Jamunaki Gurung from Ilam highlights that it is both natural and necessary for Nepalis living abroad to maintain an interest in Nepal’s politics and good governance. In the fiscal year 2024/25, remittances contributed over NPR 17.23 trillion to Nepal’s economy, accounting for approximately 26% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, the same year also recorded between 1,255 and 1,401 Nepali deaths among foreign employment workers, underscoring the risks associated with labor migration.
During the recently concluded federal parliamentary elections, I noticed a slightly increased level of interest compared to previous years. Some village friends affiliated with major political parties seemed somewhat dissatisfied with my perspective. Their primary concern was not about the election results in the village but rather the question, “Why do you take such a deep interest in Nepal’s elections from America?” The elections have concluded, the swearing-in of parliamentarians is approaching, and the formation of a new government is expected relatively soon. Yet, dissatisfaction among some village friends remains unresolved, and we have barely managed even brief greetings so far.
I can explain my viewpoint to childhood friends because they know me and I understand them well. However, the questions posed by friends living in district headquarters or Kathmandu—who, while clearly aware of Nepal’s worsening political and socio-economic conditions, live comfortable lives wearing suits and shoes—demand answers that rise above personal resentment to offer collective understanding about “Why maintain such interest in Nepal’s politics from America?”
These questions are not only raised by friends in the village but are also prevalent on social media. First and foremost, we must accept a simple yet profound truth — a country is not just a boundary marked on a map. A nation embodies memory, identity, culture, language, and the very roots of our existence. Wherever we set foot—be it America, Australia, Europe, or the Gulf countries—our childhood, villages, traditions, families, and concerns remain with us. Though our bodies may grow up abroad, a large part of our hearts stays in Nepal. Therefore, it is both natural and expected for Nepalis abroad to be invested in Nepal’s politics.
In reality, anyone whose future, family, property, identity, and dreams are deeply tied to Nepal cannot afford to be indifferent to Nepal’s politics, governance, and policy-making. The question should not be “Why care?” but rather “Why would one not care?” This is not merely an emotional issue; it is a stark reality directly connected to economic interests as well.
