#193 23 - 29 April 2004 20 pages Rs 25

Maoists, too Sidelined by the street agitation, Maoists leaders in a joint statement on Wednesday once more called for a joint movement with the parties against the monarchy. The leaders threatened action against those implicated in putting down the 1990 Movement, banned government vehicles from entering the capital for a month and GAG declared another three-day banda 18-20 May. NAVIN SINGH KHADKA

Weekly Internet Poll # 133 lready battling on several Q. Should King Gyanendra give in to the fronts, the government of party’s demand for parliament restoration? A Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa is now also coming under bitter attack from the media. Political tabloids aligned to the parties have always been critical, but Total votes:1,717 TENCE RUIZ/IPS Weekly Internet Poll # 134. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com now members of Nepal’s private Q. Does the anti-regression agitation by the media have also joined in, not just to parties have popular support? give wide coverage of the protests and write stinging anti-government editorials, but also to march in the The government is now also battling a hostile media streets. This has set off a debate within sometimes it is difficult to say who is whether it is ethical for journalists Panta of the UML sees no reason the media itself about whether it a journalist and who is a protester.” to actually join the demonstrations why journalists shouldn’t be at the compromises journalistic objectivity. Indeed, the lines get blurred they are covering. In a country barricades. “If there is no The Federation of Nepali Journalists when journalists are on the streets to where some papers are mouthpieces democracy, there will be no free have called for a boycott beginning defy the government’s anti-demo for political parties, this comes as press. Journalists have the right to this Sunday of programs attended by order in the capital. Last Friday, 70 no surprise. But should the protest, they are citizens too.” the prime minister and his cabinet journalists were rounded up and mainstream press do it too? An FNJ One of Nepal’s senior-most unless its five-point demand (which detained for a few hours. member who did not want to be journalists and last year’s includes the resignation of powerful “The arrests confirmed that the named told us: “Not all our Magsaysay-winner, Bharat Koirala Information Minister Kamal Thapa) freedom of press is in real danger,” members are professional, and thinks the line should be drawn is met. For many, this is being too says Kantipur’s editor Narayan some openly identify themselves as somewhere: “If overtly partisan. Wagle, who was arrested the party cadre.” journalists are on Editorial p2 Stunned by the media backlash, following day at a media support The involvement of the the streets siding A banana the government has been rally. “We journalists must unite to journalist unions was a big boost with political monarchy ? backtracking somewhat, saying the support democracy.” to the agitating parties. The demos parties, that will manhandling and arrest of journalists FNJ chief Bishnu Nishturi have been headline news for three be wrong. In fact it will compromise last week could have been a case of agrees: “We are marching in support weeks, but now many mainstream their credibility and ultimately hurt “mistaken identity”. In a statement of democratic values that include a media are also supporting the the profession. Our fight for on Monday, the prime minister said: free press.” agitation in their editorials. freedom should be with the “It wasn’t deliberate or pre-planned, But there are some doubts about Journalist-turned-politician Raghu pen.” l 2 EDITORIAL 23 - 29 APRIL 2004 #193

Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit Desk Editors: Trishna Gurung, Jemima Sherpa Design: Kiran Maharjan Web: Bhushan Shilpakar Advertising: Sunaina Shah [email protected] Subscription: Anil Karki, [email protected] Sanchaya Kosh Building, Block A-4th Floor, Lalitpur GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 01-5543333-6, Fax: 01-5521013 A bideshi’s view [email protected], www.nepalitimes.com Printed at Jagadamba Press, Hatiban: 01-5547018 The circle of events seems to be tightening A BANANA MONARCHY? onday afternoon I Those arrested were packed removed from local realities. All on’t get us wrong. Despite everything, we still think it is better for watched the into police vans and trucks, still evidence of the political parties D Nepal to be a banana monarchy than a banana republic. At a M choreographed dance waving their flags and chanting. seems to have been erased. No recent forum on ‘Media, Military and Monarchy’ in Kathmandu, a between protesters and police This is the ritual of arrest, a ritual posters, signs and party offices. noted newspaper editor from Thailand said he was shocked by the anti- monarchy protests and its coverage here. along New Road. Red flags, fists that legitimates one’s status as a Porters, guides and lodge owners When a monarchy becomes the subject of such sustained and intense raised, chanting slogans, protesters true protester. For many laugh and make dismissive criticism, it may be a sign that the country has outlived its need for one, surged to the police lines. Then bystanders, though, it is a spectator comments when asked about the he said. A monarchy is useful if it commands popular respect and sport. Most shops adjacent to the parties and their demands for authority so it can make discreet and selective interventions to ensure GUEST COLUMN demonstrations don’t even bother to reinstatement of parliament. The proper governance. But when such interventions lack legitimacy, or the close. The protests in Kathmandu status of the monarchy doesn’t monarch becomes a political player himself, both the king and his Marcus Moench kingdom are in trouble. seem to lack the fire of conviction fare much better. Neither of the King Gyanendra can’t be seen to be calling the shots because he is the police would gather and the and direction. There is a sense of pillars of Nepal’s formal political supposed to be a constitutional monarch who has nominally transferred protesters, anticipating a charge, unreality as city life continues system has much legitimacy in executive powers to the government he appointed. But no one really would ebb back. Soon all one undisturbed aside from the predict- the eyes of rural Nepalis. believes that. The Thapa administration exists at the monarch’s will and could see were lines of helmets, the able traffic jams. Trekking groups While the leaders struggle for pleasure. It is up to the king, as a first step in unlocking this stalemate, to make backs of those running before move out with regularity along the power in faraway Kathmandu, the move to set up an inclusive interim government. And it is up to the them and the yellow jackets of the Everest national highway from Lukla the bureaucracy decays. In 20 parties to offer solutions instead of creating more street mayhem. The king press, cameras held high, following to Base Camp. The Maoists collect days on the trail and climbing, could be looking for a way to roll back October Fourth without losing face. it all. taxes, incidents occur, people die, no one ever asked for the permit For the sake of the country, the parties have to give him that option. It intellectuals (including myself) we purchased to climb Island may also come to a point where it is smarter debate causes, Peak. to risk losing face than to let this drag on with all its unpredictable consequences. directions and In the vacuum, the Maoists, Admission of a mismove can be easily made likely outcomes. to use their analogy, swim like to look like a royal, statesmanlike effort to Although the fish in the ocean. It may be a remove obstacles on the path to democratic circle of events more friendly ocean than many renewal. seem to be in Kathmandu would like to The street agitation is essentially friendly fire. Have they forgotten who the real enemy tightening, even think. Years of ineffective is? Are they trying to provoke a mass uprising, the best informed development has generated and play right into Maoist hands? have little idea of tremendous rural anger. In the The Maoists have filled the vacuum left where it will lead. Khumbu, the tax collectors sent behind by the absence of the political parties Structurally, by the Maoists are often at the grassroots and the absence of however, many of Sherpas, a wealthy community parliament at the centre. Each day that passes by without a representative the elements logically opposed to the Maoist government will only strengthen their within Nepal and ideology. revolution. beyond that are The king and the army Democratic pluralism, with all its flaws, is likely to shape the move where they like and even the only bulwark against extremism and future appear hold large public meetings. Like totalitarianism. It is the buffer the monarchy needs to return to its constitutional role. That clear. Walking a man stepping into a shallow is when the monarchy will again have above Namche, pond, however, they can’t stop continuity, be respected, and—like in the tempest in the water from flowing back Thailand—re-earn its role of being the final Kathmandu once their foot is lifted. arbiter in times of deep national crisis. seemed far The Maoists probably see a KIRAN PANDAY L ETTERS

MANJUSHREE fiefdom? How can she follow MK of their elitist bubble and go among the untold stories. from politicians, writers and I was saddened to see the Nepal, a leader of a party with the common people, they will find Sandhya Sharma, USA journalists to the policeman, soldier photos of the injured writer doubtful democratic roots, who that support for the king and and civilian use this service. Why Manjushree Thapa (‘A marcher conducted his opposition to past dissatisfaction towards the political FIGHTING UPRISINGS do we have to be hypocritical of history’ #191) in your paper democratically elected parties is widespread, not limited to The blurb ‘How long can King about the oldest profession in the and would like to join others in governments with the weapon of few mandales as CK Lal in the Gyanendra afford to fight two world? Legalising it would increase wishing her a speedy recovery bandas and holding Nepalis same issue wants us to believe. In uprisings?’ in the article by Navin government revenue instead of and condemning the ruthless hostage, and has tried several any nation, such a situation would Singh Khadga (‘No looking back’, lining the pockets of corrupt behavior of the policeman that times to strike a deal with the provoke self-criticism and a change #191) is crooked. It should have officials. It would control AIDS, reduced her to that state. But I Maoists? Would these people of leadership in the parties, but not read ‘How long can Nepalis afford Hepatitis-B and other STDs and would also like her to help dispel suddenly become honest and in Nepal where intellectual arro- to fight two uprisings?’ A day will would mean more jobs that in turn some doubts I have about the promote good governance in a gance, confusion or maybe even soon come when by-standers, would mean more stability and ‘anti-regression’ movement. How republican system? The French stupidity reigns supreme. Think of shopkeepers, passersby will start security for the country. can she join people like GP Revolution, invoked by so many of those ‘academics’ that theorise stoning the politicians. They are Name withheld on request, Koirala, one of those responsible Manjushreeji’s ‘intellectual’ friends about the ‘links’ between the making a mockery of democracy. email for giving democracy a bad name (including the sermon writer CK Maoists and the king. Don’t you Om Rajbhandary, Kathmandu and allowing Operation Romeo Lal) as an example to follow, took see that the only real danger for the BAITADI and Kilo Sierra 2 that delivered place over two centuries ago and freedom and development of our SEX ECONOMY Many thanks to Kishore Nepal for the people of the western ended badly. Humanity has country is the Maoist movement? After reading Naresh Newar’s his report on the displaced districts into the hands of the progressed, we devised liberal Manjushree, don’t you think is time ‘Selling sex to survive’ (# 190), I people of my native district of Maoists, a man who reduced the democracy based on something to stop being obsessed with the have a very practical (albeit Baitadi (‘Nothing left to lose’, Nepali Congress to his personal called the rule of law that does not past and try instead to work unoriginal) idea: legalise and #191). Although I am far away need to use the guillotine, together, yes, also with the king for regulate the flesh trade. In France from Nepal at present, I can barricades, stone throwing and a better future? and the Netherlands, prostitution is imagine how Maoist brutality and torching of vehicles to check the Suraj K Aryal, email legal and well regulated with sex harassment by the security forces concentration of power and wealth workers being represented by is affecting locals. Going home last in the hands of a few. One can l I am amused at the media, their own trade unions (they even year, I experienced how the understand Koirala and his cronies including Nepali Times, giving so go on strikes). In Thailand, the security detail near Dadeldhura when they protest in the streets in much attention to Manjushree Thapa industry fetches over 15 percent army barrack treated ordinary the name of that same democracy being beaten by police during a of the country’s foreign income Nepalis. May 2061 brings peace to they violated. After all, they don’t demonstration. Is it because she is and the government not only our motherland. want to relinquish power and are the daughter of Bekh Bahadur provides support but also Laxmi Bhatta, Singapore professional hypocrites. One is Thapa, or a writer with many promotes the trade as one of their surprised to find people like friends in media, or both? There best tourist attractions. Does that NEPALI MOVIES Manjushree doing the same. are hundreds being killed by the not tell us something? As Newar Ashutosh Tiwari in ‘Lights, camera, If she and her ‘intellectual’ RNA and the Maoists: they are the points out, prostitution can’t be zzzz’ (Strictly Business, #192) friends would, for once, come out many unknown faces, theirs are eradicated because everyone completely fails to understand the OP-ED 23 - 29 APRIL 2004 #193 3 strategic opportunity this year. The international community is distracted by Iraq. Funds and guidance, yes. Direct intervention, Let them eat cake unlikely. The monarchy and the political parties are distracted by each other within the ever- It is still not too late to acknowledge that narrowing circle of Kathmandu’s October Fourth was a blunder Ring Road. India appears increasingly e have come a long way there is very little doubt what most be reminded of this. King concerned by reported links with since the late 1980s on of us would chose. But sections of Mahendra set out to achieve in 10 its own Maoists and separatists. W nearly all development the Nepali elite don’t really worry years what others had taken Pressure to take effective action is parameters. Average life about freedoms as long as they can centuries to do, and failed. King likely to grow following the expectancy has gone up, infant have their cakes and eat them too. Birendra’s dreams of taking Nepal current elections. But what type of mortality has dropped, literacy When the traditional Tharu to ‘Asian standards’ action? homeland in the inner tarai was bombed badly. Both rulers relied For the Maoists, the situation STATE OF THE STATE displaced to resettle royal on the cakes-without-liberty class represents a window of opportu- CK Lal favourites, some of King of Kathmandu apartchiks who just nity. Outright victory against an Mahendra’s loyal subjects lost faith passed on the blame for those two organised army is doubtful, but levels have climbed up and in his divinity. King Birendra’s failures to the kings they served. they could shape the terms of poverty in the countryside has penchant for creating competitive Democracy isn’t just an ideal peace once a unified counterpart decreased. Guess what, it all urban nodes in the hills to balance system, it is the only mechanism to negotiate with emerges in happened during the decade that the market towns of tarai never that works for the poor and Kathmandu. They have a strong the country was democratic. took off—Surkhet is still marginalised. Despite corruption, incentive to keep up the pressure. People in Jumla and Kalikot stagnating while Nepalganj bears a chronic instability and widespread Where does all this leave complain about the price of food boomtown look. It wasted nepotism, democracy since 1990 democracy and democratic grains and the unavailability of enormous human and material had begun to deliver services processes? Whatever the timing salt, and there is a serious danger of resources that could have been where it was needed most. It was KIRAN PANDAY and context, at some point the the gains since 1990 being wiped otherwise used for the starting to change the balance of Yew needed legitimacy that he had situation will reach a critical out because of the Maoist development of more suitable power and making leaders to earn by demonstrating juncture and change will occur. A blockades and conflict which is spaces. King Gyanendra willed accountable. Given time, accountability. There is no time of choice will come, elections now claiming an average of 12 recently that Nepalganj should democracy’s in-built self- alternative to the restoration of will probably be held, the consti- Nepali lives everyday, but now be shifted back to Surkhet. correcting mechanisms would have sovereignty of the people. There tution may be rewritten, political monsoon-dependent subsistence Einstein had uncharitable made it work it better. never was, and it is getting late to entities and the bureaucracy are agriculture survives. Remittance things to say about those who Unfortunately, King Gyanendra acknowledge that October Fourth likely to re-emerge in rural areas. from abroad, mainly India, is keep doing the same thing over wasn’t prepared to wait. was a monumental blunder. The There seems to be little debate keeping the economy afloat. While and over again in the hope that It’s simple, really. A hereditary sooner this crisis of confidence or awareness, however, of demo- wrenching hunger is becoming next time it will give a different head of state just can’t be anything between the king and the cratic alternatives and how common, actual cases of starvation result. Perhaps the people more than a symbolic figure in this mainstream parties is resolved, the governance structures influence are rare. prompting King Gyanendra to day and age. A king can’t also be better it will be for both. And for true representation and the ability Nobel-laureate Amartya Sen’s remain CEO of Nepal Inc should chief executive. Even Lee Kuan the Nepali people. l of a state to actually deliver seminal formulation about famines development services. For those being less catastrophic under hoping to give Nepal a better democratic regimes is true for all future, this is one of the most times and in all countries. Once important challenges. l hunger is overcome, most of us want to live a life of dignity. Given Marcus Moench is the director of a choice between serfdom with the Institute for Social and Environmental Transition. bread and hunger with honour,

