“Both the Emotion and Behavior of Nepalese Abroad Are Strong”
Pandit Dinbandhu Pokharel conducted a 34-day spiritual journey across more than 12 European countries, engaging in dialogue with Nepalese expatriates. Pokharel provided an in-depth analysis of the lifestyle, emotional state, and the challenges of preserving Nepali identity among the new generation living abroad. He is currently advancing plans to establish a spiritual center in Ramkot, Nagarkot Municipality-7, Kathmandu, with the aim of positioning Nepal as a global spiritual hub.
Having recently returned to Nepal after completing a month-long European tour, Pokharel visited over 12 countries including Belgium, Spain, Norway, Portugal, France, Denmark, and Finland. During this journey, he conducted spiritual programs and interacted directly with Nepalese communities abroad. This marks his third trip to Europe—previous visits were in 2011 and 2022—and overall, he has traveled to 44 countries and conducted spiritual events in approximately 33 countries. During this recent tour, he closely observed the lifestyle, emotional wellbeing, generational challenges, and spiritual needs of the Nepali diaspora.
Pokharel offered a profound analysis touching on multiple aspects, from the lack of inner peace and self-satisfaction among Nepalese who have gone abroad in search of work and income, to the challenge of sustaining Nepali identity among the younger generation. Based on themes such as unity among Nepalese abroad, love for tradition, and the necessity of spiritual awareness, an edited excerpt of Pokharel’s conversation with journalist Basant Ranabhat is presented here.
How do you assess this spiritual journey through Europe? This was my third trip to Europe—in 2011, 2022, and now in 2026. This recent journey lasted 34 days and was historic for me. Everywhere I went, I witnessed enthusiastic participation from devotees. The trip had three main objectives: first, to connect with the hearts of Nepalis living abroad; second, to awaken spiritual awareness; and third, to lay the groundwork for constructing a Nepali cultural center. Overall, I feel this journey was exemplary, unprecedented, and extremely successful.
In your experience, what is the reality of life for Nepalese living abroad? How different is the outward appearance compared to the actual experience? I have often said during my discourses that from the outside, it seems that both work and income are good. However, ‘comfort, reputation, and bliss’ appear relatively less visible. Materially, many Nepalese are capable and established, but internally there is a sense of emptiness, exhaustion, or pain. This is why the purpose of my spiritual journey was not limited to just ‘work and income’; it was also to help people understand the importance of ‘comfort, reputation, and bliss.’
Spiritual programs are not merely fleeting moments of enthusiasm; they have a long-term impact on an individual’s consciousness and thinking. I believe we were somewhat successful in delivering this message. During these programs, participants displayed enthusiasm, energy, and mental calmness. This clearly indicates that despite outward success, many experience a lack of ‘bliss and comfort,’ that is, peace and joy. I feel this spiritual journey contributed to partially filling that void.