(Courtesy: Kabi Raj Panday)
Nirmal’s hubris is a powerful cocktail of three distinctive traits: unparalleled arrogance in thinking that he alone knows best; utter inability to listen to a different point of view; & supremely misplaced self-belief in one’s ability to fool all of the people all of the time. True that these traits are linked and may manifest themselves in any combination in any number of people that we know, but when they happen to wholly consume a ruthless opportunist & adventurer whose misguided ambition to control the destiny of 27 million or so souls has spectacularly misfired in the face of vehement domestic and international opposition, the consequences for the institution that he heads would appear nothing short of disastrous.
Sure people make mistakes and they are often forgiven than not. But when someone like King Gyanendra makes mistakes as often as he is warned and then goes onto show incredible consistency in only repeating such mistakes, he deserves nothing but contempt. It is in this light that we must see King Gyanendra today– to put in another way, there is little doubt that he is well beyond the point of recall on account of his hubris, but can we really be satisfied that there is no alternative other than for the monarchy to share in his nemesis?
The efficacy of having a monarchy can probably be debated ad nauseam. We are just as likely, however, to sooner agree that the optimum way to safeguard the continuation of the monarchy in the present circumstances is to order the succession in such as way as to have in place a firm foundation for a peoples’ monarchy. To this end, the late Princess Shruti’s eldest daughter, Girvani, should be immediately recognized as having a better claim to the throne than either the incumbent or his despised progeny – both of whom had something of the night about them well before they were catapulted to become King and Crown Prince, respectively. Those who still have reservations about her surname can perhaps be offered as example what the British royal family went through in reinventing their identity as Windsors – this way Girvani would become Girvani of the House of Gorkha. The desire to see this change in the succession is not just a fad at placating the feminists amongst us – it is a genuine desire to see the succession continued, if it is going to be continued at all, through a direct descendant of a much loved and respected Citizen King, Birendra, – the way it should have been and could still be.
It goes without saying that the change in the succession alone will not guarantee the survival of the monarchy, but it is a necessary starting point. It will be equally important thereafter for the functions of the monarchy to be clearly articulated, explained and understood, to ensure that the reigning monarch is always imbued with the highest sense of duty and service in conducting herself or himself as a privileged and true servant of the people. Much work needs to be done in this area and quickly, especially, in the period leading up to the constituent assembly elections (although a healthy dose of skepticism in these polls taking place in the foreseeable future is warranted). The important thing now is to have the basic elements agreed and in place – at the very least, Girvani’s ascension to the throne, will be a powerful remedy to stave off a communist republic.
We do ourselves no favours by underestimating the potential for the monarchy’s survival even if at present we have as its chief adversary the head of that very institution. Whilst by his acts and omissions King Gyanendra is that much closer to going back to being Citizen Nirmal (this will be yet another record for him), and, at the same time, he has altogether forfeited any authority to interpret the monarchy’s course and deserves even less to be a consideration in charting its future, it is certainly not too late for the institution of monarchy in Nepal, especially, when given genuine breathing space from the malign & destructive influences of the current monarch and his ilk.
(Mr. Kabi Raj Panday can be reached at the following e-mail address: kabirajpanday@yahoo.co.uk)
31 comments:
you are a very sick dude with intellectual pretentions.
maybe the commentator ahead of me who posted, failed to read the english properly. This dude not only seems intellectual but sick in mind too, only he could have thought about Girvani and this is a legit claim, the direct decendent of King Birendra's blood line.
I don't understand either of the comments on top... is anonymous saying he does not agree and dj also disagress?
I don't know if this idea is such a bad compromise. Legitimacy is really not an issue when it comes to Birendra's direct line... also, the child has the sympathy of a vast majority of Nepalis.
Too messy. If it had to be done it should have been done when King Birendra died.