background, context and movies remain and will remain dull audience of the Nepali movie and boring’ to people like Tiwari is industry by saying that they because they are not made for admit to being ashamed of being English-speaking Kathmandu Nepali cinema artists. I have urbanites. The rest of Nepal loves heard some artists’ them. dissatisfaction with the Nepali Kedar Koirala, email movie industry’s lack of a solid market and insufficient pay TIMES thereof, which have led them to Some comments about Nepali seek other fulltime professions in Times. Firstly, the internet polls in order to maintain their livelihoods. your newspaper don’t really I think they have every right to be represent the general public. I am disgruntled in that regard as long not suggesting any dishonesty on as we, the educated, English- your part, but perhaps the voters speaking urban hipsters are are the same every week, and unwilling to appreciate our own number too few to come up with products over Hollywood and a representational statistic. Being Bollywood fare. He then goes on a leading newspaper, this could to say that Nepali music videos send the wrong message to are far superior to Nepali movies. readers—remember the article by Maybe he is focusing only on the Baburam Bhattarai where he cute, young models with thanked the public for supporting awkward looks on their face as the Maoists based on your poll? they catwalk on the sidewalks. Secondly, humour is a wonderful They may be entertaining, but thing, but it has its place. No one they are not ‘better, slicker, wants to pick up the paper and bolder, more creative or techni- read pages of gloom, but Kunda cally sophisticated.’ Contrary to Dixit’s column, as much as I Tiwari’s assertions, people admire his wit, has started to feel calling the shots in the movie out of place. It’s time a journalist industry are not all ‘from the of such high standing took a more older generation with fixed responsible role. And for god’s views…’ In fact, some have lived sake, the golf column is for a long time in the most ridiculously out of place in a developed and liberal societies in country like Nepal. the world. The reason ‘Nepali Pradeep Singh, email 4 NATION 23 - 29 APRIL 2004 #193

New hope for thousands as the National Kidney Centre offers affordable dialysis in Nepal Staying alive

nephrologist at NKC, which is run by the non-profit Health Care Foundation-Nepal (HECAF) in Naxal. Till a few years ago, most Nepali kidney patients either went to India or waited for months at Bir Hospital. Running a private dialysis facility was unthinkable. Dialysis machines cost Rs 1.5 million each and need expert maintenance. The NKC only manages because it teamed up with a German social worker, Beate Vogt. When she was in the United States, Vogt met a Nepali kidney patient who told her there was no dialysis centre in Nepal. Vogt’s mission became to roam from one German hospital to another, begging them to donate old dialysis machines. She hired technicians to repair them and ship them to Nepal. The NKC was established in 1997 with Vogt as its honorary advisor. Today, the NKC is the nation’s best-equipped kidney care centre, and carried out 700 dialysis

ALL PICS: MIN BAJRACHARYA sessions in the first year. Now, with 15 dialysis machines, it caries out over 650 NARESH NEWAR machine. When the kidney is damaged, to stay alive is through excruciating to take a loan because we are all sessions every month. toxins build up in the blood and the four-hour dialysis sessions twice a running out of cash,” says Limbu Pawan Ghimire has been coming ormer British Gurkha soldier only way to prevent further kidney week. Transplants in India weakly. But even so, Limbu is lucky. to the NKC with his 66-year-old KS Limbu is fighting the failure is dialysis. Two needles are cost up to Rs 500,000 but even then He pays considerably less for his live- mother who has suffered from F hardest battle of his life at age injected into blood vessels of the wrist patients need follow up care at saving procedure at NKC than at other kidney failure for the past six years. 70. With both kidneys damaged, and are attached to a dialysis machine. kidney care centres and have to take private health clinics. He used to take her to India but this war veteran has spent nearly all The machine purifies the blood from medications all their lives. The other While the centre is making having her treated here has become his savings to stay alive. Lying down the patient before pumping it back option, dialysis, doesn’t come cheap serious efforts to subsidise the more economical. Still, it’s difficult on the narrow hospital bed at the into the body. either. At Rs 30,000 every month, it is treatment, it does not give it for free. for him to foot the bill every month, National Kidney Centre (NKC), Since kidney transplants are out of reach for most patients. “My “Once we start doing that, we will even on a good salary. “It’s expensive Limbu’s life depends on a dialysis unavailable in Nepal, the only way children support me, but soon I’ll have have to close,” says Rishi Kafle, chief for us but the doctors here are Life under Bush o say the current US government is attack on the Bush administration and its controversial is to grossly understate It’s election year and the book’s many supporters in the media. This books is T the facts. Opinion polls show being thrown at Dubya by a comedian and it’s funny. But it’s also Americans sharply divided on their disturbing because it argues that the current president and his team. It’s almost 50-50 strand of dominant political thinking in among those who’ve made up their minds America cares not a whit for truth or on George W Bush. You either love him or decency, only power and how to maintain hate him. it. Since I arrived in the United States two Bush critiques crowd the left end of the months ago, I’ve met people from both bookshelf too. Thieves in High Places, The those camps and absolutely no one who sits Big Lie, how the Right Wing Propaganda on the Machine Distorts the Truth, Stupid White HERE AND THERE fence. So Men, Bushwhacked, Life in George W Daniel Lak if the Bush’s America, Losing Our Way in the words of New Century, Dude, Where’s My a Nepali Times columnist occasionally seem Country? and American Dynasty, anti-American, let it be known that my Aristocracy, Fortune and the politics of criticism of Washington are mild compared deceit in the House of Bush are all intensely to what anti-Bush forces are saying here. anti-Bush, and I dare say, if written by a Consider the books that are being churned foreigner, they’d be considered anti- out by the dozen as election fever takes hold explain that President Bush’s persona as an out of trouble, and that happened several American. I can’t recall a president who and Americans get set to decide Bush’s inarticulate, but honest ordinary guy is a times. So if the president’s economic inspires such visceral feelings among his political fate this coming November. At the carefully cultivated fraud designed to dupe policies seem to be ignoring the poor and critics. Even Ronald Reagan, seen by moment, I’m reading Fraud: The Strategy in the voters into ignoring his upbringing as running the country’s finances into the opponents as slightly dim and too right Behind The Bush Lies And Why The a person of privilege, son of a former ground, it’s only natural. Or so writes Paul wing, didn’t have such enemies. And as for Media Didn’t Tell You by Paul Waldman. president, grandson of a United States Waldman. George W’s supporters, the less said the From the very first line in the opening Senator, a millionaire among millionaires. Then there’s comedian Al Franken’s better. But Ann Coulter, an author and chapter, Waldman gets the gloves off. ‘The Waldman points out that Bush has never contribution to the groaning shelf of anti- defender of Bush, entitles her most recent unfortunate truth is this,’ he writes, ‘George known economic want or uncertainty, Bush books. This one leaves no doubt book Treason, Liberal Treachery from the Bush is a fraud.’ This is an American wondered about paying the bills on time or about its intent from the title onwards. Lies Cold War to the War on Terror. speaking, not an Iraqi Baathist or Osama Bin gone hungry because of penny-pinching. and the Lying Liars who tell them: A Fair On the matter of President Bush, these Laden’s spokesman. The author goes on to There was always family money to bail him and Balanced Look at the Right. It’s an States are far from United. l NATION 23 - 29 APRIL 2004 #193 5 reasonable,” he says. “When I don’t DOMESTIC BRIEFS have money, they consider my position.” Although NKC refuses Remittance economies

free dialysis, it does offer free sessions ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ to regular patients who run out Remittances, Nepal’s main source of income, have increased and are money and are compelled to stop. propping up South Asian economies. A World Bank report says the region received $18.2 billion last year, up from $13.1 in 2002. The “It is difficult for us to watch report, ‘Global Development Finance 2004’, found India remained the someone quit, and the patient second largest recipient of remittances worldwide with $8.4 billion. suffers,” says Kafle. In Pakistan, receipts from remittances tripled between 2001 and 2003 Things are not easy with high while the figure doubled in Bangladesh during the same period. Nepal operational costs: daily tanks of pure hasn’t been taken into account, but estimates show the country water, rent and huge electricity bills, earns Rs 1 billion annually from its overseas workers. The Bank has medical supplies and salaries for the forecast that South Asia’s GDP will grow 7.2 percent in 2004. “IT 60 hospital staff. “Fortunately, exports from India, new regional trade initiatives, improved relations between Indian and Pakistan, and continued reforms will contribute Beate helps us with the technicians to the region’s achieving this record growth next year,” it says. and sends us machines and spare (Clockwise, l-r) Patient in the isolated unit at National Kidney parts,” says Kafle. “We also owe Centre, 70-year-old KS Limbu undergoing dialysis

much to the Nepali patients because Patients line up at the National Kidney Centre for their turns at Missing ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ they trusted us and without them, the dialysis machine. British tourist Gareth Koch, 24, has been we would not be able to run so missing for nearly a month in Nepal after smoothly.” Every year, 2,000 new leaving for a trek to the Sagarmatha area. kidney patients are added in Nepal. He was due to return home on 20 March Several private nursing homes have but failed to do so or call to inform his either stopped dialysis treatment or concerned parents about a delay in plans. A friend who accompanied Koch till Lukla reduced the number of sessions has returned to the UK safely. Koch is a because of high overheads. Even in 5ft 9in Caucasian with light brown short India, the renowned Sai Baba hair and an appendix scar. Any Hospital—where most Nepalis used information on Koch’s wherabouts can be to go for kidney treatment—has reported to the British Embassy, 4410583. closed. New Delhi’s Apollo

Hospital, one of South Asia’s largest Marathon update ○○○○ medical facilities, has only 18 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ machines. The bad news first: the Lumbini International Marathon, originally slated for 3 May, has been postponed indefinitely due to security This makes the service NKC HIV and Hepatitis patients with after he was infected with Hepatitis concerns and the overall situation in Nepal. But there’s no need to provides much more critical. It plans kidney problems. Since they are C while being treated for kidney pack away those running shoes just yet. The annual Tenzing-Hillary to branch out to Pokhara and perceived to put other patients at failure. “This unit has made it safe Everest Marathon will take place as usual on 29 May, the day the Nepalganj to cover the west and far- risk, most hospitals are reluctant to for these kinds of patients because mountaineering duo made their historic ascent. Many foreign and western regions where there is no accept them. A 25-year-old army we have separate machines for Nepali runners have already registered, and acclimatisation and dialysis service. The centre has also officer under treatment at the army them,” says the centre’s doctor, Salil trekking for foreign runners begins 15 May. set up an isolated unit in Naxal for hospital was transferred to this centre Poudyal. l

