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T. Ranabhat: Building Nepal as a Nation of Peace
Written by Hon. Taranath Ranabhat, Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Nepal
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Today, the prospects for peace and contentment, especially in our region (from Iraq to Myanmar), are very critical. Our nation stands at the most sensitive phase in its history. Economic, social, cultural, religious, and communal relations have been severely challenged. Political instability and a state of impunity have created uncertainty and anxiety about what the future may bring.
I applaud the Universal Peace Federation for its vision to establish a culture of heart and forgiveness instead of a culture of vengeance and retaliation. Consistently, I have been emphasizing that we need to turn away from revenge-based politics to a policy of national integration and national unity. How do we accomplish this?
First, we need to put aside our differences. We must sincerely follow our age-old national character and culture of peaceful coexistence, social unity, religious harmony, cultural tolerance, a sense of brotherhood, and mutual trust. We must forgive those who have harmed us and make amends for the harm that we caused others. Instead of putting the blame on others, let us reflect on how we can become better leaders.
A good leader means a person of sound moral character — someone with a firm stand and commitments, who leads by example. A leader should keep his words and deeds in concord. In this context, Father Moon has exemplified this principle. The motto of his life is: Living for the sake of others. He has encountered incredible obstacles and hurdles on the way but never gave up in his determination to achieve and fulfill his vision of peace.
Growing up in Korea, at that time a small, impoverished nation controlled by a foreign power, he became aware of the suffering of humanity and resolved to bring an end to human misery. Now, he is calling on us as Ambassadors for Peace to join him in this most worthy task. I am proud to be one of the Ambassadors for Peace appointed by Father Moon.
Let us join hands together, irrespective of class, caste, religion, region, or ethnicity and build a new nation — socially peaceful, politically stable, and economically prosperous. That is the Nepal of our dreams. If we truly live for others more than for ourselves, if we interact without narrow views and selfish interests, then we can build a nation of progress and prosperity, a nation that provides security and safety to all, a nation that guarantees the rule of law, democracy, social justice, human rights and dignity to all its citizens. Such a nation offers hope for a bright future to our young people and coming generations.
It will not be an easy task, but together, united in heart, we can fulfill even our highest dreams. Let us make Nepal a nation that others can look up to for inspiration and guidance, in all senses — a model to follow.