The way to counter a communist dominance is to include the madhesis and janjatis in the parliament before any elections. Give the parliament the status of caretaker not interim and let them work out when the election should be held. Elections held in such a manner will counter any extreme views left or right. The monarchy should then be put to a referendum where 2/3 have to vote it out not the current 50+% and not through parliament. Any decision of this magnitude must be passed by a 2/3 majority. We are not voting in or out Gyanendra people, we are voting with regards to the institution that created Nepal, let us not forget that.
Seen discussed about bramin and specific cast or origin of people are blame? No its people like you and me who always think problems are created
by group, No one care Nation but you care yourself good and so i am and others too.Try to find out some solution that cares of Nation.
Kabi- your lineage of Katto Khane Badaguruju speaks here. The way you have presented your comments actually defines you rather than King G. Holy cow, you know- it-all pretender. The ills of nation is people like you. You go for quick fix, have ready made solution for problem at hand(talk about being know-it-all, similar to all the politicians we have at present) and walk on clouds believing you have the holy grail. Come off it- you are in a true sense no different than Girja with offhands comments and Prachande with blood of babies in his hand.
Guess what- look in the mirror.
Regmi - I can't understand what you are trying to say but Kabiraj, what you are suggesting makes the most sense of all.
Anonymous, I wouldn't be as foolish to base your argument on Kabi Raj's surname. Maybe it's time you looked in the mirror my friend. Your annoyance gives away your chakadi-baaj linkage to Gyane.
Please refrain from expletives and profanity.
Thank you.
Is there anything in the rumour that when Tika Dhamala showed this article to King G, the latter became so enraged that he sacked Dhamala on the spot?
Aryal, if Gyanendra did do that, it would not come as a surprise. The idiot is full of whimsical actions.
If that jaisee was sacked, good on King G. Now that he is sixty - aba budhi ayoki? May be he will surprise all by adopting this article's recommendations.
Dani- my friend, guess it does pinch, does it not? But the core is this- when nation is falling apart due to side steeping of burning issues, the audacity of people like you and Kabi to harp on King is too pretentcious- shall I say downright ugly.
If you think I am chakkadibaz then you are bordering in secterian fringe. Defending your clan just for sake of it.
Anonymous, I don't understand your argument at all. Please try again.
Until then, you are still Gyane's chakadi baj.
I came to know from a very reliable source that Dr. Arjun Karki- the one who heads fedeartion of NGOs in Nepal is a MAJOR share holder in Sagarmatha TV- now, from what I know- he is not loaded to invest in TV channels but after April movement this guy is in stratosphere and rich overnight to establish Sargarmatha TV. This goes to prove- things changes but something always remains the same in Nepal.
As for Riyamaji fiasco- people were killed due to violating Curfew- now we can argue on this but when a regime or government does impose curfew- you obey it or pay the price- simple as that. If start questioning legality of any regime by violating the rules and rule of law then we will have systematic failure of social norms and complete breakdown- which is staring in our face right now. When powers-that-be wontonly uses wrongended approach to get their means- it will come back to haunt them. Madheshi uprising and death galore is case in point, does spam have any answer or course of action that can convince Madhesi people otherwise- no way. When you play with fire, fire burns.
Now- my perception is that forces at present who are keen to wipe out our civilization by attacking religion, Monarchy and social customs and practices. Each and every social or religion have certain aspects which are inherently outdated or put in place by governing sect or bodies to maintain their supermacy but these things are done with as education and social awareness increases but what we have is direct and well coordinated attack that is bent on wiping out our identity not by gradual or natural process (education and awareness) but by demeaning and disparaging our very existence. This has got to stop-lets continue to be land of Buddha rather than land of Might is right through violence and mayhem.
Dani- I guess you are too expert at reading between the lines and over the lines, just cannot see the things for what they are. I guess your upkeep is maintained by Dan you receive
I am as busy collecting my hard earned "daan" as you are collecting your chakadi-baab bakshish from Gyanendra. That sums things up.
Your attempts to protect Gyane will get you no where. If you want to talk about the institution of monarchy, they you'd better start thiking of an institution without Gyane and Paras and their prgeny.
Or else, take your chakadi to Gyane where he goes... see if he will take care of you and your family once he is forced to leave.
