Kathmandu, 22 march
The speakers of a program organized by Sahayatra Canada underlined the need for the campaign on behalf of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) to universalize the problem. They further chanted for the role of each non-native Nepalese in aboard as an advocate for social reforms. The event was organized to mark the 58th International Day for eliminating racial and caste-based discrimination. The participants worried on the transfer of malpractices like gender and caste-based discrimination with the migration of Nepalese people. Chief guest Mr. Bhrigu Dhungana, ambassador to Canada declared that caste prejudice is wrong and no one should be treated differently on the ground of caste. Institutions, regulations, and procedures are in place to respond disparities but defined entities are reluctant for its effective implementation.
Dr.Dorna Rasali mentioned that any incidents of caste-based discrimination occurred in Nepal makes them unhappy though they are outside. Outlining the data on the backwardness of the Dalit community in each sector, he urged action to improve their economic, educational, social, and cultural standard. He worried that in spite of significant contributions of Dalit community to address humanitarian needs, the state is disregarding their contribution. The dalit community is enshrined with engineering, skills, arts, talents, and abilities, so we have initiated a campaign to open a university to promote the traditional skills, professions, and arts that possess to the community for larger communication and penetration in formal education.
In the similar vein, Dr. Nirmal Kumar Bishwokarma, the most recent Nepalese ambassador to South Africa, highlighted that the Dalit community must secure its place in state power because power politics is excluding the reach of Dalit and creating deprivation in each sphere of their concern. He claimed that Dalit are unable to present in state power despite numerous policies, guidelines, legislation, campaigns and discussions for their empowerment. Rabina Thapa, President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association saddened to talk on caste-based discrimination in the modern era. She repeated that during the hurt, sorrow and agony of Nepalese, NRNA would support to get rid of pain and initiate the campaign against casted based disparities collaborating with Nepalese organizations.
The program's speakers highlighted the need of bonding and raising voices together against caste discrimination. The event was moderated by Suman Paudel and chaired by Santosh Bishwokarma, president of Sahayatra Canada.
