598 30 March - 5 April 2012 16 Pages Rs 30

#598 30 March - 5 April 2012 16 pages Rs 30

The constitution will reflect The last lap

“ the political power balance by Anurag Acharya

in the country, no party is going to have a constitution“ Baburam Bhattarai’s of its choice. We have to find almost exclusive a middle ground. focus on peace and constitution seems to Interview with Prime be paying off. Minister Baburam Bhattarai page 3 page 11

It’sIt’s aa man’sman’s worldworld An elderly woman walks past lounging men at Patan Darbar Square, fetching home precious water on World Water Day, 22 March. As the dry season sets in, the water shortage is set to get more acute. When the government’s water supply system is unable to meet the demand of the Valley’s growing population, people rely on spouts built 300 years ago by Patan’s Malla kings.

DEEPENDRA BAJRACHARYA 2 EDITORIAL 30 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 #598 SELF-RIGHTEOUS VIOLENCE

ack in 1995 when a party inspired by Maoism was Maoist war acknowledged in a report that the root causes trying to decide whether or not to wage an armed of violence lay in societal inequities and injustice. But the Bstruggle in Nepal, the staunchest advocate of Committee said retaliatory brutality was neither politically, violence was the party’s influential ideologue and current nor morally justified. Non-violent, democratic struggle is prime minister, Baburam Bhattarai. always more effective in the long-run, and it doesn’t leave Inspired by Mao Zedong and his acolytes in India, the corrosive residue of counterviolence, and the mass Peru, Cambodia and the Philippines, Nepal’s Maoists suffering of innocents. Gandhi himself reminded the world felt justified in waging ‘righteous violence’ to counter about the limits of violence. structural violence of the state. Revolutionary cruelty In interviews during the war, including one to this paper was considered legitimate to redress historical inequality, in 2002, Baburam Bhattarai said that the Khmer Rouge social injustice, exclusion and exploitation. Nepal’s genocide was exaggerated ‘‘western propaganda’’. After the Maoists felt that ‘objective conditions’ were ripe, and war in 2008 he justified violence by saying that it ‘‘has to be they were egged on by the international revolutionary seen from a historical and political perspective’’. His boss, DIWAKAR CHHETRI movement which needed a cause célèbre to replace the Pushpa Kamal Dahal, told a group of editors in 2006 that Sendero Luminoso movement in Peru, which had just he had never condoned torture, but admitted instructing been crushed. It is not in the terms of his fighters to execute class enemies with a ‘‘bullet to the Part of the Maoist party did not agree that geopolitical reference of die-hard temple’’. conditions were right to wage an armed struggle, and the He hasn’t rescinded that order, and until he does, we will party split. By Feburary 1996, the first police stations Maoists to ever admit they be forced to believe that the Maoist ideology of violence is were attacked, heralding the start of a war that was to last were wrong, or to say sorry. still in force. In any other democratic country in the world, ten years and leave at least 16,000 Nepalis dead. only an obsolete fringe party would still believe in violence The ideological justification for launching an armed as a political doctrine. Here in Nepal, such a party happens struggle was feeble. It had been barely six years since the will also be unrepentant about their belief in murder to be the biggest one in the legislature. Unless all political People’s Movement of 1990, and although the multiparty of a human being as a political principle. As it turned parties in Nepal officially, publicly, in words and deeds, system was having teething problems it was beginning out, most of the victims of the Maoist war were innocent give up violence and stop protecting war criminals, there to deliver results. Grassroots democracy and elections Nepalis who wanted no part in a conflict waged in their is a danger volatile identity politics of the constitution- to local councils were throwing up accountable leaders name. They were villagers forced to serve as human writing process can ignite ethnic bush fires. responsive to the development needs of constituents. shields, poor men and women recruited by both sides to It is time for Pushpa Kamal Dahal to realise that a Empowered communities were protecting natural be cannon fodder, or civilians killed in the state’s brutal public renunciation of violence will not be seen as a defeat, resources, and charting out their own destiny. counter-insurgency. in fact it will most likey ensure his victory in a future It is not in the terms of reference of die-hard Maoists In India, the S. R. Sankaran Committee which tried to election. And he wouldn’t even have to cheat, or threaten to ever admit they were wrong, or to say sorry. They bring about a negotiated settlement to that country’s own anyone.

ON THE WEB www.nepalitimes.com

ONCE IS ENOUGH z When my family and I visited HELL AND BACK WRONG TIME like GP Koirala, Sushil Koirala and Your editorial hits the nail on the head Nepal a few years ago, my wife had Another wonderful article Rubeena Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Ban Ki-moon, Khanal. Why didn’t he demand for (‘Once is enough?’ #597). Nepal is just fractured her foot and was on Mahato (‘To hell and back’, #597) on or for that matter anyone who wishes investigations or approach the UN on a beautiful country, full of wonderful a wheelchair. After we arrived at the plight of migrant workers. The only to, can visit Lumbini as commoners and behalf of Nepalis back then? people, but its government sucks, the airport, we were pleased to be reason Nepal hasn’t turned into a failed perhaps have a discussion at a nearby Sudha its airport stinks, and its offi cials are assigned a friendly elderly porter state is because millions of young resort about the state of the country sinfully corrupt. People keep visiting to push the wheelchair around. He people from this country send money (‘Wrong visit at the wrong time’, Kul z The NC and the UML have Nepal only because of its friendly volunteered to take our visa forms home from India, the Gulf or Malaysia, Chandra Gautam, #596). Doing this been collaborating with the Maoists people (number one) and its scenery and fees through the counter. Half an but the way our government treats would remove any negative symbolism for the past six years. I’d like to (number two). Tourists are willing to hour later, with visas in hand and all them is truly shameful. In my travels, that a visit by Ban in the capacity of the see Kul Chandra Gautam demand pay if they get good service, but they our luggage accounted for, I happily I frequently meet fellow Nepalis, and head of the UN and Dahal as leader of NC and UML leaders not to work don’t want any hassles when they gave him a generous tip, which he they all say it’s a tough life. But what one of the most violent parties of Nepal with the Maoists unless they shun pay through their noses. And they pocketed without even looking, which disheartens them the most is the would create. As for Dahal co-chairing violence and start following his ‘three don’t want to feel like they are being I took as another sign of his good apathy shown by embassies as well as the Asia-Pacifi c Cooperation and preconditions’. robbed everywhere. customer service orientation. It wasn’t authorities in Nepal. Meanwhile migrant Exchange Foundation, I am sure there Nirmal Johann until departure three weeks later that workers from the Philippines and India are hundreds of Nepalis who are more I found out why Grandpa didn’t bother are protected by the state. qualifi ed, well-respected and without z It’s ironic that a staunch z I have often tried to fi nd an to look at how much I had given him. BJ any political associations or dogma, communist like Dahal is co-chairing explanation for what is wrong with He had taken money from us for visas who could be given the responsibility of an international organisation on our country. The editor sums up my for our children, but visa for children z I couldn’t agree more with Rubeena developing Lumbini. Lumbini. I thought communists sentiments in one short sentence: their age is actually free, so the tip Mahato. The plight of Nepali female Kachk (especially followers of Mao) were ‘Nepal has the look of a country that was only a small fraction of the money workers is not something new, it has atheists, against old culture, old doesn’t know where it is going, and that he had earned by scamming us always existed, but the only difference z Anything to do with Lumbini should habits, old thoughts, and old ways of doesn’t care if the rest of the world out of the visa money. I fi lled out a is that it can no longer be ignored. be co-chaired by Buddhists and not living. Did Dahal and his comrades knows it.’ complaint form, but never heard a I am happy there are some female violent communist atheists. have a change of heart? Someone Dil R Joshi thing. journalists who are exposing ministers S Sherpa should remind dear leader that the Ripped Off like Sarita Giri who are a disgrace to all area surrounding Pashupati and z Teaching the immigration and Nepalis. z It was extremely short-sighted of the Bagmati also need lot of work, security staff basic etiquette could be z We read this article on the same RDR Kul Chandra Gautam to portray Ban perhaps he would be interested in a starting point. They treat us as if we day we arrived in Kathmandu from Ki-moon’s visit as if he was coming leading that committee as well. are criminals and that they are doing Delhi and our experience was no z Nepali Times should forward this to personally meet Dahal and Maoist Bal Budder a favour by letting us go in and out of different. It was a one-hour fl ight, but article to the prime minister and our cadres. The Secretary-General was the airport. we spent two hours in line for visas. idiotic leaders. Protecting our nation’s visiting Nepal to promote the birthplace Raghu There were no signs, and the staff income generating population should of the Buddha and meet ordinary was not very helpful. It leaves a very be their top priority, but are they ever Nepalis. We should not have made a z The editorial forgot to mention the poor fi rst impression on visitors. If the going to learn? As for those under- big deal about who invited him or who Weekly Internet Poll #598 domestic airline cartel which thinks Nepal government needs our money, motivated offi cials, they are the product would go to receive him at the airport. it is perfectly acceptable to charge just take it and stamp our passports, of nepotism and are rampant not only It’s really unfortunate the visit has been Q. The Parliamentary committee’s intervention in the West foreigners two to three times the don’t make us wait around uselessly. in the Gulf nations but everywhere. postponed. Seti D project is normal fare, despite the fact that this Janet Ramprasad Suman Total votes: 1,145 is not practised anywhere else in the world, resulting in some of the highest z My Tibetan friend was harassed z I have been hearing about the z I don’t understand this sudden domestic fares in the region. Even by a policeman at the departure gate exploitation of Nepali workers in foreign outrage over Dahal. We have known foreigners who have lived in Nepal and was forced to pay $100 otherwise countries since I was a child. Does this about his past deeds for the last 16 for years are not exempt. Imagine he would have missed his fl ight. This mean the Nepali government has made years, but intellectuals and diplomats like the vast areas of the country (beyond sort of thing happens every day. Like no efforts to improve the lives of the Kul Chandra Gautam had no problems Pokhara and Lukla) that would open the government the airport is run by workers in the past two decades? What when he became prime minister, or went up to tourism if this changed. corrupt, incompetent men. a shame. to New York to address the UN, or when Weekly Internet Poll # 599. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Q. Who is responsible for the frequently increasing M Smith Savitri Gurung Sugar he fraternised with democratic leaders petroleum prices?

