--BY MADAN LAMSAL

The ‘Nepal-India Think Tank Summit’ concluded recently in Kathmandu. As the name suggests, a think tank is a tank full of thoughts. But it also means intellectuals. Simply speaking, an intellectual is a person who sells intellect to make a living. It’s a matter of great happiness to know that that this summit has expressed a commitment to increase the role of intellectuals or think tanks in the country’s affairs in the days to come. There is no confusion now that the country will make a great progress.

Umbrella organisations of the private sector such as FNCCI and CNI, too, have kept think tanks, so to speak. That’s why so many industries are operating in the country and the country is witnessing economic development!

Maybe inspired by the private sector, now they are talking about keeping think tanks on different subjects at the Prime Minister’s Office as well. The reason why the country could not progress as expected so far is the absence of such think tanks at the PMO. But it seems now that everything will be alright with the think tanks. Now the country will take a great leap forward. The country has been lagging behind because the Prime Minister had to think as well as do everything alone – from filling the potholes to admitting kids at schools.

Before, only the Nepali think tanks would put their heads together and discuss things. That’s why the country could not progress as expected. But now the think tanks of both India and Nepal have started discussing things together. It’s a sign that something really big will happen now. The think thanks have saved the country.

Now don’t ask me who the intellectuals or think tanks are in Nepal. There are many. They could be anyone – those who are somewhat educated, those who have visited a foreign country, those who have enjoyed state benefits. They could be ministers’ PAs, CAs or DAs (donor agencies)! They could be journalists or advisors to the who’s who in the country. Anybody. Now you may ask how come they are the think tanks. They are think tanks because they think as well as drink! Each one has a tank where both thoughts and booze can be kept together.

In Nepal, he who has the patience to make the rounds of the politicians’ houses is the real think tank. Indeed, thinking is not possible without patience. And one can’t become a think tank without thinking. And the country won’t develop without think tanks.

You may ask what the think tanks look like. Think tanks are people with small heads and big egos and big bellies who can think. They don’t have to do anything except think. Therefore, you may find most think tanks lost in their thoughts with a glass in their hands for hours. That’s why many call the think tanks drink tanks!

Now you might be tempted to find out who the think tanks in Nepal are. Remember, all of you reading this article fall in the category of intellectuals. So, you all are think tanks!