When our country transitioned from a single-party system to a multi-party democracy 34 years ago, many people were wracked with doubts and suspicions. But now? All those worries have vanished like morning mist. Over these past 34 years, our self-confidence has skyrocketed. All doubts, mistrust, anxieties—gone! Moreover, since the monarchy was abolished and the republic was established nearly 18 years ago, the country has been racing forward on the path of progress!

On April 9, 1990, when “freedom” was declared and the multi-party system was installed, some feared that traditions would vanish, ethnic identities would dissolve, and our social customs and religions would be reduced to footnotes. But no worries—nothing changed! The same old ethnic divisions remain, and everyone still practices their own traditions and rituals, though some have humorously dropped their sense of shame.

When one ethnic group makes progress, others feel envious and start to progress as well. This competition leads to overall progress across the country. Therefore, there is no despair regarding caste or ethnicity now. Each ethnic group’s duty is to promote its own community. Progress is defined as the advancement of oneself and one's own community, securing contracts or jobs.

Thirty-four years ago, those close to power were petrified that their days were numbered. However, nothing of that sort happened; in fact, many started doing even better! Even now, some of them continue to receive the sweet rewards of power! The administration still functions in the same way it did before, with the same practices and procedures.

Thirty-four years ago, we took pride in our mountains, rivers, minerals, forests, and wildlife. That pride remains unchanged even today. Despite the world’s advancements in physical infrastructure and scientific research, we have some aspects of pride that the rest of the world doesn’t have! So what if the rest of the world progressed and is progressing? Is it not a great fortune to be able to take pride in being exactly where we were in the past and in what we have while the world progresses? What do they have that compares to our treasure trove of pride? Moreover, our list of things to be proud of now includes national symbols like the chuchche naksa and view towers!

Time has a knack for putting everything in its place. Back then, there was concern that if Nepal only progressed, neighboring countries like India, China, and Bhutan would fall behind. So, Nepal stayed put while these countries charged ahead. Even if we progressed less than others, so what? After all, they keep showering us with loans and aid, and we’ve been perfecting our art of asking for more! Historically rich countries are still rich, and if they could lend a hand yesterday, well, they can still do so today. We were in a ‘strategic position’ to request loans or aid even then, and we still are. Those developed countries still consider our requests seriously and often approve our loans or aid!

We’ve not changed color! For years, we depended on buying or begging for food. And, as we all know, we’re still doing the same! Agricultural development plans are still on our to-do list. We had a trade deficit then, and we’ve still got one now. Consistency, right?

Our soil still knows how to produce. So what if grain production isn’t growing? Leaders continue to sprout in villages, municipalities, and provinces like mushrooms after a rainstorm! We once worried about where new politicians would come from after the multi-party system and provincial expansion. But now, there is no shortage of leaders in the country. Even those involved in theft, robbery, or looting in the past have transformed into leaders now. How much more transformation can we ask for?

Another big worry was about how political parties would fare and where the country would go after the legendary leaders of the parliamentary system like BP Koirala, GP Koirala, and communist leaders like Pushpalal were no longer around. But the country did not go anywhere! Only some of our border pillars have shifted inward!! But political parties and leaders have multiplied like rabbits. Some even fancy themselves as BP or Pushpalal reincarnates. Every home proudly displays a party flag, and many leaders and activists have climbed the ladder of success.

So, the country is forging ahead! In the old days, completing SLC might have landed you a clerk job. Now? Educational progress has made it so that even a BA or MA might not get you a job even if you’re eyeing a clerk position!

Economic opportunities are now so plentiful it’s a bit overwhelming. Should you dive into land brokering or cooperative fraud? Maybe smuggling or snagging a government supply tender? How about selling adulterated goods or getting into hundi transactions? Or perhaps manipulating shares or engaging in extortion? You could trade licenses, open a media shop for some good old blackmail, or even dabble in the trade of river products like stones and sand. Running a private school or college? Or start a consultancy, or even open an NGO to breed snakes with government aid? Selling fake certificates or actual people?

In the healthcare sector, too, the multi-party democracy has opened a treasure trove of opportunities. Many hospitals have been established, many doctors have emerged, and patient numbers have increased in every hospital and clinic. This signifies progress in our health! Since health is wealth, the path to wealth has opened up!!

In this whirlwind of multi-party democracy and republicanism, development avenues have exploded. It’s not just roads but even alleyways that have opened up. Whether one wants to be a producer or publisher, award-giver or recipient of a PhD, or even an ambassador or recipient of a prestigious medal, there are countless opportunities. There is no dearth of opportunities in this grand adventure from multi-party democracy to republic!

In these 34 years, we've seen transformations galore. The country and its identity have morphed dramatically. Isn’t that quite the achievement in just over three decades? If you haven’t snagged an opportunity yet, don’t despair! You, too, will find your moment. Trust in our free country, its free parties, and the government standing on its own wobbly legs. There is a saying that “God’s timing may be delayed, but it’s never unjust.” Opportunities will surely come your way. You just need to know where to knock on!

(The article was originally published on September 2024 issue of New Business Age Magazine)