Wow, I loved the exchange between Anonymous and Dani. Why don't you both share "Daan" and "Bakshis".
But, Dani right!I don't know which # Anonymous you are but you do really need to stop smoking pot and come down to reality.
PS: I am also proud Bharmin like Kabi Raj who have written excellent article.
Regmi - you are also Bhramin but you write rubbish.
As long as you are a proud brahmin and not a pround bahunist, I have no issues with you.
But cross that line and to me, you are a hypocritie doing back-patting likee the Bahunists love to do to one another.
I hope you are just brahmin "Aryal" and not a bahunist supremist.
One thing we have to thank the Maoists for is exposing the Bahunists. There is no turning back and in the new nepal, we will eradicate the Bahunists and their centuries old domination from the face of Nepal.
Dani- do not think you have the last word. Your assumption that I rely on Chakkidibaz is a misnomer. I believe in me so there is no need for to spread my palm to anyone. Even if Bill Gates comes & offers me loads of money- I would like to earn it old fashion way, not be dependent on alms,inheritance or neopotism or sucking up somebodies ass. But you were born with that trait- no wonder your DNA dictates so you do it in different form and size from old.
Now, lets leave it that
Mr. Anonymous - It seems quite easy to get under your skin. You should relax before you get a heart attack.
If you believe in yourself, why are you so wed to Gyanendra as your god?
Take a long breath before you reply - also check your blood pressure.
I feel compelled to intervene at this juncture to address the “Anonymous” who is having such an amusing exchange with Dani & Aryal.
As Dani & Aryal have quite rightly pointed out to you Anonymous, you need to get a grip on reality dude and not start getting hopelessly confused in trying to figure out the difference between Bahunists and Brahmins. That you are completely out of your depth in this regard is evidenced by what is arguably the most stupid statement that has been posted on this subject: you want to “thank the Maoists for exposing the Bahunists” - hello!!!!! The Maoists are Bahunists – not just headed by Brahmins.
But we are digressing unnecessarily. If you want to continue to takrao chakadi to Gyane and receive much bakshish in return, then at least work on a formula that will allow him to leave the scene gracefully with lot more money than he had when he became King. Rationalise your chakadi strategy on getting a small slice of a large cake not the other way around.
The most charitable view of Gyane at present is that he is a villainous looser in the Macbeth mould – as an unparalleled chakadibaj, predictably, you disagree. The point is that he still has the opportunity to change his place in history as someone who tried and successfully made amends in the end. This, of course, requires supreme acts of courage and sacrifice on his part and that of his son. Equally, there is no reason why this strategy would not allow him to reserve an influential position concerning the future of the grandson. [In parenthesis] “Warning: for Annonymous – approaching cognitive overload and systems shut down!”
Quite apart from the gains for Gyane and you (you will continue to receive lots of bakshish - smile :), this would be a new leaf for the monarchy. In marked contrast to the old, bickering and failed politicians, the monarchy will be represented by a descendent of Birendra, someone who has the sympathy of great many Nepalis, who is beyond reproach, who has the fashionable advantages of gender and, in the final analysis, holds out a hope for the future - not just for the institution she will head, but for the many Nepalis who have suffered tragedy, exclusion and hopelessness. [In parenthesis] - Anonymous is approaching meltdown. Take it slowly dude the next paragraph is music to your ears.
Since you are so fond of bakshish – you can expect bakshish from many middle-of-the-road Nepalis if you can get Gyane & Son to quit. This must be difficult for you to accept as, very sadly, chakadi to Gyane has become your raison d’etre. Dani – please confirm, but I am sure you are also willing to share your “hard earned daan” with that wretched chakadibaj if he were successful in this endeavour? For my part I will bring the “haluwa” from my ill gotten “sidha” for our just desserts. Are we all happy now?
Sikkim Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling says that Nepali should learn from Sikkim. He goes on to say, We the Sikkimese have "Democracy but we do not have the right to self rule", we have "rights but not the sovereign rights", we have all our religion, language, and culture(that make up a nation) but not a country.
