724 12 - 18 September 2014 20 Pages Rs 50

#724 12 - 18 September 2014 20 pages Rs 50

MERILIN PIIPUU BLOOD No longer peripheral and eing a farmer in Nepal meant MUDDLE-THROUGH MUD living in isolation and loneliness, International production of In the Bnot any more. Road, media and ECONOMICS Brown Water has resonance in mobile connectivity has removed the Our politicians ignore the economy, and Kathmandu despite its gap between the centre and periphery. especially price rises, at their own peril Afro-American context Sita Devi Bastola (above) of Majthana of Kaski district watches National EDITORIAL PAGE 7 Geographic channel on her satellite PAGE 2 tv, her husband listens to agriculture programs on FM radio, and both talk to their son in Qatar regularly on their WHEEL mobile. Meanwhile, urban sprawl and PLANNING TO PLAN POWER outmigration has reduced the production The National Planning Commission Three young Nepali of Pokhara’s rare rice varieties. Reports needs to reinvent itself sportstars and their journey by Merilin Piipuu in Pokhara. to international arena BY BIHARI KRISHNA SHRESTHA PAGE 16-17 PAGE 4 PAGE 10-11 2 EDITORIAL 12 - 18 SEPTEMBER 2014 #724 MUDDLE-THROUGH ECONOMICS t is one of the fatalistic traits of Nepali culture: we One would expect the monetary policy to be restrictive presume that what we do not see does not exist. We don’t given the market sentiment, but if the Nepal Rastra Bank Ireally care what happens to our household sewage or encourages lending by cutting interest rates and increasing plastic waste as long as it is no longer visible. Out of sight is liquidity in the market, it could be a recipe for disaster. out of mind. Pedestrians deliberately don’t look when they No doubt, Nepal’s economy still needs a push to register cross the road, hoping that if they don’t see the truck, it is further growth and some economists would even say that not there. income disparity and inflation are necessary evils and a It’s the same stoic attitude we see in a government about price we need to pay for growth. But inflation is a boulder the economy, and the looming inflation crisis. Our leaders on a slope, and is very difficult to control once it tips over seem asleep half the time, and the other half they are trying the edge. to strangle each other. Political leaders are lucky; Nepalis The elephant in the room is India. Nepal’s currency are such a tolerant lot. Since we don’t expect much from is pegged to the INR, and the open border, growing trade our elected government, we aren’t surprised or disappointed deficit, and our overwhelming economic dependence when it doesn’t deliver. means that Nepal’s economy will only perform as well as There are predictable signs that we are stuck again on the India’s. Inflation across the border is 8 per cent, and this constitution. But what is more worrying is that no one seems MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA will add further inflationary pressure. The Indian central unduly worried about our deepening fiscal crisis. At first bank chaired by Raghuram Rajan, a former chief economist glance the macro-economy doesn’t look so bad. Buoyed by Our politicians ignore the economy, and at the IMF and one of the very few people who questioned a healthy monsoon last year, the GDP grew at 5.2 per cent– real estate values and the possibility of a housing bubble the sharpest increase in five years. Revenue grew to 18.5 per especially price rises, at their own peril in 2006/2007, is applying a restrictive policy. India does cent of the GDP, and tax revenue rose to 16.2 per cent. The have some real hope of getting inflation under 5 per cent, balance of payments surplus hit $1.3 billion, exports nearly which is good news for us. But the not-so-good news is that touched $1billion, and foreign exchange reserves topped a raise in minimum wage. The Narendra Modi visit and the our economy will do better not because of something we do $6.8 billion, enough to cover 10 months of imports. hope for a boost in investment from India has lifted spirits proactively, but what India does. Nepal’s migrant workers sent home $5.5 billion in the in the business community. High inflation will hit the middle class and the past year through official channels, and this figure does not Looking at all this, Nepal’s real problem seems to be underclass the most, and will surely have political include hundi transfers or remittances from the estimated too much cash, and too little investment in job-generating repercussions. Our politicians ignore the economy, and 2.5 million Nepalis in India. Nearly 530,000 Nepali workers productive sectors. The banking sector is reeling under especially prices rises, at their own peril. We seem to have migrated to work in Malaysia and the Gulf in 2013, a 16 per excess liquidity, and lenders don’t know what to do with too many doves and too few hawks at the policy making cent growth over the previous year. their money because no one is borrowing. There are alarming levels of government. The NEPSE briefly broke an all time high by going over signs of hyperinflation. If market conditions remain the It is for the Nepal Rastra Bank to get serious 1,000. The cash reserve requirement is at 5 per cent of same this year, the effects of delayed and deficient monsoon about addressing inflation before it gains more total bank deposits, and the loan-deposit ratio is at 80 per accompanied by devastation floods in the west, and the momentum. The governor seems to be busy with banking cent. The recent budget has promised fiscal stimuli in the fiscal stimulus will raise inflation into double digit from 9 regulation, but inflation is where his attention is needed economy including tax cuts, spending on infrastructure and per cent last year. more urgently.

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AMONG BELIEVERS Hinduism in Nepal was never an Like Sapana, there are many in relief and recovery costs tomorrow (‘A The shift to the right in policies of intolerant religion. By our very nature, thousands of young Nepalis who were fl ood of images’, Guna Raj Luitel, #723). WHAT’S TRENDING Nepal is hardly surprising (‘Among we are an accepting, welcoming and brain washed to join the “people’s Anil Karki believers’, Editorial, #723). Most of the friendly people. I do not think those war”, with false hopes and promises. mainstream party leaders are highly who want to practice their religion in These innocent young men and women NEPAL’S AUTONOMY conservative in their outlook. Until peace will have any problems doing so trusted Maoism and sacrifi ced their life What we need is a solid public a fresh batch of leaders is elected, regardless of whether Nepal is deemed with much hope for better future. Sadly, transport system, not more private cars we can expect very little progressive a Hindu state or a secular one. nothing has changed for them. The only (‘Nepal’s autonomy’, Elvin Shrestha, change. Satya Nepali change that the war brought was on #723). If two-wheelers and small Stoking atavistic fears of religious the lives of Maoist leaders like Pushpa public vehicles are the problem, why conversion is just one of the many This issue should never be guided Kamal Dahala who succumbed to their not advocate for replacing them with greed for personal wellness and forgot tricks peddled by the political elite to by the consensus of majority of people. more large and reliable buses, like the BIKRAM RAI justify their conservative and outdated If a referendum is held, let’s say in the about those who helped them get in ones at Sajha Yatayat? If there was a Most liked on Facebook mindsets, along with other favorites, United States, with some persuasion power. Sajha bus running through my route A devotee carries the living goddess including the infamous ‘hoards of and money, the majority would happily Tashi Lama every 10 minutes, I would gladly sell my locally known as Kumari to a chariot Indians wanting Nepali citizenship’ (to vote to turn America into a Christian motorcycle. during the week-long Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu on Monday. justify medieval citizenship laws), or state. Most would be ecstatic if India is SUNKOSI FLOOD Pulinkath ‘foreign funding of ethnic separatism declared a Hindu State. This is the true It is because of the incompetency Most shared on Facebook of corrupt lawmakers of Nepal that  etc’ (to justify greater xenophobic test of our lawmakers and society at Yes, let’s lower the taxes so that we One month after the mountain fell by monitoring of the aid sector and large. Have we really grown out of the the citizens who became victims of can import more petroleum products Kanak Mani Dixit foreigners in general). medieval mind set or even Pre-Socratic natural disasters are facing all kinds of and our current account defi cit can go MJS polytheistic one for that matter? problems and not receiving help in due even higher than it is right now. Also Most popular on Twitter Krishna S time (‘One month after the mountain let’s put more vehicles on the road Newa Lahana by Tsering Dolker Gurung This editorial misses one critical fell’, Kanak Dixit, #723). and further choke our non-existent Most visited online page point. Freedom of religion has been EVEREST CAFÉ Yam Gurung infrastructure. Comrade Manju’s Everest Café by and is misused by Christian groups, The party didn’t abandon ex-combatants Abhishek Sharma Deepak Adhikari especially evangelicals from Korea like Sapana Maya Baju because it I am wondering if having permanent Most commented and Malaysia to convert Nepalis to never truly adopted them in the fi rst Early Warning System Cameras might Among believers, Editorial their sect. If I was a Nepali Catholic place (‘Comrade Manju’s Everest have helped the locals in Sindupalchok. We should reduce taxes, improve or Lutheran, I would be more worried Café,’ Deepak Adhikary, #723). These How about starting a website for the public transport, and introduce greener about this than about the Nepal gullible Nepalis just never knew or Sunkosi tragedy? People can view vehicles. But what about effi cient traffi c government’s moves to redefi ne faced real politicians who have/are and the ground reality and also make and road planning, does anyone care? Weekly Internet Poll #724 freedom of religion in the new will use common citizens to promote donations. Also it will bring about some Q. Are you satisfied with the CA member nomination constitution. themselves. It’s great that Sapana accountability and transparency to the Asdf so far? Born Hindu was able to make something of her aid money that is fl owing in. Total votes: 208 life, a story which is rare for ex-Maoist N NEWA LAHANA How about we write a constitution fi ghters, especially the foot soldiers. This place is defi nitely one of my that conforms to our hearts and Namah As funds pour in to the Central favourites in the valley (‘Newa Lahana’, minds, rather than some ‘international Disaster Relief Fund, what do we know Food Review, #723). The food is great, covenant’ that the vast majority of us Good for Sapana that she made about when and how that money will be the service is excellent and the price, have never heard of and which was something out of her life. But do I want used? my god, the price is super reasonable, probably signed by some idiot minister to buy a cup of tea in a café run by an David Seddon makes me wonder why I spent Weekly Internet Poll #725 with little thought whatsoever to what ex combatant who might have murdered thousands on a meal in those ‘fancy’ To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com it meant for Nepal, and was happy civilians? No, thanks Experts estimate that $1 invested in restaurants. enough just to be on a foreign jaunt. Hurray risk reduction today can save up to $7 Abhishek Q. What should Pushpa Kamal Dahal do during constitution writing?

