Anytime Facebook decides to change its settings I always expect a handful of statuses about how much the new Facebook “sucks” and how the new setting deserves a “huge dislike”. With all the complaining that happens, I find it amusing that there seems to be no decrease in FB activity. So my conclusion is this – people just don’t like change.
Humans, by nature, are creatures that seek comfort, and usually this comfort translates into what we’re used to. On an everyday basis, the argument used is, “Things that have always been done this way,” and in Nepal, we are no different. Yet, when we’re at the crux of change, and we’ve all dubbed this as Nepal’s “transitional period” the nation as a whole should be opening its arms to a new direction and destination for us.
Besides bringing in a new constitution that will dictate the future of Nepal on a official and state level, the citizens of this once peaceful nation forget that change doesn’t come just from the structure in Baneshwor that shook with fear during the earthquake. Change comes from us – we need to alter our mentality.
I cannot discredit the efforts that are being made – organizations (big and small), rallies, and even Facebook groups are advocating for a newer Nepal that believes in and implements the basic idea of equality. Ethnic groups, race, gender, sexual orientation, language, food, customs, religion – we’re to be brought on a equal and stable platform.
And yet, stories of girls being put under a cultural house arrest while boys attend boarding schools, tales of hate crimes against gay men and women, family shunning over inter-caste marriages are as common as the complaints against the government. And this, to me, says that people are reluctant to let the new come in.
It’s clear, however, that change is necessary. A quick look at the state of the country it’s painfully obvious that our old systems and means are far from satisfactory. Change in this situation means an upgrade, we want improvement.
Though the CA is slow in giving us a constitution, they have taken a mammoth task upon themselves, and seeing as this document veers the direction the nation will take – I’d be happy not to rush them. But there are there, men and women of different backgrounds, of different agendas, are fighting for something – a better Nepal.
Sure there might be a few seeking personal gain, but overall, everyone is aching and longing for peace and stability. No one wants a country that is starving, that is losing its capable youth, and that is wallowing in poverty. But, we’re so poor in thought.
If families stopped sticking their nose up at those that are of a lower caste, we could work together for growth instead of limiting one to being a priest or a sweeper. If we took responsibility upon ourselves to clean up our streets instead of blaming the government for Nepal being so dirty, we’d bring change. If we shared instead of stealing, we’d be able to sustain ourselves better… especially since at the end of the day, we’re just stealing from ourselves.
Simple things – not using your mama ko saathi ko jwai to get a job done but staying in line, not offering “chhiya kharcha” to the traffic police when you’re in the wrong, not dumping your trash in your neighbor’s yard – we can all do our part.
People always fight change, but eventually, everyone is back to happily “like”ing pictures and updating photo albums and statuses. Acceptance would be nice.
Saani has no real goals and aspirations but she sees opportunity in everything and goes with the flow. This is probably because she loves exploring and discovering. She writes for fun but for the same reason she also cooks, reads, and spends a lot of time on random websites that offer a chance to learn all sorts of tid-bits on life!