History remembers not the viral characters, but those who are trustworthy and persistent.
What you should know
The nation has reached a point where not just power, but the very nature of truth is under test – this line is enough to explain today's Nepali psychology. We are simultaneously angry, disappointed, but hopeful.
We have come this far after going through a long period of history, experiencing many transitions, and through a constitution written with blood and sweat. But one question always haunts us - the system has changed, but why hasn't the standard of the people changed? Yesterday, the people who went to Mughal and Burma to find a future have turned into the people of Riyadh and Dallas today. The continuity of the people's movement paints a clear picture of the success or failure of our political leadership. The explosion of disappointment created by this is the Bhadau rebellion.
In this background, the question of what kind of leader should be next? is not just a choice between the new and the old. It is a choice between character and convenience, between institutions and self-interest.
The struggle of the old leaders and the journey to power
The rise of the leaders of the old generation cannot be underestimated. They had a great responsibility in history on their shoulders - the end of autocracy and the establishment of democracy. For that, their struggle was inspired by ideals. Some were inspired by BP Koirala's democratic socialism, some by Pushpalal's scientific communism. They sacrificed their personal lives, families, and comforts and endured years of prison, exile, and exile. They shed blood on the streets, went underground, and dreamed of democracy.
They were also dissatisfied with the status quo of their time and wanted to change it. They gave a new interpretation to society - the people are the source of power. They wrote a story of sacrifice, sacrifice, and dedication. However, every revolution has a tragic side. Historian Will Durant says, 'Revolutions often only replace one dictatorship with another.'
The cyclical journey from power to power
After the 2046 people's movement, especially the 2062/63 republican movement, the second chapter of the older generation of leaders began. This chapter was not one of struggle, but of power management. But it quickly turned into a cycle of power. They forgot the purpose, power became the purpose. The ideal was replaced by opportunity. They made a revolution, but remained weak in the administration of the state after the revolution.
They practiced a politics of division. They made the organs of the state a place to occupy and fill with their people instead of reforming. Similarly, they did institutional erosion. Their tendency to make any compromise to stay in power destroyed their idealistic image. They started seeing only the next election, not the future of the people.
Where and how did they fail?
They forgot the purpose of coming to politics. They became rulers, not servants. They also lacked institutional loyalty. A good leader strengthens the institution, not himself. However, they put themselves above the institution. They used institutions like parliament, courts, and authorities to suit their own interests. This weakened the very foundation of democracy.
They fought against the abyss of inequality, but eventually they themselves turned into a new ‘elite class’. Their children, relatives and associates dominated politics and state institutions as ‘Nepo Kids’. This created discontent among honest workers and the common people.
They failed because they stopped listening. They were obsessed with the idea that they would be the only ones. They only gathered a crowd of people who would cheer for them.
Where can we not fail now?
The 23 Bhadau movement has given a clear message – new faces, old characters are no longer acceptable. The places where we must not fail are clear.
The institution should be more powerful than the individual. The leader should not place himself above the law, but under the law. Now we must not fail in appointments. The main mantra of state governance is competence. Now, a strategy should be adopted to advance competence and inclusion together, so that qualified people get opportunities and representation is also ensured.
Transparency and accountability should be reflected in ‘behavior’. Leaders should have the courage to admit their failures. People should not be deprived of access to information or spread confusion. Only transparent communication strengthens public trust and democracy.
History remembers not viral characters, but those who work reliably and consistently. Although digital glamour or a revolution of words can provide momentary buzz, it does not bring about institutional change. There should be no more failure in the restraint and continuity demanded by leadership. It is easy to take to the streets, but being able to stick to ethics and discipline is the real test of leadership.
Qualities that should be in future leaders
We looked for a new generation, but we need a new consciousness. The sacrifice of the old generation and the energy of the new generation are needed, but today's complex world and divided society seek some additional and sophisticated qualities.
We need a leader who listens to us. This is not just listening to complaints. It is the will to consider and implement the voices of dissent, the advice of experts, and the suffering of the marginalized.
The current era is not of miracles, but of capabilities. The country is paying a heavy price for the lack of leaders with subject knowledge. We need leaders with knowledge and vision, not speeches, on serious issues like the economy, climate change, international relations, and technology.
It is not enough for a leader to be incorruptible. He must create a system where corruption does not occur. His character and transparency determine the value of leadership.
We do not need a leader who runs away as soon as there is a problem. We need a leader who can stand firm in times of challenge and controversy. True leadership is not measured by the evaluation of comfortable times, but by the ability to demonstrate decision and courage in difficult situations. Only such a leader is capable of making good decisions, winning the trust of the people and bringing about lasting change.
The rarest and most important quality of leadership is discretion. Now we need a leader with discretion, who can understand the world environment but does not get caught up in personal interests. Who is capable of communicating on the international stage, but can firmly maintain his national interests.
Conclusion
The old leaders seemed corrupt, directionless and distant from us. But after the Bhadau movement, if we move forward saying 'we are leaders' and the 'old character' is seen in the 'new' characters, our future will be plunged into darkness again. Therefore, now the leader is someone who is neither a representative of his lineage nor a merchant of opportunity. He should be the voice of discretion, truth and service. Finally, while we are looking for a leader, the question of what kind of citizen we ourselves are is equally important. Because, as history is witness, people are like people, they also find and create leaders like them.
