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Affirming Sanatana Dharma and Recording the Modern History of a Billion-Strong Global Religion in Renaissance new york public library archives COVER: Bhutanese in Kathmandu about to depart for the US. Our story tells of squandered decades in refugee camps and a people’s flight to freedom, hope and new challenges in the West. Above: dancer Ruth St. Denis plays Radha in an opulent 1915 production. January/February/March, 2010 • Hindu Year 5111 Virodhin, the Year of Adversities

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In t er nat iona l Youth: Three Eloquent Essays Reveal the Bountiful Feature: After 19 Years, Bhutan’s Abandoned Hindus Challenges of Being Hindu in America 68 Flee Nepal Camps for New Lives in the US 18 opinion Issues: Ahh, Silk! So Soft! So Elegant. So...Violent? 54 In My Opinion: Kudos to Sewa International, Big l If e s t y l e Brother to the Hindus No One Wanted 9 Culture: Meet Ruth St. Denis, Pioneer of “Modern Publisher’s Desk: Can Our Religious Obligation to Dance,” American Evangelist for India 32 Give also Bring Us Material Abundance? 12 Insight: for Spiritual Striving: the Eight From the Agamas: The Steps to Deep 17 Limbs of Raja Yoga Explored 36 dige s t s Education: How Chinmaya Mission Trains Global Teachers: a First-Person Account 62 Global Dharma 6 Quotes & Quips 14 Digital Dharma 86

Letters to the editor, subscription and editorial inquiries may be sent to Today, 107 Kaholalele Road, Kapaa, Hawaii 96746-9304 USA, let- [email protected]. Hinduism Today (ISSN# 0896-0801; USPS# 023082), January/February/March, 2010, Volume 32, No. 1. Editorial: 1-808-822-7032; subscriptions from USA and Canada 1-877-255-1540; subscriptions, copies or bulk orders from other countries 1-808-240-3109; subscribe@hindu. org; advertising: 1-888-464-1008, [email protected]. All-department fax: 1-808-822-4351. Hinduism Today is published four times a year in January, April, July and October by Himalayan Academy, a nonprofit educational institution at 107 Kaholalele Road, Kapaa, Hawaii 96746-9304 USA. , Founder; Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, Publisher; Paramacharya Palaniswami, Editor-in-Chief. USA subscriptions: us$35/1 year, $65/2 years, $95/3 years, $155/5 years, $1,001/lifetime. Contact us for international rates. In Malaysia: Sanathana Dharma Publications, 45 Jalan Ungu U 9/34C, Sunway Kayangan, 40150, Shah Alam. Tel: 016-380-2393; E-mail: [email protected]. In Singapore: Sanathana Dharma Publications, Bhutan’s Hindu Refugees Blk 210 #06-326, Pasir Ris Street 21, 510210. Tel: 9664-9001 ; E-mail: [email protected]. For permission to republish a Hinduism Today article, e-mail [email protected] or fax 1-808-822-4351. Printed in USA. Periodicals postage paid at Kapaa, Hawaii, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Hinduism Today, 107 Kaholalele Road, Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746-9304. © 2010 himalayan academy, 107 kaholalele road, kapaa, hawaii 96746-9304 usa. all rights reserved. thomas kelly

Brazil ...... BRL 14 India . . . INR 115 Mauritius . . MUR 115 Trinidad . . TTD 48 www.hinduismtoday.com u|xhCFCHEy12134mzVv!:, Canada . . . .CAD 10 Malaysia . . .MYR 14 Singapore . . SGD 10 UK . . . . GBP 5 to beresettledin theWest. Most homeland 19yearsago,nearlyall camps likethis one inNepalare of the106,000refugeeslivingin Pushed outoftheirBhutanese are coming totheUS... page 18

thomas kelly Hinduism Today was founded on January 5, in my opinion 1979, by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami (1927–2001). It is a nonprofit educational Helping the Bhutanese Refugees activity of Himalayan Academy, with the fol- How one organization supplements government lowing purposes: 1. To foster Hindu solidar- ity as a unity in diver- assistance to settle new arrivals in the US sity among all sects and lineages; 2. To inform and inspire Hindus B y S r e e N . S r e e n at h worldwide and people interested in Hinduism; 3. To dispel myths, illusions and misinformation about Hinduism; 4. To protect, preserve and pro- he bhutanese immi- weaving, housekeeping and mote the sacred Vedas and the Hindu religion; grants are the first value-added food product gen- 5. To nurture and monitor the ongoing spiri- poor Hindus to have eration (e.g., pickles). Micro- tual Hindu renaissance; 6. To publish resources arrived in the United finance for starting home/ for Hindu leaders and educators who promote States as refugees in large office cleaning or landscaping Sanatana Dharma. Join this seva by sending let- numbers, having lived for 17 businesses, or to buy a car, is ters, clippings, photographs, reports on events T years surviving on UN food provided. We connect up a and by encouraging others. assistance programs in seven Hindu American family with camps in Nepal. When a refu- a vulnerable Bhutanese family gee family arrives in the US for mentoring and developing with basic possessions, the friendships. government gives them food We sponsor and conduct stamps, financial assistance, bhajans, yoga/meditation and health screening and insurance, job search festival celebrations. After 17 years of virtu- assistance, basic English-as-a-Second- al incarceration in camps, the elders—func- Language (ESL) coaching and an inexpensive tionally illiterate and numbering 40% of the apartment along a subway or bus line in a workforce—have lost their skills and will to poor and often dangerous neighborhood. work. They have a hard time adjusting and All of this is done through contract with a great difficulty finding employment. We Founder: Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami settlement agency. This contracted support have helped start urban and rural farming Publisher: Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami lasts for eight months. After that period, the programs for these ex-farmers, and we help Editor-in-Chief: Paramacharya Palaniswami refugees are completely on their own. This market their produce. We also counsel stu- Publisher’s Aide: Paramacharya Ceyonswami is when Sewa International USA, the orga- dents seeking higher education and provide Deputy Editor: Acharya Kumarswami nization that I am president of, steps in. rental assistance in cases of eviction. Managing Editor: Acharya Arumugaswami Sewa is a non-profit, international, volun- One scene is etched in my mind for ever: Production Manager: Sannyasin Sivakatirswami teer-based service organization, in partner- On November 16, 2008, we met with a Subscription and Distribution Manager: ship with Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, that newly arrived group of Bhutanese Hindus Sannyasin Shanmuganathaswami works in 30 different US cities on the Bhu- in Cleveland to take them to the local man- Assistant Editor: Sannyasin Senthilnathaswami tanese Refugee Empowerment (BRE) Project. dir. Though the temperature was around Assistant Editor: Sadhaka Satyanatha Advertising Manager: Jothinatha Our volunteers are nonresident Indians, freezing, most were wearing thin sweaters, Correspondents: Choodamani Sivaram, Bangalore; second-generation Indian-American stu- no gloves and were barefoot or with only Rajiv Malik, Prabha Prabhakar Bhardwaj, Madhu dents and concerned Americans. A number sandals. A friendly smile, a Gurkha hospi- Kishwar, Delhi; Mangala Prasad Mohanty, Orissa; V. S. of like-minded organizations have joined tality cup of sweet, hot, boiled milk with Gopalakrishnan, Kerala; Archana Dongre, Los Angeles; hands with us in this ambitious project. tea from them, and a “Welcome to the US” Lavina Melwani, New York; Dr. Hari Bansh Jha, Nepal; In addition to employment and trans- from us, we were suddenly bosom friends. Paras Ramoutar, Trinidad; Ananta Krishnan, Chennai. portation (unemployment is nearly 70% in It started snowing heavily—the first snow. Copy Editor: Chamundi Sabanathan. HPI Staff: Janaka some communities), refugees face uprooting To our horror, young and old alike started Param, Toshadeva Guhan, Easan Katir, Adi Alahan, of familial and societal structures, cultural jumping and playing in the snow in their Chandra Sankara, Shama Vinayaga. Sanskritist: Dr. P. and religious isolation, language barriers, bare feet without headgear, jackets or gloves. Jayaraman, New York. Artists: A. Manivelu, S. Rajam. children’s education needs, family issues To our puzzled concern about frostbite they Cartoonists: Tom Thaves. Photo Contributors: Thomas (marriage, birth, death), conflict resolution, said, “We lived in the tropics; snow is new L. Kelly, Dinodia, Dev Raj Agarwal, Gilles Flament, Vel counseling needs, cold weather, health and to us. Isn’t it beautiful?” That afternoon we Kadressen, Mu Devarayan, Indivar Sivanathan. Web hygiene issues. We give financial respon- pooled our money and bought shoes for all Masters: Nitya Nadesan, Sadhunathan Nadesan. Dis- tribution: USA: Ingram Periodicals, New Leaf, EBSCO sibility education, and hold job etiquette 35 school-going children in the group. Thus Subscription Services, OneSource, Ubiquity. Europe: seminars and resumé writing workshops. began my relationship with this beautiful SWETS Subscription Service. Malaysia and Singapore: We help in finding entry-level employ- and friendly community. Sanathana Dharma Publications. India: Central News ment in the hospitality and food industries, Agency Limited, Delhi. Mauritius: CODIP. Trinidad: retail, customer relations, NGOs and facto- sree n. sreenath, ph.d., is a biology profes- Pandit Narendra & Ashwinee Ragoonanan. Printer: RR ries. Women are employed through projects sor at Case Western Reserve University in Donnelley, Kansas City, Missouri. such as sewing, ironing, fabric painting, Cleveland. E-mail: [email protected]

