What a year it was. So many upheavals, so many changes, and yet so much to look forward to. After all that happened in 2006, how have our lives changed? Are there even more radical changes in store in 2007? And how can we as individuals help improve our own lives as well as those of others?
There's only one way to face life: living it. As the year progresses, there is no telling how many more changes we will see globally and locally, politically, socially, and economically. Perhaps the most important change of all is the one that takes place inside each of us. As Siddartha Gautama Buddha said, "Change comes from within."
The People's Movement of April 2006 was a demand for change from us, the people. We demanded a return to peace and democracy. Will all Nepalis, regardless of caste and creed, finally be able to live peaceful and prosperous lives? Or will the powers that are political parties hold us hostage to their ideologies again and again? Will the government be able to deliver the promised constituent assembly elections before the end of the year, if not actually within the planned time? And how are we, the youth, as aware citizens who comprise a majority of the population, going to ensure that the coming constitution guarantees liberty, equality, and justice for all?
Despite all the hurdles that come across, hope will keep us alive. There will always be challenges, but to win them, we must be prepared. Face the present. Believe in yourself.
Here's wishing all our readers a great 2007. And let's get started on those challenges of life in the New Nepal.
ED
