::KATHMANDU speaks:: 100% Freedom, 100% Democracy

Mera Scooter Chori Ho Gaya

2007-06-20T22:26:00.000+05:45

Treat to your ears

One of my favorite recordings of all time. Recorded in the voice of Indian literary giant Bhisham Sahani, this is LilaNanda Lal's satirical piece on how his scooter was lost.. The author presents the incident in a very funny way- and I listen to this recoding time and often to laugh. Download it from here and give a treat to your friends' ears.

Obviously, the mp3 is in Hindi.

I've written about it earlier too (The Happiest Man Ever). Seems I just can't forget the music of his voice and the humour that tickles your soul.

Click here to listen (Right click to "Save as" and download)

About Kathmandu Speaks

2007-04-13T01:21:00.000+05:45

Salik Shah has been published in The Kathmandu Post (Nepal) and The Statesman (India) besides Ohmynews International and SciDev.

'Kathmandu Speaks' is a project for a real cause- to inspire, to bring about changes in real people. This is just the beginning. There are a lots of things in offing. If you'd like to be a part of the project, have any ideas or want to extend support, please contact me.

Happy Blogging.

Kathmandu Speaks is a sincere attempt towards a better society. Against VIOLENCE. Against SUPPRESSION. Against IMPERIALISM. Against EXTORTION. Against EXPLOITATION. Against CORRUPTION. Against the devils of the modern world...

Reminiscence Of Childhood Dreams

Kathmandu Diary 01/11/07
By Citizen Correspondent Salik Shah

A rare simian line.

I don’t know what I’ll be doing after few years to come, but I know that I’ve already met my destiny. It’s here, with you.

When the Present has latched its postern behind my tremulous stay,
And the May month flaps its glad green leaves like wings,
Delicate-filmed as new-spun silk, will the neighbours say,
"He was a man who used to notice such things"?
If it be in the dusk when, like an eyelid's soundless blink,
The dewfall-hawk comes crossing the shades to alight
Upon the wind-warped upland thorn, a gazer may think,
"To him this must have been a familiar sight."

If I pass during some nocturnal blackness, mothy and warm,
When the hedgehog travels furtively over the lawn,
One may say, "He strove that such innocent creatures should come to no harm,
But he could do little for them; and now he is gone."

Afterwards
Thomas Hardy

I was not fond of palmistry before I realized that the lines on my right palm are a rare gift. I’ve a simian line, one that is a blend of both the head line and the heart line, and it lured me towards the fascinating science of palmistry. I bought a book and started reading what it meant. The author said that I had already found a purpose in my life. That such simian finds their purpose too early in their lives without even realizing that they have already started moving in a definite direction. It was true, I knew it had already happened to me.

I recall my early years in school. Then, I used to tell everyone,” I want to become a scientist.” I can’t stop cherishing those studious years, I was a happy go lucky kind. Almost everyone in my class wanted to be a doctor, or engineer and I used to feel proud that I would be only one scientist out of them.

Normal lines of a palm.

I began my own experiments, with mud, papers and later colors!

It was color that fascinated me. Those brilliant patches and my drawing teacher’s wonderful sketches astonished me. I thought- “this is my heart’s desire, I must paint.” LOL! There I was holding brush and palette of colors and painting. Now, I aspired to become an artist. I liked the way I painted hills and mountains, and a girl’s portrait.

It was during the starting period of adolescence, that I had a crush on this girl. For her, I used to paint, and also wrote beautiful numbers. I started keeping a diary with myself, and without even realizing I turned to writing poetry and reading them! That was the starting point, this later hobby finally turned out to be my trade. I really respect those women who came into my life at such an odd age. They taught me my lessons of love, friendship and life.

You might not believe but studying Liberal Arts in Nepal is a taboo. I was a brilliant student, but when I decided to go for the stream, my parents as well as my teachers expressed dissatisfaction. Here, the students with impressive grades opt for Science, and I had to go through a mental torture when I decided to respond to my hearts’ desire. I choose one of the most expensive colleges in town, because I wanted to show these people that no, money wasn’t the factor- that I really wanted to study Humanities. I’m really proud, and my first published article was on this very experience. It was “Studying Humanities”.

After writing that article, I started writing as if it was my only vocation. But my article failed to get published, and any response from the editors of one of the reputed English dailies here.

I wrote but my labors couldn’t pay me off. I got a job in a communication company, and left writing altogether. I wanted each and every lines of my article to ring but I failed to write what I wished to.

After few months, I had to return my old village. It is a remote countryside, but her sons are all in towns and cities of Europe and America and Arab world countries if not in Kathmandu. I had to attend a wedding ceremony in my village, and I enjoyed that experience. But there I happened to know Maoists more closely, and after they had killed one of my childhood heroes- my uncle, I could only hate them. My uncle was a great man.

When I was on my way back, I wrote one article “Politics is dirty game”. You can read the follow up “Power in Nepal: A Critical Analysis” in Ohmynews International, it was third article that earned me fifteen minutes of fame. However, this surely changed the way I used to write. My write ups started to take banal issues at the forefront, and soon after some time, I began to realize that if I don’t earn a name, then all my efforts would be futile. During this time, I had also applied for a job into one of the media houses.

Citizen Journalism- I didn’t know anything about this wonderful phenomenon until I was called for an interview. I was sure towards the end of the interview, that I had really impressed those three impressive men. Yeah, I was selected out of other tens of competitors, and I was the first employee of my current office.

Where I grew up : Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square in Kathmandu.

To my great surprise, I was going to work for a news portal, and again I was shocked to find my seniors were inspired by Ohmynews International. Rupesh Silwal is the first Ohmynews reporter in Nepal and had also got an opportunity to visit Seoul in 2005 and meet other citizen journalists from around the world. I was very excited to know about this and our website Jyotinews.com is going to be formally launched in few months. It is, however, not as big as Orato! Pretty much like Orato was in its first few weeks.

Now, I had already become a journalist. I like this profession but I can’t forget that it is literature that runs my blood. I do paint occasionally, and I still write beautiful numbers, but I forget to tell you about my madness- a passion called Web Designing. Well, may be next time. I was trying to become a jack in all trade, but now I think I know this trade so well. At last, when I’d be waiting to bid adieu, I don’t have any other aspirations but to be remembered as a simple human being. I know that I’ve miles to go before I finally sleep, and this is just the starting of my perilous journey, but I’m glad that I’ve already met my fate so early. Now, I've to live up to my people's expectations- and sustain myself.

Perhaps, I’m very fortunate that God is with me. I’m very fortunate to have my mom with me. There are people who love me, and I know this. I’ve hurt some of them so many times, and I want to say sorry. I want to make you laugh, I want to make my people happy. I can’t stand tears and injustice.

For PEACE.

I want my fellow men to be proud of their country. I want to see my country in peace and prosperity. That’s my dream. I’ve made it the only purpose of my life. I wish to take Nepal to the world stage, perhaps, this is the only purpose in my life for now. I don’t know what I’ll be doing after few years to come, but I know that I’ve already met my destiny. It’s here, with you.

If, when hearing that I have been stilled at last, they stand
at the door,
Watching the full-starred heavens that winter sees,
Will this thought rise on those who will meet my face no more,
"He was one who had an eye for such mysteries"?

And will any say when my bell of quittance is heard in the gloom,
And a crossing breeze cuts a pause in its outrollings,
Till they rise again, as they were a new bell's boom,
"He hears it not now, but used to notice such things"?

Afterwards
Thomas Hardy

Important: Please Update Yourself

2007-03-26T23:59:00.000+05:45

Dear Kathmandu Speaks Readers,

Kathmandu Speaks is moving- from kathspeaks to kathmanduspeaks.blogspot.com. That way, it'll be easy to remember the blog url as well.

New blog URL:
http://kathmanduspeaks.blogspot.com

Few of the changes will show up, but the blog is almost same the same. I request you to update yourself and my new feed address is:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/kathmanduspeaks

I'm sorry for the inconvenience that it might have caused to you due to these changes. The posts in this blog will remain here, and I'm still trying out few new things in this blog as well. But my new posts will be published in my new blog.

I can only expect continued support from you.

With Best Regards,
Salik Shah

Gaur Carnage- A turning point in Nepali politics?

2007-03-26T00:06:00.000+05:45

The Madhesi movement which seemed recovering from the toll of post-Christmas three weeks long andolan (movement) which left about three dozen dead. Now, it has been paralyzed by Gaur carnage which occurred on Wednesday. It seems to be a turning point in Nepali politics. Madhesi People’s Rights Forum has dared to attack Maoists- they killed at least 28 people in such worst, cold and grisly manner that it has won many enemies overnight and their own followers have been distancing themselves from the party.

Government’s Response/Maoists Pressure:

Today, Maoists’ parliamentary leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara tabled a public interest motion which was approved unanimously by the legislative parliament. The motion demands that a high-level commission should be formed on the basis of political consensus to probe into the Gaur carnage and tough action against the culprits including necessary compensation to the victims' families and free treatment to the Maoists cadres who sustained injuries during the Gaur violence.

Besides that, it has also asked the government to seize the weapons belonging to anti-Maoist retaliation groups. Such groups were formed and armed by the state during the Maoist insurgency. It has also demanded that the government should ban those groups that pose threat to communal harmony and the country's sovereignty hinting towards the ban on MPRF.

However, Home Minister Krishna Prasad Situala said that the government will form an investigation commission taking consideration to the seriousness and sensitivity of the Gaur incident, but not on the basis of politics. He insisted that law should take its course in order to bring the criminals to justice.

MPRF’s Clarifications:

MPRF General Secretary, Ram Kumar Sharma said to BBC, “The Maoists-affiliated Madhesi Mukti Morcha tried to attack some twenty-five thousands people who were participating in our mass meeting. They tried to foil the program.”

“Our program was scheduled to be held there, and we had informed people about it a week ago. But they went on to call another meeting at the same place- that too on the same day but they announced their program just a day before our meeting was going to take place- I call this drama- to make our program unsuccessful.”

“However, there were only 200-300 Maoists cadres who under the leadership of Shastri attacked us. Our 20-25 thousands people retaliated and the incident took place.”

“It should be taken into account that only Maoists have not sustained casualties. Our speaker … Patelji was also injured and so many other people have also received injuries. But due to the large number of people retaliating against a handful number of Maoists cadres- the casualties on their side was high.”

Maoists’ Mistakes:

It has been confirmed by most of the Nepali media that Maoists-affiliated Madhesi Mukti Morcha had attacked the mass meeting being organized by MPRF.

However, Maoists say that they had already talked with Forum prior to organizing their own program in a 100 meters distance. But it seems that the Maoists tried to play smart and disrupt the rival party’s function. It must be taken into account that the Madhesi Uprising which left about three dozen deaths back a month had only started after a Maoists cadre shot dead a 16-year-old boy, Ramesh Kumar Mahato, in Lahan, Siraha.

After the toll began to increase every other day, the government was supposed to hold dialogues with the agitating groups. For a while, it seemed that there will be dialogues. But the MPRF insisted that they won’t initiate talks until Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula quits. He didn’t quit- and the talks never happened. Due to the government’s lack of interest in addressing the demands of Madhesi people directly, MPRF was successful in garnering support from the Madhesi people. Even though many hesitate to admit this, MPRF wnet on to threaten the very popular base of Maoists-affiliated Madhesi Mukti Morcha led by Matrika Prasad Yadav. So, Maoists become their sworn enemies. More than often, Maoists leaders used words like ‘criminals’, ‘vagabonds’ etc for MPRF, tantalizing them to organize more intense protests and strikes.

Now, people have beginning to raise questions about the Maoists attitude and ego problem. It was due to this attitude to suppress opponents’ voice, crush it with the barrels of guns and threats from its cadres for donations that earned it disrepute. Now, MPRF is a single party in the country which has opposed the Maoists- but unfortunately, MPRF choose the same path Maoists have been using- of violence and bloodshed. Many people here think MPRF is just a group of ‘few’ hundred people- if it was so then why did the loss on Maoists’ side was so high? Maoists were never so innocent as to remain quiet when others attack them. Moreover, they have a habit to attack innocent, ordinary people.

Seven Suspects of Gaur Carnage Arrested:

Altogether seven people have been arrested by the police as yet. They have been accused of being part of the Gaur carnage and the police have also found weapons from their place. Meanwhile, India has said that it will help Nepal detain the culprits behind the massacre.

Home Ministry prohibits MPRF from holding mass meet:

Meanwhile, according to media reports, local administrations in some Terai districts, namely Rautahat, Siraha, Jhapa and Morang, have been instructed by the Home Ministry to prohibit MPRF from organizing any program in the area. A curfew order coinciding with the scheduled mass meet of MPRF was imposed on Saturday in Golbazar, Siraha.

It has been also reported that Morang district administration has issued prohibitory orders for four days beginning Saturday which means any kind of gathering, protest or sit-ins has been banned. Similarly, local administrations in Morang and Jhapa forced MPRF to cancel mass meet in the respective districts.

However, Deputy House Speaker Chandrika Yadav, a Madhesi leader herself, said that if the government issues arrest warrants against the MPRF leaders, it will be a major mistake। Central Committee member of Nepali Congress -Democratic headed by former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Yadav also said that if the government tries to suppress the on-going Madhesi movement, then it will be disastrous for the whole country. Speaking to media persons in a program organized yesterday in Rupendehi by Federation of Nepalese Journalists-Rupendehi chapter, Yadav also stressed on need of dialogues but accused the government of not trying to solve the Madhesi people. She warned that if the government perceives the movement as wrong or as a crime-then this will be the biggest tragedy for the country.

Also published in NowPublic.

