NOBODY STANDS in HIS WAY Pg.29“ the Recent Internet Hall of Fame Inductee, Mahabir Pun, Is Not Stopping Before His Dreams of Inclusion Are Fulfilled

Every Thursday | issue 217 | Rs. 40 24 April 2014 | 11 a}zfv 2071

The Smarter Entertainment Weekly

Rewinding 2070 We choose 70 things that made last year so memorable “NOBODY STANDS IN HIS WAY pg.29“ The recent Internet Hall of Fame inductee, Mahabir Pun, is not stopping before his dreams of inclusion are fulfilled.

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Top 3 Events What’s on? Why Is ICT Different? Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 Information Communication and Technology Electronics and Branding Expo 2014 (ICT) Association of Nepal, a non- profit, non- governmental organization, is an umbrella This year, ICT Association of Nepal is organizing its seventh organization of ICT product importers, !branding expo, a “must attend” event for businesses looking to distributors, and dealers, which carries an share their sustainable solutions. With more than 200 stalls, objective to work for end user’s rights of warranty, visitors can experience the latest technology, and if you want to guarantee, counterfeit, fraud issues etc. be an exhibitor, spaces for this show are limited so hurry up if you want to get your business on the list. ICT Fair 2014, the annual electronics festivity Date: 24 April (Thursday), Time: 11:00 am onwards Venue: Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu of Kathmandu is gaining popularity with each passing day, and Shovan Sainju, General Secretary of ICT Association Nepal, elaborates on 1 Pool BBQ why it’s different than other electronic exhibition: Hotel Annapurna recently launched its new pool which offers a large space perfect to hang out with your friends and family. 1) No other exhibition is targeted to being showcased during the Nepali New Year. Every Saturday they have a BBQ event by the pool side with People are really looking forward to buying new products during this time of year. exotic variety of BBQ and drinks. Special meal packages are The time period of the exhibition is also framed to cover maximum number of fresh made every week exclusively for the BBQ event. SLC graduates so that they are updated with the latest gadgets that are available in Date: 19 April (Saturday), Time: 11:00 am onwards, the country. Venue: Hotel Annapurna, Durbarmarg, Contact: 4221711 2) It works brilliantly for the country’s economy. All software available in Nepal is 2 imported from various countries and ICT helps establishing a good business rapport with those countries through the exhibition. Nepali Software developers also get a platform to present their products and brands during the fair, and ICT provides those lesser known Nepali software developers a gateway towards the commercial market. 3) Lastly, ICT fair provides its visitors with the latest technology that has entered the country at an optimum price.

Mana Ko Kamana (2014) Trending

What it’s about? A documentary about a group of pilgrims who travel to Nepal to worship at the legendary Manakamana temple. Who’s talking about It? “It is amazing, given the modesty of its scope and means, how much Manakamana is able to achieve.” – Film.com Certified Workshop in Music and Arts “On the whole, Manakamana succeeds KJC is providing interested individuals an opportunity to by creating the ongoing anticipation of learn about Music Journalism for the first time in Nepal. Dr. something, anything to happen next, a Mathew Warnock from Canada, a music industry specialist, wholly unique sensation specific to its music educator, author, app creator, university lecturer, and inventive design.” – indieWIRE guitarist, will be holding a workshop on art, journalism and music. You can participate as an active student or as just a Did it get nominated for any awards? listener. If you are a student, you’ll have the opportunity to Best First Feature - Special Mention, interact in class and receive a certificate whereas listeners will not receive any certification. and Golden Leopard - Filmmakers of the Present, at Locarno International Film Date: 16 April (Wednesday) for non-certified workshop and 16 April (Sunday) to 22 April(Tuesday) for certified workshop, Time: 11:00 am Festival (Won) onwards; Venue: Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur Contact: 5013554 International Jury Award at São Paulo 3 International Film Festival (Nominated) With events to the left and right, Fr!day makes it a little bit easier for you to choose events to check out this week and the next. Here are our top five picks Truer Than Fiction Award at Independent Spirit Awards (Nominated) POST US: Email event details to [email protected] or call 5011571/ 5011639/ 5011730/ 5011731 for listings. Listings are free but Included in the Top 10 Movies of 2013 inclusion is not guaranteed due to limited space. by BBC

Kickstart//Events 6 Out & Food 3rd Italian Food & Film The Yellow House hosts a farmer’s Contact: Festival market every Sunday 5521810 Free Date: 9 April (Wednesday) to 14 with loads of local Lotus Land Event! May (Wednesday) and organic Organic Farm Time: 6:00 pm onwards products. They Free places its open market About at Summit Hotel every Sunday Venue: Black Pepper Café and have a variety Event! Pub, Jawlakhel of stalls which and Wednesday of each week. Ticket: Rs. 950 (inclusive of sell products by The market is one such place Italian dinner) Rs. 100 and RS. Nepalis as well as foreigners, where you will find desired and 150 (exclusive of dinner, only but everything is natural. From seasonal edible organic products. movie watching) German Sausages to Nepali From all kinds of seasonable MUSIC & PARTIES Buckwheat noodles, you can vegetables to rare fruits like Kiwi Pool BBQ get it all in the market. Also they and Avocado can be found at Footloose Psyshakta, Posicidz, Sahil, have a live performance by Hari stalls of the organic farm. They Date: 19 April (Saturday) Date: 18 April (Friday) Lazy monk, Mantra Drops, and Maharjan while you can enjoy your also have special seasonal fruits Time: 11:00 am onwards Time: 1:00 pm onwards Nyctophilia on the deck the breakfast under a big jacaranda like Strawberry and Blue Berry. Venue: Hotel Annapurna, Venue: Hotel Yak & Yeti, party offers an open venue and tree or in the garden where your As special attraction to tourists, Durbarmarg, Contact: 4221711 Kathmandu a great afternoon. The tickets kids can run around while you organic pickles and lentils are also Entry Fee: Rs. 500 to the event are available at soak in some sun. sold in the market. The Party Mafia presents yet Mountain Café Elements and Farmer’s Market at The Yellow House another party called Footloose. Namo Buddha Restaurant. Lotus Land Organic Farm at Three DJs, Envis, Bikash, Sishir Student Festival 2014 Date: 20 April (Sunday) Special Easter Treat Time: 9:30 am onwards Summit Hotel are spinning the disk for the Date: 19 April (Saturday) Date: 20 April (Sunday) Date: 17 March (Thursday) Venue: The Yellow House, evening. The party is expected Time: 10:00 am onwards Time: 10:00 am onwards Venue: The Cake Shop, Durbar Jhamsikhel to be even bigger and better Venue: Tudikhel, Kathmandu Venue: Summit Hotel, Jhamsikhel Marg, Kathmandu Contact: 5553869, 5522078 than previous parties by Party Contact: 9803937666 / Contact: 01-4221711 Mafia. The best thing about the 9802060710 The Cake Shop, at Hotel party is that you’ll also get to see Student Festival 2014 is the Annapurna, invites you to a special the Underdogs performing as a combination of a concert, band All-You-Can-Eat Urban BBQ Easter treat for you and your special appearance. competition, beauty contest, Date: April 25 (Friday) - April 26 (Saturday) family. It’s an “EGGStravaganza” dance performances, a food Time: 05:00 pm onwards, Venue: Cafe Mitra, Thamel with Easter Eggs, Easter Contact: 4256336/ 9803382445 Nepali New Year Psychedelia festival (represented by colleges Chocolate House, and Hot Cross and renowned restaurants), The event features all-you-can-eat steaks, bratwursts, hot dogs, and fish Buns, and many more! Date: 19 April (Saturday) with unlimited dessert and salad (vegetarian & non-vegetarian). Chilled Time: 11:00 am onwards games, art competitions, horse riding, DJ session, dance draft beer, handcrafted sangria, and flavored margaritas will also be served Venue: Lapsi Bari farm House, while live acoustic tracks will be played. Moreover, Urban Food Market will Kirtipur party, etc, all organized by college students. The official be displaying a variety of frozen meat products. Contact: 9816161653/ Entry Fee: Rs. 1000 Net Per Person 98415013820 event organizer is Planet If you are looking for a get away Entertainment International and from the regular New Year parties is managed by Namaste Event and love progressive psychedelic Management, Run Way Event music, this is the place for you. Management and Mahotsav With more than six DJs i.e. Myky, Exhibition Pvt. Ltd.

Glamorous Evening Date: 26 April (Saturday), Time: 3:00 pm onwards, Venue: J-Bar, Thamel With the best of lights and sound, Glamorous Evening by Series Events is a party that promises a sophisticated ambience. The entry depends strictly upon proper invitation and ticket purchase, and the organizers make it clear that no drugs or other similar substances are to be abused.

Alliance Francais Random Impact by Art Lab French Singer Dantès Dai Liang - Live in Kathmandu Date: 4 April (Friday) to 18 April (Friday), Venue: Alliance Francais, Tripureshwor Date: 1 May (Thursday) Time: 6:00 pm onwards, Contact: 4241163/ 4242832 Free Time: 7:00 pm onwards The random works done by Artlab will be showcased at the exhibition which reflects the Venue: House of Music, Bhagwan Bahal positive impact their art has made in the society. Urban art will be the main attraction of Event! Dantès Dai Liang is a French singer and song writer. His pop-rock music the show along with live art performance and some good music as well. The creative works of and writings are very famous in France as well as China. The singer is 6 artists from Artlab shall keep you hooked to the walls of AFK. performing in Nepal for the first time. He is also a trilingual host with excellent knowledge in French, Chinese, and English language.

