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TIME: Is it your view that to achieve this, Nepal must pay some price, must make some sacrifice?
Gyanendra: These times are not going to be easy for the Nepalese. We have to learn to be austere and pull up our socks. We have to learn to stand on our own two feet, and I am not saying that because aid is going to be stopped. Extreme times require extreme measures. Extraordinary situations require extraordinary decisions. The nation must come first in these trying times.
TIME: Let's be frank here. When you talk about dark times ahead, what you're saying is: 'people are going to die.'
Gyanendra: How many have already lost their lives? My intention is to make sure that that does not happen in the future. In the history of a nation, these changes do take place and we all hope it's going to be for the better and that's what we must strive for. There is a long way to go and I have requested people to give me a certain amount of time and I intend to make the best use of that time in the wisest way possible. Without the cooperation of the people, no one can succeed. What is all this exercise for, if not for the people? What is democracy for?
TIME: Taking over after losing most of your family, and then facing a crisis in which you have to ask people to give up their lives: do you feel the burden of office?
Gyanendra: I feel it must be my destiny. And if that's the case, so be it. I will not shy away from responsibility. Without stability, there will be no prosperity, and prosperity is for posterity, not just for now. We have to balance our options, weigh them wisely. Which leader does not face pressure? For that matter, any leadership is a question of living dangerously and being at risk, but that does not mean one shies away from it. We learn to meditate, relax and execute things correctly, which is nothing new to our culture.
TIME: I've asked you this before, but how lonely are you, in power, facing a crisis alone, with most of your family gone?
Gyanendra: It depends how you view happiness and loneliness. If you pursue happiness, you will not achieve it. But if you seek happiness in duty, then happiness will follow like a shadow follows the sunshine. If by being lonely, you mean that I am unsatisfied, I can positively tell you that's not the case. I have a duty towards my nation and my people and I intend to fulfill it to the best of my ability.
TIME: Does the security situation, the threat, restrict your ability to connect with people?
Gyanendra: It's not so bad that I'm unable to move around. It's a misconception that I am confined within the compound of the palace. It's absolutely untrue. And as far as being in touch with the people, do people's voices reach me? Are their aspirations being fully represented? I think we have developed the correct mechanisms and representatives to get that across to us. I am fully satisfied that I am hearing the voice of the people.
TIME: Do you find support in religion?
Gyanendra: If you're asking me where is God, I would have asked you: where is he not? It's as simple as that. Yes, religion gives me solace, support. We all turn to something that gives us peace of mind. And that's only one thing. Speaking to people about your worries, it's like a valve opens and the pressure is released. One does not have to go berserk, or go into a state of depression. This is something that we continue to hear happens in your cities because of the values you have, because you are so interlinked with material pursuits.
Family is another thing that gives me support. Family ties are very important for me. A family that eats together, stays together and I insist on having a meal with my family daily. I believe family is the very foundation of society: when you enlarge a family, the social structure becomes civil society and enlarge that and it becomes a nation. My family is a fortress of strength, and I think each member realizes his of her responsibility and understands very well the changed context demands more responsibility, not irresponsibility.
TIME: On the responsibility and irresponsibility of members of the royal family, some have had concerns on that score regarding the Crown Prince.
Gyanendra: That's something you should ask him, it's not for me. But that new understanding and approach is already bearing fruit.
I would have thought you would ask me about what it's like being in power.
TIME: Well, sure, what is it like?
Gyanendra: Look, we all know that absolute power corrupts absolutely. We know these clichés, we've heard these things since our school days. For me, it's like this: he who exerts power, does so out of weakness. For me, power is patience and gentleness. There are three origins of power: wealth, strength and talent. The combination of all three, wisely used and applied, will give you what you seek.
TIME: What's in Nepal's future?
Gyanendra: With determination, discipline and diligence, Nepal will move forward. Perseverance, honesty and moral values must be part and parcel of our daily lives. A little law is required. If we achieve all this, then I am optimistic about the future of Nepal. Peace must be given a chance. Peace must reign. Then we can get on with the business of advancement of the system, of economics, of industries, of the wise use of our natural resources, and this will bring us to prosperity.
I am also confident that all our friends will understand and support us in the pursuit of these values and ideals. We have chosen a path now, and it's strewn with many, many thorns, but we intend to go over those thorns when it comes to the question of terrorism. Those who help us get rid of these thorns so that we can achieve our objective will be more than welcome and will identified as friends in times of need.
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