IN MEMORY OF DR. HARKA GURUNG(1939-2006)

Dilli R. Dahal

Dr. Harka Bahadur Gurung (1939-2006), well known for his wide-rangingscholarship, died in a helicopter crash on September 23, 2006 in TaplejungDistrict, Eastern Nepal. This small nole on Dr. Harka Gurung basicallyfocuses on two things: a) Background information on his family, educationand services, and b) His scholarship and contributions to social sciences inNepal.

Family Background and Academic CareerDr. Harka Gurung was born in Taranche, a small village in Lamjullg inCentral Nepal on February 5, 1939 in a soldier-cum priestly Gurung family.His grandfather used to work as Pachu priest. The snow peaks of Manasuluand Hima1chuli loom large just 24 kilometres north of the village Taranche,and this village was situated on the left bank of the Marshyandi river. Thisnatural landscape of birthplace not only developed in him a sense of"belongingness" to the location throughout his life but also opened up thepath to becoming a good geographer in the future.

He was the fourth son of the family. He was popularly known as"Thula" (big) by his peers in Taranche as he was the first youngest son(Thula kancha) in the family. His father was a subedar (non-commissionedfirst class officer) in the British army in India. His two elder brothers alsoworked in the British army in India. So it was natural that he spent hischildhood with his parents in Dehardun, India, with the children of armyfamilies.

He started learning the basic Buddhist Lamaistic education from hisgrandfather at home. He learnt Tamuklli or Gurung kum at home and learntNepali from his friends as the village was dominated by the Chhetricommunity. His formal schooling began in the Children School, Deharadun,at the age of nine and he finished high school from King George MilitarySchool, Jalandhar, in 1955. This military school provided him with thefoundation of a good education including discipline, games and sports. It isinteresting to note here that despite his education in the military school andthe background of army families, he did not join in the lndian army. Therecould be two reasons for this: i) His short physical stature did not motivatehim to join the army, and ii) His keen interest in pursuing higher studies.

From Deharadun, he came to Kathmandu and finished his lntermediateof Arts from Trichandra College in 1957. He went to Patna College, Patna(Bihar, lndia) to continue further education. A large number of Nepalistudents would go to Patna for a degree in higher education in those days as it

Contributions to Nepalese Studies, Vol. 34, NO.1 (January 2(07),1-10Copyright © 2007 CNAS!TU

IN MEMORY OF DR. HARKA GURUNG(1939-2006)

Dilli R. Dahal

Or. Harka Bahadur GUtung (1939-2006), well known for his wide-rangingscholarship, died in a helicopter crash on September 23, 2006 in TaplejungDistrict, Eastem Nepal. This smaJI nole on Or. Harka Gurung basicallyfocuse.... on two things: a) Background information on his family, educationand services. and b) His scholarship and contributions to social sciences inNepal.

Family Background and Academic CareerOr. Harka Gurullg was born in Taranche, a small village in Lamjullg inCentral Nepal on February 5, 1939 in a soldier-cum priestly GUTung family.His grandfather used to work as Pachu priest. The snow peaks of Manasuluand Himalchuli loom large just 24 kilometres north of the village Taranche,and this village was situated on the left bank of the Marsllyandi river. Thisnatural landscape of birthplace not only developed in Ilim a sense of"belongingness" to the location tllroughout his life but also opened up thepath to becoming a good geographer in the future.

He was the fourtll son of the family. He was popularly known as'Thula" (big) by Ilis peers in Taranclle as he was the first youngest son(Thula kO/lcha) in the family. His father was a subedar (non-commissionedfirst class officer) in the British army in India. Hii'; two elder brothers alsoworked in the British army in India. So il was natural that he spent hischildhood with his parents in Dehardun, India, 'Nith the children of armyfamilies.

He started learning the basic Buddhist L..maistic education from hisgrandfather al home. He learnt Tamukui or Gurung kura at home and learntNepali from his friends as the village was dominated by the Chhetricommunity. His formal schooling began in the Children School, Deharadun,at the age of nine and he finished high school from King George MilitarySchool, Jalandhar, in 1955. This military school provided him with lhefoundation of a good education including discipline, games and sports. 11 isinteresting to note here that despite his educatiOll in the military school andthe background of army families, he did not join in lhe Indian army. Therecould be two reasons for this: i) His short physical stature did not motivat'ehim to join the army. and ii) His keen interest in pursuing higher studies.

From Deharadun, he came to Kathmandu and finished his Intermediateof Arts from Trichandra College in 1957. He went to Patna College, Patna(Bihar. India) to continue further education. A large number of Nepalistudents would go to Patna for a degree in higher education in ihose days as it

Contributions to Nepalese Studies, Vcl. 34, No. 1 (January 2007), HOCopyright © 2007 CNAS!TU

2 CNAS Journal, Vol. 34, NO.1 (January 2007)

was closer to Nepal and there was some level of understanding of highereducation between the Gm'ernment of Nepal and Patna University. Bihar.India. Gurung not only earned a first class first B.A (Hans.) degree fromP:.nna College in 1959. but he was also popular in Olher extra curricularactivities. He was the captain of footb..'lll nnd hockey team and the GeneralSecretary of the Nepali Students' Union. He also developed good skills inpainting. While studying for his M.A. degree in geography from PatnaUniversity. he received a ~cholarship to study geography at the University ofEdinburgh where he linished his Post graduate Diploma in 1961 and a Ph.D.degree in geography in 1965. His Ph.D. dissertatlOll emitlcd. '1'he Valley ofPokhara: Prolegomena to a Regional Study" (Department of Geography.Univcr<,ity of Edinburgh. July 1965) is to thi .. day widely cited as a source tounder...tanding the Pokhara vallcy.

