Gurungs

This refers to the news “Gurungs seek alternative to Lahure culture” published in THT on July 3. At a time when the craze for foreign jobs is leading many youths in the country to abandon their studies, the Gurung community, which have provided the bulk of Lahures to serve in different countries, have finally realised that despite their great reputation around the world, they are lagging far behind in educating their children. The elderly in this community no longer want their children to follow the footsteps of their illustrious ancestors, who earned name and fame for their bravery and fighting skills. Instead, it seems the Gurung community is now realising the value of education, and want the younger generation to get educated. There are more important factors than money that make human life worthwhile. The Nepali youth from various communities who want to go abroad in search of greener pastures do not realise the importance of education. They might as well take a cue from the Gurung community and amend their past mistakes. In fact, there is not much of a difference between the Lahures and today’s youth working abroad as labourers. It will be wise for the people to forgo their craze for foreign jobs and continue their studies. After all, the educated people are an asset under whom a country can move in the right direction.

Ambika Pandey, Chitwan

Cooperation

The problem of climate change is a matter of great concern. Global warming is taking place at an unprecedented rate. The Himalayan glaciers are melting fast, almost at double the rate a decade ago. It is a menace to the populace living in this region. Developed countries are more responsible than the poorer ones for global warming. The developed world is consuming more and more fossil fuels like coal and diesel — the leading cause of global warming. The uncontrolled use of these fuels leads to the depletion of the ozone layer that protects the earth from the effects of the harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun. Among the developing countries, China undoubtedly tops the list. Its great economic boom has been sustained by the use of inordinate amount of fossil fuels. The time has come to take this problem seriously. Let us all unite in protecting our environment and in ensuring a safe future for the future generations.

Nawang Sherpa, Brookfield College

Brain drain

Our nation is facing serious problems of unemployment and insecurity. Under such circumstances, it is hard to create a conducive environment for economic prosperity as not much development is taking place. Those opting to work here despite all such hindrances are offered little personal benefits. Therefore, most of the qualified manpower is leaving the country in search of better opportunities. For the same reason we see the mass exodus of

professionals like doctors, engineers, technicians, economists and scientists from Nepal. Many western nations are eager to take in competent people from poor countries because of the dearth of manpower there. This trend does not bode well for the future of Nepal.

Uzzal Chalise, Kathmandu