The Raute community has now become 'content' - some take photos, some post videos, and Rautes are unsafe due to such actions.
The Raute community is a unique, original and nomadic tribe in Nepal. But ironically, today their very existence is at risk. Lack of policy protection, government inaction and our insensitive behavior are pushing this community into crisis day by day.
Members of the Raute community currently residing in Surkhet district are gradually moving away from their original lifestyle due to external influences and social interference. The current situation is as follows – people visit Raute settlements, shoot videos, share money, distribute food, and create content for social media. Such activities are not protecting the Raute, but are damaging their environment and lifestyle.
Earlier, the Raute used to live by working in the forest, relying on their own hand-made products. However, now, the access to food from outside and easy money is negatively affecting their diet, habits, and health. From noodles in the market to artificial foods, they are causing long-term damage to their bodies.
If the government had made a strict policy on time and taken steps to protect the Raute community from unnecessary crowding, provide security, and enforce certain rules, the protection of this community would have been effective today. But unfortunately, neither the policy has been made nor implemented.
In the name of protection, many individuals and groups are bringing this ‘endangered race’ to the masses, making videos of them, and selling the material to gain financial benefits. And, the Raute community has now become ‘content’ – some take photos, some post videos. This is making them even more insecure. Our wrong steps are having a profound impact on the social, cultural, and mental lives of the Raute. We go to see them, make videos, and promote them. But, we don’t think – what kind of pressure and damage is that crowding causing them?
Now the state needs to come up with a clear, practical, and strict special policy for the protection of the Raute community. A common procedure should be prepared by collaborating between local governments, provinces, and federal agencies, which can protect their privacy, respect for culture, and way of life.
This is the time for all of us to introspect. We have brought them to this state by showing greed and kindness. We are not disciplined and responsible. Our behavior is gradually losing their originality. Therefore, it is necessary to come up with a separate conservation policy, cultural rehabilitation program, and self-reliance plan for the Raute community. Skill development training and employment opportunities should be provided by paying attention to traditional skills and lifestyle. Only in this way can they be made self-reliant.
Raute should be allowed to enjoy their own environment - a policy should be brought to protect culture, traditions, and skills. Violating privacy, increasing crowding, and turning them into 'sightseeing objects' in the name of tourism is an inhuman act.
