I am Bahun by birth, but have rejected the caste system. Everyone is equal, and there is no such thing as one jaat being more superior than another. Like Prithivi Narayan Shah said: Nepal chaar barna ra chattis jaati ko sajha fulbari ho. The leaders that emerged out of the struggle against the corrupt Rana regime ended up being corrupt as well. However, it does not make sense to blame an entire group of people for the incredulities of a few thugs and corrupt politicians.

Having a president, not to mention the first president, of a newly formed republic come from a group of people that have been traditionally been oppressed is something to be proud of. When I heard Mr. Yadav became president, I bought candy and distributed it throughout the office. It is something to be proud of. The United States eliminated slavery in 1865, and in the 1960s had great movements for equal rights. After so many years of struggle, someone colored has finally raised up to run for president of the United States. It took the United States more than 200 years to be this progressive. Nepal took 52 days. That's something baffling to a lot of people.

The man was born in Nepal. He fought for Nepali democracy in 2040 B.S. His ethnicity does not matter. He has equal provisions to be president of Nepal.

We need to forget about racial and ethnic differences and work together as Nepalis. We are first and foremost Nepali, and that's what we must embrace.