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Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Magar Bhasa V

With the love & affection you guys have shown to my Magar Bhasa series, I would like to continue the series. And its also nice to see lot of young Magars showing interest in their ancestors language. Here, I would also be including few of the most demanded and seek sentences. So lets start.


Ngai nakoke maya jatlang. / Ngai nakoke jakle.

Ma timi lai maya garchu.

I love you. 


Ngai nakoke dherai maya jatlang.

Ma timi lai dherai maya garchu.

I love you so much.


Naye ngake kudik maya jatle ? / Naye ngake kudik jakle ?

Timile malai kati maya garchau? 

How much you love me?


Nang kus aala? / Nako su ala ?

Timi ko ho ?

Who are you ?


Nang holk aanai ? Nang holk aanani ?

Timi tyaha janchau ?

Will you go there ?


Kat-thai aaning.

Sangai jaam.

We well go together.


Ngake chindi-nani?

Malai chinchau ?

 Do you know me ?


Hos kus aala?

Tyo ko ho?

Who is he?


Seu jyanani?

Seu khanchau?

Do you like to have apple?


Di ganani?

Pani khanchau?

Do you want water?


Ilak muni.

Yahan basa.

Sit here.


Aab he jatke la?

Aab ke garne ho?

Whats next?


Mis-sin- g.

Sutam.

let's sleep.


Ilak rahani.

yeta aaunus.

Come here.


He jyakela?

Ke khane ho?

What do you have?


Hike sheh-reng-chala?

Timi kina khusi chau?

Why are you happy?


Na rap-ni.

Na runu.

Don't cry.


Nanko dherai seha-cha le.

Timi dherai ramri chau.

You are so beautiful.


Kulak ha-wa-cha la?

Kahan hineko ho?

Where are you going?


Kunch-le?

Kasto cha?

How is it?


Kudik nga-ak cha-la.

Kati bole ko ho.

You doing too much talking.


Imang ha-wa-ni.

Bhara hinda.

Let's go home.


Chhi-ning namas rah-hale.

Aaja pani aaucha.

Today, it will rain.


Ngai ma-jaak-lang.

Maile rucha-uun nna.

I don't like it.


Hos raakni.

Tyo dinus.

Give that to me.


Chhi-nning juh'ham mal-le.

Aja chiso cha.

Today its cold.


Chhi-nning khan ma-le.

Aja garam cha.

Today its hot.


Nga-ke hosni na.

malai bhannu na.

Please tell me.


Chhi-nning  bhati-haar jatke la.

Aja bhatiyar garne ho.

Today we will have social catering.


Ngai sa-ya jaklang.

Malai masu maan parcha.

I love to have meats.


Kudik kara- ang-cha-la.

Kati thulo ho.

Its so big.


Kudik ma-har-cha-la.

Kati sano ho.

Its so small.


Kudik ghang-cha-la.

Kati aaglo ho.

Its so tall.


Kudik yah ke-la?

Kati dine ho?

How much to give / pay?


Ma-chaan-ne ra?

Hunna ra?

Is it ok?


Hee-ke aauli?

Kina ho ra?

For what?


Ngai pa-ha ma-nang.

Maile sikdai chu.

I am learning.


Hee lo le la?

Ke kinne ho?

Anything to buy?


Di soh-na.

Tirkha layo.

Feeling thirsty.


Bhu-ruka.

Udayo.

Blowing away.


Chhi-nning pi-hin aap-paha-rinning.

Aaja bholi niparsi.

Today tomorrow day-after.


That's all for now. Hope you guys to see you soon. Cheers !!! 



 


Sunday, June 22, 2025

SPIRITUALITY vs PHILOSOPHY vs SCIENCE

As today I was going through my mobile I have come across this beautiful article. The detail of the article has compel me to think on some of the things related to spirituality & philosophy. But, first go through this interesting article, I have mentioned the source if anyone ones to check the original website. The article was written by Edwin O.

"Goodbye to universe as we know — Experts find “clues” of computer-like behavior

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Magar vs Kirat

 

Magar vs Kirat

 

How closely related are Magars & Kirats to each other? Are Magars part of Mahakirati group?

