Welcome to the secular Nepal where being Nepali is the true religion. Now extremists should stop politicizing religion.
By Deepak Adhikari
Nepal became another secular state at a time when fundamentalism is growing in different parts of the planet. But, this oldest nation state of South Asia has a history of harmony that is rarely found in the world. Christians in neighboring India decode Brown’s Da Vinci Code as blasphemous. Srilanka is ravaged by communal violence. Minority Hindus and Christians are suppressed in Pakistan. But Nepal has remain a safe haven for people of different faiths.
Professor Lokraj Baral writes in his book Rajtantra Ki Loktantra (Monarchy or Democracy?): “The foundation of Nepali state was on the basis of four castes and 36 colors as propounded by late Prithvi Narayan Shah. This made the monarchy very rigid as a source of power. The constitution of 2015 (1959), however, was secular. But, that too mentioned king as Hindu. After the coup by king Mahendra in 2017, the systematic discrimination on the basis of religion began.” (article continues after the box)
I am a Hindu BUT…
By Dinesh Wagle
In my recent trip to the United States, I faced one question that I found quite difficult to answer in a single word. “What’s your religion?” was one question people would ask me at one point of the conversation. But I never asked them what their religion was. “I am a Hindu,” I used to reply but not without adding a few words to explain the answer. “BUT only when it comes at filling out forms.” Then I tried to tell the questioner what I had written in my personal web site nearly four years ago under the title “Belief in the God“:I follow Hindu traditions because I was born and raised in a family which considers Hindu as the religion, tradition and the culture. I am more than a liberal when it comes to religion. I equally respect other religions and think there is only one God. Yes, be it Christ or Shiva; Vishnu or Buddha or Muhammad.
What I think is respecting other’s religion is a RELIGION itself. Secularism is a way of respecting each other’s religion. Every individual has right to practice religion of his/her choice. And the state shouldn’t give priority to one religion over the other. Religion and politics should be kept separate. Religions shouldn’t dictate politics. The difference between India and Nepal is that we have comparatively tolerant religious tradition. Our Hindus and Muslims or Christians are more assimilated with each other than people with different faith in other countries.
There is a big hue and cry over the recent Parliament Proclamation that declared Nepal a secular state. There is no more the ‘world’s only Hindu kingdom’ title before or after Nepal. This is indeed a good decision because many people in the country were fighting for religious equality in Nepal. Majority of people in Nepal are traditionally Hindu and this situation will remain for centuries to come. There is no reason to relate the threat to Hindu religion to the declaration of secularism. Nepal is very different from other countries of the world because we haven’t have religions problems. We have now the challenge to contain those religious fundamentalists who are trying to fish in the dirty water by raising the voices like making Nepal a secular state is equal to pushing the Hindu religions to the edge.
The continuation of Nepal as Hindu kingdom is redundant now. To emphasize one religion means to minimize others. Hindu religion doesn’t preach disrespect to other religion, but teaches not to discriminate any one on the basis of religion. If to be Hindu is a matter of pride, other religious groups or even the atheists should be equally respected. To do so, the state should not be aligned to any religion. State should be devoid of religion. Rather, it should be directed by the politics of people’s aspirations.
Nepal has a history of people adhering to multiple faiths living in harmony. Our own lifestyles and cultural behavior define us as Nepalis. Thus, to be Nepali in itself is a religion. Moreover, ours is a country where a plethora of class, caste, languages working together making it one of few diverse countries in the world. Loktantra or full-fledged democracy is a system that encompasses the minorities. In loktantric system, a state that adopts a religion hurting a minority is unconceivable.
Though Hindu religion as such doesn’t advocate caste division. But, the practitioners used it as a tool to suppress so-called lowly caste. We should condemn such discriminations that are played citing religious scriptures. The newfound secularism has sent a positive message among minorities in Nepal. But, this part of the world has shown an example of religious tolerance even in the turbulent times.
>>Inputs from Monday’s editorial in Kantipur daily.
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Comments
128 responses to “Nepal as a Secular State: All Religions Equal”
Deepak Adhikari writes: “Though Hindu religion as such doesn’t advocate caste division. But, the practitioners used it as a tool to suppress so-called lowly caste.”
Where does he think did the terms Brahmins, Kshtriya, Vaisnava, Sudra originate from?