MPRF blames Maoists for Gaur Tragedy; Will take responsibility if found guilty

2007-03-24T00:17:00.000+05:45

MPRF has a video of the Gaur incident; Demands a high level probe by international human rights commission into the Gaur incident; Says ready to take responsibility of the killings if found guilty

People are terrified and too afraid to sleep after the Gaur killings. They are guarding their lives and properties- those who are still in the town are all awake. Those who could move- have already moved to the Indian side. The whole town is in constant fear- they fear that still more violence could follow.

Although the local administration has tightened the security, the local people said that many of the local people have gone to their relatives and friends in India after the incident. Those who remain here on this side of the border also feel that criminal elements from the Indian side still continue to pose threat to their security and lives.

"After the Maoists cadres beat up some women who were fetching grass for their livestock (in village Hajminia), they yelled for help- and some MPRF activists who were passing by heard their voices. The MPRF activists then came to the place, and took the Maoists cadres under their control. They took them to the nearby temple- BodhiDevi Temple- and killed them," a local said to BBC Nepali Service correspondent Brij Kumar Yadav. Altogether, 12 Maoists cadres were killed at the temple premises- out of a total of at least 28 people including Maoists cadres.

However, MPRF can’t maintain righteousness over the manner in which MPRF activists killed the Maoists cadres. According to human rights activists who made on-field inspection, the shocking details of the murder have surfaced. Besides, a dozen killed in BodhiDevi temple in gruesome manner, the news of the murderers raping five women and cutting off their breasts before killing them has also surfaced.

It has been also speculated that there might be hands of an organized criminal gang taking consideration to the grisly manner of killings. The corpses of the victims have sustained grave wounds made by bamboo sticks and spears which were used repeatedly to smash their heads.

However, MPRF has denied taking the responsibility of the tragedy. MPRF General Secretary, Ram Kumar Sharma, talked with BBC Nepali Service and defended his party and gave some light into the details about the incident. He went on to say that MPRF will take the responsibility if found guilty by a high level international human rights commission investigation into the Gaur killings.

“The Maoists-affiliated Madhesi Mukti Morcha led by Prabhu Shashtri tried to attack some twenty-five thousands people who were participating in our mass meeting. They tried to foil the program.”

“However, there were only 200-300 Maoists cadres who under the leadership of Shastri attacked us. Our 20-25 thousands people retaliated and the incident took place.”

“We have also recorded a video of the incident. You can also watch Nepal Television- the women brought by Shastri attacked us all by sudden. There were also Indian media persons.”

“We are ready to take the responsibility of the incident if we are found guilty by an independent probe led by a high level international human rights commission into the killings.”

At the same time, about 17 corpses of the Gaur victims were cremated on the bank of holy Bagmati in Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu today. Anger, grief and mourning has stuck to the national mood. While people are asking Maoists to maintain restrain, the anger in the Madhesh against Maoists is also palpable.

Based on the BBC NepaliService report on the Gaur tragedy broadcast today. Photograph: Mysansar

Why Upendra Yadav is SILENT?

2007-03-23T22:37:00.000+05:45

Here is an insightful forum going on. I took part in it.

Photograph: Sagar Shrestha/स्वससे, Mysansar

Why Upendra Yadav is SILENT?

अब पनी कोही नया नेपालको नारा लगाउन चाहन्छ की? उपेन्द्र यादव is silent. He’s probably in captivity of royalists- or he might be thinking that his political career has come to an end without even being started.

The result of Maoists’ power show would be like this- they had not thought. But yes- those reactionary, foreign and palace forces could go on to plan and implement such ‘GRAND DESIGNS’. OH! So why these short-sighted foolish and sheepish leaders are ruling us? Eight party must go then. I don’t like to call those who were killed there as Maoists- they were people our people and not of a particular party alone. They are in that party because they don’t have other sources of income, they don’t have other jobs, beacuse they don’t want to do other works- because some of them might want to become another Girija, another Prachanda.

Prachanda- and EPA is ebbing out crocodile’s tears. If they really cared about the lives of Nepali people then Maoists insurgency would never have taken in first place- then they could have solved Madhesi problem long before this loss of disastrous proportion could take place.

Now, we are blaming Yadav- but I believe that there are other forces behind him, as many of the readers believe. But I don’t blame him alone- Nepalis know now that their leaderships is a failure. Now, I want to see how Prachanda exploits this tragedy for his benefit. He will use the increasing hatred towards the MPRF for his party’s benefit- like our other leaders have always manipulated other tragedies. They don’t care for us- they only care for themselves and their families. And that’s the tragedy of our country.

What will Girija do now? BAN MPRF? Even if they ban them- they won’t stop now. Maoists didn’t stop then, now MPRF would have (financial and other) backing from many ’sources’- if nobody helps- they have an option to loot, extort and ask for donations same like our Maoists are doing. Should they launch search and destroy operations? Can there be any solution with another bloody suppression of Madhesi people’s demands- even if their ways are wrong- even if Maoists is trying to present themselves as the people’s power- I have met enough Madhesi people who supported Upendra Yadav’s forum.

I’m waiting to hear from him. Will he also accuse other 'forces' for the killings? I wonder if he would also go on to deny any involvement into this killings like our Maoists friends often do. Or would he ask for forgiveness for the tragedy that has occurred in his party’s name? I’m still looking forward for answers- and for other readers here- please don’t run after Maoists and MPRF- think about the Nepalis people being killed. It doesn’t matter who has killed them- it is always in benefit of this politician or that politician. Blame all of them-

Maoists could have stopped the loss only if they had not tried to disrupt scheduled programme of any other group. यो तीनका बाउको मात्र देश होइन। Everyone has right to call meetings and functions- but it seems जोसमा होस हुन्न भनेको साचैई हो।. One side of the story is clear- but where’s the other side? I want to see that too.

Gun Culture- Maoists born seeds finally showing up; At least 27 dead in Maoists-MPRFclash

2007-03-22T12:26:00.000+05:45

Disaster havocs Madhesh

The news of exchange of fire between the Maoists cadres and Madhesi People’s Rights Forum (MPRF) activists that left about thirty dead and several others seriously injured- has shocked Nepalis. The incident took place after a dispute- over who will use an open ground in front of mills area- took a nasty turn in Gaur, the district headquarters of Rautahat which is situated in the southern plains of Nepal.

According to a local daily, The Himalayan Times-

“Most of those who died in the encounter are Maoists,” SP Khanal said, adding that the bodies were kept at the Gaur Hospital for post-mortem.

The clash occurred when the MJF activists destroyed a podium prepared by the Maoist-affiliated Madhesi Mukti Morcha for a mass meeting at Rice Mill ground in Gaur in the afternoon. Cross-firing occurred immediately when the Maoists attacked the MJF activists who were also preparing to hold their mass meeting at the same venue, eyewitnesses said.

The clash in Gaur continued for about half-an-hour, leaving at least 10 persons dead. Among them, six died on the spot, while four died while undergoing treatment, Khanal said, adding all those killed were Maoists.

The two groups, scattered after the Gaur clash, resumed fighting at a near-by village, he said. The police have brought 12 bodies to the district headquarters Gaur till late evening from Hajmaniya VDC, which is five kilometres east of Gaur, Khanal said, adding the police have also found two more bodies at Gaur Municipality-4.”

It also said-

“The clash occurred when the Maoists tried to foil a mass gathering scheduled to be organised by the MJF, said the MJF sources.

Nanda Kishor Shah of the Youth Forum in Rautahat said: “We had published our programme schedule a week ago. However, the Maoists came to organise their programme at the same venue to thwart our programme.”

It is shocking to hear that both the Maoist-affiliated Madhesi Mukti Morcha led by Matrika Yadav and the MPRF led by Upendra Yadav had planned their mass meetings in the area at the same time- both sides are responsible for the loss of people’s lives. They were totally aware of what could happen- so they came prepared (armed) to kill innocent people? At a time when the eight-party alliance is turning deaf ears to the demands led by Madhesi and indigenous groups, this incident is a clear signal to the people that now Maoists are not a single armed group in the country, but others like two separate factions of Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha, one new Madhesi armed group called ‘Madhesi Tigers’, and now MPRF besides those criminals, goons and dons of the capital- they are all armed!

A series of my write ups regarding the Madhesi Uprising were published in Ohmynews International. First of which was published on January 22, 2007. Today is March 22, 2007- that means our political leaders have failed to find a solution to the Madhesi problem even after the death of over three dozens people in about two months time. I wonder why our prime minister never grants meeting to any groups till it took to streets, violence and vandalism- or worse- innocent, ordinary people get killed. Our corrupt, greedy and power-hungry politicians have already forgotten how to be sincere to their jobs and remain accountable to their own people- but they still pursue entirely their personal and political interests.

Today, our eight-party alliance’s widely dubbed new Nepal has surfaced. Their lies have been exposed- and people are again starting to say that ‘jati jogi aaye pani kannai chireko’ old proverb again (every leaders are same- greedy, corrupt and power-hungry). It’s no wonder then why so many revolutions and uprisings in our country always failed. Today, again the blood of innocent people has been spilled all over our soil. I’ve expressed fear in each and every write up that a new civil war- a disastrous awakening awaits Nepalis. I wonder now can anyone help us prevent the disaster? Today, Nepal has turned into an animal farm- I wonder if there’s a way out from this turmoil. Perhaps, there is lest our leaders forget themselves and yearns for a united, peaceful and prosperous nation called ‘Nepal’.

Now, the government should find out the truth and expose the hands of any hidden forces in the incident. If the government fails to provide necessary compensation to the victims’ families, then the situation will only aggravate. It is the weakness and stubbornness of our Home Minister Sitaula that the disastrous incident took place- now there is nothing he can do except step down to pave a way for new and capable leadership in his place. I wonder if Girija should also step down- and give Prachanda his chance to kill people like this. I salute you all, dear Eight-party alliance. Thank you for making amiable environment for such massacres…

I repeat- these politicians are indeed Sati’s curse. Here are the blessings for them:

Acknowledgements:
Umesh Shrestha has done an incredible-honest job by posting these pictures in his blog, Merosansar , in form of a flash slide show. But I couldn't resist using them to show up what the real circumstances were. I'd like to thank the actual photographer who took these photos at such challenging time.

Animal Farm: New Nepal

2007-03-21T16:48:00.000+05:45

Ashish , reading the current turmoil in Nepal, wrote to me in “Down with Eight-Party Alliance, Down with CPN-Maoists”; “We want peace and security!"

"Have you read George Orwell's novel 'Animal Farm'. the current situation in Nepal reminds of this novel."

For our Kathmandu Speaks readers who are yet to read this novel, and to our Nepali sheep- this excerpt with an introductory note from 'Outline to English Literature' would suffice:

Perhaps, his (Orwell's) most famous work is a political allegory, Animal Farm (1945), which tells the story of a political revolution that went wrong. The animals are on a farm, led by pigs, drive out their master Jones and take control of the farm, but the purity of their political ideas is soon destroyed, and they end by being just as greedy and dishonest as the farmer whom they drove out:

"
Meanwhile life was hard. Once again all rations were reduced, except those of pigs and the dogs. A too rigid equality in rations, Squealer explained, would have been contrary to the principles of Animalism. In any case he had no difficulty in proving to the other animals that they were not in reality short of food, whatever the appearance might be. For the time being, certainly, it has been found necessary to make a readjustment of rations (Squealer always spoke of it as a 'readjustment', never as a 'reduction')... The animals believed every word of it. Truth to tell, Jones and all he stood for had almost faded out of their memories. They knew that life nowadays was harsh and bare, that they were often hungry and often cold, and that they were usually working when they were not asleep. But doubtless it had been worse in the old days. They were glad to believe so.

"

I was looking for some political cartoons for Animal Farm- and these cartoons are brialliant. I'd like to thank all of them for such marvellous, inspiring and sincere paintings. I've taken these pictures from Loc.gov and WittyWorld.com and United We Blog.

Kathmandu Diary November 4, 2006

True- Nepal is an aminal farm. I always thought- Nepalis are sheep (including me)! And you might be surprised that once I wrote this at the time of at the time of April Uprising. Don't mind, going through a drunken politicians brabblings:

A Drunken Politician’s True Confession

Dear Kranti,

Why did you fail to win ‘her’ heart? You couldn’t even gather support from thousands of your Nepalese brothers and sisters here. Your foreign friend Revolution has decided to teach you some lessons. I’m so serious about those sincere efforts that I’ve already criticized this Andolon. No, not that I’m drunk…
People as-they-are is like flocks of sheep- foolish and very sensitive. They are incited to condemn what may or may not be even true. They rush to the streets to burn newspapers- they fight “words” with “swords”. However, we do remember the old jokes of our brave but booby ancestors. But we still fight pens with guns. (Yea! The Gurkhali's blood runs through our veins. And those same Gurkhas are in the streets!)

I’m a stupid as well, I can prove this. One instance of our ‘united’ stupidity was the incident that followed the Iraq-Kanda on September 1^st. After the mass-movement and the vandalism of several mosques and man-power agencies, what I found- the broken faith of our own community, their shattered beliefs and the real “face” of our legendary tolerance everywhere. All my ‘bleats’ failed to bring those 12 dead bodies back home. (Should I regret?) Those, who had gone mad after the massacre of ‘only’ twelve Nepalese abroad, have ignored the killings of so many Nepalese in our own soil. Are we foolish or not then, tell me?

Dear, I’m unable to find your traces anywhere on the faces of our ordinary people. You haven’t arrived here yet. But oh! Your supporters often make news-headlines from our jungles. The newest of them is the ‘attack’ at Chautara. You remember, how some fourteen years ago, I lamented that you were busy meeting our politicians and lost among our corrupt bureaucracy. But then too, I’d not forgotten to criticize their Andolon.