 

Understanding the relation between these two groups is not only the key to understand Nepal history but the history of Magars itself. I personally think that these answers will help in understanding Magars history & ancestors in much better way. The history which was always look from the perspective of Khas Aryans & Bahuns.

 

My main reference of the subject is from the book “Kirat-Limbu Sanskriti” written by Navraj Subba. When I say Kirat here I consider Rai, Limbu, Sunuwar etc under this word. (Whether other groups come under this group or not is the topic of another debate). One thing I have liked about this book is writer has taken the reference of another writer’s book which was written in past related to the Kirats. In the book he has mainly focused on the journey of Kirat & Limbu. However, the he has shown relation between Kirat to Babylon civilization, I am not so in line with him. He has taken the reference of Kirat Mudhum (Kind of their history & mythology) & some words that resembles with Babylon civilization.

 

In this what I want to add is that Kirat may have Babylon connection but saying Kirat originated or Kirat ancestors were from Babylon is too much of the bold claim. However, my understanding says that Kirati is actually have Northen connection they should have this route Siberia-Mongol-China-Tibet instead of Babylon-Iran-central Asia-India route. One of the main factors that contradict Nawraj Subba’s theory is the physical appearance of Kirats only. Now the next question is how does Kirati Mudhum has high resemblance with Gangetic or Aryan people. My answer is because the Mudhum & ancestry is written by Aryans. One thing we have to understand is that Aryans were literate & they were good in keeping ancestry record, which can be seen today also. There is a possibility that few elite Bahuns may have aligned with Kirats, who were already settled in Eastern Himalayans North of present-day Bihar. And this alignment doesn’t happen with Kirat only, this was the general trend at era. It happened in India when Aryans came, it happened in China when Buddhist monk visited China & so is with Muslim Clergy & Christan missionary. The Aryans I am talking about is high class Aryans, who always use to look for new kingdom where they can spread their influence & establish themselves on high position. The same this which happens with Islam & Christianity in Medieval period. One of the finest example is influence of Hinduism & now Christianity on Magars in current period.             

 

Here, few people may ask then what about their scripture. Scripture & books written was always the blends of myths & reality, to make or show reality some out of the world thing or superior than other. That what those literate people were mastered in & in return they use to get lot of respect & high position in king’s court. One thing I want to mention here is that Kirats were influenced by Aryan Brahmins at very early stage, the stage when these clergymen spreading in Gangetic plain, that’s the reason we can see the mention of Kirat people in Mahabharata also.

 

Now lets comeback to our main topic. As Nawraj Subba has mentioned that in Kirati Mudhum, Magar group is mentioned as part of the Mahakirati group. Its possible, how much weight is there in this claim, I will say very substantial. There are two things that connects today’s Magar with today’s Kirat:

1.    Physical appearance

2.    Language   

Second thing mentioning of Magar group in Kirati Mudhum under Mahakirati group also establish that all the groups mentioned in the Mahakrati group were already living in present day Nepal.  

 

Next question comes is how closely related we both groups are. Then my answer will be very much. We are as closely related as how Dravidians of South India are, how Hans, Manchu, Tibetans are related in China. Though technically every human being (Homo Sapiens) has come from a single mother. Here, we are talking about present day groups, I can definitely say that Magar & Kirat had more close common ancestry as compared to Magar & Gangetic people or South Indian Dravidian.      

 

There are few mentions of Magars in Kirat history, but one thing was clear at Mahabharat era also Magars were already had a different identity. Identity of their own as Magars.

 

What are the other common features between Magars & Kirats.

 

1.    Tantra philosophy may have come from Kirant root, though in ancient time all religion has deep root in Tantra even Hinduism & Buddhism (particularly Tibetan Budhism). Dhami & jhakri is common n both groups.

2.     Maghe Sankranti is main festival of Kirats. It is celebrated as victory over Kathmandu by King Yalambar. Maghe Sankranti is also celebrated as Kirati new year. Maghe Sankranti is also the main festival of Magars, but the thing is we still don’t know why it’s the major festival of Magars. We might find the answer in Kirat history.