Publisher and Editor: Kunda Dixit Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Chief Operating Ofﬁ cer: Sunim Tamang | Hattiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu | Desk Editor: Trishna Rana | Design: Kiran Maharjan [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5250333/845 Fax: +977-1-5251013 Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorial/features: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscription: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Nepali Times on Facebook Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter 30 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 #598 INTERVIEW 3

With two months to go before the mandate of the Constituent Assembly expires, despite major hurdles, the political parties have made progress on both the peace process and constitution. Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai spoke to Nepali Times on Monday about the challenges in the next 60 days.

DEWAN RAI

minister elected by a legislature parliament. That could be a compromise.

“Constitution by 27 May” What about the disagreements regarding ethnic federalism? Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai speaks about the challenges in the next 60 days. It has already been agreed in the legislature parliament that the basis of federalism Nepali Times: How has the last another war if the constitution government had taken such ground for which every side would be both identity and seven months as Prime Minister is not written? decision. This one became an has to compromise. On forms of economic viability. So these are been? I am really shocked about how issue because it involved a governance, I think there will unnecessary disputes, and there Baburam Bhattarai: It has been my statements were quoted particular individual. Personally, be a sharing of power. And on is no point in raising them. challenging, but I am doing the out of context, I was pointing I may agree or disagree about it, federal structure, we have to best I can. out the potential dangers of a but there was widespread protest compromise on the number of In our previous interview with political vacuum. The war was and the team decided not to take federal units. I am sure parties you in August last year, you But you have come under a lot not personal, it was a gainst the that money. Let the issue rest will come to that point soon. said we only need a ‘moment of of criticism. system, it is unfair to demonise there. sanity’ for consensus, has the The criticism comes from individuals. Remember, out By mixed sharing, do you mean moment arrived yet? heightened expectations. of 16,000 that died, most were Deadlines have come and gone, directly elected executive? Will In multiparty politics, one Perhaps, I have to do more to Maoist cadres. Does anybody when will the integration process that be a president or a prime has to have patience to bring meet those expectations. question the brutality of the begin? minister? diverging interest groups to state? We are at a stage of the I think in a country like ours a common platform and that You had promised to lead the integration process where only a we need a directly elected takes time. But we are moving country out of the transition The UML says it is impossible few issues remain. The final work executive. We have made this in the right direction and a phase by completing the peace to complete the peace process on integration will begin very proposal but the NC and some new constitution by 27 May is process in three months. as long as you are in power. soon. We are also making final other parties have reservations possible. Yes, but I also said it required They want you to resign. preparation to form the Truth and about it. So my guess is, we a national consensus which Those who are demanding my Reconciliation Commission and a may have a directly elected nepalitimes.com unfortunately we could not resignation forget they were in commission to look into cases of president with a prime Listen to the interview forge. With the other half of government for almost two years disappearances. Once these two the stakeholders in the process before me, and not a single task tasks are completed, the peace sitting in the opposition, I of peace process was completed. process will make a quantum cannot single handedly move In seven months, I made sure leap. ahead. I am doing my bit to gain the cantonments were emptied their confidence but they also and today parties are at a point Will the TRC and Disappearance have to be equally willing to of no return on the peace committees be formed before 27 cooperate. process. So, let the people be the May? judge of my performance. Definitely, the integration and What about your own party formation of these committees members taking to the streets But you have not been able will take place simultaneously. against you? to curb excesses by your own We have almost finalised I admit there are serious political coalition partners? the basic structure of the and ideological differences I cannot make decisions based commission, once it is completed within the party right now. We on what comes out in the media. we will pass the bill and the are trying to talk to Baidyaji and I look into the matters and commissions will take shape. other comrades and take them wherever necessary take action. This will happen before 27 May. along. But this will not change But these are official decisions the party’s commitment towards and I will not make public It looks like the form of peace and constitution. I appeal statements in favour or against governance and federalism will to all citizens and friends anybody. deadlock negotiations on the of Nepal not to fall for any constitution? statements made by individuals. And why was it necessary The constitution reflects the to give Rs 20 million to your political power balance in the What about your quote in the chairman’s son’s expedition to country. So no party is going media where you supposedly Mt Everest? to have a constitution of its ‘threatened’ the country with It was not the first time the choice. We have to find a middle 4 NATION 30 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 #598

understanding of concepts, and can thus easily grasp the lessons in their new schools.” Baby ready for preschool? Anwesh KC of Olympia Primary School agrees with Acharya and adds that primary f you have a toddler at home, However, with preschools Singh of Bal Batika Day Care successfully to formal educational schools are beginning to apply you are most likely scanning mushrooming everywhere and Preschool and adds, “We system. alternative methods and use Ithrough newspapers, including international franchises, train our teachers to understand “Preschools help children technology in classrooms. asking friends and relatives, choosing the right fit for your the requirements of each child develop social and emotional However, all this comes and making a list of possible child can be a daunting task. and create a nurturing learning aptitude as well as language and at a premium price which preschools. Nawaraj Baskota of Kavya environment.” cognitive skills,” says Binti Basnet many parents cannot afford. Although it is difficult School says that as long as parents While previous generations of Euro Kids, “we provide them But preschool owners explain to determine the number of do their homework and prepare of Kathmandu residents learnt with a strong base so that they go that the fee they charge is preschools in the valley, you are ahead of time they should be fine. to read, write and calculate only on to do well academically and appropriate for the range of sure to find at least one school His advice to anxious parents: in schools, children today are socially when they enter schools.” facilities on offer. in every neighbourhood. “They should visit schools, expected to acquire these skills However, some parents are Trained teachers, colourful As nuclear families become talk to other parents, decide before they even begin first grade. worried that their children classrooms, toys, games, the norm, urban Nepali couples on their budget and then make Moving away from the will not able to cope once they spacious playgrounds, and no longer have the privilege an informed decision for their traditional rote learning, leave the safety of preschools even swimming pools mean to leave their young toddlers children.” preschools today use interactive and go into more ‘traditional’ that preschools today are well with grandparents, cousins Most preschools in Kathmandu methods to help children schools. Dipti Acharya of equipped to keep children or relatives. The absence of a cater to the 18 month to 5 year understand the basics of Bridge Water International busy and provide a interactive family safety net, coupled with age group and offer classes, extra- alphabets, numbers, colours and School feels differently and learning environment for your working parents, have led to a curricular activities and childcare. shapes. Preschools have thus says, “Students who areused to little ones. surge in demand for preschools “Young children need become places where children progressive methods of teaching Stuti Sharma and in the past decade. special care,” explains Roshan are prepared to transition while in preschool have better Paavan Mathema 30 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 #598 NATION 5