january/february/march, 2010 hinduism today 9 Bhutanese refugees housed at Beldangi II Camp (Southern Nepal) pose for a photo at the base of the water tower thomas kelly America Here We Come 18 hinduism today january/february/march, 2010 special feature Chased from Bhutan, 106,000 Hindus find homes abroad s of september, 2009, 17,000 of an expected Kelly to one of the camps in Nepal, correspondent 60,000 Bhutanese Hindus have arrived in the Lavina Melwani to the Bronx, New York, and enlisted AUnited States as refugees. Another 40,000 community volunteers in Ohio and Texas. All are destined for resettlement in Canada, Australia, contributed to the following report on a mass Hindu New Zealand and Europe. Hinduism Today sent migration and the challenges and opportunities faced by correspondent Rajiv Malik and photographer Thomas this relatively poor and unevenly educated community. january/february/march, 2010 hinduism today 19 Life in the Camps

By Rajiv Malik, New Delhi ineteen years ago, one hundred thousand Hindus—one-sixth of the population of Bhutan—left that Ncountry in a massive exodus to es- cape vicious persecution. Bhutan’s Drukpa majority, followers of Tibetan Buddhism, de- clared the Hindus, who migrated to Bhutan a hundred years ago, to be illegal immigrants. They were stripped of rights, then attacked and finally forced to leave the country. Re- fused sanctuary in neighboring India, the refugees reached Nepal and have been living ever since in “temporary” camps, ignored by the Indian press and knowing little but un- fulfilled hope, anger and resignation. These Bhutanese Hindus are the latest large group to have been accepted for asy- lum in the United States. Beginning in 2008, thousands began to leave the camps for cities all over America. While a few other coun- tries have agreed to take some refugees, a full 60 percent will go to the US. Moving such a population, even at a rate of 1,500 per month, considering relocation to all countries, takes time. The first and bravest are already established in far-flung places like New York and Utah; while rela- tives remain in the camps, receiving letters with tales of the New World and anxious- ly—sometimes hesitantly—awaiting their turn. During the wait, they take classes on the various aspects of modern Western life, which is much different from anything most