Sunday, April 6, 2025

The Lost Technology of The World - The Mantras

                          When people look at The Great Pyramid, Pyramids from Mayan civilization & the great Sumerian cities & Harrapan cities, we often wonder how can the people from 3000BC can make such high-end structures at that time. The answer to this question is very difficult. Youtube is full of this topic trying to explain the things, where mainly they talk about the aliens. The claim the existence & influence of aliens at that era.

                          However, I have completely different approach to look at these things & hence compelled me to write it on my blog.  

                          This theory of mine is based on historical facts & religious myths and books.

                           One thing that everyone must agree with me is that that time and those civilization was one of the most advanced civilization. However there is one thing common in all these civilization. That is after the downfall of these civilizations and when these great cities cease to exist, suddenly there was one kind of void in human civilization. Its like a those people who survived after that  has no clue whatsoever about the great technology. It took human next 5000 years to reach that level, that much was the degradation of humanity.

                           Now, the question is what is that thing or technology that helped in creating those unimaginable monuments. Did aliens really came on earth and taught human or helped human?

                          I get my answer when I look into the evolution of human & evolution of its belief in God & evolution of human consciousness. 

                          After the first human formed on earth or in science language when there was sudden change in one of the human ancestors and when a first homo sapiens took birth in this world, or when nature had first start producing homo sapiens (today's true human), that's when everything start changing in this world. A new type of improve consciousness came into existence.

                        These guys have the capabilities in mastering the complex art form, these guys have the capabilities to make computers, mobile phones (I hope I am going write). All in all what I want to say is that their brain had advanced thinking capabilities.

                        Now as the number of these homo sapiens grew, each individual was unique in his own terms. Few wanted to grab power and wanted to become the most powerful person, few used to like music - for them music was everything, few like hunting, few like painting, few were super intelligent & few were completely dumb. 

                      But my interest here is with those few who were interested in harnessing energy from the nature. The one who use to look for some higher power & love to communicated with them. Here, I am not using the word spirituality because spirituality came much later. The breed of person I am talking about we can call them  shamans, sorcerers, witch to certain extent (the one who misuse the power), high priests. The person who has certain connection with the nature and who can communicate with the nature. Which of course now science calls it bull shit. So you guys understand what i am talking here, and I definitely not talking about spirituality.

                      In the same category comes the Hermits, Sages, Tantriks who can use some energetic words to fulfil their will and to complete some tasks.        

                     These are the people who first connected with nature's energy. One of the interesting thing is that few have acquired those techniques but there are others who were naturally blessed with this things. So, people who called them hardcore science can stop reading from here, but the same guy can come realize it after 100 years. They might understand what I am talking or it might take little longer.

                    If you go through any religious text also you will also come to know how a particular religion or the religion has evolved. How, multi-gods converted into a single God in due course of time.

                   Now, lets come back to our point. As hunter developed more advanced form of weapon, music start becoming for system & so is dancing. Similarly, these magician people started learning more about their magic. Now what is this magic? It might have first started with person who can communicate with their ancestor's spirit. The spirit who can tell the future danger, it can guide them on their well being, somewhat help them when they are in some problem. Which you can even observe today if you go to any remote village in Himalaya. 

                 The more important aspects is that the people who has developed this nature's energy harnessing method into a technology. Even more surprising part was these people were not using any device. This technology, which anyone could acquire was based on powerful words, some sacrifice & some specific rituals & dedicated to specific aspect of the nature or you can call it deity.

                 With time these pre-historic scientist has developed their technology to such an extent that they did mastery in astrology, astronomy & to certain extent sorcery or magic. Which resulted in great pyramids, they didn't keep mummies just like that there had to be reason and purpose behind that. They made huge structures or monuments so that they can harness fore energy. If you ask me Egyptian technology was the most advanced of that time. That's the reason Pharaoh of Egypt ruled liked a god. 

