Institutionalization of Nepali Diaspora Studies: From Literary Texts to Academic Discipline

Abstract

This article analyzes the institutional development of diaspora studies in Nepal. As a qualitative content analysis, scholars like Cohen, Bhattarai, Timilsina and many others are reviewed to look at different dimensions of diaspora and the development of Nepali diaspora studies. Likewise, relevant government documents, research papers and books are analyzed to find out the existing conditions of Nepali diaspora including how the university syllabi particularly at Tribhuvan University and Mid-West University have incorporated this field of study. The findings show that Nepali diaspora studies began along with the acceptance of ‘diaspora’ as a borrowed term in Nepali context from the first and the second international conferences of International Nepali Literary Society held in 2009 and 2011 respectively in New Work and London. In addition, it shows that the role of diasporic awards and scholarship set up by Nepal Academy, and International Nepali Literary Society, diasporic research and publications, and the incorporation of diaspora courses in the university curriculum have contributed for the rapid development of diaspora studies in Nepal. Allowing the latest diasporic experiences including the adjustment strategies of Nepali people across the globe, and studies on the government’s strategies to curb the increasing rate of Nepali people leaving the country could make this field more impactful.