Nepal has long been plagued by underdevelopment, and much of the blame has often been placed squarely on the shoulders of the nation’s politicians and bureaucrats. They are frequently criticized for being unethical, corrupt, and unaccountable, contributing to a system that seems perpetually stuck in inefficiency and stagnation. However, a new book by Bishnu Prasad Gautam titled Bibekko Filter offers a broader and more profound analysis, suggesting that the roots of Nepal’s problems run deeper than just the failures of its leaders.
Gautam introduces the concept of the “Bibekko Filter,” or a “filter of conscience,” which he argues is lacking across various segments of Nepali society. His book, published by Shimal Book Publication, explores how this deficiency manifests not just in the political arena but across educational institutions, professional practices, and even among the country’s intellectual and business elites.
The Widespread Malaise
Bibekko Filter presents a compelling argument that the tendency to forgo conscience in decision-making is a pervasive issue in Nepal. Gautam documents numerous examples from different sectors, illustrating how conformism and a lack of ethical consideration are ingrained in the country’s educational system and customary practices. He notes that even the brightest young professionals, those who have been educated abroad or exposed to innovative ways of thinking and doing, often return to Nepal only to conform to the corrupt, lazy, and cynical practices prevalent in their native milieu.
This tendency to conform rather than challenge the status quo stifles progress and perpetuates a cycle of mediocrity and inefficiency. The key message of Bibekko Filter is a call to action for young Nepalis to apply their filter of conscience in all aspects of life. Gautam encourages them to think positively, cultivate a can-do spirit, challenge unhealthy conventional wisdom, and take responsibility as proactive agents of change for a better future.
Parallels with Soch
Reading Bibekko Filter brings to mind Karna Shakya’s classic book on the power of positive thinking, Soch, and its sequels. Like Shakya, Gautam draws from his lived experience, both in Nepal and abroad, to inspire Nepali youth. He cites examples of global figures such as Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Page, and Steve Jobs, alongside Nepal’s own icons like Sanduk Ruit, Mahabir Pun, and Anuradha Koirala. These figures serve as role models, illustrating how positive thinking and a strong sense of responsibility can lead to significant contributions to society.
Think Globally, Act Locally
One of the critical points Gautam raises in Bibekko Filter is the contrast between Nepalis’ global awareness and their local responsibilities. He observes that Nepalis are generally well-informed about national politics and quite opinionated about world affairs. However, this awareness often does not translate into local action. Gautam cites numerous examples of how Nepalis—from school children to taxi drivers, priests and pundits, local politicians, and migrant workers abroad—are quick to blame national leaders for the country’s ills but rarely take responsibility for solving problems within their own sphere of influence.
Nepali journalists, Gautam notes, also contribute to this problem by giving undue prominence to the squabbles and foibles of national political leaders while ignoring innovative local projects that deserve attention. This focus on the negative aspects of national politics detracts from the positive developments at the grassroots level, further entrenching a sense of helplessness and cynicism.
Mixed Messages and Contradictions
Bibekko Filter also chronicles the many contradictions that plague Nepali society. Gautam provides examples of how people who complain about corruption often encourage it in their own circles, such as congratulating friends or relatives who secure jobs in lucrative but corrupt government offices. Leaders preach gender equality and women’s empowerment, yet send their sons to expensive private schools while their daughters attend mediocre public schools. These contradictions are not just limited to individuals but are also institutionalized in policies and practices that Gautam argues are counterproductive and harmful.
For instance, e-governance initiatives that require online applications often still demand a physical postage stamp—a relic of a bygone era that exemplifies the resistance to fully embracing modernization. Similarly, political leaders who loudly criticize the privatization of health and education are often the biggest investors in private schools, hospitals, and medical schools. These mixed messages undermine the credibility of the leadership and perpetuate a culture of mistrust and inefficiency.
Profiting from Loopholes
Another critical issue Gautam addresses is the tendency of Nepalis, including senior officials and affluent individuals, to exploit loopholes and take advantage of allowances meant for the poor and underprivileged. He provides examples of how leaders from privileged backgrounds often nominate their family members or business partners to fill reserved quota seats meant for genuinely marginalized communities. This practice not only deprives those in need of opportunities but also perpetuates social inequality.
Gautam also highlights how some Nepalis exaggerated the impact of Maoist violence and natural disasters like earthquakes to seek asylum as refugees in Europe and North America. This included individuals who held prominent positions, such as a former Nepali ambassador and senior diplomat, who took advantage of these loopholes for personal gain.
Perpetuating Bad Practices
The book also delves into the inefficiencies and bad practices that are accepted as the norm in Nepali society. For example, the notorious “Nepali Time” phenomenon, where events start hours late because everyone, from the chief guest to the audience, arrives late, is a stark example of the lack of accountability and respect for time. Similarly, the practice of rushing to spend a significant portion of the national budget in the last two months of the fiscal year—often during the monsoon season—results in shoddy work and wastage. This “Asaré Bikash” is emblematic of the short-sightedness that plagues Nepal’s development efforts.
Gautam argues that these well-known bad practices could be readily fixed if Nepalis applied the Bibekko Filter—a common-sense approach that prioritizes ethical decision-making, efficiency, and accountability.
A Vision for Progress
Despite the litany of issues Bibekko Filter exposes, Gautam remains optimistic about Nepal’s potential for progress. The book offers a vision of what Nepal could achieve if its citizens and leaders were to embrace the Bibekko Filter in their daily lives. Gautam shares practical proposals and insights based on his experiences as an engineer educated at some of the most renowned institutions in Kathmandu, Tokyo, and Toronto, and his work in the Planning Commission of Lumbini Province.
He points out that many of Nepal’s problems are not insurmountable and that significant improvements could be made with the application of a conscience-driven approach to policy-making and administration. Gautam emphasizes the need for laws, regulations, and practices to be formulated and implemented in the best interest of consumers and citizens, rather than for the convenience of bureaucrats and service providers.
Embracing the Bibekko Filter
Bibekko Filter is a timely and thought-provoking book that challenges Nepalis to rethink their approach to societal issues. Gautam’s call to apply a filter of conscience in all aspects of life is a powerful reminder that progress begins with individual responsibility. By embracing the Bibekko Filter, young Nepalis can lead the charge in creating a more ethical, efficient, and prosperous society.
The book’s message is clear: while it is easy to blame others for the country’s problems, true change starts with each person’s willingness to act with integrity and a sense of responsibility. Bibekko Filter offers not just a critique of Nepal’s current state but also a roadmap for how the country can move forward by cultivating a culture of conscience, accountability, and positive action.
As Gautam concludes, progress is not only possible but inevitable if Nepal’s policymakers, administrators, and citizens alike commit to applying the Bibekko Filter in their lives.
