Hurray! Nepal Is A Secular Country
UWB Photo blog by Shruti Shrestha
Yes, amendments must be made in general knowledge books around the world. The world’s only Hindu Kingdom is a history now and people of Nepal, that country, are happy! Hindus are happy, Buddhists are happy, Muslims are happy, Christians are happy, people from different ethnic communities in Nepal are happy. As the parliament passed a historic resolution making Nepal a secular nation, celebrations started on the main street in front of Singha Durbar, the administrative center of Nepal, where parliament is located.
Look Who Is Smiling?
You can’t hide a smile: A Nepali woman from ethnic community smiles as she watches people celebrating in front of Singha Durbar after the parliament passed a historic resolution making Nepal a secular country.
People took out rally in front of Singha Durbar celebrating the secularism in Nepal
Making Their Voice Heard
Earlier in the day hundreds of people, many of them associated with different ethnic community, gathered in front of Singha Durbar with banners to pressurize the government to declare Nepal a secular country.
People putting flags over the statue of Prithvi Narayan Shah that was vandalized a day before while protesting against the government and parliament’s slow speed in declaring the parliament a supreme organization.
United We Blog 
Comments
321 responses to “No Religious Kingdom: Celebrating Secularism in Nepal”
ck2 over and out.
Nepal was secular state by nature but was being called as HINDU RASTRA, now no more. Up to this point it’s okay.
But if some groups try to undermine its traditional culture and try to impose unwanted changes, we are compelled to raise voice against it. So, our warnings are:
1. Do not attempt religious conversion.
2. Do not follow the policy of appeasement in the name of minority religion.
3. Do not take the test of Hindu-tolerance by offending its tradition. They know how to fight against any injustice.
Leaders, do not indulge in cheap politics of religion. It is a sensitive issue. Limit the change as Secular state in name only since we were secular already.
we are proud to be called nepali.but what is the point in breaking the statue of prithivinarayan shah, he united small kingdoms and made it a whole nepal and we were called nepali. there is no fault of the statue. they are just destroying our national heritage. stop destroying.all nepali live together in peace and prosperity.
jai nepal.
It seems the issue of declaration of ‘secular’ state has divided us. And perhaps, this is what the politicians want. What can be better issue than religion to create division among people? At least, this allows the SPA and Maoists to buy time and good excuse to do nothing.
Any day in future, the question of ethnicity may start. In any case, we have bandwagon of city-based activists raising slogans of dalits and other mukti morchas etc. It will be not surprising if whole new ball-game of reservation starts.
..the recent decision by the indian govt to reserve 50% of seats to backward classes for govt jobs and studies in technical colleges is making hard-working students and youth fight in a do or die situation.
Hinduism is a way of living.
Hindus and Buddhist do not confine to a single text or scriptures.
Yet, the question “Who is a Hindu?” is often raised. Some people define Hinduism on geographical basis, while
some others do so on the basis of system of worship and belief; there are
others who link Hinduism to ancient Indian culture. This controversy
about definition is unique to Hinduism. Other religions like Islam,
Christianity etc. are devoid of any such dispute since they are based on
one book. The belief in a sacred book is fundamental to such religions.
Anyone believing in the book is a follower while anyone not believing in
the book is an outsider to the religion. A Hindu is under no compulsion to
believe in any book or any prophet or even a single system of worship or
hall of worship. The freedom that a Hindu has makes it difficult to define
Hinduism.
One definition defines Hindu on geographical basis. It is said that the
word “Hindu” is derived from the word “Sindhu” based on the contention
that the aggressors from the Western side started calling persons living
near river Sindhu as Hindu. Geographical definition of Hindu treats every
person living in Indian sub-continent or having some emotional
attachment to the Indian sub-continent as a Hindu. If it is accepted that only a person living on Indian soil is Hindu, the problem
would arise about Hindu temples of Thailand. It is a well accepted fact
that at one time, Hindu religion and culture exerted strong influence on
the whole of Asia. If Hindu religion is based on devotion towards a block
of land, it is obvious that Hinduism cannot spread beyond that block of
land. If an appeal is made to the Hindus living across the world to be
devoted to the Indian soil, such an appeal can possibly serve some vested
interests but it will block the growth of Hindu religion.
