Narayan Prasad Ghimire

If there is anything most frightful, it's coronavirus now. This pandemic has forced all of us to remain alert and take preventive measures to stay away from it. In addition to the regular use of a face-mask and sanitiser and social distancing as preventive measures, I prefer motorcycle service to the public bus for transportation. So, Pathao and Tootle rides are my options.
Sometimes I find these services interesting as the drivers share their varied experiences and job-related issues in Nepal. In a recent ride, a Pathao driver, who had returned Nepal from a foreign job, not only shared his experience but also expressed his worry over 'political mudslinging' at home. According to him, it was the main reason behind the obstruction of development activities in the country.
He largely blamed the political parties and their inaction for growing corruption and backwardness in the country. "Development is not only delayed but also derailed by gross craving of political leaders for power and money," he argued, pointing out the need of dismantling the nexus between political cadres and brokers. He went on saying: bargaining, brokering and commission-seeking have direct bearing on every activities ranging from a repair of a road to mega project. "Why don't politics get purified here, sir," he asked.
He added that the best way to achieve progress in Nepal was to make a huge investment in agriculture and trade. "As long as the educated people and experts continue disrespecting and discarding the agriculture sector, Nepal will not develop," he declared.
As a pillion rider, I was listening to him and could not naysay. For the development of agriculture, there is dire need of skill-oriented trainings throughout the country. He even said most of the study after Grade XII should be focused on technical education except those studying engineering and medical science. His argument was that agriculture and development activities need technical human resources which Nepal is in dearth now.
Another point he underscored during the drive is Nepali people's sheer lack of respect to labour. "Why don't we, Nepalis, get engaged in minor works as running vegetable shop in cart, or let's say masonry?" he further questioned. "We, Nepalis, think ourselves very good and supreme and do not like to do lesser job. This is a great disrespect for the labour. Every labour should be turned into cash," he added.
He was also praising the Pathao and Tootle ride services, arguing these platforms were innovative and creating jobs for thousands of people. Besides, these ventures have given jobs not only to those with little academic attainment but also to those skilled and highly educated ones.
He was one of the highly mindful and thoughtful drivers I have ever found during the ride. His respect for labour and views on development really impressed me for they carry meanings. The investment in agriculture, technical skills for youths, respect for the labour, need of attracting educated people to agriculture and advice for political unity are undoubtedly vital for bringing about changes in Nepali society at the moment.