HR activist, Nepal
Dr. Ram Dayal Rakesh is a soft spoken but highly qualified academician of this country. He has several books to his credit. Mainly he writes on culture and tradition and thus his books are widely read both within and without.
He has also served the HR Commission for a brief period. He appears pained looking at the dishonesty being exhibited by some Madhesi leaders towards Madhesh or say Terai.
Last week, we approached this suave intellectual for a brief interview to which he agreed. Thanks Dr. Rakesh. Below the results: Editor.
Question 1: The country’s politics is in a very dangerous state and it appears that soon some sort of hurricane will grip the nation. How you see the emerging scenario? What went wrong with our national politics? Who should be held responsible and made accountable? As a senior and academic national of this country, what you would suggest to our leaders in order to avert the crisis that is already looming large over the Nepali Sky? Dr. Rakesh your comments please.
Dr. Rakesh: Let us start with the saying of Jonathan Swift that politics, as the word is commonly understood, is nothing but corruption. You are quite right that present political scenario is very dangerous and we all are equally responsible for this. The politicians are especially responsible for this catastrophe in the country. There is the mushroom growth of mediocre politicians from village to the central level who are engaged in political gossip over a cup of tea right from morning to the evening. Most of the politicians are corrupt. Their main motto is to mint money and make merry. They are dishonest. They are morally and intellectually bankrupt. So they think less for their country and more for their own personal wellbeing. There is the acute dearth of Statesmen. You know the difference between politicians and statesmen. Politicians think about the next election where as Statesmen think about the next generation. Not a single politician has become a Statesman in this country up till now. I think this is the root cause of the present political crisis.
Question 2: We beamingly entered into the republican order some two years ago. We have also adopted the practice federal system in the country. However, some critics of federal order claim that such an order may disintegrate the country. Is there any basis in such claims? What you think of the federal order? Your opinions please
Dr. Rakesh: Federalism is the genuine aspiration of the general people of this country. It is unfortunate that some leaders, some lawyers and some constitution experts are opposing federalism. It is-the federal model-working successfully in many countries of the world. I am in favor of federalism and I have fully supported it in my book entitled MURDER OF MADHESH. It will not disintegrate the country. If it is not adopted then the country will be on the verge of division.
Question 3: It is widely rumored that the political space of India in Nepal has slipped out from the Indian hands and has gone to the fold of the EU and the US.
Do you such a penetration of the EU-US combine bode well for this nation or it is just desirable? Your comments please Dr. Rakesh please.
Dr. Rakesh: You are right to some extent but it is wrong to say that the political space of India has completely slipped out from the Indian hands and has gone to the hold of the EU and the U.S. It is a temporary political development. I hope India will regain its image in the days to come because Nepal is culturally, socially and politically more close to India. So this is quite possible. The penetration of the E.U and the U.S. is also welcoming.
Question 4: We understand Dr. Rakesh that you have been working for ensuring or say securing minority rights. How much gains you have achieved in this regard so far? Also tell us the HR situation prevailing in the country as of now? However, do not forget that those who are associated with HR groups in Nepal are supposed to earn green dollars.
Dr. Rakesh: I am working for ensuring minority rights for last couple of years because they have been deprived of their fundamental rights for last so many centuries. MINORITY RIGHTS cover protection of existence, protection from discrimination and persecution, protection and promotion of identity, and participation in political life. Now other backward class (O.B.C.) are fighting for their basic rights but the government is not paying due attention towards it. It is a matter of great regret. The situation of HR is alarming in the country. It is deteriorating day by day. Abduction, extortion of money, murder, robbery and theft has become the fashion of the day. There is no good relation between NHRC-Nepal Human Rights Commission- OFFICIALS AND STAFF. They blame each other. Moreover, they have no good relation with other U.N Agencies working in this field as well.
Question 5: Now let’s talk of Madhesh/Terai. What is the real problem in Madhesh and what the government has already agreed to grant the Madhesi leaders but not acted upon what had been agreed to? It is also said that some Madhesi leaders are themselves not interested in the affairs of Madhesh? What say you in this regards? But keep in mind that currently the Madhesi parties have split into several splinters?
Dr. Rakesh: Madhesis everywhere are quietly religious, culturally open and ideologically republican but the Madhesi .leaders are very shrewd, selfish and dishonest to their own people. They use them as vote bank and forget them-the people- after elections. They do nothing for them while being in power but when they are out of power they remember them like God. On top of that they are opportunists and always hanker after money. They always look for the posts of profit for their henchmen. They have also caste feelings among themselves. This is the urgent need of today that they should be united under one umbrella and forget their partisan interests. ONLY THEN they can achieve their final goal.
NOTE : Source http://www.telegraphnepal.
