From time to time, brain drain comes into discussion as something that contributes to slowing the country’s development. On occasions, people are found speaking from the podium words to curse those who, despite being subsidised by the government until their graduation, do not trouble coming back after they receive a degree abroad. Not only the people here, but also those in the developed countries consider this trend to be a hurdle to the development of the undeveloped countries. That’s why many international funding agencies which provide study grants to citizens from the developing countries seek a pledge from the applicants that they have intentions to return to their homes after their study or training is over.

Every year, a few hundred students from among some thousands in the queue become successful in positioning themselves as prospective students in foreign universities.  Those rejected at their first attempt continue their efforts for some more years and may achieve the desired success in course of time. Many of these applicants have been educated at subsidised fees at Tribhuvan University or at least have been provided a learning platform by the country itself. The fact is that only a few of those who move abroad for higher studies actually come back to Nepal. Instead of fighting against the numerous problems in the country like those caused by political instability, unemployment, low income and so forth, they choose to contend with cultural and racial bias in a foreign land to earn a livelihood there. Very few may be willing to return to live in the home country.

Those choosing to come back too have not been facing a good fate. They are too old to apply for most jobs and are compelled to suffer unemployment despite their higher degrees like PhD. Many employers assume them to be persons who have lost their enthusiasm to work due to their age. Other returnees are scared to apply for a job if case they would not be able to meet the high expectations of their potential employers due to their high qualifications. Whether an employee with such a high degree or level of skill is their real need is always a question for them. I have met with a number of such graduates living miserable lives in the capital searching for employment that is “not bad”.

If on the one hand those who do not leave the country for higher studies or those who are educated here are treated as lacking ability by the state and their employers, on the other hand people having international degrees are being ignored. This situation has been encouraging youths to depart for foreign destinations and discouraging those who want to come back to serve the motherland. Therefore, if the reluctance of those who have gone away to return home is our concern, efforts must be put in by the state to retain within the country the graduates who have been educated here and abroad.