NICE POINT THERE mr wagle and adhikari..
today, look at the ,majority people of Nepal ( more than 80 percent ) , i mean who are oppressed and the marginalised in the length and breadth of nepal……… u will see enormous pride and happiness in them as they feel they are included as a part and parcel of Nepal….. this is the nicest thing the HoR has done for happiness of all Nepalese…
albeit,,,,,,plenty of religious anarchists who had the monopoly to downlook other people are wary and hatching conspiracy both at national and international level…..to bring it back square one… however, the writing is there for them…..no matter how much they try……. we all secular lovin people would send them to the Incinerator..
may peace prevail in Nepal.
So, can we still say “namaste”? Or is it “shukria” or even “lal salaam”. What part of our culture do we kill off?
Bideshi, don’t be a petty idiot with such a comment.
Uday Lama,
Yes it has said about different Brahmins, Kshtriya were already named but Vaisnava, Sudra were later made by kings. And even though in relious books never told us that they should be discriminated, these divisions were only made at those times according to work division according to their ability. How can you say that discrimination were also made since those times.
oye bideshi….. hajur sachai bideshi ho ki kya ho ??
oop sorry, english translation for bideshi : hi foreigner. are u really foreigner ?
i am hindu and i think its good think to have a secular coutry, where state do not favor a particular religion.
in the past country has spend so much money on this religion–which is very unproductive to the country–with the hidden agenda to make the autocratic shah kings more autocrat. A nation spending on the religion is unproductive in a sense that it can not produce person like Gandhis, Rahul Sankrityayan etc.
i read some posts on previous topic. to those die hard hindus, if you want to become a Ram or Crishna, or just want to be a good hindu, you dont need country’s special favor and fund. stop thinking like a parasite.
To chandra’s comment: If 80% of the people are marginalized in a 80% hindu nation, can you really say religious freedom (or lack thereof) is to be blamed for their plight? Secularism is just a brand. We need far greater willingness on the part of our leaders to change the mindset that is plaguing Nepal’s marginalized.
I am not sure if the “historic” HoR proclamation is indeed historic or sets us off, once agin, in the wrong footing. Something as serious as this should have been decided by the people. It looks like 1,000,205 people are deciding for 28 million nepalis now.
Read more at Love Nepal
Ho, ma bideshi hu. And thanks for the “Hajur”.
“don’t be a petty idiot with such a comment”
Maph garnos Kirat.
Bideshi, we’ve got enough insecure fear mongers here without you having to add to it. You know very well that there is not need to kill off any part of any culture. As a matter of fact it is hoped that with this decision the rich and diverse culture of Nepal gets a big boost.
I share that hope.
u r free to choose wat u r, not the one that is imposed upon you by the state without ur willingness.
J.P.Cross described in one of his book “Call of Nepal” a typical scene in the hills at the time when he was trekking in remote areas some 25 years ago:
his porters and Nepali friends not being hindu and not being of arayan caste, when wanting to drink water at a dhara outside a village, a brahmin stopped them and told them they were not allowed to drink, he told them they were not Nepalis and that they would spoil the spring. Low caste people are still treated like scum in remote areas and no wonder they join the Maobadis.
It should be clear that dictating a religion is not the job of state.
Regarding Hinduism, many delicious and nutritious stuffs in Vedas are overshadowed by untouchability and other social deformations. Many English speakers learn Sanskrit in order to enjoy the nutrition by diving deep into Ayurveda and so on. They have been able to come up with very effective medicines and natural remedies for many ailments. In fact, Yoga and meditation has become the daily routine even in the liberal Hollywood. People around the world have realised that the material/physical wealth could not please them. They are in search of “adhyatmik” pleasure which is what Hinduism recommends.
Putting a big tika in the forehead and donating money to the corrupt Bhatta at Pashupati does not make a true Hindu. Hinduism can still prove to be a good religion in the secular Nepal if it goes through a serious trimming/revision. Good part is that Hinduism does not aim to convert others into Hinduism unlike many other religions which agressively look for people to convert into their followers.
Jilla, are you suggesting that Maoist ideology is compatable with Hinduism? You must know, do you not, that communism is atheistic by definition and the party is in the place of god?
Shame on (so called)Hindu gurus who invite a criminal like Gyanendra to inaugurate their convention! Where did the motto “Ahimsha paramo dharma” go?
Gyanendra became the king my means of HIMSHA (killing of Birendra’s dynasty) and remained king by means of HIMSA (killing of people).