He began his academic a<;signment<, as a Demonstrator at the Universityof Ellinburgh (1963-64) and continued a.<, a Re..earch Fellow. School ofOriental and African Studi....... Uni\er... it} of London (1964-66). He <;eT\'ed a<,a Lecturer in the Department of Geography. TribhU\:ll1 Uni\er;it).Kathmandu (1966·68) and Vi~iting Fc1ttm. Population In ..titute. East WestCenter. Honolulu. Hawaii (1984·S5). He served as a Member and the ViceChairman in the NatIOnal Planning C(lll1mi~~ion (1968-75): Minister of Statefor Educ;Jtion. [l1du'>u'y and Commerce (1975-77) and Minister of State forTouri~1l1. and Public \Vorl.. and Tr:lI1~p<lrt (1977-78). Hi~ la~t assignll1cl1Iwa.. the Director of Asia and Pacific Development Centre. anintcrgmcrnmental organization based in Kuala Lumpur. Malay~ia (1993·98).I-Ie joined New ERA. a non-governmenloll organizalion based in Kathmandu.in 1980. and (;ontinued his as~iation with Ihis institution till hi.. death inSeptember 2006.

Scholarl:,. ContributionsDr. Harka Gurung has published several books and article.. and givenhundreds of intervic......, 10 many renowned newspapers in Nepal. Before hisdeath in Seplember 2006. there are a total of 697 publication" to his credit: 15books. 7 small Illooogmphs and 675 articles and reports. This long list of hispublications will appear in some other volume in the future. Tables I. 2 and 3below provide a summary of his writings according to thematic contributionsand chronological order. including the most important books with majorthemes.

GTable I: Harka 'urun!!.: Thematic BihlloeraphySubject Items and %

A AgriculturelForestry/Wildlife 23 (3.3)B ArtslLiterateiSports 19 (2.1)C LanguagelReligion 58 (8.3)D Developmenl!Economic 169 (24.2)

2 CNAS Journal, Vd. 34, No. 1 (January 2007)

was closer to Nepal and there was some IC\'el of understanding of highereducation between the Government of Ncpal and Pama Univcrsity. Bihar.India. Gunmg not only e.1med a fir"t class first RA (Hons.) degree fromPatna College in 1959. but he was also popular in other extra curricularactivities. He was the captain of football and hockey team and the GeneralSl.X:rctary of the Nepali StudcnLs' Union. He also developed good ski1Js inpainling. While studying for his M.A. degree in geography from PatnnUniversity. he received a ~cholar$hip to study geography at the University ofEdinburgh where he finished his Post graduate Diploma in 1961 and a Ph.D.degree in geography ill 1965. His Ph.D. dis<>ertation entitled. "'nle Valley ofPokhara: Prolegomena to a Regional Stud)" (Department of Geography.Univer"ity of Edinburgh, July 1965) is to thi.. day \\idely cited as a ltOUrce 10under..tanding the Poklmra \'alle)'.

He began hi!> academic assignments 3<; a Demonstrator at the Universit)of Edinburgh (1%3-64) and continueJ a" a Research Fellow. School ofOriental and African SIUJi...". Uni"er"it~ 01 London (1964-66). He served asa Lecturer in the ~panment or Geogmphy. Tribhu\an Uni\er<.ity.Kathmandu (1966-68) and Vi\iting Fcllo\\. Population Institute. Ea~t We.... lC\:nt...:r. Honolulu, 1-I.<1\\'aii (l984-K5). He served as a Mcmocr and the ViceChairman in the NatIOnal Planning COl11mi,,~iol1 (1968-75): Minister or Stalefor Edllt;ltioll. Industry uno Commcn.:e (1975-77) ~md Minhter of State forTourism. and Puhlic WOl'b :.md Tran~p()n (1977-78). Hi" l:hl a,,~ignment

wa~ the Director of Asia and Padfic Development Celllre, ,inintergovernmental organization based in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia (1993-98).He joined New ERA. a non-governmental organization ba~cd in Kathmandu.in [980_ and continued his as:>ociation with this institution till his death inSeptember 2006.

Scholarl)' ContributionsDr. Harka Gurung has published ~\eral books and articles and givenhundreds of interviews 10 many renowned newspapers in Nepal. Before hisdeath in September 2006. there are a tola[ of 697 publicalions to hill credit: 15books, 7 small monographs and 675 article... and repons. This long li'>t of hispublications will .:lppear in some other volume in the future. Tables 1.2: and 3below provide a summary or hi" writings nccording to thematic cOlltributionsand chronological order, including the most important books with majorlhemes.

GTable I: Harka urun1!.: Thematic Biblioe.raphySubject Hems and %

A AgricuhurelForestry/Wildtife 23 (3.3)B Artsl'Li [crate/Sports 19 (2.7)C LanguageIRc1igion 58 (8.3)D DevelopmenllEconomic 169 (24.2)

In Memory 3

E Education/HRD 22 (3.2)F Environment/Conservation 29 (4.2)G Ethnography/Sociology 23 (3.3)H Geography/Geology 50 (7.2)I Maps/Cartography 17(2.4)J Mountaineering 35 (5.0)K Politics 81 (11.6)L Population 43 (6.2)M Science/Research 8(1.1)N Travelrrourism 68 (9.8)0 Miscellany 52(7.5)

Total 697 (100.0)

Source. New ERA, Seplember 2007

ho I BObrCha Ie , ar·a urung: rono oglca , IOgrapt

Year Items Year Items

1957 3 1981 151958 6 1982 181959 8 1983 241960 7 1984 12

1985 "1961 3 1986 141962 4 1987 171963 3 1988 171964 3 1989 281965 4 1990 321966 4 1991 181967 " 1992 281968 17 1993 10\969 10 1994 81970 " 1995 10197! 5 1996

.20

1972 7 1997 81973 9 1998 101974 4 1999 311975 8 2000 421976 5 2001 311977 3 2002 251978 5 2003 401979 8 2004 40

Tb2HkG

In Memory 3

E Edueation/HRD 22 (3.2)F En vi rOll men tlCon servation 29 (4.2)G Ethnography/Sociology 23 (3.3)H Geography/Geology 50 (7.2)r Maps/Cartography 17 (2.4)J Mountaineering 35 (5.0)K Politics 81 (11.6)L Population 43 (6.2)M Science/Research 8 (1.1)N Travelrrourism 68 (9.8)0 Miscellany 52 (7.5)

Total 697 (100.0)

Source. New ERA, SepTember 2007

hCl2 H k Gable : . aT·a urung: I1"0nO oglca , IOf'ran~

Year Items Year Hems

1957 3 1981 151958 6 1982 181959 8 1983 241960 7 1984 12

1985 111961 3 1986 141962 4 1987 171963 3 1988 171964 3 1989 281965 4 1990 321966 4 1991 181967 11 1992 281968 17 1993 101969 10 1994 81970 11 1995 101971 5 1996' 201972 7 1997 81973 9 1998 101974 4 1999 311975 8 2000 421976 5 2001 311977 3 2002 251978 5 2003 401979 8 2004 40

T

4 CNAS Journal, Vol. 34, No.1 (January 2007)

1980 16 2005 252006 182007 21

Total 164 533SOl/rce. New ERA. September, 2007

His important books organised by theme are given in Table 3 below.