Bottling it up ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Who would’ve Rais in the Rockies thought that clean plastic waste, such as mineral water ELLEN WINNER in BOULDER bottles, can be used The Colorado Rai community are organising this year’s digging of the soil, planting, transplanting, and as a thermal insulator Rai-Kirat Sakewa Sili festival in Boulder’s courthouse harvesting. Flying motions represent spring birds flying in buildings? The lawn on 8 May. Hundreds of people, including Rai-Kirats north, ushering in the planting season and giving the bottles are packed in from all over the United States, are expected to attend. festival its name: Ubhauli. bags and in the The traditional ceremonies honor the ancestors, Traditional cultural artifacts such as khurbas (sickles), ceiling or within reaffirm the people’s connection with nature and the dhyangros (long-handled two-sided drums), dokos cavity walls to keep spirits of the land and water, pray for continued fertility, (baskets), and binayos (bamboo mouth harps) used in a house warm in and give thanks. “There are so many beautiful things the Himalayan villages of the old Rai-Kirat tribes will be winter and cool in summer. Air is an effective insulator and once it fill about our Rai-Kirat tradition,” says Vim Rai, “we want our on display, a bazaar will feature Himalayan goods, and a the bottles, circulation stops within the walls. A house built with friends from other cultures to know who we are. In the food booth will offer Nepali dishes such as dhalbhat tarkari, these bottles inside the cavity wall can provide excellent insulation spirit of peace and friendship.” chicken curry, and iced chiya. Proceeds from food sales and help to improve comfort and reduce heating expenses. At Tibetans, Sherpas, Newars, other Nepali groups, and will be used to offset costs of producing the event. present a house at Kitini in Godavari is being built using this even South Indian dancers who live in Colorado’s Rocky Vim Rai let me tag along on a trek to Dangmaya in environment-friendly, cheap and easy technology. (Sjoerd Nienhuys) Mountains will also join in the celebration with the Arun Valley in 1990 where I met Rai shamans. One performances in their own cultural traditions. night, watching my shaman guru perform a version of the This year’s Sakewa promises a truly delightful Sakewa Sili dance, I suddenly “got it”. Through the experience, featuring as its highlight a performance of dance, I could feel the safety and belonging of the Rai- the traditional Rai-Kirat Sakewa Sili, a joyful line dance Kirat’s connection with the ever-renewing rice crop, the led by a sili mangpa (dance leader) in which everyone is forest, and the cycles of nature that nourish them. So invited to join. Sakewa Sili is a prayer in motion. Using different from western culture where we live on petroleum simple, expressive movements, the dancers act out the resources with the uneasy knowledge that it can’t last. Rai-Kirat legend of how their gods gave them the wisdom The Rai-Kirats have much to teach us. l to transform themselves from hunter-gatherers to farmers and plant the first rice. Dancers weave around a lingam Ellen winner studied Rai-Kirat shamanism at Mohan Rai’s Shamanistic symbolizing fertility, evoking the clearing of the forest, Studies and Research Centre and is the author of World Shaman, and Thoughts in the Mind of God 6 NATION 23 - 29 APRIL 2004 #193 Networking for Nepal

Stop complaining, and start helping Nepal

aju Adhikari is a scientist in Australia, Shailesh Gongol is an R airport planner in America, Pranab Gyawali is a doctor in Britain, Arun Singh Basnet is a philanthropist in Nepal, Upendra Mahto is a successful businessman in Belarus, Suman Dhakal is a quality controller in a factory in Italy, Himali Upadhya is an international banker in Austria, Mahesh KC is an engineer in Sweden, Madan Gautam is a conservationist in New Zealand and Gokul Bhandari is a PhD scholar in Canada. These global Nepalis all have one thing in common: a strong conviction that every Nepali must do something for Nepal. Otherwise, they say, there is no point just LONDON EYE sitting and complaining about the country. To translate that Rabindra Mishra conviction into action, they work with scores of other like-minded Nepalis in a charity called Help Nepal Network (HeNN) with formally registered chapters in Nepal, the US, the UK and Australia are and informal chapters in six other countries. The network draws its inspiration from late Gopal Yonjan’s powerful patriotic lyrics, ‘Dherai chha garnu swadeshko sewa, Nepali bannalai/Shir thado pari Nepali bhanne ma nai hun bhannalai/Hoina bhane Nepali nabhana, birko chhora, naatima nagana,’ which has an audio-link on the charity’s website, www.helpnepal.net. Nepalis returning from a holiday in Nepal would share experiences about how things were getting worse everyday. Over pints of beer, they analysed why this was so. But if someone asked what they had done to make things better, the answer was usually “nothing”. HeNN changed that when it was set up four years ago. It aimed to encourage Nepalis, especially those living abroad, to contribute to Nepal.

The network urges every earning member of the non-residential Nepali community to forego a can of beer or carton of juice every month and donate the savings to the fund. In Nepal, it urges locals to have a plate of momo or a few cups of tea less for the same purpose. HeNN-UK’s Madhusudan Kayastha, says: “We expect more and more Nepalis to contribute actively to nation-building through any small way.” The appeal has worked. In the last four years, the network has raised nearly $50,000, virtually all from Nepalis. But it also accepts donations from non-Nepalis. The America-Nepal Alliance for Health, through the initiative of its president, Jack Starmer, donated $1,000 to buy medical equipment for a $8,000 health post in a remote village at Mugu. So far, HeNN has supported the construction of a library in Dolpa and schools in Pyuthan, Dang and Parbat. It has conducted several health camps and, in collaboration with Nepalganj-based Sahara Group, supported children affected by recent violence in the country. It also helped Khotang’s flood victims in 2002. One of HeNN’s strengths is that all the money is used for projects, there are no overheads. Until the end of last year, administrative costs were born by volunteer committee members but as activities expanded, it became more difficult to manage finances. This year HeNN opened a small office in Kathmandu. Its running cost is sponsored by two Nepali businessmen: Ashok Shrestha in the UK and Upendra Mahato in Belarus. The money, therefore, remains exclusively for charity. HeNN has learnt that it does not take millions to make a difference, it just takes a desire to help, a dollar or a few rupees. The important part is a collection mechanism, and managing and using individual donations. This is what HeNN tries to deliver. “Just imagine how many schools, health posts, orphanages and old people’s homes overseas Nepalis can build and support if they donated just a dollar a month to a collective fund,” says HeNN-Nepal president Arun Singh Basnet. “This is what our dream is all about.”

Rabindra Mishra has been associated with Help Nepal Network from its inception. Donations: [email protected] www.helpnepal.net 7 ECONOMYHanging by a thread23 - 29 APRIL 2004 #193 Machine-spun wool in carpets is not only illegal, it is also taking jobs away and raising questions about quality

hiring Nepali craftsmen to imitate Development Board, established in Nepali handknotted products. 1992, has control over the General Gehendra Bahadur Bajracharya, Special Preference (GSP) licenses that executive director of the Wool and industries need to export. Ideally, Carpet Development Board, thinks this board should monitor quality global economic recession and a and stop carpets using machine- change in consumer demands are also spun yarn. Unfortunately, the GSP responsible for the slump. “The new certificates are distributed solely on generations prefer fashionable and the basis of a self-declaration made perishable items to lasting by the stakeholder as the board has heirlooms,” he says. no testing lab or verification tools. Priorities have changed and the With just two inspectors who make European market that the Nepali occasional factory visits, only carpet industry relies on so heavily shipments woven on machines are has become intensely competitive. stopped. Machine-woven thread is The fall in quality doesn’t help. Two a neglected concern. years ago, Belgium’s Benelux Orient Handspun yarn entrepreneurs Company, one of the 10 largest claim that over 50 percent of carpets buyers of Nepali carpets in Europe, are currently made with machine- wrote to the Nepali embassy about spun yarn, but Bajracharya is low quality and fake carpets from sceptical. Komal Prasad Palikhe, Nepal. The government circulated planning section director at the the letter to carpet exporters but Department of Cottage and Small nothing was done. Scale Industry, says they have been Without the distinction of being working on this problem for more high quality, handmade products, than five years. “We took action Nepali carpets don’t stand a chance against many industries but there against cheaper, machine-made ones were no results,” he says. “We have from India and China. A lack of limited resources, how is it possible creativity to keep up with changing to check every industry?” Bhattarai tastes could be another reason for the thinks all this is a non-issue: “There downturn. However, carpet is a conflict of interest between entrepreneurs believe machine-made entrepreneurs. The main concern thread is the biggest threat to the must be how to increase exports, Nepali carpet industry. raise the economy and create more MIN BAJRACHARYA The Wool and Carpet jobs.” l KPK DEWAN RAI the work of almost 500 labourers. a niche market because of fine “If we can stop using machines, handwoven craftsmanship. Instead about 200,000 jobs will be created of trying to compete with rock- epali handknotted woollen immediately,” claims Majhi. bottom prices of machine-made N carpets are valued for their The debate over machine-spun carpets, they say we should protect unique texture and colour, yarn for carpets has raged for and promote our carpets resiliency, strength and durability. almost a decade. The principal as traditional and completely Made from refined pure wool dyed beneficiaries are carpet factory owners handmade. both with vegetable and chemical who profit by slashing production “We can not wait in business ,” dyes these carpets have an costs and then selling their products says Deepak Kumar Bhattarai, owner international cache that makes them at the price of handspun woollen of Paramount Carpet Industry, one the second largest Nepali export. carpet. Despite present laws of Nepal’s biggest carpet exporters. The carpet industry has another forbidding the use of machine-spun “We have to meet the client’s important function. The factories, wool for carpets, it is a common demands and it doesn’t make sense usually on the outskirts of major practice. During our three hours at to stick to handspun wool.” He says urban centres, absorb many a yarn shop, two suppliers and three his company uses only handspun unskilled rural immigrants . A decade phone enquires came for machine woollen yarn, but admits that ago, nearly 300,000 people were spun yarn. machines can increase production employed spinning woollen yarn. Mills are allowed to spin yarn and make Nepali carpets more But most of them have now been below 30 microns, officially competitive in the international replaced with machines. Gopinath intended only for woollen knitwear. market. Even so, others blame Majhi, chairperson of the Woollen However, these mills supply yarn for machine-spun yarn for the drop in Yarn Labour Union, believes only carpets as well, which should use carpet exports. The handmade about 60,000 still have their jobs. wool above 30 microns. “We carpet industry exports peaked in “It is difficult to earn a living produce thread according to the 1993/94 with over 3.3 million sq spinning wool these days,” he says. buyers’ demands,” says Dinesh m of carpets worth Rs 9.5 billion. Up against the perfect yarn Khetan of Amulet Wool Industry. Gradually things went downhill. By produced by machines, workers are “It is not our concern if our clients 2003, exports were down to 1.6 under pressure to churn out similar use it in carpets , sweaters or dump million sq m. Bhattarai doesn’t think results. This, Majhi says, has felled it elsewhere.” the drop is entirely because of productivity from 5kg to around 3kg Handspun yarn entrepreneurs entrepreneurial weakness or even of super 60-knot yarn a day, for filed a complaint in 1998 government policy. “It is due to which the worker is paid between demanding immediate action to declining global consumption of Rs 20-28 per kg. A machine, on the stop the illegal operation of carpets,” he said. He also holds other hand, can spin almost 1,000 mechanised mills, but this has had Indian exporters responsible for kg of the same wool a day, replacing little impact. They believe Nepal has undercutting the Nepali market by 8 #193 NATION Weeklies galore 23 - 29 APRIL 2004

ad news seems to be Three new weekly magazines have hit the stands, but a serious business plan for a good news: in the past weekly two years ago, but B week there has been a is the Nepali market large enough for all of them? concluded that it wasn’t the right flashflood of slick new weekly time to increase frequency with magazines hitting the stands. NAVIN SINGH KHADKA a sluggish economy and Kantipur Publication’s transportation problems.” Nepal pre-empted the launch of The new English language its former group editor weekly will face the same Yubaraj Ghimire’s Samaya problem of a by going weekly last crowded market as month. Samaya itself came the Nepali ones, out this week. In English, but even more the news stands have seen the acutely because advent of yet another weekly of the limited magazine, Nation. readership in English. All three new contenders The Nation’s editor are aiming at the mainstream Akhilesh Upadhyay, middle class market in English however, is not and Nepali, hoping that better too concerned: “Good printing quality and upgraded journalism is good news content will draw business, and it is here to advertisers. Media analysts see stay.” Nepal and Samaya jostling for One question that nags the same readership, while those in the media industry is Nation takes on 12-year-old how sustainable the new English Spotlight. publications will be since the The weekly market is now advertising pie is not growing. going to be crowded as “Even if the rise in the frequency established political tabloids and number is good news for like Drishti and Bimarsha have readers,” says media analyst P spruced up and gone through Kharel, “it is intriguing that even major layout revamps. when it looks certain they will Registration records at the lose money, more publications Information Department show are joining the fray.” that 1,300 of the 3,700 licensed The conflict and political publications in the country are instability has brought the weeklies. Not all of them are economy to its knees, and publishing, and the circulation everyone, including the battle is going to be between advertising industry, is the two new entrants and the WEEKLY EDITORS (from l-r): Sudhir Sharma, Akhilesh Upadhyay and Yubaraj Ghimire. hunkering down for the long tabloids. haul. Joydeb Chakravarty of At a time when there are so accountability and credibility,” more sophisticated and expects Basnet as its chairman, while Thompson Nepal doesn’t see many dailies, is there really a he told us. greater professionalism and Nation is published by Mirror how all the new publications can need for weekly newsmagazines With so much going on, it quality from magazines. “Our Media. survive. “There will be a in Nepali? Yubaraj Ghimire, seems the weeklies have their professional ability and Until recently, Himal shakeout sooner or later because who edited The Kathmandu work cut out to deliver what capability will be tested,” he Khabarpatrika, which is advertising budgets are not Post and Kantipur before they promise. “This is where adds. Sharma thinks the shift published by Himalmedia (also increasing at all,” he says. starting Samaya says there were we fit in,” explains Nepal’s from fortnightly to weekly will the publishers of Nepali Till then at least, Nepali aberrations in the dailies that editor Sudhir Sharma. “Our be seamless. “We are already Times), and Nepal were the two readers can enjoy greater ignored corruption and niche will be news reports, very well established and have mainstream fortnightlies. choice, better quality journalism diverted attention from real features, analyses and a headstart,” he says. Himalmedia has decided to and the hope that increased issues. “This is the space that investigative pieces.” Samaya is brought out by keep its Himal Khabarpatrika competition will bring down weeklies can fill and Ghimire reckons the Bhrikuti Publications which a fortnightly. General Manager prices like it has with the demonstrate professionalism, reading population is getting has travel entrepreneur Bharat Anil Shrestha explains: “We had dailies. l NATION 23 - 29 APRIL 2004 #193 9