               This thing was not just limited at Egypt, it was every part of the word at that time. The same technology was getting used by the Great Sages in Indian subcontinent. However, they had power to reach so called heaven, but its a topic for different discussion. But one thing that was definitely there was that Magic power & their able to communicate with the nature.

               So, it was not aliens who came and helped Earthian people, it was purely done by human with the guidance of Nature. Yes we can say it alien from higher dimensions, but they definitely don't exist in this human Universe.

               And the next interesting part is this same thing can explain the downfall or extinction of this advance civilization. Though, these pre-historic scientists were not exactly responsible for downfall but to certain extent yes.

                Anything in excess is not good and specially when it is getting used for other miserable. That's when the downfall started. And when evil reach its peak nature has to do the correction. So, we can don't look at it by evils perspective than also its the law of nature what comes in the universe one day its has to go.

              And as we know today after that how the human again started from scratch and a new Yuga has started.             

              This thing also gives lot of learning to we humans. In my opinion how advanced a human breed becomes it still under the influence of that Nature. However, I want to conclude this chapter with these words. pre-historic scientists were more powerful than today's scientist but still they had to go from this earth. So all in all live happy, give respects to everyone, keep the egos aside & enjoy this heaven,    

       

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Save Magar Language & Culture I

 Hello Guys, 

As we all know Kali Gandaki Basin is the homeland or ancestral land of the Magars. There is no two opinion that the today's region of Palpa, Syangja, Rukum, Rolpa, Parbat, Baglung, Tanhun, Pyuthan, Arghkhanchi is the land first inhabitated by Magars. The foremost & the strongest evidence is the name of the place, rivers, villages & mountains was named in line with Magar Language. One of the most common way to identify it is use of 'DI" as suffix. For example Marsyangdi, Myagdi, Karadi etc. In so of the places some names has already been converted to Khas language & some more are in process of it (by knowingly or unknowingly). Here, I want to make it clear that I have no negative thoughts or feelings towards Khas language or people. This mission is just to save the Magar language & culture with whatever little way we can do. And any sensible people will definitely try to protect their own language culture or religion, of which we can see ample example in today's scenario. 

Since, I am from Syangja I would like to give few examples so that we can be more clear on it. For example, there is a well known stream in Syangja called Andhikhola. I am sure most of you have heard this name. In Magar language this is still called 'Aangdi' which according to me because of mispronunciation it converted into 'Aandhi' & hence the Aandhikhola. 

There is famous place in Walling municipality named Changchandi. A famous Shiva temple is also located there. I have heard that people are going to change the name of that place to something else.

Hence, I have taken this very small initiative to at least make Magars aware of their ancestral heritage & the culture. & hope that this small initiative will help in stopping converting Magars name into Khas one.

So what we have to do is you guys have to just mention the name of the place, village, stream, river or mountain which has DI as its suffix. if possible its meaning & where its located. 

And if anyone else has any more technique like place name with suffix PA for example in Tibetan language means place hence the name Palpa, Rolpa, Dolpa etc.

Few more Suffix I want to mention here is 'LUNG' means stone in Magar language Malunga, Ilunga etc.

'YANG" suffix Galyang, Lalyang etc.

So, anyone who wants to share more on this line is warmly welcome & lets do it together.

Here, below I am trying to write the Magar names in & around Syangja. You guys can add on to it with me depends on your area. 

Dharadi - Common name of place or stream

Karadi - Name of the stream & hence place in Galyang Nagar Palika, Syangja

Malunga - Name of the bazaar in G.N.P. Syangja

Ilunga - Name of the place

Changchandi - A famous place in W.N.P. it has a famous Shiva Temple

Waling - LING means song in Magar language - A municipality in Syangja

Syangja - This possible could be derived from SAINCHA means expanding.

Aangdi - Aandhi Khola as I have mentioned before

Gwadi - Name of the place

Japkadi _ Name of the place in Palpa

Rumbakdi - Name of the place

Tolatung - TUNG means at that place or point

Bartung - Name of the place near Tansen

Gurungdi - Name of the place

Garangdi - Name of the place

Tansen - Is possibly derived from TANSINGH, In Magar language SINGH means wood

Bajhang - JHANG means on earth

Lotcha Khohore - KHOHORE means Bhir in Magar language. LOTCHA means long so it means Steep Mountain.

