Sapana, sangharsha, safalta — dream, struggle, success — these are key words that should define a person’s life trajectory. We all dream, we all struggle, and we all want to succeed. Yet, for many in Nepal, aspiring to do well and thrive in life is not even imaginable.
Now that Nepal is attempting, with boldness and temerity, to chart a new future free of corruption and nepotism, it is going to be paramount to ensure that a new country is reborn based on principles of inclusion and justice. That’s why framing the meanings of sapana, sangharsha, safalta from the perspective of those who are excluded should become a collective priority.
I heard these powerful words while attending an event organised by Dalit Lives Matter (DLM), when the new generations had not yet risen against the social media ban, a tragic event that led to a bloodbath and immense destruction. These were the words that Pradip Pariyar, the founder of DLM and a prominent social inclusion advocate, chose for his opening remarks at the “Diversity Carnival”, an initiative aimed at establishing a conversation on social justice with youths from across society. In a way, it was about empowerment from a perspective that was truly inclusive.
Because real social inclusion and social justice will be achieved not only when disadvantaged and marginalised groups have a fair chance at success, but also when citizens from traditionally dominant groups actively and consciously participate in this process of social transformation.
At the event, I heard many stories of broken and unachieved dreams and goals, but I also noticed a strong focus on hope and optimism.
Vitality of Ethics and Dignity in Human Existence
All the panellists at the Diversity Carnival, explained a press release issued by DLM, “revealed a shared thread: that dreams, no matter how improbable or difficult, are worth pursuing. Their struggles—whether battling social norms, overcoming financial hardships, enduring discrimination, or fighting for recognition—ultimately shaped their success.” Anjila Tumbapo Subba, the captain of the Nepal Women’s National Football Team, narrated how society opposed and rejected her passion for football and her determination to succeed. “Struggles are part of life. I never thought I would be captain of the national team or play in Europe as a goalkeeper. But life surprised me. We must struggle to reach our goals.”
Safe migration activist Mahendra Pandey, founder of the Pravasi Nepali Organization, told his story of leaving the country at a very early age, his struggles in the Gulf, and his quest to build, in his own words, “a movement for migrant workers’ dignity and rights.” Teaching was the only pathway available for Sunil Kumar Paswan who, no matter the adversity of life and the discrimination attached to belonging to a historically marginalised group in Madhesh, pursued his goals. Yet Paswan’s grounded ambition brought him to join the civil service, a field where he believed he could excel. Now he is an Under Secretary in the Office of the Chief Minister of Madhesh Province. “Teaching gave me confidence, but I wanted to contribute at the policy-making level, especially for marginalised communities.”
Najir Husen, an actor, writer, and director, shared his journey of growing up embracing diversity and respect, as his parents come from different religions. Such openness helped him to look at society from a different perspective. “I’ve learned: before anything else, we must be human,” he said. Then there is the complex aspect of intersectionality. Meena Joshi, another panellist at the event, is a disability and queer rights activist and the Chairperson of Rainbow Nepal.
She was injured at the age of six when an electric pole fell during heavy rain, causing her to lose much of her hearing and speech. “I have many dreams. I wanted to become an actor. But more than that, I want to be a role model for people in my community, so they don’t suffer like I did. I want to brighten their lives,” Meena said.
There are millions of youths whose hopes and dreams are shattered by the system. All of them, no matter their backgrounds or family histories, have an inalienable right to dream and thrive. If Nepal really wants to thrive as a nation, a process of national reckoning focused on inclusion and representation must also take place. A national moral compass must be framed, centred on principles of accountability, inclusion, hard work, and respect for diversity. The end goal would be a new social compact where the state is able not only to better serve its master—the citizenry, those who vote—but also to build a new framework that truly puts social justice at the centre of nation-building.
At the Diversity Carnival, C.K. Lal, one of the most respected journalists in the country, someone who always refers to politics as a process of social transformation, said that the country “needs to embrace a new form of pluralism.” “The real challenge lies in transforming diversity into inclusive policies.” “Participation of Dalits in governance and leadership must be carried out with dignity and respect,” he further shared. “Identity must come from self-awareness and recognition, not external labelling.” “While reservations provide important opportunities, they cannot be considered the ultimate solution for structural discrimination.”
I have been personally interested in the conversation around affirmative legislation. They are not a perfect tool, and they should never create dependency. I frame reservations as a tool not only for social justice but also as a hallmark of what should be a process of historical reparation. Unfortunately, Nepal still makes limited use of them, but I do believe that a real conversation should occur about their aims, functions, and goals. Finally, renowned Dalit rights activist Bezwada Wilson, the keynote speaker at the Dalit Carnival, cautioned against the false claim that “discrimination has ended.” Indeed, lynching of members of the Dalit community happens there, and such violence is also common in Nepal against Dalits. You can read it in the newspapers when it is reported. “While some change has occurred, much of it is superficial,” he said.
I recently spoke with Pradip, the founder of DLM. I wanted to hear from him about the quest for social inclusion in the aftermath of the uprising of September 8 and 9, and how to contextualise the ongoing crisis with the discussions held at the Diversity Carnival.
He has spent his life fighting for the rights of citizens belonging to the Dalit community, but I was struck by his determination to ensure that all marginalised communities are enabled to have a voice in the process of rebuilding the country.
Pradip framed three key questions for the future of Nepal. First, how can we ensure that more candidates from Dalit communities and other marginalised groups run in the First Past the Post system during the upcoming elections? Second, how can we ensure more young people’s participation? This question is really about ensuring that the political “awakening” among members of Gen Z can be sustained and strengthened. Finally, how can we turn the constitution’s principles of social inclusion and justice into practice? More members of marginalised groups in the upcoming Parliament would ensure a higher degree of diversity. This is going to benefit the whole nation. Everyone should welcome it, and members of historically dominant groups should acknowledge it.
Bezwada Wilson closed his speech with a powerful message. I do hope that readers will reflect on it, because without it, the three questions posed by Pradip will not be addressed—not now, not in the future. “Ending caste-based violence and exclusion requires not just policy change but also a transformation in collective consciousness.” I am really wondering if sapana, sangharsha, safalta can be a real possibility for everyone in Nepal.
