legal provisions.
3) Intensify the momentum for justice for each and every individual.

Those who work for social justice always look at things from a grassroots level. There, you see how people’s basic rights are being violated in their daily life. To right these wrongs, we have to establish a culture of human rights and activism—which is still missing in Nepal.

There are human rights our constitution still needs to acknowledge, but to an extent, it has also guaranteed some rights. The problem is, seldom do we honor these rights. For example, our constitution guarantees no one will be subjected to any discrimination or injustice. Yet that is hardly the case in real life, and yet our society appears indifferent to this injustice. Sometimes I feel our society doesn’t want to accept the peaceful co-existence of its people.

Individual ignorance aside, our government also doesn’t look at these illegal activities closely and thus the culprits of social injustice go unpunished. Even our Prime Minister KP Oli, the executive head, often utters statements like, “The state can’t interfere in family problems.”

This is such a disgrace for all those, men or women, who experience discrimination, injustice, and violence in the family. For instance, you and your sister both know you are equals, but your parents don’t give your sister her share of fundamental rights. In that case, the state should interfere as the constitution guarantees that no one’s rights will be violated.

I am often reminded of the closing speech of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first president of India, in the Constituent Assembly in 1946. He had said, “Whatever the constitution may or may not provide, the welfare of the country will depend upon how the country is administered—that will depend upon the men who administer it.” If the elected people are capable and of high character and integrity, they can make the best even of a defective constitution. Yet that is hardly the case here.

A good thing is that a sort of a constitutional mechanism has started in Nepal, and the constitution itself is the biggest such mechanism. Our constitution is the ground by stepping on which we can ensure people’s rights and justice. The biggest challenge now is to ensure that the voices of a large segment of the society that had heretofore been marginalized are heard and their problems are addressed.

Even after the promulgation of the new constitution, the ruling class has been trying to deal with contemporary issues in a traditional manner. It feels like we are still in the phase of implementing the Muluki Ain under the Rana regime. Seldom do our politicians work for the underprivileged.

A large share of Nepalis doesn’t know anything about the constitution. As a democracy matures only when its citizens understand the constitution, we should prioritize their political and constitutional education.

The case of Rupa Sunar shows how discrimination and injustice prevail in our society. While discussing the case, some people on social media started saying we don’t need quota systems. We have started a culture of prejudice and it could in the long run hamper our society and the underprivileged community. That people are still advocating for injustice is a shame. Whenever you talk of the problems of the minorities, those in the majority always ask: Who are the minorities?

Despite all these problems, I think we have made a lot of progress. Our youths are more progressive than our generation and we have to rely on them for a better future. They need guidance to help them pick the right path, but I have no trust in our guardians i.e. the politicians.

This world is a global village and our youths should benefit from being a part of it. Also, earlier, only a limited group of people used to discuss social issues, but now every individual has started giving vent to their problems, which means they also have to over time discuss national issues. These concerns, debates, and discourses should be broadened as they help strengthen the society. Learning should never stop.

I respect each person who has chosen to stay in Nepal and is struggling with the challenges all around, even when they are surrounded by an uncertain future. Nepalis don’t need big things to be happy, they are satisfied with even small stuff and they are always hopeful. I too derive much optimism from this fact.

Quick Questions:

Can we consider the government failure to provide timely vaccines a human rights violation?
Of course it is a huge human rights violation. It is the state’s job to look after its citizens’ wellbeing but ours clearly isn’t doing that. Vaccines are a life-and-death issue and the government should be doing everything to procure them. 

What were your favorite lockdown reads ?
I re-read Prashant Jha’s Battles of the New Republic: A Contemporary History of Nepal and Sudheer Sharma’s Prayogsala.

A quote you live by?
“I’ve learned that the people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou