Pramod Raj Sedhain (after returning from lebanon)
Never in history has Nepal remained under anybody's dominance and control. Even the East India Company could not influence the Nepalese territory. And this has been a matter of pride to every Nepali. Since time immemorial, Nepalese people lived in dignity, harmony and honor and have been the same today as well. Even today, Nepal's flag flutters in a foreign land, Nepalese army holds their heads high with pride and the Nepali language sprinkles love, affection and passion. Love for Nepali language is immense even in a foreign land.
However, in recent times in the country, certain elements are making efforts to bring about fracas among different groups in the name of ethnicity and religion thus disrupting the age-old cultural as well as religious harmony. Some elements are even trying to impose their own ideology. Such tendencies have fuelled ethnic clashes. However, the Nepalese flag, culture and language have influenced people in various countries, including Lebanon. Nepal is the land of the world's highest peak, the Mt. Everest and is blessed with fortunes.Unfortunately, arguments for and against changing the national flag is currently underway. That is not all. The issue of language is equally dragged into controversy. Parties and certain elements are making efforts to eliminate other languages, religion and culture, which can be dubbed a conspiracy to disintegrate the national harmony and unity.
The feelings and love of Nepali language could be easily seen when three youths of various occupations in Lebanon started their conversation in fluent Nepali language. A citizen of Lebanon named Karim Alaiyan but is commonly known as "Nepali Maila". This youth has neither visited Nepal, but is very much accustomed to Nepalese culture, tradition, geography and speaks Nepali language fluently. Sometimes, even the Nepalese peacekeepers get startled when Nepali Maila starts his conversation in Nepali language with them. Upon seeing a new Nepali recruit, Nepali Maila moves forward to shake his hands with him saying, "Namaskar, k chha haalkhabar?" (Greetings, how are you?). He instantly says, "My name is 'Maila' and I am from Pokhara." He, however, constantly reveals that he is a local of Lebanon but loves Nepal and Nepali language. He adds that he likes to introduce himself as "Nepali Maila." That is not all. This 37-year old married youth even sings typical Nepali folk songs in a typical Nepali way. His favorite folk numbers include – "Mayalu ko chitthi aayena, Khaau bhane suntali paani, Laibari lai…" among others. Interestingly, the Nepali Army peacekeepers gave the nickname of "Nepali Maila" to this innocent Lebanese.
Alaiyan, who works as a chef at the canteen of Nepalese peacekeepers since 1990, is the second son of his parents. He is so confident that he has been demanding the job of an interpreter. This "Nepali Maila" has spent three years in England.
Similarly, Danish army official Henrick, too, speaks Nepali language. "I like Nepali language and I love Nepal," he says. Like Henrick and Nepali Maila, two other Lebanese people, including a traffic police and a businessman are equally fluent in Nepali language. Businessman Ahamad Ali speaks in Nepali while dealing with Nepalese peacekeepers.
Back in Nepal, the national language, nationality and integrity have come under serious threat. Stakeholders, however, seem to be least bothered. Isn’t it high time that all concerned take lesson and get influence from a foreigner like "Nepali Maila".