It seems to me that my ‘bleats’ are being paid less attention than it truly deserves. I’m unable to lure your well-wishers on the streets of Ratnapark and Newroad. But with this Naakabandi (Economic Blockade), I know these people would have no option. Those I see are either other politicians or their followers (actually they worship green notes and nobody else!) and “foolish” students. Foolish isn’t a bad word. The great poet Bhupi Sherchan had used it for “us”. It doesn’t matter if you’re a student or not to be a “foolish” as all of us for all Nepalese are. So when my ‘bleats’ were ignored again and again, I didn’t bother to crave for justice anymore. I’d taken the path away from the mainstream- from Buddha – into the darkness of our mighty jungles. And I started to criticize their Aandolan even more violently and with much vigor.
Since I took up arms and started another struggle for the original “power”. They first opposed me but now these other politicians seem very determined to support me (but they are really supporting their own vested interests not me or my people). But I’ve failed to bring these “sheep” to the streets again. The silence doesn’t herald support anymore. It seems they don’t care as much as I do for my country (which is only mine) and my people (-who supports me and obey my decisions. He who doesn’t is hence- a “sheep”.) My beloved countrymen (and not the flock of “sheep”!), I ask you to support them (For only they are true and model sons of Nepal!) to vandalize cars and buildings that belongs to the government and others as well (And ‘other’ means “sheep”- you know this well!). We crush their houses and destroy their infrastructure! “We want to start everything i.e. development from a big and void Zero…” One of my comrades confessed me when I asked him why we do what we do besides only killing these worthless flocks of “sheep”.

But I’d been unable to cope with more failures in the last few months. I’m sorry but now I wonder if my ways are wrong. I don’t want to bleed anymore. I don’t want to kill anyone. I’ve failed to win the hearts of “others” whom you loved very much. Dear Kranti, I’m sorry but I want to ac
knowledge my greatest fault. I need to reconsider my thoughts. My second-thoughts tell me that I need to consider all Nepalese (not only my people) – aware and educated citizens of this country and not mere flocks of “sheep” anymore. But I don’t have this habit of listening much of my conscience. Because (I’m a politician by heart,) I’ve to fight for that ideal state. I’m so serious about my own efforts these days that I seldom pay attention to the criticisms made of my course of conduct or their very intentions. (I do pay attention to the human right activists and few journalists who are full of praises for me and this so-called fight for full democracy!)

Dear, I want to assure you that you need not worry. We, politicians, are not and will never be accountable to our own people. But we are, of course, accountable to the foreign masters and reputed industrialists who fund our campaigns. Poor Kranti, you’re a real fool for you trusted me (as you hoped that I’d bring you here once again to ruin me). But oh! You didn’t have any other alternatives like so many other people. So, like many helpless Nepalese, you have no option but to trust me. Yeah! Trust me. Nepalese, I’d like to declare once and again, are foolish and sensitive and their characteristics resemble with the flocks of “sheep”. Don’t you agree? Who cares if you do or not? You’d never know until you’re a respected (, shameless and corrupt) politician like me. Hik..AUUh!!!

Yours truly,
I’m A Drunken Politician’s True Confession

Notes:
Kranti- 'Revolution' in Nepali, also 'Andolan'.
Written at real time... But it seems things haven’t changed much.
"And remember, nothing can be accomplished by taking to the streets."

“Down with Eight-Party Alliance, Down with CPN-Maoists”; “We want peace and security!”

2007-03-20T13:43:00.000+05:45

What would you do if your servants are lazy, fishy and opportunist? You would kick him out, what else. Then, you hire a new servant. But he, too, tries to rob you off- doesn't give a damn to the purpose he was hired for and feels like he is your boss- and even, beats you up with help of his workers union! Our servants, our those very public servants- those recently hired 'proletariats' sees dream of ruling a class which is more civilized, educated, economically independent and literate. We are all workers here, but it seems those 'beggars', those servants whom we hired to build a New Nepal are busy building their own homes with our money, sending their own children to foreign academic institutions in the quota reserved for children of poor working class people.

"Down with Prachandapath, Down with Eight-party Alliance. Down with CPN-Maoists!" This are not my slogans- this is the slogan of thousands and thousands of people who gathered at Basantapur Durbar Square today noon to show that there is no other force than the united force of people. There is not a single party who can stand against our unity- and today, I tell you- We don't need these hypocrites, lowly and corrupt politicians to rebuild this country- You, me and our business- our industries, factories, export-import business, educational institutions, transportation, financial institutions, airlines, market, this is what can give a definite shape to our future. Today, these same people staged a massive rally in the capital. While most of the academic institutions, hotels and business centres have remained closed today, vehicles were plying as usual. The indefinite bandh has crippled life partially in Pokhara, Birgunj, Butwal, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, among others places, according to media reports. However the bandh has not affected life in Biratnagar, as Morang businessmen have decided not to join protests called by a total of 71 entrepreneurs’ organisations, including the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) from 3 pm yesterday.

Now, that the economic sector of the country has come to the streets along with people and professionals from all fields against the brutal beating of one of the hoteliers yesterday, the Maoists will know who the boss is. Prachanda is our very servant- today, after participating in the rally of our own (non-political) people- I have realize this for the first time. I was always thinking if they were entitled to rule us- but no- we have our very right to choose.

Our so-called prime minister Girija always refuses to meet students until they took to streets, refuses to listen to Madhesis till they disrupts the life in theentire country- till as many as three-four dozens of people get killed. Girija always is ill- I wish only if he were long dead. Girija always refuses to meet delegations until they call indefinite strikes and halts the business. When the business is closed- where will he find money to eat and live like a prime minister? So, he comes out- few road-shows- few-speeches and emotional “this is perhaps my last appearance in TV” type of pleadings.

A local daily, The Himalayan Times wrote today-A total of 71 entrepreneurs’ organisations, including the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI), today announced a nationwide closure of all industries, including the transport and education sectors, from 3 pm today till the leaders of the eight parties including the Prime Minister meet them and express commitment to ensure peace and security in the business sector.

The unexpected move came when PM Girija Prasad Koirala refused to meet a delegation of entrepreneurs who had gone to the PM’s residence to talk about the incident in which a group of Maoists yesterday night allegedly severely beat up Hari Shrestha, owner of Hotel Woodland at Durbarmarg.

Hotel entrepreneurs said the Maoists took away 58-year old Shrestha from the hotel premises and landed him at the emergency room of the Bir Hospital after they severely beat him up at the office of Surya Carpet at Bouddhanagar. The Maoists, according to the hotel entrepreneurs, tortured him as he refused to donate Rs 2 million to them.

The entrepreneurs today announced an indefinite strike at a press meet outside the premises of the PM’s residence. “We will go for an indefinite strike till the government ensures peace and security in the business sector,” said Chandiraj Dhakal, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber and Commerce (FNCCI) said at the press conference.

The entrepreneurs demanded that pressure, kidnapping, vandalism, looting and terror of donation should be immediately stopped. “The government should take immediate and stern action against any culprit involved in such activities and the details about that should be made public,” a press release issued by the entrepreneurs’ associations stated.

Earlier, entrepreneurs led by Dhakal and Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) president Binod Chaudhary took out a rally from the hotel and reached the PM’s official residence to discuss the incident. The rally ended at Jamal after it went through Baluwatar, Dillibazaar and Tri-Chandra college.

“We will close down all the industries, factories, export-import business, educational institutions, transportation, financial institutions, airlines, markets and any other service from 3 pm today,” the press release stated.

The entrepreneurs’ associations include FNCCI, CNI, Hotel Association of Nepal, Advertising Agencies’ Association of Nepal, Nepal Airlines’ Operators’ Association and others. The release said the kidnapping of 25 entrepreneurs from within the capital till date makes it clear there is no sense of security in the country.

Maoists- I don't know why I've so many problems with these people. Honestly, I've problems with other political parties too. But I tell you why my hatred towards the Maoists, towards Prachanda, Baburam, that Yadav is always increasing. When they started their armed struggle- it was good until they become pompous and self-aggrandizing and very thing that we don't at least expect in freedom fighters. They locked us in a classroom to preach. Our teachers had asked us not to ask them any questions. But I asked- I couldn’t remain quiet. I asked them- "Is it good to kill people for your benefit?" One of them said, "Yes, if by killing ten people, one life can be saved, we will do it." No, they went on to justify their acts of violence, extortion and rampant destruction.

"We want to destroy everything- then, we'll start from ZERO!" When we love somebody madly, we can sacrifice ourselves for their cause. And when the same person who loved so much begins to reap benefits from your love- you cannot stop feeling this intense hatred that I feel towards them. Let’s destroy everything- then we will start from a big zero, comrades! So, now you want to chase always local businessmen and medical practitioners, professionals of the country as well. I wonder- your Maoists-affiliated students group is producing very talented, extraordinary professionals, who have academic excellence, isn’t so? I wonder if you even take classes at all- besides politicking in your own academic institutions.

I can not stop myself from being emotional- I hate this patriotism that always makes me weak and frustrated. If I’m to die, and God asks me to make only one wish. I'd make-God, let me kill all those top heads with my very hand, and let me irrigate our soil with their blood, and the new seeds of Nepal will born honest citizens, self-less leaders and a prosperous and peaceful nation.

Acknowledgments:
Stills modified from Nepalnews.com. A Nepalnews Video of this event is also availbale. Click here.

Bob Woolmer’s Death Shocks World Cricket

2007-03-19T11:19:00.000+05:45

Suicide, murder or cardiac arrest?

"Woolmer was always a calming influence on the team and if stress took his life away, I find it difficult to believe," Former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald said on Bob Woolmer's sudden death. Woolmer died within a day after Pakistan was eliminated from the World Cup by Ireland's part-timers!

Pakistan Coach Woolmer, 58, was a former England Test batsman and ex-South Africa coach and widely regarded as one of the most innovative coaches in the game. The news of his death has shocked the world- more than Pakistan's defeat. According to media reports, he was discovered unconscious in his hotel room in Kingston and was later pronounced dead at a city hospital. But who is responsible for his death? Pakistani team, Pakistani media or the people who chanted slogans of "Death to Woolmer, Death to Inzamam" after the team's disgraceful performance.

However, those who were his bitter critic till yesterday have become his sympathizers overnight! Imran Khan, who was busy criticizing Woolmer till Sunday evening, has changed his track. Now, he holds the Pakistan cricket team as responsible for his death.

“Whatever the general public in Pakistan says, the fact is that Bob was not responsible for Pakistan’s defeat or any other loss that the team has faced because the coach’s job is simply to teach and instruct," said Khan to a DNA.

According to DNA, after the team's loss to Ireland, a huge crowd had gathered in front of Pakistani captain Inzamam ul-Haq’s Multan residence and chanted slogans of "Death to Woolmer, Death to Inzamam".

"The performance of the Pakistan team is a sheer responsibility of the captain and no one but Inzamam is responsible for the exit of the team from the World Cup. And the poor performance of the Pakistani team is the only cause of Woolmer’s cardiac arrest," Khan said.

Former cricket captain Asif Iqbal said Woolmer's conscience, a great aspect of his character, became the reason for his death.

“Bob had been under intense criticism ever since he had been appointed as the national coach, especially by the former coaches of the team. But the loss to Ireland was too extreme a shock for him to recover from,” he said.

According to former opener Saeed Anwar, Woolmer was a very sensitive person and his team’s loss caused his death, the DNA website reported.

“It is very sad that everyone found his unconscious body in the hotel room when it was too late.”

Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. Upsets and amazements are always its part. In 1996, who would have ever thought minnows like Sri Lanka would win the World cup. However, the same team was beaten by Kenya in 2003. India's defeat to Bangladesh this year is an upset, but it had beaten Pakistan in 1999. Even non-Test playing nations have the potential to beat the so-called Test playing nations.

Nepal has beaten several Test playing nations in Under-19 ICC World Cup. Nepal has beaten Pakistan, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Bangladesh among others. So, win and loss is the part of game. However, the way former Pakistani coaches and captains went on to criticize and humiliate a sensitive, assuring and one of the most innovative coaches in the game, Woolmer, after the game. It was disgraceful how they reacted. They should have accepted the defeat in more dignified manner, but they went on to blame each other for Pakistan's defeat. Is this the example of sportsmanship? Besides Miandad, Imran Khan has also been criticizing Woolmer for his coaching and strategies in the recent past.

Woolmer had said prior to World Cup that they were not taking any group or team for granted and not even Ireland, who he declared a good side. Once he said, "I can only coach the players, the rest they would have to do themselves in the field. I can't do it in the field." Woolmer was a positive influence to the Pakistan team in his life. Let's hope, even after his passing he remains the same.

Acknowledgments: Still from The Hindu Website

Bangladesh inspires; but we must pray for India’s survival

2007-03-18T19:15:00.000+05:45

Nepal could also beat Team India in West Indies! What I’m more concerned with is the attitude of ICC towards the other cricket playing nations like Kenya (which made it to semi-finals in the last World Cup), Ireland, Scotland, or any other teams like Saudi Arabia, Nepal and so on. They don’t want to promote cricket in real sense. If India can’t make it to Super8 phase- there will be nothing to watch in this cricket.

“After India's shock defeat to Bangladesh, skipper Rahul Dravid admitted he misread the pitch but also minced no words in criticising his famed batsmen for the dismal show.

"I looked at the wicket in the morning and felt it was a lot drier than we had come to expect in the Caribbean. We thought it would get progressively slower and useful to spinners which it did actually.

"I don't think other members of the team felt differently about the pitch either. We all felt that it could be difficult in the first 40-50 minutes of batting but would then help the batsmen. But it was a lot damper."

India was bundled out for 191 in 49.3 overs. Bangladesh won with five wickets in hand in the Group 'B' match.

Indians were outclassed by Bangladesh in every department of the game and found their World Cup ambitions in tatters at Queen's Park Oval, ironically the venue where India's best moments in the Caribbean have happened over the years.

"Our batting was bad throughout. It is not as if we haven't recovered from poor start in the past. Still the way Sourav and Yuvraj had set about repairing the middle, we could have ended up with 30-40 extra runs.

