Nepal: Nationalism/Patriotism Revisited

- Govinda Neupane

The Nepali state had the base of 'nationalism' in the attributes as defined by the Shah rulers. These 'national' attributes included Shah-Khasa monarchy and their crown, Hindu religion and Khasa language and culture including the dress code. Their core nationality as Nepali was none other than the Khasa. Moreover, feeling of super bravery was also emotionally blended with the attributes mentioned above. Sometimes, Khukri (super knife), Mount Everest, cow, rhododendron and a few 'national' heroes were also used to boost the feeling of 'nationalism'. The theme of 'nationalism' during the Panchayat era (1960-1990) was "Our king and our country are dearer than our lives! Our language and our culture also are dearer than our lives!" This whole foundation of Khasa nationalism collapsed together with the collapse of the monarchy. The nationalism defined, nurtured and defended by the Khasa rulers also crumbled down.

Now, there is a new Nepal or a less known Nepal in regard to the collective identity of its people. What is the distinctiveness that keeps us together? Hence, an intellectually enriching debate is necessary to dig out practically relevant attributes, which provide a differently defined identity to us. These attributes are nothing other than the elements, which connect people in Nepal together and provide the collective Nepali identity. Is it nationalism or something else?

Nationalism is the collective feeling of love and loyalty of the citizens of a nation-state to their nation-state. But, Nepal was not a nation-state and it is not a nation-state even today. Nepal is a state of many nationalities. This state is multicultural and is different than the nation-states of post Second World War Europe. Therefore, in today's Nepal, not nationalism but patriotism will provide the common bond of unity in diversity. Mark, a blogger-commentator says, "Patriotism, in practice, is standing up for a shared way of life" (www. BryanAppleyard.com).

Patriotism in the context of Nepali state and its people is neither the love of a particular language nor compassion for a definite culture. Similarly, it could not revolve around a particular nationality. The same is applicable in regard to religion and customs. We are diverse. Therefore, diversity is the principle spout from where our patriotism sprinkles out.

Certainly, Nepali flag is one esteemed vehicle to show our respect to Nepal, love to Nepal and loyalty to Nepal. This is the most important symbol of Nepali identity. Similarly, the national anthem could be the other major binding factor. There are natural, historical or heritage sites, which make us proud. This is the third attribute that makes Nepali identity glittering. These sites include Mt. Everest, Lumbini, Mithila and the art as well as culture-rich Kathmandu valley. The fourth is the Nepali land mass that puts together the southern food basket, panoramic and horticulture friendly hill areas and the majestic mountains from where rivers flow and Nepali lifeline begins. The fifth is the galaxy of our heroes and heroines. The most prominent among them are Gautam Buddha, Balabahu (Arniko), Bhimsen Thapa, Lakhan Thapa Magar, Laxmi Prasad Devkota, Durgananda Jha, Ram Prasad Rai, Parijat and Pasang Lhamu Sherpa. The sixth is our multicultural social fabric - the rainbow of cultures of the smiling people of Nepal.

With the fusion of all the attributes mentioned above; we could sense the greatness of love and compassion that encompasses us as individuals, nationalities and regions. This profound feeling of oneness pervades entire Nepal. It captures the images of land, forest, rivers, snow-covered peaks and people of several distinct cultures and customs as one wonderful object. This is all inclusive, bright and eternal. This is patriotism of serene nature. And, this is the patriotism of enlightened people. Everybody, particularly our giant neighbors should understand that that serenity and enlightenment are neither the symptoms of inaction nor tolerance to injustice and subjugation. With this gentle reminder, we, the proud and enterprising Nepali people wish to live in harmony with nature and with neighbors.

August 13, 2008