Culinary Writing Workshop recipes to their upcoming generations or friends. Date: 25 April (Friday) to 12 May (Monday), Time: The workshop will teach its students the basics of 11:00 am onwards, Venue: Alliance Francais, culinary writing. While many might know how to Tripureshwor, Contact: 4241163/ 4242832 cook perfectly or are confused about how to preserve The writing workshop is for those who are in love the recipes and secret ingredients, the workshop with cooking and would want to give forward the provides you with a kick start. 7 MISCELLANEOUS Outdoors Honda Scooter Diva Cup II Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 Electronics and Date: 3 May (Saturday), Time: 10:00 am onwards, Venue: Honda Safety Training Center, Gwarko, Lalitpur Branding Expo 2014 Contact:9841204561, 9841927317, 9851119088, 9813905769 Date: 24 April (Friday), Time: 11:00 am onwards Honda Scooter Diva Cup is an event where participants and onlookers will get to learn about the Venue: Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu importance of road safety. The Cup is basically a scooter race where female riders will compete to win the title of Honda Scooter Diva 2014, attractive gift hampers, and winner prizes. Kumaripati Jawalkahel Festival 2071 Opening Date: 25 April (Friday) Closing Date: 26 April (Saturday) Time: 8:00 am onwards Venue: Kumaripati-Jawalkhel road, Lalitpur Kumaripati Jawalkahel Festival 2071 is an annual event that celebrates local products and entrepreneurs. The festival is a gala event comprising of Business Stalls, Food Court, Traditional and Cultural Dance Show, Fashion Show, Musical Concert, Street Carnivals, Bike Stunt, B-boying, Children Funfairs, Face Paintings, and Paint Ball. The highlight of the event is Kutumba’s live concert. Kathmandu Bike the birthplace of Lord Buddha Forms are available at Ultimate One-week Introduction Course to Yoga Festival 2014 on his birthplace, enthusiastic Excursions Nepal Opening Date: 26 April (Saturday), Closing Date: 30 April (Wednesday) Date: 17 May (Saturday) cyclists are welcomed to Lazimpat, Beside Hotel Gangzong Time: 8:00 am onwards, Venue: Pranamaya Studio, Boudha Venue: Gyanodaya Residential take part from Kathmandu to (Opp. Last Friday Restaurant), Registration Fee: Rs. 12,500, Contact: 9802045484 School, Lalitpur Lumbini in a 3 nights and 2 Tel : 4002066, and Mahabir The course introduces the practice from a holistic perspective: physical, Contact: 5521120 days schedule managed by Center for Nepal Connection meditative, breath, philosophical, historical, and cultural, to provide an Organized by Epic Events Nepal, World Cyclist Foundation Nepal Mandala Street , Thamel intensive and focused introduction to yoga, its context and its benefits. It in association with E’s Nest, (WCFN). Kathmandu. offers five hours of contact time each day, with asana practice (postures), Kathmandu Bike Festival 2014 is teachings on philosophy and context, meditation, and technique workshops, a bicycle race open to all cycling Lamatar XC Cycling Challenge with a study and brunch break for you to reflect or discuss with fellow enthusiasts. Participants of all Date: 26 April (Saturday), Venue: Lamatar, Time: 8:00 am onwards students and to learn about the local Boudha area. ages, given they know how to ride Contact: 9803661496 a bike safely, are welcome to join The Lamatar MTB race celebrates cycling as a recreational and Introduction to Audiobooks the race. competitive sport over a fun weekend filled with adventure. You don’t have to be a professional cyclist to join the event as there are Date: 25 April (Friday) several categories depending on your riding level and experience: Elite Venue: Prithvi Concept Café, Tour De’ Lumbini- (professional, men), Open (amateur, fun racing), Women (professional Sanepa, Contact: 5521120 Pedal for PEACE and amateur), Junior (below 18 years), and Master (above 40). Winners The event is being organized (2014) will receive cash prizes and gift hampers. by Bihani Social Venture Date: May 11 (Sunday) - May 14 with an aim to let the (Wednesday) interested ones and audio Contact: 9841729965/ books enthusiasts have some 9841303867 knowledge about the history Tour De’ Lumbini - Pedal for of audio books in Nepal. Bijay Peace is a promotional cycle Dewan and his team at Youth rally organized jointly by “Tour Participation will share about De Lumbini” and “World Cyclist their work in creating audio Foundation Nepal” which started books in Nepal and will also in the year 2012 in an initiation share snippets of the audio of World Cyclist/Mt. Everest book of Dr. Chaitanya Mishra’s Summiteer Pushkar Shah. With “Badlindo Nepali Samajh”. an objective to celebrate peace in

Jazz Upstairs live wire Wednesday: 23 April Monsix (Gypsy Jazz) Saturday: 19 April Attic Accoustix Time: 7:00pm onwards Friday: 18 April Location: Lazimpat Mukti and Revival Sunday: 20 April Contact: 4416983 Time: 7:00pm onwards Open Night Location: Uttardhoka Madhusala Contact: 4442615 ART & THEATER Monday: 21 April Every Friday till Wednesday (This the last show at the Live music (band) Uday & Manila Sotang live with restaurant before it closes down Jeewan Kalapremi and Nava Certified Workshop in Music and Arts next week. Be sure to be there for Tuesday: 22 April Ratna (band) Date: 16 April (Wednesday) for non certified workshop and 16 April the exclusive show!) Sign (Sonam and Sunny) Time: 7:15-11:30 pm (Sunday) to 22 April(Tuesday) for certified workshop Location: Durbar Marg Time: 11:00 am onwards; Venue: Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, Embassy Restro & Bar Wednesday: 23 April Contact: 4223613 Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur Thursday: 17 April Ladies night with Accoustix Contact: 5013554, Entry Fee: Non-Certificate workshop is for Rs. 3500 Salsa by Riyaz Shrestha Time: 7:30pm onwards Tamas Laya and certified workshop is for Rs. 5000 Location: Lal Durbar Marg Friday: 18 April (Naxal) Friday: 18 April Contact: 4441703 Accoustix Czech Castles Prayash (band) Date: 9 April (Wednesday) to 25 May (Sunday), Time: 5:00 pm Tamarind Restro and Bar Monday: 21 April (Naxal) onwards Saturday: 19 April Thursday (17 April), Sunday (20 Open Night with Jovan Venue: Siddhartha Art Gallery, Babarmahal Revisited, Kathmandu Dharmendra Sewan with Bittu April) and Monday (21 April) Miloslav Stašek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic, invites everyone Sunday (20 April), Monday (21 Live piano by Sunil Singh Wednesday: 23 April (Naxal) to the inauguration of Czech Castles, an art exhibition of the National April), Tuesday (22 April) Open Night with Jovan Museum of the Czech Republic. Bhim Prasad Acharya Piano light by Pema Friday: 18 April Honorable Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government Dharmendra Sewan and Bittu Friday: 25 April 13 (Thamel) of Nepal will grace the inauguration as the Chief Guest. Wednesday: 23 April Electronic music Hem Lama Saturday: 19 April Time: 6:30pm onwards Hem Lama Time: 7:00-10:00pm Location: Lazimpat Contact: 4414395 Contact: 4424040 Tuesday: 22 April Salsa Night by Riyaz Shrestha 8 Degrees Bourbon Lounge Friday 25 April Thursday: 17 April Wednesday: 23 April Loadshedding (band) Sign (Sonam and Sunny) Hemanta Rana (ladies night) Time: 7:00pm to 10:00pm Time: 7:00pm onwards Friday: 18 April Location: Jhamsikhel Location: Jhamsikhel Soultease Contact: 5522626 Contact: 5543740 8 “It’s fashionable to have a glass of wine by your side in Nepal, but people don’t know why they enjoy it” - Antoine Garet, Country representative of Sula wine.

A Glam Bang Party 13 April, Woodland Complex Partygoers at AMA’s “Glamorous NYE Bash II” mobbed the venue Toast To A New dressed in their stylish clothes. Beginning The superb DJ Chaos brought 12 April, Durbar Marg a spark in the dance floor with his electronic mix, followed by a Sulafest has always been a great fusion of commercial and house deal in India, and Nepal’s first ever Sulafest hosted in mix by DJ Nish and DJ Ray. Mezze had an excellent beginning. Sula wine and the The party came to life when DJ music by the duo Juan Ortiz and Kismat D Shrestha, Honey G played her tracks and and Rohit Jhon Chhetri and the Band, made people surprised everyone by hitting forget all about the wind and the rain threatening to pour Nepali numbers on the deck. down. The audience was tested on their wine knowledge and the winners got a Sula umbrella. “Sula wine has Anti-Clockwise: Sonia come up in the market – it just got signed up by Mark & Bartulam, Anisha Spencer”, said Rajeev Samant, CEO of Sula Vineyards. Shrestha,Suman Shahi, Neema Gurung, Nirikshya Clockwise: Rohit John Chhetri, Tenzin Tseten Shrestha, DJ Honey G, Babita Bhutia, Sahana Vajracharya, Kismat D Shrestha, KC, Sweta Shrestha, Reza Chandan Kayesta, Rajeev Samant, Ranjan Kayesta, Rijal & Dj Nish Alina Upreti, Rakshya Shrestha, Jenisha Tamang, Mamta Kshatree, Jasmine Maharjan, Aruni Waiba, Binit Shrestha, Antoine Garet Hall of Frame

Euphoria 2071 13 April, Hotel Annapurna Hotel Annapurna bade goodbye to 2070 and welcomed 2071 with their New Year bash: Euphoria 2071. The party started at 7 pm with host Suraj Karki. Unlimited varieties of Indian and Nepali delicacies, drinks, and music made the night memorable for all the New Year revelers, who danced all night to the beats of the D.J and Nattu and The Inclover. Clockwise: Kishor Yonjan, Nattu Shah Buttowski,Sibani Simha Swiger, Upal Mazumdar, Crissy Ford, Suzie Ford & Lucky Gurung 9 Kickstart//Hall of Frame

Jitendra Mukhiya

Dikesh Malhotra Raj Bhai Suwal Sipora Gurung Dipak Malhotra

“The depth of field control in the camera is similar to the DSLR, and the selective focus is the best. It has the fastest camera focus in any smartphone in the world.” - Raj Bhai Suwal

Heads Up for S5 11 April, Hyatt Regency The Samsung Galaxy S5 and the Samsung Gear 2 were launched at an event organized “The big screen, the Atish Man Amatya. by International Marketing Heart Rate Sensor, and Services in a star-studded party. The exciting event revealed fresh the camera they all “I think it’s the best phone on the new features of the Samsung sound interesting. Hope planet right now. The long battery life smartphone and two lucky fully, I’ll switch from an- winners from the audience even iPhone to a Samsung.” and the camera features are brilliant. won a Samsung Galaxy S5 each. That’s going to make me get one.” The event also saw Jitendra - Kunchhang Moktan Puskal Khatiwada - Sanjay Gupta, Vootoo Entertainment Mukhiya, Man of the Match in the Nepali vs Afghanistan match in the World Cup, being “The Samsung Gear 2 sounds perfect for presented with a check of fitness regimens. But I am really excited Rs. 1 lakh. about the camera and its features.” - Bishwo Gautam

Binod Tuladhar & Kamal Tuladhar

“I haven’t used a Sam- sung besides my Sam- sung Galaxy Tab. But the water resistance and Bidarthi Pokheral the S Health features really caught me. And the perforated design which Pramila RL. Rana doesn’t slip easily is really Laxmi Basnet attractive.” Ram Chandra Shrestha - Nalina Chitrakar, singer ortraying a “I am both satisfied and excited. P maternal character is an avenue that I have not ventured upon in my career. I am hopeful that I have justified the role well.” - Priyanka Karki

Never Say Never Again 10 April, Big Cinemas Nepal After Nai Navannu La (2011), director Bikash Acharya has presented a sequel named “Nai Czech This Out! Navannu La 2.” The film brings in 10 April, Siddhartha Art Gallery Suraj Singh Thakuri, Priyanka Karki, Sita Ram Kattel, Anubhav Regmi, Czech Castles, an exhibition, Sugyani Bhattarai, Barsha Siwakoti, showcased 37 of the most and Jiwan Luitel. The lead actors interesting castles and chateaux from the film attended the events Clockwise: Suraj Singh Thakuri, Reshma Amatya, Sanvritti in the Czech Republic. The alongside the crew members and Thakuri, Rajesh Payal Rai, Sanjog Koirala, Sanchita Luintel, exhibition saw H.E. Mr Miloslav media personalities. Suman Gaire, Sugyani Bhattarai & Barsha Shivakoti Stašek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic, greeting many foreign diplomats as well as Honorable Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation H.E. Mr Bhim Prasad Acharya who was present as the Chief Guest. Clockwise: Marcos B. Duprat Corrigendum Ribeiro, Shambu Ram Simkhada, This is in reference to the inadvertent erratum in the Hall of Frame Servey V. Velichkin, Sangeeta Thapa, title of a segment in the ‘Hall of Frame’ section in Vishnu agrawal, Miloslav Stašek, Issue 216. The title “Bajaj Fights Fire” was published otherwise, and the Fr!day Team extends its apologies Himalayan Samsher, Bhim Prasad to all concerned parties. Acharya

“We wish all the customers Happy New Year. This calendar is a way of displaying R.B. diamond’s creation and designs, and we hope it will make selection easier.” - Ramesh Maharjan, Chairman of R.B. Diamond Jewelers, and President of Nepal Gem and Jewelry Association, Nepal.