I can see the author trying hard here. But unfortunately how replacing a King with a Queen is going to make republicans vote for a monarchy is beyond me? King or Queen the same reasons remain for republicans to do away with the institution. If you'r one who is inclined to vote to retain a monarchy, whether Gyane stays or goes you will probably vote for it anyway. I am sure people understand that Gyane cannot live forever. But on the other hand how do you get republicans to vote for retaining a monarchy just by changing the monarch? If this can be convincingly explained I would be interested. Does the little girl have magic that will heal the nation for instance? What makes people think that as an adult this girl will not be worse a character then Gyane or Paras for that matter in the people's eyes? Like I said monarchists donot need the convincing whether Gyane stays or goes (they are more interested in the institution not the person), republicans are a differnet story? Why would it matter to them?
Anonymous - Your points are well taken. You are right, whether Gyane stays or goes, people bent of retaining some form of monarchy will vote for monarchy regardless.
But, I think the writer's point is a little different. The writer is suggesting that should options to Gyane be available, the case for a ceremonial monarchy is that much stronger.
Yes, the same people will definitely vote for monarchy but so will others. There are borderline republicans just as there are borderline monarchists. This is a point for you to consider.
Another point for you to carefully think about is this - many of the die hard republicans are who they are because of no other reason than who is in the throne today and who is up for the throne tomorrow - no other reason. Many of the die hard republicans today shaved their heads when King Birendra's family was slaughtered.
No, there is no guarantee that a queen will be any better or worse than Gyane. But if Girwani has even a little of the characteristics and wisdom that made her grand father the revered personality he was, the country is 100 times better off taking the chance with her on the throne than her uncle.
People understand this. The parties understand this. And the Maoists understand this. There is not a single person or group in Nepal, with the capacity to reject King Birendra's direct lineage form the throne. At a time when the country needs to heal, this is the best compromise for everyone - the parties will get Gyane out, the Maoists will justify their rebellion by forcing Gyane out and the monarchists will retain their figurehead.
I cannot convince anyone, but I can say this: people will FIGHT for Girwani. People will talk about fighting for Gyane but even the monarchists know deep down that Gyane is a lost cause.
"Hope" is a dangerous thing... King Birendra's lineage inspires such hope in the hearts and minds of all Nepalis - republican or otherwise.
Himmat- you what we call here in US- a curve/screw ball. Sometimes you loose yourself in that- come off it.
Himmat,
Although you have given it your best, I'm afraid living in Nepal I have not come across too many "borderline republicans", oh yes there are "boderline monarchists", who probably will still vote for keeping the institution.
As for your lovely little paragraph on King Birendra, well I'm afraid he may have been a nice enough guy but the two decades plus of direct ruling he did does not bode well for arguments to keep the monarchy either. If you want a nice guy just keep the crown and call it a monarchy.
Like I said, not many borderline republicans {"who shaved their heads" according to you (that was funny)}, around here.
Finally,
I think you have to give more concrete reasons to keep a monarchy,and not base it on personalities. People die. Institutions need more of a reason to exist in this day and age.
Funny you should say that... if you live in nepal also, we should be neighbours.
And as for the curve ball analogy, well, I'll just say that curve balls are for American politics so let's leave that where it belongs.
Himmat,
I did'nt get your comment. Are you trying to say I don't live in Nepal or are you trying to say you live in India that's why we are neighbours. I also don't understand what a curve ball anology is, nor have I ever been to America or understand it's politics so you lost me there.
But here in Nepal I know what's going on because I live in the thick of it day in and day out. More importantly, your previous comments still needs alot of convincing not reactions.
Well, read further up... there are so many of you "anonymous" characters and only one of me... so I tried to interact with two of you at the same time and that's where the confusion is from.
I think this dialogue is very helpful and necessary. Can we all get unique "names" so we can keep track of who is saying what and have a conversation on this site?
What do all of you anonymous people think?
Himmat,
Maybe the blog owner should remove the anon and make people choose an identity. I agree it does get confusing.
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