Table 3: HARKA GURUNG: Books with major themesTheme Name of the book

Mountaineering 1968. Amillpi/nw to DlulI/logiri: A Decade ofMOl/lllaifleeriJlg ill NelWI Himalaya, 1950-6O.Kathmandu: DCDanment of Information

Developm~nt

Planning

Cartography

PoliticalECOnOTlly/NatureiCulturc

Demogmphy

AdibasilJanajati

Ethnicity

I. 1968. Rexiollar Del,e!opmellf Plal/llillg for Nepal.Kathmandu: National Planning Commission/972 Gmt/illites ill Nepal: A Diagllostic Stlldy:

Kathmandu: NPC198-4. NepllI: Dimensiolls of Del·elopmetll.Kathmandl/: Sahayogi Press1005. Nepcd Regiollal Strafegy for Del·elopmem.Kathmandu: A!>ian Develooment Bank

1980. Vignette!>' 0 Nef)al. Kathmandu: Saiha Prakashan11983. Maps ofNt'l)al: IIII'ell1ory Cllld Evafl/{/tioll. Bangkok:I White Orchid BooksI. 1986. Kehi Abhihyakfi (Sollie £\"pressioll.l") (in Nepali)

l3en<;isahar. Lamjung1989. Nature alld Cllltlm'. Kathmandu: ~h. SarojGurun.l!

I. 1989 Re,i;iol/al PaflCms of Migra/ioll ill NCfXII.Honolulu: East \\cst Population Imlitute1998. Nepal: Social Demography and £lpreuiollS.Kalhmandu: New ERA

I. 2004 Jmwjtiko Sero-l'hero (In ,he World ofNationalities, (in Ncpali): Kathmandu: NepalFoundation for Developmcnt of IndigenousNationalities (NFDIN)

2<XJ6 NelXlI Bibliography of Indigenous Peoples(Janajari) (wilh K. Bhatlachan). NEFDIN

1999. Faces of Nepal (with Jan Salter). Kathmandu:Himal Books

InclusionlExclusioo 2006. Fmm [nelusion to Exclusion. Kathmandu: SocialInclusion Research Fund

4 CNAS Journal, Vol. 34, No. 1 (January 2007)

1980 16 2005 252006 182007 21

Total 164 533Source. New ERA. September. 2007

His important books organised by theme are given in Table 3 below.

T bl J H RKA GURUNG Books . b thea • , A , "'I major ..osTheme Name of the book

MounL.'1inecring 1968. Amll/plInlo 10 DlIl//lfagiri: A Dt!mde ofMOlllllailleerillC ill Ne/){J! Himalaya. /950-60. Kalhmandu: DCl)anment of In formalion

Developm~nt I. 1968 Rexiollaf lJevelopmclll Planning for Nepal.Planning Kathrnandu: National Planning Commission

/972 Gnu/limes in Nepa/: A Diagllo.ltic SlIIdy:Kathmandu: NPC198-1. Nelm/: Dimellsiolls of Delv!lopnretll.Katlzmmu!lI: Sahayogi Press2005. N~pal Rt'giollal SJralegy for Del'e/opmem.Kathmandu: A.,ian Develoomc:m Bank

Tru\ieloo.ue 1980. Vignell('!>0 Net"!lIl. Kalhmandu: Sajha Praka:J1anCanograph) 11983. Maps ofNt'1J(II: IIn'ell1olJ (l1II! EI·aluolio/l. Bllllgkok:

White Orchid BooksPolitical I. 1986. Ke1li AfJhillYlIlaj (SOI/l(' £xpressiOllJ) (in Nepali)Economy/Nmurcl BCllsi<;ahar. LamjungCullure 1989. NallIre and CU/Ill"e. Kathmandu: M.... Saroj

Gurun.!!.Demography I. 1989 Re,~iollaJ Patu:ms of Migratioll ill NeJlal.

Honolulu: East \\ .....1 Population In,,ritule1998. Nepal: Social Demogrdphy and £qm'.I'sioll'>.Kauunandu: Ne\\ ERA

Adibasi/Janajuti J. 200-l }(II/ojriko Sem-I,hem (Ill rite World ofNationali'ies. (in Nep(lli): Kat.hmandu: NepalFoundation for Development of IndigenousNationalities (NFDIN)2006 Nepal Bibliography of Indigenous Peoples(}anlljOli) (Wilh K. Bhatt:u:ban). NEFDIN

Ethnicity 1999. FlIces of NepaJ (wilh lan Salter). Karhmandu:Himal Books

InclusionlExclusion 2006. From Jnclusion to £"CcJusion. Kalhmandu: SocialInclusion Research Fund

In Memory 5

Though Dr. Gurung had a Ph.D. degree in geography, his writings crosseddisciplinary boundaries, including contributions to sociology. anthropology,population, economics. history, political science, development studies and soon. Table I shows that his writings spread over 15 thematic areas. He haswriuen more on development/economic fields (24.3%). followed by politics(1I.Olle) and tTavel/tourism (9.8%). If themes like language/religion andsociology/ethnography are combined, these are the second most frequell1.(11.0 %) like politics. This clearly demonsrtates that he was a prolitic writerand spent his whole life writing on various themes in social science.