The worst part of the batting came when India slipped from 157-4 to 159-9 in the space of 15 balls.

"Those two wickets falling in quick succession set us back badly," Dravid said.

Dravid was all praise for the manner in which Bangladesh performed, specially for man-of-match Mashrafee Mortaza as well as their daring seventeen-year-old opener Tamim Iqbal who razed the Indian attack to score a bold 51 off 53 balls that set the run chase.

"Mortaza actually bowled very well up front. He bowled in very good areas and asked some difficult questions.

"Tamim then batted bravely when Bangladesh chased and it helped them in their chase," said Dravid in response to a question that teams in 50-50 situation sometimes end up committing hara-kiri by batting timidly.

Dravid admitted it was a shock for all other members of the side but refused to believe that the performance was due to lack of effort.

"When wickets were falling and we were gathering in the middle, I could see how keen were the boys to do well. It was not for want of effort.

"We now have to recover and do our best. I don't think there is any confusion on what we need to do. We need to win both the remaining games of the group and hope that other results also fall our way."
(“Our batting was bad throughout: Dravid”, Hindu)

As if the defeat wasn’t enough in itself, right after India lost the game to what one Indian audience said to “minnows”, Star News took the lead to share the nation’s pain and anger. “Call us and give your opinion about Team India’s loss,” the host of the Indian news channel said as if telling people to call and express their anger. But honestly speaking, I was happy. It was like my dream come true. Since Dada’s comeback, we’ve been making earnest wishes- “Ganguly should make century, but Team India must lose.” But we were talking about ICC World Cup finale, but to see India lose to Bangladeshi team was a biggest upset and disgraceful. I’ll tell you why- if India loses then the joy of cricket will evaporate from the South-Asian sub-continent. God! What to enjoy when Star News isn’t there! Without the whole Indian cricket drama, I’d better say that cricket has no future at all.

“Arey, sukar kijiye. Ham log Pakistan ki tarah to gamese bahar nahi huye hain. Hum abhi bhi hope kar sakte hain,” one audience called to say after finding some relief in the Pakistani tragedy. I couldn’t watch the very match, and when I woke up at around 3:50 am last night, I switched on the TV. Ah! The game was over. So, I switched to Indian news channel. “Bharatne Bangladesh ko haraya” (India beats Bangladesh) was the flash-headline. NO! Then I realized it was- “Bharatko Bangladeshne Haraya!” (India beaten by Bangladesh!). Then, the talk about scores, performance and swearing! The next two hours were more exciting than the game (since I couldn’t watch the game which I knew would have been very exciting soon after India’s batting order was crumbing one by one. BTW- it’s due to load-shedding again!) I don’t believe that India lost 5 wickets for just 2 runs in space of 15 balls. But Ganguly (66) and Yubraj (47) were impressive, while the brilliant partnership of 32 runs between the tail-enders Zaheer Khan and Patel only looked some decent in the end.

However, don’t blame Team India or Pakistani batsmen for failing to do magic with their bats! If Team Nepal was in the World Cup, and that too in West Indies ground- which is slow and a lot more favorable to bowlers, Nepal could have also done wonders. Particularly, the level of competition between India and Bangladesh or Ireland and Pakistan was same due to the very feature of the pitch.

What I’m more concerned with is the attitude of ICC towards the other cricket playing nations like Kenya (which made it to semi-finale in last World Cup), Ireland, Scotland, or any other teams like Saudi Arabia, Nepal and so on. They don’t want to promote cricket in real sense. Always the same eight countries (Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka, England) and other two largely underestimated teams like Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. I agree that ICC has promoted Sri Lankan team since it’s current avatar about 18 years ago, but at least they should have made arrangements for promoting other cricket playing nations too. Do you expect Scotland to do wonders against the world champions at once? If only there would have been scheduled matches between all those 16 countries that are participating in this World Cup, it’d really have elevated the status of world cricket.

In context of Nepali cricket, I’d say that Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is just like the India cricket board. Nepotism, politics and everything that shouldn’t be associated with cricket is associated with both of the cricket boards. Recently, you’d have read about the Under-19 Cricket Tournament held in which Yangal Cricket Club was the winner due to its overall run rate since the final match which was played with Baluwatar Cricket Club ended in tie. I tell you some bitter truth about the match. (Read it here.) Although, I was not in the YCC team, I’m one who is there in the YCC Team-B. So, you might find these revelations somewhat biased, but this is what I’ve faced and heard in the ground this year, last year- always the same.

Yangal has won under-15 earlier, against the same opponents. And today’s wall of Team Nepal, Gyanendra Malla , made it to the team only after the same game. He is one such player who has done the ‘impossible’ with his performance and dedication. This year, when the game was still going on, one of my teammates saw elegant trophies which were to be awarded to all the players of a winning team. But since Yangal won, trophies were not given to any of the players! I don't know why? I could sense the prejudice of the CAN members who were hosting the tournament just for the sake of showing up the ICC board since money comes from them. All the 11 players for U-19 squad were already selected, and the tournament was just for the sake of holding a tournament- and to select few extra-players!

Those who are 24-25 are playing Under-19 here. Over aged players play and get selected, and CAN help them to forge papers! Perhaps, it has no option but to let them play- those who has person or power to influence the selection board. While we, Tudikhel players, keep languishing about our SLC certificates! We are already over aged! The future of Nepali cricket team is very bright, just like any other cricket playing nation provided there are sufficient domestic level matches and regional level tournaments among the South Asian, European or African countries. It’s still not possible to earn a living through cricket as yet. But look at the wonders of Nepali football in the recent few years- here is news that reflects the result of interest in Nepali football by big companies and general people as well:

MPC lifts league title; Hari Khadka wins Toyota Yaris car

Mahendra Police Club (MPC) lifted the Martyrs Memorial A Division League football tournament on Thursday defeating Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) by two goals to nil…
MPC bagged a purse of two million rupees after becoming the league champions while TAC won 1 million rupees.

After winning the coveted league title, MPC will now represent Nepal in the AFC President’s Cup football tournament to be held in Lahore in Pakistan this May. The tournament carries a purse of 50 thousand dollars.

At the end of the season, Nabil Three Star Club secured third position with 57 points and bagged a purse of 500,000 rupees.

Defending champions Manang Marsyangdi Club had to be satisfied with fourth position with 55 points and won 300,000 rupees.

Armed Police Club was fifth bagging a cash prize of 200,000 rupees while Machhindra Club was sixth winning 100,000 rupees.

NIBL Friends Club was seventh bagging a cash prize of 60,000 rupees while New Road Team was eight winning 40,000 rupees. Teh Fair play team was Machhindra Energizer FC (MEFC) which recieved 50,000 rupees.

In the indivual awards, Hari Khadka of MPC was declared the best player and won a Toyota Yaris car. The other winners were:

Highest Goal Scorer: Anil Gurung (MMC) with 31 goals
Best Goalkeeper: Surendra Lal Shrestha (NRT)
Best Defender: Anjan K.C. (NTSC)
Best Midfielder: Raju Tamang: (TAC)
Best Striker: Bikarna Shrestha (TAC)
Best Coach: Birat Krishna Shrestha (MPC)
They all stand to win one Yamaha motorcycle each.
Source: Nepalnews, March 8, ‘07

Nepali cricket team has a long way to go. Ditto with the Team India until it makes it to the Super8 phase. Strong batting, impressive run rate against Bermuda and they must win against Sri Lanka! Well, if you want to enjoy cricket, start to pray to your Almighty. It’s easier said than done, stop cursing Sehwag, Dravid or Chappel now. Let’s hope that we see India in the Super8 phase, but I still wish that my dream would fulfill. India making it to the final- Ganguly putting an impressive century- and India losing! Why? Well, you need to have an interest in the game- but if India wins- I don’t think I’d be able to watch any Indian channels for a month!

Endnotes:
The ICC should promote good cricket in real sense. If it could only provide opportunities to ‘minnows’ like Bangladesh, Kenya, Ireland, Scotland, Bermuda, Canada, Nepal and so on, perhaps, the game would have been more popular, interesting- and it’d have been possible to earn a decent living through good-cricket alone, and not with endorsements, advertisements and other commercial alternatives!
I'm sorry for Inzi. But as you know Pakistan is always unpredictable. They paid the price for their over-confidence! Perhaps, they lacked luck. Never mind, there will be next World Cup soon! Last time, he had to say "Sorry" to his people, I don't know what will happen with him this time. Time to retire, Inzi. Perhaps, he will find some relief in Sourav Ganguly's Comeback story. It's here, Inzi.

Visit New Nepal 2007

2007-03-16T18:43:00.000+05:45

When I finished watching “The Secret Life of Adolf Hitler” last night, I started to wonder about our Maoists Chairman Prachanda and how he made his People’s Liberation Army. Now, I don’ want to explain why 32,000 PLA have just 3200 weapons! I was talking about his ability to recruit such a large number of soldiers. Most of those in camps are newly recruited PLAs- those poor children who have to face so many difficulties in the makeshift camps at the cantonment sites. While the bona fide, old, original Maoists PLA are still out with their weapons.

We have heard many times- “Gyane Chor, Desh Chhor!” or “Girija Chor, Desh Chhor!” We enjoy our freedom of speech. But can anybody shout- “Prachanda Chor, Desh Chhor!” in this country right now. Can you? Have you heard his speech? Always the same rhetoric. I like the way American Ambassador to Nepal James F Moriarty counter-attacks his vague allegations and propagandas. Prachanda and his men always smell rat in everything. Now that the last week’s poll in Kathmandu Speaks also showed that Gyanendra really has really some awesome brain for various reasons, I understand that he should have some fear of the wounded king. But where is the proof of conspiracies brewed by the king? Well, I don’t know if Prachanda has proof against the king. But I’ve some that hint against the increasing polarity among the political forces (people) of the country. (Gyanendra is still a political force- if not then why should Prachanda talk about him and his men like this.)

This is the latest post in NepaliVoices, according to which-“Umesh Shrestha, the blogger behind hugely popular MySansar.com, has been threatened of ‘action within 24 hours if he publishes anything that directly or indirectly supports Maoists or terrorists’.

An email with subject line reading ‘last information’ by Maoists Defense Group, an anti-Maoists group not known so far, has threatened him. Bloggers Association of Nepal (BLOGAN) and NepaliVoices.com strongly condemn the threat and ask the who-so-ever behind it to let all the bloggers enjoy the ‘freedom of expression’.”

Well, when the Maoists, under the banner of Eight-Party Alliance, attack every other meetings, assemblies or rallies of pro-royal political parties, I wonder why people turn a blind eye to such incidents. If I speak against such activities, then tell me do I become a pro-royalist? They are awarding shoe-garlands and kalo-moso to those ordinary people who accepted service under the royal regime. Why is Maoists only punishing those ordinary Nepalis who just grabbed the opportunities that were presented to them? Anyways, they were denied of such opportunities in the rule of EPA. Its nepotism and favoritism that still rules this system.

If EPA has power, then I wonder why they are delaying justice. Why cannot they impeach the king? If they can claim themselves as people’s force after new uprisings and make new constitution and provisions, without giving a damn to what Madhesi, indigenous communities, women et al are saying or the concern of other parties except EPA, what is stopping them from doing this? I don’t mean to say anything else- I just want these forces to be accountable and responsible to their activities and people. Instead of punishing small pawns, the EPA and Maoists should punish the king. Leave those innocent people on their own. If they had guns- then I wonder what could have already happened.

I believe, like thousands of other Nepalis here who are just afraid to speak up their mind right now, that Gyanendra’s Democracy Day message was somehow convincing. I’m not the follower of any political parties or institution; I just want a prosperous and peaceful Nepal. So, I don’t mind what the color of the cat is until it keeps killing mice. I don’t mind Maoists ruling this country, if they are really honest to fulfill those dreams of Switzerland! But they are dividing us- they are dividing us into Newars, Tharus, Limbus, Madhesi, Pahade and so on.

Should we support such communal politics? Prachanda does know that without putting barrels of guns on our heads, they can’t win any election. Girija knows how intelligent his own products are. Gyanendra is silent; he always has a master plan upon his sleeve.

So who is the loser? We, innocent, ordinary Nepalis.

Kathmandu Diary 9/04

After the terrorists killed Nepalis in Iraq, few of my diary entries since September 1, 2004.

“Last night, I was at home quite early. I was shocked to hear that they killed all Nepalis hostages. I was never so angry. To my surprise, I have never felt such hatred to even those *!$@#$% Baburam or Prachanda as they kill innocent Nepalis every now and then. But those terrorist…”

A follow on:

I have watched the video- watched closely how they killed all 12 Nepalis hostages. But the fact that they were all in full consciousness has shocked me. They could feel the pain- the pain of bullets piercing into their skulls. But they kept quiet- they didn’t utter a single word in pain. Why, I didn’t know until I watched the video second time after few months. One who was shot dead at last- he slightly turned to the camera. But as soon as he was shot- and he turned back- he pulled his hands to shut his mouth again. I understood- if they had produced a single noise- then their heads would have been also beheaded like the first hostage…

Even today- I ask myself- Do you think that the Nepali Muslim communities have forgotten the Iraq incident?

Application to Jehad Recruitment Agency

Sir,
I also want to join- Jehadis.
Really- such a fascinating job, isn't it?
A way I can surely contribute to its cause-
War against those who condemn your God!
(For me- it's war against Bush, and his puppy Blair-
Against the brutality of their soldiers!)

Sir,
I'm really interested.
However, I don't think-
to be a jehadi, I need to be a Muslim.
I adore Islam,
But brother, I just want to help you fight your enemies.
Use me, exploit me, brainwash me- I grant it.
I want to make a new history-
First Hindu-jehadi!

Sir,
I'm extraordinary from many views-
I come from that Budhha's land-
I was really blind-
When your Talibani friends destroyed his salik.
But never mind-
My own people burn each other's homes every other day here.

