Kul Chandra Gautam at Prachanda’s New School Event

This is a transcription by Kasama of the remarks by Professor Arato at the event at the New School in New York where Nepali revolutionary leader Prachanda spoke. It is based on audio of Kul Charandra Gautam’s comments. 

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Introduction

 I now have the distinct pleasure of introducing Mr. Kul Chandra Gautam. As many of you know, Mr. Gautam recently retired from a distinguished career as the Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF. During his tenure with the United Nations, Mr. Gautam provided key leadership in shaping policy and mobilizing governments, developing agencies, NGOs, and the corporate sector around issues of children’s rights and human development. I’m pleased to announce that although he’s now primarily located in Nepal, he has accepted an appointment as the newest Senior Fellow of the India China Institute . We feel fortunate to have his wisdom, skills, experience, and humility at the Institute, and we know that he will be invaluable to the success of Nepal Development and Democracy Initiative.

Nepal now needs every Nepali to help move the country forward. Mr. Gautam represents an invaluable resource due to his talent, wisdom, skills, intellect and experience. I hope that Nepal will recognize the talent pool at its disposal and use people like him to build its future. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Gautam, who will now moderate tonight’s question and answer session.

Kul Chandra Gautam:

Thank you, thank you for your kind words, and let me also thank Professor Andrew Arato for sharing with us a fascinating, intriguing historical perspective that we will keep in mind. Honorable Prime Minister, let me thank you very warmly for your inspiring speech. You have certainly captured the attention and respect of this audience by your upbeat, passionate message for Nepal. Let me also congratulate you, Mr. Prime Minister, for your good speech at the United Nations general assembly this morning. For those of us who have had the privilege to listen to the Prime Minister at the UN today and the [inaudible] Society a few days ago, the BBC interview in Nepali – you come out, Mr. Prime Minister, as a very articulate, very thoughtful, very balanced leader with a clear vision for Nepal’s future and Nepal’s place in the world.

I have actually heard many Nepali say that you are probably the most charismatic and articulate Prime Minister of Nepal in recent years. Had the last Prime Minister of Nepal been able to articulate his vision both to Nepalis and to the outside world in the manner you do, what peaceful [inaudible, applause, inaudible due to applause]. Unfortunately, [inaudible]’s government lasted only 18 months. We hope that your government will be given enough time to implement your vision. Especially if the democratic transformation of your party proves to be real, not just the words of the [inaudible].

You’re doing a tremendous job, Mr. Prime Minister, to convince the Nepali people and friends of Nepal abroad about your conviction and commitment to peace, to democracy, to respect for human rights, and rapid socioeconomic development. We hope you are equally successful in convincing and transforming your own party organization to act like true democrats..

We know that all of Nepal’s political parties, both their youth wing, and in the case of some other parties even their elderly wing need to reform themselves. [Inaudible due to applause] in transforming your party and to set a good example for others to follow, for the good of Nepal and Nepali people. We are tremendously encouraged by your emphasis on economic development and social justice. Your dream of a prosperous Nepal is really music to all of our ears and we really, really wish you tremendous success.

We thank you, Prime Minister, let’s go straight to our question and answer session.

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