He began writing from during his student days in Patna University andpublished two articles in local journals there. The first article relates to hisimpression of Patna, while the second is a poem related to the Ganges River.Since then he hardly ever wrote poetry. Since 1957. he had some publicmionsevery year till his death. and in some years he had up 10 42 publications in ayear to his credit. In the Inter stage of his career, he started writing books andarticles on caste, ethnicity and social movemell1s. giving due emphasis to therights of the Adivasi/Janajati groups of Nepal. lllis also renects his innerfeelings and closeness being from an Adivasi/Janajati group and his growingdistaste of the rul ing elite. particularly the Brahmins and Chhetris of Nepal.

I worked together with Dr. Harka Gurung on several projects, mostlyassociated with New Era. Once I also accompanied him on a field visit in theUpper Arlin valley for abollt a week. I observed him closely during this fieldtrip and I found him to be not only a voracious reader of books (he used toread one book the whole night and the next morning he would pass me thesame book 10 read). but also an excellent field worker. He always listened topeople carefully, even though his dialogues with people were brief. Like afidd anthropologist, he would make notes ill his dairy about what he had seenand observed in the field every day. His daily diary describing his daily workroutine and impressions of what he had seen and observed will be animportant source of information for those researchers who want to knowmore about him.

Dr. Gurung's scholarship was always based on facts. Though hefrequently criticized the quality of the statistical data available in Nepal(particularly the Central Bureau of Statistics), he used these statistical dataextensively in almost all of his articles, reports and books. In fact, hiswritings always included tables or statistics.

Though he was trained in the British model of functional geography. hegradually shifted his position from static. synChronic analyses to diachnmic,processual ones. His writings paid great atleJllion to the historical processesand internal dynamics of society over time. In the past his approach wasoriented more towards a survey type of research where he made cxtensi ve useof statistical analyses (Imemal migratioll in Nepal. 1989, and /memal alldimernQliollal migra/ioll ill Nepal, 1983, co-author). On the other hand, he

In Memory 5

Though Dr. Gurung had a Ph.D. degree in geography, his writing~ crosseddisciplinary boundaries, including contributions to sociology. anthropology,population, economics, history. political science, development studies and soon. Table I shows that his writings spread over 15 thematic areas. He haswritten more on development/economic fields (24.3%), followed by politics(11.0%) and travel/tourism (9.8%). If themes like language/religion andsociology/ethnography are combined, these are lhe second most frequent.(11.0 %) like polities. This dearly demonsrtate.s that he was a prolific writerand spent his whole life writing on various themes in social science.

He began writing from during his student days in Patna University andpublished {WO artiele... in local journals there. The first article relates to hisimpression of Patna, while the sewnd is a IX)Cm related to the Ganges River.Since then he hardly ever wrote poetry. Since 1957, he had wme publicationsevery year till his death, and in some years he had up to 42 publications in ayear 10 his credit. In the Imer stage of his career. he started writing books andarticles on caste, ethnicity and social movements. giving due emphasis to lherights of lhe Adivasi/Janajmi groups of Nepal. This also ref1ect.~ his innerfeelings and closeness being from:m Adivasi/Janajati group and his growingdiSla~te of the ruling elite, particularly the Brahmins and Chhetris of Nepal.

I worked logether with ])r. Harka Gurung on several projects. mostlyassociated with New Era. Once 1also accompanied him on a field visit in lheUpper Arull valley for about a week. I observed him closely during this fieldtrip and I found him to be not only a voracious reader of books (he used toread one book the whole night and the next morning he would pass me thesame book 10 read). but also an excellent field worker. He always listened topeople carefully. even though his dialogues with people were brier. Like afield anthropologist, he would make notes in his dairy about what he had seenand observcd in the field every day. His daily diary describing his daily workroutine and impressions of what he had seen and observed will be animportant source of information for those researchers who want to knowmore about him.

Dr. Gurtlng's scholarship was always based on facts. Though hefrequently (Titidzcd the quality of the statistical data available in Nepal(particularly lhe Cenlral Bureau of Statistics). he used these statistical dataextensively in 1I1most all of his articles, reports and books. In fact. hiswritings always included tables or st<ltistics.

1l1Ough he WM trained in the British model of functional geography. hegradually shifted hi.~ position from static, synchronic analyses to diachnmie.procc..;snal ones. His writings paid great atlention to the historicaJ processesand internal dynumics of society over time. III the past his approach wasoriented more towards a 6urvey type. of research wht:re he made extensi ve useof statistical analyses ({mema! migratioll ill N('[XII, 1989. and 'mema! amiillternational migrmiofl in Nepal. 1983, co-author). On the other hand, he

6 CNAS Journal, Vol. 34, NO.1 (January 2007)

was a good observcr and travcller. As a geographer and mOUnlain chronicler.he travelled different parts of Nepal. and he recollected many of hismemories in his book. Vigm!lles ofNepal (1980).

Con'iidering his vast number of books. monographs and articles. if Iwere to compile a list of the most important and significant books and articlesby Dr. Gurung. the job would be immensely difficult. This is because when Istart reading them. I find that each of his publications was based on data(both primary and secondary) with sound logic. reasoning and mcthodology.Bclow, I briefly highlight some of his important writings (books and reports)and how he presented his ideas as a great scholar in various social sciences.

The book Viglleu<'s of NeIJal (Sajha Prakashan 1980) is divided into 20chaplcrs with a bibliography, a glossary and an index. The book has 19 maps.44 colour plates and 58 black and white photographs. The book is essentiallya travelogue and introduces the rcaders to his journey across di fferent parts ofNepal: the snowy mountains. the hilly regions, criss-crossed by a maze ofstreams and rivers and adorned with beautiful lakes and delightful valleys. Inaddition to the description of varying landscape. there arc rich anecdotes onlocal history and lore, the economy and cultures of diverse ethnic groups.There are vivid descriptions of geology. flora. fauna. festivals and subtleobservations on the change... that are taking place in rural Nepal. However. heis also clever to note his biases towards his discipline and use of such wordsthroughout the text. He writes...the profusion of words like ridge. valley.ascend. descend. climb. steep and traverse are a reflection both of mygeographical bias and the rugged terrain of the COt.tntry" (p. vii). This bookW'olS written during a difficult time in his life when he was implicated in acourt case of a political nature (Carpet scandal).