Sir,
I've courage, I'm a Gurkhali.
You know- our father won so many Victor Cross
Today, I'm just short of arms- provide me, please,
Also arrange a more specialized training facility-
But I'd dismiss those Koran reading sessions.
But I'd like to learn Arabic in any way.

Sir,
I want to read your holy book.
I really want to know-
why are we fighting- and against whom?
I want to read those lines in your book-
that preach killings.
Let me be convinced-
Although, I'm not interested in where I'll be after my death.

But, please, sir,
I need tandoori-
As long as I live-
That's the way I want to live.
I've few questions-
Is it mandatory to kill innocent people?
Can't I blow up myself alone?

Sir,
I hope you read this and call me immediately,
I'm always as ready-
I promise-
I won't complain about anything.
No, I don't know who is Imrana or Mukhtaran Mai.
I don't really care about your women and bully-booby men.

Sir,
I will come to you on few conditions-
You need to assist me blow off those shameless people
Who attacked a mosque here.
I'm furious- like you are against those who hate your people.
Muslims- they have understood now- are not that 'one'.

Sir,
Please, pay attention to Nepal too.
At such time of globalization-
Jehad can't be less global.
Please, don't leave this country on its own situation-

Come, inflict me so that I could destroy 'evils'-
My jehad is-
War against the enemies of humanity.
I don't care who does it-
I won't even spare you.

Acknowledgments: Still 'Abused?' taken from Mysansar, Hostages from ChinaDaily

KATHMANDU POST OR NEPAL POST ?

2007-03-15T01:10:00.000+05:45

Kathmandu Diary 03/07

I’m always reading, when I am not, I write. I see why The Kathmandu Post is the nation’s largest selling English daily. So much food for thoughts - so many people choose its ‘op-ed’ pages to express their concerns, their suggestions and criticisms for the betterment of the plenitude. As I read these two pages, I feel an urge to write.

However the very medium we choose seems less effective in comparison to other vernacular dailies. How many ordinary Nepalis are comfortable with the English language? Still I don’t know if we, Nepali writers writing in English, reach the largest part of our citizenry- the majority of them consist of semi-literate individuals and students coming from the Nepali-medium schooling and several others who are not bestowed with the gift of literacy. Another hindrance that prevents us from reaching the audiences we actually write about is the ironical fact that these national newspapers are strictly Kathmandu-centric. Only Kathmandu seems visible and active due to the restrictions imposed by our press unto itself. But since Madhesi Uprising, things seem changing.

Once, I was overwhelmed by the responses which were generated by my write up ‘Politics is dirty game’. I went as far as thinking- “Wow! The whole nation is reading me !” But this joy was ephemeral as I was exposed to this bitter reality when I ventured out of the valley four days later. It takes around five hours in a bus to reach Narayangadh. I couldn’t find any single newspaper vendor who could provide me a copy of any of the English national dailies. I remained there for another two days at Bharatpur. Perhaps, I just hope that some offices or companies actually subscribe to these broadsheet dailies ? And when I think about this blog, I wonder how many Nepalis are reading me at the moment.

Narayangadh is by no means a lackluster village. It is, of course, a big town. Another similar town is Malangwa on this side of the Indo-Nepali border. I could find only Kantipur here as well. But Malangwa fascinated me, as its geographical privilege exposes the local people to various Indian magazines and newspapers. I still remember (I actually love to-) when I put my foot on the Indian soil for the first time. As soon as I crossed the trench-border, my joy evaporated.

On the village route that I took to Son Barsa, a market area on the other side of the border, I was baffled to see the same misery haunting the villagers, where to eliminate poverty and penury means as hard as attaining mokchya ! Nothing so special about landing in this other country, nothing so fanciful anymore! Like Kathmandu, I found this small town dying a slow death from the poisonous expansion of the commerce and commercialization! What is so bad about them is also bad about the Madhesis living on this side of the border. Fights- transgression into our very own land- frequent cases of abuses of our Nepalis at the hands of Indian paramilitary forces guarding the border, Shashastra Sima Bal, and et al. There is never peace. Today, Madhesh is burning, while our dear leaders are busy fixing a date to polls? Or other things? I don’t know. Let me come focus on the main issue here.

Today, The Kathmandu Post is only the KATHMANDU post. It’s no wonder that it isn’t NEPAL POST ! True to its name, when I used to look up into the City Post or any other pages, Kathmandu used to be only news as if it should be. The sad fact is that about 90-95 per cent (although I’ve no ACNielson poll to back up my stance) of the regular subscribers to these broadsheet dailies are Kathmanduties. Due to other several factors, our favorite English dailies have been long ignorant about their market prospects out from the hills surrounding Kathmandu valley. The Himalayan Times would be a loser if it’s sister publication Annapurna Post hadn’t tried to compete with the readership of Kantipur- the largest selling daily of the country- both in terms of quality and readership. But my dear colleagues complained to me that both THT and Annapurna Post are very slow when it comes to paying the writers their dues. TKP or Kantipur pays in less than a month’s time, while THT/AP take around three months for the payment.

(I have, but unsuccessfully, tried to get the details about the number of prints our Nepali newspapers are publishing. So here is my guesswork:
The Kathmandu Post- Between 30,000-50,000 readers
Kantipur- More than 100,00 readers.
The Himalayan Times- Between 35,000-50,000 readers
The population of the country is over 23 million, so the number of prints seems so less. I really don't know the exact or even average number of readers of our daily newspapers. I think, it would have been better if anyone of you who knows could tell me. )

In such circumstances, I wonder why more and more students choose Mass Communications and Journalism. I've heard that in Nepal- people don't give their daughters to journalists in marriage. So- I don't want to be harsh on them either. They are already in dire circumstances and facing stiff challenges. Recently, the attack on media persons in Nepalgunj was just an instance.

Let me tell you one more story. Once, my friend told me about an editor of a popular daily who went to take an interview with the then underground Maoists supremo Prachanda. At the course of interview, the batteries of his recorder stopped working. He checked his pocket. He had no money, so he asked hesitantly for 20 rupees with Prachanda himself. Prachanda gave him the money. Our dear editor then bought new batteries and a packet of cookies. He asked Prachanda to share the cookies with him! After the interview- Prachanda felt pity on the media person. He realized the condition of Nepali editors and journalists- so, he gave him a 100 rupees note for transportation. That was the first money- bribe?- that our honest Nepali editor had ever taken in his entire career. (I wonder if I am right with the details. I think this piece was published by the editor in one of his write up.) So, I hope you got the picture of Nepali media sector.

Even said so in Nepal, nothing sells like Kantipur and ‘chau-chau’ (noodles). Perhaps, momo are also a big hit… But should we not fear the monopoly of Kantipur in our cotemporary society? I wonder if Kantipur has always been a positive force? It has fought hard, from ensuring our right to information to uniting us against an autocratic regime, and still continues the old tradition. But what about the mass media literacy in the context of

Nepal

? What about the media monopoly? ‘The opposition is always popular’, but Kantipur has only rejuvenated after the April uprising. When our other broadsheet dailies fail to reach the majority of the people outside the valley, why should we expect TKP or THT to reach them, right? WRONG! I started reading TKP while I was studying in the fifth grade.

In Nepal, nothing sells like Kantipur and ‘chau-chau’ (noodles). Perhaps, momo are also a big hit… But should we not fear the monopoly of Kantipur in our cotemporary society? I wonder if Kantipur has always been a positive force? It has fought hard, from ensuring our right to information to uniting us against an autocratic regime, and still continues the old tradition. But what about the mass media literacy in the context of Nepal? What about the media monopoly? ‘The opposition is always popular’, but Kantipur has only rejuvenated after the April uprising. When our other broadsheet dailies fail to reach the majority of the people outside the valley, why should we expect TKP or THT to reach them, right? WRONG! I started reading TKP while I was studying in the fifth grade.

Obviously, more than 90 percent of the consumers of such dailies are teenagers plus students. There are students capable of apprehending the English language quite easily even outside the valley. The English medium broadsheet dailies can actually win. If they try to sustain and prosper, I don’t see any obstacles in their path to win over more subscribers and customers in any other parts of the country. What they lack, perhaps, is will.

It’s not about the commercial benefits of any media institutions, that I’m talking about. We must accept Kantipur’s monopoly if it champions the cause of unheard and betrayed Nepali people. I accept TKP moulding minds to create a better society. Press is the fourth most significant institution of any country in the world. English is the medium of communication in the globalized society. We have seen how English has become a second language to majority of Indians. The growth of

India

has to do with its ‘English’ or now its ‘Hinglish’ impact. Perhaps, we need to learn from this Big Brother some essential tricks and tips to improve and increase our English-speaking populace. I see these English dailies have potentials here. Moreover, we must consider this as a social responsibility of the media institutions in

Nepal

It’s time that The Kathmandu Post starts venturing out of the confined valley hills, and reach the open fields of Terai and the huts and also hearts of the people living in other several parts of Nepal. A million-dollar question that still remains unanswered is- Are they listening? Perhaps, they are waiting for the right time.

I hope that I’m not overtly optimistic, but the time will tell. As for now, I can’t stop exciting myself about the prospects of the NEPAL POST, can you? I don’t think so.

Before concluding- let me add some more information. Yesterday, one of journalist friend called me to ask me if I would like to go to Qatar in a commission as a reporter/editor/ writer for a publication owned by Nepalis there. Although, many have not heard about it- let me tell you there is a weekly paper being published by the same publishers of the national vernacular daily, Rajdhani, and it is very popular among Nepalis living in Gulf countries. Even Kantipur Publications is making up mind in this regard. So, I hope this bit of information is true.

Last Note: I wonder if 'Kathmandu Speaks' should be 'Nepal Speaks' from now on. What do you think? Let me know.

Way to EMPOWERMENT- Is it Money?

2007-03-14T00:33:00.000+05:45

If only we could do without money. But we cannot- and that is a very bitter reality. We need money for everything- good or bad. I hope you'll materialize your dreams- and set out independently after getting a financial backing of your own. I will talk about what I'm doing right now in this write up.

I'm yet to finish working on the daunting task of re-modeling YouthBank concept so that it could be implemented in our country. I started to write the proposal after getting assurance from few good people who said that if my project looks feasible and can produce lasting result, then there are a lot of people who would like to support through funds and other means. Perhaps, we can empower the marginalized and suppressed people by education and employment. I hope that a youthbank will create a lots of opportunities in our very own towns and cities. You'll be a part of it- and you'll be who takes decision to fund promising projects or economic ventures. Let me know if you've thought about it too or similar undertakings.

For the past few months, I was desperately in need of something like Paypal. But those guys at Paypal seems happy with their work- or they are too afraid to open up. Nepal, among other several developing countries, isn't in the Paypal list of the countries where digital transaction through their service is possible as yet. Given its reputation- I was thinking as if there is no alternative to their service. But today- I found a good (and detailed) write up on digital currency and more importantly- e-gold ltd and other like Webmoney, GoldMoney etc.

If you want to sign up for e-gold- click here.

My advise to Nepalis bloggers and webmasters would be to open up an e-gold account- and do business. There are a lot of things, we can start rightaway- I see scope for many things, and I only wish that you won't fall prey into the hands of those 'work in home- earn +$$$500 weekly' or any such schemes. Netizens with pure passion should at least venture the world of e-commerce and Web 2.0.

Here are few things, you can try. I don't know about these services because I have not used some of them as yet.

For those who write and want to make a name besides little money, I recommend Ohmynews. But you can also sign up at myLot, Helium or ReadClick. You can survive by writing and reading! And the best thing is- you won't have to leave this country. You will be your boss. Besides, have fun- and attend your classes regularly. Besides, you can also start your very own blog and earn through Adsense and other.

WARNING- Don't quit your jobs as yet. Let me tell you the truth- it's very difficult. It's like 1000:1 success rate. I dared to be different though- because I'm foolish. What can I do- I lov this so much. Now, I want to make some living out of my hobbies. Thank you all for supporting me- and also those who suggested me to apply for a job in reputed media houses instead. I've decided to experiment with my blogs for few months- and my friends will join as soon as possible. I will keep you updated about me ventures. I've a dream for the widely-dubbed New Nepal too- hope we could succeed this way.

Best of luck.

Pariwartan- Revolution

2007-03-12T19:44:00.000+05:45

Kathmandu Speaks
ARE YOU LISTENING?

I always complained that we never speak. We just listened to the big talks of our small politicians. We just remained silent. Whenever we used to speak- we used to speak in worship of our Gods! We used to speak asking for favor. We used to speak to beg. We used to speak- what we didn't work.

Today- my countrymen are speaking- but their voices are not being heard. Those who used to carry guns- are all powerful now. Once I wrote about the similarity between Hitler, Gyanendra, and Prachanda two years ago- but my write up was rejected. Today- the things are pretty much the same.

Today- 'Kathmandu Speaks' has found a slogan- "Are you listening?" Here's a poem that I translated from Nepali which was written by late poet Gopal Prasad Rimal. I'd left poetry for a long time now- but this piece lends voice to what I feel today at the moment- to what the country feels at the moment.

Pariwartan- Revolution
Gopal Prasad Rimal

Those who were pleading for their lives yesterday-
They are ready to die happily today.

Their voices were void;
Their heart beats were silent.

Inhuman.
Only vague words sans any meaning.
Today-
their voices have found soul,
agony, agitation, asking, attraction.

Today-
Even their silence is loud and clear.

Those who were pleading for their lives yesterday-
They are ready to die happily today.

Yesterday-
Their hands were spread like beggars.
Their hands are now in shape of a bowl ready to spill;
they are now ready to sacrifice themselves for a dream.

They had known how to beg alone.
Desire to give was still not born-
helplessness, innocence, cowardice- their days have come to an end.
Today-
All are determined- they risk living.

Those who were pleading for their lives yesterday-
They are ready to die happily today.