So, guys I hope you guys will keep adding the list & will definitely want to here any interesting thing which you guys want to share with us all.

I will also try to update more names in the future.


  


  

     


Saturday, July 8, 2023

Origin of the word Nepal (Nepal - Etymology)

When I started looking for the origin of the word Nepal and looking for the answer of the question how Nepal got its name, I have come across some interesting facts and articles. One of the article I have found in www.kathmandupost.com (Date: September 1, 2015), it has solved most of my query and though it says that they themselves have taken the article from some school curriculum. Here is the article:

"Title: Here are 5 interesting theories about how Nepal got its name!

Over the course of its history, Nepal has been known by names, such as The Land of Truth, The Land of Solitary Meditation and Penance. It is only in this current Iron Age that it is known as Nepal. So when did Nepal become Nepal? Who coined this name?

There are many theories out there. Here are five interesting ones we found:

  1. Nepal was ruled by kings of the Gopal dynasty. They were known as ‘Nepa’. Hence the name Nepal
  2. In Tibetan Language ‘Ne’ means home and ‘pal’ means ‘wool’. Sheep were reared in Kathmandu Valley once upon a time. Hence Nepal- the land of the wool.
  3. In Newari language ‘Ne’ means ‘centre’ and ‘pa’ means country. So Nepal is a country situated in the centre!
  4. There was once a sage called ‘Ne’ who lived along the banks of Bagmati and Bishnumati river. He was the only advisor to the king hence. The ruler was so impressed by him, he name the entire kingdom ‘Nepal’
  5. ‘Ne’ means ‘holy’ and ‘pal’ means cave in Lepcha’s dialect. Nepal is a holy place- the centre of pilgrimage of Hindus and Buddists. It was called a ‘holy cave’; hence Nepal.

What theory convinces you the most? What did we miss out? Know another theory?

Source: The information has been collected from the curriculum taught at schools in Nepal"

Interestingly they have left a question mark at the end. So, I have decided to decode it in my way and try to present best way possible answer.

Here my answer is point no. 3 that is in Newari "Ne" means centre and "Pa" means country.

# I want to make a clear disclaimer that I am neither denying the existence of Gopal King with the Nepa nor a sage who lived in Kathmandu valley with the name "Ne". In fact I have researched and found that these all facts are mentioned in some old manuscripts. So its there.

So, here is my take on the theory that why Nepal is actually originated from Newari.

Note1: I guess by now it must have been clear that in earlier times Nepal was exclusively used for present day Kathmandu valley. Nepal is also alternatively used for Newar also.

This is the article I have taken from wikipedia which help in further understanding:

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newar_people

Newar: Origin, Etymology

" The terms "Nepāl", "Newār", "Newāl" and "Nepār" are phonetically different forms of the same word, and instances of the various forms appear in texts in different times in history. Nepal is the learned (Sanskrit) form and Newar is the colloquial (Prakrit) form.[8] A Sanskrit inscription dated to 512 in Tistung, a valley to the west of Kathmandu, contains the phrase "greetings to the Nepals" indicating that the term "Nepal" was used to refer to both the country and the people.[9][10]

The term "Newar" or "Newa:" referring to "inhabitant of Nepal" appeared for the first time in an inscription dated 1654 in Kathmandu.[11] Italian Jesuit priest Ippolito Desideri (1684–1733) who traveled to Nepal in 1721 has written that the natives of Nepal are called Newars.[12] It has been suggested that "Nepal" may be a sanskritization of "Newar", or "Newar" may be a later form of "Nepal".[13] According to another explanation, the words "Newar" and "Newari" are colloquial forms arising from the mutation of P to W, and L to R.[14]

As a result of the phonological process of dropping the last consonant and lengthening the vowel, "Newā" for Newār or Newāl, and "Nepā" for Nepāl are used in ordinary speech."