For A Sparkling New Year 9 April, New Road Nepal’s top leading diamond business enterprise, R.B. Diamond Jewelers, organized a calendar inauguration program at their showroom on the occasion of upcoming Nepali New Year 2071. Established in 1997, the company offers sales in various categories such as diamonds, precious stones, custom jewelry, gold jewelry, and many more. The calendar was inaugurated by Chief Guest Satya Mohan Joshi. Clockwise: Niti Shah, Satya Mohan Joshi, Bhim Ratna Shakya, Barsha Shrestha, Sarita Maharjan, Ramesh Maharjan, Gyan Bahadur Shakya, Riken Maharjan

Kickstart//Week That Was 12

Youths Develop Solutions for NASA Asteroids, Earth Watch, and Robotics. The Kathmandu, April 15 participants included developers, students with knowledge of Geographic Information Week That Was More than 60 youth from diverse System (GIS), engineering students, and backgrounds came together in Kathmandu, entrepreneurs. They were divided into 16 Nepal, over the weekend to compete teams and used publicly available data to Cobain Lives at Ti Amo in the National Aeronautics and Space design innovative solutions to address global Kathmandu, April 18 Administration (NASA) International challenges. On the second day the teams The death anniversary of one of the most iconic figures in music, Kurt SpaceApps Challenge. The two-day presented their applications to a panel of Cobain, saw a huge turnout, and established that Cobain’s music still Kathmandu Hackathon was organized four judges who selected team G10E with reverberates with the youngest generation. The performing bands were on 12 and 13 April 2014 by the the project ‘Clean City’ as the winner of Albatross, Newaz, Tumblweed Inc., and Spirit X at Basantpur. Nikesh International Centre for Integrated the SpaceApps Challenge 2014. The team Joshi of the band Spirit X exclaimed, “His music was from the heart, Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 30,000. so you can feel it through and through”, while Sarad Shrestha, from YoungInnovations in collaboration with Team Cool Nepal, the first runners-up, and Tumbleweed Inc., added,” Nirvana was one of the bands we all first CSIT Association of Nepal (CSITAN) and Team The Maker, the second runners-up, heard, and we still do to this day.” Numbers like Come As You Are, The Robotics Association of Nepal (RAN). were awarded Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 10,000 Man Who Sold The World, Smells Like Teen Spirit, and Something In The event attracted aspiring developers respectively. Based on votes on social media, The Way were all sung, while the crowd proved to be the best chorus from colleges and organizations who were team Geo Trackers won the popular choice section a band could ever ask for. (Abhishek Mishra) building both software and hardware-related award. Team G10E and Cool Nepal will applications. The challenges provided by now join the global International SpaceApps E-Sports: It’s In The Game! NASA were divided into five categories: Challenge and will compete against 180 Kathmandu, April 13 Technology in Space, Human Space Flight, teams from around the globe. (ECS Media) The most anticipated gaming tournament, ESC (E-sports Championship) began from April 8 to April 13 at KL Tower, Bouddha. With MSI and Sony as major sponsors, the bounty for the winning team was more than Rs. 3 lakhs, and the event saw more than 700 participants from Kathmandu, Pokhara, Dharan, Illam, and Jhapa, where they could induge in various games like Counter Strike 1.6, Dota, Dota 2, FIFA, and Asphalt 8. The winners of CS 1.6 , D.O.T.A 2, D.O.T.A , Fifa 14, Ashphalt 8 were Powerplay, Everest, Ywf, Nitesh Shrestha, and Saroj Shrestha respectively. Ayush Raj Tuladhar, the organizer of the event, shared, “Gamers in Nepal need a platform to showcase their skills, and tournaments like this will help change the gaming scenario of Nepal.” (Shreya Joshi)

Youth, Awaken! Kathmandu, April 11 A press conference was held at ne’ Brasserie to announce the upcoming national dialogue on youth policy. The dialogue will be in the format of panel discussion in the presence of an audience of about 200 representing different professions, institutions, governmental, and non-governmental bodies. The panelists include Purushottam Thapa (Youth Minister), Gagan Thapa (Member of Constituent Assembly), Keki Adhikari (Actress), Vidhan Rana (Founder of Biruwa Ventures), Samriddhi Rai (Bureau Chief of M&S), and Santosh Acharya (President of Youth Initiative). The event will be held at Film Development Board, Chabahil, on April 15 at 3 pm. It is being produced by US Department Cool in a Pool families at this invite-only affair. “With this launch, of State partnering with Ministry of Youth and Sport Nepal and in Kathmandu, April 12 we want to let families know that Annapurna has a coordination with Meridian International Centre and Open Space Nepal. perfect family summer package for you. There is a The event will be shown live on Himalayan Television. Ashish Thakur Hotel Annapurna has welcomed summer by hosting pool to beat the heat, poolside wet bar, and a total added, “The dialogue will be captured in a documentary and submitted a swimming pool launch party which was a pre-event pool menu to enjoy,” shared Shibani Simha-Swiger, to the President and Prime Minister’s office. It is meant to contribute to to mark the opening of the poolside for everyone Marketing Communications Officer. The poolside will the youth action in Nepal.” (Shreesha Nankhawa) starting from April 15 to September 30. Corporate be open every day from 7 am to 7 pm and on every big wheels were present at the venue with their Saturdays with barbeques and music. (Shreya Joshi) All the Best Kathmandu, April 8 D.A.O. Lalitpur Regd. No.77-066/67 ECS Media Pvt. Ltd, Kupondole, Lalitpur, Nepal. 5011571. Former Prime Minister, Mr. No. 217 24 April 2014 Baburam Bhattarai, launched Publisher: ECS MEDIA Pvt. Ltd. The Smarter Entertainment Weekly Editor: Sunil Raj Shrestha Sub-Editor: Sujan G.Amatya Director, Editorial & Marketing: Nripendra Karmacharya Karna Shakya’s new book ‘All Copy Editor: Vishal rai Sr. Manager, Editorial & Marketing: SUDEEP SHAKYA the Best’ on the occasion of Editorial Manager: utsav shakya Editorial Co-ordinator: Samyak Moktan Shakya’s 72nd birthday, and In-house writers: ashmita rijal, girish subedi Design Executive: Sunil Maharjan th 12 anniversary of Park Village Assistant Design Executive: Rabi Maharjan Resort. The event started with Design Assistant: Narayan Maharjan, Sudip Maharjan Sr. Photographer: Dash B. Maharjan a welcome speech by Mr. Color Separation & Printed at: WordScape The Printer Pvt. Ltd. Assistant Manager, Photography: Hari Maharjan Sunil Shakya, the president Bhaisepati, Lalitpur Photographer: Prajwal maharjan, Rabindra Prajapati, 5548861, 5552335 Umesh basnet, Yogendra Maharjan, niraj maharjan, of the resort. Mr. Shakya, Distributor: Kasthamandap Ashmin maharjan writer and hotelier, was also Distribution Pvt. Ltd. 424.7241 Head, Business Development: Angiras Manandhar Sr Executive, Business Development: Sachin Tamrakar given sagun as per Newar Disclaimer Executive, Business Development: nirbheek subedi Details of the event listings are accurate as per information received before the date the tradition for his birthday weekly goes for printing. Fr!day is not responsible for any changes. Assistants, Business Development: Babish Maharjan by his wife Mrs. Nanimaiya Columnists are entitled to their own views and opinions. They do not necessarily Ad Enquiries: [email protected] reflect the views and opinions of ECS Media and the organizaton cannot be held liable Sr. Executive, Production & Distribution: Bikram shrestha Shakya. The event ended with for the same. Readers are encouraged to write to us at [email protected] Subscription & Distribution Coordinator: Sujan shrestha www.facebook.com/fridayweekly a concluding remark by Mr. Our sister publications Rajendra Bahadur Shrestha. (Shuvechchhya Pradhan) 13

Riders Win Redbull Paintball The Top Dragon Agents Kathmandu, April 12 – April 13 Kathmandu, April 10 The 2nd Redbull Paintball Tournament held for two days saw Dragonair, named “Best Regional Airline” and “World’s Best 32 participating teams. Team ‘Riders’ won the tournament, Regional Airline” recently at the TTG Travel Awards and annual while and “RTR” and ‘Gorkhali’ became became the 1st Skytrax World Airline Awards™ respectively, hosted their annual and 2nd runner up respectively. Sponsors for the tournament Agency Awards Function at Soaltee Crowne Plaza, to honor were Redbull, Dish Home, Pashupati Paints, QFX Cinemas, their top performing Passenger and Cargo Agents in Nepal for Civil Mall, Fishtail Air, Kwiks, Kgarira.com, Sparrow Sms, their excellent service to passengers and their contribution to Alka Hospital, Intex Smartphones, Times FM 90.6 mhz, the success of Dragonair in the Nepali market in 2013. General TTV, Merchantile Communications Pvt. Ltd, Station, Manager of Cathay Pacific and Dragonair for South Asia, Middle Nanglo, Five Crowns Sports Bar, ISS, Gokarna Forest Resort, East & Africa, Mr. Charlie Cox Stewart, and Mr. Siddhartha SJB Space Mountain Resort, and ECS Friday. (ECS Media) Rana, Chairman of Tara Management and Amravati Travels Pvt. Ltd (GSA of D.ragonair Nepal), presented awards to the agents. Manager Samantha Horn thanked and highlighted Nepal as a market of great potential, and noted the recent addition of Newark to Cathay Pacific’s network, and the increased flights to Chicago and Los Angeles starting this summer. The recipients SARA Gets Artsy of the “2013 Passenger Awards” were Sumegh Tours and Kathmandu, April 12 Travel P. Ltd., Osho World Travel Nepal P. Ltd., Serene Travels Himalayan Beanz inaugurated SARA Bakery and SARA Foundation in a unique way with a painting P. Ltd., Acetravels.com, and Megabyte Travels & Tours P. Ltd. exhibition entitled Rangin Dristi held at an outlet of Himalayan Beanz on the 7th floor of Civil Mall, The winner of the “Outstanding Performance in Front End Sundhara. Sudip Khadka, CEO of Himalayan Beanz, announced that 20 percent of the profit from Business” was Jaya Travels & Tours P. Ltd., while the winner of the month-long exhibition would be donated to SOS Children Village, Jorpati. The painting exhibition the “Highest Growth in Revenue” was Nepal Travel De Society incorporates ideas of abstract principles, minimalism, automatism and individualism featuring 6 artists P. Ltd.. The “2013 Cargo Awards” went to Legend Cargo P. studying Bachelor’s in Fine Arts at Lalit Kala Campus. Ramesh Sapkota, one of the artists, expressed Ltd., Shangri-La Freight P. Ltd., Kumari Air Freight Intl., Rising his views on different ways in which art could be a part of social change. The event was managed by Star Cargo P. Ltd., and World Freight Intl. (Sujan G. Amatya) Kaya-Kalpa Pvt. Ltd., a management consultancy firm. SARA bakery will be selling bakery products at Himalayan Beanz through an interactive website which would be made public soon. (Afshan Pradhan)

