BIDESH - नमस्ते

It’s never easy being part of two very different communities and having to bear the pressures of both. You cannot forget the ‘culture’ and traditions of a Society which has a history as rich as Nepal.  However, growing up in a western society means that you cannot be so distant in your thinking and beliefs. Inability to integrate into the society that we currently live in raises other issues. Racism and stereotype flourish when there isn’t the willingness to become cohesive with the place that you now call home.

I would argue that our generation’s parents hold attitudes very dear towards Nepal and may find it difficult to accept in its totality the western customs. I believe that the problems are not in the lifestyle or the values but it is the customs which have developed very differently to those in Nepal.  For example, my mum finds it awkward when she sees people kissing publicly, she does not have any intrinsic hatred for it but that is not something that she would see so openly in Nepal. She is not accustomed to it thus, it is of dis-comfort. However, for those of us that either grew up here or were born here, that is the reality which surrounds us. It isn’t uncomfortable nor is it so alien.  I know this is probably stating the reality for many who have the same demographic background as I, however for many people it is not that simple.

 The true question is what do people really want? Are they living in a foreign country with the intention to return one day, or is that western country the new home?

If the answer is that they expect to return, then it may be advantageous to hold onto the ideologies that they left Nepal with. However, even this premise ignores the modernisation which has taken place. Societally and economically Nepal is very different to even five years ago. From my own personal experience the people who have migrated have often more conservative views than those living in Nepal. This may be due to not wanting to forget the society which they left often at very young ages in search of prosperity. They wanted to change their economic standing in life as anyone would however I don’t think that many were prepared for the cultural differences or how it may affect their reality. The situation is not simply black or white and there are a lot of issues to be considered. 

I understand that this article may seem a little exaggerated with a very focused approach to the issues at hand. But it is done purely with the intention to bring about dialogue within our community. There are many elephants which are all too frequently brushed under the rug, I just simply wish to bring them out. Let’s start having an honest discussion about the direction in which our society and community is heading.