 

Now its more or less clear that Nepal is actually used for present day Kathmandu valley, In fact the word, Newar itself is originated from the word Nepal.

Note2: Now, my second logic goes like this. It will be never ending debate that who actually Newars are ?? (But, if a person use some common sense will definitely and easily→→→ find his answer). So, lets not talk about the origin of the Newari people, but majority of you must agree that the language Newar people using now which is also called Newari bhasa has its roots to Tibetan language. Its definitely a branch of Tibeto-Burman language just like Magars, Gurung, Sherpa, Tamang, Rai, Limbu etc.

And again if you guys notice all over the Nepal (irrespective of who came to Nepal first Khas or Tibetan tribes), many names of the place, mountain, rivers are in Tibeto-Burman Language. Hence, it shows that Tibeto-Burman language was the primary language in naming or identifying the place. 

Note3: Now the question is how Nepa becomes Nepal.

Actually it goes like this:

Nepa ---> Nepali ---> Nepal

Becasue in Tibeti-Burman language when we have to say person from that particular place, 'Li' is used as suffix. Examples:

Palpa ---> Palpali

Syangja ---> Syangjali

Gwadi ----> Gwadeli

Lamjung ---> Lamjungeli

Rolpa ---> Rolpali   and so on

Hence, word Nepali come into existence and with the time Nepali and Nepal started using interchangeably as you might have read in the Wikipedia (On Newari etymology), I have mentioned above.

So, it solves all my query. Here the only concern can be raised is that I have favoured  the Tibeto-Burman language and was biased towards Sanskrit origin languages. 

However, I want to know how did you like my explanation, please do comment. Please do comment and let me know if I am missing something. Thanks


EDIT: 19th June, 2025:

This edit is very crucial as I think this is the best possible answer of the origing of the word "Nepal".

In Kirati language Kathmandu, Lalitpur & Bhaktpur has its own name. In Kirati language Kathmandu region was known as YEN, that means centre. (though we should know that Kathmandu name itself may have come much later).

What makes this fact interesting is the Newari 'Ne' word for centre is actually come from the Kirati word 'Yen'. So, we can derive two things from it. First the words 'Nepal' must credited to Kirati language. Second thing is the Newars have some or the other, has Kirati connection. We can even say that Newars are early Kirati settlers in Kathmandu valley.

One thing I didn't understand is whether this finding of mine is missed by Nepali scholars or they purposely not mentioned it. I would not be surprised because all scholars were Bahuns and hence they did not want to give credit to Janjatis.

The more interesting fact is including of Ne muni sage in it. As always they have also tried to Sanskritisized (Bahunized) this it. Many people may not agree on it. But this is what it is. 

Namaste !

 


  





Nepal should adopt a multi-alignment policy

Written By: Gopal Khanal

Source: 
 www.theannapurnaexpress.com 

Date: July 4, 2023

While engaging in discourses on the foreign policy of Nepal in formal and informal forums, some new thoughts and somewhat ‘innovative’ ideas have emerged, influenced by the changing dynamics of global power politics.

In a thought-provoking lecture titled ‘Safeguarding Nepal’s National Interest: Foreign Policy Choices in the Changing International Environment,’ under the Yadu Nath Khanal lecture series organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Former Foreign Secretary Madhu Raman Acharya on June 25 shared an interesting perspective. He recommended that Nepal should adopt a policy of ‘multi-alignment’ instead of strictly adhering to the traditional ‘non-alignment’ stance.

Acknowledging the shifting dynamics of international politics, Acharya believes that Nepal can better safeguard its national interests by adopting a more flexible and pragmatic approach toward international relations. While internalizing the sensitivities of geo-strategic location, I have presented my perspective in this write-up in a way backing-up this thought of a seasoned diplomat and author of many books, including a famous one ‘’Nepal Worldview’’.

Let us define non-alignment and multi-alignment first.