PICS: BIKRAM RAI

Preschool checklist

Stimulating curriculum Qualiﬁ ed, trained and caring staff Low student-teacher ratio Clean and safe facilities Hygienic food Welcoming, friendly and homely environment Spacious playground

Nurturing young minds fter successfully launching the International Baccalaureate diploma program for the Aﬁ rst time in Nepal, Ullens School has now opened its kindergarten wing. Inspired by the teaching practices of Bank Street College of Education in New York, Ullens Kindergarten aims to provide quality education with a focus on experiential learning. The school recently redesigned its infrastructure to make it child friendly. Reshu Aryal Dhungana of Ullens Kindergarten says, “Our classes are designed to allow children to learn through their interactions with nature and practical activities. We don’t want to teach only alphabets or numbers; we want them to become creative thinkers who have strong social skills and problem solving technique.” 6 LIFE TIMES 30 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 #598 The wildest dreams

Luculia

Exciting exhibition of 200-year- old drawings of plant specimens from Nepal BIKRAM RAI

TIRTHA BAHADUR SHRESTHA Buchanan. Edingburgh. Museum. The Linneau Society remained a hidden treasure The paintings are from the The history of plant also archived his manuscripts until they were discovered archives of the Linneau Society exploration of Nepal goes and drawings. by Mark Watson, who was sually the Siddhartha Art in London and are based on the back to antiquity through Buchanan placed great fascinated by the quality of the Gallery at Baber Mahal pioneering work Buchanan did ayurveda, but there hadn’t been importance on local plant paintings. URevisited showcases in 1802-1803 when he came to any specimen collection and names and frequently Most botanists hired artists contemporary artists from Nepal Kathmandu on an East India taxonomical studies. Buchanan incorporated them into their to draw valuable specimens, but and abroad. This week’s unique Company mission to the Nepal collected over 1,000 plants new scientific Latin names, even we don’t know the identity of new exhibition of 200-year-old Court. The exhibition was and many turned out to be distinguishing Nepali names Buchanan’s artist. We also don’t drawings of Nepali plants may inaugurated last week by British new species. He pressed his from Newari ones. A large part know what Buchanan looked not be strictly “art”, but depicts ambassador, John Tucknott, specimens between papers that of this work was included into like because, unlike other the meticulous visualisation and on hand to introduce the absorbed moisture, a technique David Don’s Prodormus Florae explorers from the 18th and of leaves and flowers by exhibition was Mark Watson of still used by collectors, and Nepalensis in 1825. But the 19th century, he left no portraits the scientist-artist, Francis the Royal Botanical Garden in stored them at the British drawings at the Linneau Society for posterity. 30 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 #598 LIFE TIMES 7 of Kew

and flowers have pure white petals opened to a small cup, disposing a bunch of stamens that surround the central pistil. It is typical of a tea family flower. Another member of the tea family, Camellia kissi, known as ‘Hingua’ in Nepali is the chief ingredient for Tibetan tea prepared with salt and yak butter. For Buchanan this plant was new to science, and he inscribed it as Camellia Camelia hengua. Buchanan’s use of Newari Dendrobium The exhibits at the ‘Lukuli Swa’ for his wild Siddhartha Art Gallery are cinchona as C. luculia survived beautifully framed, the in botanical jargon as the genus flora Nepalensis’ (1824) has illustrations are fine and capture Luculia, and the pink flowering different draughtmanship the details of flowers and leaves than the one in the Buchanan with natural freshness. Most collection. illustrations are life-size and Buchanan later changed the gallery almost looks like a his name to Hamilton for herbarium. inheritance purposes and a large ‘Sungava’, the Nepali orchid, number of plant names bears is pictured as Epidendrum his double-barrelled name: damunsuttea using the Newari Buchanan-Hamilton, shortened name, ‘Damunsutta’ which to Buch.-Ham. In Nepal, Buchanan collected from the Hamilton is known also as a forest below Swayambhu. The historian and traveller. He also orchid doesn’t survive there studied the fresh water fish in anymore, and nor does the Nepal’s rivers. Newari name for it. Sungava Buchanan was perhaps the was later renamed Dendrobium White flower first one to discover, collect densiflorum, and is depicted on and draw Nepal’s incredible a Nepali postage stamp and its biodiversity, which Kipling later trade is restricted. shrub is now known as Luculia eloquently described as: ‘The The painting of the gratissima. Unfortunately, the wildest dreams of Kew are the ‘Chilaune’ plant depicts a name ‘Luculi Swa’ is no more facts of Kathmandu’. small twig with fresh green in use in Newari. Its drawing leaves that appear leathery, is somewhat incomplete, the Tirtha Bahadur artist having left the lower Shrestha is a leaves unfinished in order to noted Nepali save time and conserve paint botanist, who material. has extensively One Indian artist of the time studied Nepal’s employed by botanists was endemic plantlife. Vishnupersaud (Vishnuprasad), but it is unlikely he was Till Sunday 1 April at Buchanan’s artist because Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber a Luculia plant he drew for Mahal Revisited Schima another collector in Tentamen www.siddharthaartgallery.com/

COVER STORY BIKRAM RAI Chaotic Capital: The centralised governance has led to population inﬂ ux, resource crunch and increased pollution From portrait to self-portrait in Kathmandu. panish photographer Spain. From 1996 he has been and white portrait with often EDITORIAL SAntonio Nodar has working on …from portrait to playful embellishments by the A step for peace photographed over 1,000 artists self-portrait… and launched individual artists. all over Europe and he is now Volume 1 with 242 European COMMENTARY Being a Madhesi in Nepal at the behest of the artists in 2011. …from portait to Chandrakishor Jha Kathmandu Contemporary Arts Since his arrival in self-portrait… Maoists are not Communists Centre at the Patan Museum. Kathmandu in February Nodar KCAC at the Patan Sunil Prajapati ‘The Nepal Album’ of has been working with Nepali Museum open daily Tactical delay …from portrait to self-portrait… artists, painters, sculptors, from 10.30AM Purusottam Dahal brings a timely counterbalance cartoonists, traditional Pauba – 5PM till 11 and fascinating insight into painters and Mithila artists. April 2012 REPORTS the minds of contemporary The current work features over www.kathmanduarts.org Woes of victims artists in Asia: how they see 300 artists from across Nepal www.antonionodar.com HIMAL Taking the nation hostage themselves and interpret in which they are allowed to KHABARPATRIKA Million questions their own culture. Fifty-eight freely “re-work” photographic March 29 - April 12 LITERARY DEBATE nepalitimes.com year-old Antonio Nodar was portraits of themselves Literary ﬁ gures debate on born in Galicia and worked in that Nodar takes, the result Interview with Sanjiv Maharjan, nuances of the language theatre before his career as a is combined artistry that one of the artists photographer for newspapers in includes a conventional black 8 LIFE TIMES 30 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 #598