BIZ NEWS

Merger

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○ Catch ’em young Nepal Rastra Bank recently approved the merger of Birganj-based Laxmi Bank and the prominent Hisef Finance Company. The new entity will operate as Laxmi Bank Limited, with a paid capital of Rs 610 million. The new money-making mantra when more than Existing Hisef employees and the Hattisar office were absorbed by Laxmi Bank, which will be headed by CEO Suman Joshi. Laxmi Bank has already half the population is below 25 emerged as a key player in consumer finance, with pioneering efforts in nyone at Thamel on Nepali family members influence their the global lingua franca, opens up incorporating IT into the Nepali banking world. Future plans include ATM new year’s eve would have parents’ decision on the make of new vistas of information through and debit cards, and a branch in Pokhara. A movies, tv and music videos. seen it was business as television, restaurants, car or PATA honour usual—crowded restaurants and breakfast cereal. Branding begins Everyone wants to be part of the

‘in’ group and trends are born, ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○ bars, and the expected snarls in early. Catch ’em young is the new Rabendra Raj Pandey, executive chairman of Everest Express Travels and traffic. All a far cry from the riots money-making mantra. reach critical mass (happily for the Tours, has become the second Nepali to be awarded the Pacific Asia Our young consumers are a manufacturers who rake in the Travel Association (PATA) life membership, the travel group’s highest moolah) and then wither away if individual honour. His dedication and leadership, with 23 years at PATA ECONOMIC SENSE savvy bunch: they know originals they cannot innovate and offer and in the Nepali tourism industry, has been commended before with the Artha Beed from fakes and they’d rather die 1999 PATA Award of Merit and the PATA Chairman’s Award in 2000 and (sometimes the Beed suspects they something new. 2002. of that very afternoon. To the mean it literally) than be seen Nepal’s 25 million population Beed, it seems one particular shopping at downmarket places is a big market, even compared to

Busy skies section of Nepali youth are like a Khichapokhari stall or India and China. South Asia and ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○ South East Asia demonstrated Your waiting-list woes may be over: Air Sahara, a private Indian airline, determinedly indifferent to wearing a sweater that Aama will be operating daily Delhi-Kathmandu flights starting 12 May. With a political turmoil. They are how quickly consumerism fleet that includes new generation Boeing 737-700s, 737-800s and classic young, upwardly mobile, can lubricate economic Boeing 37-400 and three CRJ-200s, the future may well see Air Sahara brand sensitive, and, from growth. When the political flights from other Indian cities to Nepal as well. It looks like Nepali and stalemate breaks, there is regional tourism are both in for a big boost, as another private Indian what goes on in Thamel, airline, Jet Airways, is also set to start flights into Kathmandu in the near they have money. Money going to be an economic future. that marketers are boom, fuelled in no small beginning to target. way, by young consumers

All things IT More than half of spending more. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○ Nepal’s population is Of course all this buy, The British Council will be holding its annual Cyber Fair from 10AM-4PM buy, buy fervour creates on 25 April at the Lainchaur office. It’s all about IT, with everything from under 25. That is a large free internet browsing to an IT-related quiz, a series of IT presentations and fertile field to plough. problems. We need only cast and opportunities to browse through the latest IT reference books or find So what if most young back to Thamel again. out about IT learning opportunities in the UK. The fair, which is open to people don’t have Under the bright city lights, all with free admission, will also launch of the British Council’s redesigned young boys wearing clothes website. independent incomes? Their indulgent parents do, and knitted. No, they want Armani. designed by American hip- NEW PRODUCTS this is why products, brands and This has resulted in stores catering hop artists fight each other in the BMW GOES COMPACT: This autumn will see BMW’s advertisers are homing on this almost exclusively to young adults. streets. Young girls wearing short first compact class car go on sale. With typical BMW demographic. They are the future. They shop in packs, almost never skirts and glossy lipstick solicit characteristics including rear wheel drive, powerful And if you can create some with their parents, and if customers openly. They candidly engines, front kidney grille and double headlamps, the tenuous link, some mirage of something meets their approval, tell the Beed that they’ve even BMW 1 Series will also feature five door entry, a low roof line and variable storage space. The well-arranged cockpit is ideal for requisite ‘hip’-ness, the otherwise the whole group is likely to buy it, stolen to keep up with their long journeys and city trips, and the layout enables the best possible axle fickle youth will offer businesses a in different colours. Multiply this friends. load distribution, engine power transfer and traction. You can kiss your semblance of loyalty. a thousand-fold and you see the There is a dark side to all this safety worries goodbye with the BMW 1 Series disc brakes, electronic Worldwide, under-25s are potential. consumerism so there must be a differential lock, run-flat tires and complete airbag system. Though the price tag hasn’t been revealed yet, predictions are that the BMW 1 Series becoming consumers who not only Take mobile phones. As they code of conduct. After all, the will appeal to younger customers. BMW 1 Series will be available at buy, but also influence purchase become the must-have accessory bottom line is not always the Cosmic Automobiles. decision. In Nepal too, with among the youth, manufacturers bottom line. l families going nuclear, younger are in fierce competition. English, [email protected] “The customer is boss” Nepali Times: Is this move going to change anything as Sugat R Kansakar is the first Managing far as Nepali consumers are concerned? Sugat R Kansakar: We need more business sense and Director of the NTC’s new avatar: Nepal professionalism than in the past when we had a monopoly. Telecom. Having worked for almost Since we will now have to compete with professional and three decades with the organisation, private organisations, we definitely need to envision how to he knows the days of state monopoly capture the market and expand. are over. Kansakar talks to Nepali And how are you going to do that? Times about competition, demand and We shifted from Corporate Act to Company Act, the latter will guide us now. This means all financial rules and regulations supply, and how the company will within our organisation will change. Political interference will remake itself. be lessened and we will have more autonomy. The biggest MIN BAJRACHARYA benefit from this change is that we can float shares. The had the upper hand while dealing with clients. From tomorrow, So it was bad planning and not bad equipment. board will decide modality and details within a few months. we have to say the customer is the boss. This paradigm shift is We had a little bit of a problem initially because the supplier was very challenging and we’ve already begun training our staff. from Israel and the system from Canada. That’s been cleared up But will Nepal Telecom continue as a government entity? Nepal Telecommunication Authority can make any decision now. The last tender was from China, which quoted only $12 Yes, unless we offer bulk shares to the general public or a regarding private investors. We have no say in their decisions million. Some people suspected that the supplier might give us private investor. Right now the government owns 100 percent. and must prepare for tough competition. second-hand equipment. But it was a global contract and they We will sell shares to the public and, if the government won. The company itself is one of the two biggest suppliers in decides, we may sell bulk shares too. That’s going to be a What new services can we expect? China. big decision since we are among the biggest earners with We’ll introduce scratch cards, which is a pre-paid card that We began our investigation on the congestion problem and almost Rs 7 billion annual gross revenue. We will float a allows the user to call anywhere in the world. This is aimed at found this kind of situation arose almost everywhere. In Thailand, minimum of 10 percent of shares to the general public, the tourist market. At present we have around 400,000 land there were 10 upgrades before the system was perfected. So far, which means the company will still belong to the telephone lines and around 130,000 mobile subscribers. We we’ve have had only two. government. also have internet services, but this sector is primarily dominated by private ISPs. We have installed VSAT Till the mid-80s, Nepal had the best telecom services in the How can you be sure, then, that the government will telephones at almost 130 remote areas and operate VHF region. What happened? suddenly stop interfering? services at around 200 sites. We also provide lease lines to China and India escalated in all sectors during the last five years. There is no guarantee. But since we will be guided by the banks, ISPs and the press. We could not move as fast. We’ve have had lot of politics and Company Act, we have to prepare our financial rules and less development. But we are ahead of HRD regulations accordingly. The ownership, however, What our readers want to know is will their mobile calls get Bangladesh, their telephone density is less than ours. I am remains with the government and we will have to be guided through? confident that we will be able to provide telephone lines on a by the owner. There is some circuit congestion but we’re doing our homework. demand basis within three years because we are going to We are going to install more capacity, and within a couple of introduce CDMA (Code Division Multiplexing Access) system. Does this prepare you to face the challenge from private months, the situation will improve. We’re already doing better This latest American technology was brought by the Reliance competition? than six months ago. Congestion began because we sanctioned Group of India. Till now we had a huge gap between demand and Till yesterday, we saw ourselves as government servants who too many mobile lines because of a high demand. supply, there are 300,000 applicants waiting for telephone lines. 10 HEALTH AND TOURISM Trekkers bring medical c

The phrase ‘medical tourism’ gets a whole new meaning with this unique project that relies on tourists to stock remote health posts with first aid supplies ALL PICS: JANICE BELSON SRADDHA BASNYAT in LARJUNG

t was pure Hollywood: a call from Los of Vitamin A deficiency. She also found Angeles, American rockstar Rami most medicine cabinets in regional IJaffee of the Wallflowers on his way to health posts sitting empty. Belson Nepal and, if I was ready, a helicopter returned to the US wanting to give to whisk us to the Annapurnas. Very high something back to Nepal. A couple of profile, but that is how Janice Belson, years later, it came to her: ‘basic founder of the non-profit group humanitarian first aid’. Explains Belson, Medicines Global, and her team do it. “Everyone has the right to a bandaid, For the past five years, Los Angeles- antibacterial cream or ibuprofen. It based Medicines for Nepal (GB) (the GB could prevent a simple cut from getting stands for ‘give back’) has organised one infected, sometimes severely.” high profile trek a year to Nepal. Its goal In 1999, Belson returned to Nepal is simple yet powerful: to make travellers with a group that included her daughter aware that packing an extra first aid kit Johanna, Usha Rai, the head of to drop off at health posts along the trails Newborn Medicine at UCLA hospital will keep them well stocked with medical and Greg Wozer, general manager of supplies. All it takes is a few extra Leki USA, which makes trekking and bandaids, a tube of antibacterial cream, ski poles. The first delivery, worth some hydration salts and a little extra $29,200, provided enough gauze. The idea is that individual travellers pharmaceutical Vitamin A for 3,000 will supplement these annual drop-offs. children and medical supplies for Kanti The expeditions include leaders of the Children’s Hospital and several health outdoor manufacturers such as Leki, The posts. North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Lowe Having a leader from an outdoor Alpine and Sierra Designs as well as big equipment supplier and a strong names from the entertainment world like medical person on the team became the Rami Jaffee and Carre Otis. “Keeping it model for future expeditions. Last year, high profile is important to garner public on their fifth expedition, Medicines for awareness,” says Janice’s daughter, Nepal had an eight-member team that Clockwise from top: Nurse Zoe Robbins hands over a resuscitation baby to Johanna Belson, who is director of included Gregg Hedin, the head Shayam Dhaubadel, president of Siddhi Memorial Foundation, as Rami Jaffee expeditions. It’s also an opportunity to financial controller of sporting goods (behind) and Dr Prakash Nidhi Tiwari look on. create a delivery system of basic medical company Scott USA, and 27-year-old supplies to places that need them. Zoe Robbins as the team nurse. They Medicines for Nepal Expedition 2003 team members Gregg Hedin, Zoe Robbins It began in 1992 when Belson came also had over $210,000 worth of medical and Rami Jaffee give a dental floss demonstration at the Lete Primary Health to Nepal on a two-month photography supplies. Centre. trek in the Sagarmatha region. Along the Our helicopter landed on to the Zoe Robbins teaches Lhakpa Dolma, the nurse at Namagyaling Serok Tibetan way she noticed many malnourished rocky riverbed of the Kali Gandaki in Settlement, how to operate a microscope donated by St John’s Hospital, California. children, one of whom was blind because the village of Larjung where the rest of 23 - 29 APRIL 2004 #193 11 care to the Annapurnas