The Monograph/Report Imernal mui IlIIenWlional Migrmioll ill Nepal(Main Report. National Commission on Population. Singh Durbar.Kathmandu. 1983) was jointly prepared by the 9- member of the study team(four geographers. two sociologists and three economists) and Dr. GUTungcoordinated the overall study and the wriling. The study focused on theKathmandu valley (Kathmandu. L.1litpur and Bhaktapur districts) and theTami districts (Jhapa, Morang. Siraha. Parsa. Dahnusa. Mahonari.Nawalparasi, Rupendehi. Hanke and Kanchanpur). The ficld sludy wascompleted ill about thrce months. The main topics included not only basicdata on national and intcrnatiunlll migration but also a study of theinternational border. intern:lI migration. labour and citizcnship. Theinteresting tindings of this study are:

I. According to interviews with the heads of households condu<:tcd in theTarai districts. 6.9 per cent were immigrants. In this calculation it wasobserved that o\'er the last 25 years (betwecn 1958-1983), the annualgrowth rate of immigrants in Nepal was 4.2 per cent.

6 CNAS Journal, Vot 34, No. 1 (January 2007)

W'dS a good observer and traveller. As a geographer and mountain chronicler.he trdvelled differenl parts of Nepal. and he recollected many of hismemories in his 000k, Vigtleues ofNepal (1980).

Considering his \'ast number of books. monographs and anicles, if I\....cre to compile a list of the most important and significant books and articlesby Dr. Gurung. the job would be immensely difficult. This is because when Istart rcolding them. I find that c<lch of his publications was based on data(both primary and secondary) with sound logic. reasoning and methodology.Bclow. I brieny highlight some of his important writings (books and reports)and how he presented his ide:ls as a great schol<rr in various social sciences.

The book Vigllelles of Nepal (Sajha Prakashan 1980) is dividl-'d into 20chaplers with a bibliography. a glossary and an index. The book has 19 maps.44 colour plates and 58 black and white photographs. The book is esscnliallya travelogue and imroduces the readers to his journey across di ffcrent parts ofNepal: the snowy mountains. the hilly regions. criss-crossed by a maze ofstreams and rivers and adorned with beautiful lakes and delightful valleys. Inaddition to the description of varying landscape, there arc rich anecdotes onlocal history and lore. the economy and cultures of diverse ethnic groups.There are vivid descriptions of geology. flora, fauna. festivals and subtleobservations 00 the changes that are taking place in rural Nepal. However. heis also clever 10 nOle his bi;L'ies IOwards his discipline and use of such wordsthrooghoul the tex!. He writes...the profusion of words like ridge. valley.ascend. descend. climb. stecp and traverse are a reflcction boI:h of mygeographical bias and the rugged lerrain of the COl.lnlry" (p. vii). This bookwas written during a difficull lime in his life when he W'dS implicaled in acoon case of a political nature (Carpel scandal).

The Monograph/Report Imemal mu! IlIIemariOfUlI Migrtllion ill Nepal(Main Report, National Commi~siOf1 on Population. Singh Durbar.Kathmandu. 1983) was jointly prepared by the 9- member of Ihe study tcarn(four geographers. IWO sociologists and three economists) and Dr. Gurungcoordinated the overall study and the writing. The study focuscd on theKathm:lIldu valley (Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts) and theTarai districts (Jhapa. MOTang. Siraha, Parsa, Dlllmusa, MahOllari.Nawalparasi, Rupendehi. B:lIlke and Kanchanpur). The field study wascompleted in about three months. The main topics included not only basicdata on national and inlcrnmion:.l! migration but also a study of theinternational border. int~mal migrmioll. labour and ciLilen~hip. Theinteresling findings of this study are:

I. According to interviews with the heads of households conducted in theTarai districts. 6.9 per cent were immigrants. In this calculation it wasobserved that oyer the last 25 years (between 1958-1983). the annualgrowth rate of immigrants in Nepal ....'as 4.2 per cenl

In Memory 7

2. Interviews conducted with the heads of households in the Kathamnduvalley showed that 2.9 per cent were immigrants.

Of the Illany recommendations made in the report. two f(.'"Commendationswere most important.

I. Border regulation betwecn Nepal and India; and2. Foreign workers working in Nepal should obtain a "work permit" to

work in NepalBecause of this report, many "Madhesi people" of the Tarai were not happy

with Dr. Harka Gurung and somc even proposed to hang him when the reportwas publicly released. Today, everybooy realizes that he was a ··truenationalise' as he was very careful to note the illegal entry of Indian nationalsinto Nepal under the guise of local Madhesi people of the Tarai.

TIle book, Nepal: Dimensions of Del'elopmem (Kathmandu, 1984 &1989, pp 322 pages with 20 figures and 58 tables), has 22 chapters, and is acollection of writings spread over the last 15 years published in variousjournals such as Vasudha, Industrial Digest. Population and Development.and so on. In totality, the volume deals with various aspects of developmentin Nepal. The articles include journalistic forays, conference papers andinaugural addresses and many seminar presentations and articles focused onpopulation. spatial planning and the ecological problems of Nepal.

In the oook, Nature and Culture, Random Reftet:tions (Kathmandu,1989) the author wants to bridge the gap between the social sciences andnatural sciences trom the perspective of a "holistic view of things", The bookis a collection of 25 articles published in various journals over the last threedecades as a student (1960-64), teacher (1964-65), planner (1968-78),politician (1975-78) and the treelanee consultant (1980-1989). The book isdivided into four major themes: Himalaya (6 articles), Landscape (7 articles),Society (8 articles) and Political Culture (4 articles), The book is indeed agreat contribution to those who are interested in understanding the differentsocial and natural dimensions of Nepal and their interrelationships.

The book, Nepal: Social Demography and Expre.uions. published byNEW ERA (\998) is a pioneering book about the sociology and demographyof Nepal. As the title of the book suggests, there are two major parts: SocialDemography and Expressions. Part I - Demography has five chapters thatdeal with population, migration, ethnicity, language and religion based on the1991 census data. In Part II- Expressions, another five chapters deal withtopics such as education and elitism, ethnicity/caste and politics, regionalismand elections, and development and ideology based on the data of the 1991census and various other sources such as the Election Commission, the WorldBank. Chapter Ten of this section "State and Society" is a reprint of hisprevious article published in Nationali~m and Ethnicity in the HinduKingdom: The Politics of Culture in Contemporary Nepal (1997) edited byDavid Gellner et.a\. This book is very useful for students of sociology,

In Memory 7

2. Interviews conducted wilh the heads of households in the Kathall1nduvalley showed that 2.9 per cent were immigrants.

Of the many recommendations made in the report. two recommendationswere most important.