Often attempts have been made to define Hinduism on the basis of some
beliefs and/or symbols. For example – Hindu is one who worships Ram;
Hindu is one who worships the cow; Hindu is one who worships Krishna;
Hindu is one who considers Ganges to be sacred; Hindu is one who
considers the plant of tulasi as sacred; Hindu is one who begins his
worship with OM. Each of these is a belief of a section of the Hindus. The examples of accepting contradictory actions and beliefs based on
different ground realities are too numerous to cite. There are Hindus who
are strictly vegetarians while there are others who are permitted to eat
meat. There are Hindus who fast on some days during the year while on
the same days there are Hindus who would eat meat and offer meat to
their family deities. There are Hindus who openly drink alcohol others who don’t even touch them.
There is no such name of the religion as Hindu.
It is Sanatan Dharma
(Courtesy of Anil Chawla; Samarth Bharat)
The decision made by the Nepali Sarkar was one that should be respected of yet the pronouncement was swift. The executive and the legislature along with the judiciary should have considered about the decision mutually. The reinstated parliament which expired 4 years back should be preparing for election so that the new government would make the decision on the states future as opposed to making it easier for them to stay in power by appealing to the minority voters. Soon holidays like Ramanavami, Janmasthami, Buddha jayanti might be cancelled. Christmas might replace it. Globalisation that we as a poor state want to be part of without knowing the effects and the consequences might lead to the vision that we don’t envisage of.
I have to agree with some of the comments made earlier that religious factions will be created and people will be created of a certain scale. This could lead to the rise of the right wing parties like the BJP, RSS and various others in India.
The question to ask here is “Isn’t the restored executive quickly making different important decisions without a thorough plan” the transition from a Hindu to a secular would have been smoother when nearly 85 percent of the populations were literate. Just like the Maoists right wing nationalists will use Hinduism as a tool in order to mobilise people after all more than 8.5/10 of people are Hindus. Who will suffer here? Well the minorities will suffer. The so called janajatis will suffer. Picchadiyeko community as named will not be getting extra seats in colleges and universities etc. among other privileges that the people from an unconventional Nepali background used to get will possibly be deprived.
Being secular is the way of Sanatan Dharma; being plural is accepting Dharma as the common good. Hence being secular in display is a positive achievement that the government has carried out; hopefully it follows accordingly with a smooth transition.
I apologise if readers are offended.
Mr. Kaushal,
Thanks for enlightening me… The issues you have raised reads logical, rational and pragmatic… However, people are moved by emotions, their fears, their hatred, or their love…
You know, as well as I do, politicians are more interested in seeking seat of power and they stop at nothing… India is a good example. Even when the politicians have ‘ensured’ the upliftment of various minorities and different religions, are they better off? Though the ‘secular’ state is in the Constitution, but has India truly achieved secularism? The voices are raised and so many appeasement policies are announced. But has the differences between the various religious groups have come down? In reality, you often hear one group or another bemoaning about given a ‘shoddy and unfair deal’ or ‘manipulated’.
What ultimately has achieved through ‘secularism’ turns out be never-ending playing field for politicians and deep distrust between various religious groups.
OH MY MY MY….WHY NOT ENVISIONED A ‘FREE & PROSPEROUS NEPAL’ PLS STOP QUARELLING ABOUT ‘JAATI AND DHARMA’. AREN’T WE NEPALI FIRST?
The Economies Of Cows
Socialism
You have 2 cows and you give one to your neighbour.
Communism
You have 2 cows. The Government takes both and gives
you some milk.
Fascism
You have 2 cows. The Government takes both and sells
you some milk.
Nazism
You have 2 cows. The Government takes both and shoots
you.
Bureaucracy
You have 2 cows. The Government takes both, shoots
one, milks the other
and throws the milk away.
Traditional Capitalism
You have two cows. You sell one and buy a bull. You
herd multiples, and the economy grows. You sell them
and retire on the income.
An American Corporation
You have two cows. You sell one, and force the other
to produce the milk of four cows. Later, you hire a
consultant to analyse why the cow dropped
dead.
A French Corporation
You have two cows. You go on strike because you want
three cows.
A Japanese Corporation
You have two cows. You redesign them so they are
one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce
twenty times the milk. You then create a clever cow
cartoon image called Cowkimon and market them
world-wide.
A German Corporation
You have two cows. You re-engineer them so they live
for 100 years, eat once a month and milk themselves.
An Italian Corporation
You have two cows, but you don’t know where they are.
You break for lunch.
