In the fluctuating landscape of politics, politicians continuously battle with the scrutiny from the public and the relentless pull of condemnation, where negativity saturates everyday life.
Politicians are expected to uphold immense strength and resilience, and the weight of these societal expectations falls heavily on their shoulders. We cannot even fathom how much mental strength is required to withstand this demanding pressure, where every action and decision comes under instance criticism.
An enlightening conversation with Ranju Darshana Neupane, the General Secretary of the Bibeksheel Sajha Party provided a unique insight into the immense mental exhaustion that politicians endure every day, as they strive to shield themselves from the continuous expectations of the public. Her story sheds light on the unseen challenges faced by politicians who choose to serve and bring positive impacts on society, amid the merciless landscape of politics.
Ranju Darshana Neupane, a name that evokes the promise of new ideas and freshness, came to prominence when she fearlessly set foot to embrace the challenge of running for mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City at the young age of 21.
Her mayoral campaign represented resilience and a break from the norm, in a field dominated by seasoned politicians. With just two years beyond her teenage years, She was a beacon of hope, symbolizing the aspiration of the new generation longing for the transformation of Nepal.
In the disheartening world of politics, the public was aww-inspired by her audacity and novel ideas. She was like a breath of fresh air who ignited a fire of optimism for those who were desperately waiting to witness the appearance of vibrant, young leaders in positions of influence.
Nurtured by her single mother’s unwavering support and care, Neupane was born and raised in Kathmandu Valley. She reminisced a feeling of family emptiness while reflecting on her childhood. Yet inside that void, a seed of determination and tenacity emerged.
12 years Neupane witnessed the construction of a road near her house, that very project ignited her fascination with development and community engagement. It was at that moment that she was determined to make a significant contribution to Nepal’s development. That commitment defined her road to being a catalyst for positive change in her community and beyond.
She was, however, unsure about the career path that would bring her closer to the commitment. Her journey to politics was triggered by an incident of gender disparity in Nepal’s bureaucracy.
A flame of determination was evoked inside her, when government authorities, all of whom were males, ignored her citizenship request because of the single status of her mother. The sense of their reluctance and lack of empathy made her weigh about the transforming influence that female presence in that office would have had.
It was at this moment, she realized a surge of empowerment, wondering why can’t she be that woman who comprehends, empathizes, and advocates for the rights of others facing similar obstacles. This incident sparked her political career, fueled by a strong aspiration to combat gender biases and defend the other causes that had long been suppressed.
Bibeksheel Sajha party’s manifesto aligned seamlessly with her aspirations, which marked her foray into politics. Embracing a brave step, she threw her hat into the ring as the mayoral candidate of Kathmandu during 2017’s local election. The journey turned out to be a complex dance between love, support, and the inescapable whirlwind of criticism that comes with public life.
“Winning was never my aim; bringing changes is what I’ve always desired and will always,” she asserted. However, under the limelight, carrying the hopes and aspirations of many on her young shoulders, she faced daunting personal challenges.
An abundance of expectations and responsibilities obliged her to conceal the internal struggles behind a strong facade, which eventually crumbled, leading her to wrestle with severe mental health issues.
Candidly, she expressed the feeling of profound loneliness, feeling unsure about herself, and hiding from public view. Despite this internal turmoil she was dealing with, she desperately wanted to convey that she was not just another politician who faded away.
She confided, “I wanted to scream, No I’m not lost; Please give me some time to come back, But I couldn’t.”
The intensity of the circumstances caused Neupane to conclude that she needed to seek assistance from psychiatrists, and accepting the medicine and therapy were crucial for her recovery. Amidst these challenges, she encountered other additional health complications like thyroid problems and PCOD, which further worsened her already complex situation.
“Self-care was never my primary concern, which intensified the circumstances” – she confessed. Amid the aforementioned struggles, the so-called supportive circle that once pledged sisterhood and friendship during her moments of spotlight tended to vanish, leaving her unheard and isolated.
Knowing how vital it is to be heard and seen while facing mental turmoil, Ranju Darshana Neupane took a proactive step by commencing her own peer-sharing group, which she named “ Monday for Mental Heath”(MMH). MMH is a safe space that facilitates opportunities to come together, understand, and foster a sense of visibility, and resonance. Neupane revealed an intriguing concept in response to a question concerning the fascinating choice of the term “ Monday for Mental Health”.
The name struck her one early morning. Monday serves as dedicated time in every workplace, being the commencement of the work week. She envisioned setting the mood for a healthy week, by devoting a mere 30 minutes of Monday morning to singing, dancing, laughing, and rejoicing.
“Monday for Mental Heath” aims as an initiative with the potential to be embraced from every corner of the world, establishing a stimulating and encouraging practice for individuals to give mental well-being as much attention as physical health.
Apart from her “Monday for Mental Health“ initiative, she places the Mental Health Policy as the topmost priority in her political journey. She has been an avid advocate of the inclusion of mental health concerns in the political discourse and puts this as a vital aspect of her advocacy works.
She has been pursuing a post-graduate diploma in Counselling Psychology in order to broaden her knowledge and understanding, by realizing the value of having a solid psychological background.
This commitment to advance expertise in the field of psychology underscores her priority for mental health concerns in public life, and her earnest intention to be a valuable asset as a counselor to fellow politicians and others.
In a persuasive message to the young generation targeting to step into the political sphere, Ranju Darshana Neupane portrays a very thoughtful and critical approach. She urges future politicians and policymakers to think critically, question, and refrain from blindly following any political parties and figures.
She invalidates the myth that active political participation is synonymous with tire burning, property damage, and loud protests and demonstrations. Rather, she encourages a more comprehensive view, in which politicians ought to be analytical, well-informed, critical, and able to positively transform Nepalese society.
“However, I recommend not limiting the reading to big fat political books. One should delve into fiction and novels as well. This deepens the awareness of human experiences, emotions, and complexity. Make the most of your youth by having fun and exploring new things. And give equal priority to both physical and mental wellbeing while setting foot in politics.”; She concluded the conversation with her heartfelt remarks.