I. Border regulation between Nepul and India: and2. Foreign workers working in Nepal should obtain a "work permit" to

work in NepalBecause of this report, many "Madhcsi people" of the T<lr<li were not happy

with Dr. Harka Gurung and some even proposed to hang him when the reponwas publicly released. Today, everybody realizes Ihat he was a "truentnionalisC' as he was very eardul to note the illegal entry of Indhm nationalsinto Nepal under the guise of local Madhesi people of the THrai.

111C- book, Nepal: Dimensions of DeveloJlment (Kathmalldu. 1984 &1989. pp 322 pages with 20 figures and 58 tables). has 22 chapters, and is acollection of writings spread over the last 15 years published in variousjournals such as Vasudha. Industrial Digest, Population and Development.and so on. In totality. the volume deals with various aspects of developmentin Nepal. The anicle~ include journalisric forays. conference papers andinaugural addresses and many seminar presentations and articles focused onpopulation. spatial planning and the ecological problems of Nepal.

In the book, Nature and Culture. Random Rtjlectio/l.\· (Kathmandu.1989) the author wants to bridge the gap between the social sciences andnatural sciences from the perspective of a "holistic view of things". The bookis a collection of 25 articles published in various journals over the last threedecades as a student (1960-64). teacher (1964-65). planner (1968-78),politician (1975-78) and the freelance consultant (1980-1989). The book isdivided into four major themes: Himalaya (6 articles), Landscape (7 articles).Society (8 articles) and Political Culture (4 anicles). The book is indeed agreat contribution to those who are interested in understanding the differentsocial and natural dimensions of Nepal and their interrelationships.

The book. Nepal: Social Demography (/nd Expre.uions, published byNEW ERA (1998) is a pioneering book about the sociology and demographyof Nepal. As the title of the book suggests, there are two major parts: SocialDemography and Expressions. Part I - Demography has five chapters thatdeal with population, migration. ethnicity, language and religion based on the1991 census data. In Part II- Expressions. another live chapters deal withtopics such as education and elitism. ethnicitylcaste and politics, regionalismand elections. and development and ideology based on the data of the 1991census and various other sources such as the Election Commission, the WorldBank. Chapter Ten of this section "State and Society" is a reprint of hisprevious article published in Nationalism and Ethnicity in the HinduKingdom: The Politics of Culrure in Comemporary Nepal (1997) edited byDavid Gellner et.al. This book is very useful for students of sociology,

8 CNAS Journal, Vol. 34, No.1 (January 2007)

anthropology, population and political science as il furnishes goodcompar..ltive data on the situation of varioos ethnic/caste groups in epal. adcmographic accoonl of growth and the redistribution of populalion and thepolitical represenlalion of varioos elhnic/caSle groops in relation to OIhergroups and their level of developmenl in Ncpal. Numerous tables andappendices provide the reader with a good source of material. Throughout thebook. Dr. Gurung allemplS 10 show thai Adivasi/Janajti groups in epal aresocially, economically and politically b.1ckward compared 10 groups like theBrahmin. Chhetri and Newar. He thus feels that the demands ofAdivasi/Janajajti for equal participation and representation in various socio­economic and political sectors of Nepal is well justified. In his preface. heaptly remarks that "Ethnic politics in today's Nepal is both an expression ofprimordial aspiration and a process of people's transition from subjects tocitizens, What is now being contested in the socio-political arena willdetermine the formation of the nation," In other words. inclusion of variousgroups (such as the Adib.1silJanaajti and Dalil) is a must for the overalldcvelopment processes of Nepal. In the laller slage of his life, he expressedthese ideas in several forums and published a couple of articles on thesethemes.

The book. Janajatj Serophero (Ill tile 1I"0rid of Natio/talities)(Kathmandu: Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities. 2(04). isrestricted to issues dealing with the indigenous nationalities of epal. Thereare 2\ provocative articles in the Nepali language on different themes. Mostof the articles published in the book relate to Nepal's post· 1990 democraticrevolutions. Though the book claims to deal with the world ofAdivasi/Janajati. there are at least (our articles which exclusively focus onGurungs only such as "Curung Jali Barc" (About the Gurungs). '~amujali:

Auta Manthan" ([amu Jali: Some Discussions). ''Tamu Sankriliko Jagerna"(Protection of Tamu Culture) and "Gurung Bare Aula Thakali !<atha" (AThakali story about the Gurung). Other articles include "Gorkhali-koChinari" (Introduction to the Gorkhali people). "Kuro Sanskrit Karkapko"(Sanskrit talk used under pressure). and so on. One of the major argumentsraiscd by Curung in this book is about the origin of the Gurung thel1lsc1ve~.

Hc fcels thut thut there is a lack of scicntific evidence about how the Gurungswerc divided into the "Char latc" (four groups) and "Sora latc" (sixtcengroups) Gurungs. He neither believes in the Brahmanical model which relatesto the origin of Gurung as having Hindu blood nor the Western version whichsuggests that thc community have Tibetan blood. He feels that more in-depthresearch is required to understand the origin of the Gurungs in the context ofNepal. This clearly suggests that the histOl"y and origin of manyAdibasi/Janaajti groops of Nepal is blUrTed.

