The myth of development is probably the single most important ideological factor in contemporary Nepalese society. Trumanšs American Dream for the globe became the dominant modern myth of Nepal. Crudely stated, the development myth narrates Nepalšs emergence from the "dark ages" of Rana isolation in the early 1950s and the nationšs modernization and unification with the outside world. On a vague level, the myth of development promises social betterment, an increase of well-being, equality, productivity, and opportunity. More concretely, it vows to create better health facilities, environmental conditions, employment conditions, and education opportunities.
This bikas myth seeps into almost every part of Nepali life. At the highest levels, development discourse finds its way into political speeches, editorials, and news. Moreover, its trickles into everyday use as what it means to be "Nepalese." For instance, the Sunday supplement to the Kathmandu Post features a weekly section called "School Side" that is composed of poems, stories, and pictures by children. The childrenšs work is regularly about development. Take, for example, the essay by Pragya Chalisey, grade 6 from the Gyankunj HS School, which reads,