the Medicines team had already arrived travellers are certain to go: “Even though after drop offs at Jomsom Hospital and the Annapurna is known to be better off Namgyaling Tibetan Settlement outside than other areas, we found that our Marpha. The team stopped at all the supplies were definitely needed.” They’re major health posts along the main trail. counting on these travellers returning to The next stop was Lete, a few hours hike Nepal and going to more remote areas to south. make similar drop-offs. We found that although infant Over the years, Medicines for Nepal mortality was lower here than the national has given supplies to the Maternity average, dysentery, diarrhoea, worms, Hospital in Thapathali, Bir Hospital, TU skin diseases and gastritis are the top five Teaching Hospital, Siddhi Memorial killers. Health Assistant Tulasi Prasad Foundation in Bhaktapur and Tashi Bhatta tells us, “We don’t charge for Palkhiel Tibetan Settlement in Pokhara. medicines but what the government They have a long standing rapport with assigns is inadequate.” The Lete centre, Kanti Children’s Hospital where they are with its neat cascade chart of staff names raising funds for Prakash Nidhi Tiwari and designations and tidy rooms is far to join a fellowship at Children’s Hospital better off than the health post at Tatopani, in Los Angeles, the world’s leading facility which has a bed and a doctor’s desk for paediatric oncology. Tiwari will then crammed into its single dingy room. But return to develop Nepal’s first paediatric does more harm than good. One strong medicines are properly used.” This no matter what the appointments, one cancer ward. Sponsors like the i2 voice against what he calls “medical includes making certain the medicines complaint is consistent: the government Foundation, Operation USA who provide tourism” is Stephen Bezruchka at the reach trained personnel and that just doesn’t send enough medicines. Vitamin A, Adventure Medical Kits who International Health Program at the possible side effects are explained. There The numbers look good in Myagdi: donate almost $10,000 in medical University of Washington. His own are other concerns that attractively there are 40 government health supplies every year and many others make experience in Nepal since his first visit packaged foreign medicines will institutions for 120,000 people, including the project successful. “We are most in 1969, ten years of which he spent compete with locally manufactured one district hospital in Beni, primary directly focused on Nepal. Our five working as a medical tourist, has led ones. But there is the counter-argument healthcare centres, health posts and sub successful deliveries to Nepal have an Bezruchka to the conclusion that such that Medicines for Nepal at least health posts. It may make seem like a accumulated retail value of donated projects detract from healthcare facilities provides medicines where there aren’t reasonable ratio considering the supplies that amount to $611,417,” says already being developed in an area. any, and has a regular channel to keep population, but the picture is bleak when 60-year-old Belson, whose group is now Local experts are also concerned the supplies going to remote health we consider that the government spends focusing this fall’s expedition on raising about travellers distributing medicine. posts. And for Nepalis that may just only $3 annually per person on health. funds and medical donations for Beni Buddha Basnyat, a specialist in high mean the difference between life and Why the Annapurna region? Johanna Hospital. altitude medicine, understands what death. l Belson explains how the organisation The program has critics who question motivates people to bring medicines in, hoped to primarily establish a proper the holistic approach of the organisation but he says,“They have a moral Contact Web: www.medicinesglobal.org distribution mechanism in an area where and ask whether this kind of work actually responsibility to make sure the Email: [email protected] 12 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 23 - 29 APRIL 2004 #193 ‘Talk to us’ Finance○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Minister Prakash Chandra Lohani on BBC Nepali Service, 18 April

“We don’t intend to suppress the parties’ movement. We have differences starting with the very foundation of their protests. They say their movement is against our government which, in their view, is unconstitutional because it was formed under Article 127. What they have to bear in mind is that even if they were to form a government now, it will be under the same constitutional provision. MIN BAJRACHARYA

How then, can they say our Across the line “They are just following orders government is part of the regression? ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ from the government,” says Ranjit. “It is alright for them to hold Rajdhani, 17 April The agitation leaders should think rallies, organise mass meetings and of what the police have to face mobilise people: we have not It’s a terrible life for the security before throwing bricks at them he stopped them. What we don’t want forces: days spent in the scorching adds. Ranjit is concerned that to see is the destruction of heat on an empty stomach, demonstrators are dehumanising public property and arson during waiting for orders from superiors security personnel, even as human these rallies. When we try to bring and always on the ready for an rights activists are vocally supporting MIN BAJRACHARYA the situation under control, the attack launched by protestors. the former. destruction continues. We received Even when rocks and bricks fly and information about Maoist find their mark, they cannot retaliate

without orders. “Look at how the Under control” Move to reconcile infiltration without the knowledge ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ of the Nepali Congress and the demonstrators are attacking us, don’t NC leader Chakra Prasad Bastola Samay,15-22 April UML. The rebels are trying to use we have any human rights?” asks a in Drishti, 20 April this movement to their advantage. I security personnel wearing a broken Excerpts from an interview with Taranath Ranabhat, speaker am sure neither the NC nor the helmet. He adds that the security The ongoing movement of the five of the House of Representatives in the Deuba government. UML leaders were behind the forces never had to confront such a political parties has won the support torching of trucks. I doubt these situation until the demonstrators of different professional Is there a way out of the present constitutional and democratic leaders gave instructions took to the street. Now they have to organisations. This indicates that we political turmoil? to set fire to personal and public report for duty at odd hours and are heading toward victory. The The constitution can be made active only by restoring the property. under difficult situations. demonstrations that were initially House of Representatives. The state cannot run “The leaders of the parties claim According to the District Police democratically without a parliament. At present, everything centred in Kathmandu have now that the protestors are under Office, more than 1,600 security expanded to the headquarters of from law reforms to budget announcements happen personnel were posted in the through royal directives. This is undemocratic. The country control, but recent developments outlying districts. cannot go on like this. Elections are the only way out. There suggest otherwise. We repeatedly Valley’s trouble spots. More than The issue of people’s must be unity between the parties and the king. asked the parties to talk to us. We 40 have been seriously injured. The participation cannot be judged don’t understand why they have Home Ministry’s joint secretary with a mechanical yardstick. The Why wasn’t it possible to restore the parliament? difficulty talking to us when they Umesh Mainali admits that the number of participants fluctuate, Sher Bahadur Deuba should have recommended the seem to be at ease meeting with the government hasn’t made proper more join in when the reinstatement of the House of Representatives. Maoists. arrangements for the forces. “Due to demonstrations are peaceful. You Unfortunately, he was unable to do so. The king cannot “The government is trying to our limited resources we are obliged can’t make a people’s movement restore the parliament. The power rested in the hands of the maintain security and peace. We to make them to go hungry,” says happen, it has to be spontaneous. prime minister. put our point across and hope the Mainali. The public participate when they parties will do the same in a Police officer Dipak Ranjit says Are elections even possible under the present discover that the issues raised by peaceful manner. We need that the security forces restrain the parties are relevant to their circumstances? themselves despite severe If elections help establish a people’s representative, then it solutions at a national level. There lives. That is how the movement is still possible. The government must create an is no need to panic.” provocation from demonstrators. expands. Considering the environment where the party and the candidates can reach out to the masses and find a way for voters to register their choices easily. There seems little possibility that this government will see it through.

What about the Maoists? Peace talks must begin before the elections. The Maoists have to be convinced that their victory is not possible with guns. The security forces should be mobilised to make the Maoists come to the table. We should not gear the situation towards victory or defeat by engaging the two armies. No matter who dies or gets defeated, we are all Nepalis.

Do you think the political parties will forsake their movement for elections? First of all, it is necessary to reach an understanding between the king and the parties. I made a plea with the king recently. I also met Girija on the same issue. The prime minister is the king’s closest advisor who is also accountable to the people. He must make the first move. But it seems like he is the main person behind the present problem. On the other hand, Thapa’s government has adopted a strong strategy to control the parties’ movement.

And what is the king’s role in the compromise? Wheels: Human Rights, Press Freedom, Democracy The party leaders should sit down with the king and reach a Spacetime , 18 April consensus. They should stop being stubborn. QUOTE OF THE WEEK Why haven’t you participated in the ongoing movement? I have certain limits as a Speaker. Moreover, I played my “What is this government doing? Even a hospital is not safe anymore.” own role in finding a solution to the present political problem. It is unnecessary to go to Ratna Park armed with Manita Karki with her one-year-old daughter who vomited after police tear-gassed a local hospital at stones. Putali Sadak. Kantipur, 22 April

SELECTED MATERIAL TRANSLATED EVERY WEEK FROM THE NEPALI PRESS FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 23 - 29 APRIL 2004 #193 13 overwhelming response from parts of Rolpa such as Uba, Mirol professional organisations and the Kureli and Jelbang have also been people joining us, the movement incorporated into the special has certainly reached new heights. district. The area that falls under By detaining the leaders of the Magarat Autonomous People’s People’s Front Nepal and student Government and has communistic protestors, the government is governance. trying to break our unity. There is The local government has set a difference between the People’s up various departments Front and the Maoists. The rebels agriculture, education and took up arms while we chose to industry, and have initiated stay in parliament. The more the projects. Similarly, a separate government suppresses us, the department has been constituted more intense things will get. to look after legal problems. The government will Communes and collective ultimately have to give up. What agriculture have been started perplexes me is the government’s where people share the harvests attitude. We always said our and private ownership is frowned movement will be peaceful but upon. The party funds the they charge at us with batons, yet purchase of seeds and afterwards fail to rescue police abducted by buys the produce. MIN BAJRACHARYA the Maoists. It is surprising to see Farmers say they are happy press passes were displayed prominently. We were stopped in front of the Red Cross office and other fellow that the state is unable to fight the with the new system: “Earlier, we journalists asked why we were being taken. The security rebels but is quite adept at had a difficult time scraping together Our ordeal personnel answered, “We’re just following higher orders.” suppressing those who want the two meals a day but now we have no After the initial skirmish, just two of us were taken. A people’s sovereignty restored. such problems. This is a real police officer grabbed our collars, kicked us and hit us The same government turns a communist system.” The education Journalists Hari Bahadur Thapa and Khim Ghale with batons, taking care to aim at our heads. We were recount their arrest at a political rally in then brought to Singha Darbar like petty criminals. blind eye to Maoists occupying department is busy formulating new Kantipur, 18 April We were framed. It was a lesson on how officialdom district headquarters yet recovers courses and building schools. distorts facts. And these very “facts” are those we, its vision to see the rebels Regular school inspections are It was 10PM and the two of us were still in custody at asjournalists, reported over the years. It is our right to infiltrating our demonstrations. conducted and teachers are forced the Singha Darbar ward police. A few journalists came provide unbiased and accurate reporting. Free press They need to understand that to adopt new Maoist calendars. to see us, including the president and general must have access to the field. people from different walks of life Teachers from Taksera High secretary of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ). Could they have mistaken our pen and notepads for They told us that the Home Ministry had issued a sticks and bricks? We challenge the government to give are part of this movement. School told visitors: “We have statement saying we were detained because we legitimate cause for our arrest. After spending the night Therefore, things might not go as almost forgotten the holidays we manhandled security personnel and stoned them. in custody, a police officer came early the next morning planned. The hurling of stones had in the old calendar.” Asked We were surprised and upset. It was then that the and asked for a list of our visitors. A few hours later, the and bricks by protestors is not about the recruitment of children, FNJ decided to seek the resignation of the home chief of the station let us go, saying again that he had something we want, but it they have a prompt answer: minister, a public apology from Prime Minister Surya received orders from higher up. Bahadur Thapa and resolved to start our own Who is this elusive ‘higher-up’? Is it the home happens. It’s part of the process. “Everybody has to join us movement if we were not released. The incident was an minister? If so, why did he try to frame us? It was Save for those minor hiccups, the whenever there is an intense eye-opener for professional introspection. There we probably intended to intimidate the entire the press movement is very much under the conflict with the forces of the old were, on the streets to gather information on the corps, otherwise over 70 journalists would not have been control of the organising parties. regime.” ongoing street protests. We were arrested although our arrested that day. In a few places, the Maoists have

Maoist utopia restarted small hydroelectric ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ projects. Officials at the Maoists’ Drishti, 20 April industrial department said the party earns revenue from DANG – Although the Maoists manufacturing units running in have destroyed infrastructure and the special district. They claim the public property all over the area is self-sufficient. The entire country, they are starting with area is a-flutter with Maoist flags and development in their ‘special welcome arches. Every family has district’ that combines parts of to send at least one member to Rolpa and Rukum. Areas of fight for the Maoists. Despite the Rukum’s Mahat VDC, positive changes, the people admit Chunbang, Kakri, Kol, Taksera, to feeling worried about their Hukam, Maikot and Arjal and security. (Nepalnews.com)

announces the 8th Immersion Course on Contemporary Social Issues Applications are invited for the 8th session of the Immersion Course to begin from 31 May 2004. The objective of the Course is to enable Nepali graduates to intellectually comprehend critical contemporary issues though an intense exposure to the social sciences as they relate to Nepali society. The Course consists of a total of eleven modules. Each module, apart from Research Methodology, will take one week. The Research Methodology module lasts six weeks. The moderators for the coming session are: Sudhindra Sharma (Introduction to Sociology & Anthropology/Introduction to Nepali Society & Culture), Kunda Dixit (Media & Society), Dipak Gyawali (Economics & Society), Ajaya Dixit (Technology & Society), Pratyoush Onta (History & Society), Krishna Bhattachan (Ethnicity & Society), Seira Tamang (Gender & Society), Hari Sharma (Politics & Society), Shanta Dixit (Education & Society) and Sudhindra Sharma/Dilli Ram Dahal (Research Methodology). Basic qualification: Bachelor’s degree and good grasp of English Class size: 26 participants Course duration: 16 weeks (6:30 to 9:00 am, Mon-Fri) Application deadline: 11 May 2004 Course fee: Rs 10,000 (course material included) Fellowships will be provided to deserving participants from disadvantaged groups, women and members of college faculty. Also, deserving candidates based outside the Kathmandu Valley will be awarded fellowships as well as living expenses for the duration of the course. Participants will also have free access to the Social Science Baha Library during the course duration. For details, please visit www.himalassociation.org/baha/immersion or call 5542544/5548142. Application forms are available from Social Science Baha, Himal Association, Patan Dhoka, and can also be downloaded from our web-site.

