Madhav Chaulagain’s book, ‘Sapadalakshya Karnali’, presents a new perspective on Karnali, a region often painted with the broad strokes of isolation and underdevelopment. Chaulagain goes beyond standard narratives to create a compelling manifesto for cultural revival and regional empowerment. This book not only addresses a significant void in existing literature but also reshapes our understanding, highlighting Karnali’s potential and demanding a reevaluation of its historical and contemporary portrayal.

Thematic exploration

The narrative of ‘Sapadalakshya Karnali’ is divided into three sections: ‘Maido’, ‘Kanchuli’, and ‘Suina’. These themes explore various aspects of Karnali’s past, present, and future.

‘Maido’ explores the foundational cultural and social practices that knit the communities of Karnali together. It serves as a sort of living room where historical and contemporary narratives intertwine, providing a strong context for understanding current socio-economic dynamics.

‘Kanchuli’ examines the external influences shaping Karnali, especially scrutinising the role of governmental policies and their real-world implications on the ground. This part of the book critiques the efficiency of these policies and their impact on the daily lives of the Karnali people, revealing a gap between policy intent and execution.

‘Suina’, translating to ‘Dream’, sketches a vision for what Karnali could become. It emphasises the latent opportunities in sectors like eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and cultural tourism, which could propel the region forward.

Reframing Karnali’s identity

Chaulagain’s work offers a more nuanced understanding of Karnali, emphasising its rich historical context, cultural depth, and inherent resilience. This work is crucial because it confronts and deconstructs the naïve and often detrimental stereotypes that have framed Karnali primarily as an area in need of aid. Such a portrayal risks reducing the local population to mere recipients of external support, which can perpetuate dependency and marginalisation.

Through a comprehensive exploration of Karnali’s contributions to Nepal’s culture and history, the author reframes the region not as a passive entity but as an active and vibrant contributor to the national identity. This includes highlighting how Karnali’s traditions, knowledge systems, and social practices enrich the broader cultural and historical narratives of Nepal. Furthermore, Chaulagain underscores Karnali’s capacity to overcome challenges, suggesting that the region’s ability to endure and adapt is a significant aspect of its identity. This encourages policymakers and stakeholders to reassess their approach to engaging with the region.

Instead of framing interventions merely in terms of aid delivery, there is a stronger case for policies that support and enhance Karnali’s capacities and resources. This approach not only fosters self-reliance but also respects and integrates the region’s unique cultural and historical significance.

Learning from the land

‘Sapadalakshya Karnali’ can be a crucial scholarly resource that resonates with the locals of Karnali, enhancing their understanding of their heritage and homeland. This book compiles oral histories, cultural practices, and ancestral legacies, integrating them with academic rigour to bridge knowledge gaps within the local community. It can serve as an educational tool, tailored to a wide audience range—from primary school students learning about their local culture for the first time, to academics conducting in-depth research into the region’s historical and cultural complexities.

The book can also empower the people of Karnali. By providing them with a detailed exploration of their roots and the evolution of their societal norms, the book enables locals to engage more confidently and effectively in national dialogues concerning development and cultural preservation.

This book’s role extends beyond mere education; it acts as a catalyst for inclusion, ensuring that the voices of Karnali are heard and considered in national conversations. ‘Sapadalakhsya Karnali’ plays a pivotal role in promoting a more equitable approach to development and cultural recognition across Nepal, illustrating how understanding one’s history and culture can influence and enrich national identity and cohesion.

Stirring civic engagement

‘Sapadalakshya Karnali’ offers a detailed account of governmental neglect and bureaucratic inefficiencies, a narrative that reflects the lived experiences of the Karnali people. This interpretation not only validates the local feelings of abandonment but also catalyses a significant civic awakening among them as they see their struggles and frustrations reflected in the documented accounts. This knowledge empowers them to scrutinise the promises made by politicians against the reality of their actions, fostering a critical awareness that goes beyond mere discontent to active, informed participation.

The book’s exposition of the discrepancies between political rhetoric and tangible outcomes encourages the people of Karnali to adopt a more questioning stance towards governance. This shift is crucial in a region that has historically felt marginalised, as it promotes a more engaged and democratic approach where citizens feel both entitled and obligated to hold their leaders accountable. The increased civic participation inspired by the book could potentially lead to greater transparency and efficacy in how governmental policies are implemented and monitored.

Additionally, Chaulagain’s transition from a knowledge seeker about his region to a creator of its most extensive literary work is inspiring. It exemplifies how individuals from marginalised regions can reclaim their narratives. This story within a story sparks a sense of possibility for Karnali’s youth, who might see a path for their own journeys of personal and intellectual discovery. The rich narratives within ‘Sapadalakhsya Karnali’ carry the power to unify. By portraying common struggles and communal triumphs, Chaulagain fosters a sense of shared identity and collective destiny among the people of Karnali.

Empowering the next generation

Chaulagain’s work not only revisits the historical and contemporary aspects of Karnali but also casts a forward-looking perspective, positioning the region’s youth as pivotal actors in shaping its future.

By underscoring the transformative potential of education and active community engagement, he empowers young Karnali people to actively connect with their heritage and take up meaningful roles in their community’s advancement. This focus is particularly critical in a region where the younger generation often seeks opportunities elsewhere, driven by perceived limitations at home.

He urges the youth to reconsider their migration to urban centres or abroad in search of better prospects. By doing so, he emphasises the untapped potential lying within their native land—potential that can be realised through enhanced education systems, local enterprise, and governance reforms that reflect the needs and aspirations of the community. This approach not only promises to stem the brain drain but also catalyses a more sustainable, locally-driven development model.

However, this optimistic vision demands critical examination of the existing barriers, such as social, economic, and political factors that might hinder such a transformation. For Chaulagain’s vision to materialise, substantial support systems and incentives must be established to foster local opportunities. This includes investment in quality education, infrastructure development, and policy frameworks that support entrepreneurship and job creation in Karnali.

Chaulagain’s call for a reinvigorated focus on local development through the empowerment of youth challenges the traditional narratives of migration and dependency. It presents a robust framework for self-sustenance that not only revitalises local economies but also reinforces cultural and social bonds.

One of the most compelling aspects of the author’s narrative is his focus on the roles and contributions of Karnali’s women, who have historically been overshadowed in broader discourses. This book not only highlights these roles but also challenges existing patriarchal structures, advocating for a more gender-inclusive history and present.

Looking to the future

Chaulagain advocates for a transformative approach where Karnali could become a leader in eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and cultural tourism, capitalising on its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural tapestry. This perspective is crucial as it suggests that economic development in Karnali does not have to come at the expense of its environment or cultural heritage. Still, these attributes can be the foundation of its economic revitalisation.

However, this optimistic outlook warrants a critical examination of the practical challenges involved. Transforming Karnali into a hub for eco-tourism and sustainable practices requires significant investment, not only in terms of capital but also in education and infrastructure. Moreover, there is a need for robust policy frameworks that support sustainable development while protecting local interests from exploitation.

Chaulagain’s proposal, while inspiring, thus requires a grounded strategy that addresses potential socio-economic disruptions and ensures the equitable distribution of benefits among Karnali’s inhabitants. This involves careful planning and community involvement to ensure that Karnali’s growth is sustainable and inclusive, thereby fostering a development model that reflects the aspirations of its people.

Sapadalakshya Karnali

Author: Madhav Chaulagain

Publisher: Khas Bhumi Kendra

Year: 2024