Nowadays when it seems like every Nepali with even mediocre ambition is fleeing the country out of disgust with the status quo, it is refreshing to know that there is a young leader in Gagan Thapa who has an ambitious vision for the country ('The Gagan phenomenon', #272). Sadly however, the party that he is an asset for, as Dipta Shah says, could also be his biggest obstacle to making a significant leap to turn things around in the country. Mr Thapa should realise that the Nepali Congress, with its selfish agenda, hypocritical views and lame old leaders, has severely lost its credibility with the Nepali people and that his mere association with the party would hamper the support that he has enjoyed from the younger generation. The author suggests that Mr Thapa could be an asset for the Congress party but perhaps he should also make sure that the party is an asset for him as well and not a liability. As the saying goes, 'You can never fly with the eagles, if you mess around with the turkeys'. Is this political party with such a tarnished image a good vehicle to take him to the next level or is it time for a vibrant new party under him with some young blood and a concrete agenda?

Sushil Bogati,
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. People may wish to view Gagan Thapa as an opponent of the palace, Maoist extremism or democratic mismanagement. One thing is clear: unlike the old generation of politicians, including the king and other leaders, Gagan Thapa pioneers a new kind of politics that requires reasoning and examination. Some may feel threatened that our history is being questioned by this young leader. Our history has remained moulded by our rulers for a long time. The future may be difficult to predict but it is achievable only through understanding where we came from. Other leaders may feel threatened because this leader has the ability to think and speak intelligently.

D Mahat,
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