The booklel, Trillelll lIml nwmlerbolt: elilrural Dynamics ill NI!I}(IlesePolitics is based on a lecturer deli\ered by Dr. Gurung. which was an

8 CNAS Journal, Vo!. 34, No. 1 (January 2007)

anthropology. population and political science as it furnhhes goodcompar..ltive dma on the situation of various ethnic/caste groups in Nepal, adcmographic aecounl of growth and the redistribution of populalion and thepolitical representation of various ethnic/caste groups in relation to olhergroups and their level of development in NepaL umerous tables andappendices provide the reader with a good source of material. Throughout thebook, Dr. Gurung attempts to show that Adivasi/Janajti groups in Nepal aresocially. economically and politically backwdrd compared 10 groups like theBrahmin, Chhetri and Newar. He thus feels that the demands ofAdiv:1si/Janajajti for equal participation and representation in various sociO"­economic and political sectors of Nepal is well justified. In his preface. heaptly remarks that "Ethnic politics ill today's Nepal is both an expression ofprimordial aspiration and a process of people's transition from subjects tocitizenS. What is now being contested in the socio-political arena willdetermine the formation of the nation." In other words, inclusion of variousgroups (such as the AdibasilJallllajli and Dalit) is a must lor the overalldevelopmcnt processes of Nepal. In the laller slage of his lifc. ht= t=xpressedthese ideas in several forums and published a couple of articles on thesethcmes.

TI1C book, Janajati Serophero (/11 the world of Nationalities)(Kalhmandu: Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities. 20(4). isrestricted 10 issues dealing with the indigenous nationalities of Nepal. Thereare 21 provocative articles in the Nepali language on different themes. Mostof the articles published in the book relate 10 Nepal's post· 1990 democraticrevolutions. Though the book claims to deal with the world ofAdivasi/Janajati. there are at least four articles which exclusively focus onGurungs only such as "Gurung Jati Barc" (About the Gurwlgs). ''Tamujati:Auta Manthan" (famu Jati: Some Discussions), "TaOlu Sankritiko Jagema"(Protcction of Tamu Culture) and "Gurung Bare AUla Thakali Kalha" (AThakali story about the Gurung). Olher articles include uGorkhali-koChinari" (Introduction to the Gorkhali people). "Kuro Sanskrit Karkapko"(Sanskrit talk used under pressurc), and so on. One of the major argumcntsraised by Gurung in th-is book is about the origin of thc Gurung themselves.Hc fccls that that there is a lack of scicntific evidence about how the Gurungswcre dividcd into the "Char Jale" (four groups) and "SOnl J:lIC" (sixlccngroups) Gurungs. He neither believes in the Brahmanicalmoocl which relates10 thc origin of Gurung as having Hindu bl<X>d nor the Western vcrsion whichsuggests that the community have Tibetan bl<X>d. He feels that more in-depthresearch is required to understand the origin of the Gurungs in the context ofNepal. This clearly suggests that the history and origin of manyAdibasi/Janaajti groups of Nepal is blurred.

The booklel, Tridelll alld Tllwu/erbolt: Clllmral Dynamics i" NepalesePolitics is based on a lecturer dclivered by Or. Gurung. whio..:h was an

In Memory 9

inallgural lecture is the Mahesh Chandnl Regmi leclUre organised by SocialScience Baha, 24 April 2003 un "The Agenda of Transformation: inclusion inNepali Democracy". He argues that the monopolistic policies of the Hindustate over the last 235 years have marginalized various groups in differentways. The three major groups of contenders who arc marginalized by thestate arc (i) Janajajti (ethnic peoples) on the basis of culture. (ii) Dalit(untouchables) on the basis of caste and (iii) M<ldhesis (Tarai) on the basis ofgeography. He offers ethnic/cultuml events from 1770 to 1964 from variousJanajati groups who contested for space within the state. Finally, Gurungsuggests some areas for illtervention for the upliftment of groups such as theJanajati, Madhesi and Dalit.

The last book before his death was From Exclusion to Inclusioll: Socio­Political Agenda for Nepal (Kathmandu: Social lnclusion Research Fund,2006. pp. 50). In this book he considers social inclusion/exclusion as thesocio-political agenda of various groups of people in Nepal. He argues thatthere is educational and political inequ<llity and economic deprivation amongvarious groups and that there thus needs 10 be an agenda of social inclusionfor these communities. He notes that Nepal, with its high-caste patrimony,has always remained averse to progressive measures on equality (p. 47). Thatis why the social inclusion of groups like the AdibasilJanajati is mandatoryfor any kind of development modcl in Nepal.

Discussion and ConclusionDr. Harka Gurung was a true family man who loved and deeply respectedevery member of his family. As he was more interested in natural landscapethan giving Hindu or Buddhist names 10 his children, he named his twodaughters Himalchuli and Manasulu, and one son Sagarmatha. He dedicatedhis book, Vigllettes of Nepal (1980) to his two daughters (Himalchuli andManasulu) and two sons (Bikas and Sagarmatha). The book, Nepal:Dimensions of DevelofJmem (1984) was dcdicated to his father (SubedarPars..1i Gurung) and the other book, Nature and Cultllre (1989), to his mother(Mayishebo Gurung). The publisher of most of his books was his wife Ms.Saroj Gurung. He acknowledged his wife in most of his writings andadmitted that she accompanied him through even the most difficult parts ofhis life with courage and fortitude.

Dr. Gurung is no doubt one of the most accomplished Nepali scholars tod<lte in the history of Nepal. His breadth of interest was unusual and hisproducti vity at this stage of his career stage was virtually unparalleled amongany Nepali scholars to date. He has conducted research and published on arange of issues encompassing some of the earliest and best tmvelogues. bestethnographic descriptions of various Nepali ethnic groups. assessments of thepolitics of ethnic identity in Nepal. and population-related themes rangingfrom fertility to migration. Beyond geography, his writings vary enormously

In Memory 9

inangural lecture is the Mahcsh Chandrll Regmi lecture organised by SocialScience Baha, 24 April 2003 011 "The Agenda of Transformation: inclusion inNepali Democracy". He argues that the monopolistic policies of the Hindustate over the last 235 years have marginalized various groups in differentways. The three major groups of contenders who are marginalized by thestate arc (i) Janajajti (ethnic peoples) on the basis of culture. (ii) Oalit(untouchables) on the basis of caste and (iii) Madhesis (Tarai) on the basis Mgeography. He offers ethnic/cultural events from 1770 to 1964 from variousJanajati groups who contested for space within the Slate. Finally. Gurungsuggests some areas for intervention for the upliftment of groups such as theJanajati, Madhesi and Oalit.

