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Dubai: The growing Nepalese population in the UAE heard and watched every news item that they could from Kathmandu as their country on Wednesday took its first step as a republic after being a kingdom for 240 years.
For many it was no less than a dream come true to see the monarchy abolished and democracy restored, but there were also a handful of Nepalese expatriates for whom it is impossible to view Nepal without a king.
"The election results this year in April that placed the Maoists as the main party was an indication of the changes that is expected to come in Nepal," said Dhirendra Prasad, a security guard in Sharjah, who sold his ancestral house to come to the UAE. "I am 22 years old and like me all young men in Nepal today are taking the first ticket out of the country in search for a job. I don't care who rules in Kathmandu as long I am able to provide two square meals for my family."
Anuradha who works as a counter salesperson in a hypermarket defended the monarchy. According to her, she cannot imagine Nepal without the king and the queen. "The pomp and the pageantry that surrounded the royals has been a part of Nepal's history, culture and tradition. You cannot erase all that in just one day."
Bikram Rai, a courier man in Dubai, was all excited for his country being the world's youngest and newest republic. For him the royals of Nepal were nothing but scandalous who had no concern for the common man.
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