Poetry Slam Workshop with Screen. in your life with their pad thai or green EVENTS IN, attend a slam poetry workshop with curry. If you can’t handle the heat, fall Ujjwala from Word Warriors followed into the safety net of their western by a special screening of Louder Than dishes. Thamel, 10am to 10pm, a Bomb. 7 April, 12pm to 4pm, Sattya 4701510 Media Arts Collective Aalishan, serves authentic Indian Spring Camp, 10 days Spring Camp delicacies. Try the special chicken for children to empower themselves biryani and chicken reshami kabab. through music, art, dance and outdoor Jawalakhel, 5550039 activities. 2 April to 6 April and 8 April to 12 April. For more information call 5013554 PARIKRAMA IN CONCERT, catch THE OLIVE GARDEN, now offering famous Indian band Parikrama live in a revamped dinner menu from March action with other bands like Cobweb, 14 onwards with various trout dishes. MUSIC Abhaya and the Steam Injuns and Radisson Hotel, Lazimpat X-Mantra. Tickets range from Rs BUCHANAN HAMILTON EXHIBITION, 100 to Rs 400, 31 March, 11am to celebrate 200 years of biodiversity 8pm, Jawalakhel Football ground, research in Nepal. 24 March to 1 April, Jawalakhel, 9801032067 Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited DINING Girls Night Out, dance the night away as you enjoy this exclusive girls night Lazy Gringo, fail-safe Mexican CAFE HESSED, for those with a out. Rs 700, 30 March, 6.30 pm to 11.30 restaurant. The lemonade with reﬁ lls is sweet tooth, offers a delicious range of pm, Lakhey Restro and Bar, Durbar what won us over, but the food is mighty cupcakes and doughnuts. Jhamsikhel Marg ﬁ ne. Jawalakhel Chopstix, savory Asian food cooked Comfort Zone, expansive restobar in true Chinese fashion sure to charm with a fantastic range of cocktails and and impress. Try the famous drums of barbeque meals. Thamel heaven. Kumaripati, 5551118 CAFEREENA, the extensive menu IDES OF MARCH, support the has something for everyone. Try their ‘underground’ music scene of Nepal Dhokaima Cafe, exquisite ambience, famous chips chilly. Sherpa Mall, with the annual concert featuring bands friendly service, cozy bar, place to see Durbar Marg like Severe Dementia, Antim Grahan and be seen at. Patan Dhoka, Yala and Jindabaad. 31 March, 1pm to 8pm, Maya Kendra, 5522113 Bhrikuti Mandap Fun Park Milk Coffee and Cocktail Café, April Uprising II, watch live coffee house during the day and a performances by Rai ko Ris, Tank Girl, cozy lounge serving cocktails at night, Space Cake Break and The Doltish. Rs try its yarchagumba and molecular 200, 6 April, 7pm to 10pm, House of cocktails along with the famous Music, Thamel Starbucks. Woodland Complex, EARTH HOUR, be part of WWF’s Durbar Marg global initiative spanning 135 countries Kutumba Playing for Heritage II, and millions of people to cut down Kutumba will be travelling across Nepal Kaiser Cafe Restaurant & Bar, have IRISH PUB, for the simple reason that energy comsumption by turning off your generating awareness on preservation YIN YANG RESTAURANT, east meets a BBQ lunch and a glass of wine or the place actually feels like a bar. Don’t lights for an hour. 31 March, 8.30 pm to and protection of local heritage. Until west as you sample a variety of Thai beer inside the peaceful Garden of miss out on their Irish coffee. Lazimpat, 9.30 pm, worldwide 15 April and continental dishes. Add a little spice Dreams. Thamel, 4425341 Ananda Bhawan, 4416027

Abhijit Chadha wins

n a case of triumph of youth over age, IAbhijit Chadha, just 20, won the 19th Surya Nepal Masters at Gokarna last week, beating Vijay Kumar and Nepal champ Shiva Ram Defending Shrestha, who tied with Mukesh Kumar for the third spot. The partisan Nepali crowd was rooting for 27-year-old Shiva Ram Shrestha but the our honour pro from Chandigarh shot a final round of 4- under 68 and walked away with a Rs 646,000 cheque and trophy. Vijay scored an even par card of 72. Shiva Ram went 1-over 73 and at Surya Mukesh submitted a card of 71. Tashi Tsering won the amateur section with 8-over 286 and finished tied-25th overall. Masters On hand to congratulate the winners were Nepal’s chief secretary Madhav Prasad Ghimire, Sanjiv Keshava, MD, Surya Nepal Zom Hranga (left) is a tourism executive, golf (pictured, below). enthusiast and lives in Kolkata, also in picture are (l-r) Sri Lankan pro Anura Rohana, Biresh Paul and LB Singh.

competition in the country. The venue was shifted to Gokarna when the course was officially inaugurated six years later. The game has grown in popularity over the years (as has a prize money for the pros) and over 30 professional golfers and almost 100 ZOM HRANGA and dust outside, it was like a home- amateurs participated in this year’s so forth. This format of the game focuses coming to be back in the familiar and Surya Masters event. The management on team effort more than individual serene surroundings of Gokarna which of the Gokarna golf resort has done well performance and we combined well as a is one of the most scenic golf courses to maintain and promote the course team. The group led by Nepal’s top golfer s the Air India flight from that I have played on. The view of with a view to boosting golf tourism. Shiva Ram Shrestha fought hard but Kolkata started its descent into snow-capped Mt Dorje Lakpa, the dense My friends Biresh Paul, Buddha and eventually we managed to beat them to AKathmandu, I had a feeling of primeval forest, undulating fairways I were paired off with the Sri Lankan win the Pro-Am event. déjà vu. My last visit to Kathmandu and impeccable greens are unique, and pro Anura Rohana who is a past winner The thing about winning a five years ago was also to participate in the physical exertion of just walking the of the competition, and the format was competition, especially a prestigious the Pro-Am event of the Surya Nepal 18 holes is by itself a tiring but pleasant what is known as a 4 ball-better ball event such as this, is that we are obliged Masters golf competition at the Gokarna experience. where all 4 members of the team tee- to come back the following year to defend Forest Golf Resort. The Surya Nepal Golf Open was off and the best ball is chosen for the our title. It’s a bit like defending your Despite the chaos of the airport introduced in 1993 at the Royal Nepal second shot which again is played by honour. Looking forward to next year’s terminal in Kathmandu, the potholes Golf Club as the first professional all the team members, and so on and Surya Masters at Gokarna. 30 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 #598 LIFE TIMES 9

Lhasa Bar, enjoy a beer or a splash of cocktail at this springboard for excellent GETAWAYS young musicians starting out on the Music by Thamel circuit. Thamel, 985101043 the Museum

its FM 91.2 and House of Music are organising Hthe 5th edition of Music by the Museum with Ani Choying. All proceeds will be donated to the kidney hospital, Arogya Kidney. SINGMA FOOD COURT, for the best CHONGQING FAST FOOD, gear up for Ani Choying began recording songs in 1996 Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine some mouth watering Chinese dishes CHITWAN SAFARI TOUR, exciting and released her fi rst album Cho in 1997. Since in town. Pulchok, 5009092 and like Sour and Spicy Pork and Kung Pao wildlife safari in the Chitwan National then she has released eight more successful Bhatbhateni, 4411078, Chicken. Thamel Park at Rs 4999. Call Ace travels at albums and has been actively spreading 4411830 the message of peace, harmony and Bench Burger, be it a fi sh or steak wisdom through her soulful voice. burger, Bench Burger offers many Holiday at Grand Norling Hotel, She recorded her fi rst Nepali types and tastes to suit your palate. Gokarna. One night and two days at album Moments of Bliss with local Krishnagalli, Patan Rs 4500 and two nights and three days musicians which helped her gain at Rs 7000. Call 447948 a special place in the hearts of Nepalis. Her songs and original Fulbari Resort, enjoy the scenic view music have appeared on of Pokhara as you pamper yourself with various albums including “Head tennis, golf, drinks and dinners. Rs 6500 Maasage” by Soul Flip, BMG per person for 2 nights and 3 days, Call Company and the “Buddha 4461918, 4462248 Bar” compilation by George V PICNIC, enjoy this Korean restaurant Company in France. with affordable prices and heaping Spring Break @RSR, have the time of portions. Thamel your life along the sandy banks of the Date: 6th of April mighty Trishuli river with unlimited food, Time:6:30pm Cinnamon Grill and Lounge, mouth drinks and music. Rs 3500 per person Venue: Patan Museum NEW ORLEANS, offers a wide variety watering delicacies with live music. (room), Rs 3000 per person (tent), Tickets: Rs 1500 of western dishes that are scrumptious Try the grilled tenderloin steak and 31 March, River Side Spring Resort, For bookings: Contact Hits FM: yet healthy. Try the rosemary chicken quiche lorraine with fresh fruit salad. Kurintar, 9841386652, 9849186888, 4780534. and hamburgers. Jhamsikhel, 5522708 Jhamsikhel, 5521339 9813287921

