Post earthquake and Nepali proverb

Joshi Chudamani <Chudamani.Joshi@formin.fi>

Dear All

First of all we all have benevolence and compassion for all earthquake victims and let's give them more moral and mental strength.

 

Born in a remote village of Dadeldhura, my "mother land love instinct" occasionally takes me to the district. One particular case I have been perceiving since 2012 which 'I feel is highly relevant to be revealed' now.  The government of Nepal had set a target to build  few houses in Dadeldhura for Rautes (a highly marginalized nomadic tribe) in 2012. Since last 4-5 years the construction work is "still ongoing" and to this date one can only see the foundation and walls of those few houses. According to them "political meddling  and bureaucratic obstacles" hindered the construction.  The recent earthquake destroyed about 5 million houses and government is promising to construct a house for each family.

 

Normally I am not a pessimistic person, however every year when I see the fate of 'Raute's house', new 'promises' for the earthquake victims seems to beआकाशको फल आँखा तरी मर् (akash ko phal akha tari mar). For non Nepali readers it literally it means 'The fruits of the sky can only be stared at till death'. Meaning: Things that are beyond our reach cannot be received. Also, it means to dream about unachievable things.

 

Let's hope the government mechanism will challenge this ancient Nepali proverb.

 

With best wishes

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Chudamani Joshi PhD | Special Advisor

Embassy of Finland, Bishalnagar, Kathmandu, Nepal

Tel: +977-1-4416636 (office); Fax: +977-1-4416703

chudamani.joshi@formin.fi;

Web: www.finland.org.np