The New Heroes in town maximum power of 5.03 kW @ 7000 rpm and Kathmandu, April 12 maximum torque of 7.85 Nm @ 5000 rpm. The bazaar Pleasure is loaded with new utility features that The New 100cc Splendor iSmart with ‘i3S Technology’ include a mobile charger socket, lockable glove box, is a revolutionary green technology that automatically boot light in the luggage box, combination ignition shuts the engine when idling and turns it on, when lock with seat opening and side-stand indicator, needed, with a simple press of the clutch, giving among others. It also comes with fresh, contemporary New Year with Godrej more mileage in congested cities. The Splendor external features such as striking body graphics, stylist EOL Pvt. Ltd., the sole authorized distributor for TCL Home iSmart comes with a 100-cc air-cooled, 4 Stroke Single tail-light and stunning digital console to target women Entertainment & Home Appliances has come up with its Cylinder OHC engine that delivers maximum power of riders. (Sujan G. Amatya) consumer schemes for the New Year 2071. In the occasion 5.74 kW (7.8 Ps) @ 7500 rpm and maximum torque of the New Year 2071, TCL has made provisions of attractive of 0.82 Kg-m (8.04 N-M) @ 4500 rpm. It is elegantly gifts on every purchase of LCD/LED TV, Washing Machine, and designed for universal appeal. Its aesthetic features Chest Freezer. Moreover, sure shot prizes are available on every include exciting body graphics, stylish alloy wheels product. In the television category, one gets Intex Mobile set on and meter console. The all-new 150cc Xtreme with purchase of 28” & above LCD/LED TV, jogger’s set on purchase ‘Electronic Immobiliser’ is a security device of 23” & 24” LCD/LED TV and a t-shirt on the purchase of 16” that prevents the engine from running & 19” LCD/LED TV. Similarly one gets pitcher tumbler set on without the correct key. The Xtreme comes the purchase of Chest Freezer and one gets Rico Dry Iron on with a 150-cc air-cooled, 4 Stroke Single every purchase of washing Machine. The offer is valid from 21st Cylinder OHC engine that delivers maximum Chaitra 2070 to a limited time period. TCL which has so far power of 10.6 kW (14.4 Ps) @ 8500 rpm managed to remain the top 3 selling TV brand of the world, is an and maximum torque of 12.80 Nm @ established and a familiar brand even in the context of Nepalese 6500 rpm. Another key introduction market. It has so far been awarded by many international awards that will offer utmost safety to the like: IF design award & Red Dot design award. The above premium segment Hero commuters is mentioned products of the TCL brand come with 12 months the Side Stand Switch with automatic warranty and the products are also be available at 0% finance in ignition cut-off. The New 100cc Pleasure all the company showrooms. TCL has service centers throughout with ‘Integrated Braking System’ (IBS) the country stretching from Mechi in the east to Mahakali in the comes with a 100-cc air-cooled, 4 Stroke west. (ECS Media) Single Cylinder OHC engine that delivers Kickstart//Tiara Talks 14

Contestant Name: Rashmita Maharjan Contestant Name: Sarala Nepal Age: 23, Height: 5.6 Age : 24, Height: 5.7 Residence: Imadole,Lalitpur Residence: Tupche, Nuwakot Tiara Talks III Contestant Name: Sitoshna Ban Contestant Name: Rasmi Adhikari With less than a month to go, and in light of the charging Age: 21, Height: 5.9 Age: 20, Height: 5.7 anticipation, Fr!day introduces you to the participants of Residence: Chitwan , Narayani Residence: Kaski,Gandaki the Fanta The Hidden Treasure Miss Nepal 2014. pageant. Contestant Name: Alisha Kunwar Age: 21, Height: 5.6 ½ Residence: Kirtipur, Kathmandu Text By: Sadiksha Upadhyay Contestant Number 10 What is the one thing you had and clean clothes were some feel for and I think proper Rashmita Maharjan never imagined you would do, of the major things I looked education can help reduce it. How did you stay fit before but are happy and proud to into to groom myself. joining Miss Nepal? have done, after being a part of What do you think will set you I do yoga and drink a lot of the competition? What qualities do you think apart from your competitors if water regularly. I had never thought I could are essential to be a pageant you get a chance to represent speak so much and talk holder? Nepal internationally? Is there a social cause that’s spontaneously. I am actually To win a pageant, the I do know a little about the close to you? How do you think happy that I am doing it and contestant should have Miss World pageant, and it can be supported? I am also learning a lot. enough confidence to face I think my confidence, my 10 I grew up in a huge Contestant Number 11 the masses and the media, talent, and my personality extended family and I Sitoshna Ban and be humble and genuine. will help me to stand out. know the value of How did you stay fit before She should be able to stand every relationship. joining Miss Nepal? strong with the real her. What measures are you taking So, a social I eat a balanced diet and to groom yourself? cause I always go for morning walks every Contestant Number 12 I am really scared of facing wanted to focus single day. Alisha Kunwar the masses, but I have on is taking care How did you stay fit before worked on it. of elderly people who are Is there a social cause that’s joining Miss Nepal? abandoned by their families, close to you? How do you think I take Zumba classes and What qualities do you think because age is something it can be supported? sometimes go for jogging too. are essential to be a pageant we cannot control, and the I want to fight women holder? elderly should be respected violence through education What do you think will set you Self-confidence, personality, and taken good care of. and public awareness. apart from your competitors if and discipline. you get a chance to represent What measures are you taking What do you think will set you Nepal internationally? Contestant Number 15 to groom yourself? apart from your competitors if I follow Miss World pageant Rashmi Adhikari I had to make sure I was you get a chance to represent sincerely as I am very How did you stay fit before 11 physically and mentally Nepal internationally? passionate about beauty joining Miss Nepal? fit for the pageant. I Miss World is a prestigious pageants. I think soul I used to go for Zumba changed my habit of pageant including global searching and grooming classes. exercising, eating, title holders, and it helps myself to become better and sleeping. to increase their respective everyday will set me apart. Is there a social cause that’s country’s reputation globally. close to you? How do you think What qualities do you I would stand out by being What measures are you taking it can be supported? think are essential to be genuine and humble, facing to groom yourself? Being a nurse, I really feel a pageant holder? challenges with a smile on I’m trying my best to improve bad and helpless when For me, a pageant holder my face, and being confident in the areas I’m lagging in. I see patients who can’t is not just about grace and enough to face the mass and afford hospital expenses. I glamour but about how media as the real me. Were there any challenges to think hospitals should take you can reach out to every get into the competition? proper care of the patients’ individual as an inspiration. What measures are you taking This is my second time economic status and charge A pageant holder should to groom yourself? participating in the pageant. accordingly. possess this quality. Perfect hairstyle, make-up, A lot of people criticized me, but I haven’t let their What do you think will set you judgments affect me. apart from your competitors if you get a chance to represent 12 What qualities do you think Nepal internationally? are essential to be a pageant Miss World is a platform holder? where women of different A pageant holder must be countries represent genuine, hardworking, and themselves, their lives, 15 confident. their customs, traditions, 13 and cultures. The aspects Contestant Number 13 in which I would be able to Sarala Nepal stand out are: I am genuine How did you stay fit before and humble, I am confident joining Miss Nepal? enough to face the masses I do a lot of exercise, yoga, and the media, and I believe and walking. in myself.

Is there a social cause that’s What qualities do you think close to you? How do you think are essential to be a pageant it can be supported? holder? Girl trafficking is one of the Genuine, well-disciplined, social causes that I really and confident.

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18 19 Performance Known for delivering a great engine, Honda has jacked up new, innovative, and next-generation technology engines – i-DTEC (Diesel) and i-VTEC (Petrol). The Earth Dreams engine provides a great driving experience with great mileage numbers while also taking care of the environment every time it hits the roads. It Now Design Drive Based on the ‘Exiting H Design’ philosophy, the Honda City The all-new City, developed as a global roars with its masculine Solid Wing Face Chrome Grille, powerful fenders, and a perfectly chiseled body. Its looks sedan, embodies the best of Honda’s should set it apart from other cars in its category. technologies to deliver advanced sporty Safety Honda believes that the world is a better place with its design, best comfort and best fuel efficiency brand. The all new City sets a high standard in care and safety with its exclusive ACE body structure, and enhanced which exceeds customer’s expectations. self-protection features, minimizing damage in case of accidents. Moreover, to improve protection, it comes with SRS airbag, and an Anti-Braking System with Electronic Brake Distribution, improving the braking performance. It’s good to go wild and free. An Extra Touch Honda has definitely risen to become a shark among scurrying fish. Its raised the bar by adding one tricky design element to the design of the all new City: the first-in-class shark fin antenna. This improvement adds a sporty look and intimidates others with a warning that the shark has hit the road. Price City 1.5 E MT Rs. 34,25,000 City 1.5 S MT Rs. 36,50,000 City 1.5 SV MT Rs. 38,25,000 City 1.5 V MT Rs. 40,00,000 City 1.5 SV CVT Rs. 42,00,000 City 1.5 VX MT Rs. 43,50,000 City 1.5 VX CVT Rs. 47,50,000

1 2 1. Based on the ‘Exciting H Design’ philosophy, the all new City roars about its masculinity through Solid Wing Face Chrome Grille, powerful fenders, and a perfectly chiseled body.. 2. The all new City is a pro at multitasking. With its standout steering wheels mounted with audio controls, paddle shift, cruise control, and hands free telephone controls, the car is almost as smart as you. 3. Standout features like Advanced Multi Information Combination Meter and Rear Parking Camera enables views from different angles. 4. The all new City is jacked up with ECON button which optimizes the vehicle’s operations to maximize fuel efficiency. Press the green dash-mounted ‘ECON’ button, and conserve additional waste fuel

3 5 5. The all new City has the One Push Start/Stop Button 4 which lets you juggle all your chores for an easy go. 6. The all new City offers a pair of brilliant, premium headlamps which add a shark-eye like style to the sedan. 7. The premium elongated tail lamps with combination lamp, and shark fin antennae, lends a sporty stance to the all new City.

6 Colours

Carnelian Red Golden Brown Alabaster Silver Pearl Metallic Metallic

Taffeta White Crystal Black Pearl Urban Titanium Metallic Issue 217 | 24 April 2014 enterta! nment

Drinks for Spring As the seasons change, so should our choice of beverages. Aditya Agrawal, Director of Global Trading Concern (P) Ltd and Arjun Bhandari, Ray Global, share their choice of refreshing drinks for the sunny seasons. Girish Subedi Entertainment//high spirits 22

Arjun Bhandari is the Aditya Agrawal is Managing Director of Ray Global the Director of Global Pvt. Ltd. and Bluebird Mart. His Trading Concern (P) Ltd. company is the official distributor His company is the only for f-vodka for Nepal under the distributor of Smirnoff’s supervision of Michel Adam flavored vodkas in Nepal. Lisowski of Fashion TV.