SOMEPLACE ELSE

the grade. Afterwards, treat yourself to a plainspoken Lemon Lassi (Rs 125). Remarkably, the odd combination doesn’t 8 Degrees curdle; it’s a refreshing surprise. The six-month-old, two-story complex

PICS: MARCO POLLO complete with ample parking space and choice of function room is modern and arty palaces in Kathmandu are (Rs 200), minced buffalo meat, rolled sauce and swim in marinara instead. neutral with its clean, beige decor and as ubiquitous as its temples. and tossed in a spicy Metron sauce, is Otherwise, the plate is unworthy of a furnishings. Its designated restaurant, set PIn the business of pomp and essentially a passable buff chilly with chef’s hat. in a wide banquet hall (possibly available circumstance, they go hand in hand. A a seductive name. Dishes with exotic names or for hire) and club tunes on play, will wedding or conference crasher would Among the chef’s hyperbolic tags tend to heighten make diners feel like they missed out on have flopped in his mission, if the recommendations, the Chicken expectations and disappoint. Watch a good party. Ultimately, at 8 Degrees it’s hosts had skimped on the open bar or Cordon Bleu (Rs 350), chicken breast your paws and don’t fall into a best to crash than dine. buffet. flattened and stuffed with ham and marketing trap. Marco Pollo Catering at such venues usually cheese, is decent but needs more Stick to the Spicy Pork Stew (Rs covers an assortment of continental filling or better yet could be smothered 325). It’s spicy, it’s pork and it’s stew— Down Jhamel’s and Asian standards, and 8 Degrees with the same white sauce used on and oh, what a stew! The cubes of restaurant row, in Jhamel—for better or worse—is no the Spinach Cannelloni (Rs 225). Au pork (fat-in) strewn in a well-seasoned set off the road, exception: tandoori and pasta and contraire, the cannelloni crepes filled broth are ‘spoon-tender’ and must have neighbouring Chinese and Fire Balls! with cottage cheese and spinach over been simmering for days. Served with reoccurring haunts For hors d’oeuvres, Fire Balls mixed greens, could ditch the white a mound of rice, the dish alone makes like Roadhouse 10 HAPPENINGS 30 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 #598

WEEKEND WEATHER

The wind-blown sand haze that travels to Nepal all the way from the deserts of India, Pakistan and Iranian deserts as a seasonal phenomenon, although this year it is thicker and has lasted mother who treats Nina like a 6 year old. Erica, Nina’s longer. But these go only up to 3.800m KATHMANDU mother, played by the powerfully talented Barbara Hershey, up which means most trekking areas are above the haze, but view points like is a failed ballerina herself, and it is clear that her obsession Bandipur, Nagarkot and Sarangkot are with her daughter is also mixed with a certain jealousy that not. The haze fi lters the sun, not allowing MUST SEE Nina is the far better dancer. the ground to heat up as much as it FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY Sophia Pande As Nina starts to see darker versions of herself in should, which in turn subdues localised mirrors and in dark corridors she also starts to have other convection systems. However, there could be some localised storms into the more disturbing hallucinations. Aronofsky’s unnerring eye early part of the weekend. by the way, never tips us into the cheesiness of horror, yet horrifi c pardon that inadvertent slip-up last Friday n the 2011 Academy Awards Darren Aronofsky’s wondrous the hallucinations are in their indication of Nina’s growing when the weather report in this space got 26-11 22-13 26-13 Black Swan lost out to Tom Hooper’s heart-warming and psychosis. Only Aronofsky, whose fi lms are as diverse as repeated from the week before. Ibeautifully crafted The King’s Speech. Both fi lms are Requiem for Dream, The Fountain, and The Wrestler could excellent yet they are poles apart and perhaps impossible to has taken a slightly sterile topic like the world of ballet and compare. The Academy has always liked classic fi lms, with turned it into a rich, beautiful and terrifi c fi lm. their over 50 year old voting pool (on average), and so it is As Nina sacrifi ces herself to the perfection of her art we not surprising that the precocious Black Swan lost out to are swept along by her passion and her madness. The ballet The King’s Speech. Aronofsky’s brave and shocking scenes, the intricate costumes, Portman’s acting as she fi lm is a few steps away from being the general transitions from the beautiful but mousy Nina into the crowd pleaser that is Hooper’s fi lm (Hooper also won epitome of the Swan Queen are mesmerising. “Best Director” that year) with its alarming portrayal Black Swan is a sublime fi lm about the of a young ballet dancer’s disintegration under the sublime. It is a beautiful incubus, a thriller with pressure of the rigorous world of classical ballet with the heart of an art fi lm that isn’t afraid to push its emphasis on beauty and perfection. the boundaries of the viewers and of the artists Natalie Portman plays Nina – the vulnerable who struggle to make such fi lms. In the end, young dancer who’s technique is perfect but who Portman won the “Best Actress” Oscar for her is woefully frigid – as criticised by Thomas her role, but in fi lms like these it is truly the ensemble mentor and the artistic director of the ballet company. of cast and crew that deserve the award. Thomas, played to lascivious perfection by Vincent Cassel, holds Nina’s future in his hands – the ballet company will open its new season with All DVDs reviewed in this column Swan Lake in which its principal dancer must are available in the writer’s favourite be able to dance two very distinct roles, the DVD store: BIKRAM RAI pure, innocent, and beguiling White Swan Music and Expression, Thamel, Odette, and the evil, seductive, mesmerising Phone # 014700092 WHEELS OF RAIN: Locals build the chariot of Seto Macchendranath, the lord Black Swan – Odile. Thomas chooses Nina of rain, in Darbar Marg, in preparation of Chaitra Dasain, when the Seto in the end but constantly taunts her as she nepalitimes.com Macchendranath procession begins. repeatedly fails to embody the Black Swan Watch trailer to his liking. As the opening day looms closer, the already slightly unstable Nina starts to unravel. She spends her days between the dance studio and the Manhattan apartment that she lives in with her overbearing and emotionally abusive

ANURAG ACHARYA CITYWIDE SWEEP: Volunteers of the Clean Kathmandu-Our Kathmandu campaign Placebo power conducted by Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) clean areas around Gwarko on Thursday morning. KMC plans to deploy 10,000 volunteers everyday for a week as part of the campaign. of the placebo because it comes medicine spend more time without side- effects and is winning over the heart and DHANVANTARI cheaper than the chemical mind of the patient so that this Buddha Basnyat, MD drug? Indeed, even the bastion approach in and of itself will of mainstream medicine, the have a soothing, therapeutic Harvard Medical School, effect. created a department last year Recently in a major asthma erived from Latin, the wholly dedicated to examine drug study, patients in the word “placebo” means the placebo effect. placebo arm of the study did D“ I will please”. Hired Many in Nepal in not show any improvement mourners in medieval times complimentary medicine in the objective chemical chanted psalms which clearly could have told Harvard that markers, but they said they sounded insincere; so the they have been exploiting the felt much better. Based on this mourners were called placebos, placebo effect for centuries. study which was published as they were there just to in The New England please. In Western medicine Journal of Medicine, MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA the power of the placebo some reviewers said is now being reevaluated. that objective markers FUSING TUNES: The band Ashesh and Nekhvam performs with Norwegian One of the reasons for this should not be the only violinist Vidar in Kathmandu last Wednesday. is the burgeoning field of criterion to consider. neuroimaging, the science Acknowledging such which reveals the structural a notion is heresy in and chemical changes in established medical the brain. circles because we are so If the drug and the tuned in to just chemical placebo pill (which the or objective markers. patient is told will work Of course this effectively) is given to patients Conventional medicine has a certainly does not mean that with neurological illnesses like two- pronged approach based if someone is having a heart seizures or Parkinson’s disease, on drugs or surgery. But the attack they should try to find and the radiological images human being, either in illness a placebo pill; that would be show beneficial changes with or good health is a complicated counterproductive. They need either placebo or the drug, it is personality and clearly requires to go to the nearby hospital hard to refute the efficacy of the other modes of approach so emergency room. But there are placebo. Studies like this have that treatment with drugs and many other non- emergency emphasised the placebo effect. If surgery will be enhanced. conditions in medicine where BIKRAM RAI the results are similar, why not There is no question that the the placebo effect can work SURVIVOR: A child from the slum in Thapathali after a dip in the Bagmati River on explore the potential benefits practitioners of complimentary wonders. Stay tuned. Wednesday evening. 30 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 #598 OPINION 11 The last lap The prime minister’s exclusive focus on peace and constitution seems to be yielding results

