Comments on: The road from here

By: BR SngPng

BR SngPng — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 08:09:40 +0000

I was simply moved and overwhelmed by his a true loyalty towards the Nepalese nation, and his generosity of its people when I run through my eyes to the lines below: (Translated from Nepali edition of Kantipur Daily- July 5, 2010)

Rai was Minister of Labour and physical planning during the premiership of Sher Bahadur Deuba in 2051, at the time he suffered one of his kidney failure. Despite the advices from the other cabinet ministers to go to abroad for further treatment, he denied saying “I will not do so on the expense of tax payer money,” and he had instead got treatment in Nepal.

By: Nirmal

Nirmal — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:48:11 +0000

When i was studying in Thapathali Engineering Campus, I got chance to see Mr. Rai with my own eyes in the street so often. When the news of Pajero scandal was reaching its extreme peak I saw him walking and sweating, sometimes he passed through in bicycle. When everybody was seeing how the leaders of constitutional monarchy were managing lavish life-cozy homes, their sukila-mukila children and power-mongering attitudes-, I saw him and his family very simple and humble. When it was the begining of that era where having hundreds of party activist around all the time by political barons was seen as something prestigious, he was rarely seen involved in that sort of fashion. Moreover, whenever I and others from the campus used to offer our namaste, he accepted and used to continue his way. I am 100% sure he was not that type of leader who believes on the rules of bhidtantra.

Today is surely a sad day for all democrats who share and heartly accept his way of taking life. even in poor countries like ours with so called revolutionaries in the middle of social life, it is almost impossible to find a leader of his height. Now, after his natural death, as always there will rain the praises, which of course he deserves without any minimal doubt but what i doubt is about the sincerity of these so called leaders who far from following his path, are dedicating the false words. Leaders! Bal Bahadur Rai was, not at all, a pharsee opus Deist like all you people are seemed today. For democrats like us, we would be greatfull if this generation highlights what a moral integrity of a leader means with effectiveness. This is a unique way we can pay an authentic tribute to a great leader and a person like Bal Bahadur Rai. My heartly condolence and may God gives enough energy to the deceived family to overcome the tragic moment!

By: Jivan Lama

Jivan Lama — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:25:40 +0000

I once met Bal Bahadur Rai in Charikot at a seminar on democracy organized by an INGO. I was very impressed with his common sense, down to earth approach to politics and development. He had no ego, he was humble, he had a vision for the country, he was an honest and simple man. Everything his peers in the Congress are not. He was never elevated because he was not a Bahun, yet he harboured no ill will, but spoke vocally for equal opportunities and justice. He was a true social democrat, the ideology that the Congress has foresaken. This last piece from his hospital bed in Himal Khabarpatrika should be read by all politicians. It reflects his courage to speak the truth, and also his caution about being careful about stoking ethnic conflict. Farewell, Mr Rai, and our deep remorse for not having taken you more seriously when you were alive. Your nation will miss you.

By: Gole

Gole — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 09:53:23 +0000

Bal Ba.
Words of wisdom from Bal Ba is very timely. His life is his message.He lived many years in exile in India. He had a price tag on his head during Panchayat days.He was religious. He could recite the Geeta b y heart.He was against distinction of caste, untouchability and was for improving the lot of hungry masses.
He was a true nationalist. He wanted all different communities live harmoniously and in goodwill. He was a real democrat.
It will be a great tribute and service to this departed leader if we can spread his last advice to the nation in all the regional languages of the country through various media.