Cosmopolitan The Can-Can Vodka 45ml 3cl F Vodka Luxury collection Cointreau 15 ml 1 ½ cl St. Germaine Elderflower Lemon Juice 15ml Liqueur Cranberry juice 90ml ½ cl dry vermouth

What drinks would you consider to be distinctively spring? Could you describe Which drinks would you recommend to our readers this spring? their taste? Among the 19 varieties mentioned in our catalogue, I would recommend four. The most drink popular in Nepal, regarding your query, is the Cosmopolitan. The first is the Fashion Passion - a mixture of vanilla syrup, strawberries, It is a mixture of Smirnoff Citrus vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and and raspberries with dashes of strawberry and raspberry liqueur. Second, the fresh-lime-juice, shaken and served straight up with flamed orange zest as Watermelon Martini - watermelon syrup and 4-5 pieces of watermelon. Then garnish. It has a lemony taste. You should also taste the Green Apple Martini comes the Sexy 10 - a cocktail for after dinner sessions including chocolate (Smirnoff Green Apple), and Sunrise (Smirnoff Citrus). The Apple Martini is a schnapps and a sprig of mint. Last but not the least, and a favorite of Michel mixture of lemon and apple juice, shaken and served with a sweet taste that Adams, is the Can-Can, a mixture of Germaine elderflower liqueur and dry will leave you wanting more. Likewise, Sunrise consists of orange juice and a vermouth. float of grenadine. Its taste is a bit tarty, and is best served long on the rocks. When it comes to cocktails, what do men and women prefer? How strong are these drinks? From what I’ve seen, women prefer vodka cocktails, while men rarely do. I’ll be honest here. Smirnoff’s flavored vodkas are light drinks that will rarely Cocktails are what men usually offer women when they approach them in bars in leave you with a head-aching hangover. If they are consumed responsibly, the the West. side effects will not trouble you for long. What food items would you recommend with the vodka cocktails? How woud you say they are better than other competiting flavors? Vodka cocktails are usually consumed before dinnertime. So I’d say light snacks Smirnoff is a brand that has been around for 150 years now. Famous for its go well. consistent quality, flavored vodkas produced under Smirnoff are well known for How strong are these drinks? their great brand equity as well. The credit goes to the tailoring of innovative That will depend upon your mood and, of course, your stomach! If you are variants and the company’s competitive nature. unhappy or have an empty stomach, even a little can get you drunk. Sometimes, How do flavored vodkas get their taste? How are they different from regular ones? the accompanying snack needs to be selected accordingly. Since this is non- The drinks have added extracts that create different and interesting flavors. flavored fine vodka, it might be a bit strong but, then again, it also has fewer side The trend of flavoring has been around for quite a while now, probably for more effects. than a hundred years. Unlike regular vodka, which is preferred by consumers Where did these drinks originate? who are partial to clean tastes, flavored ones have become widely popular This culture basically originated in the hot tropical islands of Latin America, among innovative drinkers. where it was served with local ingredients. For example, in Vanuatu, coconut How can they be used to make cocktails? juice was served with the drink. The tradition of making cocktails was made Flavored vodkas are versatile but it all depends upon the bartenders’ popular by travelers in medieval times who used to mix local juices with vodka creativity. In order to create something for everyone, a twist can be added after a long journey. to a mixed drink as well. Imagine a cocktail with peach flavored vodka. (Bhandari is a Diploma holder of TAFE, Australia’s ‘Wine Appreciation’ course Ingredients that could complement it include pink grapefruit juice, vanilla, and an associate of Mark Davidson wine.) green tea, and cardamom.

Other Recommendations

Venue Courtesy: 8 Degrees Venue courtesy: Tamarind Restro and Bar Venue courtesy: Tamarind Restro and Bar Venue Courtesy: 8 Degrees

Smirnoff’s Peach, Blueberry and Espresso Cosmopolitan with Love Poison Green Ocean with Love Poison Passion Cooler with F-Vodka flavours with ‘Sex on the beach’ Love Poison: Vodka 45ml, Green Ocean: White Rum (60 ml), (Luxury) Passion Cooler is a Ingredients: Smirnoff (peach flavor) 45ml Peach Schnapps, Lemonade 30ml, Pineapple juice (90ml), (Served with mixture of Pineapple juice and Peach schnapps 15ml, Orange + cranberry juice Orange Juice 90ml and Grenadine lemon toppings) Vodka created by the bartender Other flavours available: Green apple, orange, syrup (moni) during the photoshoot! citrus, vanilla, cranberry and raspberry A kaleidoscope of Kebabs and Curries Seasoned teams of well-travelled chefs from the Soaltee Crown Plaza bring their mystique lores of spices and techniques collected overtime to your tables. Be a part of this gala showcase of legendary dishes with beautiful stories. Kushal Goyal

Tracing my roots to legendary chef, who has been Luxury and substance runs this beautifully. Succulent profile. Khuroose-e-Potli are Northern India – the cooking for as long as India throughout the restaurant’s Lamb meat balls are stuffed small pockets made out of comestible mecca of Kebabs has been an independent theme, lending an ideal with melon seeds and raisins, the chicken skin and stuffed and Curries, my expectations country, can be solely platform to the historically and served over gravy of with chicken tikka. The skin are critically higher when it credited for reinventing the rich and culturally diverse onion and tomato. The dum is thin, crispy and delicately comes to them. The peculiar Awadhi cuisine. He is also dishes that were up on the cooking used here resonates arranged. The crunch techniques with secret spice known as the father of Dum pomp this evening. in the burst of intense breaking into the inside blends and bequeathed Pukht cooking. To have On cue with the chef’s flavors that takes over your of the pockets again delve recipes give kebabs and that part of legacy carried affirmative to begin the palates instantly. Each of the you into another level of curries there own world all the way to our doorstep buffet, the overwhelming ingredients used intensifies complimenting softness and of culinary mystique. The by our chefs is a moment of exploration starts. The in flavor. spices of chicken tikka. brand new promotional culinary triumph in itself. variety of cooking Along with this For a menu to promote menu brought by Garden With this piece of lore techniques that were at interesting combination of Kebabs and Curries, an Terrace, Soaltee, is a gala now elating my mind, I was play here was exciting at non-vegetarian fare, there is evening of discovery is not buffet showcase bringing ready to coddle into the parts and unnerving when a whole range of vegetarian enough. However, you can diverse delicacies from offering for the day, which in you think of it as you have delicacies to balance it off. be assured that whatever various regions of the Indian some parts were already on to judge it. Murgh Wajid Mangodi-Gatte ki subji, meets your eyes and tickles subcontinent. par with what my presumed Ali that I started off with a Rajasthani dish which your fancy is bound to Putting up a grandstand benchmarks were. The menu relieved me of the confound. each home has its own satisfy you. It is never about of popular delicacies from of already profuse kebabs It is quintessentially a legacy recipe. This dish was how many things you can regions like Rajasthan, and curries was set on the rich Awadhi dish. Thin cracked well by the chefs. eat and can choose from, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, backdrop of an elaborate gala chicken slices rolled with While this sour-spicy dish but appreciating those few Punjab, Peshawar, and dinner at the Garden Terrace Khoa (reduced whole was balanced by Guncha-O- things that you indulge in Bengal is already a behemoth restaurant. To elevate the milk) with fried onions Bahar which is a dum pukth and discovering a new flavor task overtaken by the resplendence of the special and chili served on a gravy recipe. The dum cooking with every next bite you take. culinary masters from menu, garden terrace was of cashew, saffron, onion elevated the aromas of Soaltee to showcase their chosen as opposed to Kakori yoghurt and milk gravy. almond and spices, which prowess. As the Kebabs were – the hotel’s flagship Indian Though the composition the cauliflower infuses well being laid out in the sun restaurant. of the dish sounds too rich with. deck area, the smoky aroma Interactive stations, and heavy to be palatable, While you nosh up and spice whiffs filling the fine staff attending to your the instinctive cooking and battling your taste buds over breezy evening created an needs and a finely laid out value proportions that went your eating capacity, the hot appetizing aura. A few lines setting over a sprawling into making the dish do the kebabs are constantly flown with the chef and I was led to area is the ideal buffet at trick. The dish is creamy, into your table. The staple of an interesting scoop. Hotel’s Garden Terrace. The buffet nutty, and naturally sweet popular kebabs like galouti Executive Chef Yubaraj allows you to indulge in with delicate pieces of thin kebab and paneer tikka Pokhrelwas reminiscing your interests at your own chicken melting in your were done justice to, chef’s over his training with Imitaz pace. It is an exhilarating mouth while being rounded recommended Khuroose- Qureshi a few years back space for avant-garde fine- off with a hint of chilli and e-Potli deserves a special in India. For anyone who dining experience setting few whole spices lending an mention. A recipe passed has a peculiar interest in your spirits high with its edge. onto him by Imtiaz Qureshi, the legendary royal cuisine chic and modern yet classy Another prominent is a dish that blows you away of Awadh (Lucknow), the décor, unique ambiance, technique that was at show with its innovativeness and name Imtiaz Qureshi is on heart-warming music, and here was the dum pukht. thoughtfulness that has an epicure’s lexicon. The enormous food selections. Firdaus-E-Barein did potray gone into forming its flavor 24

Band of Brothers A duo of brothers has made a name for themselves in the field of jingle making by delivering quality consistently. They’re not household names (yet), but chances are you’ve heard their voices. Bijaya Adhikari

here’s a slim chance that you’ve heard ‘of’ Suraj Thapaliya, but a much higher chance that you have actually heard TSuraj Thapaliya. Roughly forty percent of all radio commercials that you hear have his voice over. Even if people don’t recognize him by name, his voice serves as his intro. The same cannot be said for his older brother Suman Thapaliya. The latter does have a distinguished voice, but his versatility in singing gives him a spectrum of elocution. A composer by profession, a singer by heart and an equally competent voice over artist, “Jingle making isn’t the same thing as composing a song. A song comes from brainstormed and came up singer Sanjay Shrestha as accomplished jingle makers. the heart of the singer. with the weirdest names his gurus. Working with Ravi If they hadn’t paved ways to A jingle comes from the ranging from Ganeshaya Shrestha, Suraj mastered work on radio commercials, essence of a product. If I to Guns N Roses. Prabin the art of recording. “My we would be clueless,” says sing for a cement brand, called one night at three first voice over was for Choco Suraj, recalling the early I am as hard as a rock. and zeroed in on a name Fun wafers. It was highly days.In their early days, If I sing for chocolate, I that truly shines – Glitters,” appreciated and was equally the Thapaliya duo delivered should be melting,” says says Sujan.The younger inspiring. Bishal Purush mostly to Outreach Nepal, Suman Thapaliya. Thapaliya does not like to Dhakal pushed me into an advertising agency. These The Thapaliya duo call his brother ‘brother’. doing voice overs regularly. days, agencies like Avani, inaugurated their “I don’t even feel like he’s After that, I did so many Ad Media, Max L’agence, jingle making studio older than me. He’s more of numbers that numerically, I Thompson, and Trikon along back in 2008. Named a friend, and now a business don’t think I will be able to with Outreach top their ‘Glitters Studio’ by partner. We have been in the recall how many spots I have portfolio. Both brothers longtime friend Prabin same school, always had this done so far.”Suraj’s dream to sing the same tune when Manandhar, the brothers crazy obsession for music, become an RJ faded when his asked about their source have delivered almost have had the same set of employers at HBC shut down of inspiration; “Rahul 1500 radio jingles to friends and both of us have their office. Suman joined Mukherjee, currently the reputed advertising managed to manipulate our him then after receiving creative director at Avani agencies in Nepal. voices so that it suits radio blessings from his vocal tops the list of people “A holy man commercials.”Although teacher Prakash Gurung of who inspired us. His suggested us to keep younger, Suraj started in this Sadhana Kala Kendra. “Ravi compositions, ideas for a name that begins field earlier than his ‘friend’. Shrestha served as my mentor product positioning and an with G. Our friends Harboring dreams to become to bring me into this field. equally good voice inspired an RJ, he chose jingle maker I consider Jems Pradhan us. Together, we have created Ravi Shrestha and famed as a mentor too. Both are some of the most admired 25