The Immersion Course is run by the Social Science Baha with support from the Rato Bangla Foundation and Inter-Disciplinary Analysts. 14 ASIA #193 Will they, won’t23 - 29 APRILthey 2004 South Asia is still unsure about sending troops to Iraq he US government’s renewal of an uncertainty is more complex. earlier request to India, Pakistan and No Indian can underrate the strategic T Bangladesh to send troops to Iraq has partnership with the US government. Thus been made necessary by the turn of recent the Indian attitude is sure to be theoretically events in that country, aflame with attacks helpful toward the US government. There is against the occupying forces. These three no likelihood of a new government in India South Asian countries are among the ones that will wish to walk out of this strategic that usually contribute troops in fair friendship. numbers for peacekeeping operations of the In Bangladesh, Dhaka’s decision-makers United Nations. Why these countries have will be less inhibited in helping the US not responded positively so far is because of government—their traditional friend and the donor—though the issues of international COMMENT doubtful law will have as much relevance to Dhaka as MB Naqvi legality to New Delhi. Moreover, public opinion in of last Bangladesh is divided: the opposition year’s invasion of Iraq. All three countries Awami League tends to take a more have not found it a legally legitimate war sympathetic view on the US concerns, but that could be approved by the United the other major party, the governing Nations. Bangladesh Nationalist Party, often beats Their stance was, and remains, that the Awami League in the friendliness of its unless the UN Security Council passes approach to the United States. As it is another resolution accepting the constituted, the government contains peacekeeping in Iraq, it will not be possible religiously oriented Islamic parties and its for them to send their troops there. One sympathies today are wholly anti-US. circumstance makes the new request Pakistan’s case is different. President embarrassing for all three governments: the Gen Pervez Musharraf is the fulcrum on painful sequel to last year’s Iraq war has which Pakistan-US friendship turns and he meant that maintaining US occupation is perhaps the most pro-US politician in there involves very high cost in lives and South Asia. He has earned for Pakistan the money. Sending troops under today’s dubious honour of being a major NATO conditions is likely to be opposed by a wide ally of the United States. He is perhaps swath of opinion as helping an immoral anxious to please the US government. But operation of the United States, because the he has unseen shackles on his political feet: morality of the Iraq war continues to be his power base is the army and it is largely widely questioned more than one year into pro-US—that is, except an unknown part the US-led occupation. that sympathises with radical Islamic causes For India, the issue cannot be decided around the world Musharraf has largely until after the four-stage general election consolidated his power as an all-powerful that started on 20 April and concludes 10 president. But his effective allies in politics May. If a new parliament and government is are nobodies in leading any significant in by mid-May, the earliest the new section of the population. Worse, he still government can take up this question is the depends on Islamist parties, which third or fourth week of May. But for now, constitute a third of the parliament, for there remain two uncertainties for Indian major political decisions. Islamist parties, to decision-making on the subject. no one’s surprise, are viscerally anti-US One is the absence of UN cover for the despite their past close cooperation with the operation. As yet there is no certainty United States. The Pakistan government, because it will depend on what the US due to rampant anti-US sentiment, denies government concedes to the United Nations that it has agreed to send 10,000 troops to in terms of international law. The second Iraq. l (IPS) A sinking feeling in Maldives

he Maldives is threatened A recent three-day meeting on At a meeting in the Bahamas T with extinction because of a SIDS highlighted the problems of last January, the Alliance of Small projected rise in sea level small island states and was also Island States (AOSIS) accused the caused by global warming. “My foreshadowed an upcoming UN the World Trade Organisation country is like a can of tuna fish,” conference on SIDS, scheduled for (WTO) of neglecting their says Maldivian Foreign Minister Mauritius on 30 August-3 concerns, saying that trade Fathulla Jameel, “because it September, mainly to discuss the liberalisation, accompanied by comes with an expiry date.” “serious shortfalls” in implementing erosion of trade preferences, is The UN says climate change the 1994 Barbados Program of having severe consequences on and rising sea levels pose “a major Action (Bpoa). UN Under- the already fragile economies and threat to the very existence” of Secretary-General Anwarul Karim social stability, health and small island developing states Chowdhury, the designated education of SIDS. (SIDS)—specifically the Maldives, secretary-general of the Mauritius Since preferential Tuvalu and many other tiny islands event, admits that one of the arrangements for commodities in the Pacific, which may vanish biggest problems SIDS face is their such as sugar, bananas, coffee completely in the next 25 to 30 small size and miniscule and coconut have been dismantled years. “Global warming and populations, which often limit under the WTO rules, many small climate change have brought an critical projects and discourage island states that depended heavily increase in extreme weather external involvement and financing. on the export of these products for events, coral bleaching, coastal One way to address this would be their national revenues have erosion, the disruption of to establish regional programs with suffered. AOSIS Chairman Jagdish agricultural activity and vector- national components, and have a Koonjul of Mauritius says it is also borne diseases and reduced more dynamic monitoring essential to recognise new resilience of land and marine eco- mechanism to ensure commitments challenges for SIDS, which include systems,” warns UN Secretary- made at the conference are the HIV/AIDS pandemic and new General Kofi Annan in a report. honoured. security concerns. l (Thalif Deen/IPS) INTERNATIONAL 23 - 29 APRIL 2004 #193 15 Living with insecurity Freedom isn’t enough

