Cultural Genocide and the Rising Ethnic Discrimination in South Asia

Dr. Vidhu Prakash Kayastha

South Asia, home to one-fifth of the world’s population, is a region rich in cultural diversity. However, in recent years, many countries in this region have witnessed a rise in cultural genocide and ethnic discrimination. Nepal, a multicultural and multiethnic nation, is not immune to this issue. Cultural genocide, defined as the systematic erasure or suppression of a community’s cultural identity, language, religion, and traditions, poses a growing threat to various communities in Nepal. An analysis of the state of cultural genocide in Nepal, its impacts in the South Asian context, and the increasing ethnic discrimination within the state is essential at both national and local levels.

Cultural genocide refers to the deliberate destruction or weakening of a community’s cultural identity. Unlike physical genocide, it targets a community’s language, religion, traditions, and historical heritage. In South Asia, this is often seen when majority communities or state policies attempt to suppress minority identities.

Cultural Genocide in Nepal

In Nepal, cultural genocide manifests in various forms. Historically, policies promoting a singular cultural and religious identity (e.g., Hinduism and the Nepali language) have weakened the languages, cultures, and traditions of minority communities. In Nepal, with over 125 ethnic groups and 123 languages, cultural genocide particularly affects Indigenous, Janajati, Madhesi, Dalit, and religious minority communities.

Linguistic Suppression

In Nepal, prioritizing the Nepali language as the national language has put pressure on other mother tongues such as Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang, and Nepal Bhasa (Newari). Making Nepali mandatory in schools has deprived Indigenous and Janajati children of opportunities to learn their mother tongues. This practice weakens these communities’ cultural identities in the long term. Similar trends are observed elsewhere in South Asia, criticized as cultural genocide.

Pressure on Religious Minorities

Although Nepal’s 2072 (2015) Constitution declared the country secular, the influence of Hinduism has led to challenges for Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian communities in exercising their religious freedom. These communities have reported religious discrimination and social exclusion. This trend is also evident in other South Asian countries.

Cultural Erosion of Indigenous and Janajati Communities

Indigenous communities in Nepal, such as Newar, Tamang, Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, Tharu, and others, are struggling to preserve their cultural identities. Hydropower, road, and other development projects on their ancestral lands threaten their traditional lifestyles and cultural practices. Similarly, the forced displacement and cultural suppression of the Nepali-speaking community in Bhutan provide a clear example of cultural genocide.

Cultural Genocide and Ethnic Discrimination in South Asia

In South Asia, cultural genocide and ethnic discrimination are often linked to majoritarianism and nationalist policies. In Pakistan, religious minorities like Hindus and Christians face social and economic exclusion. In Sri Lanka, Tamil and Muslim communities endure violence and discrimination from Buddhist nationalist groups. These incidents indicate a systematic attack on the cultural identities of minority communities across South Asia.  In Nepal, ethnic discrimination is particularly evident among Dalit and Janajati communities. Dalits face social exclusion, economic exploitation, and cultural humiliation. Similarly, Janajati communities struggle to preserve their languages and cultures due to a lack of supportive government policies. In the South Asian context, these issues are tied to the dominance of majority communities and the imposition of a singular cultural identity on minorities.

Impacts of Rising Ethnic Discrimination

In recent years, ethnic discrimination has been on the rise in South Asia. In Nepal, the use of hate speech on social media and political platforms has increased, putting minority communities at greater risk.

Effects of Cultural Genocide

Cultural genocide in Nepal has long-term social, cultural, and economic impacts. When a community’s language, religion, or traditions are systematically suppressed, it deeply wounds their identity and self-respect. In South Asia, particularly Nepal, such actions have fueled social inequality and tension. For example, Dalit and Janajati communities have initiated social and political movements out of fear of losing their cultural identities. However, these movements often lack sufficient support from the state and communities with access to power.

Social Inequality and Exclusion

In Nepal, the Dalit community faces cultural and social exclusion. Their traditional occupations and cultural practices are socially stigmatized, depriving them of economic opportunities and social respect. Similarly, Janajati communities struggle to keep their cultural festivals and traditions alive. Development projects have encroached on their ancestral lands, further endangering their cultural identities. In the South Asian context, Indigenous communities in India and Tamil communities in Sri Lanka have faced similar experiences, with development projects destroying cultural sites.

Economic Impacts

Cultural genocide also exacerbates economic inequality. In Nepal, minority communities lose economic opportunities due to limited access to education, employment, and healthcare. For instance, Dalit individuals face discrimination in high-level jobs and educational opportunities. Similarly, Janajati communities struggle to integrate their traditional knowledge and skills into the modern economy. This trend is also seen in India’s Dalit and Indigenous communities, where they face economic discrimination.

Destruction of Cultural Heritage

Cultural genocide has also impacted Nepal’s cultural heritage. In cities like Lalitpur, Kathmandu, and Bhaktapur, the rich cultural heritage of the Newar community is at risk due to development projects and urbanization. Ancient temples, courtyards, and traditional settlements are being destroyed, weakening cultural identities.

Comparative Analysis in the South Asian Context

Cultural genocide and ethnic discrimination manifest differently across South Asia. In Pakistan, Hindu and Sikh communities struggle to preserve their religious and cultural identities. In Sri Lanka, Buddhist nationalist policies suppress the cultural identity of the Tamil community. In Bhutan, the cultural suppression and displacement of the Nepali-speaking Lhotsampa community exemplify cultural genocide. In Nepal, these issues persist despite cultural and ethnic diversity. The Madhesi community in the Terai region struggles to integrate their language and culture into the national identity. Similarly, Buddhist communities in the Himalayan region feel pressured by Hindu dominance in their religious practices. These examples highlight the complexity of cultural genocide and ethnic discrimination in South Asia.

Government Policies and Cultural Genocide

In Nepal, government policies have inadvertently or deliberately fueled cultural genocide. For example, historical practices prioritizing a single language and Hinduism have weakened minority identities. Although the 2072 Constitution emphasizes secularism and inclusivity, implementation remains weak. Similar trends are seen in other South Asian countries. In Bhutan, the “One Nation, One Culture” policy expelled the Nepali-speaking community.

Role of Civil Society

In Nepal, civil society and non-governmental organizations have raised their voices against cultural genocide and ethnic discrimination. Various Indigenous and Janajati organizations are advocating for the protection of their languages, cultures, and rights. For instance, the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) has demanded mother-tongue education and cultural preservation. Similarly, Dalit organizations advocate for legal and social reforms against discrimination. In South Asia, India’s Dalit movement and Sri Lanka’s Tamil organizations have made similar efforts, contributing significantly to preventing cultural genocide and building inclusive societies.

Role of the International Community

The international community can play a vital role in addressing cultural genocide and ethnic discrimination. Organizations like the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and Minority Rights Group are pressuring South Asian countries to protect minority communities. Nepal can collaborate with these organizations to preserve cultural diversity and implement anti-discrimination policies. For example, UNESCO’s cultural heritage preservation program can help protect the Newar community’s heritage in Nepal.

Conclusion

Cultural genocide and ethnic discrimination in Nepal threaten the identities and rights of Indigenous, Janajati, Dalit, and religious minority communities. In the South Asian context, these issues are linked to majoritarianism, nationalist policies, and the spread of hate speech on social media. Nepal can address these challenges by promoting mother-tongue education, respecting religious freedom, implementing social inclusion policies, and taking action against hate speech. With the support of civil society and the international community, Nepal and South Asia can build an inclusive society enriched by cultural diversity.

(Views are personal)