Beware Hindus, Gyanendra may again throw the “HINDU CARD and ocean of money to save his bloody ass in the election for constitutional assembly.
Bidehsi, no way I could support Maoists until they come into multiparty democracy and I have an option who I can vote for.
For all our sake I sincerly hope we get to vote on these matters. However,I don’t think the Maoists are thinking of a multi-party democracy at all. They are aiming for the People’s Republic of Nepal and nothing else.
Hey Deepak Adhikari,you said,
“Hindu religion doesn’t preach disrespect to other religion, but teaches not to discriminate any one on the basis of religion”.
You need more research bro, Hindu bibles,Gita,vedas etc. never preach like that. Hindu teaches to be born into low caste is like priceless than the animal.The so-called higher caste do not allow to touch human but they allow to feed dogs as their one family members so their behave against human like untouchable people,this is true in Hindu society.So this Hindu people’s mind is lower than animal,they can’t reconize human heart so how they will see the Hindu god and belief?? Hindu only devided and discrimination in the society. It’s already getting better to devaste Hindu traditions and cultures in Nepal.
VSM knows “A man is master of his own mind not any other religious shit”
I’m laughing at Hindu guys who are proud of it. Same on their stupid beliefs in the age of 21st century.
A little ‘late in the day’ for this Blog perhaps. But I would like to say that if we are to be a secular state then we should engender an understanding
of the basics of each other’s religion.
I was brought up in a Christian family and was taught from the scriptures that Christ was the son of God, not God; more his ‘agent’.
Personally I believe you had it right Dinesh, when suggested, “…there is only one God”.
Secularism calls for patience, understanding, acceptance and above all for tolerance. Attributes many Nepalis claim as their own.
Those who feel uncomfortable about being a citizen of a secular state ask themselves if they have any of these qualities.
Many recent news reports about Maoist foot-soldiers of late, echo one common sentiment, that of crushing oppression. Indeed a sentiment that ripples right through nepali society.
Oppression born of non-secularist intolerance and abuse of religious status.
I’m fairly certain that Christians won’t be pulling down Temples, Mosques or Gumpas, nor anyone else. Hinduism is quite safe, this is not India.
But at least we can work on erasing the oppression.
Well said Deepak
It is commendable that Nepal is a Hindu Country. But Religion based politics is eqaully alive in Nepal now or at least the foundation has been laid.
Hindu or not, Nepal is/was a land of people who are traditionally very tolerant. Yet it is the same naiveness of our people that has allowed for “forced conversions” or let’s say “attractive conversions” by people of other faiths like Christianity for example.
How does a secular state “guarantee” that people from low castes and poor people in general are “not” taken advantage of in the name of “secularism” and lure them towards something they can’t provide.. I think religion or not, everyone works towards better living standards, monetary career etc.
If somebody ask me what my religion is, I usually say I do believe in GOD but not in particular religion. So, far I am able to convinced people by what I said above.
Secularism is a product of humanist philosophy where diversity, pluralism and tolerance is practised.
Whether God exists is not the question? The more important matter is whether one has the right to believe in what he or she believes. That may be
1) God exists
2) God does not exist
3) God may or may not exist.
It is a personal matter. Nobody has the right to tell you what to believe. We make this choice through freewill.
Even if God does exist, then, there are various paths to that ultimate goal whether it is Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism or animism.
Who is to say which one is better?
This happened some years ago. I was taking bath at my village well (INAAR)one evening. There were few people besides me doing the same. Then comes a pundit baaje. He demands everyone to step aside from the concrete floor area of the well so he could draw ‘CHOKHO PAANI’. I said to him if he meant that he wished to draw clean water for drinking and if so we will stop splashing around the water for a while – I said this sounding rather ignorant however it was intentional. But all the while I knew the real reason for his asking us to step out of the concrete floor. He said that he did not care if the water is clean or not but if we did not clear ourselves off the concrete floor area of the well the water is not considered ‘CHOKHO’ and he will not be able to use it for his ‘POOJA’. I felt uncomfortable in my heart and wanted to respond to him at his remarks but out of respect of him being significantly older than myself and the fact that I had no intention of getting into an argument I got out of his way without saying anything.
Now what do you think of this incident folks?
Was the pundit baaje right to ask us to step aside?
Was I wrong to question him?