Temporary for Nineteen Years photos: thomas kelly

(Counter-clockwise from upper left) The habi- tations are simple and structurally weak, made of bamboo and adobe, designed to be bulldozed with ease. After two decades, many are in a dilapidated condition. Preparing coal briquettes to use as fuel, burning of which has adverse impacts on health. Good education, taught in English, provides a doorway to a better future. Weaving Nepalese traditional clothing. Water bottles abound in the absence of plumbing. A local priest inside a small Lakshmi temple. rajiv malik 20 hinduism today january/february/march, 2010 have ever known. resembling satellite antennas, are actually Exiled from Bhutan The area provisionally granted to the refu- solar heaters, used to boil water and steril- Bhutan’s ethnic purge began in 1990. Making gees by Nepal is in Damak, 650 km from the ize utensils. Hundreds of curious, excited wide use of intimidation, bureaucratic dead- capital, near the narrow part of India that children flock out to follow foreign visitors, ends and suspended rights, the government separates Nepal from Bhutan. The climate especially intrigued by Hinduism Today’s organized a massive migration of all families there in September was hot and unpleas- American photographer, Thomas Kelly, who that could not meet the draconian require- antly humid, a far cry from the cooler Bhu- speaks fluent Nepalese. ments for citizenship—expelling fully one- tanese weather. The home of Mr. Mano Rath Chamalgai, sixth of the country’s population. Forced to The camps are overseen by the Inter- 67, is a cramped hut with no electricity. As sign “voluntary migration forms,” Bhutanese national Organization for Migration, an night fell, a curious mob crowded the door Hindus were taken to Nepal. Because the intergovernmental agency founded after and windows. The patriarch was the first to Nepalese government denied them citizen- World War II to manage and care for the speak, nostalgically relating a tale that is rep- ship status—most had no acquaintances or millions displaced by that conflict. Today, resentative of most in the camps: “In Bhutan family they could trace back to Nepal—they IOM, backed by 127 member countries, is I had a very good life. I was a farmer, with became refugees, not legally bound to or the unofficial guardian of those who, like my own land and a nice house to live in. We welcomed by any nation. the Bhutanese Hindus, live in limbo, with had electricity there. But the Bhutanese gov- Prem Paykurel, too, had been a success- where no country is home. Now that some ernment and army were cruel to us, and that ful farmer in Bhutan. His memories of the countries have agreed to accept Bhutanese was the reason we had to leave Bhutan. The expulsion are fresh in his mind: “When we refugees, the IOM and the United Nations eighteen years we have spent here have been left Bhutan, the agitation for restoration of Refugee Agency decide together who will very difficult.” democratic rights was going on. Even though go to each country, with family unity a major His wife, Man Maya Chamalagai, 65, fears I was not involved, I was arrested and beaten. consideration. the future. “I am in a big dilemma. I have Finally, we were given an ultimatum by the been living here for a long time. Now the Bhutanese authorities to leave the country. Beldangi II future is uncertain. I do not know what is But we never thought that we would have to There are seven main encampments near going to happen to us once we are in USA. live in Nepal for 18 years.” Damak. The largest, holding 22,000 Bhu- I am not sure what kind of life we will lead Paykurel is the head of a family whose tanese, is Beldangi II—a warren of bamboo there.” Their two daughters, Lekha Devi and migration to America was followed by huts, tall trees and ubiquitous mud. It is ac- Parvati, know nothing but life as refugees. “I Hinduism Today (see sidebar, page 27). At cessible (at least, when the rivers are not in do not have the citizenship of any country the time of this interview, two of Prem’s flood) only via a circuitous unpaved road. right now,” says Lekha Devi. “In the USA, I children had already flown to America. He The IOM arranged for Hinduism Today to hope my dreams will come true.” and his family feel the time for their bet- visit and interview residents here. Mr. Chamalgai continues, “My ancestors ter future has finally come. “I have waited Impressions on entering the camp are and forefathers migrated to Bhutan from for so long living in these camps, thinking mixed. The lush green trees provide a pleas- Nepal. Our customs and traditions are simi- a day would come when we would go back ant atmosphere, in contrast to the litter and lar to those that prevail in Nepal. So, we be- to our native Bhutan,” he laments. “Life has garbage on the paths between the huts. A long in Nepal.” Nepal, however, refuses to been really miserable here, and especially few structures of round, curved shiny metal, grant them residency (see page 31). the children went through a lot. I am taking

Temporary for Nineteen Years photos: rajiv malik january/february/march,january/february/march, 20102010 hinduismhinduism todaytoday 2121 this decision of going to USA only because it with us.” He and a few other priests perform and that water runs in pipes day and night. will ensure a good life for them. But I know samskaras, blessings, marriages and crema- To help overcome the language barrier, short my wife and I will have to endure many tion ceremonies. There are also a number crucial sentences and key English word hardships.” of pundits in the camps, such as Adhikari are taught. Refugees with just a few dozen and Pundit Kashi Ghimere, who com- words in their vocabulary display pride in A Time of Transition pleted his education in Bhutan and studied their accomplishment, little aware of how For most refugees, is seems, a buoyant hope Sanskrit in India. A pundit’s functions over- much must yet be learned. for a bright future keeps the painful past at lap with the priests’, but they focus more on Classes on health and hygiene teach how bay, but some have lost much. Yogacharya providing sacraments than on ritual worship. the standards of personal cleanliness are Narayan Adhikari held a high position in Pundit Ghimere is busy working not only much different in an American city than in Bhutan: “For many years I was an elected among the refugees but the local Nepalese the camp. Other sessions focus on flying in member of parliament, the national assem- population as well. Another pundit, Bhola an airplane, what to expect at security, how bly of Bhutan. I represented our people and Nath Sapkota, carries the degree of Acha- the toilets work and even how to operate the tried to serve the interests of all in the best raya in Sanskrit Grammar from Varanasi. He control for the in-flight entertainment. possible way. Then there was cultural and explains, “There are no differences in the Students are encouraged to ask questions. religious annihilation done by the Bhutan Hindu dharma when it comes to Bhutanese The most basic answers may be the ones government. First, they made a certain dress Hindus; it is only a few traditional practices they will need the most as they brave their compulsory: everyone was supposed to wear that might be unique.” awkward new world. The instructors use only that. Then, all that was deemed not part mock settings to help them visualize, in- of the official culture was forbidden.” Orientation Classes teract with and understand what they will Adhikari’s current focus is on teaching Most of the refugees have known only the encounter. They see and touch objects, and yoga and meditation in America once he simple life of farming, working the moun- pass around pictures of everything from relocates to Pennsylvania, where some of tainous land and living in houses made of dressing styles to airport signs. his relatives are already settled. His main mud mixed with yak dung. Ms. Jennifer The aid programs for them in the US will message is: “Youth must always remember Pro, Overseas Processing Supervisor of the be short term, so everyone is encouraged to their duties towards dharma. We Bhutanese IOM, knows well the challenge of integrat- think now about getting a job. Pictures de- refugees have to be known as good people, of ing them into gigantic cities like New York, picting nurses, construction workers, drivers, right conduct and behavior. Our youth must Cleveland or Los Angeles, each with popula- clerks and people in other professions are live correctly for us to get a good image all tions many times that of Bhutan’s. passed around, eliciting animated questions over the world.” In addition to a standard education for from students. Yogacharya Adhikari volun- Hinduism is intrinsically woven into the the children—some of whom surpass their teers, “We are told how to hunt for jobs so identity of the people here. It was one of the American peers—the IOM provides cultural that we can become self-dependent, which main factors that distinguished them from orientation classes for refugees whose move is the most important thing.” the dominant Drukpa Bhutanese. They are has been scheduled. The curriculum is de- free to practice Hinduism in the camps, and signed to help them understand their host Camp Management conversion efforts are forbidden by the camp country and survive in it. The instructors, David Derthick, Resettlement Program administrators. There are several small tem- though called “volunteers,” are paid $500 a Manager for the International Organization ples in Beldangi II. Sitaram Adhikari, priest month. To qualify, they must have actually for Migration, sighs with relief when talking of the Lakshmi Temple, shares, “Without lived in the host country. about the massive effort to send the refugees the temple, none of us could feel blissful and According to instructor Shashwat, the to America. Notwithstanding all the work peaceful.” He worries that he will have trou- refugees are taught about all aspects of life involved, it is easier, and more humane, than ble finding puja supplies in the US: “Kusha, in their future home, particularly those that maintaining a refugee camp. Overall, he says, till, au and tulsi are four things we must have will seem most alien to them. For example, the camps have worked remarkably well over for our puja, but we cannot take the seeds they learn that toilets are inside the house, the 19 years, considering all the tensions