My Life in five songs Dedicated to her musical career, Natasha Shah who prefers being called Nattu, gained more fame for her Nepali conversion of Owl city’s Fireflies. She aims to help Nepal in every possible way. “Everything I do is always somehow dedicated for my country”, she states.

Making a jingle with the Thapaliya brothers Superman, Five for Fighting Brainstorming I relate to this song because sometimes people forget Suman and Suraj Thapaliya first judge the genre of the that I’m not always bubbly. I have my emotional ups and jingle. Unlike songs, the genre of a jingle is evaluated by the downs too, and I can’t always be a people pleaser. type of lyric supplied by the advertising agency, the product the jingle is attempting to reflect, the mood and tone of Best I Ever Had, Vertical Horizon voice required according to the script, the key message of This song has finally made a lot of sense to me, and I the jingle and more importantly, the duration of the jingle. can finally relate it to my life. Clarity, Zedd ft. Foxes Composing I went to music school with Foxes in London. We were The brothers follow the brief provided by the creative in the same class, and I see her now on TV and I feel so director from an agency, and compose the jingle on a guitar proud. Thus, this song is very motivational for me. first. This serves as ‘physical’ programming, a basis on which the rest of the jingle and subsequent voice over is Kehi Mitho, Narayan Gopal composed. The jingle’s music is thus created. I’ve been in love with this song ever since I was a kid. I’m a big sucker for love, and I’m guessing so was Mr. Programming Narayan Gopal. I feel his words, and I want to be able to The music for a jingle is then coded with audio software. write out my feelings the way he did. Too Good! Suman has amassed a huge collection of music Let Her Go, Passenger instruments’ sounds that he can just pick and tune into You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone? Yes, I while his ‘physical’ composition serves as the baseline for agree. I have been forced to let go and it hurts still when other sound effects to be put into the jingle. I think about it till date. Move on? Easier said than done isn’t it? Recording Suraj takes charge to set the studio right for recording. Generally, Suman takes the mic for the singing, and Suraj provides the voice over for the jingle. Every beat, every second counts. If a fraction of a second is out of place, it’s RVL Radio back to step one. CHARTS Voice over NEPALI CHART Speaking is easy—delivering a voice over is not. Enunciation, vocal pitch and variety play their unfair games 1. Pani Paryo - Rohit John Chettri 2. Ma Ra Malai - Albatross while delivering a voice over. Suraj has mastered this art; 3. Namaste - Cadenza Suman isn’t far behind either. To break the monotony, the 4. Hami Nepali - Ugesh Limbu ft. Diwas Gurung brothers shuffle their voice over artists every so often. 5. Fulbutte Chari - Ashesh Kulung Rai 6. Rang Haru - Topi ft. Aastha Tamang Maskey Mixing and Mastering 7. Mountain High - Bipul Chettri Recording in place, everything is brought together to 8. Aafailai Khojdaichu - Subani Moktan complement each other. Once the jingle has all its required 9. Ma K Garu - Soul Tickler layers, the audio is mastered to emphasize on the vocals 10. K yo Maya ho - B- 8Eight with music serving as the backdrop. ENGLISH CHART Top and award-nominated jingles them probably the top radio 1. CAN’T REMEMBER TO FORGET YOU - SHAKIRA FT. RIHANNA 10 together,” say the brothers. commercial deliverers in 2. HAPPY - PHARELL WILLIAMS “Like Suman mentioned Nepal. “Initially, it was just 3. WHITE WALLS - MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS earlier, jingle making isn’t the hobby, but when we two put FT SCHOOLBOY Q & HOLLIS same as song composition. out heads together—we found 4. WHO YOU LOVE - JOHN MAYER FT KATY PERRY This is purely about products a profession within it. Today, 5. ADORE YOU - MILEY CYRUS and brands. That’s why we do it because it earns our 6. HEY BROTHER - AVICCII seniors like Mohammad bread and butter. It all fits 7. WAITING FOR SUPERMAN - DAUGHTRY Akhtar from Ad Media, Rajesh like a puzzle,” says Suraj, 8. UNCONDITIONALLY - KATY PERRY Roy from Trikon, Tashi Bhutia justifying this frequency. His 9. THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE - AMERICAN AUTHORS from Max L’agence, and our brother Suman, the composer 10. SAY SOMETHING - A GREAT BIG WORLD FT. CHRISTINA AGUILERA friends Pratik Adhikari, Angad and programmer says, “This Basnet Chhetri, and others frequency however, comes facebook.com/rvlradio www.rvlradio.com @rvlradio have prodded us on at striving with its own challenges. for better in this otherwise We have to keep upgrading monotonous business of ourselves to keep away from creating, recreating and accusations of monotony. recycling a hotchpotch of Also, since this is a creative similar ideas,” adds Suraj. field, compositions do not Today, Glitters Studio come easy. I have once taken delivers almost 25 radio a trip to Nagarkot just to jingles monthly, making break my composer’s block”. Entertainment//Special Feature 26 Rewinding 2070 We choose 70 things that made last year so memorable Achievements • Sunil Babu Pant, the forerunner Maharjan’s poster designs and in the LGBTI movement in Nepal, typography has been a crucial part and an icon of equality and social of Nepali movies new found vigor. justice in Nepal recently got • Having won the ‘Beauty with nominated for Nobel Peace Prize. Purpose’ title in Miss World 2013, • The recent induction of Mahabir Pun and having made to the top 10, into the Internet Hall of Frame has Miss Nepal Ishani Shrestha owns reminded us once again to celebrate a significant portion of all the our heroes. Pun’s contribution to attention grabbing achievements community development through we as a country made last year. introduction of wireless connection • The man who shifted Nepali has transformed several rural khajas from chiura to WaiWai, communities in Nepal. Binod Chaudhary, was recognized • Dr. Sanduk Ruit, the pioneer of small- as the 1,342nd richest man in incision cataract surgery with the use the world, and the first billionaire of low-cost intraocular lenses, has from Nepal by Forbes Magazine helped restore the sights of numerous last year. people around the world, especially • Hosting the world’s longest Music in the remote communities. His television talk show, Rabi efforts were recently recognized by Lamichhane, entertained Nepalis • The most iconic name in flute from the Nepalese Metal scene the Schwab Foundation. all-over with the ‘Buddha was in India, Pandit Hari Prasad and all eyes were on the headlining • Providing a much needed facelift born in Nepal’ themed, 62 hour- Chaurasiya, graced us with his act – Behemoth. to the movie industry, Anand long show. haunting sound. • Another big act to hit town was • A humble show on TTV, Kripa Michael Angelo Batio. His tributes Unplugged, shaped and garnered to Metallica, Pantera, and Led audiences with its acoustic Zeppelin had the crowd singing all concept, showcased the best the way to the back seats. Nepal of Nepalese music scene, and • Having Mohit Chauhan here was showed how simple can be a great accolade for the Nepalese • Bombs, strikes, and threats is said to date back to the 6th beautiful. Event Management circle. His couldn’t deter millions of Nepalis century BC. • The year also bore witness to classics, from movies like Jab We from walking long distances to • There’s no local name (yet) for the Nepathya headlining Wembley Met and Rockstar, was appreciated make an informed choice, and Pallas’ Cat discovered by Nepal’s Stadium in London, and raised even by those behind the fences. vote. A win for the common man. Snow Leopard Conservancy near the bar for all Nepali aspirations • The debut of Gypsy Jazz Festival • Gagan Thapa, the outspoken youth Mustang. If conservation efforts are musically. galvanized the niche pocket of the leader won a landslide victory strong, locals might have to work • The Annual Silence Festival this jazz scene, and raised the name in the elections this year. With on one. year boasted another great lineup for this genre. progressive agenda like restoring air • PM Sushil Koirala made international quality, introducing electric vehicle news headlines as world’s poorest PM charging stations and developing with nothing more than three mobile public parks, in his manisfesto phones - a working iPhone and two for Kathmandu’s sustainable damaged ones - to his name. Theatre development, Thapa gave hope to • Nepal celebrated a year without young Nepalis who don’t relate with a single poached animal with most aged leaders. numerous congratulatory • The brilliant directorial from • Lesser bandhs signaled the end of international headlines. Three Anup Baral and the strong cast this fruitless way of protesting. cheers to a non tolerant policy featuring Deeya Maskey, Subash • Buddha’s era in Nepal went back towarda poaching from local and Thapa, Dayahang Rai, and Karma two centuries with the recent international organisations working made Court Martial one of the finding of a timber structure that in the area with support from GoN. most talked about play. The debut performance of Rajesh Hamal in the Nepali theater was icing on the cake. • The master work of Eugene Worst Things to Happen O’Neill’s Moon for the Misbegotten was gleefully presented by the • The news report on The Guardian of Nepal’s participation in the uber-talented Nepali cast of stating the condition of migrant T20 Cricket World Cup. The more Rajkumar Pudasaini, Deeya workers in Qatar made us rethink concerning issue is that the lack of Maskey, Sameer Dixit, and Alan our views on foreign employment wider perspective from politicians Gurung. and remittance. is not limited to the comment. • Tennessee Williams’ brilliant work • God of Carnage, the adaptation of • The self-serving comment of Mr. • The devastating news of multiple was well adapted into the Nepali Yasmine Reza’s original play was Gajurel was a minor hiccup in plane crashes broke many hearts, and context: Swapanamahal. nothing short of beautiful. the overall awesome experience faith in the national aviation system. 27

