There is a feeling of disillusionment within the youth, and yet at the same time there are those that see hope in both their own futures and that of the nation.[break]
From their views on the brain-drain situation to the opportunities that await them in their post-academic lives, there is a clear sense of bewilderment and divide in our young populations thoughts. One meeting with some of these young hearts was enough to realize that like that of the rest of this nation´s population, they are baffled as to what steps to take, what is in their best interest, and the interest of the country as a whole.
The overwhelming out flux of students abroad seems to be a real topic of interest to these youths. While some argued for the necessity of education abroad, and also sympathized with the logic of settling abroad, there were those that see the importance of an education overseas, but see an immediate need for those abroad to come home and start taking some action. "I see the need for us to go abroad and acquire an education, but it´s vital that we come back. And I know that I will," said Anubrat Prasai, a 17 year old pursuing his A levels from GEMS school.
An apparent sense of disapproval came from others. Namgyal Ngodup and Sonam Karma Thakuri, both 21 year old BA students at People´s Campus and Universal College respectively were of the opinion that there are simply no opportunities in Nepal, and it is completely understandable that people travel abroad, never to turn back. And thus the conversation persisted, with an outright yet polite disagreement and debate.
Clockwise: Abeeshu Dhungana, Ajashra Dhungana, Anubrat Prasai, Kalpana Shrestha, Subina Shrestha, Nyamgyal Ngodup & Karma Sonam Thakuri.Photo: Pravat J Gurung
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A general feeling was amidst that regardless of whether people chose to stay abroad or make the journey back home, there was ample reason to leave this country.
"The politicians are not doing anything, they are not allowing anything to happen here, so what´s the point in staying?" voiced Ajashra Dhungana, An 18 year old A-level student at
Orient College. But what use is this blame game? According to Subina Shrestha, blaming the politicians is really just a waste of time. "Well, what have we done? What can we do?" she asserted.
It is not a matter of whether the politicians of the country are delivering or not, and while this was apparent to some, others were hesitant to accept that if change is going to come, it cannot be in the hands of the politicians solely. The discussion moved forward toward the opportunities that are present and available and what the youth can do to bring the change they wish to see. There was a talk of Gandhi and his leadership, and change starting from the individual mind and moving outward.
"The politicians are sick, every single one of them and there is no point in believing them," said Kalpana Shrestha, 20, of Universal College. "But the problem is that nothing is happening from our side because many of us are leaving before we can even begin to contribute anything to this society," rebutted Abeeshu Dhungana, the youngest in the group, having only just finished his SLC from Budhanilkantha school.
It´s no secret that the government is not meeting our needs, but if they are not, then it is our responsibilities to make ourselves capable of making things happen here, added Anubrat abruptly. And to this statement, there was no rebuttal. There was consensus on the fact that awareness is no longer an issue, if anything there is over awareness amongst these urban youth. But the issue seemed to be that the awareness is not manifesting itself into any form of action. Again, there is no argument here.
The discussion ended on the note that certainly something needed to be done. But by whom and how is still a mystery. While some think that it´s now the time for Nepal´s youth to act and take leadership, some think it´s not possible unless there is a firm and strong leadership in the country.
However, the stark awareness of these youngsters of today´s crisis is evident and so is the need for action. And while some are waiting for leaders to reveal themselves, others are headstrong and confident that it really just starts with small steps and personal development.
Other development will come gradually, it all will just take some time, they all agreed. In the meantime, the sentiment reflected that working toward changing one thing at a time is certainly a step in the right direction.
