UAE | General
Monarchy abolition evokes mixed reaction
Some expatriates welcome new republic while others can't imagine their country without royals.
- By Sunita Menon, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:10 May 29, 2008
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.
Related Links
More from UAE General
More from UAE
Latest news
- Tracks to be laid on recycled material
- Golden Hour crucial to a patient's survival
- Opening show worthy of UAE
- Sun is shining on prospects for solar power
- Artists focus on craftsmanship
- World leaders committed to supporting civilians
- Schools open a new page in teaching English
- Special parking to help disabled tourists
- Helping hand surgeons have long sought
- Blind woman lights up corridors of power
- In Mind
- At times, I think of committing suicide
- Designer of a creative haven
- Fund to help Dubai taxi drivers' families
- New life-saving fleet of vehicles
Community Reports
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
-
Supporting the needy with food supplies
Group of families engaged in serving isolated labour community hopes to motivate more people to help underprivileged and hungry
-
Leukaemia boy granted wish to meet footballer
Emirati meets hero Al Qahtani, Al Ain team