A People with Their Life on Hold

22 hinduism today january/february/march, 2010 all photos thomas kelly and potential problems. “These refugees are Perekkatt continues, “Ninety-five percent of established more easily. But Perekkatt is still treated better than any refugees with whom those who came here were Hindus, and the confident that the children are being prop- I have worked in my whole life. The camps rest were Buddhists. Now there are the occa- erly taught. He says with pride, “Some of our are well run, and the infrastructure is good. sional Christians, less than five percent after students who are now in American schools The government of Nepal has been quite be- 18 years.” He did not explain how five per- have written that they are performing bet- nevolent toward them. In other situations I cent had become converted, given the camp ter than other people in their class.” He says have seen, refugee camps are closed, and ref- rules prohibiting proselytization—though many resettled Bhutanese write to him from ugees are confined like prisoners. This is not there are churches in the area. America, telling about their life, their jobs the case here. Refugees freely move in and Caritas’ main challenge nowadays is to and their challenges. “These are good people; out of the camps. They travel to India and find, among the refugees, good school teach- some are making 25 dollars an hour there.” to Kathmandu. Technically, they should not ers who speak English, the medium of in- (The average yearly income in Nepal is $471.) work, but many do, and that releases some struction. Perekkatt laments, “Last year, 600 of the tensions that would arise from having of our 1,100 teachers left for resettlement. Camp Conditions tens of thousands of people idle. Some even Soon 291 more will be leaving.” This is a The camp organizers are suffering from have good jobs that pay well.” consequence of the policy of sending the what Human Rights Watch calls “donor “Unfortunately, there is a rule, issued by more educated people first to the US and fatigue,”which set in before the current re- Nepal, that structures should not be perma- other countries, knowing that they will get cession. In December 2006, the World Food nent. But refugees here are themselves the de facto government of the camp; they run for offices and get elected in hotly contested elections. I have found the leaders to be ex- traordinarily good administrators who care about their people.” The IOM, the United Nations and a Chris- tian relief organization called Caritas provide the infrastructure and the resources for the camps. The IOM is the main organizer; the UN provides various services, including primary education and part of the funding; Caritas contributes food and provides educa- tion at the ninth and tenth grade levels. Father Varkey Perekkatt is with Caritas Nepal, which is part of the Society of Jesus, or Jesuits, a group that, historically, has en- gaged in intense and widespread conversion efforts. According to Perekkatt, Caritas has a different goal. “In the curriculum in our schools there is nothing special about reli- gion. We are not running a Hindu school or a Christian school. I am a Catholic priest, but we are here in a humanitarian, secular as- sistance. Under that condition, religion does not count.” Refugees similarly reported that there is little or no proselytizing at the camps.

A People with Their Life on Hold

(Left to right) Excited with the visit of journalists, children gather outside of the small huts. Many of these children will be key to a successful integration of their family in America. The Chamalgai fam- ily poses outside their hut with photos of their relatives in America. At the camp, the stone on the scale might not be a precise

tool, but ensures that all will get an equal rajiv malik amount. Refugees receive food from the UN’s World Food Programme. The WFP provides food, on average, to 90 million people per year. Recent scarcity in funding has led to supply cuts at the camps and worry among the refugees.

january/february/march, 2010 hinduism today 23 Program warned that it had not yet received any international donations to fund its food aid to the refugees for the next two years, and would be forced to cut their rations. Caritas stopped distributing clothing in 2002. Like- wise, the UN, compelled by budgetary con- straints to scale back assistance programs, stopped providing vegetables and spices to supplement basic rations. Refugees who have no outside income can now prepare only the most basic meals, with little variety and poor nutritional value. Sometimes there just isn’t enough, and tensions mount. The cutbacks have been many, and the impact is dramatic. The materials needed to fix the roofs of their simple huts, for ex- ample, are no longer available, and leaks abound. During the rainy season, entire families crowd together in the small parts of their huts that are still dry, or take shel- ter in another family’s hut. Leaky roofs in school classrooms mean that the jute mats on which the students sit become soggy; there are no chairs, so the children must at- tend classes standing up. Probably the biggest impact of budget cuts was the switch from kerosene to coal briquettes for cooking. While briquettes are cheaper, they also have serious disadvan- tages compared to kerosene, including health hazards.

The Emigration Process The IOM estimates that 25,000 refugees have left for other countries so far. “Every- thing is going on smoothly. Every month about 1,500 people are leaving,” says David Derthick. “I expect this to be the case for next several years. Certain refugees families here are frustrated because we have a big backlog. But I think 1,500 people is a lot, all things considered.” He describes some of the logistical chal- lenges that can overshadow the extensive paperwork and refugee training. For three months of the year, the fog in the Damak region is so thick that few planes can fly to Kathmandu, whence refugees fly to India and then America. During other times of the year, rivers flood, making it impossible to

Flying to America

(From top to bottom) With their few posses- sions packed, families wait to board the air- plane, leaving behind, for the second time in their lives, the only place they know as home; intrigued students listen carefully at cultural orientation classes that are well-organized and effective; boarding the airplane in the small lo- cal airport, refugees fly into a new future. all photos: thonas kelly

24 hinduism today january/february/march, 2010 reach the camps. to fight Bhutan’s government for their rights. Clearly puzzled, he replied, “I will be honest: Security is an constant concern. In May Many chose this path of confrontation be- I never thought of this before. I was reading of 2008, two IOM buses were attacked and tween 2004 and 2006.” Much of the anger your magazine today and realized that their set on fire. No one was hurt, but Derthick calmed down when, in 2006, an American rich culture is a new dimension to me. Hon- says the message was clear: “There is a small delegation visited the camps and offered estly, I do not know. Here we are just giving group of refugees which does not want the asylum soon thereafter. But tensions and fear them nuts-and-bolts information on how to refugees to resettle. In another incident, a are still commonplace. survive in America and other countries.” He grenade was thrown into this compound.” Vishnumaya Oli, a 27-year-old English adds, however, that in selecting the country Those against the resettlement feel that Bhu- teacher and a refugee, says, “The problem of resettlement the UN “values the impor- tan should take them back, and that accept- now is that almost all the educated peo- tance of family unity and would not send ing the resettlement is a display of weakness. ple have already left the camp and settled some members of a family to Australia and Others would rather be accepted as citizens abroad. Those who are here now are most- others to the United States.” of Nepal, or to receive asylum in India. ly uneducated, and many are negative in Perenkkatt explains that Nepal has tried their outlook. Some create disturbance in to negotiate with Bhutan on behalf of the the camp. Just a few days back, one of the Arriving in America refugees: “Fifteen rounds of talks took place camp’s leaders was stabbed to death. We By Lavina Melwani, New York between Bhutan and Nepal. Bhutan came up do not know if the murderer is a refugee or ne can only imagine what a hul- with conditions very few were able to agree a local Nepalese with a vendetta. But things labaloo there would be if America to, including planning a closed camp where are getting worse.” Vishnumaya’s relatives were to push out thousands of its refugees would live for two years study- have already left. “My parents have settled in O naturalized citizens, stripping them ing Bhutan’s main culture. After that, they the US, and they are extremely happy there. of all rights, based simply on the language would take exams on it and renounce their They call me up every day and ask me to join they spoke or the faith they practiced! Yet own former culture. But even that offer was them.” Bhutan has managed to do this with impu- restricted to only a few, and eventually with- Hinduism Today asked Derthik if con- nity, destroying the lives of thousands of its drawn. When all this was announced, peo- sideration is given to helping the Bhutanese own citizens who thereafter languished in ple went wild and violent. After that, many Hindus retain their cultural and personal refugee camps, their lives disrupted and put young refugees went to Maoists and wanted identities during the relocation process. on hold. Youth who were born in the camps