Would you say the pundit baaje is not to blame personally but his religion? He is Hindu and so am I.
Would you say this is OK, normal practice in Nepal, not a big deal, happens all the while and everywhere in Nepal and I should not have felt bad?
Would you say I should suck it up as I am not equal to his caste?
The important practice of all religion is unconditional Love. to Love one another, to be devine in the name of God, Compassion in the name Love. DIVINE LOVE is the expression of GOD, It is all comes from within to every individual. Seek and we shall find.
Hindu is NOT a religion as many of us think. It is actually a civilization.Vaidik Sanatana is the religion that most of us are following in the name of Hinduism. As any religion, this too is the opiate of the masses.
The feeling of Wagle is a natural evolution as the world moves ahead into the 21st century. I am sure his father felt differently and his grandfather more so. As the nation is more educated and developed, it naturally becomes more and more secular in it’s thinking. One could argue that education, development and modernisation leaves less and less room for religion, as there is a whole world out there other than religion to discover and enjoy. But this does not mean that putting Nepal in as a secular state will make any difference. The thrill by the proponents of this act will only be short lived. Like I said, only education, development and progress can truly change the attitutdes of people. Now all we have is an announcement that will provoke fundamentalist elements who were otherwise quite insignificant, now they will be heard.
You may find a solution for the Religious problem declaring nepal secular. But how are we going to solve the problem of our regional imbalance. How are we going to remove the diffrence between Madhesi and Pahadiya. Today any terai basi is equally hated if he goes to Hilly region of nepal. Newars of Ktm think that all those people living in terai region of nepal are from India and they speak hindi and celebrate Chatth as there main festival. There was even an article about this in UWB few months back. How will this regional problem will be solved in nepal.
Tajim,
My sentiments exactly. The answer only lies in education and economic progress. If we concentrate in educating people and have a progressive economy, people will be better informed to decide what is good for them. These ill sentiments you mention is only brought about by the lack of education and plenty of time to criticise others, and the feeling of insecurity amongst people whose nation is insecure at the moment. With progress in these fronts the nation will be more confident and so too it’s people. We have to work towards making religion a personal experience and not a political one.
I think it is apt to add that when we do not even treat our women farely and equally, we talk of secularism. This is the greatest injustice and hypocracy. This is still a nation that prefers sons to daughters. First we have to rid ourselves of this discrimination. Otherwise it is like a bunch of men talking about secularism under a tree, while keeping their wives and daughters locked up at home or slogging in the fields.
The caste system of hindu needs to be very much improved and brahmin are to be blamed for that. But the problem with the secular state in the poor country like Nepal is directly related to poverty. The missionary will become great problem in Nepal, as they are converting the religion with money. If that goes on with the secular state then within 10 years, christian will come parallel to hindu. During that time can these write give answer of the corelation of the relgion and the money. You can take the example in the Darjeeling…
Isn’t it our responsibility to save our culture without effecting others????Dineshji, do you have the answer?? Money speaks and work in the poor country like Nepal, Mr. Dineshji, don’t forget…
Secularism is good from everybody. I am Hindu but I am happiest person when Nepal was declared a secular state. Because if we can really utilise this declaration at the political and cultural level, Nepal will have peace in the near future.
Another interesting thing I found is that Nepal Army issued one statement saying that Chief’s daughters marriage was not expensive. is it under the army to issue such statement ? Why coulsn’t chief himself could not issue a personam statement. Is NA responsible for the marriage of Chief ? This Nepal is awkard country ? AJAB NEPAL GAJAB NEPAL ?
Fanta: Where are the Christian missionaries handing out money? I want to get in line!
It has begun:
A group of people vandalised the Everest Nursing Home at Baneshwor in the capital on Wednesday morning alleging that a patient died of ‘doctors’ negligence
now that’s instant justice(hope mb’s are there too)
Bideshi, where are you now? I can give you the address of missionaries nearest to your home. You can even get a cow/buffalo OR pucca flat RCC roof over your head if the house U R living is a thatched one. What more, you can reimburse your children’s tution fee and health allowances. I have a christian friend with 5 children all getting free education, food and healthcare services. Join the band dude
Bideshi,
You are advised to contact the Church at the gate of ST. XAVIER School in Jawalakhel for christian Handi.