Sports Miscellaneous

• The Nepalese team’s participation • Opening the door to numerous in the T20 World Cup was the possibilities, Google Translate highlight of the sporting year. A in Nepali can potentially bring whole nation beamed with pride the wealth of information on the as they came within an inch to Internet to every Nepali. actually qualifying to the main • The new version of Sajha Yatayat group, and their performances won that hit the roads of Kathmandu hearts and accolades alike. was a refreshing sight for all the • Who can forget that SAF game with Kathmanduites, frustrated with the Afghanistan? existing public transport system. • That World Cup Trophy we have • The photographs of Andrew Newey, • Valentine’s day saw couples taking seen the likes of Zidane, Pele, portraying Gurung men practice in a leap of faith with their partners, and Casillas hold made a historic an ancient tradition of honey hunt as they jumped over Bhote Koshi appearance at the Dashrath awed people around the world. river in a tandem swing. Rangashala. • 65,000 devotees participated • The legendary National Geography • Dachhiri Sherpa’s may not have in Dipankha Yatra, the 66.5 km photographer, Steve McCurry, who been near the top position at The long walk through the various took the renowned photograph of Sochi Winter Olympics, but his shrines and temples in the valley, the Afghan girl, showcased some act of camaraderie during cross- which takes place only when five of his latest works at YalaMaya country skiing when he hugged • Chris Keeling’s win in the astrological features align. Kendra, Patan. the last contestant won hearts Megakids Megavalanche 2013 at • Shave To Save, the day-long • Parties such as Sundance worldwide. France was big win for dreamers,. campaign at Civil Mall which had Festival, Dualist Inquiry at 1905, patrons volunteer to shave their Blacklist Party, New Year Bashes, heads to raise money for a cancer Trendsetters, En Vogue, and patient, must be one of the feel Supermodel International refreshed Exhibitions good events of the year. parties in Nepal. Virals

• Bipul Chettri revealed the magic of his voice and his fingers, won several awards, and won our hearts in that process. • The first rap battle league in Nepal, Raw Barz, took over the internet like a storm, with the rappers’ cunning lines and witty ways, leaving floor for everyone to emanate some giggles. • His song deservingly put Rohit John Chettri on the spotlight, permeating his musical virtuosity across thousands of ears that love simple melodies and brilliant executions. • It’s Night, and their songs are • Ankit Shrestha’s Underwater Song definitely bound to go viral. blends simplicity (of hearing) and Every song of theirs tells a story, complexity (of playing) perfectly. and when it’s the subtleties • Aastha Tamang Maskey stirred • This three-month long Climate Women explored gender issues of storytelling through some waves by becoming the runner-up + Change exhibition organized prevalent in our society through impeccable neo-folk music, it for in Ryan Seacrast’s John Lennon by ICIMOD and Glacier Works, discussions, photographs, sure does the trick. song cover challenge. brought the climate change paintings, and 3D art issue closer to the general public installations. through life-size photo exhibitions, • The BFA Exhibition Project 2014 art installations, workshops, and presented creativity of 12 various discussion programs. young artists from Kathmandu • The closing ceremony of Kolor University School of Arts In Rememberance Kathmandu, the year-long street Center for Art and Design, who art project that played a role in expressed themselves through • Legendary Nepali singer • Writer Jagadish Ghimire passed changing the face of Kathmandu’s a variety of mediums besides Phatteman Rajbhandari passed away in August this year at the city walls, was a colorful wrap paintings. away at the age of 77 in age of 68. He had been receiving with the Kolor Kathmandu • At the Dhaka Art Summit, Nepali September. treatment for multiple myeloma, a book launch, a behind-the- artists Hit Man Gurung, Nhooja • Veteran scientist and educator bone marrow tumor. scenes photography exhibition Tuladhar, and Sunil Sigdel Dayananda Bajracharya was • Popularly known as “Sarangi of the project, and a concert by succeeded in taking Nepali art involved with the Royal Nepal Samrat,” Junga Bahadur Gandarva Albatross and The Night. to new heights, while Sigdel also Academy of Science and passed away in November this • The 1st Nepal Inked Tattoo represented Nepal at the Colombo Technology from its initiation, He year at the age of 64. Convention was not just a Art Biennale’s third edition, passed away at the age of 69 in • Former Prime Minister of Nepal, convention of tattoos, but also a through his installation that November after suffering from Marich Man Singh, breathed his converging of art shows, vintage spoke of the hardships by migrant respiratory ailments. last at the Thapathali based Norvic car and bike shows, and metal workers. • Hutta Ram Baidya, or “Bagmati Hospital in August. He was 71 and rock concerts. • ArtLab’s inspirational artwork Baa” as he was fondly known years old when he passed away. • Organized as an extension of at Alliance Francais impressed as, was the first agro-engineer of • Renowned Nepali litterateur Krishna International Women’s Day’s everyone, and enhanced street art Nepal. He was 94 years old when Prasad Parajuli passed away at the celebration, Understanding to new heights. he passed away in December. age of 78 in April. Entertainment//Sports//Football 28

Memories of Summer Spectacular

Americans. However, other continents are The biggest celebration of the most popular sports returns home this summer to the stepping up their game with a huge number land of Samba: Brazil. The 20th edition of the FIFA World Cup is being held in 12 of players plying their trade in European different cities in Brazil, and fans can expect to witness new memorable moments football which is the hub for modern football. World Cup 2014, Brazil will see certain with 32 teams contesting for football’s biggest prize. heavyweights mount a serious challenge Sunnivh Subba for the title. Brazil with Neymar & Co. has home advantage. Spain is the reigning world champions along with two back to back nce every four years, football and teams have performed on this world European Championships. With star players in lovers from all over the world stage to stamp a mark in football history. their line-up, the Germans are a powerhouse come together to celebrate a Be it individual brilliance or team work or to be reckoned with. Argentina and Portugal sporting extravaganza – the FIFA even controversy, World Cup has it all, and will have two best players in world football World Cup. With a global TV every World Cup these memories flood back. right now at their disposal with Messi and Oaudience of 700 million, it is certainly the Captain Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand Ronaldo, respectively. After ’66, England has biggest TV event which promises a whole lot of God” en route to winning the ’86 World struggled to go past the quarter finals but with of drama for football enthusiasts and general Cup will always be overshadowed by his a crop of new players, and Captain Steven public alike. With face-paints, national brilliance to score the “Goal of the Century” Gerrard in the heart of midfield, they will be team jerseys, the Mexican wave, and the past five English players. Roberto Baggio’s giving it their all and try to break the mould of Vuvujela, it is no less than a festival of epic penalty miss in the ’94 World Cup was a underachievers. Italians are yet to comeback proportions. FIFA World Cup is back in Brazil heartbreaking moment, not only for the after their defeat to Spain at the Euro Finals with 32 nations vying for the final showdown pony-tailed wizard or the Italian team, but for but they are tactically astute with Andrea Pirlo to showcase their football prowess in the neutral supporters as well. France’s Zinedine pulling the strings from midfield. Underdogs biggest stage of world football. Hosting for Zidane produced a magical showing against Holland should do well if they manage to give the second time, Brazil have won the coveted the Brazilians in ’98 in his home soil when their egos a rest and work as a team. And football tournament a record 5 times and this he used his head twice to give them victory Uruguay, who I consider to be the Dark Horse year they are favorites on their home soil. but unfortunately, during World Cup Final ’06 for the tournament with the infamous genius (Interestingly, 6 of the last 19 FIFA World he used his head again, but for all the wrong Luis Suarez heading the attack, shall be a Cup’s have been won by the host nation reasons. Brazil’s silky samba skills are always mouthwatering prospect. except for Brazil when they were losing a joy to watch and most recently, Spain’s The day when scores and winners will finalists to Uruguay in 1950.) rejuvenated tiki-taka have catapulted them to be predicted, prayers made, fingers crossed European and World Football dominance. So, are you ready to World Cup is an elite cup tournament be a part of the global and bets placed, but there can be only one for any football player, and winning it is the Since its inception, the 19 trophies have celebration starting winner, and no one can accurately predict the ultimate dream. All great football players been shared only by Europeans and South June 12 in Brazil? winner unless you are Paul, the Octopus. Issue 217 | 24 April 2014 Issues That Matter th nk Nobody Stands In His Way The recent Internet Hall of Fame inductee, Mahabir Pun, is not stopping before his dreams of inclusion are fulfilled. Anil Chitrakar Think//Feature 30

Remember in school we had to learn two very opposite English idioms? The rolling stone gathers no moss; and the wandering bee gathers more honey. Mahabir, for some amazing reason, seems to have achieved both.

For Mahabir Pun, who has recently been stone gathers no moss; and the wandering The world Watches Mahabir inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame, bee gathers more honey. Mahabir, for On October 22, 2001, BBC did a story on the there is only one end, and everything else some amazing reason, seems to have work Mahabir was doing and put a title on he does is means to that end. He firmly achieved both. He is deeply rooted and it - Computer in the Clouds. Since then he has believes that all the changes we seek at the yet on the move all the time – innovating become an Ashoka Fellow, Magsaysay awardee, level of the individual, the community, all the time. doctoral recognition from his university in ,and the country will come about through Nebraska, and now a Internet Hall of Fame education. He loves to teach. He studied Mahabir Never Takes “No” inductee. The world media also really seems education here and in the USA. He If you ever work with Mahabir or decide to have him under their watchful eyes and recognized the obstacles to education in to do so, here is a word of caution. He cameras. Local colleges seem to want to have him the Nepali context and began to explore will never ever take “no” for an answer. speak to them all the time. At Thamel, at Nepal how the Internet and related technology Persistent should be his middle name. He Connection, many want a photo with Mahabir. might help overcome these challenges. IT, is always thinking outside the box and Once upon a time he was camera shy, but now he the Internet, computers, renewable energy, figuring out ways around obstacles. He is believes he needs to get his message across to as community lodges, trekkers, and money are where he is because of this attribute that many as possible for a positive change. all means for that greater end—education. is central to success in Nepal. The best part of working with Mahabir is that he Mahabir Wants To Share His Future Awards Inclusion and connectivity is comfortable with everyone, and can With You The word that is repeated again and again engage them all. His ability to put together Pun thinks his future awards can be used to by everyone is inclusion. The challenge a team and motivate them is really motivate others who have what it takes, but are is that few seem to internalize it and amazing. He has no room for protocols waiting in the sidelines. The following are three even fewer and doing anything to make and formalities; he is a man in a hurry and projects he is currently working that will surely it happen in reality. If there is one word nobody stands in his way. You do not want bring more awards his way. Would you like to be to describe the impact Mahabir’s work to be the messenger of a negative answer. part of them? has across Nepal, it really is inclusion. The first is a simple and yet effective “trekker Connectivity is a key variable in Nepal due No Overheads tracking device”. This small device helps to keep to the terrain and lack of infrastructure. For We meet people all the time who are track of any trekker as they enjoy themselves in the many years, people lived in isolated villages raising resources to pay for office and Nepal Himalaya. Mahabir has already tested the and have little or no access to information. operational overheads. Mahabir has a device in the Annapurna Conservation Area and This allowed resources, state facilities and restaurant in Thamel - Nepal Connection would like to scale it up in Langtang and Khumbu. opportunities to be enjoyed by only a few. which services all his needs for The second is the construction of a 35KW Mahabir’s work is helping change this. meetings, presentations, lectures, meals, hydro power plant in Myagdi that will ensure that entertainment, networking, drop off point all the lodges and tourism services in the area Myagdi, Pokhara, Chitwan, and for foreign friends and the starting point become eco-friendly or zero carbon. This is one Kathmandu for the treks in Myagdi. He does not need of Nepal’s greatest opportunities to brand itself as Whenever we call Mahabir, the chances per diems to go to the villages; he leads a nation that does no harm to the planet. He has are really high that he will be either in treks for groups that pay for the services. already raised about half of 15-20 million rupees Myagdi, Pokhara, Chitwan, Kathmandu He camps in community lodges and required. or somewhere in between. At other times schools so that the revenue generated go The third is the expansion of the solar powered when he is out of reach, he is working to the locals and their schools. There is repeater tower and WI-FI service for the Manaslu in areas that need to be connected. so much to learn from the way Mahabir area of upper Gorkha. The local people, local Basically Mahabir is a man on the move. thinks, and makes things happen. He monasteries and some development partners are Remember in school we had to learn two gives us a whole new definition for already helping raise the needed funds. very opposite English idioms? The rolling sustainability. Are you in? 31 Entertainment//Fr!day Films What a Way to Go “Palai palo moj garnu parchha!” Prawin Adhikari