unruly ministers, coddling the corruption cases. cronies accused of human rights Faultlines in the violations, and controversial parliamentary system bred BY THE WAY visits by foreign dignitaries. But instability and corrupt Anurag Acharya on the priorities of peace and governments in the last decade, constitution, he has outdone his which led to growing support predecessors. for a directly elected executive hen I met Chief This week he has been in the new constitution. This Minister Nitish Kumar ensconced in secret meetings means individuals with personal in July last year in with Pushpa Kamal Dahal and integrity who are capable of BIKRAM RAI W Patna for a special on Bihar moderate second-echelon leaders rising above partisan interests CASHING IN: Customers wait to deposit payments at the Nepal Telecom for this newspaper, he told me of the NC and UML to agree on an and exhibiting statesmanship (NT) offi ce in Jawlakhel on Thursday. NT is one of the few public how he was criticised in the outline of a political consensus. have brighter future. enterprises which yields profi t, with a net gain of Rs 12.12 billion in the beginning for his party’s alliance Now that the Supreme Court has Bhattarai has an opportunity last fi scal year. with the Hindu-right BJP, and reiterated its refusal to extend to do just that, to steer the his inability to deal with poverty its deadline, compromises on nation out of transition and Naxalism. integration, state restructuring by taking all parties into He said: “But I did not let and form of governance are the confidence. Pushpa Kamal these negativities distract me only way forward. Dahal, Sushil Koirala and Bad parenting and focused on positives that On the governance front, the Jhalanath Khanal have a central I could extract out of limited prime minister and the judiciary role to play in this process. choices I had.” earned public appreciation The time for blame games, Public enterprises need lessons on This week, when I after a sitting minister was and taking the quarrel to the efficiency, not just bailout pocket money interviewed Prime Minister jailed on corruption charges. media, are long gone. The Baburam Bhattarai in his Now, the expectations from people have tuned off. It’s office, there were moments this government to book the time our leaders learnt a thing when he sounded exactly like other bad apples have also or two from Nitish ‘Sushasan MY TWO PAISA Nitish Kumar. That may be increased. Bhattarai must Babu’ Kumar and focused Paavan Mathema understandable because Nitish make appointments of the more of their energy on solving invited Baburam to Patna last commissioners in anti-graft problems, instead of becoming a month as a chief guest for a bodies at the earliest to expedite part of them. conference, and our PhD prime ast week, the government decided to hand out Rs 160 million to minister seems to have adopted three loss-incurring public enterprises (PEs) in a bid to kick start quite a few tips on governance Ltheir operations and rescue them from their debts. The recipients are from the Bihar book. Gorakhkali Rubber Industry, Nepal Drugs and Janakpur Cigarette Factory Despite negative op-eds (despite the government’s anti-smoking campaign). and a growing media backlash, Although the bailout is conditional with restrictions on how the money should be used, it is not the best way to save these corporations. In spite of Bhattarai looked unperturbed. the growth in numbers, roles and scope of public enterprises in Nepal, their The critics, the opposition as fi nancial and other performances have been far from competitive. well as his own party comrades There are 36 public enterprises under the government’s control are baying for his blood. at present, and except for fi nancial institutions, a majority of them are Bhattarai, however, says he is incurring losses that now amount to billions. And we are not talking about trying to stay focused on his welfare centric corporations like Nepal Food Corporation, which has a twin goals of peace process and loss of Rs 1.11 billion. Even commercial ventures like Janakpur Cigarette constitution. And he had the Factory has recorded a loss of Rs 800 million. Some of these companies look of a man who meant every are suffering losses despite having a monopoly in their sector, which can word. be minimised simply through administrative reforms. When Bhattarai took office Political interference in business is largely to be blamed for the state of the state’s enterprises. Public corporations have turned into a playground in August, the peace process for political appointees and nepotism, with unqualifi ed candidates was deadlocked and there was occupying even technical posts such as accountants or fi nancial analysts. general frustration about the Such practices have not only deprived enterprises of capable and qualifi ed protracted transition. Less than a leaders, but are also increasing the operating costs and leading to huge week in office, he convinced the losses. party leadership to hand over The Drinking Water Corporation has over 1,000 staff and bears a weapon containers to the Special loss of Rs 180 million. Using their leverage as state-run enterprises Committee which created an to accumulate bad debts at state controlled commercial banks, environment for a dialogue with public enterprises have become symbols of mismanagement and the opposition. This resulted in unaccountability. The Nepal Airlines is a clear example of how too many the 7-point MoU on a consensus crooks spoil the broth. According to the Finance Ministry, about half a dozen PEs including on the rehabilitation package Nepal Electricity Authority, Employees Provident Fund, Nepal Insurance and the formation of the State Corporation, Nepal Oil Corporation, Hydroelectricity Investment and Restructuring Commission. Development Company, Nepal Timber Corporation and Gorakhkali Rubber Today, most of the Factory are functioning without a chief executive. combatants have left The tendency of public enterprises to cry out to the Ministry of Finance cantonments and the Nepal for rescue during fi nancial distress is not new. But a bailout which does Army is already making not include business-sensible strategies will only be a temporary fi x. preparations to integrate those Privatisation is thought to be the obvious long-term solution, but Nepal’s who remain. For the first time in privatisation drive, which changed ownership of more than 15 public four years, there is real hope that enterprises in the last two decades, has left more companies ineffi cient and bills on truth and reconciliation, corrupt. The government should now look into other alternatives to save the and disappearance will be face of public enterprises. It is possible to use the co-operative model to passed by the legislature reform these companies. The state can also contract out the management parliament even though it to private companies. remains to be seen if it will still If the government intends to continue running public enterprises on its have the general amnesty clause own, changes will have to be made. The establishment of Public Enterprise for Maoists and state security. Management Board (PEMB), a semi-autonomous umbrella body which The pace of progress may aims to regulate and oversee management of all state-owned ventures is not have impressed Bhattarai’s defi nitely a step in the right direction. critics, but to be fair to the PEMB is now in the process of appointing executive heads for the man, bringing parties with seven public institutions through a competitive application process. It contradicting ideologies and should now seek to train public enterprises in the basics of prudent business strategies which focus on resource utilisation and wealth diverging political interests to maximisation. agree on common grounds was There is no reason why public enterprises should not be operated as an unenviable task. So far he businesses that are fi nancially sustainable. has proven his worth. There are still criticisms regarding sloppy transfers, leniency towards 12 NATION 30 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 #598 Killers on the Lack of investigations of road fatalities denies justice to victims and emboldens rash drivers

ANURAG ACHARYA paused for few seconds, then sped away. Pralad’s left leg had been smashed.” Sharma called up Jujubhai t was just after 4 PM on 31 Tandukar of Kalanki police October last year when a station, whom he had met 10 Ispeeding truck hit a bicycle minutes previously and told on the Ring Road near Kalanki, him what had happened. The it was the kind of incident that police came to the hospital and happens almost every day in recorded his statement. Later Kathmandu’s chaotic streets. in the evening, another senior The truck, which belonged to police officer also interviewed Narayani Transport, was seized him. Yet, five months later, and the driver detained. The Sharma say he is surprised he reason the accident got more still has not been summoned to than a small mention in the testify in court. newspapers was that the victim Yonzon’s family, lawyer and was internationally renowned friends are also surprised and conservationist and wildlife suspect there is a deliberate academic, Pralad Yonzon, attempt by the police to not who always bicycled to and get the key witness to testify in from work from his office in court. Dhobighat. “We don’t have anything “I was driving from against the driver or transport Kalanki towards Balkhu and company, all we are asking for at a distance, I saw a truck is a fair trial,"Yonzon’s niece, overtaking a cycle on the right Sanjeevani who works with side from behind and hit it,” Wildlife Conservation Nepal, recalls Bibek Sharma, who told Nepali Times,” now I rushed Yonzon to Teku Hospital understand why people take in his vehicle. “The truck to the streets and smash things PICS: WALLACE WOON

