Rage Transcended: The Madhesh Rebellion
Nepal, April 9 – It seems that Birgunj may be regaining some of its former vibrancy. Overwhelmed by four major issues—the brutal crackdown during the third Madhesh uprising resulting in at least 50 fatalities, the imposition of a contentious constitution accompanied by enforced curfews and police shootings where protesters were killed, along with the overwhelming effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and deteriorating urban infrastructure—this economic center had faced significant challenges over ten years. While resentment towards authorities in Kathmandu persists, part of this discontent is now aimed at three federal ministers hailing from the Parsa district; these officials hold positions due to those who sacrificed themselves in the Madhesh uprisings.
In 2015, Ajay Kumar Chaurasia from the Nepali Congress defied his party’s stance by siding with the protesters. Despite this, he appears to have minimal influence within both governmental structures and his own party. Meanwhile, Pradeep Yadav gained prominence through the campaigns advocating for Madheshi rights. Recently, he joined forces with the Janata Samajwadi Party led by Ashok Rai and has taken up an unofficial role akin to being the ‘Melamchi Minister’. Within the CPN (UML), decisions made by their leader, Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, hold supreme authority; thus, Raj Kumar Gupta finds himself powerless concerning issues related to his own district. The previous week, conversations among regulars at a well-known eatery close to the Mahabir Temple suggested that individuals representing the Madheshi community currently lack significant leverage over matters affecting Madhesh.
The lively activity along the principal thoroughfare connecting Ghantaghar and Alakhiya Math has mostly resumed. Despite the looming threat of upcoming road expansion projects, proprietors persistently start their day as usual by ceremonially lighting incense sticks. Owing to the ongoing economic downturn, browsers might be more numerous than actual purchasers in upscale shops; however, the sight of interested groups around these businesses radiates optimism. Savvy merchants understand that each passing visitor could potentially turn into a buyer.
Liberated from vehicular congestion, the forecourt of the Gahawa Mai temple compound stays perpetually bustling, filled with tourists stretching out their limbs for photographs. Spending a tranquil sixty minutes observing devotees engrossed in their smartphones provides intriguing insights into the shifting dynamics of narcissism and personal representation. Here, the shrine serves as nothing more than a setting where guests strike poses destined for online sharing, conveying an underlying statement: "Check this out folks; see how devout I can be!"
TikTok creators, particularly those from regions where the platform is prohibited, frequently rush to record and upload content. Meanwhile, reel producers for Facebook tend to move more slowly, adjusting camera stands to find compelling angles. Professional cinematographers likely work on shots destined for extended YouTube videos. Despite being known as the symbol of Birgunj, visitors soon discover that the Gahawa Mai shrine actually serves as the heart of the city, overshadowing the prominence of the Ghantaghar.
In 2007, the initial Madhesh Uprising began in Siraha and Saptari, compelling an amendment to the interim constitution. In 2008, during preparations for the first Constituent Assembly elections, the second uprising gained momentum in Dhanusha and Mahottari. The third uprising commenced in Parsa in 2014 but achieved limited success against the joint efforts of state security forces and government propaganda before ultimately being suppressed. Many young activists who led the movement in 2015 have now come to terms with the uneasy yet essential stability imposed on Madhesh.
Wounded pride
Engaging in political demonstrations can be incredibly uplifting. This feeling of purpose fosters dedication to the issue at hand. The prospect of instigating societal and governmental transformations revitalizes participants. As group efforts intensify, so does personal confidence. Believing oneself aligned with righteousness and historical progress sustains individuals through challenges, maintaining optimism that justice will eventually win out. However, confronting misinformation is daunting. Following each confrontation, those who emerge triumphant often reshape "the truth" to align with their objectives and declare victory accordingly.
The anger towards the established order burned brightly, but the thrill of fighting for justice faded as soon as the definitive agreement was made. Many defeated protesters emerged from the conflict drained, carrying dejected and injured minds. Symptoms of withdrawal started appearing. Opportunists began changing allegiances to align themselves with the victors. Pragmatists adapted to the new circumstances. Some chose to leave entirely—either moving overseas or isolating themselves within their personal bubbles. Others persisted in pushing forward despite knowing they would face an endless battle akin to Sisyphus’s torment.
The agony is particularly intense for those who are both idealistic dreamers and pragmatic enough to recognize their constraints yet remain steadfast in chasing their aspirations. Sometimes, the anguish born from understanding too much can become almost intolerable, making the Biblical promise of freedom through truth seem unattainable. It comes as little surprise then that research indicates the psychological well-being of protesters tends to decline more than that of people not involved in such activities. This explains why phenomena like substance misuse and religious extremism—often linked with self-destructive behaviors—are frequently observed to escalate following numerous unsuccessful protest efforts.
A previous member of the Maoist guerrillas and a former minister named Lokendra Bista Magar has become an adept grower of dragon fruit. As for another individual who was once involved in the Maoist movement and later served as the coordinator for the Tharuhat-Tharuwan National Liberation Front, Laxman Tharu transitioned into organic agriculture. Those lacking substantial financial resources or support often turn to working abroad in Western Asia. Meanwhile, various NGOs provided stable opportunities for numerous social innovators. Fields such as arts, sports, music, and dance serve as alternative outlets where disillusioned activists channel their disappointments.
Creative stimulation
The tradition of artivism stretches back through time. As Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) famously stated, “art is an offensive and defensive weapon.” The term "artivist" merges 'artist' with ‘activist’—a person who employs available tools for innovation, creation, and continuing battles from new angles. Artivists require cultural entrepreneurs to construct public stages where they can express or display their work effectively.
Over time, the structure of literary festivals has undergone changes. Initially designed as spaces for writers and readers to engage interactively, these events quickly turned into venues where publishers showcased both their talent (the creators) and products (books) to eager reviewers and consumers—the readers themselves. The marketplace swiftly acknowledged the cultural endorsement and specialized prestige that well-known authors brought to festival organizers. In addition to corporate affairs, more intimate meetings—frequently initiated by research institutions, academic bodies, or collectives of socio-cultural advocates—provide an arena for both supporters and challengers. This allows opposing viewpoints to evolve into deeper comprehension via productive conversations.
The Madhesh Literature Festival scheduled for 2025 at the campus of Madhesh University in Birgunj aimed to ignite the artistic spirit using the twin themes of land and lantern as focal points. While the saying “a good start makes a good ending” suggests progress, this adage might prove misleading should the festival fail to sustain interest over time. Politics and economics undoubtedly hold significant sway; however, Madhesh requires additional platforms where individuals can engage freely, fearlessly, and creatively to address the pressures brought about by ongoing marginalization.