have often wondered why Karl Popper ended the dramatic peroration I of the first volume of his Open Society and Its Enemies with the sentence: “We must go on into the unknown, the uncertain and insecure, using what reason we have to plan for both security and freedom.” Is not freedom enough? Why put security on the same level as that supreme value? Then one remembers that Popper was writing in the final years of World War II. Looking around the world in 2004, you begin to understand Popper’s motive: freedom always means living with risk, but without security, risk means only threats, not opportunities. Examples abound. COMMENT Things in Iraq may not be as bad as Ralf Dahrendorf the daily news of bomb attacks make events sound, but it is clear that there will be no lasting progress towards a liberal order in the country without basic security. Afghanistan’s story is even more complex, though the same is true there. But who provides security, and how? In Europe and the West, there is the string of terrorist acts—from those on the US in 2001 to the pre-election bombings in Madrid—to think about. London’s mayor and police chief have jointly warned that terrorist attacks in the city are “inevitable”. Almost every day there are new warnings, with heavily armed policemen in the streets, concrete barriers appearing in front of embassies and public buildings, stricter controls at airports and elsewhere—each a daily reminder of the insecurity that surrounds us. Worn out welcome Nor is it only bombs that add to life’s general uncertainties. Gradually, awareness is setting in that global warming is not just a gloom and doom fantasy. Social changes add to such insecurities. All at There must not be a permanent Coalition once we seem to hear two demographic time-bombs ticking: the continuing population explosion in parts of the third world and the occupation in Iraq astonishing rate of aging in the first world. What will this mean for social policy? How will mass migration affect countries’ cultural heritage? raq may slowly be emerging Sistani that the US troops security for the population. There is also a widespread sense of economic insecurity. No sooner is from a month of the most should not overstay their Finally, it exposes the an upturn announced, it falters. At any rate, employment seems to have I intense bloodshed since the welcome. This goes against jockeying for political position become decoupled from growth. Millions worry about their jobs—and thus the quality of their lives—in addition to fearing for their personal security. declared end of the war. But a two other US, and possibly among different ethnic, Such examples serve to show that the most disquieting aspect of today’s lull in the fighting in the international, interests. First, religious and political groups in insecurity may well be the diversity of its sources, and that there are no bloodstained Sunni town of the United States has a Iraq in the context of the June clear explanations and simple solutions. Even a formula like “war on Faluja, west of Baghdad, and a commitment to the Kurdish handover. terror” simplifies a more complex phenomenon. tentative deal with the Sadr minority in the north, which The questions over the So what should we do? Perhaps we should look at Popper again and Shia militia in the south seem under no circumstances will future of Iraq and the fear of remember his advice: to use what reason we have to tackle our insecurities. In many cases this requires drastic measures, particularly allow a central government to permanent occupation can only insofar as our physical security is concerned. But while it is hard to deny ANALYSIS rule it again. Then there is also be addressed by involving the that such measures are necessary, it is no less necessary to remember the Ferry Biederman the restive and radicalised United Nations and finding a other half of the phrase: “security and freedom”. Sunni minority in the centre of formula under which foreign Checks on security measures that curtail the freedoms that give our exceedingly fragile. If there is a the country, many of whom troops will remain in the lives dignity are as imperative as protection. Such checks can take many pause, nobody expects it to last had a stake in the old Baathist country under an international forms. One is to make all such measures temporary by giving these new very long. It now becomes regime. Sistani was especially mandate. Security will probably laws and regulations “sunset clauses” that limit their duration. Security must not become a pretext for suspending and destroying the liberal crucial for the international opposed to the clauses that not be fully restored unless order. A second requirement is that we look ahead more effectively. It is community as well as the US- gave the two ethnic minorities Iraqi forces are involved. Over not necessary for us to wait for great catastrophes to occur if we can see dominated coalition that separate guarantees that the last couple of weeks they them coming. Holland does not have to sink into the North Sea before we occupies Iraq to quickly seemed to interfere with the have shown themselves do something about the world’s climate: pensions do not have to decline formulate some policies that Shias’ claim to overall power. incapable or unwilling to play a to near-zero before social policies are adjusted. may avert the next round of The fighting in the south strong role. Clearly, much A third need is to preserve, and in many cases to recreate, what one fighting. broke out soon after Sistani more work needs to be done might call “islands of security”. Globalisation must become In order to formulate a was forced to back down, and on rebuilding Iraqi forces. On “glocalisation”: there is value in the relative certainties of local communities, response to the fighting now, the constitution was signed the other hand, despite much small companies, human associations. the United States will have to after all. Circumstances also criticism of the Coalition Such islands are not sheltered and take into account the growing contributed to the timeliness Provisional Authority (CPA) protected spaces, but models for others. unease with the presence of its of such a demonstration of and the Iraqi Governing They prove that, up to a point, security troops in Iraq. Commanders might. The Shias were Council, this structure can be provided without loss of freedom. have made it clear that despite shocked by the attacks in provided the first attempt for There remains the most fundamental the planned handover of March during the holiest day Iraqis to jointly run their issue of attitude. It is debatable whether governments should ever frighten their political power on 30 June, the of their religious calendar, the country on relatively citizens by painting the horror scenario of military could stay on Ashura, when more than 170 democratic principles. “inevitable” attack. The truth—to quote Popper indefinitely. people were killed. After the The CPA’s failures are again—is that “we must go on into the unknown, the Most Shias, who form the attacks in Kerbala and manifold—its abolition of the uncertain and insecure,” come what may. Today’s majority in Iraq, initially Baghdad during the Ashura, Iraqi army, its failure to instabilities may be unusually varied and severe, but welcomed the US deposing Shia anger was for the first quickly restore utilities, its lack human life is one of ceaseless uncertainty at all their arch-enemy Saddam time clearly aimed at of democratic spirit in its times. Such uncertainty can lead to a frozen state of near-entropy. More frequently, uncertainty leads to Hussein. They even were ready Westerners. approach to the Iraqi someone claiming to know how to eliminate it— to tolerate the presence of What emerges is a picture population. Even so, it is hard frequently through arbitrary powers that benefit foreign troops for a transition with at least four main to see how the different but a few. period until order was restored. elements that affect the political, ethnic and religious False gods have always profited from a That does not mean that they violence in Iraq. The heavy- groups in Iraq can find widespread sense of insecurity. Against them, an were ready to accept open- handed US response to attacks common ground outside the active effort to tackle the risks around us is the ended occupation, especially raises the number of victims in political framework that the only answer. Perhaps we need a new enlightenment to spread the confidence we now that Saddam Hussein has a dangerous way. Secondly, CPA has initiated. That is why l been caught. there is a perception of now it is important to stick to the need to live with insecurity in freedom. It would be a mistake to open-ended occupation by the 30 June deadline and to the (© Project Syndicate) ignore earlier comments by United States and its close interim constitution that has Ralf Dahrendorf is an author and former Rector of the apparently moderate Shia allies. Thirdly, the coalition is been negotiated so London School of Economics. leaders such as Grand Ayatollah seen as incapable of providing painstakingly. l (IPS) 16 HISTORY AND CULTURE 23 - 29 APRIL 2004 #193 Lal Singh Gurung joined the British Gurkhas at 14. In his oral testimony he More than just describes how he managed to get recruited, despite being an inch shorter pretty pictures than regulation. His first few years in the army, just before World War II, is spent in training and fighting minor skirmishes like Poet and photographer against the Nagas in northeast India. His Wayne Amtzis offers us his worldview story appears with that of several other ayne Amtzis’ third exhibition in the Siddhartha Gallery Gurkha soldiers in Himal Books’ Lahure W juxtaposes harsh, colourless reality with the power of creation ka Katha. It has been translated from and fancy. His photographs present the paradox that demands we take responsibility for the world around us—considering the Nepali by Dev Bahadur Thapa for undignified, the nameless, the overworked and all those who, like mute animals, make life easier for us—and yet find a way out of its snares, Nepali Times. snatching moments of liberation and relief. The black and white Street Life exhibition is a direct projection of the callous indifference marking city life. In ‘Sleeping Porters, Nag Pokhari’ emaciated men use a cement block and a cart for beds, their “I faked my height” skeleton for mattresses. These photos are a comment on what we, REVIEW the privileged, don’t want to Smriti Jaiswal was born at Deopur Langdi village my tongue. “Seven, sir, he has seven inches. I was asked to forego one of witness, don’t want to be a part of. A in Parbat district on 16 June lemon plants,” he added. the things in the supplementary diet few photos are pictures of pictures. I 1917. My mother died when I A while later the jamadar asked and I opted to give up meat. In ‘Icons’ Mahatma Gandhi, Marx, Ambedkar and Jesus stare at us. If they are a celebration of or a reminder of who we ought to be, what was three days old, but my me to get up and stretch my hands. However I continued taking cod answers might we have for them? grandmother took good care of me so He said since my fingers were long, I liver oil and milk for one full year. Still Life casts a different aura. If a mood can be represented I was well-built compared to others would grow. The next day was the After 10 months of training, we graphically, if imagination and expression can be manifested through motherless children. selection of recruits at the parade had to report back to our respective the physical, then Amtzis’ work which consists of found, almost stumbled A recruiter came to our village ground. While the officer was taking battalions. I was placed in B upon, objects, is vividly eloquent. The photographs illustrate the artist’s when I was 14 years and seven measurement I raised my heel a little company under subedar major observant mind, his perception of the most trivial, his struggle and gain months old and took my bit as I had been instructed. This Dhan Bahadur. We underwent amidst waste and loss. Roadside scraps, backyard booty evoking forgotten times or a lost childhood seem to reveal a mood and measurements. My height was increased my height by one inch and three months additional training in meaning otherwise overlooked. The evocations of colour, the shaping marked zero, which means I was the examiner wrote down 61 inches. the hills of Abottabad. On power of aesthetics and the transformations of desire are all captured in below the required 61-inch I got through the medical completing three years and two these photos. A rusted bucket is presented as a gaudy base holding an minimum. Despite this, my relative examination and was enlisted on 1 months in the service, one is equally bright rag. A tarnished iron stove retains its oxidized state as it subedar Dhan Bahadur sent me with December 1932. entitled to earned leave. I came becomes a reservoir of light and wealth. another recruiter. I went to I was then asked to list what home for six months, plus the 28 Kunraghat in Gorakhpur to join the skills I had. All I could do was to days additional leave granted for army. It took us a full seven days to count till 10, and that too in my travel time for those from Parbat, get there. native Gurung language. During Baglung and Lamjung districts. On the way the recruiter stopped three days of our stay there we were During that leave I got married to at Waling to get a bamboo vessel of taught how to use a tin toilet and the 11-year-old daughter of my concentrated lemon juice. On our shown where to eat. We were then paternal aunt. At the end of my arrival at Kunaghat he asked me to put on a train and four nights later leave I rejoined my unit at the new carry the drink and took me to the we arrived at Abottabad base in Kohima. We fought the jamadar. For an hour they discussed cantonment. We trained for 22 Nagas. Then I was sent to a training matters of the service. Then the days. centre where recruits were enlisted jamadar pointed at me and asked, There I met subedar Dhan and trained. I helped train not only “Ganesh! Who is this boy?” Bahadur, the relative who arranged Gurkhas but even British recruits. Poetry is a recurring image in this poet-photographer’s work. In “My younger brother-in-law sir.” my enlistment. He came close to me In 1934 and 1935 rumours Street Life, poems appear as commentary. In Still Life, typewritten, “He looks like he has just been and we were introduced to each were rife that war had started in termite-eaten, worn to shreds, Amtzis’ earlier poems weave themselves weaned off his mother!” other. He instructed me to address Japan and that Mussolini of Italy into the substance of the photos. Set as background, they complement “No sir, he came to Nautanwa to him as ‘father’. He was the senior- and Hitler of Germany were going shapes and objects and comment on them at the same time. In ‘Graverobbers’ a jawbone (teeth still intact) seems to have scavenged see me. He insists that he will take most subedar there and I became to join hands. There were also the pages and the leaves on which it is set. The experimentation in my place in the service when I retire. the son of a subedar. My height was rumours that Abyssinia in Africa ‘Exile’ not only adds an embossed effect, but actually transforms verse In the mean time he brought this measured once more, this time by a belonged to Italy, and that this into a level, floating, map of exile. with him.” British officer. Of course this time I prompted a German attack. Despite The echoing of image and theme is strong throughout these When the jamadar asked what it was an inch less, and the officer this, the Mussolini signed an photos: prayer beads, the yinyang and the Kala Chakra are set beside contained, the recruiter said it remarked the long journey seemed agreement with Hitler. For everyday objects like taps, gloves and bowls, and astride aggrandising contained pure concentrated lemon to have decreased my height. He becoming allies, Hitler offered to words whose meaning escapes us. One of the most disturbing pictures is ‘Doll’. A lifesize doll in a pretty blue frock is strapped to a pole of what juice. The jamadar turned to me, prescribed an additional diet of one return the land back to Italy. That looks like a sawmill. She stares from two angry, sunken sockets, her hands “How many lemon plants do you tablespoonful of cod liver oil, a was followed by propaganda that spookily curled by her side. Standing before it can be hard. It accuses have at your place, boy?” I kept mum quarter pound of milk and a quarter the Germans would come any day. too directly. as I wasn’t sure what I was expected pound of meat with every meal. Stories that Japan too had advanced Amtzis has more than just photos to offer. He has a worldview. A to say. The recruiter quickly stepped Since I didn’t eat meat, I gave the up to Burma started spreading. promise both of sensitivity and recklessness. As life, in the experience of in by saying he had scolded all the portion to my friends. After three That was the beginning of the l it, should always be. way from Nautawa and so I had lost months I reached my goal of 61 World War II. Still life/ Street life Photographs by Wayne Amtzis, till 3 May at Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited

BIGBEN

Thanks to the help of a generous donor, Chitwan rhinos learn to cope with the recurrent floods... SPORTS 23 - 29 APRIL 2004 #193 17 Prince of Monaco Didier Deschamps is football royalty for taking his club to the Champions League semi-final

AMY LAWRENCE

onaco’s incredible journey explains. “You need time to adapt uncertainty off the pitch but the has been funded by sweat, new players, to create an equilibrium crucial thing was to keep working M smiles, inspiration and in the team, to generate confidence well on it. I take enormous nothing more expensive than the and understanding, but there is satisfaction in the way they did salaries of three loan players. Back in never time. You also have an that.” the summer, Didier Deschamps obligation to produce results. If a It’s a fine time to be a Monaco could not afford to waste too much coach doesn’t get results, he fan. It is a club with, as Deschamps time. Monaco’s plight required generally doesn’t have time on his calls it, “peculiarity” because the set- maximum energy and imagination. side. Unfortunately.” Deschamps, up embodies both big potential and Golf psychology It was all hands to the pump to now in his third season, had time big limitations. The atmosphere is appeal against relegation, to guard enough to weed out the sedate, the merchandising and his young, talented team from troublemakers, delve into the club’s money-making possibilities virtually It is a mind game, not a power game swooping vultures and to find a fertile youth policy, recruit a non-existent. That said, they have solution after losing their best striker, handful of well-chosen bargains still managed to produce quality good golfer needs a good golf swing. A great golfer needs a Shabani Nonda, to a longterm who have all improved and piece teams on a regular basis. strong mind. There are many who are able to swing and hit injury. It was a moment Deschamps, the jigsaw together to make a skilful, One thing the players all say A the ball like Tiger Woods, Ernie Els or Phil Mickelson, but 34 at the time, will reflect upon in ambitious and closely bonded team. about Deschamps is that his when it comes down to winning golf tournaments, what counts is future as a critical moment in his Should their financial situation successes as a player rub off in some how mentally strong and gutsy they are. apprenticeship. not improve, just about every way on them. But where he is clever Over my amateur and professional golf career, my experienced is Think about it. Only 34 years member of the squad would be a is that he transmits his experience in that often golfers get on the first tee with lots of hope for a good old. Yet within a matter of months tempting proposition to Europe’s a subtle way. If it’s tempting to ram round. If they happen to start Deschamps has unravelled a super powers. “My young team has stories of the dressing room of the badly, then within the first few complex web of problems so done very well,” adds Deschamps. France World Cup team down their TEE BREAK successfully that visitors to the club’s “They are very short on experience, throats, he resists. “I practically never Deepak Acharya holes they get into a totally negative mind set. The result: a website are asked: “Can Monaco win but very determined. It’s their first do that,” he says. “I consider those disastrous score. the double of Le Championnat and time in the Champions League and times as the past. If I can use my Let’s try and find ways to avoid this happening to you. Champions League?” That the you never know how a player will experiences to serve them, OK, and Do not let your performance over the first four or five holes question even exists is one oversized feel in a new level of competition. it’s useful for me. But this is their determine how you are going to think. It basically comes down to: feather in his beret. Earlier this season They proved they deserve to be adventure, and it’s a fabulous “Are you going to let your mind control the golf ball, or your golf Deschamps had considered it almost where they are. There was a lot of adventure.” l (© The Observer) ball control your mind?” impossible for a French team to lift It is imperative that from the start you set your mind on how you Europe’s weightiest trophy. are going to approach your round, and not allow yourself to change Reminded of the remark, he grins that, whether you get off to a good start or not. It is common for and cheekily raps: ‘Almost!’ golfers to approach the first tee with hope, and if things don’t go Inside a rickety temporary office perfectly, to all of a sudden start beating themselves up, getting lost perched on a mountainside in self pity. They play the next couple of holes badly, forecast further overlooking the Mediterranean, this gloom and doom and then simply give up. stocky little guy with spiky, silvery It is very important to think positively throughout the round. hair and squashed features holds Sometimes birdies come in the first few holes, and other times the court with supreme confidence. birdies fall in the last holes. Never give up until you are done. Keep Deschamps talks football up the fighting spirit until the very last hole. management—technical, tactical, Of course, you will always feel more confident if you know your physical, mental, economical, rules. We can help you out here as well, answering a complex golfing psychological—like an absolute problem: natural. He is a great coach waiting to happen. He Q: A is playing a match oozes authority. He against B. A hooked a drive understands. He into a hazard, and the ball instructs. He was playable. A had to walk plots. Even a long ways into the hazard though he is far to play the ball, and to save less than a generation older than time, A took three clubs most of his players, you can tell they along with him to have a already hang on his every word. choice as to the right one to Fernando Morientes, the Real use. A chose his club and Madrid striker who was persuaded leaned the other two clubs against a tree in the hazard. B saw this to cover for Nonda—arguably the and wanted to penalize A for grounding the club in the hazard. Is B transfer coup of the season—has right? become symbolic of Deschamps’ managerial shrewdness. A: Rule 13-4 covers the situation of the player’s ball in the “Phenomenal” is the Spaniard’s hazard. If you will note exception 1-b, you will see that provided choice of word to describe his new nothing is done that constitutes testing the condition of the hazard boss. “Why? He’s still new to or improving the lie of the ball, then there is no penalty if A places coaching but he knows the whole extra clubs in the hazard. Even if A had rested all three clubs against world of football. He’s played in the tree before playing the shot or even used one like a cane to keep Italy, France, England, Spain and from falling when entering the hazard, there is no penalty provided he has won everywhere.” Such praise he didn’t test the condition or improve his lie. But remember, under has substance when you consider decision 13/4-2, you can’t lean on your clubs while waiting to play a that Morientes has played under a shot from the hazard – that is two stroke penalty in stroke play or loss who’s who of continental coaching: of hole in match play. Guus Hiddink, Jupp Heynckes, Fabio Capello, John Toshack, Deepak Acharya is a golf instructor and Head Golf Professional at Vicente del Bosque. Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa, Kathmandu. “The problem for a coach is [email protected] always the same,” Deschamps 18 CITY 23 - 29 APRIL 2004 #193