A Russian Corporation
You have two cows. You count them and learn you have
5 cows. You count them again and learn you have 42
cows. You count them again and learn you have 2 cows.
You stop counting cows and open another bottle of
vodka.
A Swiss Corporation
You have 5,000 cows, none of which belong to you. You
charge others for storing them.
A Chinese Corporation
You have two cows. You have 300 people milking them.
You claim full employment, high bovine productivity,
and arrest the newsman who reported the numbers.
An Indian Corporation
You have two cows. You worship them.
An Irish Corporation
You have two cows. You claim government subsidies for
eight cows.
A British Corporation
You have two cows. Both are mad
Basanta,
I think you are a total IDIOT. You are equating declaration of secular nation as the Government taking your Hindu religion away. No one can take your culture and religion away. No one can take your faith away. Are you so shallow in your faith that you need a state to impose a religion on you?
Only thing the declaration does is to make Nepal more inclusive for minorities. And as far as I know, Nepal is a country of minorities. We have more ethnic minorities (some of them misclassified as Hindus), dalits (discriminated by Hindu religion), and non-Hindus than High caste Hindus, who derive their social status in Nepali society from the religion. This is not fair at all.
Just like a white man sees no racism in the US, a high caste Hindu sees no problem with the Hindu State. What about the non-Hindus, ethnic minorities, and dalits? As I have mentioned earlier, Nepal is a country of minorities and just because their voices do not make the mainstream media means that they should be neglected.
After reading most of the blogs. Some hindu didn’t like that decision coz they are not used to with it. Being secular doesn’t means now people will disrespecting hindu god or temple or people. Nepal was called hindu country because of king Mahendra before that there was not such thing.
Nepalese people will live in peace respect all religion.
WE don’t need to erase Pashupatinath temple or any temple from Coins, and Currency note because as being Nepali we all Love and Respect to those monument though all people doesn’t go there.
This debate about Nepal now becoming a secular state is so funny-because the raw prejudices of narrow minds have now been revealed. I just don’t understand the mindset of those who suddenly feel Hinduism is under threat. Try and put yourself in the shoes of the Buddhists or Animists. They make a substantial portion of the country. They never had a problem with Nepal being a ‘Hindu Kingdom’. But now that Nepal has been declared a secular state some Hindus seem to have a big problem. Hey remember people, Nepal has not become a Muslim/Buddhist/Christian state, it has merely declared itself ‘secular’. All religions to be equal. I did not know that the idea of equality
would scare so many people.
Nice cow economies! Thanks for an amusing post.
Shouldnt people be talking about how to end the CASTE SYSTEM instead of preaching about religion?
Are Nepalese racist/discriminatory to this extent that they ignore such implications of religion?
This debate about Nepal now becoming a secular state is so funny-because the raw prejudices of narrow minds have now been revealed.
Nothing has been revealed. It is pragmatic issue. People will realize but when it is too late. Tell me when was last time you talked like ‘you are hindu and I am buddhist’? As far as I know I celebrated buddha jayanti and my buddhist friends celebrated dashain… but this new declaration will bring ‘differences’ wait and watch.
Besides who is girija to declare nepal is no longer hindu rastra? People fought against king. People wanted democracy. Tell me how many people had problem with ‘hindu nation’ tag during revolution?
By changing name no equality comes. They have only snatched away the only hindu country in word without anyone even asking for it. Tell me who was unhappy with nepal being hindu country? was it buddhists(BTW most nepalese can be called both hindu as well as buddhist). was it muslims? (I remember them opposing remarks of PR tuladhar about cow-slaughter). Who had problem?
I still dont have problem if people vote for the change. I am only against the manner in which this change has been made.
Basanta,
I want my hindu country nepal where there has been no religious voilence and which is holy land of two finest religions in world hinduism and buddhism.
I will criticize even father of maoist if he/they try to take away this right of mine without having any referendum.
Questions for you,
1) If Nepal is a land of Hinduism and Buddhism, then why do we need to categorize ourselves as a Hindu State? Hindus may not take offence with this. But how do you know that Buddhists do not find this offensive?
2) You are proud that we do not have religious violence. However, don’t you think that the present violence that has claimed 14,000 lives may be related to High Caste Hindus discriminating ethnic minorities (some of them misclassified as Hindus) and lower caste hindus. Are you OK with this or do you want to change it?