The last book before his death was From exclusion 10 Inclusion: Socio­Political Agenda for Nepal (Kalhmandu: Social Inclusion Research Fund,2006, pp. 50). In this book he considers social inclusion/exclusion as thesoda-political agenda of various groups of people in Nepal. He argues Ihatthere is educational and political inequality and economic deprivation amongvarious groups and that there thus needs to be an agenda of social inclusionfor these communities. He notes that Nepal, with its high-caste patrimony,has always remained averse to progressive measures on equality (p. 47). Thatis why the social inclusion of groups like the Adibasi/Janajati is mandatoryfor any kind of development model ill Nepal.

Discussion and ConclusionOr. Harka Gurung was a true family man who loved and deeply respectedevery member of his t~1.mily. As he was more interested in natural landscapethan giving Hindu or Buddhist names to his children, he named his twodaughters Himalchuli and Manasulu, and one SOil Sagarmatha. He dedicatedhis book. Vi~nettes of Nepal (1980) 10 his two daughters (Himalchuli andManasulu) and two sons (Bikas and Sagarmatha). 'nle book, Nepal:Dimellsio/lS of Development (1984) was dedicated to his father (SubedarParsai Gunmg) and the other I:xx:Jk, NalUre and Cultllre (1989), to his mother(Mayishebo Gurung). TIle publisher of most of his books was his wife Ms.Saroj GurUllg. He acknowledged his wife in most of his writings andadmitted that she accompanied him through even the most dillicult parts ofhis life with courage and fortitude.

Dr. Gurung is no doubt one of the most accomplished Nepali scholars todate in the history of Nepal. His breadth of interest was unusual and hisproductivity at this stage of his career stage was virtually unparalleled amongany Nepali scholars to dale. He has conducted research and published on arange of issues encompassing some of the earliest and best travelogues, bestethnographic descriptions of various Nepali ethn ic groups, assessments of thepolitics of ethnic identity in Nepal. and population-related themes rangingfrom fertility to migration. Beyond geography. his writings vary enormously

10 CNAS Journal, Vol. 34. NO.1 (January 2007)

in contents. Some writings are closer to history. some to sociology andanthropology. political science. economics or de\-eIopmem studies. Some ofhis writings are purely descriptive while others are highly analytical. Thisdiversity is both a strenglh and a weakness. It is strenglh recause so manysources of knowledge come together in lhe field that it cootinU.::llly sparkleswith new ideas and lhoughts. There is also a weakness in such \\Tilings. asdiverse errorts make a subject weaker in it.... own areas.

While Dr. Gurung was in fact not particularly intcrested in developingtheories of social sciences in general. at the same lime he was quite good atdcveloping models. His models of "regional devclopment" based on fivedcvelopment regions. and a proposal to divide Nepal into 25 districts are verywell taken by Nepali scholars and planncrs cvcn tooay. He was a truenationalist. As a tcam lcadcr of the project on migration. he proposed twothings if Nepal hoped to develop in the future: thc border between Nepal andIndia must be regulatcd and a system of work permits should be introduced toforeign workers in Nepal. TIle laller stages of his writing can be counted onundcrstanding. and often representing. the indigenous or "native" point ofvicw. In other words. he played the role of a "cultural broker:' in mcdiatingbetween the government and the AdibasilJanajati groups of Nepal for theirupliftment and development. He noted that lhe underdevelopment of manyAdivasilJanajali groups was closely related to the social and politicalconstraints of the wider Nepali Hindu social structure. Unlike many Nepalischolars. he always rcad and cited books \\hich focussed on Nepal: in fact.his study room at home can aptly be described as a' epal Collection'.

Dr. Gurung had a lifelong passion for travcl. an inner desire foradvcnture and facts which ultimately led to his tragic death in the soil of arem(l(e regioo of Ncpal Himalayas. He will be remembered in the history ofNepal as a planner. teacher and renowned acadcmic.

ReferenceGurung. Lal Bahadur. 2003. Gllrlmg Jatika Sirsasthn Pragiky Byaktiharu (Top

Academicians among the Gurungs). Kathmandu: Jagman Gurung.

10 CNAS Journal, Vat 34, No. 1 (January 2007)

in L'Ollh;:nt5. Some \\'fitings are closer to history. some to sociology andanthropology. political science. economics QC development studies. Some ofhis ",ritings are purely descriptive while others are highly analytical. Thisdiversity is both a strength and a weakne.<,s. It is strength because so manysources of knowledge come together in the field that it continually sparkleswith new ideas and thoughts. There is also a weakn~s in such writings. asdiverse efforts make a subject ....'Caker in it~ own areas.

While Or. Gurung was in fact not particularly interested in developingtheories of social sciences in general. at the same time he was quite good atdeveloping models. His models of '"regional development'· based on fivedevelopment regions. and a propo<;al to divide Nepal into 25 districts are verywell taken by Nepali scholar., and planners l;:vcn today. He was ;1 truenationalist. As a team leader of the proje~t on migration, he proposed twothings if Nepal hoped to develop in the future: the border between Nepal andIndi:1 must be regulated and:1 system of work permits should be introduced toforeign workers in Nepal. nle latter ~tages of his writing can be counted onunderstanding. and often representing. the indigenous or "native" point ofview. In other words, he playlXl the role of a "cultural broker," in mediatingbetween the government and the AdibasilJanajati groups of Nepal for theirupliftllletlt and development. He noted that the underdevelopment of manyAdivasilJanajaLi groups was closely rdated to the social and politicalconstraints of the wider Nepali Hindu social structure. Unlike many Nepalischolars. he always read and cited books which focussed on Nepal: in fact.his study room at home can aptly be described as a 'Nepal Collectioo·.

Or. Gurung had a Iifeloog passion for travel, an inner desire foradventure and facts which ultimately led to his tragic death in the soil of aremot:e regioo of Nepal Himalayas. He will be remembered in the history ofNepal as a planner. teacher and renowned academic.

ReferenceGurung. Lal Bahadur. 2003. Gllnlllg Jm;ka Sirsastha Pragiky Byakliharu (fop

Academicians among the Gurungs). Kathmandu: Jagman Gurung.