How America Deals with Refugees

he Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration of the US mostly a function of available capacity in an affiliates’ community. State Department is responsible for the initial phases of refu- From time to time, when local conditions dictate, some affiliates are Tgee resettlement. In fiscal eary 2009, which ended on Septem- unable to take on any more refugees. One example would be a city ber 30, 2009, the US accepted 74,652 refugees from countries all over where entry-level jobs are not available. Family reunification is a the world. 18, 833 refugees were admitted from Iraq, 18,202 from primary goal. Burma (Myanmar) and 13,452 from Bhutan. These three countries The system is not perfect, Wills said, but “America has been reset- accounted for nearly 70% of all US refugees for the year. The bureau tling refugees for a long time.” “People do better,” she explains, “if they attempts to spread out the refugees’ arrivals through the year at dive right in. We know it is hard, but if refugees who are able to work about 1,000/week so as to not overwhelm the ten “Resettlement start working as soon as possible, they will assimilate and feel truly Agencies” that work under contract with the State Department. a part of the country sooner.” She noted that the current economic There are five Christian agencies, including the US Confer- downturn has highlighted weaknesses in the refugee resettlement ence of Catholic Bishops, one Jewish agency, three secular program, and that the White House has created an interagen- ones and the State of Iowa. These, in turn, work with cy task force to explore how to improve the program. approximately 350 “affiliates,” often local branches of Wills was pleased to hear of the Hindu organizations the resettlement agencies, which are located in all 50 helping after the initial eighth month period, which they states. The responsibility of these groups lasts for just readily admit is too short and are trying to lengthen. We eight months, during which they supply the refugees asked about attempts to convert, common to relief ef- with basic necessities and core services while assisting forts, such as those following the 2004 tsunami. Wills them to achieve economic self-sufficiency “as soon as pointed to the agreement between the agencies and the possible after their arrival,” according to the agreement Bureau, which requires faith-based agencies and affiliates to between the agencies and the government. Refugees are en- keep their religious activities separate from their refugee work, titled to work as soon as they arrive in the US; after one year they and that they “may not require refugees to profess a certain faith or may apply for permanent residence (“Green Card”). The Green Card participate in religious activities in order to receive services.” She would not be denied except under unusual circumstances. After five expressed interest in learning of any activities to the contrary, either years as a permanent resident, they may apply for citizenship. in the Nepal camps or in the US. Gina Wills, public affairs specialist of the Bureau, told Hinduism The Statue of Liberty says upon its base, “Give me your tired, your Today that there is a meeting each Wednesday at which the place- poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched ment of incoming refugees is determined by the resettlement refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest- agencies themselves. The agencies match the specific needs of each tossed to me.” It is a promise first made in 1886, and one kept to family, or individual with the particular resources available in the this day by the USA, aided by hundreds of charitable organizations community of the agencies’ affiliates. Where refugees end up is across the country.

january/february/march, 2010 hinduism today 25 have wasted the best years of their lives–up to 20 years–living in limbo, with no dreams and no future. Two decades have been spent as stateless people, belonging nowhere, al- lowed to have no allegiance, no sense of purpose. Difficult as their situation has been, there is a silver lining: the offer of the United States to resettle up to 60,000 of the 106,000 refugees. About 8,000 have already arrived in the US and been given government assis- tance to settle down. But this help is for just eight months, after which they have to fend for themselves. Many of the refugees speak no English and have no marketable skills. What will life be like for them as they try to get their bearings in a world light years removed from their simple rural existence, first in Bhutan, and then in Nepal? Certainly their lives will be very different. And each family’s situation will vary depending on the towns and cities they land in, from Ohio to Georgia to California, New York and New Jersey. Those here now are finding the peo- ple, the economy, the climate and even the language vastly different between Anchor- age, Alaska; Oakland, California; Houston, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; and right here in New York City, where just about everyone’s ancestor came as a refugee from one country or another over the last two centuries.

The Bronx’s Little Bhutan A Little Bhutan is taking shape in the rough, hard-nosed Bronx borough of New York. The Bronx is a traditional landing place for immigrants—at any given time in the last bijay dixit lavina melwani (Left) The Internet has been a boon for the community to keep in touch worldwide; (above top) Houston Bhutanese teens gather for a group portrait in their school uni- forms; (above lower) Jaya Narayan, 78, conducts arati in his simple home shrine lavina melwani

26 hinduism today january/february/march, 2010 hundred years, one-third of its residents him. For Mishra, as for all the refugees, it cousins, uncles and aunts. Those who have have been foreign born. tells a tale of unrequited love. Mishra is more left their parents behind in the camp look T.P. Mishra, now 25, was just six years old fortunate than most: he has an education to the elders here as surrogate parents. As in when his father was beaten up, kept under that is enabling him to do some worthwhile a family, everyone is closely connected. Says police surveillance and then stripped of his things. With his faithful laptop by his side, Mishra: “Sometimes I feel I’m not in Amer- citizenship. The whole family was expelled he is a journalist in exile; and he provided ica—I still feel I’m within the camp or with from Bhutan, and since then Mishra knew Hinduism Today a window into the world my community. If I lack anything, I can come no other home but the congested huts of the of the Bhutanese refugees. The voice of his down to my neighbor’s and open the fridge refugee camp until he arrived in the US on community, he has his own website (www. and take what I need. And if they lack any- July 2, 2009. tpmishra.com) and two blogs. thing they can come to me.” Mishra lives in a rundown, bleak and yet Mishra’s sister Tika is a lovely girl, but she Hinduism Today also visited the fam- somehow handsome old apartment building, looks wan and pale, low in joy and smiles. ily of Jaya Narayan, 78, and his wife Nar a place with an unkempt, struggling patch She is learning English through the Interna- Maya, 68. The whole family—sons, daugh- of grass in front. In this hard neighborhood, tional Rescue Committee, the resettlement ters, grandchildren and grandparents—are even the grass has to fight to survive. In agency. The days seem to hang heavy on her, dressed in traditional garb, the men with a Mishra’s apartment, there is scant furniture as she has no job. Her younger sister Dillu is Nepali topi or cap, the women with Nepal- and the barest of necessities. There are no working in a factory, packing food. As they ese scarves and jewelry, their faces leathery fancy décor items, just a black sofa, a chair improve their English, their access to the and weather-beaten. Happy to meet another and, on one side, a couch where he sleeps. outside world will increase. Hindu, they take their visitor to their small The bedroom is shared by his two sisters, Mishra’s building houses the largest set- makeshift shrine for their evening arati. Nar Tika and Dillu. The parents are still in the tlement of Bhutanese refugees in the New Maya lights a divya and her husband blows camp, waiting their turn. York area: 50 people in 9 families living in loudly on the small conch as the family A miniature flag has pride of place on his the same walk-up building. They move eas- gather close. Hindu values are intact here. side table, a part of his life wherever he goes, ily among each other’s units, eating together, No matter how little the refugees have, they wherever he lives. It is his identity. It is the chatting about world and personal matters, share it, even with strangers. The steaming, flag of Bhutan, the country that disowned almost like an extended family of many sweet milky chai, served in steel tumblers, is

