pat, Why dont you give me an example from where the "state sanctioned" religion benefited a specific caste or class. The royals had benefited from being in power, simply being in power -religion has nothing to do with it. The royals should be excluded from the discussion simply because if they are included it will skew the results. Lets go down to the peoples level you and me. Did it ever benefit me or anyone I know from Nepal being a hindu state? Heck No. It does not have any practical implications other than killing a cow and the missionaries, nothing more. The missionaries have been in business in Nepal for a very long time, even though there were laws against it. Do I oppose peoples right to choose the religion they want? NO. Do I have a problem when the missionaries try to convert? May be but not a major concern. I have a big problem when they forcefully trick people into their religion. I have no problem when people change religion, change faith. I respect that. Nepali culture in itself is "secular". I know many families who hold contrasting beliefs from one another but they live lovingly together. Why was there a need to be a secular state? Now? It is not because people wanted it, or people have anything to do with it. If secularism is what people want - I respect that. But where is the mandate? I have many friends from different faiths and I respect them and they respect my sentiments. It has nothing to do with anything else. I have no problem with your "labels" pleas feel free to call me what ever you want. Dont worry people in Nepal will start showing their dissatisfaction about being secular. Right now they are too concerned and confused about the whole situation. I have heard so many angry comments about it already, its coming! People like you are psyched by idea of change, any idea and accept just because it sounds cool and do not understand the consequences or do not care to understand consequences. It is called modern day pseudo-intellectualism. One day you will start searching your identity; your own family history/heritage then you will come to understand; regardless of your caste, type of faith or lack of it.