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Speaker shares perspective on Nepal
By Joe Palmersheim
Published:
Tuesday, April 15, 2003
Media Credit: Blair Schlichte
Narayan Shrestha, president of the SANN International College in Nepal, spoke to students about the political and social situation in Nepal Thursday afternoon in Miller Auditorium.
A voice from Nepal was heard on Thursday as Narayan Shrestha, president of the SANN International College in Nepal, spoke in the Miller Center Auditorium. He addressed issues about the political and social situation in Nepal.
Shrestha has lived in America since 1977. Before then, he befriended a member of the Peace Corps to help him get into the United States. He settled in Dallas, Tex.
"Kennedy was killed there. I had a strong emotional attachment to that," he said
When he first arrived, speaking little to no English presented some interesting situations.
To illustrate, Shrestha shared a story about the first time he was in an American airport: "I asked a man to take me to the lift (elevator) and he said, 'Lift? I don't know what you're talking about, but follow me upstairs.' I followed him and he said, 'Come, follow me. I'll take you to the elevator.' I thought he said alligator; so I said, 'No, please don't.'"
Otherwise, his transition to American life went smoothly. Shrestha went on to earn his degree in finance from the University of Dallas. He later returned to Nepal, in what he says was the fulfillment of a dream. He felt he had to go back and help his people.
However, he found that the economic conditions had worsened since he had last lived there.
To help, he returned with "Helping Hands," an organization he founded. The group brought support in the form of doctors, nurses and medical supplies. It consists of four clinics and 100 staff members.
"The whole country needs help," Shrestha said. When speaking on the political situation in Nepal, Shrestha said that problems with corruption plague the Nepal government.
Another problem that faces the government is a rival political faction called the Maoists.
"(They) wanted to kill the corruption," Shrestha said. "It was the only way to make the government listen."
Unfortunately, the government and the Maoists began to wage war on each other. As a result, over 7,000 people were killed in the fighting. Peace talks are ongoing today.
"In 2002, in the month of June, 'Helping Hands' did a very big peace really in Katmandu," Shrestha said. "'Helping Hands' is doing so much work in the villages in all the country that we have always been respected by both sides."
Another problem Nepal has faced over the years is dependency on income gained from the tourist industry. With tourism dropping off, Nepal is losing money. For progress, a free trade treaty was developed with the United States.
"(It) has given the country a really good boost," Shrestha said.
Shrestha also discussed education. He spoke about a program that would allow students in Nepal to take two years of courses in their homeland and then come to America to finish their degree.
He ended his speech with a personal appeal to the Nepalese students of SCSU.
"I'm very proud that you've made this place, this college, your temple of education," he said. "You can give this community a knowledge to share of our culture. Give them knowledge and get knowledge from them. That is the modern age that we live in, that is the connection.
"One thing you must not forget, please, whatever you do, however long you stay here, don't forget Nepal. You must think 'How can we help Nepal?' You must not forget that."
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