| Username |
Post |
| Sujan |
Posted
on 21-Nov-01 12:40 AM
Most of us are quite aware of this phenomena--brain drain. We seem to ponder or for the lack of a better word--analyze over our country's problems whether economic or social without giving serious thoughts to this particular problem. The notion that all of us will go back to assist in our conutry's well being is purely fictional. It is just not going to happen. So, now I wonder when we voice our opinion over an issue concerning our country, are we just trying to SHOW OFF what we gather from the lectures of our economic or sociology Professor, or do most of us have a genuine interest? The latter point is more plausible than you think because how are we ever going to implement our opinions when most of us are not even going to set foot in our motherland? Be realistic in your answers--some well-thought out goals would be even better.
-Sujan
|
| arnico |
Posted
on 21-Nov-01 01:31 AM
I think you are quite right that NOT ALL of the overseas GBNC members will in the end return to Nepali soil to assist in the country's well-being.
However, the majority of Nepali students and recent-students in the US who I have talked to (and I admit, that may or may not be representative of the majority of GBNC members) have the desire and intention of eventually returning to Nepal and doing something in/for Nepal. BUT many also find their way obstructed by a variety of ostacles. These include, but are not limited to:
* family pressure to earn and send money home.
* family discouragement that things are "hopeless" in Nepal.
* the fear of "getting stuck"... not succeeding in one's dream, and being unable to
back out of where one is.
* the fear that the bureaucracy and fellow citizens will do everything they can to
make things difficult. This starts with immigration folks at TIA, one of whom had
the audacity to say to me "oh, you are back again? you travel a lot! next time,
remember me and bring me a gift too"
My point, as argued in the past, is that we are becoming a large enough, strong enough community that, by working together, we have some hope of bringing about changes to the obstacles themselves ... (even just imagine the effect of 100-200 of us coordinating to send well written and well argued letters to the editor and op-ed pieces about one topic to various Kathmandu newspapers within a week...all signed by ___ , member of GBNC).
I think we can achieve the most if NOT all of us return, but we all work together... with people remaining in the US providing international connections and funding (not just personal money, but also networking with foundations, philanthropists, US investors etc.) to people who want to do things on the ground in Nepal. Coordinating to achieve economy of scale to provide scholarships, as discussed in a different thread, is a good place to start from. but over time we can build far beyond that!
-Arnico
|
| GP |
Posted
on 21-Nov-01 02:40 AM
We should not just call it a brain drain. Well, its in some
extent is brain drain, but, we Nepalis have already
lagged behind other countries to occupy a space
in international arena of different peoples. It can be
viewed from the WTC collapse, out 6000 peoples
there was no one. I am not expecting peoples to
die, but, it shows where we are? We still do not
have influential mass outside Nepal. We still do not
multi millionnaire Nepalis outside our country, and
if those brains who get out of country and establish
some strong business outside Nepal earning multi
millionn every year, it will have a great impact in
Nepal especially, the Business peoples in Nepal
could get Bazar via those multi millionnaire Nepalis.
It can be realized through our Nepali Tea "Mechi
Tea" which has better flavor than the Ceylon tea,
but, how many Kgs we sell out side Nepali community.
We need a strong community outside Nepal, who
has brain and can develop better space in business
world. Rana and Panchayat kal never allowed
young Nepalis to abroad because the rulers
their always swalloed the foreign currency reserve
in Nepal Rastra Bank or Golds (in panchayat,
royal family used to by Gold from NRB with
mile mato Auction in side Narayan hiti palace).
When I left to BKK in 1989, the Bank allowed
me only US $ 150, max, but, now you get
quite substantial amount, why? Its because of
this Multi party system, though, its leaders
are corrupt, but, we got several things
better, and one of them was the foreign currency
and the foreighn currency allowed many
youngs to go abroad and studies. Now who
cares much about Colombo plan, or Russian
Embassy scholarship, its all because of our FC
reserve is accessible to all of us. under this
circumstances, we need to have international
netword of white collar workers to blue collar
workers. Lets not take this brain going out
negatively, its just beginning, once the fraction
of this mass returns the corruptions and other
issues will gradually come under control.