3) I agree that we need to have referrendum. You have a right to practice your religion whatever it be. Who has taken away your right to practice Hinduism?
Really Basanta? To me you just seem like a petty fear mongering person. I have been reading posts on this blog for over two months now. I harldy saw a post of yours when more important issues like the actions of the Maoists, the Palace, the SPA, the misery of the ordinary people of Nepal were being discussed. But ever since Nepal was declared a secular state you have made more posts in two days then you did in two months.
I actually don’t care that much that Nepal has been declared a secular state-but if I am pressed on this issue I will say that it is a good thing. Now all Nepalis of all religions can at least feel that their religion enjoys equal status in the eyes of the state. Is this wrong.
And hey don’t go about claiming that non-Hindus were never discriminated in Nepal. How would you know?
Rai and another guy.
Why cant this issue be refered to constituent assembly? What emegergency was there to declare this? That is whole point.
And if you think it does not matter to anyone whether nepal is declared hindu country or secular country you are wrong. It matters to lot of people. And not only in nepal. Remember nepal is only one sorry was hindu country in whole world even though hinduism is third largest religion?
Rai, I cannot agree with you more…
….I just don’t understand the mindset of those who suddenly feel Hinduism is under threat. Try and put yourself in the shoes of the Buddhists or Animists. They make a substantial portion of the country. They never had a problem with Nepal being a ‘Hindu Kingdom’. But now that Nepal has been declared a secular state some Hindus seem to have a big problem……
hellow;
But now that Nepal has been declared a secular state some Hindus seem to have a big problem……
And why should they not have problem? Does the country not belong to hindus? Does no one need to consult people before making change of this magnitude?
What is my right as hindu in this matter? Was it necessary to club this change with removing powers of king?
Can you imagine what will happen if pakistan is declared secular country overnight? there will be civil war. But since hindus are tolerant… lets trample on their emotions and then ask them what right they have to speak out… funny logic… nothing can be more funnier.
Basanta, an advise for you. Please read the posts that you have been submitting since yesterday. Be truthful. For more or less a neutral like me you sound like a Shiv Sena sympathiser who is too embarrased to admit it.
I do agree with you on the CA deciding the matter-though it just seems like an excuse coming from you. However I thank the Nepali people for not being like you. Do you realise that if you were a Muslim, with that attitude of yours, you would probably me a member of the Taliban? You should learn from our Muslim Nepali friend Tajim who had a very sincere post yesterday.
In general Hinduism for me means tolerance-but you seem like a bad mutation-like the Shiv Sena and BJP in India.
Basanta,
As far as I know I celebrated buddha jayanti and my buddhist friends celebrated dashain… but this new declaration will bring ‘differences’ wait and watch.
How will the new declaration bring differences? If anything else, it will bring equality. Why do you need the state to back Hinduism for you to be comfortable with Buddhism? If you are this insecure about your religion, then you should question your faith.
Basanta, I quote you (from # 169)-‘Does the country not belong to hindus?’ Nuff said about your kind! Thank God most Nepali Hindus are not like this guy-otherwise we would have a bloodbath in this country.
Peace to all true Hindus, Animists, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Jains, Jews, Parsees, Agnostics and Atheists! Let goodness of heart and goodness of action always be your strength!
Basanta,
I agree with you that we need to test this in CA. However, I am happy that this has started a national debate.
As a Hindu, you have a right to practice your religion without anyone interference. That is all the right you have. You do not have any more right than this.
As to your another point about Nepal belonging to Hindus: Nepal belongs to Nepalis irrespective of Hindu, Buddhist, Animists, Christian, and Muslims. Nepali census unfairly categorizes many ethnic groups as Hindus. Also, many lower caste Hindus are also marginalized by the Hindu State. If you look at 2001 census, Brahmins and Chettris comprises of less than 30% of the population.
And about third point about Pakistan, it is irrelevant here.
well talking about nepal being declared as a secular state, i think that won’t affect any hindus but would make the people of other religion feel glad that they are atleast not living in a country which have “”HINDU COUNTRY”” written in its constitution.
that’s it!
Does the country not belong to hindus?’ Nuff said about your kind!
Such kind of declaration should not be made instead it should have been refered to CA. If you believe hindus also want secular country why fear? they will vote for it. And if everyone votes for it why will I cry here?
But I am 100% against giving right to girija and co to decide something that concerns the faith of huge proportion of neplese people.
