NRNA must take steps to save its glory

Dila Kharel

Not long ago, visiting Nepal in the month of October was a matter of happiness, exciting diary notes and deep feelings of doing something for nation and contributing a lot for Nepal and Nepali people. NRN is deeply motivated to serve their motherland, Nepal and Nepali people with love, empathy, ideas, skill, knowledge, and investment.

In general, people travel around and immigrate for better life, better opportunity and many more. Nepali People have since ages been following the trend of migrating to other nations for employment, and other opportunities. As the world is viewed as a “global village” widely influenced by increasing access to data, information and resources, many Nepali people are no exception leveraging this borderless space of opportunity.

After the 70’s era, the world marked a significant shift in global market with more information, data, source and opportunities for people, germinating the idea of globalization. Since then, Nepal gradually opened up to the global economy and the idea of migration began to resonate.

In 2003, with a very noble, simple, clean and clear aim of “uniting Nepali around the globe for prosperous Nepal” Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) was established by tireless effort of Nepali people residing abroad under the leadership of Dr Upendra Mahato. Early days were so sunshine. NRNA received respect, love, and recognition. NRNA individuals and organisations are so enthusiastic to contribute to Nepal by all means, regardless the remittance as a key factor in the country’s economy, and investment, generating employment opportunities.

Influence of NRNA and its members is steadily growing, both within Nepal and in the countries where they reside. NRNs have become cultural ambassadors of Nepal, representing the nation’s identity, heritage, and values on a global stage. Through their efforts, Nepal has gained increased recognition and support in areas such as tourism promotion, foreign investment, and socio-economic development.

Undoubtedly, the remittance they send to Nepal significantly contributes, covering 24 percent of the country’s total GDP. Major investment and establishment of many large-scale industries like hydro power, hotels, tourism enterprises, banks, hospital, colleges, agricultural projects and many other significantly contributes to Nepal’s economy.

Despite these contributions, the question why NRNA is losing its charm remains unanswered. All of its members and stakeholders have to revisit, rethink and redefine NRNA very urgently, otherwise a sad consequence is viable.

The big question everyone is raising today is - NRNA has become an arena for power struggles and self-interest. In recent days, months and years, NRNA is facing growing criticism widely from even its members, and associates, accusing the leadership of failure to settle internal conflicts, promote transparency, and discourage politicization.

Factors like its election procedure, membership and association with the organisation with ill political interest have been questioned.

The only solution is to rectify NRNA’s structures and leadership. Stopping political interference, honestly serving the nation and revisiting the noble objectives of the process of its formation adopted back in 2003, which adopted the slogan of “uniting Nepali around the globe for prosperous Nepal.”

For me, it is very sad and disappointing to witness how a platform built on collective goodwill and ambition has, in many ways, shifted towards self-promotion and disruptive commentary. Feasibly it is time to genuinely value and adopt actions of those who are sincerely committed to progress, collaboration, and humility and values that Nepal desperately needs today.

It’s time for Reform and Revive

To regain its original stature, NRNA must undergo sincere review, introspection and reform, returning to its core mission of unity, service, and representation of all non-resident Nepali people. These achievements can be made only through participation and dialogue as a whole.

(Kharel, a NRNA leader, serves as President of the Australia Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ANCCI), and a lecturer at various Australia-based colleges.)