Those who didn't have any friend to love
And not a single enemy to hate-
Ah! S0 poor they were.
Yesterday-
Their parsimony meant everthing;
they defended themselves with shield of cowardice.

Today-
They have friends who can give their lives at one call.
They have enemies who want naught but their lives all.
Today- they have such wealth.
Today- those very chests are strong enough like a shield to defend.

Those who were pleading for their lives yesterday-
They are ready to die happily today.

Acknowledgments:
Poem 'Pariwartan' by late Gopal Prasad Rimal, Still from Revleft

Call to all Nepalis Bloggers & Netizens

2007-03-11T10:14:00.001+05:45

FREE KAREEM !

Two weeks ago, I wrote this piece in NowPublic:

A court in the port city of Alexandria has sentenced a young Egyptian blogger to four years' jail for contempt of religion, insulting the president and spreading false information.

Abdel Kareem Nabil Soliman, 22, is the first Egyptian blogger to stand trial for views expressed on the internet.

The case against him was based on a complaint from al-Azhar University, where he studied law until he was expelled last year because of his critical writings about religion.

Mr Nabil had declared himself a secularist who does not fast during Ramadan and he criticised al-Azhar, the most prestigious institution of religious learning in the Sunni Muslim world.

He accused it of spreading radical ideas and suppressing freedom of thought.

“Free Kareem Campaign” has been launched to form pressure on
the Egyptian government to release an Egyptian blogger who has been sentenced
to four years in prison for the alleged crimes of “defaming the President of
Egypt” and “insulting Islam.”

Lend him support by joining in and putting your views.

The link to the campaign is: http://www.freekareem.org/

Campaign

Mr Soliman's arrest in November provoked an outcry from the blogging community inside Egypt and internationally.

A "Free Kareem" campaign - using his blogging name Kareem Amer - was launched and human rights groups say he is a prisoner of conscience, held only for his opinions.

Many activists now consider that the outcome of Mr Soliman's trial is an indication of the shape of things to come for Egypt's small but increasingly outspoken online community.

In this country of 80 million people, there are some 6,000 active bloggers.

Only a tiny fraction of them deal with political and human rights issues.

But in the last two years, these bloggers have had an impact on the political debate which far surpasses their number.

Source: news.bbc.co.uk

Still Mr Soliman is in prison.

I call on all Nepali bloggers and netizens to become a part of this effort to get him free. You can show support to this campaign by writing, expressing or organizing any relevant activities in your area. I look forward to join you if you've already thought of organizing one. If you have any ideas as how we can assist the movement- please e-mail to kathspeaks@gmail.com.

Happy Load-shedding: Blogging Jindabaad

2007-03-11T04:01:00.000+05:45

Kathmandu Diary 11/07

Blogging Jindabaad

Of late-

Things were rather messed up and I was a complete freak till three weeks ago i.e. when I found solace in blogging. I've tried at least everything- Adsense, Affiliates, Feeds, Snap, Mybloglog, Blog Explosion…- and the experiment is till going on. You name a popular brand- and I’ll also experiment with it.

I used to write for The Kathmandu Post, I quit. Got published in The Statesman luckily. Wrote for Ohmynews International actively for the few months. Turned to NowPublic (No money here- it's pure passion.). Everything was going on fine- and I was making a lot of money. I also joined Jyotinews, but I’ve left. They’re going to call me soon is what I know of late. But now- since I madly in love with this blog and you- I’ve been completely ruined as they say- in love.

I'm grateful to those of you who wrote to me asking if this blog was on love alone. As you might have already seen- it's not. It's about Nepal, you and me- and love actually. It's about my love for my country- for the betterment of the plenitude of Nepalis who have been exploited by thousands and thousands of years of ruling by kings, constitutional kings, autocratic kings and corrupt and impotent Nepali politicians recently. Enough of that, please.

But the future in blogging looks bright to me. I’ve been able to reach three digit traffic daily for the last couple of days. I hope to make a double digit $ from the early next month. Till then- I hope I’ll survive any how. I have been unable to reach my fellow Nepali bloggers as yet. I think they are not into problogging like I’m. I know I’ve been called a fool to think that blogging can be a career in Nepal. So was my choice to pursue Humanities for higher education.

It’s very difficult to become a professional blogger, and it’s very, very and very difficult to survive from blogging in

Nepal

. But I want to pursue my dream. I don’t want to write to our Nepali editors (or any other editors for now) and wait for my write ups to be published. Recently, I’ve been so busy promoting this blog that I’ve found little time to write. Oh! My image as a writer was being tarnished due to this. Today, I’m waking up at 2 a.m. just to write for you.

I didn't know there are Nepali Probloggers till a few minutes back. I’ve found a good link to Nepali bloggers here in Bloglines bloganepal's Blogs . I think they rock at BLOGAN (Bloggers Association of Nepal). Have not joined as yet. I don't like lip-service alone. We have had also enough of that.

Anyone of you who think I'm irregular should complain to Nepal Electricity Corporation. Whenever I decide to write a few good words on the bad Nepali news and events-

My UPS starts to cry, "tut..tut...tut..tut". It’s load shedding again.

Behind Clichés:

"Nepal- The World’s Second Richest County in Water Resources":
Just doesn’t hold water at all

Someone said me recently, "Our country Nepal is called the second richest country in water resources. The story behind this goes like this (as far as he remembers what his professor told him. I don't know from where the professor heard this. By the way- This is land of rumors anyways. Yeah! I know its so skeptic of me but what if this turns out to be true. Never mind- it won't.)

Once upon a time, there was a fellow Nepali preparing his thesis in Russia preferably in water resources. This ultra-nationalist Nepalis showed his love and respect to the nation by declaring Nepal- the second richest country in water resources. Now why second, and not first? Because people might accuse him of being biased. So, he put Brazil in the first place.

I always wonder if there is not a single country- diverse and rich in geographical topographies as our own that has made it rich in water resources- in the world. I think there are states in India similarly located and made like our own country. What the Nepali did was to calculate the total potential of the Nepali rivers and water resources. He weighed on the stand if what could be done- than what has been done. If potentials are to be counted then there could have been many things different. I should have been declared the prime minister and so on.

The slogan was made popular due to the hard efforts of our fellow Nepali politicians. We know how to complain- and they know better.

"We have xxx Megawatt capacity. But we have not been able to produce even 0.5% of the total potential. If you vote me- I'll not let go it waste...Blah, blah, blah..."

Now, I think you got it."

Happy load-shedding for now.

Yangal Cricket Club Wins Under-19 Cup

2007-03-10T18:17:00.000+05:45

Yangal Cricket Team

Commentary:
Baluwatar needed 9 runs to win- from 4 overs! Then YCC captain Gyanendra Malla bowled. But he gave a wide ball.

The tail-enders of BCA couldn’t make any run in his over through bat

Oh! WIDE.

And they smashed a boundary in next over.

Two singles again.

The pressure was high in both sides- in and outside of the boundary.

I was watching our guys playing. It was last wicket, and 12 balls remaining. And just 1 run to win for BCA. But I was still confident… I told one of my friends- “We’ve faced such conditions many times before. We’ll win.” The crowd stood, shouted and cheered those two BCA batsmen.

“This bowler will give a WIDE.”

“OUT”- I cried.

Sailesh came to bowl at such a pressure cooker situation. Can he deliver? Yeah- I hoped so. I was slightly afraid- he has the tendency to bowl full toss.

Oh! No- a full toss again… And the batsman hit the ball in between the mid wicket and long on- the ball was hurling high in the sky… The fielder was running, and he dived-

YES! HE GOT IT.

And the match was tied.

We were sure that we’ve won the match according to the better net run rate in this Under-19 Cricket Tournament. But the organizing members of CAN (Cricket Association of Nepal) took a long time to declare that.

YCC Captain & Nepali national squad player, Gyanendra Malla, was declared the man-of-the-series.

Media Coverage:

Yangal lifts U-19 cricket title

KATHMANDU, March 9 -

Yangal Cricket Club (YCC) has been declared the winner of the Wai Wai U-19 Region No 3, Kathmandu District Selection Cricket Tournament on superior net run-rate after its final against Baluwatar Cricket Academy (BCA) at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground ended in a rare tie on Friday.

In the low scoring final, YCC elected to bat first after winning the toss and was bundled out for 76 runs in 24.1 overs. Opener Sujin Adhikari with 21 runs was the topscorer for YCC while Daya Bajracharya's 11 was the second best individual contribution. For BCA man-of-the-match Ramesh Shrestha finished up with a splendid return of five wickets for 16 runs in six overs. Raju Thapa at the end helped wrap up YCC tail with three wickets.

In reply, BCA was also bowled out for 76 runs in 28.2 overs. Apart from opener Shyam Ahuja who made 20 runs, the rest of the batsmen showed no patience and threw wickets at regular intervals. Sujin Adhikari took three wickets for YCC while Sailendra (Note: It’s Sailesh) Rajbhandari and Daya Bajracharya took two wickets each.

Winning skipper Gyanendra Malla was declared the man-of-the-series in the tournament organized by Kathmandu District Cricket Association. Likewise, Subash Khakurel of FW Taylor College was adjudged the best batsman while Raman Shrestha of Mahabir Club bagged the best bowler's award. Seven teams participated in the tournament played in league-cum-knockout format.

Source: TKP

Here’s the table of the 1^st Innings played by YCC:

Batting		R	B	4s	6s	S/R
Sujin Adhikari	c Nishesh KC b Ramesh Shrestha	21	22	3	0	95.45
Ranish Shrestha	c Nishesh KC b Ramesh Shrestha	05	15	0	0	33.33
Anup Bajracharya	c Nishesh KC b Ramesh Shrestha	03	08	0	0	37.50
Gyanendra Malla	c Nishesh KC b Ramesh Shrestha	03	07	0	0	42.85
Daya Bajracharya	c Nishesh KC b Ramesh Shrestha	11	25	2	0	44.00
Sabin Ranjit	b Satyam Ahuja	08	45	1	0	17.77
Rahul Bansal	c Rajiv Hvoju b Raju Thapa	04	10	1	0	40.00
Yunish Shrestha	run out Rupesh Khadka	00	01	0	0	00.00
Sailesh Rajbhandari	b Raju Thapa	00	02	0	0	00.00
Rojen Shrestha	lbw Raju Thapa	00	01	0	0	00.00
Shahsak Upreti	Not out	06	10	0	0	60.00
Extras:	11(NB-2, WB-9, LB-3, Byes - 1)	15
	Total:	76

FOW: 1/27, 2/33, 3/34, 4/38, 5/51,6/58, 7/63, 8/64, 9/64, 10/76

Raman Shrestha of Mahabir Club bagged the best bowler's award.

Marriage

2007-03-09T01:09:00.000+05:45

she wept

and
she kept on weeping like rain
once all so powerful
after a long, long drought

soon, there would be snowfall

and
she’ll melt

staring at the fortunate bridegroom
puzzled
her people put her into the car-
adorned in abir and blossoms

i know-
it’s auspicious…

but her pretty face was drenched in tears
and
i

i couldn’t resist
why, o, why she cried

as if-

there wasn’t a new life in waiting
that there was no end to her suffering.

Jan 31, '05, Still modified from the original Phitar

Radical Hindus Demand Hindu Nepal back

2007-03-07T23:35:00.000+05:45

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8zuwiZzGjQ

Jangali Booti: Wild Flower

2007-03-06T23:59:00.000+05:45

When I read this story (in Hindi magazine 'Nawaniit') about a year ago, I was completely moved. I gifted that magazine (Love Special Issue) to one who had eaten same ‘wild flower’ from my hands- I did know that union often ends in tragedy. But tragedy ends in love. Here’s one more love story.

Wild Flower
Amrita Pritam

Angoori was the name of the very new wife of the very old servant of the neighbours of my neighbours. One reason for her being new was that she was his second wife. In Punjabi, they call a man who marries a second time duhaju. Etymologically, a man who has entered a second life — a second life in marriage. The fact that Angoori was in her first life in the marriage made her new. It was not even a year since she had been given away as a bride, so she was still new.

Some five years ago, when Parbhati had gone home to perform the last rites of his first wife, Angoori’s father had come forward and wrung dry his parna, the towel hung over his shoulder. Now to tell you the truth, no man’s parna is drenched with the tears shed for his wife. In fact, it is soaked in water during the last rituals. But if a father comes forward and wrings the parna of the bereaved husband, he is saying: “I give my daughter in place of the woman who has passed away. There is no need for you to weep any more. See, I have dried your towel.” It is a simple rural custom which replaces the old with the new.

This was how Parbhati was married to Angoori. But Angoori was too young and her mother was bed-ridden with arthritis, so the ceremony of giving her away as a bride was delayed. One by one, five years passed and the time came for Angoori to be given away to Parbhati. He told his employers that either he would bring his wife to the city or he would move back to the village. The employers were not willing to feed two persons from their kitchen. But when Parbhati told them that Angoori would make her own little kitchen by the servants’ quarters and cook her own food, they agreed to let her stay. So Angoori came to the city.

For a few days, Angoori kept her face veiled even from the women of the colony. But after some time, the veil was lifted. Walking about with her silver anklets jingling, Angoori became quite popular. The jingle of her anklets was matched by the jingle of her laughter. She would spend most of the day in her quarters but when she came our, laughter seemed to jingle at her feet.
“What is this you are wearing, Angoori?”
“This is the anklet for my foot.”
“What is this on your toes?”
“These are my bicchia, my toe-rings.”
“What’s this on our arm?”
“Oh, this is my amulet.”
“What is this that you wear on your forehead?”
“We call it albind.”
“Why aren’t you wearing something on your waist today?”
“Oh! my tagdhi (waistband) is too heavy. But I will wear it tomorrow. Today, I am not wearing my choker either. The chain broke. I’ll get it repaired tomorrow at the bazaar. I had a nose-ring too. It was quite big. But my mother-in-law kept it.”