Young ALOK LAMSAL hen Rupak Khadka and Rajendra Sapkota Wfinished walking through all of Nepal’s 75 yogis on districts ten years ago to spread the message of environmental protection, their family and friends told them they had made their point and it was bicycles time to go to university. But instead of settling down for a placid student life, the Two Nepali young duo decided to take on an even more challenging youngsters pedal task: to bicycle across South Asia. The two are now back across South Asia in Kathmandu after pedalling to spread the through India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. message of peace They set off in November 2009 with just Rs 10,000 in their and environmental pockets and decided to follow protection in Pushkar Shah’s foot pedals. 30 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 #598 NATION 13

up. Nobody listens to you Traffic admit legal loopholes otherwise.” provide culprits of rash Pralad Yonzon was not driving easy escape. However, just a conservationist, he was half-hearted and motivated among the few responsible investigations not only individuals in Kathmandu’s deny justice to victims, they run streets. “Imagine how much embolden rash drivers and carbon we are not emitting if encourage impunity. just one person decides to go Kathmandu is now a city green,” he used to say, and he of 2.5 million people, but its decided to do something about road network has expanded it by using a bicycle. It was a little in the last 20 years when mode of transport that he hoped the number of vehicles has would help restore the planet’s also grown 20-fold. Traffic is health, but he died trying to chaotic, traffic discipline is nil make that statement. and although the crackdown “Maila Ba was aware of the on drunk driving has reduced risks of cycling in Kathmandu the number of accidents, rash but he continued,” Sanjeevani drivers and vehicles with iron Bicycle blues says, “he lobbied with the city rods protruding from the back to demand bicycle lanes and face no punishment. n 2005 the government decided to construct a 44 km long bicycle track around the safer roads for pedestrians. There are more than 10,000 city after signing the Velo Mondial Charter and Action Plan for Bicycle Friendly The least this country can do road accidents every year in ICommunities. The charter provided a blueprint and set directives to promote bicycles is to show some respect and Kathmandu and nearly 400 as effi cient, environmentally friendly alternatives to motorised transport. But the plan has conduct a fair trial. We are not fatalities, and many of them been shelved just like the proposed bicycle lane from Maitighar to Tinkune which got demanding any compensation, are not really “accidents” but suspended in early 2000. On January 11, the state announced another ambitious plan to we just want truth and justice.” build cycle lanes on all roads in the valley which are over 22 metres wide. Although the are preventable man-made Chinese have completed their survey and are studying the designs, it’s hard to determine Sources in Metropolitan mishaps caused by rash and when construction will actually begin. Sources in the road department are also skeptical negligent drivers, as was the and say that the plan is unlikely to materialise. case in Pralad Yonzon’s tragic “There is simply no space to construct bicycle lanes in Kathmandu,” says Shyam death at age 60. Kharel who is heading the Kathmandu Road Expansion Project under which road Yonzon’s family and networks in Tinkune, Maitighar, Dillibajar, New Plaza, Kamal Pokhari, and Ratopul are lawyer are putting their faith being widened. “We may still be able to construct 5 metre wide lanes in the Maitighar- Tinkune section, but there is no space for bicycle lanes in other parts of the city. We barely in the upcoming hearing of have space for vehicles,” he said. the case this week, where Despite increasing pressure from cyclist groups and environmentalists, the they are hopeful the court will Kathmandu- Bhaktapur road was built last year without bicycle lanes, where speeding allow Bibek Sharma to testify. vehicles have killed 24 people so far. The much hyped bicycle tracks areound the Ring But they fear nexus between Road are also in limbo. CRIME SCENE: A bicycle Alongside Kathmandu Metropolitan City office which is responsible for inner city mural marks the exact a powerful transport cartel and police will use money road networks and Divisional Road Office nepalitimes.com spot on the Ring Road which looks after major roads in Kathmandu, near Balkhu where noted and muscle to prevent that the Kathmandu Road Expansion Project from happening. The family Watch Yonzon talk about Himalayan conservationist Prahlad was recently formed to expand roads which environment conservation Yonzon (right) was run over has appealed to the public experience heavy traffi c fl ow. It remains to be Cyclists and the city, #579 by a truck last October. to come forward to show seen how successful this new organisation is Pralad Yonzon, 60, #577 support. in upgrading Kathmandu’s choked roads.

were cheated by touts, they saw pedal power but they found of South Asia, the two are great gaps between the rich and the city moving away from now planning to go further poor everywhere they went and rickshaws to diesel and petrol afield to southeast and central felt this was laying the seeds of cars. Asia, and have prioritised future violence. And although In Sri Lanka, the Nepali countries with problems of people found them interesting, ambassador refused to see environmental degradation. not many were willing to use them. But by a complete Their motto on the trip bicycles to commute. Nepali coincidence, they ran into him is ‘If you want to change the ambassadors in New Delhi a few days later at a function world, change yourself first’. and Colombo were less than in Colombo. He was not feeling Back in Kathmandu they are helpful, and even refused to see well, so the two taught him trying to promote bicycling, them. some yoga after which the and lobbying for the creation But they did get a welcome ambassador said he felt much of bicycle lanes in the capital. from the nuclear scientist and better. So he gave them Rs They were members in the former president of India, APJ 5,000 and sent them on their group that convinced the Abdul Kalam who received way. municipality to invest in the them warmly and commended During their two-year cycle bicycle lane parallel to the Shah covered 400,000 km on to remind people of Buddha’s them on their symbolic journey journey, as yoga practitioners Ring Road on the Gaushala- his bicycle travelling through message about the need to to promote environmental Khadka and Sapkota often felt Tinkune road. 150 countries and then returned preserve the environment and awareness in South Asia. “The like the yogis who used to walk Says Sapkota: “Bicycling home to Nepal to climb Mt to keep the outside clean to inspiration starts from within barefoot on fire, didn’t eat for is the ideal mode of transport Everest last year. be clean inside. “Buddha said and motivation starts when a month or meditated naked in for Kathmandu. The distances “We thought it would be cool saving nature is saving creation triggered by simplicity,” Kalam caves in the mountains. “There aren’t great, it’s neither too to also go around the world and itself, so this was a spiritual told them. is a spiritual cleansing that hot nor too cold, and easy to draw attention to the extreme pilgrimage for us,” Sapkota adds. In Bangladesh, the two got comes with extreme physical get around. Most importantly, environmental deterioration,” The Nepali pedalers found a hearty welcome everywhere penance, this must be why bicycles don’t pollute and says Khadka, “so we started that not everyone shared their they went. Aghast at the traffic, the ascetics did it,” explained don’t need imported fossil with South Asia.” ideas of a clean environment and they even tried to get the Sapkota. fuel. It makes you and others Sapkota says they were trying a clean mind. In Banaras they people of Dhaka interested in After completing their tour around you live longer.” 14 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 30 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 #598 Why the Maoists won’t split: “So-called intellectuals” Naya Patrika, 27 March Pushpa Kamal Dahal in writing, it would be better to For the Baidya faction to be recognised by the CA, it will need at least 95 MPs after conversation with journalists the split. But currently the group doesn’t have more than 72 MPs. Also it is not clear postpone the conference. It if those who have been backing Baidya in the inter-party struggle will support the at his residence on 22 March is unfortunate for Nepal that agenda of separating completely from the parent party. after the cancellation of Ban’s visit has turned into According to the Constituent Assembly bylaws, a party can split by getting 40 per the visit by UN Secretary- such a controversial issue. cent of the members in the Central Committee to vote. But the Baidya faction only General, Ban Ki-moon. This episode has proven has 46 members out of 148-member central committee. how narrow-minded and Despite being ﬁ ercely opposed to the party leadership, Baidya is not keen on dividing irresponsible our so-called the party. Dev Gurung and Pampha Bhusal think likewise. The party establishment “I was part of the delegation intellectuals are. It has too is not in the mood to speed up the spilt by punishing Baidya and his supporters. which extended an invitation become clear to what level to the UN Secretary-General they can descend to fulfil Ban Ki-moon to participate in their self-interest. As far the International Conference as my understanding, the on Lumbini. The visit by Secretary-General’s visit Secretary-General Ban had has not been cancelled. He been set for the last week will come to Nepal and we of April. We got a letter will hold the conference. from the United Nations The ‘intellectuals’ may saying that the visit had have played some role in been pushed from March to preventing the visit, but I do April because of his busy not believe their position was schedule. We agreed, and felt pivotal. it was appropriate to go along At a time when we should with the Secretary-General’s be engaged in completing schedule. We had already the work of integration made our plans according and constitution-writing, to the time suggested by organising a conference with Secretary-General Ban. the participation of heads On the plate: Rights Meanwhile, we completed of state and government “No no, federalism will lead the country towards disintegration.” the formation of the Greater would have taken up to Lumbini Development be coordinator of the Directive 10-15 days. On a personal Yubak in Nagarik, 27 March Directive Committee. We had Committee, and that Prachanda level, I would have been already started setting up and Ban would co-chair the greatly pressured. From one QUOTE OF THE WEEK

