From civic duty to nature’s renewal in Nepal
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In Nepal, citizens are increasingly recognizing their responsibility to protect nature, extending traditional civic awareness to include environmental concerns.
Historically, civic consciousness began with early human communities cooperating for mutual benefit and resource management. Over time, this evolved into formal systems of public property protection and participation, eventually expanding in the 21st century to encompass ecological awareness.
This modern understanding emphasizes that citizens must fulfill their duties alongside enjoying their rights, respecting others, safeguarding public resources, and contributing to social well-being. The article questions whether Nepali people consistently demonstrate this sense of responsibility, noting concerning behaviors like disregard for public property, insensitivity towards death, and a lack of remorse for harmful actions. These behaviors are amplified by the pervasiveness of digital monitoring, meaning actions are widely visible.
The author expresses concern about a growing insensitivity within Nepali society, citing instances of people taking selfies in damaged fields or displaying a lack of empathy for victims. This extends to a perceived lack of accountability for crimes and a tendency to glorify harmful behavior. The article argues that addressing social disorder requires citizen awareness and a collective effort to promote positive values, starting with individuals, families, and communities, and involving civil society, political parties, and the media.
Ultimately, Nepal faces challenges from climate change and environmental degradation, requiring citizens to extend their responsibilities to include the natural world and future generations.