We are just moving our life style out of Bashi
Bashi khane motto. What we need from now
on ward is to tap this resource. Many of the
readers might know that IIT of India, has
usually 30% predesigned number with expection
of leaving India. So, we should also design our
undergraduate courses in such a way that
some percentages can go abroad and its
our great resource and its one of the benefit
being India our neighbour, because of them,
our books and curriculum are so tough, our
students can perform best everywhere they,
and if there are any other competitors of Indians
in studies they are all from SAARC countries.
Its my observation: When I was in Roorkee
univ., none of the foreigners from Africa or Middle
east could study competetively with Indians
except Nepalis (well, there were no one from
other SAARC countries). students from
Kenya, Tanzania, Euthopia were separated
from common classes, and given special
room, and special curriculum, special exams,
but, we Nepalis did pretty well, some even
got gold medals and best outstanding
student medals.
Overall, my undersanding is the if Nepal can
best sell its product, that is brain in parallel
to Indians. The difference with Indian is that
they have strong network already, but, we
have just started to develop. In next 20-25 years
we will also have good network, that will
have influence in Nepali economics. Lets see
a bit far and keep on moving.
GP
|
| ashu |
Posted
on 21-Nov-01 06:21 AM
I support Arnico's idea of writing to/for the newspapers in Kathmandu:
It's a lot of fun to be discussing stuff with one another here; but we, as a
group of young Nepalis, also need to engage with the WIDER world of Nepal
too. And the sooner we can do that, the better it would be for our own
collective aspirations for Nepal.
And so, we need to write/publish stuff in Nepal:
a) to get certain ideas out there in public in Nepal, and make people think about them.
b) to make ourselves known more -- either individually or as a group.
(Aside: I used to write for TND and SCN, and, still to this day, I keep on meeting many interesting people in Kathmandu who had gone to universities all over the world, who NOW are and have been kind to me or they open doors for me because they knew my name from the internet!
So, you see, to cite this anecdote, writing for public may seem like a waste of time to some here, but the sheer name recognition it provides to you and the amny, many professional doors it opens are simply amazing -- and I am saying this out
of my limited, NON-journalistic perspective. Many of you could do even better!!)
In fact, there are, believe it or not, FOUR English language broadsheet dailies,
of 8 pages an issue a da here -- TKP, TRN, Space Time and now The Himalayan -- and one well-known weekly The Nepali Times.
And they all need stuff to keep their pages full.
Every day.
In fact, whenever I meet the editors/reporters of these newspapers from time
to time on social occasions, their BIGGEST, BIGGEST, BIGGEST request always is: "Please write something for us regularly or please find people who will write regularly for us . . . they don't even have to work for us."
I am not joking.
This Web site attracts many talented writers (aside: I recently visited Sebsonline.org and came way quite impressed with it too).
Surely, some people who post stuff here and on sebsonline.org should give some thought about getting their ideas, thoughts and opinions PUBLISHED in
kathmandu.
I mean, it's all fine and good to discuss stuff among ourselves, but, hey, unless
we can individually or collectively influence the policy-making apparatus in Kathmandu, we will always feel like someone with his face pressed against
the glass window outside, looking at the party going on inside and making
all kinds of comments. Our comments may be brilliant, but who's there to hear them?
So, we need to join that party inside; and, once in, we need to shake things up and start making a small, small difference here and there.
Writing for the public is an excellent way to START thinking about the kind of future Nepal we all want.
oohi
ashu
ktm,nepal
|
| GP |
Posted
on 21-Nov-01 07:15 AM
Ashu wrote:
In fact, whenever I meet the editors/reporters of these newspapers from time
to time on social occasions, their BIGGEST, BIGGEST, BIGGEST request always is: "Please write something for us regularly or please find people who will write regularly for us . . . they don't even have to work for us."
I am not joking.
