In a developing country like Nepal, questions concerning nationalism are raised time and again. When youths fly off to other countries in search of better opportunities or when they plunge into politics, it is often said, they had better stay back in the country and do something worthwhile inside the country itself.
Out of a total population of 29.6 million in Nepal, youths account for 40.3 percent, according to the 2011 census data. But when it comes to youth employment and leadership, Nepal lags far behind.
We boast that youths are the future and the backbone of the nation. But have we ever contemplated finding out the reasons behind the youths not getting chances to show up their feeling of nationalism through their deeds for the country? Youths are not allowed to rise to the top leadership positions in politics. We always see the same faces in politics, entrepreneurship, and other vocations. Should not there be equal participation of youths in a country where almost half of the population are youths?
Youths love their country like true patriots. Even today, many youths aim to be prime minister of the nation. They choose political science as their major in universities. But this does not take them anywhere. They have to struggle even to serve in government offices. Rarely are they given the opportunities to lead the nation. Same old faces have been governing the country for ages, but without any positive to show for achievement and progress for the country and the people.
So what should be done to ensure that the youths can also rise up to the top political post? I think one option would be to formulate a consensus, even a law if necessary, to allow the citizens to elect their prime minister directly. It will definitely take some time but a true, educated and patriotic leader of the nation will emerge sooner or later. A youth can also field himself/herself as the candidate for the top executive post. That will probably help lead Nepal towards development.
Opportunities are everywhere. We can create more together. Complaining and regretting will not give us a way out.
When they constantly hear their parents say that the situation of the country will never improve, teenagers develop the feeling that leaving the country can only be a way out to ensure their better future. Flying abroad for obtaining knowledge and skills is okay, but spending all the life there should not be a choice for the youths. Youths must put their efforts to build their nation. They should always keep nationalism in their hearts.
Reeva Khanal is a +2 student at Prasadi Academy, Lalitpur.
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