Publisher and Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit Associate Editor: Tsering Dolker Gurung | Online Producer: Ayesha Shakya | Design: Kiran Maharjan Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5005601-08 Fax: +977-1-5005518 Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorials: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscriptions: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Nepali Times on Facebook Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com 12 - 18 SEPTEMBER 2014 #724 OPINION 3 Intolerant tolerance Religious tolerance in Nepal only extends as long as followers of other faiths do not challenge the ascendancy of Hinduism

ver the weekend, singer From calling her a whore/ country to the world and Anju Panta issued an prostitute and other choice we have managed to coexist Oapology to fans and Nepali expletives, to asking for peacefully for the most part. viewers after rumours of her her ‘daily rate’, to thinly veiled But our religious tolerance only refusal to sing a Dasain hymn threats of how Anju Panta extends as long as followers of because it contained references to would have been beheaded by other faiths do not challenge the Hindu goddess Durga, sparked now if she was in Pakistan or the ascendancy of Hinduism. a furor on social media. Afghanistan instead of Nepal, So as we sit down for a second In the interview given to DC the comment sections are a time to write a new constitution, Nepal on Saturday, the visibly cesspool of misogyny. there are larger lessons to be distraught and teary eyed singer Religious bigotry - questions learnt. (=) steers clear of questions about about Nepali Christians' loyalty The Interim Constitution of religion, and says she turned to the motherland and claims 2063 hastily took away the tag of that only traitors, criminals, ‘Hindu Kingdom’ and replaced alcoholics, drug users etc it with secularism, a fact that turn to Christianity - is also still rankles right wing parties rampant. While a few level in Nepal and many Hindus headed commentators are themselves. Debates on what it arguing that in a democratic contained references to ‘Shiva, The message for Anju as well means to be secular needed to HERE WE GO and secular country like ours, Sai, Allah, Maullah’. She says as other Christian converts in the happen in 2008 as they need to Trishna Rana every citizen has the right she agreed to sing only after the country seems to be: how dare happen now. to express her views openly producer changed the wordings you abandon Hindu religion or Secularism in its purest sense down the offer because of poor without fear of retribution to reflect her religious values. speak out against it when Nepal does not mean godlessness, health, that certain people had even on sensitive issues such Yes, her tone in the video is has given you so much? In the but the separation of state manipulated her words, and her as religion, their voice is far condescending. Yes, she tells minds of cyber patriots and and temple, so as to make the aim was never to insult or slander outnumbered by an angry the producer that he is yet to many others, to be Nepali is to playing field more equitable. But anyone. online mob too eager to find out the meaning of god be distinctly Hindu, anything six years after being declared Panta who converted to sacrifice a well-known face in and that not all religions are else and you are a traitor. Panta a secular republic, our state Christianity later in life, admits the name of protecting their equal. Does she need to learn to as a Christian felt this pressure machinery is still largely Hindu her new religion has helped her culture and religion. respect others’ beliefs equally to prove her loyalty to Nepal and in its outlook and behaviour. find inner peace after a messy In an older video that and refrain from ridiculing other made it a point to mention in her In the commotion over state divorce and gotten her through surfaced on YouTube this religions while putting her own apology how she returned home restructuring and forms of a tumultuous phase in life. But week, Panta speaks at a on a pedestal? Yes. But by no even when six of her colleagues, governance, we are yet again for cyber vigilantes, none of this gathering in a church and stretch of the imagination does who she had travelled with to neglecting a vital issue that seems to matter and Panta’s plea recalls a similar incident where Panta’s speech justify the vicious the US for a program, decided to could potentially give a voice to for forgiveness has fallen on she was initially promised a attack on her personhood or stay behind. the silent religious minorities of mostly deaf ears as they continue song about Jesus Christ, but the vilification of the entire We like to project ourselves Nepal. to hound and harass her online. later discovered the lyrics Christian community in Nepal. as a tolerant and accepting @TrishnaRana1 4 NATION 12 - 18 SEPTEMBER 2014 #724 Planning to plan Why even good plans continue to fail in Nepal he old adage about how when it to be successfully implemented, Nepal rains in Delhi, people in Kathmandu would have made a quantum leap in Tunfurl their umbrellas, has come to development. But the policies don’t stand pass again. When Indian Prime Minister a chance when governance is so rotten. Narendra Modi hinted in his Independence This is exactly where the planners Day speech last month that he would have let the country down because they replace the Indian Planning Commission hold such enormous sway and can take with a different, more responsive innovative legislation and policies to mechanism, the National Planning nationwide implementation. A lowly Commission (NPC) in Kathmandu got the NPC joint secretary, for example, sense its days were also numbered. authored the Decentralisation Act of 1982 that provided the basis for the formation of local committees and user groups to manage natural resources. The NPC doggedly pursued the recalcitrant Ministry of Forests forcing it to capitulate and finally introduce forest user groups GUEST COLUMN in 1988. Nepal’s forests, which had been Bihari K Shrestha decimated since nationalisation in 1957, rebounded immediately. At least this In its first meeting recently after one example proves that the NPC has the Sushil Koirala became prime minister power and potential to achieve policy and ex-officio Chair, the NPC decided to reform. ‘restructure and streamline its role’. For all though, while Nepal has failed to grow more impressive CVs. But as things stand, given the personal practical purposes, the Commission has and develop, it has reduced its poverty The NPC secretariat is also treated limitations of the planners themselves, been a non-performer for the past 50 years. level down to 25 per cent. Nepal is like as a dumping ground for government their close family ties to those in power, Proof of this is that a country with an a patient surviving on direct transfusion employees who failed to ingratiate or the backroom deals that secured their elevated commission of planners enjoying of cash in the form of remittances themselves with politicos in power, and appointments, it is difficult to hope that the ranks of state and assistant ministers and foreign dole. The NPC has been a are waiting for their first opportunity the NPC will be proactive. This then without any interruption for more than half helpless bystander to all this, affected by to move on. Morale, innovation and makes the Commission the scapegoat for a century has steadily slid downhill. both internal and external problems. commitment is low. the economic, social, political and moral Despite some progress, Nepal remains During the Panchayat and thereafter, While the NPC is officially designated deterioration of the country. chronically rural with around 70 per the commission was filled with people as an advisory body, it enjoys and So, the reform task that the NPC has cent of its labour force in agriculture who were usually selected not for their exercises enormous executive powers since lately taken upon itself requires members that contributes about a third of the academic or professional distinction it is tasked with formulating periodic and to address just one issue honestly: how to GDP. Manufacturing and industrial but for their proximity to partisan annual plans, fixing ceilings to the budget, help the NPC save itself so it can save the development, generally job generators, power centres, which lately also require and approves every single project before it country. have always been sluggish. This has led hefty down payments to lubricate the can be funded and executed by the to an unprecedented exodus of the labour process of appointment. The aspirants government. Every periodic plan contains Bihari K Shrestha is an anthropologist force, further suppressing economic themselves make those investments in hundreds of policies which are generally who served with the National Planning activity in the country. Paradoxically, the hope of recouping them through so excellent that if just one on them were Commission in the 1980s. 12 - 18 SEPTEMBER 2014 #724 BUSINESS 5 MY TAKE: Artist Jim Danisch (left) tries to BIZ BRIEFS calm disgruntled locals who disrupted the inauguration of a new gallery of the Living Traditions Musuem in Changu Narayan last week. New dealership Laxmi Intercontinental, the sole as the lawyers of the Living distributor of Hyundai vehicles for Traditions Museum negotiated Nepal, launched its new Hyundai with the locals to have the Dealership in Dang and appointed inauguration on 13 September. New Rider Auto World as its dealer It is not clear what the exact for the district. Spread over an demands of the locals are. One area of 1200sq ft, the showroom was constructed in accordance to the global complaint was that the Living Hyundai motor’s standard. Traditions Museum didn’t have the proper permissions, but Danisch said the museum Scratch luck EOL, the sole authorised distributor of Godrej STÉPHANE HUËT had proper permits from the Department of Archaeology and appliances in Nepal has introduced a special Dasain UNESCO. off er. Customers can win cash prizes and a trip to Jay, 29, who owns a souvenir Bangkok on purchase of Godrej refrigerators. shop near the temple said he False start understands the anger of the Study abroad villagers around: “They feel A senior delegation team from La Trobe Locals oppose an addition to the Changu Narayan museum gallery neglected and don’t see the University that visited Nepal recently museum adding an advantage to announced scholarships worth over quarter a Chase, who curated the section on the villages.” million dollars for International students for the repoussé, were explaining how But Ashim Bhatta, 32, who has 2015. Leigh Drake, executive dean for faculty the gallery came about when they a gallery of thangka paintings near of business, economics and law, spoke about creating new and improved was interrupted by slogan-shouting the entrance of Changu Narayan opportunities for the students of both countries through various study and locals. American Ambassador Temple was really disappointed exchange programs during the visit. Peter Bode, who was supposed to by the incident. inaugurate the gallery, returned “I have known Judith Chase back from Bhaktapur. for a long time and I know she has Offers galore Syakar Trading, the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles and Jim Danisch, the artist who invited all the community around designed the museum said it to get involved in the project cars for Nepal has launched its Dasain scheme ‘Wata Yojana (Ho he inauguration of an all started when about 20 “very from the beginning,” says Bhatta, Khusima Des)’. Cash prizes, discount off ers, free coupons and a important new gallery hot tempered” men disturbed “sometimes, people just want to trip to Muktinath and Japan are on off er for customers buying Taddition to the Living the preparations earlier in the show the little power they have.” Honda motorcycle and car during the off er period. Traditions Museum (pic, above) morning. Having come from the The Living Traditions of Changu Narayan was disrupted nearby villages of Shagdaha, Museum holds dozens of pieces on 6 September by disgruntled Halchap and Narayantar, they that were collected by Chase, locals who said they were not asked the organisers to postpone while she was trekking all over consulted. the inauguration. Nepal between 1975 and 1985. The gallery, called ‘Now and “They were confused about “It’s sad, because the museum is Then since 464 AD’ would have their claims,” Danisch told a real touristic opportunity for complemented the UNESCO Nepali Times, “but I understood the people of the community,” World Heritage site which has they were complaining that they says Danisch. “We’ll wait for the relics of some of the oldest had not been included in the discussion of next Saturday to see settlements in Kathmandu Valley. conception of the museum.” how things evolve.” James Gambrione and Judith The situation is now calmer Stéphane Huët 6 OPINION 12 - 18 SEPTEMBER 2014 #724

