The Young Prodigy | Interview

Manushi Yami Bhattarai startles us from behind as the photographer and I bicker about whether he should introduce himself to her or not. Clad in an oversized khaki-green top and loose brown pants she smiles a quick, shy greeting our way. We hurriedly follow her as she swaggers down the corridor, exchanging namastes with friends.

Ek chin bhitra naaunus hai. She shoos her workmates out from the office of the All Nepal National Independent Student Union-Revolutionary (ANNISU-R), in Tribhuvan University, of which she is Secretary.

But forget introductions, Manushi Bhattarai doesn't even want to waste a second removing her bag off her shoulders. Before we begin however, she has one little request, "Let's let my personal life take the back seat for this one." I shamelessly bring it up anyway at the end of our meeting, but all that is revealed is that the daughter of Baburam Bhattarai and Hisila Yami, outside of TU, is just as normal as anybody you know. Excerpts from the interview.

What do you get up to as Secretary of ANNISU-R? What responsibilities do you have?
Manushi: Mostly my duties are to ensure academic rights for all those that have elected me. As is known, the examination system is especially chaotic, bhadragol, and nor is the syllabus strictly followed and finished on time. My job primarily, is to help bring the education system on track and make sure students get what they are paying for.

So what are the major problems the youth face?
I think all problems can be traced back to inequality. Those that have access to food, education, etc will go up and the rest will never be competent enough to level up to them.

Why don't those that are capable step up into the political scene and change things then? Why do they dislike politics?
There are two ways to look at this. One, the political system is to blame, there is little promise there and it doesn't appeal to the young. On the other hand the youngsters themselves are a bit irresponsible. If they don't buck up, somebody else is going to keep mutilating their rights. They have to understand this.

How do we get the youth interested in politics?
The older generation needs to open up to new people, especially when the largest per cent of the voters are from the younger generation. And also, politics as a whole needs a redefinition, because it really isn't a game of musical chairs like it seems now, its about being responsible towards society.

What kind of change in scene does the country need?
There are many young people who have studied abroad that are experts in various fields. If these people had the courage to come back, it might do the country so much good. It's already such a shame that bright, young students have to leave the country for education and worse when they don't return.

Why are you interested in politics?
See, it matters what I chose to do. I'm not here just because of my parents. I have a degree, I'm capable enough to get a good job and earn lots. But this is what I want. Besides, what's the point of individual good if the country is in bedlam?

But what do disturbing acts like riots, burning tyres and smearing kalomoso on the authorities say about the mentality of youth leaders?
Violence is unacceptable in any situation but things would be so much simpler if we were listened to. Because all of that is a way to demand space and be heard.

Why is it important for the youth to have a role in politics?
Because the younger generation literally grew up watching the ten-year long struggle and everything after that, they are the ones who yearn for peace most. So at this transitional stage, if nothing, we need to be interested in the changes that are happening. If we are to make the nation that is to be, we better gear up.