----
Whether you believe it or not, most of the newspapers, if you
don't have direct or indirect personal influence ask money or
some sort of advertisement. Its not only in KTM like
Kantipur Publications Pvt. Ltd. , but, in Pokhara or else where
too, the a news paper or weekly or magazine publishing house
and their reporters to editors demand money. some direct
others advertisement.
I am also not joking.
GP
|
| ashu |
Posted
on 21-Nov-01 08:06 AM
GP-ji,
I think you are right to some extent. If one is a just beginning to write, then
one may have a hard time convincing an editor to run one's article.
Still, my experience is that many editors in Kathmandu respond positively to
quality stuff, regardless from it's from well-known writers or from beginning ones. They are ALWAYS, ALWAYS looking for writers and for good stuff to print, and their biggest complaint is that they don't get quality stuff, and that there so few writers.
Also, with so many daily newspapers in Kathmandu, especially four in English language alone, I sense that it's the case of many newspaper editors chasing after a few good writers to be their regular contributors/columnists.
CK Lal, for example, is paid so much money (in relative terms, of course!) at
The Nepali Times that his contract allegedly forbids him from writing for a rival publication!!
I mean, regardless of whether you love or hate CK Lal's writings, think about this: A Nepali writer . . . with an exclusive contract with a publishing house!! How did this happen? That's like a talented football player or a basketball player being drafted to play for one team and one team alone.
Finally, those of you who want to write for publications in Nepal, you should feel free to use the NETWORK that gbnc.org offers.
I think Suman Pradhan at the Post logs in here once in a while, and so does Akhilesh from NY. They'd be the best people to tell you how to get your stuff submitted. I too will be more than happy to open my rolodex for interested
Nepalis out there to make contacts in the Nepali media.
After all, what good are our various contacts if we cannot use them for one another here on this site?
oohi
ashu
ktm,nepal
|
| GP |
Posted
on 21-Nov-01 08:50 AM
Dear Ashu,
I admire peoples like CK Lal, Akhilesh Upadhyaya and guess they
are now turned to be professional writers. CK Lal, whose writings,
I read frequently and came to know via a friend of
mine, is also an engineer (if my ear heard right things). He
is now established writer in Nepali Media.
I know writing in learned news papers or learned journals or
learned news media with your own name needs to have enough
valid data, work and match the readers demand without going
beyond the objective of the media house.
Well, personally, I write things here in GBNC.org or used
to write in SCN or TND as my private Sokh, therefore, I
hardly even read second time to find my mistakes and therefore,
sometime my readers fire me for my poor english. Meanwhile,
if I have to write things in newspapers for wide readership
and especially the newspapers that are paid by readers,
I will need to spend enough time to write-read-again-rewrite.reRead
... several times before I decide it to send to editors or publishers.
For me, if I can get that much of time, I would rather write
another technical paper that can be published in the international
journal or international conference where I can justify my
things more easily, because my audience is more equipped
with the basic knowledge that I want to convey. But, as
a researcher, I do not feel like writing technical things where
editors reject on first sight because they can not understand
what I am talking, well, its my problem that I could not make
"simple picture of complicated problem", and that disappoints me,
and it is added by the money demanded or private influence
required at the editorial board. I just give up, even think of
spending my effort where your published material is just
read and throw type. But, there are peoples who have a lot
of interest to publish things that are of public interest, but,
were disappointed by the publishers by demanding direct
money or indirect money via a compulsory advertisement.
Meanwhile, let me tell you that Girija and Deuba never have to
pay any undertable money in any jobs at all public places, thus,
they claim that there is no corruption in the country, and I
know you have the same feeling. We public know how much
corruption is there. Girija and Deuba will never know our
feeling, and in publishing things you will never know. (no grudge)
This is my conclusion. I suggest all writers not to pay any
money, let all those papers be deserted, but, peoples want
to feel great by publishing the paid or personally influenced
article which is in fact for me an advertisement. Such articles
are never peer reviewed nor the validity of data is ever checked
and sometime even stolen from other'S original work.
