Nepal, April 25 -- The term history has lured me in recent times. I seek the reasons why this subject has come up in my studies, and I am thinking more deeply than ever before. This becomes especially meaningful now, as we have become more enthusiastic about changes in political patterns and the organisation of social activities. The Nepali approach to history is unique, and our way of creating and dismantling the imageries of the 'heroes and builders of Nepal', to use the title of historian Rishikesh Shah's book, is unique too.

I was a little struck when some Nepali politicians, social management and the citizenry were so stingy about speaking a few decent words of farewell to Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who conducted a historic snap ...