Non-alignment is a policy stance where a country chooses not to align itself with any major power bloc or alliance. Non-aligned countries aim to maintain their independence, sovereignty, and neutrality by avoiding formal military alliances or entanglements in conflicts between major powers. Non-alignment was a policy of the Cold War era when non-aligned countries refrained from aligning themselves with the West-led NATO or the East-led Warsaw Pact. The dynamics of international relations have evolved since the Cold War, and the term ‘non-aligned’ may not have the same significance today as it did back then. Nepal is a non-aligned state that has protected its national sovereignty and territorial integrity in major geopolitical turbulences over the decades. 

Multi-alignment is a policy approach in which a country actively seeks to engage and maintain relations with multiple powers or regional blocs. Unlike non-alignment, multi-alignment does not imply complete neutrality or a lack of formal alliances. Instead, it emphasizes diversifying diplomatic, economic, and security ties with various countries or groups to safeguard national interests and increase strategic flexibility. By engaging with multiple actors, a multi-aligned country aims to leverage its relationships to maximize benefits, access resources, and pursue its goals effectively. This approach allows countries to navigate complex geopolitical environments and adapt to shifting power dynamics. Multi-alignment is new for Nepal, unlike its southern neighbor India, which has adopted it by terming it as a ‘multi-engagement’ policy. 

Should Nepal follow a multi-aligned policy then or just remain multi-engaged?

Nepal has adhered to a non-aligned stance since the 1950s, primarily as a means to maintain its independence, sovereignty, and neutrality during the Cold War. During that period, many countries, particularly smaller nations, chose to remain neutral as a survival strategy and to avoid being drawn into the conflicts between the United States and the Soviet Union. Nepal’s adoption of non-alignment allowed it to assert its own interests and avoid alignment with either of the power blocs.

But the situation has changed since then. On the one hand, the Cold War is over, while on the other, there have been errors and blunders in the implementation of non-alignment. Despite deviations from the core principles of non-alignment in some cases, the fundamental principle of maintaining independence, sovereignty, and neutrality has so far remained the guiding force.

Given the economic significance and influence of China and India in the region, Nepal must continue to engage with both countries to benefit from economic partnerships, trade opportunities, and infrastructure development. At the same time, maintaining relations with other countries, including the United States and other western powers, can bring additional benefits in terms of investment, and development assistance.

A multi-aligned policy approach can offer Nepal strategic flexibility and the ability to navigate its complex geopolitical environment effectively. By engaging with multiple powers, Nepal can leverage its relationships to advance its national interests, access resources, and enhance its development prospects. This is no time to be a mere spectator of developments in our periphery and be submissive to any hegemon. It doesn’t mean that Nepal should immediately embrace the multi-aligned policy; at least we should start contemplating the pros and cons of multi-alignment. Unlike regional powers China and India, which have strategic goals to achieve globally, Nepal has to focus on its strength in the development process.     

It is important for Nepal to carefully assess its national priorities and conduct a comprehensive analysis of the potential benefits and risks associated with a multi-aligned approach. This includes considering the potential impact on its relationships with neighboring countries, managing any potential conflict of interest, and ensuring the protection of Nepal’s sovereignty and independence.

It is important to note that multi-alignment does not necessitate membership in specific security-related alliances such as the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) of the US or the Global Security Initiative (GSI) of China. A multi-aligned state can out-rightly refuse to become a member of initiatives focused on security and military cooperation.

However, Nepal has engaged or can still engage with specific programs or initiatives that are not security-related. For example, participation in the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the US, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China and the Act East Policy (AEP) of India can offer opportunities for economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and regional connectivity without compromising Nepal’s national interest. When engaging with these programs, Nepal should carefully evaluate any conditions or terms attached to them and assess their implications for national interests and sovereignty. Understanding the geography and geopolitics of the region is crucial for Nepal to navigate new policy orientations.  

Nepal should forge partnerships and collaborations with various nations and global actors, regardless of their ideological or political orientations. Rather than being biased toward any specific country, government or ideology, multi-alignment allows Nepal to engage with diverse actors and explore different ideas, which can contribute to the formulation of a unique Nepali perspective on development.

For peace, progress and prosperity of Nepal and the Nepalis, the Nepali state should recognize the importance of engaging with different powers and seeking their support in national endeavors.