galleries show photographs of the important sites all around. The extraordinary legacy of great ponds and lakes, most of Forget the past them of religious significance that Janakpur is home to, is something most municipal councils would make the most out of. They would The shocking neglect of Nepal’s Tarai heritage in Lumbini and Janakpur advertise their importance and DAVID SEDDON significance in popular tourist in JANAKPUR guides, and make sure that they were cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. Two years ago, the Asian hile the Kathmandu Development Bank (ADB) Valley receives plenty provided money to improve Wof recognition from the roads, ditches and landfill sites wider world for heritage as part of an Urban Rehabilitation conservation, Nepal’s much older Programme. Last week, locals archaeological sites in the Tarai took to the streets to protest are in a state of neglect. because nothing has been done The wonderful traditional with the funds. The main bajars urban architecture of Patan and and shopping areas were shut Kathmandu is threatened by ANYBODY HERE?: down, academic institutions were over-building, and many old A kiosk set up by Lumbini closed, and vehicles came to a buildings need maintenance and Development Trust to help halt as the demonstrators gathered rehabilitation.The rivers, streets, visitors ﬁ nd guides lies to demand the implementation of squares, chowks and houses abandoned at Mahilwar, the ‘development plan’, chanting are in need of protection from Lumbini. slogans, criticising in particular pollution and degradation. But the Minister for Physical this neglect is nothing compared Pillar and stupa at Gotihawa in and non-government) are aware ceramics, screens, T-shirts, and Infrastructure and Transportation, to the actual ruination of major Kapilvastu means that they are of the situation, nothing has been other art and craft, drawing Bimalendra Nidhi. historical sites in the Tarai. No now at risk of collapse and/or done, and the archaeological on their own Maithili cultural The municipal authorities, wonder the Madhesis complain of disintegration. The famous pillar, officer of the Lumbini traditions, is extremely difficult who are actually more to blame marginalisation. which was erected in around 300 Development Trust, Krishna KC, by virtue of its location. than the hapless minister, The site at Lumbini is a BC, has been submerged in an said, "We have not been able to No one would recognise deployed police to prevent an monument to the Gautam overgrown and rubbish-strewn protect the site due to technical Janakpur today as the birthplace ‘untoward incident’. A bus was Buddha, but even Buddha himself pond surrounded by a decrepit and financial reasons." Ke garne? of Sita (or at least the location torched at Ramananda Chowk. would avoid staying very long at and broken railing. Several Even worse is the state of of her ‘discovery’ by the old That was a pity, as Janakpur badly the site. It is an indictment both cracks have appeared where neglect of the legendary and Janak while performing a puja) needs its public transport, just of government bodies responsible there were none, and it is in sore historical city of Janakpur. The and the place to which Lord as it needs decent roads to help for its development (notably the need to tender loving care. The airport is a miserable, crumbling Rama came to woo her and people move around and get to Lumbini Development Trust) and surrounding area has been used edifice from which roads of eventually beat off the other places of historic, archaeological of the various foreign agencies by locals for grazing and as a utterly appalling quality lead suitors by lifting the Great Bow and religious significance. A that have provided the funds rubbish dump. generally into the centre of of Shiva to be selected as her tourist minibus service between that have led to the construction Rajesh Gyawali, Chairman town. A visit to the excellent, groom. There is no tourist Janakpur and Kathmandu would of appallingly insensitive and of the Kapilvastu Conservation ashram-like Janakpur Women’s office and no indication of the also help bring much needed inappropriate buildings. Association, is reported as Development Centre, where local legendary status of this place. visitors and tourists to the town - The Lumbini Development saying that, though the relevant women work together to produce No bookshops sell copies of the travel agents and bus companies, Trust’s neglect of the Ashoka ‘stakeholders’ (both government sensational art like paintings, Ramayana for visitors, no picture please note. Early this week the skies gave an indication it was already autumn, only for the rain to come pouring down again. It means the westerlies are increasing KATHMANDU in inﬂ uence and will try to blow away the moist wind from the Bay. But even though the monsoon is retreating it still has some steam left. The mornings will feel colder, but the afternoons will still be hot and humid, and rainfall will occur later in the day. This weekend too we will see clouds come and go, bringing short but intense localised showers. FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 27° 26° 26° #724 12 - 18 September 2014 17° 17° 16°

BLOOD AFRO AND NEWARI hen Loonibha Tuladhar appears Won the stage, you would be forgiven for feeling like you have arrived at the Louisiana bayou. The actress is perfect as the busybody MUD aunt Elegua, godmother of Oya. Tuladhar (pict below) talks and gestures like a stereotypical Afro- American woman from the popular imagination. One had to reconfirm that Tuladhar was indeed a Nepali. “I’m actually from a typical Newari family of Kathmandu,” she says after the show. “I’m a big fan of Queen Latifah and Will Smith, so it wasn’t difficult to pick up the accent and gestures.” Loonibha Tuladhar’s incredible talent bursts forth in her performance in Merola’s In the Red and Brown Water. She is never louder than the other characters, and her performance is never a caricature.

PICS: STÉPHANE HUËT STÉPHANE HUËT One World Theatre unveils a

arell Alvin McCraney’s In the Red and fascinating production of In the Brown Water is a lyrical tragedy set in Red and Brown Water in Kathmandu Tthe ‘distant present’ of the fictional town of San Pere, Louisiana, and relates the story of Oya, a young woman who ‘runs like into dramatic expressions. Divya Dev blur the boundary between dream and reality. the wind’. is sensitive as the stuttering Ogun, who The display adds vividness to the characters’ She refuses a track scholarship in a state recovers the ability to talk when Oya falls gestures and also reveals some of their inner university to stay with her suffering mother. in his arms. Rojita Buddhacharya and Binita emotions. The play also involves some bad When Mama Moja dies, Oya desperately runs Baral have minor roles in Act 1, but brilliantly language without falling into vulgarity, after another target: getting pregnant. She portray characters Nia and Shu, who gain whereas the sexuality is made beautifully then hesitates between passion with Shango in importance as the play goes on. The suggestive through dancing – an alternative and security with Ogun. amazing Loonibha Tuladhar steps out, as she added by Merola who rightfully takes The plot is set in an Afro-American flawlessly interprets the Afro-American aunt advantage of the talents of Alize Biannic, a context, which has nothing to do with Nepal. Elegua (see box). former dancer of the Royal Ballet of London. “I would have never directed this play in the The play could do with some tiny Deborah Merola’s adaptations are often US with non-Black actors,” admits director, technical adjustments. While the light should considered to be too long. But her creative Deborah Merola. Still, the themes covered have put emphasis on the ‘gift’ Oya gives to direction and the talented actors of the One are universal and surely struck resonance Shango at the end, the stage gets darker and World Theatre make this In the Red and Brown last week with every Nepali and expat in the action loses intensity. In the meantime, Water a fascinating piece of theatre. the audience at the Theatre Village: social the two musicians in the corner of the stage pressure, accomplishment, motherhood, add nothing much to the play, except when it In the Red and Brown Water dream and reality. The production and the comes to moving the rain stick that gives the Rs 500 performance of The One World Theatre make needed aquatic atmosphere. 5 to 14 September, 5.30pm the story remarkably translucent and easy to Still, the setting deserves praise. The 6 and 13 September, 1.30pm watch. minimalist decor serves McCraney’s The Village Theatre, Lajimpat Alize Biannic from France succeeds in powerful text well, and the patchwork of (01)4001089 turning Oya’s radiant smile progressively colours painted by Kurchi Dasgupta helps [email protected] 8 EVENTS Jumping Frog, DINING Creole Passion, A mask, puppet and musical play In the Red and Brown Water, an exuberant about the love story of a frog. black drama ﬁ lled with gospel and pop Until 21 September, 5.15pm, music, African drumming and dances Mandala Theatre, Anamnagar, that reveal a powerful spirituality. (01)4249761 Rs 500, 12 & 14 September, 5.30 pm, 13 September, 1.30 pm, The Village Theatre, Lajimpat, (01)4001089, [email protected]