(refer. Diwas Khati pointing this part several times here)
If your article has genuine data and facts or logics, rather publish
in learned journals where you have to pay nothing, but,
will be recognized if its published by the world of professionals.
In Nepal we still lack such publications even dedicated to normal
public.
What I have found most of the Nepali professionals lack of
publishing data because they are scared of peer reviews and
subsequent modifications, therefore, love to have backdoor
payment and personal influence. Because in Nepal, liability
does not exsit at all. All news papers want sensational
write ups, not, something based on scientific or data based
genuine findings or original works.
Its my feeling. I am afraid how many of those authors in
Nepal who use backdoor influence have capacity to
face peer review by another competent writer ? As long
as it does not develop, the news media will remain corrupt
always. They will never get one time writer, but, will be
cluttered with dumb writers, one of them in TKP is .... Khatiwada.
The letter to editor shows how Khatiwada's sensational
write ups are praised. That suits reader's demand. Most of the
writers in Nepali news papers are very simialr to Dada Kodke
in Indian Movie industry. BTW, how many of readers know
Dada Kodke?
Say no to backdoor influence and undertable money demands in
each or any publication.
GP
|
| arnico |
Posted
on 21-Nov-01 10:40 AM
GP ji, I think you are mixing up writing for newspapers/magazines meant for a general audience with peer-reviewed academic journals. For the first you can write and submit any time, about anything you want to share with society, and if the editors agree, it will be printed. Whether they agree, of course, depends upon a variety of factors including how well the piece is written, and perhaps how controversial your submission is. For peer-reviewed academic journals you can only submit papers if you have done substantial new research. That necessarily has to be quality-controlled by peer-reviewers to ensure that what gets spread as new "knowledge" is in fact verifiable. A newspaper op-ed piece, on the other hand, gets published as one person's thoughts and ideas, and not as a contribution to the global pool of knowledge. It SHOULD NOT be peer reviewed before publication!
My experiences with writing pieces for newspapers/magazines in Nepal, although infrequent, has been quite the opposite to yours. I have approached editors with complete articles, and on several occasions they have agreed to print it (with no family connection, in fact, often no prior knowledge of eachother). And, usually after it was printed I received the positive surprise of being paid for it. This has been the case in The Rising Nepal (when it was still the only major, English daily), Himal, and more recently The Kathmandu Post.
|
| Siwalik |
Posted
on 21-Nov-01 10:46 AM
Quite frequently I have read editorials in the TKP and felt like I wanted to puke. And it is supposed to be the largest selling daily? Frankly, do you think it has a capability to even be a reputable paper in the region? I prefer Himal and Nepali Times, but where are the dailies of substance?
|
| 18006262100 |
Posted
on 21-Nov-01 01:30 PM
Voice Of Victim
|
| Sujan |
Posted
on 21-Nov-01 05:17 PM
Arnico and others,
I think Ashu and GP are targeting a point in a plane (looking from a micro point of view rather than macro), which is a start, but I am more interested in the BIG picture of our discussion.
A historical fact: the trend of most Nepalese living abroad will not most likely return let alone showing any patriotism of some sort. Arnico's point regarding obstacles that prevent them from returning are well noted. And I strongly agree that these are the kinds of obstacles we would like to see them resolved. It also seems to me that a majority of the new students may show signs of returning in the future, but for sure it wouldn't be the case once they graduate. But rather, they want to work in the same country, raise a family, or even perhaps make a way for their relatives for migration onto a foreign soil. Why? It's obvious--the oppournities for them here simply outweighs the one in Nepal. Hmm...now isn't that the usual sign of a brain-drain?
Onto another point- yes, the collaboration of us Nepalese working together to achieve a shared goal to sew the fabric of our beloved country from abroad. That has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? But just to put things into perspective of what we are really trying to say is-, well here is an analogy -- have you ever tried taking an online course without actually being in the classroom? I would think it would be a bit challenging if the courses are difficult enough and I suppose what we are trying to do here is a bit difficult as well. What it amounts to is that eventually some of us will have to return, so that the effort of our collaboration isn't wasted. That is to say, if all of us stayed abroad and tried to do something worthwhile with our fellow citizens in Nepal, where most of them yet don't know what 'globalization' means, would be very unwise.
