Open letter to PM Balen Shah

Respected Prime Minister Balendra Shah,

What defines a Nepali? Their citizenship, or their blood? My name is Tia Acharya. I am 15 years old, born and raised in the United Kingdom. However, being Nepalese is something that I take pride in. Nepal will forever be my identity, my culture and my roots. And yet, Nepal’s system is trying to reject not only me but all non-residential Nepalis all over the world. This is how we, all non-residential Nepalis, are feeling with the new NRN Act being proposed in parliament.

My parents have raised me and always preached to look after Nepal when I am capable enough and serve both of my countries, which I have gratefully done in the past 3 years and continue to do so. I have a passion to help street animals and underprivileged children in Nepal and have supported many animal shelters and children homes from Kathmandu to Sarlahi and even in Baglung. My plan in the future is to pursue medicine and give back to the citizens of Nepal, just like those Nepalis living abroad currently.

We also know that you also happened to move abroad for education and new opportunities. From studying in India to becoming Prime Minister of Nepal, you took your skillsets from living abroad for the benefit of our country. We too (the new generations) hope to do the same. But what about those who are already doing this? Does this make them less of a Nepali than you? Several generations of Nepalese citizens have moved abroad or outside Nepal seeking work and education in hopes of serving the Nepalese citizens, their families in Nepal and also the new generations of non residential Nepalese for the greater good. They have worked hard to support their children and teach them the values of being nepalese.

Unfortunately, I speak on behalf of everyone, all NRN’s and future generations, when I say this, passing the NRN Act will discourage and constrict them from doing so. This will not be beneficial for us, and neither will it be for Nepal. Even just proposing this bill, we feel disheartened and discriminated against. A line from the proposed bill has deeply shocked and stunned us all, “Shall not be treated as equal to Nepali citizens”. Prime Minister, do you understand what that sentence means to us? It means the government is openly admitting that it will accept our donations, investments, taxes and our commitment to our country, but will not accept us as equals and will reject our voices. Do I need a citizenship to call myself nepali? This is unjust to our parents and others like them, who were born and raised in Nepal, to no longer be equal to their own people.

During my journey from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi, I was stopped at the airport. The reason was that my ticket had been issued in Nepali rupees, but I could not present a valid Nepali identity document. At that time, I was only 13 years old. In my own country, on my own journey, I was treated as if I did not belong.

Even today, that moment remains a disheartening experience. Eventually, I had to purchase a new ticket in US dollars and pay almost double the fare compared to other Nepali passengers, just to continue my journey. At that moment, a question kept echoing in my mind. Should I be deprived of my identity and rights to my own culture and heritage? The bottom line is, it is discriminatory.

I want to see Nepal laugh (ma nepal haseko herna chahnchu). I have heard you say the same. The future generation of NRN’s want to keep their parent’s legacy alive. Taxing 50% of their property is like taking away half of their strenuous effort to support their children’s lives. Us new generations hope that you can make a great change for the nation, so show us your dedication for all Nepalese, even those living abroad. Once a nepali, always a nepali, and not even the NRN Act can change that.

Therefore, respected Prime Minister, this is not merely a complaint, but a heartfelt appeal to rethink and rewrite the NRN Act.
We need policies that connect us, not divide us.
We need a Nepal that welcomes us, not one that restricts us.
We are not tourists, we are the future of Nepal
Once again, we wish to remain Nepali forever.
We all want to see Nepal laugh.
We all want to be a part of Nepal’s future.

With respect and sincerity,
A Nepali daughter living abroad- Tia Acharya

Jai Nepal