Rhetorics of Yadav and others aside, Tharus were/are not the only indigenous inhabitants of Nepali Madhesh. Tharus mostly occupy the Western Terai; and then there are Bhojpuris, and, most importantly, Maithilis in the East. Ancient Maithili Kingdom was well-known to have flourished both politically and culturally in their times. Janaki Mandir is a prime example of fine ancient Maithili architecture. That said, historical facts aside, we cannot deny that blatant and loathsome prejudice against the Madhesis still exists in Nepal. Whopping 40% of the Nepali population is Madhesis; and where are they in thenational political/social structure? In the army? In the police? In the beaureaucracy? As children, were we not told to stay away from the "Madsya" because they would kidnap us, cut our arms and legs and force us to beg in the streets of India? exceptions aside, was it not the general attitude of the Pahadi populace to blatantly disgrace the paan-walaas, the riksha walaas, the sabji walaas, the khaali sisi walaas, and other street vendors simply because most of them "looked like" Indians? Forget the attitudes, vast majority of them aren't even granted the citizenship, which obviously precludes them from any services that the state can offer it's citizens. As one Madhesi friend of mine put it eloquently, "You Pahadis must recognize us as humans first before you can even begin to talk about compromises -- you cannot engage in talks with sub-humans." I say, disturbing rhetorics of Madhesi groups, and some similar actions, are not helpful. However, if we are to bring an end to those separatist sentiments being entertained by possibly opportunist Madhesi individuals, then we must begin to recognize the Madhesi populace at large as equal human beings. Pride of a nation cannot be enforced -- it would be a farce even if attempted -- it should be nurtured in each and every of the citizens of a country. That can only be done by making them feel unequivocally equal to the rest of the citizens.