Falcha, Alfresco, Give yourself away to the twin pleasures for homemade pastas and other lip- of lemon jeera chicken and mutton handi smacking delights. Soaltee Crowne Plaza, kabab. Jhamsikhel (01)4273999

Thursdays of Cinema, Soaltee Crowne Plaza, (01)5555689 An eclectic programme of eight French Dragon movies for children and adults. Young entrepreneurs, Every Thursday, 4 to 25 September, A platform for young women Chinese 8.30am & 7 pm, Alliance française, entrepreneurs to learn, share and Tripureshwor, (01)4241163, expand networks. Restaurant, [email protected] 20 September, 9am to 5pm, Hotel Yak and Yeti, Darbar Marg Try the Kung Pao Pork if Face to Face, alone and the Mai Cao if with A workshop with Rajesh Kumar Yadav Bollywood night, company. Lakeside, Pokhara on working with paper mache and mask A fundraiser where everything from the Shadkon, making. setting to the music to the dress-code is An art expression of six artists. Rs 2000, 15 to 17 September, 4 to 7pm, Bollywood-style. 15 to 19 September, 10am to 5pm, Sattya, Jawalakhel, (01)5523486 Rs 2500, 13 September, 7pm, Patan Museum, Patan Darbar Square Sadya, A lavish Kerala lunch featuring various Inked, cultural programs to celebrate Kerala's A tattoo and lifestyle convention national festival, Onam. 20 September, complete with tattoo seminars, food Hotel Annapurna, Darbar Marg, 9801045811 stalls, automobile shows and metal 20-year music. Yellow Chilli, 17 to 19 October, Bhrikuti Mandap, Enjoy renowned Indian chef Sanjeev retrospective, [email protected], Kapoor’s signature Indian delicacies and Asha Dangol’s works on www.nepalinked.com a variety of other mouthwatering dishes. urbanisation, consumerism and Salt & Pepper, Thapathali ecological concerns on display. Art conversation, Espresso, mocha, latte, frappuccino, Until 15 September, City Museum Visual artist Sujan Chitrakar will be cocktails, liquor, beers and ﬂ avoured Moksh, Kathmandu, Darbar Marg, events@ talking about Mural Arts. shishas, with an outdoor lake-view It may be well known for its cultural events citymuseum.org 12 September, 4.30pm, Taragaon Museum, terrace. Lakeside, Pokhara, (061)463484, but the food in Moksh is mighty ﬁ ne. Boudha, (01)4481786 9846210568 Jhamsikhel 12 - 18 SEPTEMBER 2014 #724 9 MUSIC ART Reggae, Joint Family Internationale will be playing their prominent reggae music. 13 September, 8pm, House of Music, Thamel

Roots night, Step up to the futuristic tunes and yet, go ol’ school Playtime Jamaican style. 19 September, 7pm onwards, When Gurukul was disbanded three years Places Restaurant & Bar, ago, everyone thought Nepali theatre was Thamel done for. But now with so many acting collectives being set up across town, you House of Music, can see at least one new play every month. Rejoice in live performances The latest entry to the ever-growing list of by Australian band, The theatres is Pathshala Theatre, who have Cairos, and local band, Live musical night, organised a college-level theatre festival Voodoo Melon Groove. Enjoy live performances by Indian Idol 4 winner, this month. 12 September, 7.30pm, Sourabhee Debbarma, and Samrat Thapa. House of Music, Thamel 19 September, 7pm, The Societe Lounge Bar, Hattisar 12 September Let me tell you a story KUSOM 13 September The goodwill hunting Rato Bangala Lights out, 14 September The honest thief A musical event with live performances by Electro-Funk/ Nu Disco duo, Madboy/Mink, NCM and international guest artists Heather Andrews and Jonathan J. Paul. 15 September Patthar ko katha Rs 1000, 13 September, 7pm, Hotel Annapurna, Darbar Marg, (01)4422214 TU 16 September The mysterious thief RR Campus 17 September The witch of Portobello LACM 18 September Asta Bestam DAV 19 September Catherine the great KCM

11am and 5pm Shilpee Theatre, Battisputali 9802087021 10 THE RECORD BREAKER Pyuthan native Sanjay Pandit is on a mission to break as many world records as possible

e made it to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro in six hours, 13 minutes, spent six minutes, three seconds without a shirt on top of Mt Elbrus in Russia, and Hclimbed Island Peak in less than two days. Ultra marathon runner Sanjay Pandit is on a mission to set and break as many records as possible as soon as he can. “In Kathmandu I saw the winners of the South Asian Games being paraded on carriages and immediately wanted to be one of them,” says Sanjay who moved to the capital in 2004 after completing his SLC from his home district Pyuthan. At first Sanjay chose to play volleyball and even signed up for training. When he 23 JANUARY 2009 heard how much it cost every month, he had Ran the 390km Kathmandu - Khasa to drop out. marathon in 11 hours, 20 minutes “Then I began to look for a sport that I breaking a previous record set by knew about, training for which would cost Baikuntha Manadhar me nothing,” explains Sanjay. Having run throughout his childhood from home to 13 DECEMBER 2011 school 60km away, he chose to pursue it as Meet Nepal’s first professional bike racer Made it to the top of Island Peak a sport. in one and half days. On average it Training included going around the takes climbers nine days to reach entire Ring Road, and sometimes he ran as the summit far as Dakshinkali, Godavari, and Nagarkot. 20 MAY 2012 In 2007, Sanjay participated in the first Failed Everest attempt Kathmandu Open Marathon where he met acclaimed athlete Baikuntha Manandhar. 29 SEPTEMBER 2012 Manandhar was so impressed by the Summitted Mt Manaslu 25-year-old that he challenged him to break a record set by the athlete in 1988 of running 31 MARCH 2014 Master of from Kathmandu to Khasa in 14 hours. Climbed Mt Kilimanjaro in 6 A year later, Sanjay broke Manandhar’s hours, 13 minutes record by two hours, 40 minutes. This was his ﬁ rst record and he convinced Manandhar 20 JULY 2014 Spent 6 minutes, 3 seconds to become his coach. shirtless on top of Mt Elbrus in Climbing Everest was another of his minus 60 degrees C (pic, below) life-long dream. Fellow Pyuthanis raised Rs two wheels 2.7 million for his Everest expedition, but his ﬁ rst attempt didn’t turn out as expected and Sanjay had to return without reaching THE BIKER: Bibek Thapa with the summit. Japanese racers at the Twin Ring racing “I was embarrassed to face my villagers circuit in Motegi, Japan. who had done everything they could to pay for my expedition,” he says. After successfully summiting Everest in May 2013, he feels more at peace. When Bikram heard about the On his list of goals now is to climb all Motegi championship at this year’s the seven highest summits of the seven Racemandu, he knew he had to continents, three of which he has already participate. Immediately, he sent summitted. He wants to climb the remaining four in the next eight months, and an email to the organisers and set another world record. applied for a visa. After landing, “Once that record is set, I want to climb all the 8000m mountains in the however, he found out that he world,” says Sanjay, who besides tackling icefalls and overhangs for fun is also had missed the deadline for entry doing his MBA. submission. Fortunately, the Dambar Krishna Shrestha organisers who thought he was a professional racer had saved a copy of his email. That was just the first of many speed bumps on Bikram’s way to the racetrack. To prove he was a professional racer, Bikram was asked to show a licence, his experience in track hen BikramThapa experience of racing on an actual racing, race suit, air bag, and first got his track,” says the native of Lalitpur. other biking essentials. Bikram motorcycle “Despite the falls, I came 20th out only had his driving licence. After licence at 18, the of 24 racers. With more practice providing the organisers with his lifelong biking and resources, there is no reason participation certificates in bike enthusiast was why I cannot improve my timings.” races in Nepal and India, Bikram elated. By August Bikram first started off his was given an eight-hour training this year, Bikram found himself career just practicing bike stunts. and finally permitted to take part atW the Twin Ring racing circuit in With the arrival of Racemandu, in the event. Motegi, Japan competing alongside an annual biking championship “Representing Nepal in a the best bikers in the world at organised by Nepal Automobile sport that is not very popular the Asian Championship. The 20- Association in 2012, he began in the country is very difficult,” year-old is the first Nepali to take racing professionally. Bikram won explains Bikram who had to pay part in an international racing the first and second editions of for everything out of his pocket. tournament. Racemandu but had to settle for He spent Rs 800,000 to participate Although he didn’t qualify for the fifth position after colliding in the championship and wishes the second round, Bikram says the with another biker in the third the sports authority at home exposure he got in Japan has given edition. The top five got to were more helpful. “Even having him the self-belief to go after his compete in a championship a single race track in Kathmandu dreams of becoming a professional in Chennai. “Wearing a biking would go a long way in boosting racer. “I frequently fell down suit and racing on a track was our confidence and morale.” from my bike because I lacked the unforgettable,” he recalls. Tufan Neupane BIKRAM RAI 12 - 18 SEPTEMBER 2014 #724 11 Top gear One of the few Nepali athletes to bring home international trophies