ABOUT TOWN BOOKWORM EVENTS The Right to Development: A Primer v Rato Matsyendranath Festival started 23 April at Lalitpur Centre for Development and Human Rights v Still Life/ Street Life Photographs by Wayne Amtzis till 3 May, Sage Publications, 2004 poetry reading at 5PM on 2 May at Siddhartha Art Gallery. 4218048 Rs 632 v Samadhi: A journey through Sri Lanka mixed media of Buddha The Right to Development (RTD), a concept that emerged in the 1970s, is one of the images till 26 April at Lazimpat Gallery Café, Lazimpat. 4428549 v Press Photo Exhibition from 25-20 April at the Nepal Art most debated and contentious issues in international relations. Providing a Council Gallery comprehensive, lucid and innovative synthesis of current thinking on RTD, this book v Contemporary Women Artists at the NAFA Gallery, Naxal until will be of considerable interest to human rights activists, government departments and 28 April. planning agencies and organisations working in development and human rights. v The Fire Raisers by Studio 7 at Hotel Vajra’s Naga Theatre. 23,24,25 and 30 April and Courtesy: Mandala Book Point, Kantipath, 4227711, [email protected] 1,2,3,7,8 and 9 May, Rs 700. 4410798 v The Wheel of Life a teaching by Lama CLASSIFIED Ajay Devgan, Vivek Oberoi, Lara Dutt, Amrita JAI NEPAL CINEMA Lundrup, 10AM on 25 April at the Himalayan Rao and Aftab star in the Indra Kumar’s Buddhist Meditation Centre. 4249270 romantic comedy about extra-marital affairs. Visit Femilines, the v ELD workshop on writing memos, letters and minutes. 27-29 April, Marriages are supposedly made in heaven Exclusive Lingerie Store for 4256618, [email protected] but all too often become hell on earth. Masti ladies undergarments, v Sinners in Heaven Summer Blast 30 April, 8PM onwards at Hotel is a story of Meet, Amar and Prem who decide Yak and Yeti. Rs 1,499 per person, including dinner and drinks. nightwear, bathrobes and to spice up their lives. Only they intend to do v Tantric Dances of Kathmandu 6:30 PM 25 April at Baber Mahal more. Ladies staff. it by having as many affairs as possible in a Revisited Opposite Sajha Yatayat, month and then exchanging notes—all in the v Ekta premiere of a documentary on 1974 AD’s 10th anniversary, live name of fun, hence the name of the movie. Harihar Bhawan, Pulchowk. performance on 23 April, 6:15 PM Jai Nepal Cinema. 4442220 Smacks of sexism and gender stereotypes? Tel: 547428 v British Council Cyber Fair at Lainchaur on 25 April from 10AM to We’ll just have to see if Masti redeems itself 4PM. Free admission. 4410798 Call 4442220 for show timings. with a twist in the tale. LIVE IN STYLE! Arcadia v Indian Classical Music Evening at 1905, Kantipath. 23 April, www.jainepal.com 19:05 onwards in the Amarawati Garden. Free Entry. 4225272 Apartments in the heart of v Not Just the Jazz Bar presents Chris Masand and The Modern Jazz VACANCY Thamel. Centrally located, Live Band. Friday and Saturday night. Shangri-la Hotel, 4412999 fully furnished apartments v Shanti ko Lagi Sikchya Nepathya tours 15 locations starting 25 Programme Manager at unbelievable rates. For April. 5542646, 5552839 Social Science Baha, an organisation working for the details: 981026903, v Abhaya & The Steam Injuns at Dwarika’s every Friday. 4479488 advancement of the social sciences in Nepal, is looking for a 4260187 FOOD Programme Manager. The position is initially open for a year, v Splash Spring BBQ 6PM Wednesday and Friday. Radisson Hotel starting 1 August, 2004. The Programme Manager will be required Renting made easy: to conduct the various activities of the Social Science Baha, v Executive Lunch Toran Restaurant, Dwarika’s. 4479488 www.2letonline.com- v Sunny Side Up Weekend BBQ at Soaltee Crowne Plaza. 4273999 including overseeing acquisitions for its library, initiating and v hosting lectures, and organising workshops/conferences. Looking for a place to stay- The Beer Garden at Vaijayantha Godavari Village Resort. 5560675 Log on to find the perfect v Dinner at Café U every Friday and Saturday. Patan. 5523263 Applications are invited from graduates and post-graduates with house, apartment or even a a personal excitement about the possibilities of the social sciences for national advancement, and the creative zeal to further the retail space that meets all aims and objectives of the Social Science Baha your needs. Make an easy (see www.himalassociation.org/baha). Lack of relevant experience 1000 bucks by reporting a is not necessarily a barrier. Salary will be competitive, vacant property to us. Find commensurate with individual potential and capabilities. out how- Please apply by 31 May, 2004, with CV, any relevant material, www.2letonline.com two references and a one-page presentation in English on ‘The Social Sciences and Nepali Society’ to: Free advertisement on Deepak Thapa Internet for property owners Social Science Baha, PO Box 166, Lalitpur, Nepal wanting to offer their Phone: +977-1-5542544 • Fax: +977-1-5541196 holdings on rent or sale. [email protected] Visit www.gharjaggah.com or call 4246346. NEPALI WEATHER by MAUSAM BEED KATHMANDU AIR QUALITY VIS -22-04-2004 04:00 GMT The latest satellite picture shows the arrival of a For insertions ring NT sizeable westerly front over Nepal. In a dramatic Marketing at 5543333-36. move, it has gathered strength to edge away a After the remarkable improvement in air quality that we experienced, stationary front over eastern India and the pollution level went back to its normal highs last week. The average Bangladesh. The infusion of moisture will PM10 concentration in Putali Sadak increased by 25 percent and was continue to bring isolated showers with more than twice the national standard for most of the week. Similarly thunderstorms and hailstorms in the hills this in Thamel, the PM10 level increased by 28 percent. Most of these fine weekend and early next week. As a result, mercury 91.2 particles are a product of vehicular emissions (mainly diesel) and levels will remain in the current range. In this What you burn is what you breathe. brick-kiln exhaust. Unless the rains arrive to flush down the pollutants, picture we also see the precursors of this year’s we can expect the concentration to remain high. southwesterly monsoon appearing of Kerala. It 11 - 17 April in micrograms per cubic meter. will be another two months before the rains get Good < 60 here, but it’s good to see signs of things stirring Source: www. mope.gov.np in the Arabian Sea. Protesters in the valley best Ok 61 to 120 prepare themselves for thundery afternoon Unhealthy 121 to 350 showers next week. Harmful 351 to 425 KATHMANDU VALLEY Hazardous >425 Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Putalisadak Patan H Thamel TU Bhaktapur Matsyagaun

S S 29-16 30-15 29-16 30-15 31-16 23 - 29 APRIL 2004 #193 19 HAPPENINGS Analogue Aavas

eople who can turn their As he grew older, he Aavas. “I know it’s a risk not P childhood passion into a realised he had talent. He got to go digital, yet I always successful career are in touch with musicians in wanted to experience what the lucky ones. Musician Kathmandu with a leftist bent our past masters did,” he Aavas is one of the few. who wanted to create says. That is why his music Aavas taught himself how to something other than is original, but with a write and read music as a conventional lyrics and music. traditional sound. young shepherd. Even today, Aavas prefers In many respects he is an He walked the lyricists with revolutionary, ‘old school’ musician in a KIRAN PANDAY hills on the social and cultural insights digital world of multitrack SLINGSHOT: Student takes aim at policemen responding to an arson attack on a government vehicle in Bagh Bazar on Tuesday. Valley rim, with a real feel for literature. recording that produces playing his Among his favourites are seamless perfection. He bamboo flute—a Biplob Pratik, Tirtha Shrestha shuns technology that dreamer who and Shrawan. Inspired by great tweaks or otherwise preferred nature to Nepali maestros like Narayan changes a singer’s voice. people. Gopal and Ambar Gurung, what Aavas dislikes the dehuman- sets this pony-tailed, bespecta- ising effect of digitisation on cled composer apart from a something as inherently breed of new musicians is his human (and thus sometimes faithfulness to Nepali musical flawed) as music. roots. In an analogue system, His unique music caught everyone must come the attention of European together to make music. documentary makers and Aavas is now poised to that led to Aavas become a crusader—a composing several musician set against the

KIRAN PANDAY albums for soulessness of digital German and music. To prove his point, he MEDIA BASHING: Angry reporters manhandle a policeman last Friday on Putali Sadak after their colleagues were detained. Norwegian recently organised a live filmmakers, concert to demonstrate a even one-take recording in front of travelling a large audience. “I’m not there to against the digital system,” perform. But he clarifies. “What I dislike is at the end of that it kills the wonderful the day, it is spirit of working together as back home to real performers.” Hear, Nepal and its hear. l music for (Naresh Newar)

KIRAN PANDAY

KIRAN PANDAY STREET KIDS: Children from the Shanti Bidya Griha in Lazimpat join older college students to shout anti-king slogans ourside Amrit Science Campus on Wednesday.

KIRAN PANDAY STREET SHOOTING: Nepal Banda is the name of a new music video being shot on the streets of Kathmandu during a banda on 10 April.

KIRAN SHRESTHA AND ACTION!: The new Nepathaya music video, Sa Karnali, starring Thinley (of Caravan fame) being filmed at Phoksundo Lake in Dolpa recently. 2 0 23 - 29 APRIL 2004 #193 Please turn off your vibrators in the Restricted Zone

here won’t be anyone who will disagree missile. Now all that needs to be done is to ensure for an Airbus A380. Some highlights from the T when I state it on record here that we are on that the device can actually complete a call inside ‘Getting To Know Your Phone’ chapter in my the verge of anarchy in this country as far as Kathmandu Valley. They’re working on it. manual:

the use of mobile phones is concerned. We will It is therefore incumbent upon the royal- www.nepalitimes.com tolerate, and indeed applaud, when a regressive appointed government to immediately pass new TROUBLESHOOTING vehicle from the Water Supply and Sewerage ordinances regarding the etiquette of Problem: The phone can’t be switched on. Board is mobile phone usage otherwise we as a Remedy: That is not a phone, you UNDER MY HAT ceremonially nation will face chaos and our social moron, it is a remote. Kunda Dixit cremated, but we fabric may be torn asunder. For will never allow instance, the use of handphones Problem: Network Busy Indicator handphones to be illegally used by drivers unless must be immediately banned in Remedy: Nyahahahahahahaha! they (the drivers) are buckled up. What are we public toilets because their use has Tricked you again. Please try letting this country come to if we allow every been known to play havoc with the again later so we can bill you for Tom, Dick and Hari behind the wheel to make aim of those who do it standing up another uncompleted call. phone calls while on the road? After all: without lifting the seat. And in the a) Tom has been been stuck for two hours at interest of gender equality, similar Problem: Infrared port doesn’t Putali Sadak because of a julus, and the law- strictures will soon be put into work. abiding citizen that he is, he has worn his place for members of the female Remedy: Place your phone in seatbelt for the entire duration. species as well. close proximity to a Bluetooth b) Dick can’t get through to the person he is The use of Sony Ericsson T630s handsfree enabled PC and allow dialling because of congestion in the Nepal are henceforth banned within the them to exchange body fluids, you Telepathy Corporation’s exchange at Pashupatinath premises because the can monitor progress in graphic Jawalakhel. devices are not Hindus, and also detail in the status bar but only if c) And Hari has decided to convert his momo because they can be used to take you have parental guidance. shop in Bag Bazar into one that sells tyres, snapshots of Nandi the Bull from brickbats and slingshots but he can’t get to it behind. Using the Nokia 7200 in Problem: The polyphonic melody because he’s not wearing a helmet. vibrator mode has also been in My Sounds doesn’t banned with immediate effect autosynchronise with the user- The world has made tremendous advances in within the Restricted Zone, and defined template in the java- mobile telephony, and it is now possible for your any miscreant found indulging in powered application drive unless the personal handset to serve not just as a phone but such disgusting activity will be GPRS session is in progress through also as a walkman, gameboy, spy camera, rolodex, nabbed by the gonads. a voice-activated password using calculator, calendar, alarm clock, stopwatch, Because mobiles have become IMAP4 Protocol. notebook, vibrator, and an infrared heat-seeking such versatile machines, their user Remedy: Put phone on Brickbat guides are now as thick as the pilot’s manual Mode and throw.

CDO Regd No. 194/056/57 Lalitpur, Central Region Postal Regd. No. 04/058/59