Angoori would wear her silver jewellery with aplomb and show them one by one, very happily.

When the season changed, Angoori found her quarters too suffocating. She would come and sit right outside my house. There’s a tall neem tree and an old well. No one in the colony used the well, but the labourers working on the road fetched water from it. They spilled water all about, and it was cool.
“What are you reading, Bibiji?” Angoori asked me one day as I sat under the tree.
“Do you want to read?” I asked her.
“I don’t know how to read.”
“Why don’t you learn?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“It is a sin for a woman to read.”
“Is it no sin for a man?”
“No, it is not.”
“Who told you all this?”
“I know it.”
“Then am I committing a sin by reading?”
“No it is not a sin for a woman of the city. But it is a sin for a village woman.”

I laughed, and so did Angoori. She had no doubts about what she had heard and learned, so I did not say anything to her. If she can laugh and be happy with her own values, so be it.

I would look at her laughing face. Her body was dark, her flesh like well kneaded dough. They say a woman is like a ball of dough. But sometimes the dough is loose and difficult to roll into the round shape of a roti. Sometimes the dough is stale and impossible to roll out. But there is a sort of woman whose flesh is taut and well toned. One can roll out not just rotis but even puris. I looked at Angoori’s face, her breasts and her arms. Her flesh was tightly kneaded. I had seen her Parbhati too. He was short and withered. He certainly did not deserve to eat such well-kneaded dough... and I laughed at myself for comparing flesh to dough.

I would ask her about her village. Talking of her parents, her brothers and sisters and the green fields, I asked her one day: “Angoori, what’s marriage like in your village?”
“When the girl is small, some five years old, she worships someone’s feet.”
“How does she worship the feet?”
“Well, she does not do it. Her father goes and does it. He takes a platter full of flowers and some money and puts it before the man.”
“This means the father is worshipping his feet. Where does the girl come in?”
“The father does it on behalf of the girl.”
“But the girl hasn’t even seen the man.”
“Girls don’t see the man.”
“A girl does not see the man she is going to marry?”
“No.”
“No girl, ever?”
“No.” But after giving it some thought, Angoori added, “The girls who are in love see him.”
“Do girls in your village fall in love?”
“Very few.”
“Isn’t it a sin for a girl to love?”
“It is a sin, a very grave sin,” Angoori said at once.
“Why do they sin?”
“Well... what happens is that when a man feeds something to a girl, she falls in love.”
“What does he feed her?”
“It is a wildflower. He conceals it in a sweet or a paan and makes the girl eat it. Then she likes him — only him, and nothing else in the world.”"
“Really!”
“I know it. I have seen it with my own eyes.”
“What have you seen?”
“I had a friend. She was just a little taller than me.”
“Then?”
“What then? She lost her mind over him. She eloped with him to the city.”
“How do you know that your friend was fed a wildflower?”
“He had put that flower in barfi. What else? She wouldn’t have left her parents otherwise. He used to bring many things for her. He would bring a sari from the city, glass bangles, a bead necklace...”
“But these are gifts. How do you know that he fed her with a wildflower?”
“If he hadn’t fed her, why did she fall in love with him?”
“One can fall in love just like that.”
“No, it can’t be. One cannot love just like that — it hurts the parents.”
“Have you seen that wildflower?”
“No, I have never seen it. It has to be brought from far away. Then it has to be hidden in a sweet or a paan. When I was still a child, my mother had warned me not to take a sweet from any man.”
“You did well by not eating sweets given by any old man. Why did your friend eat it?”

“She will have to pay for her sin.” Angoori said this, but then her love for her friend made her somewhat compassionate. With a sad face she said, “She had simply gone crazy, poor girl. She would not comb her hair. She would wake up in the middle of the night and sing.”

“What did she sing of?”
“I don’t know. Whoever tastes the wildflower sings a lot, and weeps a lot too.”
Since the narrative had travelled from singing to weeping, I did not question her any further.

Soon, very soon, something changed. One day she came up quietly and sat by my side under the neem tree. Earlier, her anklets would announce her arrival from twenty yards away. But today, there was silence. I lifted my head from the book and asked her, “What’s the matter, Angoori?”
“Teach me how to write my name.”
“Do you want to write a letter to someone?”
Angoori did not reply. Her eyes were vacant.
It was mid-day. I left Angoori under the neem tree and came home. When I went out again in the evening, Angoori was still sitting under the tree. She was crouching. The nip in the evening air was sending soft shivers down her body.

I was standing behind her. There was a song on her lips which sounded like a long sob.
“Meri mundri mein lago naginva
Ho bairi kaise kaatoon jobanva”
(“My ring is studded with a stone, Accursed one, what will become of my youth?”)
Angoori heard my footsteps. She turned around, saw me and shut her song in her lips. “You sing very well, Angoori.”

It was so apparent. With an effort of the will, Angoori had stopped the tears in her eyes and had put a tremulous laugh on her lips. “I don’t know how to sing.”
“You know…”
“This was nothing...”
“Your friend used to sing?”
“I had heard this song from my friend.”
“Then sing for me.”

“Oh, it’s just a counting of the seasons. It is cold for four months, hot for four months and for four months it rains...” “Not like this. Why don’t you sing it?” Angoori was counting the seasons as though she must account for the twelve months of the year.

“Char mahine raaja thandi hovat hai
Thar thar kaampe karejva
Char mahine raaja barkha hovat hai
Thar thar kaampe badarva.”
“Angoori!”

Angoori stared at me with vacant eyes. I wanted to put my hand on her shoulder and ask, “Dear girl, have you gone and tasted the wild flower?” I did put my hand on her shoulder, but I said, “Have you had any food?”

“Food?” Angoori asked strangely. I felt her body tremble under my hand. It was as though the song she had just sung with its trembling of the clouds in the rains, the trembling of the summer wind and the trembling of the heart in winter, the very song was trembling through her body.

I knew that Angoori used to cook her own food while Parbhati ate in the master’s house. I asked her again, “Have you cooked anything today?”
“No, not yet.”
“Did you cook in the morning? Have you had tea?”
“Tea? There was no milk today.”
“Why was there no milk today?”
“I don’t buy milk...”
“Don’t you drink tea every day?”
“I do.”
“Then what happened today?
“That Ram Tara brings the milk…”

Ram Tara was the chowkidar of our colony. We all contributed to his salary. He walked the streets all night and would be very tired in the morning. I recalled that until Angoori came to live here, he would drop in at one house or the other for a cup of tea. Then he would put his cot by the well and sleep through the day. After Angoori came, he started buying a little milk every day from the milkman. Angoori would put a pot of tea on her chulah and she, Parbhati and Ram Tara would sit around it, sipping their tea.

I also remembered that Ram Tara had not been around for three days. He was on leave — he had gone to his village.

A pained laugh came to my lips and I asked her, “Angoori! You haven’t had tea for three days!”
She could not speak. She just shook her head.

“Have you not eaten anything?” She couldn’t speak again. But it was apparent that even if she had, it amounted to nothing.

I recalled Ram Tara. A quick grace, soft features and eyes that smiled shyly. He also spoke very well.
“Angoori?”
“Yes.”
“Have you gone and eaten the wildflower?”

Tears started flowing down her face, soaking her cheeks and then her lips. Even the words which escaped her mouth were wet, “I swear I never took a sweet from his hands. Nor a paan. Only tea... was it mixed in the tea...?” Angoori could speak no further. Her voice was drowned in her tears.

Amrita Pritam is one of the pioneering woman writers of contemporary India. Her poetry in Punjabi won her the Jnanpith and Sahitya Akademi awards, among others. She lives in Delhi and edits Nagmani, a literary magazine in Punjabi. (Source: TLM)

Translated from the Punjabi by Nirupama Dutt for The Little Magazine

Source acknowledged: http://www.littlemag.com/jan-feb01/amrita.html

Painting by Salik Shah- incomplete- titled 'Parineeta'.

I don't know why

2007-03-05T21:29:00.001+05:45

When I read this write up in Relationships-THT back in 2001, I was overwhelmed. Love- and 'One-sided love' has been part of everybody's life for a while- I believe. Actually, I was surfing few blogs when I come across this blog 'What is Love?', and this story just rejuvenated in my memory again. Hope you'll like.

Classroom: I sat there in history class and stared at the guy next to me. He was my so-called best friend. I stared at his dark silky hair, and wished he were more than that. But he didn't think of me like that, and I knew it. After class, he walked up to me and asked me for some notes he had missed the day before, I handed them to him. He said "Thank you" and kissed me on my cheek I wanted to tell him, I wanted him to know that I didn't want to be just friends, I loved him but I'm just too shy.

First Year: The phone rang. It was him on the other end. He was in tears, mumbling about how his love broke his heart. He asked me to come over because he didn't want to be alone. As I sat next to him on the sofa, I stared at his soft eyes, wishing he were mine. He looked at me, said: "Thanks for being there for me." I wanted to tell him, I wanted him to know that I didn't want to be just friends, I loved him but I'm just too shy.

Second Year: The day before a college dance festival he walked up to me. "My date is sick," he said, "She's not going to come.”I didn't have a date, and in past we promised that if neither of us had dates, we would go together as 'best friends'. We did. That night, we were standing at my doorstep. I stared at him as he smiled at me and stared at me with his eyes. He said, "I had a good time. Thanks!" and kissed me on my cheek. I wanted to tell him, I wanted him to know that I didn't want to be just friends, I loved him but I'm just too shy, I don't know why.

Days passed. Before I could blink, it was graduation day. I watched as his body floated like an angel on to the stage to get his diploma. I wanted him to be mine but he didn't look at me like that and I knew it. Before everyone went home, he came to me and cried as I hugged him. Then he lifted his head and said "You're my best friend. Thank you." and kissed me on my cheek. I wanted to tell him, I wanted him to know that I didn't want to be just friends, I loved him but I'm just too shy, I don't know why.

Now I sit in the pews of the church, the one I have loved all my life is getting married now. I wanted him to be mine. But before he drove away, he came to me and said 'you came. Thank you.' and kissed me on my cheek. I wanted to tell him, I wanted him to know that I didn't want to be just friends, I loved him but I'm just too shy, I don't know why.

Years passed, I looked down at the coffin of the man who used to my best friend. At the service, they read a diary entry he wrote in his school: "I stare at her, stare at her long silky hair wishing she was mine, but she doesn't look at me like that, and I know it. I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her. I wish she would tell me she loved me. But she's just too shy, I don't know why."

By Mamita T

The cover of one of my diaries that I made from Nepali hand-made papers. I wanted to give it to that special person. But 'I don't know why', I couldn't.

In A Songless Country

2007-03-05T09:19:00.000+05:45

Kathmandu Diary Pg. 12/06

“Hundreds of blossoms, we are one garland Nepali
Sovereign stretching Mechi to Mahakali

Natures’ crores of resources veil
Brave’s blood made us sovereign state
Land of education, peaceful terai, hills, mountains
United lovely, our motherland Nepal
Multi racial, multi lingual, religion, cultures.
Broad Advancing nation, Jaya Jaya (accolades to) Nepal.”
The proposed national song written by Byakul Mahila.
Translation: Author

A song that reverberates every presence on the altar of sacrifice. A song that relates to the woeful mysteries of the blazing warriors. A song that resonate the love of my soil. A song that recognize the glorious historical heritage. A song that sing the ancient Aryan tone. A song that binds Nepali. A song that makes Nepali. (1) A song that every mother could teach her child. A song every father could sing in pride. A song, I wish for one such song in this songless country. And now, it seems that the wish of an ordinary Nepali will never be fulfilled because of those flanking and basking on the glory of 'power' and authority.

When we used to sing the old national song in the early years of my school days, we used to sing it loudly. We used to sing it in a definite melody with one of us beating the drum. We used to held our held high, and sing as we are proud of our country, and in many ways of the king. Soon, after the demise of King Birendra, our school wanted to halt the hoary tradition. A Sanskrit 'slok'(song) on the reverence of the goddess of education, Saraswati replaced the song that otherwise praised the king and his kingdom.

As if it wasn't enough.

After the April uprising in the country, the growing anger was palpable. Yeah! We, all, denounced monarchial worship, and the national song. A search surged out for a new song in my songless country. Two weeks ago, I happened to hear the news that a would-be national song was ready and under consideration. A song by a Nepali, a song a Nepali wrote for his mother.

The proposed song, written by Byakul Mahila turned him into a national figure. Naturally, we asked one of our reporter colleagues to take his interview. I was but helpless when I’d to write a fore note and edit Mr. Mahila’s interview for our own news portal. A part of the note is given below:

“After the National Anthem Selection Committee headed by Satya Mohan Joshi announced that the lyric by Byakul Maila (Pradeep Kumar Rai) was the best among one thousand two hundred entries, he has suddenly changed into a controversial figure. Since the selection, Pradip Kumar Rai known as 'Byakul Mahila' has now become a subject of national discussion. Rai was born on April 7, 1973 at Dilepani of Okhaldhunga.

Although the selection committee consists of distinguished personalities such as Amber Gurung, poet Bairagi Kainla, Durga Lal Shrestha, Modnath Prashrit, Ramesh Shrestha, Shrawan Mukarung, Dr Benju Sharma, Amar Giri, Nanda Krishna Joshi, Gopal Thakur, Aahuti and Bund Rana, the song they proposed as the new national song have been received with less anticipation and much confrontation.Though most of Nepalese urged for 'Rato Ra Chandra Surya', the tender called for the submission of a national song has been lambasted by many eminent literary personalities.

The controversy over the proposed anthem has further deepened with poet Mahila's alleged role in editing 'Nepali Geetsangraha- 2059' (Collection of Nepali Songs 2059) coming to light. The preface of the collection reads, "It is our utmost pride to enlist in this anthology the song penned by His Majesty King Gyanendra, who is highly respected in Nepali literature under the name of G Shah."