Jump Starting a New Life

By Lavina Melwani, New York here are some new neighbors in Cleveland, and they are not the Smiths or the Joneses but the Pyakurels—the same family TRajiv Malik met and interviewed in Nepal just a few weeks ago. Meet Prem Prasa and his wife Chhala Maya, both 47. Their two sons are Indra, 25, and Tika Ram, 14, and the daughters are Nirmala, 23 and Sabitra, 17. They were confined in the camp for 17 years and have just stepped into the brightness and vastness of America. They left Nepal in late September, 2009. Hinduism Today’s team met them both at the camp and as they departed Kathmandu. They are joining two of their brothers and their families already in Cleveland, Ohio, as part of the US government’s family reunification scheme. Through August, 2009, 152 Bhutanese had been settled here. Their nephew Hari Bhakta, who is already settled in this Midwest city, introduces us to them and tells us about their lives. He says his uncle, Prem Prasa, was a farmer in Bhutan and served as a gatekeep- er in a school at the camp in Nepal. His uncle was most intrigued by the language and climate differences in America. He would return to farming, if it is available. Says Hari: “My uncle came here for the better education of his children, for the progress of his family and to live as a citizen.” Asked about the emotions of his aunt on coming to America and whether she spoke any English, he says, “She feels pleasant and happy on reaching America because she hopes to live a better life. She does not speak English but is able to write her family names in English.” It is typical of refugees from any country to the US that the elders seldom learn the language, while the middle age learn just enough to hold a job. It is only the young who actually become flu- ent. Hari says that his young cousins will continue their education while working part time. “They feel that they are going to live as thomas kelly Americans and do better in the future.” Hinduism Today correspondent Rajiv Malik (right) waves goodbye to the Pyakurel family (father Prem Prasa in cap, son behind and wife and daughter in front) just prior to their flight to the US

january/february/march,january/february/march,july/august/september, 200720102010 hhinduismhinduism i nduism todaytodaytoday 2727 delicious. gee camp in Nepal.” observations and impressions. First off, he Their home shrine is in a closet, with coats Sharma says the 300 Bhutanese already confides, “I thought all the Americans are hung incongruously on top. On the wall are in Minnesota have formed Nirvana Cen- multi-millionaires. I thought on every cor- calendars with the images of Sri Krishna and ter, a collaborative effort with local Hindu ner of the street people will hire for a job and Lakshmi, and in the shrine photos of their families. The Center provides familiar food it won’t be hard to get employment. Things family members who have passed on. An oil items, winter clothes and other necessities didn’t happen that way, and it is really tough lamp divya burns on the table, a makeshift to arriving refugees. Sharma shares, “So far, and challenging to find jobs. Initially we attempt to retain religion in their daily life. Minneapolis has been very good place for thought we won’t find people who would Narayan’s large, shining computer con- resettlement. We have many more benefits help us but we found people who not only trasts with the Spartan furnishings. The than other states.” helped us but cared for us. They touched our refugees have learned that a computer is She says what while most of the people lives. My three uncles and their families are essential for connecting with their commu- come from a farming background, the com- resettled at South Dakota.” nity, be they in Australia or Wisconsin, USA. munity also includes some professionals He found life in the camps left them total- Through video, they can watch each other who are both studying and working, thus ly unprepared for the US. While they were and laugh and talk together. Young and old preparing for the future. All are Hindu. She happy to escape the growing discontent, he gathered around the computer, having a mentions, “Nirvana Center is the outcome says, “the cost of resettlement is too high. video chat with their daughters in Australia. of people’s needs and hunger to preserve our Most had not expected life to be so different. The Bronx Bhutanese were getting ready culture and religion. We have satsang every Some are really disturbed, our seniors espe- for Dashain. The country of Nepal shuts fortnight, and we completed the Art of Liv- cially. Be it buying groceries, banking, mak- down for two weeks each year in September/ ing workshop, which people loved.” ing appointments or job interviews, people October to celebrate. Abi Sivakoti says, “We are having multi-dimensional catastrophes.” pray for ten days, and on the tenth day we Impressions and Challenges Poudel wants to pursue graduate studies, get blessings and tikka from our parents. We Santi Ram Poudel spent 16 long years in but must balance that desire with his need have a very good meal, and that’s how we Maidhar Refugee Camp. Before that he lived to make money and his essential role in celebrate. There are so many pandits in the in the village of Lalihapper, a backward and the community: “For some, I need to write refugee camps but there isn’t one here. We remote place where there were no motor their checks, read the letters and interpret do hope to get one here because we don’t roads, schools or markets. During the 1990s, for them, solve family issues, encourage and want to miss out on our culture.” he recalls, Bhutan used its military and civil provide moral support.” servants to wipe out the Nepali-speaking He expressed a common dilemma, pres- Mangala Sharma, Activist Southern Bhutanese through torture, rape, ent even for refugees in the camps: “If I Mangala Sharma, now living in Minnesota, murder and burning of homes. Poudel was make a phone call or visit my relatives in came to the US in 2000 after receiving polit- one of the lucky ones. He obtained an edu- Bhutan, the government will suspect them ical asylum. Since then, she has been work- cation under these difficult circumstances— and may expel them. This is how the life is!” ing to advocate on behalf of the refugees. She though his Master of Science in Urban Plan- Still, he affirms, “I respect my country and I explains, “I was born and raised in Bhutan. In ning from Tribhavan University, Katmandu, feel proud to be a Bhutanese citizen. It may fact, I am the fourth generation of women means little in America. Presently he is a co- take time to resolve the crisis, but it will be born in Bhutan in my family. I used to work ordinator in a nonprofit assisting immigrants. resolved. The fourth king of Bhutan realized for the United Nations; then I lived in a refu- Insightful and articulate, Poudel shares his his mistakes and he did not hesitate to abdi-

