The easiest way to win a man’s heart is probably by filling his stomach. Ditto for a majority of Nepalis, consumed most of the time with the only concern to earn two square meals a day. The fact was well illustrated by the Rautes — a nomadic community, which survives on forest-based resources in mid- and far-western parts of the country — during their recent stopover in the capital. The Rautes not only had the opportunity to rub shoulders with the first president of Republic Nepal but also left happy as a cat with a bounty of Rs. 30,000. This they right away splurged on goats for the upcoming festival. Back home, they will also likely have interesting tales to tell their folks.

Unfortunately, their mirth will be short-lived. Not much unlike the euphoria that gets over our heads when political leaders make lofty promises during elections only leave us in deep despair later. Lucky for the government that the Rautes — living in isolation from the civilised lot — had little to ask for. But one wonders if that is where the government’s responsibility ends. Contentment may characterise the Rautes, not a majority of Nepalis, who out of deprivation and poverty cannot stop clamouring for more. In that light, Rautes have long been unfairly treated as some of the other communities have. They definitely deserve more than a baksheesh.