t 26, weighing less than 50 kg and barely 5 ft tall, Ajay Pandit Chhetri doesn’t even look like a cyclist, yet he has achieved Aincredible wins. Unlike many Nepali sportspersons for whom mere participation in international arena is considered success, Ajay brings home trophy after trophy. Just last week Ajay became the first foreigner to win Bhutan’s acclaimed Tour of the Dragon, a 268-kilometer mountain bike race – his winning time of 10 hours and 42 minutes broke the course record by over 30 minutes. Ajay started biking only nine years ago while working as a mechanic in a mountain bike shop in Jyatha. During weekends Ajay would ride for as long as ten hours on his rudimentary bike, travelling to places like Trisuli and Melamchi with friends Narayan Gopal, Raj Kumar, and Padam.

VICTORIOUS: Ajay Pandit Chhetri lifts his trophy after winning Tour of the Dragon last week in Bhutan.

Today, he is a well-travelled four-time National Champion, four-time Yak Attack winner, and victor of several races in the UK, where he spent two summers racing as a guest rider for the Torq Professional Mountain Bike team. Ajay has competed in mountain bike events in Europe, North America, and South, completing some of the hardest and most famous races in the world. He has multiple wins in the UK to his credit and recently was 53rd in the UCI Marathon World Championships out of nearly 100 entrants, defeating many professional racers. He had his share of challenges too. In 2012 his Europe trip was cut short by a knee injury that saw his dominance back home suffer. He lost his Yak Attack title to Narayan Gopal in 2013. However, after a successful summer in the UK, he came back stronger the following year, and reclaimed the crown in 2014 leaving behind both Narayan and Yuki Ikeda, a professional from Japan. Ajay doesn’t have the prototypical mountain biker build, but a combination of a dedicated training routine, a meticulous approach to race preparation, and knowledge obtained from 10 years of racing has allowed him to achieve great heights. Still young by cycling standards where the best racers are between the age of 29 and 35, sometimes even 40, Ajay has a great future ahead of him. Ajay has also started a performance tour and coaching company, MTB Nepal, to coach local cycling enthusiasts and up-and-coming racers, and also establish Nepal as a training destination for elite cyclists. Tyler McMahon 12

an accent and building up those boxer arms, Priyanka Chopra looks as out of place as Gulliver. And third: in the most critical moments of Mary’s life, the film launches into melodrama and fantasy to save the day. Which begs the question, what did they spend Rs 150 million on? The positives are nominal: it is refreshing to see a film not centred around malls and fast food outlets. Chopra’s acting, directed terribly and scripted worse, is still above accepted industry par. Sunil Thapa, as her coach, succeeds in looking hard as nails, while the actors who play Mary’s husband and father are not HAPPENINGS MARY KOM bad, even though their characters are banal. hen Sanjay Leela Bhansali One would think this was material More bizarre are the blatant announced he would enough, when in the right hands, product placements, token Whave Priyanka Chopra for a fascinating story. mention of identity-crisis play Manipuri boxer Mary Kom, But sports biopics, like any in northeast India, and the everyone wondered how the other genre, are problematic pathetic and contrived ending. Punjabi actress could ever fit into for filmmakers. The best ones, The husband, an anomaly who the frame of a lightweight boxer which are more than a cinematic sacrifices himself for his wife’s who was as far removed from your summary of an athlete’s life, have career, was worthy of more average ‘desi’ as possible. Bhansali a deftness of touch that makes development but is left with no persisted with Chopra, and the them understated masterpieces more depth than bubblegum. film they’ve eventually made is a (it’s lonely at the top, remember); It is not often that Bollywood curious mix of blood, sweat, and while the clumsiest are nothing stops circling around its own Bollywood cheese. but a rehash of overdone navel to risk better approaches Born as Mangte Chungneijang formulas: childhood obsession, to filmmaking. That mainstream to poor farmers, young Mary disapproving parent, early setback, players like Sanjay Leela Bhansali BIKASH DWARE quits school and takes up boxing discipline, inspiring speech by and Priyanka Chopra were even THE BIG 3: Leaders of the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and UCPN(M) sit for a behind her parents’ back. Against coach... medal! Despite its potential, interested in making this movie meeting to discuss issues of Constitution writing at Singha Durbar on Wednesday. considerable odds, she becomes Mary Kom, falls into the second is an encouraging sign. But Women’s World Amateur Boxing category. although they took Mary Kom out Champion five times before First, for a movie about of Bollywood, they forgot to take bagging bronze for India in the punching one’s way out of Bollywood out of it. 2012 Olympics. In the backdrop of poverty, the physical process of Sunir Pandey all this is Manipur’s cultural and transforming a raw talent into an political isolation from ‘mainland’ Olympic boxer and the consequent nepalitimes.com India and Mary’s own struggles ringside sequences are rather  Trailer with boxing after motherhood. limp. Second, in spite of adopting

BIKRAM RAI IN ATTENDANCE: President Ram Baran Yadav, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and other dignitaries attend the Indra Jatra celebrations at Basantanpur Darbar Square on Monday.

BIKRAM RAI DAINT DEITY: A devotee carries Kumari, the living goddess during the week- long Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu on Monday.

RSS YOUNG ACHIEVER: Minister for Sports Purushottam Paudel presents a certificate of appreciation and a cash prize to 13-year-old Anil Kharel, the youngest member of the Nepal Under 16 Cricket team. The team was felicitated for their victory the ACC U-16 Premier League held in Malaysia last month. 12 - 18 SEPTEMBER 2014 #724 13 First class treatment aser treatment often has negative connotations . The recently opened LSwasti Laser and Skin Care that specialises in cosmetic and aesthetic laser surgeries, hopes to debunks these myths. The clinic located in Four Square Complex at Naxal has a calming atmosphere. for pigmentations, and facials for specific Swasti has brought together US FDA skin types. approved Lumenis equipments and an In today’s world where people want experienced team of medical specialists to to look flawless on pictures to post on provide services related to skin, hair and Instagram and hide every single wrinkle, nails. such a business is likely to boom. “Things “There is no need for people to go to as small as pimples bother children and India or America to remove cysts or to even their parents,” say Prajapati, “So a get a botox injection because we are very dependable place that treats skin conditions reliable,” says Padma Malla Prajapati, is important in Nepal.” dermatologist and cosmetic/laser surgeon After the festival season Swasti aims at Swasti. laser rooms, two operation theatres and a popular services. to extend their services and introduce The newly opened clinic provides pathological laboratory. Swasti also offers non-laser treatments procedures like hair transplantation and a variety of treatments like facial According to Prajapati, hair removal is for conditions like excessive sweating breast enlargement/reduction. enhancement, revitalising skin, contouring one of the most sought-after procedures (by iontophoresis) and acne scars (by Elvin Shrestha body form, and removing scars, tattoos, at Swasti. The clinic claims to be the first microdermabrasion). Patients will also be moles, skin tags or warts. Swasti has three in the country to use Light Sheer Diode able to make skin allergy tests that don’t (01)4444350, [email protected], Out-Patient Departments (OPDs), three laser. Removal of moles and warts are other require drawing out blood, chemical peels www.facebook.com/swastilaser

encases a lemon curd that is firm yet light, punctuated by the citrus that contributes just the right amount of acidity. Indulge in a slice with a hot cup of Americano and feel the stresses of the world slip away… for a while. Nina is probably the friendliest restaurateur in town. She knows most patrons by name afé Nina equals excellent and stops by each table, taking food. Food that diners flock orders, recommending dishes, Ctowards in an unlikely and apologising if something is spot - a little getaway that its unavailable that day. eponymous owner Nina created in Nina has no plans to branch a corner of Saleways Departmental out anytime soon. For that to Store’s parking lot in Maharajgunj, happen, she says, “it is only opposite the American Embassy. possible if my mom produces Quirky, smart, friendly and a clone of me”. And that is why relaxed not only describe the place Cafe Nina is as popular as it is and its owner but also the fare. singular. Burgers, fries, pastas, grilled meat Ruby Tuesday aren’t dishes exclusive to Nina’s PICS: RUBY TUESDAY but, like it’s said, love is in the How to get there: Café Nina details. At Nina’s each dish brought Big Daddy and Blue Cheese burgers is located inside the Saleways forward from the kitchen is oozing and venture into new burger Department Store premises in with care. territory. His choice - the meltdown Maharajgunj. Top notch meat, the best cuts, burger (Rs 450) - is a veritable treat fresh vegetables and an almost with thinly sliced beef, bacon, nitpicky attention to detail and grilled onions and mushrooms quality have all played their part Café Nina topped with melted cheese. The in making this tiny place such a onions impart a sweetness that bread is fresh, soft and doesn’t favourite for discerning eaters. provides a beautiful foil to the crumble (a welcome change from Friends from Patan tell me it is sharp tanginess of the spices. It other burger places in Kathmandu) the sole reason they confront comes with a serving of brown and ensures each bite richer than Kathmandu’s chaos and traffic . rice that is nutty and flavourful the pervious one. On this visit I skipped and fiberiffic. (Yup, I think adding The desserts range from appetisers and tried the ‘riffic’ to describe everything chocolate cake and apple crumble Ginger Prawn Curry (Rs 650). excellent is definitely going to be to whatever Nina is in the mood The crustaceans are cooked the next ‘epic’ catch phrase). to make that particular day. But magnificently - tender and juicy, The burgers at Nina are a firm for me no meal here is complete plump with delicious succulence favourite of my dining partner without her strawberry and lemon in a sauce that is creamy - and the and for the sake of this review, he tarts. The short bread crust pastry paper thin strips of caramelised decided to forgo his much beloved which is delicious just by itself 14 12 - 18 SEPTEMBER 2014 #724