The selection committee said that Mahila's song was chosen due to its 'metaphors', though many claimed that the song entitled many allegorical meaning that lacked any literary substance in Nepali language.

"This is devoid of sentiment, rhythm and patriotism," One eminent poet Mohan Koirala was quoted by a national daily as saying, "the poem is too superficial."”

And his interview was unexpectedly unimpressive too. The truth is: his interview failed to generate hits. He told us that he believed that a national song should be as simple as possible. Every common people should be able to apprehend the meaning of the song. That's why he made it so simple. We might not find any underlining meaning in his lines, we might not find any appropriate phrases in his song. But he still believed that his song is simple and yet the best.

I disagree. I wanted my song to carry the weight of our historical luggage. I wanted it to symbolize my mother’s woes and her ultimate freedom from the autocratic Rana regime. I wanted my song to be suited to be sung only by those who actually realize what being a Nepali is in its most humble and truest sense.

When I browsed BBC Nepali on my desktop, the very sight was the song that day. That song, my national song, failed to make me proud of my entity. His song failed to buy a smile on my lips. I'd wished to sing it first but now I don’t want to. It seems that everyone is already in the mood to sing it even if he is a pro-royalist. I feel alienated, and my personal experiences of such sentiments hint that I don't have any right to think or write against the majority.

Every time, I express a desire for the betterment of my own people, for my mother, I'm labeled as the protector of a despotic monarch. If someone says, like few national journalists who dare to tell me in a recent meeting, even the infamous prince could have an admiring 'personality', what would they say? If I remind them of the Nepali history from the eye of this third-generation, I wonder if I should be labeled as a skeptic. But I think, I'm my own enemy. I feel here the majority should be always right. Why couldn't I?

In my own office, when I said that I’ll never accept this song as my national song, all my seniors seemed reluctant and indifferent. “You will be forced to sing this song tomorrow, if it is adopted as the new national song,” I was told. I beg to differ. I’m ready to be one alone. I don’t attack a statue to steal a scepter. (2) I don’t want any votes, nor am I going to lead another students’ movement. I don’t know what other people think, but I’m betrayed by my own country.

They are making a Germany out of my glorious and sovereign country. (3) It is fact that still Germans are remorseful of the Holocaust. But why should a new generation of German citizens be burdened by the guilt that they aren’t responsible in any way. To flutter a German flag over again, they had to wait until they won their first World Cup 1974. Still a German people are divided into East and West. The Royal Massacre made me loathe our political system, Maoists’ insurgency hurt me for so long. A smile had finally dawned on my mother’s face, but the Janandolan II failed to fulfill people’s aspirations. A new nation is underway, every leaders say but I wonder if this is the way ? In many ways, I’ve been turned into an effigy of guilt. I am not let to be even proud of the one who had actually made this nation into a strong Nepal. I did never consider King Gyanendra a king of Nepal. And I’m sure that I’ll never sing this song as my national song.

I wonder if I am trying to be a Orhan Pamuk. I wonder if someday I write a book glorifying the contribution of Jung Bahadur Rana, that man who established a 104-years long family rule in the country, then what would happen. I believe that we should relearn the history of Nepal. Ask a historian, what sort of history is being taught in school and what the actual history of a sovereign Nepal is. Nepal has been dubbed as a ‘secular country’ for now. I’m writing this book entitled ‘Death of Last Hindu Kingdom’, any objection ? When I try to speak for the sake of our Nepali students, and suggest that the education sector should never be politicized and write against any sort of political indoctrination, I’m labeled as a pro-royalist. Even my dear Nepali fellows put me into the category of hip-hop youth who repeatedly chant that ‘there’s no future for Nepal’. Why ? I ask why a son can’t be proud of his mother’s past glory. I ask why an ordinary citizen of Nepal can’t hold free and unbiased view on from politics to religion of my own country. Should I blarney those stinking breed of politicians who have repeatedly ignored a common Nepali’s plights and sufferings, just to be heard? I disagree. I fail to see a ray of hope out of this distraction, so am I pessimist or an anti-nationalist?

Dear friends, please think over again and again why there is a statue in bondage of silent dark shadow. Should we, Nepali, dismiss our history and sing one such song that this new nation is forcing unto us ? Do we have right to express our concerns, be it political or religious, without being afraid of those basking in the glory of power or not? We want justice. We want freedom. We want justice over the killing of over 13,000 Nepali citizens during the decade long Maoists insurgency. We want justice over the killing of more than 21 of our own people during the Janaandolan II. Believe me, I beg, that more than 21 sacrificed their precious lives for the making of a new Nepal. If one wants to sing Mahila’s song, I’m sorry that I failed to pacify you. Sorry, what can I do, I’m so fond of our ‘Rato Ra Chandra Surya”? ‘Jaroor saathi ma pagal, yestai cha mero haal.” (Yeah friend, I’m lunatic! Lunatic I’m… ” (4))

Notes:
1. It refers to the recent controversy surrounding “Vande Ma Taram” in India. In brief, the controversy was about this: Muslims won’t sing this Hindu song, and those who don’t sing the song were not being considered ‘real’ Indians. 2. The founding father of Nepal, Prithivi Narayan Shah conquered many small states to build a new kingdom which we call ‘Nepal’ today. His statue is situated in front of House of Representatives, Singh Durbar. His scepter was robbed off during the April Uprising in Kathmandu. 3. This refers to the existence of East and West Germany even after the fall of Berlin wall. Even today, two Germany exist. You may refer to any German mouthpiece. 4. Excerpts from Lunatic, the autobiographical poem of Nepal’s most celebrated poet Laxmi Pd. Devkota. He was considered mad due to his passion for the country and his people. During his lifetime, he was also made a minister. Ironically, due to his “honesty”, when he died his wife had to borrow money to buy woods for his pyre.

Happy Holi 2063

2007-03-04T22:36:00.000+05:45

Holi Shots:

On the rooftop: Eyeing the 'prey'...

Holi- Fun & Fever

Happy Holi 2063

Reforming Religion

2007-03-04T17:00:00.001+05:45

The Hindu population has dwindled rapidly in the last three decades. Whether the ‘threat’ is coming from outside or within our religious system- probably, Hinduism faces dangers of ‘extinction’ in its own country.

RECENTLY, I’ve come across these two write-ups published in TKP. Dr Khagendr N Sharma’s ‘A miracle called Nagen Sunuwar’ (July 16) was followed by a critical letter from Dr Ramesh Khatry on July 17. According to Dr Khatry the eassay was “a breath of fresh air.”

“A breath of fresh air…”-I couldn’t understand why. Dr Khatry’s remarks such as “I disagree with Sharma when he seeks reformation of religions” really compelled me to write this article.

First, such miracles like Nagen Sunuwars happen quite often these days. The proof is the Population Censuses of 1981, 1991 and 2001. The ever-dwindling Hindu population from 89.50 per cent in 1981 to 86.51 per cent and 80.62 per cent in 1991 and 2001 respectively speaks a lot more than just for the need of the reformation of our religion.

Second, Dr Sharma is right –“the concept of a secular state has opened a large vista of reviewing the religious doctrines and place all religions at par.” So, the need for the reformation of our religion and “making our faith more accommodative” is more urgent. But we must seek answers to “why so many poor turn towards Christianity now and again.”

People often convert to Buddhism for ‘tranquility of mind’, for a more non-violent, simple and forgiving way of life. But for Christianity, the reasons are ‘miracles’ like Nagen Sunuwar.

Hindus are converting mainly into Buddhists and Christians. However, since the Buddhism is regarded as another aspect of Hinduism, we don’t regret so much for someone converting into Buddhism. For many people- these two separate religions are the same. It is also because Buddhism arose from our native soil and from the cradle of Hinduism itself. People often convert to Buddhism for ‘tranquility of mind’, for a more non-violent, simple and forgiving way of life. But for Christianity, the reasons are ‘miracles’ like Nagen Sunuwar.

TODAY’S YOUTH
Hindus, particularly the youths of the twenty-and-first century Nepal, are living more of a kind of non-religious lives. We are so much religiously free that we can even go and pray at a church without feeling anything at all or celebrate Christmas in such a manner and with so much earnestly that we can put even the Christians to shame without feeling any shame at all. Their New Year celebration or Valentine’s Day is celebrated with more energy and curiosity than our Naya Barsa or Saraswati Puja. Other religious festivals, for example Holi too has become ‘infamous’ due to hooligans hunting only the weaker sex and thus, it is now regarded as unholy Holi.

However, we should not forget that after the Iraq Massacre of the twelve Nepalese workers by the terrorists- they, especially those ‘boastful vagabonds like Nagen Sunuwar’, actually took part in the vandalism of several manpower agencies, other buildings and shops along with the totally uncivilized and barbarian act of pelting stones and vandalizing the most revered mosques of our fellow Muslim brothers. So it was Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) who vandalized the properties of our own Nepalese citizenry- many people would think that way. Dr Sharma rightly write-“It (VHP) has no agenda for reforming the character of a vagabond and making him a good Hindu follower. It has no program of youth mobilization in programs of social reform. In fact, it has no reform agenda.”

Once when I was very sick, my mother took me to the mosque at Ghantaghar to get blessing and ‘cure’ from the local prophet. So, I felt nothing so special or remorseful for accepting their invitation. Later, I received a free copy of the holy Bible. All this religious things didn’t cost me a penny but impressed me quite a lot.

SAD BUT TRUE
Have you ever seen a Hindu Guru coming to your door to preach and offer any kind of help? Have you ever received any pamphlets-and-books about the Hindu philosophy and doctrines like the Bhagwad Gita et al as mere gifts or ‘prasad’? Even Bhagwad Gita, which is the most widely read and revered Hindu book in the world, costs two or three hundred rupees or even more. It means that it is not available for everyone i.e. every Hindu let alone poor or lower middle-class populace.

However, I’ve met with two Christians who tried to convert me repeatedly. I wonder how they found my flat. Their devotion, their earnestly and hospitality had won my heart. They provided me with good books on Christianity and Christ himself and also asked me to visit their church and I agreed. Once when I was very sick, my mother took me to the mosque at Ghantaghar to get blessing and ‘cure’ from the local prophet. So, I felt nothing so special or remorseful for accepting their invitation. Later, I received a free copy of the holy Bible. All this religious things didn’t cost me a penny but impressed me quite a lot.

Similarly, we can get several books by Buddhist religious teachers for nothing at all but a sheer interest and respect at heart for them. So, why VHP isn’t doing that? Does it lacks fund or it considers that these holy books should be read by only ’holy people like them’ and not by the ordinary people? How can they safeguard our faith if it lingers on playing politics all the time and calling itself a social-and-religious organization but acting very much like any political party? These books could have stopped many a miracles like Nagen Sunuwar. Do they think like the Ranas that if we become educated then their exploitative and undemocratic rule of ‘religion’ would come to an end? If not so, then why is it not trying to aware and educate the people or “stop creating outcastes”? Like the old church which barred ordinary people from entering church-library and kept the holy books such as Bible in chains so that they could rule them irreligiously in the name of God; our VHP and its leaders and others like Shiva Sena and the Indian organization of the same nature- Rastriya Swamsevak Sangh (RSS) et al, are actually garbing support from the illiterate, often misled and brainwashed Hindus belonging to the poor and lower middle-class population for their personal and political enterprises. These organizations play a role like that of a vote-bank. Is it so? The question has been asked several a times and it is VHP and its sister organizations’ moral duty to answer this question and denounce it. It should bring reform and social-welfare agendas for the public and conduct all its activities in a transparent manner. Then, it could make a real difference and ensure that Hinduism could become a world religion.

LEARN TO LEARN
Our religion is much older than Buddhism or Christianity. However, the followers of these newer religions are increasing at a significant rate. So, what is wrong with us and our religion? It would be wrong to regard these religions as better than ours. In fact, our religion i.e. Hinduism is more like a universe of all religions. Our books are like mirrors i.e. you can get what you look for into them. Then why it has failed to become a world religion. The answer lies in the very systems of our faith existing form the ancient times. We should reform our religious systems so that they could become useful to a modern Hindu social lifestyle. We, Hindus, never try to learn. We must stop calling other people to our doors but try to reach their doors and then to their hearts in stead.

Another way to build strong bridges among ourselves is by following the example of our both Muslim and Christian counterparts i.e. the weekly-praying. Such social or religious gatherings provide opportunities to know and establish healthy relationships with other people from the same community or religion. But it is sad to see that our temples are only for our Gods and they can’t accommodate us. Like Allah’s mosque or Christ’s church, we must create something for this admirable tradition. We should begin to appreciate the very fact that we are not alone in this universe but we are being weakened by our own circumstances.

We need to reform our faith and its systems to continue to exist. Our religion is so vast and full of good thoughts and philosophies of life that we can also teach them to others. We must bring them back to the front. Particularly, the Hindu organizations like VHP and its sister organizations et cetra should focus all its resources and attention into these activities for the betterment of the people at large.

I love to be a Hindu and I’d be. If an Indian helps me and saves my life at almost the same circumstances as Nagen Sunuwar was, then of course I’d be indebted towards him for my whole life but I’d never give up my citizenship and become a ‘true’ Indian thereafter. That is what the converting did- and so it would be lest we act timely and wisely.

To speak more frankly, I do not want to see any more ‘miracles’ like Nagen Sunuwar. I love to be a Hindu and I’d be. If an Indian helps me and saves my life at almost the same circumstances as Nagen Sunuwar was, then of course I’d be indebted towards him for my whole life but I’d never give up my citizenship and become a ‘true’ Indian thereafter. That is what the converting did- and so it would be lest we act timely and wisely. Now, it depends upon VHP and its leaders and others like Shiva Sena, Nepal and all of us to preserve our ancient faith and how we do it for the coming generations and generations.

Written in July 06