GP's response troubles me a bit. The point about Nepalese ppl not having enough international presence is another issue. It doesn't have anything to do with the brain-drain problem. I wonder, perhaps, you meant we need enough successul Nepalese out there to put them in an international map, so that the whole world recognizes the 'one' as a Nepali. Or that you want Nepalese millionaires left and right, so this would be the basis of our solution? What if we wait around for them to become millionaires? We may have to wait forever, thus, not a very logical solution. The reference to the victims of WT is absurd. The reason no one is in the buidling is because we don't have an industry in Nepal that can compete on a global scale, thus no reason to be working at the WT. Whether an international figure or a millionaire--these traits are something we wouldn't be able to control as this is purely an individual effort. And we can't wait around for that to happen. So, then maybe GP's message is a reality check--are most of us waiting for that fame so that only then we can contribute when we are all old and frail?
The part about the writing for KTM newspapers sounds interesting, but I worry much about some of us actually doing something that will have a positive impact on Nepal's GDP or the resources (mainly financial) for in-house R&D-- things that will make the balance sheet come out in 'black' rather than the dreaded 'red' we are used to seeing year after year. While in this topic, I have really been impressed by some of the IT company CEOs who have had the guts to come back to Nepal to start a business- better yet -to implement what they learned overseas. Why can't this be a model for the rest of us? Is there any hope?
-Sujan
|
| GP |
Posted
on 21-Nov-01 10:24 PM
Sujan ji,
I guess I am talk about about evolution "let some
return, others reinforce the international network
of Nepalis" and you are talking about revolution,
"return all those educated mass back to Nepal".
We first need money, money is main resource,
and then, comes technology. Let young guys
make money, its just 12 years we got access to
outside world (using own resource: NRB FC resource).
So those who left Nepal in 1989, after compeleting
Class 12, are now still below 30years old. Its
premature to say that they will not return to Nepal.
Let them work another 10years. Then, I am sure
a majority will return, with some lump of money
and can start a business in Nepal. Without money,
there is no industry, that can hire you permanently
or assure you even 1 year job. The jobs are still
seasonal, i.e. you get some project, you are hired
and if don't , then, you are fired. Come up with some
strong back up, so that you can establish. As time
passes, small companies will merge and get bigger
and bigger. Simple patriotism does not help, think of
reality. Those who will return, they will be seeking
jobs, but, they will be opening jobs for others too.
If you come to nepal just to seek job, its better
do Bhada majne job, make some money and come
back. Still, I am sure there is no guaranteed job
outside govt. job? Well, if you have some years
experience in your field and some money to survive in
drought, then, you will paid good money in those
seasonal jobs, otherwise, you will exploited. Its
true.
GP
|
| GP |
Posted
on 21-Nov-01 10:32 PM
And, also make sure that Maoist problem is solved,
you are secured, some one does not comes with
Prachanda's signature and ask you 5 lakhs and
finally, settles even with Rs. 500, and tell s you
that next month you should leave this company,
because we are going to take action on the owner
who just paid Rs. 500, when the demanded amt. Rs. 5 lakhs.
Don't rush to return before Maoist Problem ends.
Nepal may need your Monetary help if the country becomes another
Akhada of Nepali Al-Quaida and Nepali Talibans.
Just keep on working.