examined further. about suffering from dementia was Another that the risk of developing dementia interesting finding doubled every five years after the The oldest old the 60 Minutes age of 65 and kept doubling right programme along so that even after the age eople all over the world are questionnaire based study that reported was of 90, participants continued to living longer. In 1900, the analysed factors such as diet, that people in develop dementia. Unlike what the Plife expectancy in the United exercise, vitamins, alcohol intake their eighties and scientists expected, there was no States was 49 years. Today, the that may have influenced the nineties, were “cut off” age for dementia. country has a life expectancy of longevity of this age group. 14,000 better off being a Many of the people in the study 79 years. In Nepal too, the life people participated in the study. bit overweight. This were selfless and donated their expectancy has grown from 50 While some of the findings may be because of brain to science after death so that years in 1980 to 67 years. proved contrary to our present some reserve of more studies could be done to belief and understanding supplemental vitamins did not nutrition that helps boost immunity figure out the cause of dementia. regarding old age, most were dead impact on longevity in this group. and body defense mechanism to Preliminary findings from these on target. For example, if you are Regarding exercise, the fight off infections. This did not brain autopsies showed that it may a smoker, the finding showed report said people who exercised mean that you had to be obese, but not just be the plaques in the brain that your chance of reaching 90 definitely lived longer than being underweight, clearly did not that cause dementia as is widely DHANVANTARI was severely compromised. But those who did not. As little as 15 help matters. believed, but micro infarcts (small Buddha Basnyat, MD if you drank moderately (two minutes of work out a day made Dementia was an important strokes) may play a bigger role in drinks a day), you were more a difference. The best results focus of the report because people causing this disease. A well-known US television likely to reach that pinnacle of old however came with regular 45 “lose” their minds more quickly as This was a simple questionnaire- programme 60 Minutes recently age. And what kind of liquor you minutes of exercise. Surprisingly, they age. An incredible finding was based study, but the findings will did a fascinating story on people drank did not matter. The people more was not better here. Three that if you were in your nineties, it inform further research in helping who are above 90 years, the who sell red wine have clearly hours of exercise, the finding was better to have a slightly higher scientists understand old age more fastest growing group of the US convinced consumers about its showed, was not more effective blood pressure to protect you from comprehensively so that those population. good health effects, but living than the ideal 45 minutes. Whether suffering from dementia such as privileged to live long may be able Called the ‘oldest old’, longer does not seem to be one of this was just a quirk in the data Alzheimer’s disease than if you had to live more fruitful and enjoyable the programme focused on a its exclusive benefits. Also, taking or an actual finding needs to be low blood pressure. The bad news lives.

GIZMO by YANTRICK A SOUND AFFAIR hile laptop, tablet and mobile phone The dome encases the Aura’s six small speakers monologues, among others. speakers do serve their purpose, and a subwoofer, which enables a full range Harman Kardon has not skimped on the Wthe sound output they produce is of sound. There is no text display on the Aura; connectivity options either. You can connect your functional, at best. A superb sound quality and instead, touch-sensitive buttons coupled with mobile device to the Aura in a variety of ways. It thumping bass is unfortunately not what mobile illuminating, colour- changing LED lights and works as an AirPlay speaker for iOS users and as device speakers are known for. So, if you are as beeps of recognition show the way. a Bluetooth speaker for all users. It also supports finicky about good audio as I am, but haven’t The Aura’s design is something that can be DLNA if you store your media on your Wi-Fi yet invested in a wireless speaker, this review is described for pages, but ultimately, a wireless network, and can accept 3.5mm and optical wired for you. speaker is judged on its sound, and it is fair connections from your mobile device, computer, or At ﬁ rst glance, the Harman Kardon Aura looks to say Aura truly delivers in that department television, while a USB port allows for Wi-Fi setup more like a kitchen appliance than a speaker. as well. Designed to deliver omni-directional and ﬁ rmware updates. Its futuristic design however gives it its distinct sound because of its cylindrical shape, the Priced at Rs 45,000, the Aura is available at appeal and fans of The Jetsons will clearly not Aura is still fundamentally a 2.1-channel audio gadget shops in the valley, and can also be ordered need a reason to purchase this work of art. system capable of producing a room-filling on hamrobazaar.com. A clear and curved glass dome surrounds the 60 watts wall of sound. For a relatively small, base in either its black or white avatar. Standing one-piece speaker system, the Aura puts out Yantrick’s Verdict: The Aura is the perfect 10.8 inches tall, and measuring 8.2 inches in some impressive power and sound quality combination of looks, performance and diameter, the Aura weighs 2.3 kgs. Roughly the to complement every sound source, from connectivity options. When not in use, it size of a basketball, it fits easily on any empty thumping bass for hip-hop/electronic tracks, to also serves as a centre-piece in your living spot in the house: table, counter, shelf, et all. clear acoustic guitar tracks, to crystal clear movie room.

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Himalmedia Pvt. Ltd. Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur 12 - 18 SEPTEMBER 2014 #724 NATION 15 Some citizens more equal than others Citizenship rights in Nepal still heavily favours men and keeps large number of citizens stateless

with their male citizens, when it suggesting that this should be comes to marriage and citizenship changed; that is a matter for rights. Even ‘progressive’ another debate. There can be no parliamentarians toe the line of space for antiquated citizenship the party bigwigs. laws in a constitution that is Unfounded paranoia that forward looking. men from the bordering Indian @damakant states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh will marry our women and inundate our southern districts is the biggest reason why leaders of this country don’t want to give women equal citizenship rights. This is clearly an instance of discrimination. But even Madhes-based parties who do not tire of speaking about the need to mainstream the voice of DIWAKAR CHETTRI DIWAKAR Tarai residents prefer to keep mum on issues of citizenship. The “father and mother” provision would not only deny citizenship to children of separated parents, peaking at a program on Forum for Women, Law, and Dahal, recommended making it but also to children citizenship in the new Development. “We were surprised compulsory to issue citizenship of single women. If Sconstitution, Deputy to see the changed text at the in the name of both father and a woman wants to Chairperson Onsari Gharti Constitution Drafting Committee.” mother. Six of the members adopt, the path to even Magar expressed surprise For the record, the draft was were either communists or naturalised citizenship over the replacement of the prepared by the Constitutional ‘progressives’ as they like to call for the adopted child word “or” with “and” in the Records Study and Determination themselves. is not clear. The same draft on citizenship right by Committee headed by the UML’s While on paper this discrimination applies if a descent which was sent to CA’s Bishnu Paudel. curtails the rights of both non-Nepali man marries Constitution Drafting Committee. The Interim Constitution of father and mother, a visit to a Nepali woman. Until 2007 and the Citizenship Act are citizenship section inside any the man becomes a clearly more progressive than the district administration office Nepali citizen, the members of the Constitutional demonstrates that women are woman cannot ensure Records Study and Determination more discriminated against. Cases citizenship to their Committee. The Citizenship Act have been filed and won to force children. There are THE DEADLINE says, “Any person born at the stubborn DAO officials to issue other consequences time of when his father or mother citizenship in the name of mother, as well even Damakant Jayshi is a citizen of Nepal, shall be a but mothers are still frequently if naturalised citizen of Nepal by descent.” turned down. If a man applies for citizenship is The change may look like a minor The Interim Constitution has a citizenship for his children, the granted to those one but the affected phrase now similar provision on citizenship papers are passed on more easily. Nepali children becomes “mother and father” by descent. In an earlier piece from who, at least by instead of mother or father”. The attempt to discriminate November 2010, I had touched their birthright, should “We don’t know who against women of Nepal, upon this subcommittee’s have been citizens by inserted the word ‘and’ in however, is not new. A seven- regressive recommendation. descent. the draft,” Gharti Magar said member subcommittee in the Sadly, not much has changed in Some of the top during the interaction organised first CA, headed by UCPN the last four years. public positions in by Sancharika Samuha and (Maoist) Chief, Pushpa Kamal According to several CA the country are only members, women of Nepal do reserved for citizens not qualify to be treated on par by descent. I am not 16 NATION 12 - 18 SEPTEMBER 2014 #724 Pokhara tries to save its

