GVN Changemakers Blog #8

Nepal: Ancient Feuds, Modern “Feudocracy” and a Country in Need

By: Samuel Edward Shetler

Nepal coined the term”Feudocracy” from its history of feuding democracy.

“Nepal remains paralyzed in that its economic outlook is frighteningly stagnant and its social institutions archaic and feudalistic in nature. Attempts at democracy have been repeatedly thwarted, resulting in abuses of power rather than empowerment of the people and reconstruction of the nation. Opposition for the sake of opposition has become the name of the political game.” (Shreshna p.104)

Projects of Not-For-Profit organizations such as Global Volunteer Network (GVN) Foundation have a lot of work in store with new challenges such as international terrorism, an economic crisis and the everlasting battle of convincing the well-off to give to those in need.

I chose to go to Nepal and GVN connected me with their partner organization Volunteer Service Nepal (VSN), who made my idea of philanthropy work a reality. GVN’s vision is captured in the statement: “We believe in the idea of ‘local solutions to local problems,’ therefore we work with local community organizations in each country. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide resources to help them achieve their goals.” I was a volunteer in Nepal and I witnessed firsthand the projects of VSN and the many challenges they have in store. I will focus primarily on how the politics of Nepal both currently and historically has and is affecting the international aid it receives, furthermore, the relevance of these issues to Volunteer Service Nepal’s projects.

2005 book

The current political climate and ensuing corruption is nothing new in Nepal. Democracy has been waived in the people’s faces for many decades and when it is seemingly achieved, there is no constitution established to unite their vision. As the parties argue amongst themselves and the rich stay rich, the majority, that is the middle and lower classes, continue to suffer. Such political instability and the fact that Nepal’s most dominating political party is still on the U.S. terrorist list, blocks extraordinary amounts of possible aid that this country so desperately needs.

Currently, the global economic crisis and the terrorist attacks in Mumbai have resulted in marked decreases in volunteers and donations. Volunteer Service Nepal (VSN) supported by Global Volunteer Network (GVN) has been forced to delay important building projects such as the new Shining Stars Children Home. This project in particular is of great importance given that the old home has been robbed many times and continues to compromise the children’s safety. Furthermore VSN has been left with no other option than to sell their cropland to cover the immediate operating expenses of a second home called Brighter Futures Children Home. Whilst providing an immediate solution to their financial strain, selling their assets dramatically reduces the sustainability of their work. Many of VSN’s projects are now completely dependent on donations and the continued fundraising efforts of past volunteers whose hearts have gone out to the children they grew to know and love.

“Stuck In the Middle With You”

Undeniably, most of Nepal’s history has been plagued with noble rivalries over power; however, there once was a glimpse of Nepal being a prosperous country in its ancient history. Manadeva the first was deemed “A truly benevolent king” He understood the importance of the unique situation that Nepal is in, being situated between two giants, China and India. He also practiced religious tolerance which made the country a safe haven for all religions and especially the Tibetan Buddhists. This practice has remained until present day giving Nepal a very diverse culture. Sadly, after his dynasty, those who came to power abused their positions of influence and lead to much fighting and scheming.

The first appearance of hope for a legitimate political power and democratic governance occurred a long nine years after in 1951 when the Modern Period in Nepal’s history began. The Modern Period was born out of the Anti-Rana Movement 1951, when Nepal was re-introduced to the world. Following this, in 1955, Nepal became a member of the United Nations. Unfortunately, the Anti-Rana movement only disguised itself as pro-democracy and immediately reinstated the strongly disliked puppet that was the Shah Dynasty.

After many years of fighting the Panchyat system, a one-party system which only served the kings agenda, finally the people of Nepal had some sort of representation. Once again, there still wasn’t an affirmation of democracy for the people, so, the aptly called “Peoples War” was initiated by the Maoist revolutionaries.

A revealing portrayal of Nepal, and an important marker in the fall of the Shah dynasty was the royal massacre on June 1^st 2001. Prince Dipendra killed his father King Birendra and gunned down most of his family leaving no direct heir, before fatally wounding himself. What followed was equally shocking as Prince Dipendra who had just killed nearly the whole royal family, whilst lying on his deathbed was crowned king! He died one day later and his brother was crowned as his successor. Even though, he was not an heir to the throne he had the royal blood and that was all that mattered.

Nepal continued its title as the world’s only Hindu state with what was left of its royal regime for the following few years. Then, one month before I arrived in the country, a bill came into force on May 28, 2008 and a constituent assembly meeting in the capital, Kathmandu, overwhelmingly voted to abolish the 240 year old monarchy. Naturally this bill didn’t just arrive on the scene but was set in motion in 2006 when the King agreed to relinquish his sovereign power back to the people. It was definitely an exciting time to be in a country and see history being created around you!

2008 Time

So it was a farewell to the king, and hello to the democracy…or so we thought…

Unfortunately, this country that has had a long history of feuds since 590AD continued to have trouble breaking what seems like a never ending downward spiral. Nepal’s newly elected prime minister who has his bachelor’s degree in agriculture and was the guerilla leader of the Maoists, hasn’t put the rivalries to rest. Undeniably, it is no easy task; especially, without a constitution established, Nepal’s number one income of tourism dwindling and the country in abject poverty.

Poverty such as that experienced in Nepal needs to be eliminated from inside the country; however, without foreign aid intervention this task seems impossible. The NFP’s have an overload of displaced children and people without an income. If the government is corrupt then it is hard to trust that any aid provided to the government will be applied and distributed appropriately. If Nepal’s political parties continue to feud any remaining stability within the country will continue to disintegrate and much foreign aid will be repelled and misused.

Nepal is on the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) list of poorest countries in the world. The majority of people live in poverty, on less than two dollars a day. Volunteer Service Nepal’s mission is to work within communities to empower them and make them self sufficient for their brighter future. I believe this cycle of “feudocracy” can come to an end. The evidence that suggests this is found in Manadeva the first. He was able to overcome it and so perhaps can a newly elected leader, if they realize Nepal’s special place in the world, silence the feuds and begin acting with the people and thus the country’s best interests in mind. The cumulative efforts of international aid, in-country volunteers and fundraising efforts can then be utilized to further facilitate the development of the country under the correct leadership.

Now, with a challenging economic climate VSN must look further than past contributors for volunteers and donations to continue the sustainability of their projects. For more information about Global Volunteer Networks projects and how you can, “be the change you wish to see in the world”, as Mahatma Gandhi said. Please visit GVN’s website to find out more: http://www.gvnfoundation.org/

You can be the change you want to see in the world too!

VOLUNTEER / DONATE / STOP & REFLECT

Samuel Edward Shetler

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This entry was posted on Monday, July 6th, 2009 at 3:49 pm and is filed under Print/Journalism. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.