An Emphasis on Family & Community

(Left to right) Bhutanese girls dancing at a Hindu community event, October 18, 2009; Mahesh and Durga Neopaney, both 26, with Manisha, 3, and Mandeep, 3 months; Bhuta- nese participants in the Vishwa Hindu Pari- shad of America summer camp in Houston, July, 2009 included young and old alike; young Bhutanese children and their mothers pose outside their apartment complex bijay dixit 28 hinduism today january/february/march, 2010 vhp houston cate his throne. The fifth king is far-sighted plains, varies greatly. California and the Religious Persecution Persists and a visionary leader.” South, except for Texas, have been hard-hit The refugees’ Hindu faith sees them through by the recession. Depending on location, un- their tribulations. Yet it is this Hindu faith American Hindus Step Up employment can run 30 to 80%. “Employ- and culture which—almost outlawed by The Bhutanese refugees present a new sce- ment is the biggest challenge; after that is Bhutan—has, to a large extent, been respon- nario for the American-Hindu community: cultural adjustment, especially for the older sible for their loss of homeland. And now, how to help a largely uneducated group of ones. Cold winter weather, which keeps even in America, that same Hindu faith is Hindus settle down. Nearly all previous im- them indoors, is a great hardship for those under siege, as some refugees report coer- migrants from the Indian region have been with no transportation.” cion to embrace Christianity. On the line are educated professionals for whom carving a Asked how the Bhutanese have been re- jobs, material comforts and an easier life. niche in America was little challenge. But ceived by the Hindu community, Sreenath The resettlement agencies handling the this group is different, and a number of Hin- replies, “In all the places that Sewa Interna- refugees for the first eight months are ex- du temples and organizations have stepped tional has been working, the Hindu com- pressly forbidden to proselytize among them. in to help. munity has more than embraced them. In a But such efforts have been an issue. Sreenath Sree N. Sreenath (see his In My Opinion, few places Sewa International does not have says, “All refugees tell us that the missionar- page 9) is president of Sewa International, volunteers, and the community is left to fend ies who visited them in the camps said that one of the key Hindu-American organiza- for themselves. But even then, the refugees there are no Hindu temples in the US. Every- tions working with the Bhutanese across are pleasantly surprised by the warmth that one is a Christian, and they will also have to America (www.sewausa.org/bhutanese- mainstream America has shown them.” become one, and it is better they do so right refugee-empowerment-project). He ex- away because they will get better benefits. plains the challenges: only about 20% of the Looking Forward This kind of talk continues to be a problem group have any college education and hence The stars in this drama, Sreenath recounts in the southern states here. But wherever a working knowledge of English. These have with pride, are the children. “There are many Sewa International is working, the mission- gotten and held jobs, and bought their first straight-A students. Those who were in high ary activities are low, if non-existent.” cell phone, computer and used car. At the school in the Nepal camps are a year ahead other end of the spectrum are some 40% in math and science compared to the lo- How to Help who are functionally illiterate. They speak cal American students. Of course, they are You can contact Sewa International through only Nepali—not even Hindi, which would struggling with English and social studies, their web site, or track down the Bhutanese help them get jobs in Indian businesses. An- due to language.” in your area using public-domain govern- other 20% are under-employed. The work is Sreenath feels the Bhutanese accept ment documents available at www.scribd. mostly minimum wage—restaurants, motels, America as home. “Having lived in jail-like, com/ht_resources. They include lists of all convenience stores, gas stations and the like. squalid camp conditions for 17 years, they cities the refugees are settled in and a list of These are legal workers, and that is an ad- find US to be a paradise—especially once all local sponsoring agencies contracted to vantage. They’ve appealed for jobs from the they find a job and settle down. The ones the government. There are only a few in any business community, and, as one community who are in their 30s would like to go back, given area, so it should be possible to find leader said, “have had some great successes— but only as tourists. The children couldn’t the one working with the Bhutanese and ar- and some spectacular exploitation.” care less.” range to contact a community representative. The employment situation, Sreenath ex- Such support is golden. ∏π

An Emphasis on Family & Community bijay dixit vhp houston january/february/march,january/february/march, 20102010 hinduismhinduism todaytoday 2929 Human Rights Watch’s Dreary Report

