No need to day what dire situation Nepal is facing. The agitation for restoring for democracy is being fought all over again, a déja vue of 1989. How many times are we going to wage this war to join the free, democratic nations? In the current situation and for the future well-being of Nepal and the Nepalese, there is no viable alternative to being a democratic society. The shackles of feudalism and authoritarianism has to be broken if we are to have any future worth living for.

The problem for democratic future remains three-fold.

First, Nepalese people are still mired in culture that is not conducive to democratic governance to begin with. Hierarchy, inequality, illiteracy, poverty all make functioning of a smooth democracy difficult. We witnessed the bumbling of the democratic system till it was wiped out, a la 2017.

Second, the political leaders lack imagination and vision to lead the nation into 21st century. Leaders like Girija and MakuNe do not have the ability to steer Nepal in the new century. The old guards have to be removed along with any vestige of dictatorial rulers. My observation is that whoever comes to power makes the other side look better. Democratic leaders make King look better, and the king after sitting at the helm, has made the incompetent leaders look good. In fact, none of them possess the leadership skills to move Nepal forward.

Third, even the international community seems to believe that future for Nepal lies in with the so called “constitutional forces.” That we should not tolerate. They want to prescribe to us what is best for us. They undermine our ability to be a democratic nation on our own. But, we cannot fight this war for democracy over and over. Keeping the royal family at the helm, ceremonial or what not, mounts to keeping “an astin ka shap” only to strike again.

Even though all alternatives look bleak, it is still advisable to live under democracy than being treated like a subject by royals who believe they are above the law. If we do not get rid of them now, it will always be there like a sword of Damocles. If we are to be a democratic nation, we have to embrace democracy with full force. Granted, there will be growing pains. There will be missteps. There will be abuses. But the people have to learn from the mistakes as should the new emerging youthful leaders and the nation as we chart the waters of new frontiers sans the shackles of feudal royals. It will not be easy as history has amply demonstrated. But the process cannot be curtailed like it was done on February 1.

We have to grow up. The only way is to dive into the water. We might thrash in the water gasping for breath, but otherwise we will never learn to swim in the waters of democratic governance. The failed political leadership of the old guard will be replaced by the new blood once we take a bold new step to the only future any human deserves—to live in freedom and make one’s own destiny.