I agree with Hellow on this point: “…now that Nepal has been declared a secular state some Hindus seem to have a big problem…… ” This is true that will bring problem in Nepal for sure especially the wide spreding of Muslim in Nepal,they are freely slaughtered cows,it is definately risk for the Nation against the Hindu,they will surely make it like Kasmir soon if let them do this. I myself never accept alien Muslims in Nepal are the originally born citizens. Please you guys must consider about this too. Read more about muslim here:”www dot faithfreedom dot com”
To Basanta
shut your trap Basanta. Do not hide your disgust behind the process the way it was declared as you say.
You look more disgusted just because Nepal is no more a only hindu contry in the world. No one around the world gives a crap if Nepal is the only hindu contry in the world or not. Come out of your cacoon. And your disgust and rage has blinded you to see the good part of it: equality to all the religion. And I know your argument would be there already was equality, for a dumb ass like you who spends all day posting stupid comments in this blog without knowing the ground realities would naturally seems Nepal was perfect under HINDU nation.
You say you have no problem celebrating Buddha jayanti, how thougtful of you. So do the millions of minorites have no problem celebrating Dasain and Tihar. You are happy as long as things are running in your terms.
You seem to be so worried about Nepal loosing its uniquness. If it is just the UNIQUENESS you are worried about, how about, out of 365 days, lets dedicate each 100 days as Hindu, Buddhits and Islam nation. no one can’t be as unique as this. But no you will have problem with this too coz you want nepal to be a HINDU contry.
And you seem to be constantly reminding everybody of impending voilance because of proclamation of Secular state. Well everyone seems to infact happy by the declaration. It is you and your HINDU cadre who is bitter and filled with hatred having lost your HiNDU nation. In fact we should be beware of YOUR TYPE.
You are not ready to be a citizen of NEW NEPAL, well you are welcome to hide in your cacoon. And I hope you stay there until your hatred turns you into an ugly caterpillar.
shut your trap Basanta. Do not hide your disgust behind the process the way it was declared as you say.
You look more disgusted just because Nepal is no more a only hindu contry in the world. No one around the world gives a crap if Nepal is the only hindu contry in the world or not.
Try to use civilized language. Yes I am unhappy about the declaration so what? does that justify the decleration. If yes then go and sing. why are you posting here and wasting your time?
Even if it is declared thru CA i will feel sad. What is bad about that? Do I have to take permission from some one to be sad? And the way this declaration has been done gives me valid points to oppose it. 100% valid point.
To my civilized friend Basanta!
Enlighten Us, What are your (100%) valid points?
My sympathy to you since you are sad. You are sad you can’t see a brighter picture.
Still waiting for your valid points.
Hey ugra_pundit, you sound like me! That’s scary. I am using a different name because some idiot keeps on posing as me. Respect to you brother!
But you know you won’t get any valid points from Basanta-he doesn’t have any.
What else can be more valid point than lack of mandate. was this issue raised during the revolution? did people want it?
Another valid point is that it was not ugently required as bringing army under control or parliament then why was it mixed up?
Nepali Corporation
You think you have two cows but in reality you don’t have any.
Guys, I’m an Upadhyay Brahmin and I’m the happiest person in the world right now. Call me self hating, but we long nosed types exploited the country for too long. And frankly, we aren’t even the indigenous people.
I mean, people of Mongoloid blood came to Nepal long before we did. And they didn’t have any of that ‘Hinduism’ crap with them. They were animists. Even Nepal’s Hinduism is more animist than most others. In many respects, you really can’t even call it ‘Hinduism’.
You know what I want? I want an end to this pundit-o-cracy. Every thing has to be blessed, etc, ect. Bullshit. Join the modern world.
And as for the Muslims, don’t worry. I don’t think most of them want to raise their profile in Nepal too much. Remember what happened after those 12 people were killed in Iraq? And that happened in IRAQ, five thousand kilometers away. Muslims know they will be at the receiving end of something major if they try to assert themselves too much, hence they won’t try.
Basanta dear!
You are blind as well as deaf, you contantly raise a question ‘was this (seculiarisim) a raised issue in Jana-andolan?’, may be not, but this has always been a issue since last 3 centuries since the unification of Nepal by Shah dynasty. And dividing the nation into ‘char-jat’ and ‘chattis barna’. May be you fall in one of the upper ‘jat’ so up that you fail to hear and see the out cry of the other two lower ‘jatis and chatis barna’ at the bottom. And you ask us shamelessly ‘was this the mandate of the people?’ For freaking last three centuries it has been the mandate of the people. Obviously if you keep sourrounded yourself by your types and blinded by the false honor, you would fail to see the MANDATE.