In 2007, the international group violent campaign in North Ben- bureaucracy, the army and the police, and Human Rights Watch issued an gal in India, on Bhutan’s western were made members of the cabinet and the in-depth analysis of the Bhuta- border, for an independent Ne- judiciary. nese refugee situation. These are pali state. selected verbatim excerpts from Denial of Citizenship that report. We begin with the Bhutan’s Ethnic Landscape By the late 1970s the Drukpa establishment report’s footnote #6, Threat to a The Bhutanese refugee crisis has had come to see the ethnic Nepalis’ growing Nation’s Survival. It answers—to its roots in the history of migra- numbers and influence as a threat to Bhu- some extent—a puzzling question: Why tion to Bhutan, the resulting ethnically di- tan’s cultural identity and the Drukpas’ own has Bhutan, the nation famous for trying to verse make-up of the country’s population, privileged position. Increasingly, Bhutan’s improve its “Gross National Happiness,” ex- and the harsh policies of Bhutan’s absolute ruling elite asserted that the majority of the pelled one-sixth of its population? monarchy towards its ethnic Nepali minor- ethnic Nepalis in Bhutan were not in fact ity. The politically and culturally dominant citizens but illegal immigrants who threat- “Threat to a Nation’s Survival” Ngalongs, who live mainly in the central and ened Bhutan’s “survival as a distinct po- [In a 1993 report by Bhutan’s Ministry of western regions of Bhutan, are of Tibetan litical and cultural entity.” The government Home Affairs entitled “The Southern Prob- descent; their ancestors arrived in Bhutan invoked these perceived threats as justifica- lem: Threat to a Nation’s Survival] referring in the 8th and 9th centuries. The Ngalongs tion for a series of discriminatory measures to the millions of ethnic Nepalis in India, the speak Dzongkha and follow the Drukpa Ka- aimed at the political, economic and cultural government of Bhutan raised the specter gyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, which is exclusion of Bhutan’s ethnic Nepalis. Two of a “relentless tide of the Nepali diaspora” Bhutan’s state religion. Bhutan’s king, Jigme new Citizenship Acts were passed in quick imposing “a state of democratic siege on Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, is a Ngalong. succession, in 1977 and 1985, each tightening Bhutan.” The government asserted that “the The Sharchhops, who live in eastern Bhutan, the requirements for Bhutanese citizenship. southern Bhutan problem is neither a move- are of Indo-Burmese origin, speak Tshangla The 1985 Citizenship Act was followed by ment for democracy nor an issue concerning (which is closely related to Dzongkha) and a new census in 1988. This census amounted human rights. It is simply an attempt by an follow the Nyingma school of Tibetan Bud- to a selective, arbitrary and retroactive im- ethnic community to turn themselves into a dhism. Together the Ngalongs and Sharch- plementation of the 1985 Act. The authori- majority through illegal immigration in or- hops are known as Drukpas. The third major ties excluded ethnic Nepalis from becoming der to take over political power.” group, who differ greatly from the Druk- naturalized citizens, as provided for under Developments in the region no doubt con- pas in terms of culture, language, and reli- the 1985 Act; instead, the authorities re- tributed to these fears. In 1975, the neigh- gion, are ethnic Nepalis in southern Bhutan, stricted Bhutanese citizenship to ethnic Ne- boring kingdom of Sikkim ceased to be an called Lhotshampas; they speak Nepali and palis who had records, such as tax receipts, independent state and merged with India, are predominantly Hindu. Ethnic Nepalis to prove residence in Bhutan in 1958—30 following a referendum in which the Nepali first began migrating to Bhutan in the nine- years before the census. Bhutanese officials migrants, who had come to outnumber the teenth century. Many became eligible for classified people who could not prove resi- Buddhist Sikkimese, were instrumental. In Bhutanese citizenship under the 1958 Na- dence in 1958 as non-nationals, “returned the mid-1980s the Gorkha National Libera- tionality Law. Moreover, from the mid-1950s migrants,” or other illegal immigrant cat- tion Front led an ultimately unsuccessful but ethnic Nepalis began to be admitted into the egories, even if they possessed a citizenship v wikimedia wikimedia Bhutan’s30 hinduism fifth Dragon today King isjanuary/february/march, crowned by his father 2010 card. A series of “Bhutanization” measures Watch: “The army took all the people from verification process” to determine which in line with Bhutan’s “one nation, one people” their houses. My father left the house and refugees would be able to return. policy exacerbated a state of fear and resent- went to India. The army sent us the form The process of “verifying” the status of ment by trying to impose a distinct national issued by the government [voluntary mi- refugees and placing them in one of four cat- identity. On January 16, 1989, the king issued gration form]. They said that we had to go egories broke down after a joint Nepal-Bhu- a decree requiring all citizens to observe the out. They said if you go now you will get tan verification team assessed only one camp, traditional Drukpa code of values, dress and some money. Some people got a little money. and not a single refugee has been allowed to etiquette called driglam namzha. Then in On the way [as we left Bhutan] there were return to Bhutan as a result of this process. February 1989 the government removed the many police. We were forced to sign the Nepali language from the curriculum in all document. They snapped our photos. The Nepalis Remaining in Bhutan schools in southern Bhutan. man told me to smile, to show my teeth. He Bhutan continues to discriminate against the remaining ethnic Nepali population in Bhu- Backlash and Expulsion tan. Ethnic Nepalis have great difficulties ob- Ethnic Nepalis perceived these poli- taining so-called No Objection Certificates cies as a direct attack on their cul- tibet (NOCs), which are a pre-requisite for gov- tural identity. This led to growing nepal ernment employment, access to higher edu- unrest in southern Bhutan, culmi- cation, obtaining trade and business licenses, nating in mass demonstrations in bhutan travel documents, and buying and selling September and October 1990. The land. Being denied a NOC deprives a per- government response was swift. son of almost all means of earning a living. The authorities classified all par- Moreover, Bhutan’s remaining ethnic Nepali ticipants in the demonstrations as citizens face ongoing threats to their citizen- bangladesh ngolops (“anti-nationals”), arrest- india ship status. A nationwide census completed ing thousands of people. The gov- in 2005 classifies 13 percent of current Bhu- ernment then closed all schools in tanese permanent residents as “non-nation- southern Bhutan and suspended als.” While most ethnic Nepalis in Bhutan

health services. wikimedia do not believe that they are currently at im- By the end of 1990 the Bhutanese minent risk of being expelled from Bhutan, authorities coerced the first ethnic Nepalis wanted to show that I was leaving my coun- they fear that without citizenship cards and to leave Bhutan. They released some ethnic try willingly, happily, that I was not forced to without NOCs, life in Bhutan will eventually Nepalis from prison on condition that they leave. Only one member of my family signed. become so difficult as to leave many of them would leave the country, while giving others My mother gave her thumbprint.” with little choice but to leave the country. categorized as non-nationals under the 1988 Some of the ethnic Nepalis who fled or census the “choice” to leave the country or were expelled from Bhutan settled in India, Further Expulsions? face imprisonment. The security forces ha- but most refugees ended up in Nepal. Refugees voiced to Human Rights Watch rassed many ethnic Nepalis, in some cases persistent fears that Bhutan might use the destroying their homes. The authorities Nepal-Bhutan Negotiations Fail resettlement offer as a pretext to force its forced the majority into exile by intimidat- Refugees have the right under international remaining ethnic Nepali citizens to leave the ing them into signing so-called “voluntary law to return to their own country. However, country. One refugee said, “Government of- migration forms.” in a flawed process that was widely discred- ficials in villages are saying to Lhotshampas, A young man’s testimony was typical of ited by international observers and refugee ‘Your relatives are going to America, why are the accounts refugees gave to Human Rights experts, Bhutan and Nepal instituted a “joint you still here?’” ∏π v Why Won’t Nepal Accept the Refugees Permanently?

hy the ethnic Nepalese were ejected from Bhutan in the Pahadis dominate the govern- first place is a puzzling question, but equally puzzling is ment, army and police. We Wwhy Nepal, their ancestral home, refuses to grant them have faced discrimination for citizenship. A Nepalese academic gave us this candid assessment: ages, but as we are 50% of the “In 1992, when Nepal was still ruled by King Bhirendra, the king population, our votes are im- invited the refugees [to Nepal] to embarrass India in the interna- portant. The refugees are also tional arena. Nepal does not have a border with Bhutan. The refu- Pahadis. King Birendra and Queen Aiswarya gees had to travel through India, making India’s refusal to protect “We are against the assimi- the vagrant minority very visible. These refugees were given the best lation and settlement of the thomas kelly possible care by the King. The Nepalese government enjoyed inter- Bhutanese refugees in the Terai as they will take our land and our national prestige and benefitted from the financial aid pouring in to jobs. It is because of our opposition that the government will not help the refugees. The Maoist government retained this approach. consider accepting the refugees permanently. “I am part of the large population of Madhesis, people of Indian “We Madhesis are opposed to these refugees and are sympathetic origin who live in the Terai or plains regions of Nepal. We speak to Bhutan government. We do not expect India to give them shel- Avadhi, Maithali and Bhojpuri. The Pahadis, people of the hills ter. These refugees should either go back to Bhutan or move to the and mountains, speak Nepalese, which is unintelligible to us. The Western countries.”

january/february/march,january/february/march, 20102010 hinduismhinduism todaytoday 31