Urban sprawl and out-migration has reduced the production of Pokhara’s rare rice

MERILIN PIIPUU in POKHARA

okhara once used to be renowned for its indigenous Price variety called Pokhareli Jethobudo, which is also the first traditional seed variety for which Nepali farmers were given intellectual property rights. Pokhareli is an aromatic rice that is in very high demand all over Nepal and abroad. The rice is soft and tasty, but its market price is twice that of the other rice varieties, giving farmers a hefty income. But Pokhreli is PICS: MERILIN PIIPUU becoming more difficult to find Valley, Pokhara land prices have only losing their soft and tasty opting for alternative varieties. Jhinuwa, Biramphul, Mansara, in the market because the paddy soared as people settle in what is rice, but also the whole paddy- Pokhara Valley has the Thulo Gurdi, Sano Gurdi, fields where it used to be grown is considered Nepal’s most scenic based civilisation that used to go highest rainfall in Nepal, and the Gudura, Anadi, Ekle and Anga being devoured by urban sprawl, city. Migrant workers coming with it. For instance, Pokhareli moisture has given ecological rices – every one of them with which in turn is driving prices up back to central Nepal districts Jethobudo used to be mandatory pockets here microclimates and a distinctive texture, aroma further. have also driven the property during festivals and other soil types that have resulted in and taste. But loss of arable Although the city is not market by investing in land. important occasions, and as it a wide variety of rice. Along land and farmers switching expanding as fast as Kathmandu Pokhara’s people are not gets harder to find, people are with Pokhreli, there used to be to modern high-yield hybrids 12 - 18 SEPTEMBER 2014 #724 NATION 17 Not isolated famous paddy anymore

have endangered some of these varieties. Pokhara’s farmers are now getting together to treat seeds and grow them in nurseries. For example, the Fewa Seed Producers Group in Pame grows Pokhreli Jethobudo seeds and makes them available to farmers who want to use them. But the government is promoting modern non culture seeds, and this discourages the use of indigenous varieties. “There is no control whatsoever over the varieties grown,” says Kamal Khadka, 32, an agricultural scientist in Li-BIRD, a Pokhara-based group that works with farmers all over Nepal. Farmers are attracted by high prices for land, and are selling them, and with their sons Being a farmer in Nepal once meant living in isolation and loneliness, faraway from the world. Not any more. migrating to work abroad, elderly parents also find there is no one ith the road network now reaching nearly every VDC of every district in the country, but we talk to them every day on our mobiles so it doesn’t feel like they are far away.” Sita Devi to farm the fields. far-flung hamlets are only hours away from cities. But even more importantly, satellite carries her mobile wrapped up in her patuka, even when she is working in the fields. With new residential houses Wtv, mobile phones and the internet have connected the hinterland to the centre. The mobile phone and the tv are gifts from the Bastolas’ youngest son who works in Qatar. now mushrooming all over what Majhthana is a small village near Begnas Lake, 30 km east of Pokhara. The only way to get The parents believe that one day he will come back and take over the farm. used to be Pokhara’s famous there in the past was to walk the whole day from the Prithvi Highway. Now there is a rough “You have to make your son Lahure so he doesn’t forget home,” explains Surya. Indeed, emerald paddy fields, there is road that winds up the mountains to reach the settlement. It may still seem like you are in the their youngest son loves working in the farm and is planning to return. His decision has been a race to save what is left of its middle of nowhere when you get to Majhthana, but farmers are using their new income to made easier because Majhthana is not remote anymore and the quality of life is even better rare rice. But who will take the buy tvs hooked up to satellite dishes, checking Facebook on their smart phones and plugging than in the city. Paradoxically, this is exactly what tourists come to look for in Nepal. The responsibility before it is too late? dongles into their laptops. remote village life with no distractions except for a few books has become one of the ideals Is it going to be farmers who are “My favourite channels are National Geographic, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet,” of Western world. This has led many farmers to establish home-stay eco-villages to augment simply interested to improve says 49- year-old farmer Surya Mohan Bastola (pic, right). When there is no electricity, he income. Tourists often fall in love with Nepal’s countryside, and are willing to support local living standards, the government, listens to the radio, and is mostly tuned into to the agriculture programs like LI-BIRDko schools or households in buying communication technology. This in return makes people stay or the private sector? Chautari and Krishi Karyakram. in the countryside. Whoever does it, the price Bastola has received little agricultural training, but he is learning new words like ‘organic Says Surya Bastola: “Being in the middle of nature is like meditation, it brings peace to of development is being felt by farming’ and ‘permaculture’. He now knows how important it is to make farming sustainable, your mind, body and soul, and maybe make us live longer. But now we are connected to the everyone who would like soft and and to use alternatives to pesticides and chemical fertilisers. “We have not thought about whole world from here.” tasty rice on their dinner plate. migrating to the city,” says Surya’s wife, Sita Devi (pic, left). “Our children are working abroad, Merilin Piipuu in Kaski 18 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 12 - 18 SEPTEMBER 2014 #724 Moonlighting Dahal’s dilemma Editorial, Himal Khabarpatrika, 7 politics is proving to be his biggest September folly. Because of his party’s heavy medical staff defeat in the second CA elections, Dahal does not and will not enjoy Kantipur, 4 September While the second CA is on track the same privilege as he did after to write the constitution by 2008’s polls. Also, the internal January 2015 deadline, it looks power struggles within the UCPN MORANG: Most doctors at Biratnagar’s regional-level Kosi Hospital leave their like UCPN (M) Chairman Pushpa (M) have made the chairman a work stations after signing attendance and head off to their own private clinics. Kamal Dahal is determined to laughing stock among cadre. But When patients arrive at the hospital’s gate, middlemen on the payroll of these disrupt proceedings. the NC and UML still don’t want doctors hustle them to the private clinics nearby. On one hand, Dahal is in to bypass him while writing the A dozen small hospitals and up to 36 private clinics and pathology political consultation with other constitution. parties inside the CA, but at Dahal’s main problem labs have mushroomed in the neighbourhood of the government hospital. the same time he is instructing today is he doesn’t trust his Medical tests at Kosi Hospital cost around Rs 1,000 but the bills at private parliamentarians from his party rivals’ generosity. He needs to clinics are so inflated most patients are forced to mortgage their possessions. to disrupt the house because understand his power inside When we visited Kosi Hospital, we found nurses and health assistants in charge. he wants to chair a new high and outside the party will The doctors are absent, and patients are eventually forced to seek treatment level political committee. The diminish if he continues looking elsewhere. UCPN (M)’s new alliances with for opportunities to mask his “Everyone knows doctors employed at government hospitals do their Madhesi and other ethno-centric weakness. real treatment at their private clinics outside,” says Uttam Dhungel of a public parties and its leaders’ renewed Dahal’s single-identity consumer group in Biratnagar. “But we can’t complain, there is no one listening rhetoric for single-identity-based over control of cantonments to agenda was thoroughly rejected to us.” federalism are also equally Madhav Nepal’s government and by Nepalis in the second CA Senior physician Dipak Sigdel alarming. then, in a show of power, brought elections, and parties, including arrives at the Kosi Hospital at Some political players have out cadres in large numbers to the UCPN (M), who advocated 10am and is off by 1pm to go over understood this as Dahal’s enforce an infinite strike in the for ethnic states were soundly to Green Cross, a clinic in which growing frustration and fear at capital. Dahal’s double-speak with defeated. The new constitution he and NC Morang treasurer not getting credit for concluding politicians, diplomats, donors, and will reflect this new political Nagesh Koirala have invested. the peace process. They say he spies during presidential elections reality. Another physician Shital Prasad is desperate for recognition, so and government changes, and his The UCPN (M) still has a Yadav leaves before his afternoon he wants to chair a new HLPC. tendency of forcing his own way political future and people still shift is over for his own City But the NC and UML are wary of around every agreement in place might vote Dahal into power one Hospital, as do surgeon Narayan giving him an active role because have made them suspicious of his day. But in the short term, he Basnet and gynaecologist of his past betrayals. motives. needs to contribute positively Yogendra Mishra for Saptakosi They haven’t forgotten how Dahal’s unwillingness to accept towards a democratic and diverse Nursing Home. Sunil Chandra the UCPN (M) first agreed to hand his shrinking role in national Nepal. Adhikari, a surgeon, and orthopaedists Mukunda Dahal head to Kanchanbari. Other orthopaedists Nabin Subedi and Ramesh Basnet go to Green Cross, and paediatrician Bimal Agrawal works at Surakshya and Golden hospitals. “They come in at 10am, take a walk around, visit some patients at the OPD, and leave as soon as they can,” a medical officer said on condition of anonymity. “Some even travel up to three hours On the rocks to reach their own hospitals.” When nurses complain there are patients waiting at Kosi Hospital, doctors Netra Panthi, Naya Patrika, want them referred to their private clinics. Doctors themselves frighten patients, 11 September telling them they won’t get proper treatment at Kosi. Although there is enough equipment in the surgery room, complicated cases are no longer treated here. Opposition accuses Official records show up to 200 cases are referred outside every week. NC and UML of: “The Health Ministry allows doctors to run their own clinics as long as this Stepping back from identity- doesn’t affect official duty,” says Tapeswor Lal Karna, Kosi’s medical superintendent based federalism who says he stopped going to private clinics after being appointed to his post. Ignoring achievements of Eye Exam CIAA Oﬃ cial: “I can The commercialisation has affected patients from surrounding districts who Jana Andolan II, CPA, interim Corrupt: Leaders, Ministers, Secretary, only see the smaller letters have to come in ambulances. Ambulance drivers who get a commission from the constitution and Madhes Department Head, Secretary, Peon clearly.” private hospitals take them straight to private hospitals. Guards are instructed uprising during constitution to note down the names of all the drivers who arrive with patients. Depending writing upon how serious the case is, they are paid between Rs 500 and Rs 2,000. A Focusing on party instead of Basu Kshitiz in Annapurna Post, 7 September private hospital owner said this is now standard operating procedure, if they peace process

don’t pay drivers, patients stop coming.