I am sorry mandate didn’t come as sweet and slow as you have expected it to come, but it came suddenly and took you by surprise that you even didn’t realize MANDATE had put a foot up your ass.
I am sorry for your hurting ass too.
You are blind as well as deaf, you contantly raise a question ‘was this (seculiarisim) a raised issue in Jana-andolan?’, may be not, but this has always been a issue since last 3 centuries since the unification of Nepal
Very clever but unconvincing attempt. You have yourself said that there was no mandate for this issue. History is not equivalent to mandate. Please look up the meaning of mandate if you have doubts comred
manan, you re-inforce my opinion that Nepalis, whatever ethnicity they come from, are basically good people. I should be a good judge because I was born in a foreign country and till I was 24 I was always amidst non-Nepalis-Chinese, Malay, British, Americans, Indians, French-you name it. It was a result of my father’s job and where my education took me. I only really started to realise what a Nepali is when I returned to my homeland when I turned 24 ( a long time ago!). I’m still learning. But despite all our shortcomings and our problems I would rather be a Nepali than any other nationality. Because I have never known more genuine ‘from the heart people’ then my fellow Nepalis. This does not mean that we should sweep all the dirt under the carpet-far from it. We should tackle our problems and our weaknesses head on-so that our country and people can enjoy a better life. There are many bad people amongst us and it is sad that because of the way of the world these bad people have always held power over the majority of the good people and ruined the country and subjected our lot to a miserable existence. But my faith in the goodness of our Nepalipan has always remained, though it has been shaken often. Now I see before my eyes my dream slowly coming true- Nepalis finally becoming free and working towards what they deserve-peace and prosperity. There are dark shadows lurking ofcourse-such as the reactionary royalists, the militant Maoists and the religious/racist/casteist bigots amongst us. We have also been cursed with corrupt and inefficient leaders. But I have faith that we will overcome these weaknesses-it will be a long struggle. But with the majority of Nepalis having found strength in our unity and now a voice to express our dreams I am filled with more hope than ever that we are on the right road to our collective dreams.
Let’s shed all our remaining prejudices and weaknesses-though this might cause short term pain-and march together to the better future we truly deserve.
Basnata dear again!
What a pathetic attempt to lable me ‘comred’. I am not driven by any political ideology, so don’t even try to lable me.
Yes I do know the meaning of MANDATE. That is your whole problem, you choose to ignore history of past 300 years and only focus in last few days of ‘Jana-andolan’ and make a lame agrument there was no WRITTEN MANDATE of people for secularism.
Why would it be there at all, when the moblizing top bunch controlling the andolan was of YOUR TYPE who dearly loved the notion of only HINDU kingdom. And they pissed in thier pants what would happen if those minorities are not addressed in the new refrendum.
So it was the silent MANDATE that made them piss in their pants.
I say there was silent MANDATE to kill all missionaries? will you agree with me?
Dont makes statements outa your ass. There was not mandate. Girijababu did not ask anyone about it. It was prachandas plan. And now prachanda decides whom I should worship and whom I should not…. what a joke of freedom and democracy.
The 20th century leader I respect most, Kemal Ataturk of Turkey, had the guts to completely do away with the past norms and instill in his country modernity. He even changed the written script to a Latin based one.
That’s what we need to do in Nepal. The past and its stupid baggage we need to do away with. Our Shah Kings are like the Ottomans of Turkey were, corrupt, stupid and superstitious. And Ataturk made Turkey a secular country from a deeply Muslim one, so I don’t see why you can’t do that here.
Basanta, the more you post the more you expose your stupidness. Again to quote you -“And now prachanda decides whom I should worship and whom I should not…. what a joke of freedom and democracy.” Do you even know what secularism means? Basanta you are just explaining to us what an idiot you are everytime you hit the keyboards! Go ahead, make my day!
Basanta again!
Such a voilent thuoughts. Kill people. YOu need to take some therapay my friend.
It’s your insecurity that makes you think all funny things that Prachanda told Girja to proclaim the secluare state and now you are piss scared prachanda is going to tell you who to worship and whatever.
you are utterly confused since you have mistaken your sprituality with your religion and politics.
you are schizophrenic take some medication.