sub-committees and dividing international conference. perspective, therefore, I was

work on plans for the world The conference was relieved to receive the news If constitution is not“ drafted by peace city and concept note suspended after we received a of postponement of the visit for the conference. A group message via the Foreign Ministry from the United Nations. We May“ deadline, nobody will survive the of people was unhappy that that, given the leadership here can now concentrate on peace resulting disaster. Ban was coming to Nepal, is confronted with the task and constitution-writing.” that Prachanda was going to of peace and constitution- NC President Sushil Koirala quoted in Annapurna Post March 29 30 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 #598 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 15

on us but since there was widespread condemnation, they are coming around to the 7-point deal.

Coming around Is the NC jittery about the Maoists dealing directly with the Nepal Army Interview with Minendra Rijal, NC leader Why was the PM’s proposal on integration? and Army Integration Special Committee unacceptable? There is no direct deal, and I repeat, member, Nepal, 31 March The number and qualification as well the NA has not forwarded any proposal as the training duration must be as per to the PM. So it is wrong to speculate. Nepal Army’s prescribed standards. We Nepal: Has there been a cannot compromise on legal norms and What about the rumours that the consensus in the special standards to accommodate somebody’s Maoists will be given high posts in the committee? interest. new directorate? Minendra Rijal: Last week, It is not possible to give them any the PM tabled a proposal But the PM’s proposal, which was post above the Major, and even in that went against earlier forwarded by the Nepal Army had the PM’s proposal there is no such agreements and we accommodated these guidelines, provision. But I don’t think we should protested. But now hadn’t it? reject the proposal outright. Once he has expressed The proposal was tabled by the PM and the clauses that run counter to the 7- commitment to not the Nepal Army. The proposal is point deal are corrected, the proposal initiate integration as full of clauses that run counter to the will be workable. The Maoists must per the 7-point deal Nepal Army Act and its regulations. understand that they cannot have their and we welcome that. The PM and his party tried to force it cake and eat it too.

Maoists won’t split. Chairman Dahal who shifted his loyalties from one lobby Losing ground to another until the CA was formed, might call upon his cadres for another Editorial in Himal Khabarpatrika, revolt if the peace and constitution Homecoming 29 March-12 April process is not completed. If that happens, there will be a conspiracy returned home. The family could not have asked for more. to dissolve the CA by delaying the Noordev married his comrade-in-arms Parvati in the Although the Maoists are making the constitution drafting till the deadline day, cantonment and now has two children. He spends his power struggle look like a confl ict when there will be no other option left. days helping his father in the fi elds and looking after his between those who are behind The opposition and establishment ailing grandmother. “I am happy working in the fi elds now. ‘peace and constitution’ and those faction of the Maoists should If things get bad, I may go overseas to fi nd work,” Noordev who want to return to the jungle, it is understand that Nepalis will neither says. Three weeks ago, another ex-combatant Pratigya actually their internal problem. Even accept another revolt nor an infi nitely Teknarayan Bhattarai in Nagarik, 25 March Aire made a long journey from the cantonment in Rukum though the Baidya faction opposes extended CA in the country. Enough to her house in Palpa. Pratigya’s husband Prakash, who parliamentary politics, it recognises that people already feel betrayed by the is platoon commander in the Fourth Division is awaiting its power and legitimacy comes from Maoists and dismiss their politics as Noordev Basyal could not hold back his tears when he fi nally integration in the Nepal Army. Pratigya is still undecided the CA and it lacks the support of 40 conspiracy. The Maoist party should met his father Ramprasad and 75-year-old grandmother at whether she wants to return to her village or continue living per cent members to go against the embrace the peace process and secure his house in Palpa. Surviving a decade long confl ict, the ex- in Rukum. For now, she and her two daughters are happy establishment. its place in pluralistic politics before it Maoist combatant Basyal opted for voluntary retirement and to be home. As long as there is the CA, the falls prey to more antagonism. 16 BACK SIDE 30 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 #598 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com

Drive less, drink more

I, too, want to be a BIKASH DWARE Minister Without Portfolio. f there was probably means motorcyclists will be driving less, and drinking more. any doubt FG Ithat Nepal’s Maoists are And it looks like the Traffi c Police’s crackdown on drunk drivers is inspired from El Norte, then Comrade Supersonic’s statement to yielding dividend: literally. At a press conference that other day to the Stand-up Committee the other day should dispel all doubts. The demonstrate the effi cacy of the newly-acquired breathalyser sets during chairman said: “The party has now taken a one party two systems which “volunteers” were requested to imbibe alcohol and then blow into approach.” This could either signal PKD’s inability to rein in Baidya Ba, the tube, police said fi nes from tipsy drivers have now overtaken fi nes or it could mean that the party is deliberately playing good-cop-bad- from illegal parking and other traffi c offences. Together, the alcohol and cop and keeping both options open (take to the house, or take to the seat belt fi nes have now become the single biggest source of revenue streets) in case things fall apart on 27 May. And if fi guring this out wasn’t for the police. Advice to drunk drivers: don’t stop doing what you’re complicated enough, comes word that the Hardline Faction has itself doing, otherwise the police may be forced to stop its crackdown on drunk split between those who want to split (Radical Hardliners) and those who drivers. want to just pressurise the Baddie Brass (Moderate Hardliners). If the FG party does split, the Ass has come up with a cunning way for the UCPN- M to retain its acronym by calling itself the Un-united Communist Party Considering the whopping chunk of government revenue that comes of Nepal-Maoist. from the booze tax, it is conceivable that the fall in alcohol consumption FG could soon bankrupt the country. Bars and restaurants in The ‘Mandu have reported up to 90 per cent drop in business since the anti-drink- Shh, don’t tell anyone that Awesome’s most-trusted former guerrillas and-drive campaign took off. There are rumours, hitherto unconfi rmed, are now part of his intelligence apparatus, and his spies have infi ltrated that the restaurant and bar association (Rayban) collected four million other party headquarters and even gone undercover into the hardline in cash and passed it on to the political powers-that-be to ease the ban, faction. In sting operations with hidden cameras, they record what is but without effect. Over Coke the other day, a Rayban member asked the said in closed-door meetings and the recordings are at the disposal of Ass rhetorically: “They took our bribe money and they didn’t lift the ban. Comrade Almighty by evening. Wonder if PKD himself is being spied What is this country coming to? Nothing works anymore.” upon by anyone else during his hush-hush meetings with kingG and the secret confabs with Comrades Sitaula, Gyawali, Amreso, Jayant and FG Laldhoj & Co? This week’s ‘Only In Nepal Award’ goes to the news item which reported that a Slovak woman who had FG been kidnapped by a cult has been slapped with $1,650 This Tweet just in: It was bound to happen sooner or later, the price of fi ne for “overstaying” in Nepal by the Department of a litre of petrol in #Nepal has now caught up with the price of beer. This Immitation. ISSN 1814-2613

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