Rickshaw drivers, too, get kickbacks on patients they ferry from bus-stops or NC and UML say: QUOTE OF THE WEEK the Indian border to private clinics. In the last three months, police took action Opposition not committed to “ against rickshaw drivers, but Morang DSP Prabhu Prasad Dhakal says although writing constitution by If you don’t treat us as equals we might have to patients complain they were cheated, it is hard to find proof. January 2015 “think again about working together. UCPN(M) are double dealing nepalitimes.com with everyone  Home Minister and Deputy PM Bamdev Gautam  Pay on delivery, #710 Two Maoist parties taking disruptive line on all-party accusing NC of nepotism, Jana Aastha, 10 September meet and constitution writing 12 - 18 SEPTEMBER 2014 #724 NATION 19 Muktinath Adhikari who was executed by the Maoists in 2002, collected compensation for both his death and their displacement. Lamjung’s ghost village Mohan Singh Ghimire, also from Lamjung, who was killed by the Maoists also got Rs 300,000 as More than eight years after the war ended, the displaced still haven’t returned to their village death compensation and Rs 50,400 for being displaced. YUBARAJ SHRESTHA Aside from high profile victims in LAMJUNG like these, or survivors with political connections, ordinary poor farmers who also suffered loss he army came in the daytime have never got any compensation. and the guerrillas came by Maya Nath Ghimire of Tnight to taunt and threaten Sribhanjyang was detained by the villagers of the tiny village the army and tortured, but he of Maling. Finally, they couldn’t has no idea where to get the bear it any longer, and more than compensation he is entitled to. 100 families left their crops and Bishnu Ghimire of Bhalayakharka livestock in the care of neighbours put in an application at the and abandoned their homes. They District Administration in Besi haven’t come back. Sahar, but he never heard back. Such was the fear that they Bishnu Pandey was abducted by haven’t returned even after the the Maoists while in Grade 10 HOMELESS: The home of Som Maya Tamang (inset) in Maling village of Lamjung (left) is falling ceasefire in 2006. Their houses are in his school in Bhalayakharka, apart, while she lives in a rented room in Besi Sahar working as a cook. Parbati Tamang (inset), falling apart, the terrace fields are then he was detained by the Army is also displaced from her home in Maling (right), but never got any compensation, and lives off overgrown with weeds, the school for being a suspected Maoist and earnings sent by a brother who works abroad. building is dilapidated, and Maling beaten almost to death. He never is a ghost town. got any money. Torture victim It all started after the Maoists accusing them of being spies. But his younger brother however, says it’s a Chandrakant Poudel who was came in one night in 2002 and the rebels let them go after they followed him. Both are shame that the displaced detained by the Army, filed his left a dozen bags and one of their couldn’t find evidence that they now in Saudi Arabia. of Maling never got application for compensation, but fighters, Ramchandra Tiwari, in were spying. “We were so afraid At the Lamjung compensation from the has got nothing. the home of Som Maya Tamang. that we couldn’t stay there any office of the Peace state. In fact, the Peace Government records show The army had always suspected longer, we left,” recalls Niru Maya. Committee, there are Committee doesn’t even only 15 people who claimed to that the village located 10 hours All 127 families abandoned only names of six have a record of how be detained and tortured got Rs straight uphill from the district their homesteads in Maling. individuals out of the PEACE much aid it distributed 25,000 each from the state. But capital of Besi Sahar was a Maoist Some settled down in Besi 127 displaced families and to whom. For while real torture victims have stronghold. A few days later, they Sahar or Pokhara, others went to from Maling who have BUILDING example, there is a record got nothing, there are questions surrounded the village and went Kathmandu and beyond to India been given Rs 5,000 compensation. of the local Peace Committee about who these 15 are and house-to-house, they caught and and the Gulf to find work. None The current coordinator of the receiving Rs 2.7 billion in 2007, whether some of them are genuine shot dead Tiwari even though the have returned. committee, Maoist member Mohan but the cash books show that only victims. (Centre for Investigative villagers tried to save him. Som Maya today lives with her Hari Poudel, denies there are any Rs 7.85 million was disbursed. Journalism) A few nights later, the Maoists family in a rented room in Besi displaced people in Maling, and After the ceasefire, the interim returned and took away Ward Sahar, and works as a cook to feed maintains that no one can claim to government decided to give Chairperson, Niru Maya Tamang her two sons and two daughters. be displaced by war anymore. compensation to families of those nepalitimes.com and Som Maya and tortured Her elder son dropped out in Grade Former coordinator and ex- killed, tortured and displaced.  Tortured past, #255 them in a nearby primary school, 8 and went off to India to work, DDC chair Krishna Prasad Koirala, Under this, the family of teacher  Sharing sorrow to ease the pain, #639 20 BACK SIDE 12 - 18 SEPTEMBER 2014 #724 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com

PAST PRESENT FUTURE My 18-point demand DIWAKAR CHETTRI

he most fabulous 10. We’re only up to 10? When thing about living in are we ever going to get to 18? Ta democracy is that News: Road we all have the right to be as 11. So, moving right along to demanding as we want. Anyone, the next point in the agenda: we extension drive including you and me, can come demand that these demands be continues up with a list of demands and taken with the seriousness they launch an escalating protest for deserve. If not we will … um … the government to fulfill at its go on a relay hungry strike and earliest convenience. skip afternoon snacks until the Therefore, crushers and country is great again. tippers rightfully bring city to a standstill because they 12. We are against all current City tours are prevented from exercising drafts of the constitution, their democratic right to ravage especially to the provisions the Chure and mine sensitive regarding forms of government, riverbeds. Doctors close down state structure, election hospitals to protect their right to Protocols, the Hague Convention, procedures, the judiciary. But we close down hospitals. the Rome Statute, the Biological want all the democratic right of It is the sacred duty of every Weapons Convention, the political parties to recruit mafia dons citizen in a democracy to have his/ Convention on Cluster Munitions, and goons at their convenience to be her list of demands. So, on behalf and the Convention on Holding the upheld in the interest of pluralism of 28 million fellow-Nepalis and Nation Hostage. and inclusiveness, otherwise we will in the interest of upholding our get all our fraternal and maternal demographic way of life, I humbly 5. Having said that, come to think organisations to launch decisive street submit below my own 18-point of it, why not also opt out of the protests and court arrest, which can list of demands which the powers Kyoto Protocol? All together now: be carried out as per three modus that be will ignore at their own “Kyoto Protocol Murdabad! Chief of operandi: peril. If these demands are not met Protocol Jindabad!” Prison Arrest by next Friday, I will personally House Arrest begin a phase-wise program of civil 6. Our sixth demand is that all our Cardiac Arrest disobedience which will culminate previous demands, including the in a violent pen-down strike over 137-point ultimatum delivered 13. Everything in Nepal should be the Dasain holidays: to the Ministry of Re-education, free of cost, and all noodle packs must Self-criticism and Aquaculture, be have coupons for gold bar lotteries. City tours City tours 1. The government should, right fulfilled without further ado. this minute, regain territory ceded 14. This agitation will be temporarily to the East India Company in 7. Otherwise we may be forced to suspended on weekends, during the Sugauli Treaty, restore the list all those 137 demands right here Dasain and for “technical reasons” country’s pre-1814 boundaries and point-by-point, and that may take without prior notice. Management is make Nepal greater again. till midnight, or until the cows come not responsible for the consequences. home, whichever happens later. 2. Ok, ok, let’s at least get back 15. The next three demands (viz: #s 16, Dozer safari Kalapani. 8. Since this is taking longer than I 17, 18) are non-negotiable. They can expected, can I have a coffee, please? never be met, but will not be disclosed 3. Never mind, for now we just Black without sugar. at the present time because we reserve demand that Nepali farmers be the right to bring them to public allowed to grow corn on no-man’s 9. Make available Journalist notice at a later date. Look at it land. Discounts and Free Upgrades on all from our point of view: if you meet international and domesticated all of our demands now, how can 4. I demand that the government flights with immediate effect, we exercise our immediately scrap all international otherwise we will create nuisances democratic right to treaties that Nepal is signatory to on board that may endanger the present more demands which infringe on our sovereign safety of fellow passengers and in future? rights, including the Geneva ourselves, for which the air crew Conventions and its Additional will have to bear full responsibility. The Ass

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