Minister Pandey urges end to pessimism, calls for nation-building

KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has expressed concern over what he describes as a growing culture of pessimism in Nepal, warning that such negativity is weakening the nation and discouraging the youth.

Speaking at a program held in Kathmandu, Minister Pandey emphasized that excessive focus on failures and negative narratives is damaging the social fabric and undermining confidence in the country’s future.

“It appears that hopelessness is being cultivated more than optimism,” said Pandey. “This is weakening our society and the nation as a whole. When even adults begin painting everything as bleak and portray everyone as villains, it creates disillusionment among the youth. As a result, they start believing the country has no future and look to migrate abroad, which only deepens the problem.”

The minister highlighted that constant negative portrayals discourage young people just entering adulthood, who are then more likely to seek opportunities overseas rather than contribute to national development.

He also stressed the urgent need for competent and ethical individuals in both political and social sectors, urging a shift toward quality-driven governance and public service.

Despite Nepal’s transition to federalism, Minister Pandey noted that challenges persist. He pointed out that during the budgeting process, development proposals from the local levels—ranging from wards to municipalities—are still routed through the federal ministry, which adds complexity and delays.

“The structural change has happened, but the process remains centralized,” he remarked, calling for reforms that ensure federalism functions more efficiently.

Minister Pandey concluded by urging all sectors to move away from defeatist attitudes and instead foster hope, responsibility, and a shared commitment to building a better Nepal.