GP
|
| Siwalik |
Posted
on 22-Nov-01 12:43 AM
Okay, brain drain is not something new. It is actually one of the oldest topics in international developmental politics. Somehow there seems to be a belief that skilled manpower from the Third World countries that leave for developed countries for educational oppportunities, if they returned home would benefit their respective societies/countries. I do not think that is entirely correct. Let me play devil's advocate. Suppose they return. What are they likely to find? Usually it is a corrupt system that will neither fulfill their needs, not utilize their potential. Out of frustration, these people are likely to get entrenched into the corrupt system and if they are lucky, they are more likely to learn the culture of corruption. Hence we will have highly skilled people entrenching rentier states. You thik it is an impossible scenario? I don't think so. Any Third World country could be pointed out as an example. Now, would you have them return to their country and perpetuate corruption or would they be better off where they genuinely have better chance at achieving what they want without having to exploit their countries?
However, having made that point I want to clarify that I do not advocate staying abroad forever. I believe circumstances have changed drastically. One does not necessarily have to return home to be able to contribute in this day and age of internet. Expat community can readily provide technical and financial services to their native land. Besides, there are other ways the new facility in communication can bring us together. Just look how freely we have been able to exchange ideas and be acquainted with people who are concerned about similar issues. Sooner or later, we will be forming a network of individuals who will be devoted to land back in the native soil and start clearing the underbrush of obstacles. Once we can organize, many of us will find greater strength in our voice in that we will be confidently able to say: I am not alone. That is the difference between the ones who went before us and could not make a difference. I have reason to believe that there might already be that kind of movement underway. If you do not want to be left out just email some of the people you feel can be trusted or would be able to work with.
|
| Sujan |
Posted
on 26-Nov-01 05:55 PM
GP, Siwalik and others,
GP, if you reread my earlier post (para. 3) you will agree that both of us want some of our countrymen to return while some remain abroad. The question is when? And it's not that simple that some of them may willingly return in 10 years time. Or only return when the economy is in a rally mode. The situation may become worse than now. Moreover, there are plenty of Nepalese, most of them immigrated before the early 90's, who have already settled, yet their actions tell a different story. Most of them act as if they live in a vacuum when it comes to Nepal's well-being. They don't contribute! Here is something to ponder:
I am sure that many of you, like me, are educated abroad, and have settled or will settle, or at least call the current home your second home. Then with this in mind, why worry about Nepal's future when we are not really obligated to? Most of us do not even think about going back. However, I cannot speak for others, but for me its purely for PATRIOTIC reasons.
So, in reference to GP's point about 'watch and see' if Nepal is worth going back to does bode well with my own patriotic duties. GP's immense description of the current economy, which we are already aware of, certainly isn't inviting. But, my argument is: who is going to make it attractive enough for others to feel invited? That's what we all should be part of, the ones to make the change. It's just that there aren't too many who are willing to make the sacrifice. Everyone wants to benefit somehow, which is okay, but many of us aren't even willing to take the chances. And how is that ever going to help us build the foundation we badly need? JFK said it best 'Ask what you can do for your country, not what your country can do for you'.
On a personal note: (a confession, rather) I declined to work in KTM for Citibank (subsidiary of Citigroup) because I thought it lacked the kind of corporate environment I wanted to work in although it was only a 2-yr commitment. So, I will be the first one to admit that I am guilty.
Onto Siwalik's point--Nepalese, who return, are more likely to exploit or do more damage than benefit society. I highly doubt that this theory can be proven in any one society without pinpointing an individual entity. So, I suppose this depends on the intention of the individuals whether their purpose is to benefit monetarily via corruption or have a keen interest about the well-being of Nepal. However, one can expect such individuals and have to learn to weed them out.
In particular, Siwalik points out that its best for Nep. to remain abroad because of the consequences stated above. This, I emphatically disagree. Let me give you an example:
A good way to build a bridge between Nepal and rest of the world is to invite the outside world (i.e. govt., corporations) into Nepal's soil. How? Suppose a student from Nepal studies at a US institution, and majors in computer science. Suppose this student feels deeply obliged to our country. However, the student feels that going back will keep the student from fully benefitting from the degree because of lack of jobs. With this in mind, the student contacts all the major software and hardware companies doing bus. in asia or Nepal and finds a role that can be of challenge to the student. A student goes back and sets up a 'selling point' or a 'subsidiary' or 'outlet' for this US company. Fact is that many US companies (i.e HP, Compaq, MSFT, Novell....) are well established in Nepal, so this is a way for the companies to penetrate into unreached territories, no matter how saturated. Now, I do realize this could be farfetched in some instances, but this has become reality for some Nep. students, especially those studying in England. And I don't see these former students doing any harm to Nepal other than bringing business as well as eventually raising the overall GDP. I don't know the stastics on other schools, but 20% of Berkeley and Stanford's business school graduates in the US go back to their country of origin.