There was no mandate for declaring nepal secular.
There was no mandate for declaring nepal secular.
There was no mandate for declaring nepal secular.
Basantaji,
It looks like you are writing directly from your heart. You are not wrong in doing so. But what is your fear about when a secular state i.e. the name takes over. India is a secular state or is it? USA is a secular state or is it? Pakistan is a secular state or is it? Sri Lanka is a secular state or is it? Malaysia is a secular state or is it? The European Union is secular or is it just a bunch of Christian country club fearing from Turkey’s application to the EU. Is Turkey less secular or more secular?
Secularity just like sovereignty is a notion, and idea that has prevailed to be another predicament in the new world order. The Ram janam Bhumi issue, Buddhist monuments in Afghanistan bombed, the islamophobic foreign policy by the north hemisphere, the killing of Muslims in Yugoslavia, Chechen struggle, Palestinian struggle = Israeli domination, the faction between Northern and southern Sudan, Tamils and Singhalese fight. Apart form Afghanistan all these countries I mentioned are secular official.
Politics is something very unique. Man is by nature a political animal as Aristotle mentions. Is the Nepal government trying to sound good by declaring a secular state? Or does it have its own consideration behind it? Appealing to minority voters or is it trying to appeal to the Maoists who supposedly are non religious. Does it really mean what it says? Making Nepal secular could mean that the minorities might be neglected and extra privilege that they have now might be scrapped as all are equal. Would this change an ordinary persons sentiment to the issue.
As a Hindu kingdom, Nepal neglected the extra protection to the Islamic families during the Iraq Kidnappings 2004. Now didn’t the government have its own decisions, priorities or even benefits?
Why are people so saddened by the notion of something that isn’t there physically? Is it something that the sanatan dharma not sampradayik open to all even they’re part of it or not which principally talks about DHARMA (which doesn’t mean religion) would be lost. Basantaji, the greatness of living your life according to DHARMA; This is Sanatan Dharma. The way of practicing is different but the greatness about the people who fall under the so called Hindu bracket consider Buddha as their own lord. Am I not true? It is this sanatan Dharma which is also known as polytheism to a Philosophical scholar. Taking something like the Hindu Kingdom which wasn’t there in the first place shouldn’t be hard to digest for a intellectual like you.
Hopefully this transition goes ahead smoothly. Yes definitely as we know there will be more right wing political activities happening. But the majority of Nepali i.e. the Hindus respect other faiths if somebody wants to narrow it out like that. Tolerance creates Prejudice. Respect creates ahimsa and hopefully peace.
Sorry if any offence caused.
Woooooow What a debate going on.
Basanta i want to tell you that Nepal was decleared Hindu Kingdom by King Mahendra. Then he didn’t took peoples mandate. Many other laws were passed (without mandate)which were in not favour of democratic Nepal, Hindu Kingdom is one of them. King Mahendra decleared himself Hindu King coz he needed some identification by doing that he had support from some powerful groups.
Before that it was Ranas who forced Buddhist Monks (8 of them) out of the country. Its the autocratic people who decleared Nepal Hindu country and took benefit from it. Its just in constitution things have changed but the respect we have for every religion is same and now even More
ugra_pundit, you are right. This Basanta person needs medication-NOW!
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Basanta,
Go take your crap elsewhere. Slit your wrists if you’re so angry or sad, but please, spare us your idiocy.
Basanta,
A question for you? Who gave mandate for Nepal to be a Hindu State? Did we ever have a referendum to call it a Hindu State? Who gave permission to say Nepal as a Hindu State in the constitution?
Leaders I respect most(in random order) :-
1. Lincoln-was under no real pressure to abolish slavery but did so as a matter of princple. Went to war with fellow Americans for it.
2. Gandhi-abused by white racists all his student life but when his word was accepted by the rest of India as a command chose non-violence instead. Did his best to keep Hindus and Muslims from killing each other and tried to remove the problem of untouchability.
3. Mandela-Imprisoned for 27 years by white racists. Yet when he was released after pressure from the international community showed no bitterness towards them and led the country to a bright multi-racial future.
Is that guy basanta for real my god.
He is the right candidate for joining extremist group like shivasena.
For Nepal things are still very delicate we should not rush to the conclusion and be very careful with extremist.