Title: Lack of Economic Development in the Rana Tharu Community: A Consideration and SpeculationWritten by: Naveen Singh Rana

Title: Lack of Economic Development in the Rana Tharu Community: A Consideration and Speculation

Written by: Naveen Singh Rana

The Rana Tharu community has been residing in the Terai region for hundreds of years, striving for cultural, social, and economic growth. However, even after such a long period, this community has not achieved the level of development seen among migrants who settled in the same region much later and progressed rapidly.

At present, the lifestyle, social status, and economic condition of the Rana Tharu people are not at par with others. This is a matter of serious consideration and reflection, especially for educated individuals, intellectuals, and social thinkers within the community.

For a long time, I have been thinking about this issue and engaging in conversations with various people in an attempt to understand why the Rana Tharu community remains economically and socially behind.

While interacting with grassroots workers and members of the Rana Tharu community, I discovered several reasons for this disparity.

I interviewed a social worker and advocate from the Rana Tharu community who also runs a clothing business. She shared some important insights:

1. Lack of Commercial Thinking:

Most Rana Tharu individuals do not possess a commercial mindset. Very few people from the community take the initiative to start small or large businesses. Business requires both investment and the ability to manage risks. Without basic knowledge of risk management, the willingness to invest is low, which limits financial growth.

2. Low Focus on Per Capita Income:

She emphasized that the community rarely discusses or prioritizes the concept of per capita income. The average income per family member is low, which directly affects the quality of life and limits access to better opportunities. Increasing family income should be a priority.

3. Perception Towards Work:

Many people in the community view certain types of work as small, inferior, or unsuitable for their personality. This mindset restricts their willingness to explore new opportunities and hinders economic growth.

4. Conventional Agriculture Practices:

A majority of Rana Tharu people are farmers. However, they rely heavily on traditional farming methods and crops. To increase income, the community must adopt modern farming techniques and shift towards cash crops that provide immediate financial returns.

She concluded by saying that after receiving a commercial education, she chose to start her own business rather than working for someone else. Her goal was not only to become self-reliant but also to create job opportunities for other members of the Rana Tharu community.

As part of my research, I also spoke with Mr. D. Singh Rana, a self-employed entrepreneur who runs a fertilizer business and a marriage hall. He shared the following observations:

1. Lack of Education in the Early Stages:

Initially, access to education was extremely limited in the community. This lack of foundational education has had a long-term impact on their economic progress.

2. Absence of Commercial Vision:

Without commercial awareness, people are unable to make strategic investments or take calculated risks—both of which are essential for economic success.

3. Reluctance to Migrate:

Migration often opens new avenues for growth. However, many Rana Tharu individuals prefer to stay in their ancestral lands, limiting their exposure to broader opportunities.

4. Limited Access to Higher Education:

Economic constraints prevent many parents from supporting their children’s higher education. This lack of advanced education keeps the community trapped in low-income cycles.

Mr. Rana concluded that due to historical disadvantages in education, politics, and social engagement, the community has not been able to keep pace with others.

In summary, despite living in the fertile Terai plains for centuries, the Rana Tharu community has not experienced the same level of progress as outsiders who came and settled here later.

Now is the time for all intellectuals, social workers, and visionary leaders from the Rana Tharu community to come together and rethink the direction of their society. It is essential to foster a mindset of growth, encourage entrepreneurship, and strengthen education to build a more empowered and prosperous future.

Jai Hind! Jai Rana Tharu Community!

Note: The views expressed in this article are based on personal interactions, surveys, and interviews conducted with members of the Rana Tharu community.