Spiritual Leader Swami Anand Arun Urges Nepali Political Parties to Adopt Long-Term National Vision, Proposes Nepal as Potential Asian Union Capital

Kathmandu. Swami Anand Arun, founder of Osho Tapoban in Kathmandu and a spiritual guru, has urged all political parties in Nepal to adopt a common policy centered on the long-term national interest. He put forward the idea that Nepal should take the initiative to form an Asian Union, inspired by the concept of the European Union, suggesting that Nepal could potentially be its capital.

In a seven-point proposal aimed at the election manifestos of various parties and the policy agenda of the upcoming government, Swami Arun presented long-term agendas related to Nepal's civilizational identity, economic potential, social justice, energy diplomacy, health system, tourism, and regional peace.

‘Nepal is currently going through a decisive transition. The growing activism of the youth, questions raised against the traditional political structure, the rise of new political forces, and the possibility of forming a government through collaboration are leading the country in a new direction. “This is not just a time for a change of power, but a historic opportunity to redefine the state's thinking, priorities, and long-term vision,” the proposal by Swami Arun states.

• Separate Ministry for Yoga, Meditation, and Alternative Health

Swami Arun proposed the formation of a separate ministry to encompass the field of yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and alternative health systems, interpreting Nepal as a historical center for these practices. He argued that in the context of rising global mental stress, lifestyle diseases, and healthcare costs, these knowledge systems are preventive, less expensive, and effective for holistic health.

He stated that traditional healing practices such as yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Naturopathy, Tibetan healing systems, Acupuncture, Acupressure, exorcism, mantra chanting, and the practices of Dhami Jhakris should be integrated with research, practice, public health services, and health-tourism. Citing the example of the 'AYUSH Ministry' in India, he mentioned the necessity of a similar structure in Nepal.

• Monkey Menace Becomes National Crisis

The second point of the proposal urged that monkey control and a human-wildlife coexistence policy be made a national priority. According to Swami Arun, the monkey menace is no longer just a wildlife problem but has become a serious crisis linked to agriculture, housing, public safety, and the rural economy.

Citing available data, he stated that about 25 percent of land in Nepal has become barren due to monkeys, and approximately 60 percent of farmers in the mid-hill districts have suffered severe crop losses. He also drew attention to monkey attacks on humans, the risk of rabies, and the negative impact on tourism.

Concluding that the current monkey sterilization policy is ineffective, he proposed studying measures adopted in Sri Lanka and some Indian states to find scientific and long-term solutions, including considering the option of reopening controlled exports if necessary.

• Demand for Tax Reform on Donations and Social Security

Interpreting religious and spiritual organizations as social service entities assisting the state rather than replacing it, Swami Arun demanded a review of the tax system applied to donations. He stated that imposing a 15 percent tax on the interest earned when donated funds are kept in a bank, collected for public welfare, goes against the fundamental spirit of donation.

He proposed that the donation amount should be legally recognized as a social service fund rather than income, that taxes on interest for religious and spiritual organizations should be abolished, and that interest income for citizens above 65 years of age, persons with disabilities, and widowed/single women should not be taxed.

• New Vision for Tourism and Permanent Residency

Noting that Nepal is globally attractive as a natural, cultural, and spiritual destination, Swami Arun suggested formulating a clear policy regarding granting Permanent Residency (PR) to foreign investors. He noted that although the number of foreigners wishing to invest in development, tourism, and infrastructure sectors and reside in Nepal is increasing, opportunities are being lost due to policy ambiguity. He believes that if such a policy can be implemented with appropriate standards and security, it will bring in capital, create employment, promote tourism, and strengthen the local economy.

Vision to Make Nepal a Regional Energy Hub

Swami Arun considers the energy sector a key force linked to Nepal's future. He claimed that while the potential for 84,000 megawatts of hydropower was publicized nearly 50 years ago, with the development of technology today, the potential, including solar and wind energy, exceeds 200,000 megawatts.

The proposal states that by ensuring domestic consumption and adopting an export strategy, keeping in mind the growing energy demand of neighboring countries like India, China, and Bangladesh, Nepal can become a regional energy hub. He argued this would strengthen national income, trade balance, and diplomatic standing.

• Proposal to Declare Ashtavakra Mahagita National Book

In the context of cultural identity, Swami Arun proposed that the Ashtavakra Mahagita (Ashtavakra Samhita) should be declared the national book of Nepal. He stated that this scripture, based on the dialogue of enlightenment between Rishi Ashtavakra and King Janak in the Mithila region, is an original philosophical heritage born on Nepali soil.

Citing examples of other countries making their civilizational scriptures national symbols, he also suggested using the Ashtavakra Mahagita in oath-taking ceremonies, as a gift to foreign guests, and as a medium for cultural diplomacy.

• Initiative for Asian Union Formation

In the final point of the proposal, Swami Arun presented his most ambitious concept—the creation of an Asian Union (AU). Citing the example of increased peace and economic integration in Europe following the formation of the European Union (EU), he argued that such a union based on common civilization and culture is necessary in Asia.

He noted that while many Asian countries are poor, a large portion of their resources is spent on military preparedness, and the risk of nuclear conflict is high. He suggested that the initiative could start from a country with Hindu-Buddhist cultural plurality. He also claimed that if Nepal, which has good relations with all Asian countries, puts forward this proposal, there is a possibility that the Union's capital would be in Nepal.

Swami Anand Arun clarified that all these proposals are not against any party, ideology, or class, but are for the long-term social, economic, cultural, and human welfare of Nepal. He called upon all political parties to include these suggestions in their election manifestos if deemed appropriate, make public commitments, and initiate the implementation process after forming the government.