As far as Siwalik's second paragraph, I agree with the viewpoint that many of us will likely form a network of concerned inviduals devoted to our country in the future. But I do not agree that it should be later, but rather it should be sooner. Its time is now. Why put it off? As far as the medium to make all this happen is concerned nothing is better than a personal touch. Internet as the medium of communication is fine, but when trying to help build a country like ours it takes more than exchanging ideas via the internet. Any technical or financial support is worlthless with a proper strategy formed by concerned individuals like you and me. Perhaps, Siwalik was converying this message: use the available technology and the financial resources to facilitate our one goal, to ever- improve our country's status quo.
-Sujan
|
| Sujan |
Posted
on 26-Nov-01 06:03 PM
correction: In the 3rd para. above it should read "going back to does not bode well" instead of "does bode well".
apologies for the typo.
|
| Siwalik |
Posted
on 26-Nov-01 06:47 PM
Sujan's assertion is wrong in suggesting that it is best for Nepalese to remain abroad. I am one of those who is planning to return and sacrifice for the sake of Nepal. I just wanted to point out to those who think that those who remain abroad are not patriotic or those who return are doing good. I meant to suggest that life is not that simple. Those who return can get entrenched in "rent seeking" that is detrimental to the nation. This does not, however, mean that there is no brain drain.
I do not know how familiar you are with the "modern-world system" perspective. According to this influential perspective, a developing state like Nepal-a peripheral nation--cannot benefit by "doing business" as you suggest by opening up subsidiaries with the developed "core" nations. The exchange is unequal and will always benefit the core more than the periphery. The opportunity to move up (develop) are rare. You solution only exacerbates the economic exploitation by the rich of the poor. However, that does not mean we cannot try to make life better for Nepalese. There are other ways to make better policy decisions and find strategies that will benefit us. I do not necessarily agree that sooner the better. I think opportunities come at various points. For any changes to take place 1)actors, 2) politics and 3)opportunities have to converge. If all three are not present, then the moment is not appropriate. The problem is to determine when that moment has arrived. A good indication would have to do with how successful we are in forming institutions and networks that will not abandon its members in face of political backlash from the entrenched "rent seekers".
|
| Siwalik |
Posted
on 26-Nov-01 06:47 PM
Sujan's assertion is wrong in suggesting that it is best for Nepalese to remain abroad. I am one of those who is planning to return and sacrifice for the sake of Nepal. I just wanted to point out to those who think that those who remain abroad are not patriotic or those who return are doing good. I meant to suggest that life is not that simple. Those who return can get entrenched in "rent seeking" that is detrimental to the nation. This does not, however, mean that there is no brain drain.
I do not know how familiar you are with the "modern-world system" perspective. According to this influential perspective, a developing state like Nepal-a peripheral nation--cannot benefit by "doing business" as you suggest by opening up subsidiaries with the developed "core" nations. The exchange is unequal and will always benefit the core more than the periphery. The opportunity to move up (develop) are rare. Your solution only exacerbates the economic exploitation by the rich of the poor. However, that does not mean we cannot try to make life better for Nepalese. There are other ways to make better policy decisions and find strategies that will benefit us. I do not necessarily agree that sooner the better. I think opportunities come at various points. For any changes to take place 1)actors, 2) politics and 3)opportunities have to converge. If all three are not present, then the moment is not appropriate. The problem is to determine when that moment has arrived. A good indication would have to do with how successful we are in forming institutions and networks that will not abandon its members in face of political backlash from the entrenched "rent seekers".
|
