As judge at a recently held essay competition amongst undergrads and plus-two students

from various colleges in Kathmandu I was gladly surprised to find the level of democratic values that these young members of civil society projected into their writing.

The responses of the young students to issues of constitution drafting,

the priority areas for inclusion which they recommended indicated both their interest and knowledge on the political happenings in Nepal, including their frustration with the long and ongoing stalemate seasoned with a sense of immediacy.

An overall assessment of their attitude and beliefs in areas relevant

to democracy, including political participation, politics, their knowledge about the uncertain Nepalese political climate and their forthright attitude to a series of democratic norms and values such as tolerance, trust and belief in their ability to influence the political system for New Nepal came to me as an eye opener to give hope that the youth of Nepal has been so far but an unfathomed force whose constructive energy remains dormant.

The atrocities that we witness on public grounds such as brick throwing, tyre bonfires, bashing of public and private vehicles, attacks on private property etc are a kind of testimony to their sense of hopelessness. Their writings gives hope that there is promise of a youth future in Nepal.

Therefore civic education in the classrooms structured in a way

that maximizes their potential through participatory methods such as role plays, simulations and group discussions would have considerable impact to influence youth participation for constructive healthy nation building and international understanding that has become imperative in the fast moving global world.

So allow young people space to air their thoughts and feelings uninhibited with respect for individual opinions and without wearing the lenses of right and wrong or black and white!

This is what most adults in Nepal must adjust to. As the old saying

goes “Those who reach the top- must first climb the hill”. So its never too late- but if adult will is weak, youth

future is bleak !!