Secular Nepal (519)

Features | 519 - Secular Nepal

Nepal becomes Secular Country, on May 19 2006

Nepal is a Hindu Kingdom

Nepal is a Secular State

On 1st of February 2005, King Gyanendra dismisses Prime Minister Deuba and his government. He declares a state of emergency and assumes direct power claiming that he need the power to defeat Maoist rebels. Nepal King's royal coup could not last long, as he continued his blind-eyes utmost regression and suppression of freedom in Nepal for more than a year. Nepali people took the streets for months demanding restoration of democracy. In April 2006, the political parties and their people call weeks of strikes and protests against the The King's direct rule of the country. People's power was more than that of the King! King give up his power in April 2006, returning back the democracy to the people. Parliament sessions were held immediately afterwards, and people wanted the Nepali King to be powerless as soon as they could. People put their demands on the Politician who could not wait to act. On may 19, 2006, Nepal becomes a secular state

Definition of the the word `Secular'

"Not having any connection with religion" as defined by define:secular @ google.com Nepal, until recently was the only `Hindu State' in the world. It was popularly termed as the "Nepal - the Hindu Kingdom of the world", where the King was regarded as the Vishnu God of Hindu Religion, who remained the protector of this so called Hindu Land. Nepalese felt that it is important for the world to know Nepal as a free country where a perfect harmony of various religions and cultures exists, and by not indicating Nepal as a particular religion, it makes a clear path for other religions to grows and assimilate and paves away the path to more democratic and free Nepal.

`Secular Nepal' means Nepal is not connected with a particular religion.

Who appreciates Secular Nepal?

People who believe that it is immoral to religiously term a piece of land - the gift of God, as well as those who believe a State should not dictate which religion it should follow. Minority and ethnic groups like Nepal Christian Society, Muslim Ittehad Sangh, Tharu Society, Tokpegola Welfare Committee, The Council of Tamu, National Council of Churches, Shree Bouddha Tamang Kalyan Guthi, and the Seventh-Day Adventist Church applaud this decision. Why was Nepal called the Hindu kingdom ? To suppress freedom and breed social and ethnic classes. Nepal's more than 80% of the people practice Hindu religion, and they have the King who is regarded as the protector of Nepal Land. And even as we write, King still rules Nepal. He has given power to the politicians to carry on with new tasks of bringing the rebels to tables and ending the 12 year's war which has cost more than 14,000 lives. People believe that the King is still capable of carrying out conspiracy. By making Nepal a secular country, any King who lives in Nepal now or after, has already lost his religious knot with the Nepali people.

From Hindu kingdom to secular state ?

May 19 2006. Parliament was planning to delay the process of making Nepal King powerless, but people took to the streets again, this time demanding actions on King. Girija Prasad Koirala, the Prime Minister of Nepal, presented the proclamation in the parliament, which aims at stripping off the King's formal title supreme Commander-in-Chief of the military, and call an end to 'His Majesty's administration, renaming it simply as Nepal Government, and renaming the Royal Army to Nepal Army.

Changes in Nepali National Anthem

Nepal might also have a new national anthem to fully represent people from all walks of life and religions, but not fully dedicating it to the Hindu God, Vishnu - The Nepali King as found in the current national anthem.

King will pay Taxes

Nepal king and his family members are living at the expenses of the poor Nepalese who work hard everyday, try very hard to make ends meet. Royal family, which can be regarded as the country's richest family, never paid a single tax. The new law makes them pay taxes and makes them work. The new Law will also drastically cut-down the Budget for keeping such an expensive Royal Palace with Bodyguards for Governing poor Nepalese

Changes in Nepali Money Notes

Furthermore, the nepali money notes may go through new design to eliminate Hindu Images such as the King and other symbols

Right to Learn About Other Religions

"Only Hindu are Permitted to Enter' - such sign boards can be seen in some temples, like the famous Pashupati Nath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. But, freedom lovers are finding such sign boards unethical and a big stain in their freedom quest for Nepal. It might become a Felony in this Secular Nepal, for not giving people the freedom to learn about other religions.

Placement of Hindu Objects in Government Buildings

Hindu objects such as photos of Kings and Queens may also be removed from Government offices, schools and other prominent places where they are in use today.

More National Holidays and Festivals

Other International festivals may become part of Nepali Festivals. Nepal's National festivals are mostly of Hindu origin. People believe that Christmas, Thanksgiving, English New Year, Easter should also become a part of Nepal's National Holidays - besides.. there are more festivals in Nepal than the days in a year... Other holidays will include holidays as desired by various ethnic groups such as Newars, Tharus, Kamis, Magars and such and such, who have their own special and unique festivals.

Official Greeting of Nepali

Namaste is the official greeting of Nepali. Join your palms together and bring it a few inches below your chin. The namaste is often regarded as a Hindu gesture, and perhaps this will change.

Or things might go the other way!

What if the Royal Army does not agree with the decisions made by the Parliament ? The future of Nepal is unfolding rapidly and there are tougher challenges ahead for the politicians who have been quick to say but slow to act - including the task of bringing Maoists into the new Government. Maoists control 80% of Nepal Land, and they remain heavily armed. But a good news has just arrived, a news article says that the Army accepts Nepal's New Government. See News and Media News Links Nepal News and Media

Secular Bad or Good ?

A tiny and poor country like Nepal needs more breads than freedoms, a kind of feeling can be found in Nepal. Secular might be good, but it is not the solution. By allowing Nepal not to be Hindu, foreign religions can invade this beautiful country and Nepal will have nothing unique. Secular for Secure Nepal will be better, rather than Secular for the Show. Secure here means, keeping the very values of Nepali customs and culture secure but not losing it. But people might use Secular for the show. We asked questions to our visitors, many of the Travelers to Nepal have said this :
Nepal looked better with the word `Hindu' Nepal is so different than the rest of the Materialistic World. I hope Nepal develops but it does not lose its unique culture and social values which is why Nepal is known in the world.

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