Wrong Way isn’t a rape- revenge-flick as much as it is a projection of the homoerotic fantasies of the men behind the camera

fter spending nearly two hours match,” let us forgive the director’s absence Apart from the desire of a certain kind trying to parse the mysteries of from the filmmaking process, and move on. of a male viewer to encounter a woman human suffering as portrayed Let us forgive Jiya KC’s character Meenu, docile enough to be raped repeatedly and in director Dipak Shrestha’s the wronged-woman protagonist, for boldly still willingly return to seduce him with WrongA Way, the illumination came at the declaring that she will extract revenge in tantalizing sado-masochistic flair, I think Jiya very climax: two men roll around on a bed, her own way, and then going to a beauty KC’s open mouth also pointed to the idea mounting and dismounting, grunting and salon for highlights and curls, a facial and of the primal seductress, the lusty woman pushing and punching, while a dolled-up a manicure with which to kill the men who who openly invites male attention, and woman watches. Wrong Way isn’t a rape- drugged and raped her. Let us forgive the thereby – strictly in the patriarchal mold – revenge-flick as much as it is a projection of gang of five man-boys who talk obsessively engages with the equally primal male urge the homoerotic fantasies of the men behind of getting laid – but use cricketing terms, to rape and ravage. In this formulation, it is the camera – the producers, the screenplay thus flinging their brand of filth at a national erroneous to call Meenu’s character a woman writer, the director, the actors – and they psyche still euphoric from the heroics of men – she is strictly female, just as the numerous needed a woman, her encouraging sister, better than these filmi heroes – and move on, bottles of beer that the men in the film suck and a poster of the goddess Kali to ejaculate please! Directed By on are strictly male, strictly phallic. their fantasies into cinemas like the strongly Let us, then, search for the jot of Deepak Shrestha I had wanted to bring analysis and urine-scented Bishwojyoti Cinema in Jamal. something – anything – cinematic in Wrong ambition to the act of writing about Nepali If a movie is composed entirely of cliché, Produced By Way that will forgive me, the reviewer, for cinema, but Wrong Way has proved too what is the point of discussing the plot? So, Dambar Adhikari wasting the reader’s time. In my search for formidable a challenge to my limited let us congratulate Subhash Singh Basnyat an idea or an instance that is unattainable capabilities as a reviewer. In subsequent for his screenplay and dialogues and move Screenplay By anywhere else but in cinema, I found one columns on this page, I will attempt to on. In a movie where the rapists keep taking Subhash S.Basnyat image: that of Meenu’s first peck on Rohit’s find more engaging movies to reflect on. off their shirts before commencing to “bat,” cheek. Jiya KC’s open mouth seemed I hope you – the reader – will forgive this but the gang-raped woman’s shirt keeps its Editor rapaciously hungry, nearly cannibalistic, indulgence on my part and come along on integrity through an “innings” of a “test- Tara Thapa ‘Kimve’ eager to swallow whole the man before it. this journey of discovery. Think//Issues That Matter 32

To Share, To Grow Nishal Oli

At 17 weeks long, Climate + Change was the longest temporary exhibition to be held in Nepal. It was also the biggest scientific showcase till date.

Although the last bit sounds oxymoronic: that science can be exhibited 5 in a gallery as ‘art’, the issue-in-focus (the climate change in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region) begot a unique approach. The multi-disciplinary exhibits and programming were envisioned and curated to challenge viewers while steering clear of cynicism that often plagues the issue. Another complication was the viewers themselves. Acting as bridge between the scientific community and layperson is (to put it gently) an ordeal. The mix in the visitors expected – everyone from young students to the elder generations – who could in a matter of lore, explain all the changes that happened in front of their eyes. The language and medium had to be similarly adjusted. C+C educated through humble exchanges and creativity. Aside from accentuating specific issues, the goal was (never overbearing like ‘to change the world’ but) to at least start somewhere, perhaps with small steps. It was about creating a platform where experts and concerned citizens could come together and discuss/share both issues and possible solutions. Ultimately this inviting attitude and dynamic nature of the exhibition 9 became its biggest strengths. Now that C+C has closed its first chapter, it looks ahead. Hopefully to move around the country to continue some of its programs (such as the travelling exhibition with the Book Bus) and conversations with policymakers, teachers and students to improve Nepali academia – to make it dynamic, interdisciplinary and creative like the C+C exhibition. Climate + Change was organized by GlaciersWorks and ICIMOD in collaboration with US Embassy, UNICEF, Thinc, photo. circle, Nepal Tourism Board and Nepal Art Council. It was sponsored by ICIMOD Foundation, Godrej, Yeti Airlines, Peak Promotions, Aqua Hundred, The Chandra and Joseph Joy Trust, Hisense, Vianet, World Distribution Nepal, Smart Media and Technology and Sabah Nepal. The education partners of the exhibition were Srijanalaya and Edushala.

Nischal Oli was the Gallery Manager for the Climate + Change exhibition. 12 For the past two years, he has been working with not-for-profit media and arts projects through different organizations.

Captions

1. A regular participant of the Saturday 11. Visitors get close to see details of the Everest Workshop for Kids holds up his ‘up cycled’ Base Camp work, a mapping of cities to show human 12. Pariticipants of the Cycle and Reva Treasure consumption. hunt pose for a group photo outside the C+C 2. Visitors sit by the Book Bus, which helped exhibition. take parts of the exhibition to 3 different 13. Artree’s installation of a river next to the districts and many schools outside of NAC building. The installation was made out Kathmandu. of recycled plastic. 3. Dr. Bernard Amadei, founder of Engineers 14. Visitors looking at pictures during the SUS. without Borders USA and part of the US TAIN.KTM exhibition organized by photo. Science Envoy talks to Nepali engineering circle at C+C students at C+C 15. The complete cloth mural, compiled by artist 16 4. Students staple together recycled plastic Saran Tandukar and made by school children cups to create a sphere, meant to hold a on the side of the road at Babarmahal. bulb inside as a hanging lamp. 16. Visitors at C+C 5. A tour guide engages children during a tour of the top floor of the C+C exhibition. 17. Notice board with messages left by visitors of C+C 6. Sharareh Bajracharya, Sirjanalaya talks to kids during a Saturday Art Workshop 18. A Student takes note over a panel showing the Khumbu Glacier. 7. A participating teacher speaks about their topic of discussion during C+C Teacher 19. Kutumba during their collaborative Training Workshop. performance titled “Sounds of Season” at C+C 8. C+C staff putting up a photographic exhibition of wind turbine technology 20. Subima Shrestha, Diya Maskey, and Sunita Maharjan perform during C+C’s closing 9. Visitors point to pictures of mountains at event. C+C 21. A performer from the Actor’s Studio during 10. A monk reading about the Everest a climate change themed performance at Transboundary Region. C+C’s closing event. 33

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19 20 21 Think//Reth!nk 34 On Museums The City Museum Kathmandu is a modern establishment that is rooted in the past. It is a tribute to an older city but also promises a free cup of coffee for every “Check In” or “Like.” But, more than anything, it reintroduces Kathmandu to a whole new audience and makes visitors rethink its future. Kashish Das Shrestha

perhaps it couldn’t be timelier to have and build on this conversation, in a unique and accessible way through images, and the series of policy dialogues we will be hosting in our adjoining Gallery space. One thing we were certain of was that our guests should enter and leave the museum with a unique experience that feels both worldly but deeply local, and it helps them rethink museums as a whole. To try and achieve these ideas, we set ourselves a fairly ambitious goal: to engage as many senses of our guests as possible, and as subtly as possible, and to draw them into our space, but allow them to stay connected with the world outside, to tell the story of both our built, cultural and natural heritage. The layout of the Museum is designed like the old alleys and bahals of the valley. We took a bare concrete floor and layered it with about 1200 bricks that are three generations old and had been retired from their duty as house walls when the homes they were built with were demolished for Kathmandu’s road expansion. The idea was simple: visitors should feel like they are walking on an old street, while fully aware they are, in fact, on the third floor of a brand new building in Durbarmarg. In our bahal, we pay tribute to the dhungey dharas and water ponds that rowing up in Kathmandu, I I never set out to build a museum; I have ensured water supply to the valley’s was fortunate to frequently simply wanted to exhibit photographs population for centuries. And our small visit the many museums in (circa 1956-1965) of my late grandfather, garden is now in spring bloom! Last week, the city. As an adolescent, I Dwarika Das Shrestha, to help tell the tadpoles matured into small toads, whom revisited them regularly to story of Kathmandu’s urban history so that we had to relocate to a real outdoor space Gget a better sense of our history. In those it provided a visual historical context for on the ground level. visits I often felt that our museums were our present, with the hope that it inspires We also wanted to ensure that the degree run-down in its management, and offered a some thought about how we build cities of engagement of our guests is not confined very limited version of political history. The and urban centers of the future, how we to the walls and wall-sized windows of our places themselves felt dim and damp, the view our shared communal spaces, and of Museum, which is why our entire facility exhibits dusty, as if our museums had never the sustainability of the city we want to live is WiFi enabled. In fact, we encourage our made friends with other museums around in. Considering that Nepal is the fastest guests to engage their virtual world with the world, and saw how they lived. urbanizing country in South Asia today, the Museum they are in, to share their experience real-time if they wish. And for all those who “Check In” or “Like” CMK while they are in our spaces, we will offer them a free cup of Nepali organic coffee in our Fig Café on the ground floor! By the end of it all, CMK’s intention is also to encourage its visitors, particularly youth and foreigners, to visit other Museums in the city, and not just the more popular ones in Patan, Bhaktapur, and Basantapur. In a way, to reintroduce the city and it’s museums to a whole new audience; to rethink not just the city’s museums, but through those museums, our urban centers and cities, and their future.

By Kashish Das Shrestha, Founder and Director of The City Museum Kathmandu.

The City Museum Kathmandu will open within the month of April. You can check its Facebook page (/citymuseumkathmandu) and Twitter (@ thecitymuseum) for updates. [email protected]