It’s about time that myth about Nepal being the only Hindu country in the world is removed. I totally differ with Wagle and Adhikari. Nepal never was and never will be a Hindu country. Despite many good things about Hinduism, its division labor, distribution of wealth and opportunities is one of the most oppressive forms of religion that ever existed in the planet. Contrary to Wagle, Hindus have forced its belief and way of life to indigenous people of Nepal. If we look at the history of the region, Hinduism is a late arrival in Nepal. The reason there was no religious blood bath in Nepal is because Hindus effectively orchestrated and executed social programming to keep the opposition at bay. Wagle and other here alluded that Hinduism is a tolerant and harmonious religion, but they have failed to point out the immorality and inhumanity that is inherent to Hinduism. The undercurrent of opposition and dissatisfaction against Hinduism was gaining currency in Nepal with arise of social and political consciousness. Now, Hindus domination will slowly diminish in Nepal.
Gurung and Layman,
Are you against children of poor family being educated by help of Christians?
My name is Christian but I m a pure Hindu. What a secularity is i m understanding it now. But I have been practicing it since I m here in this world. People ask if i m christian. I sometime jokingly say yes. But I m proud of my religion and it has nothing to do with my name.
I have met some guys who were angry about the secular decision. Their reason is Nepal was proud to be only Hindu country in world and 90% people here are hindu. My friends, Hindusim is powerful in Nepal. Secular state is not to curtail the hindusim but to give more rights to other religions in Nepal. Christianity is not of Vatican, Islam doesnot belong to Bin Laden. Instead of being proud that we are from Hindu Country, we can be proud to be citizen of Secular Country.
I have Tuppe(long hair in head) in my head. It is as per my religion but i don’t think it is a topic for me to be proud. Same thing should apply.
waiba, food for religion thats great – what next?
Hey if the Christians are providing free housing and education for the needy inorder to convert them into Christianity, that’s great. If the poor can get free housing and education by converting into one of the religions perhaps we can start a competition amongst the different religions to see who can provide the best facilities to the poor. Nepal should be a better country very soon! Imagine all Nepals owning a house and being educated!
(personally i detest all religions).
the mob is wantin to beat up all docs..next it will be private school principles, next it will be businessmen, then next will be engineers, then lawyers, then beauroccrats, then hindu priests……dont u think things r goin rather well???
I have a feeling that Govn made serious miustake by talingout Hundu Nation without proper consultation & debate. In democratic society, serious issues should be debated in a form of referendam not by few individuals.I am sure it will bound to bring more unnecessary trouvbles & religious protest is the worst of all & could lead to anarchy in the country.
Earising Hindu word could have been left foe another day to discuss as it did not make any troble to any society & was not hurdle to the peace either.
So called Leaders, think wisely & responsibly, your one decision could lead to violance & more bloodsheds.
For me real peace will prevail in Nepal when we can sing each others song. The real meaning of secularism is also respecting everyone of us. In the Bali island in Indonesia, the sign outside the gate of well known “Shiva temple Baishakhi” says that only those who would like to pray or worship are allowed to enter instead of “only for Hindus” sign as is there in Pashupatinath temple. Of course those who will go for praying inside a Shiva temple invariably would be a Hindu person or at least appreciates the Hindu way of praying. This is the kind of thing that I visualize of the meaning of secular in the Nepalese context and therefore I salute the pretext of secularism brought by the parliament.
I appreciate Sai Baba philosophy. Those of us who have visited Puttaparthi in India would find people of diffirent sects sitting in the bhajan place and singing the glory of God. Bhajans may start with Ganesh Sharanam but would always follow with Allah, Jesus, Nanak, Jehoba. The kind of harmony and peace that you can experience in Puttaparthi being in the mass of religions is like fulfilling your wish and being in extreme bliss. I believe that it is possible to turn Nepal into similar harmony and peace through the secularism.
I believe that extremism of any sort is always bad. Untill and unless we practice the concept of all Nepalese are equal in every front with emphasis on religious and cultural issues, how can we prosper.
You would have made a great hippy. Unfortunately those are unrealistic expectations and the world is a harsh competetive place. I would also like to think such a world could be but it can’t.
Bideshi,
I am not so sure the hippy thing as I really do not know what does hippy means. If you think that way let it be.
Yes I agree the world is competitive . I do not like the word harsh though in front.
My question to you is why “unrealistic”?
What is needed is a bit of tolerence, understanding and sincerity. It is possible if we want.