Kathmandu l 10-16 Spet, 2007 l # 33 l Price Rs. 25 Bhashwor Ojha King Gyanendra stands among a crowd of commoners outside Norvic Hospital at Thapathali on Thursday where Crown Prince Paras is undergoing treatment following an angioplasty performed in the hospital. KP for monarchy The only surviving NC founder refuses to go republic

ä nf correspondent independence and democracy, will only sow seeds of disintegration in the people so that it does not sweep besides the enormous economic the country, and it is our responsibility away everything that makes Nepal," In a move that might act as a morale opportunities the country has. Policy of to defeat those designs together. Let he said, adding; political parties, booster for those supporting B P national reconciliation and the spirit it us be guided by our lessons of the especially the Nepali Congress has a Koirala's policy of national reconcilia- represented is valid even today as it past and collective thoughts for crucial role to play as a true represen- tion within the Nepali Congress, was before. I have no doubt that this future, and not by anything else tative of the people. “As a founder party's only surviving founder will remain valid for quite some time to including republicanism." member of the party, I am proud to member K B Bhattarai said that alone come. Let us not destroy our history He said the country is passing state that our party has always stood will safeguard Nepal's nationalism, and legacy which generations together through an unprecedented crisis. "Any in favour of nationalism, independence independence and democracy. have built," said he. In a brief chat with such crisis will demand collective and democracy against all odds right Issuing a statement on the eve of B newsfront, Bhattarai hoped that the wisdom and dedication on the part of from the day it was founded." ä P Koirala's 90th birth anniversay, leaders of the Nepali congress, mainly Bhattarai said that a prolonged the central committee members would differences between the king and the take a wise decision in the context of democratic forces will only weaken our nationalism. A senior central the country and its opportunities to committee member of the party said prosper, clearly asserting that a "we have more than 25 out of the 35 republican Nepal members who feel was much against exactly the way everything that the "Let us not de- Kishunji has Congress party stroy our history expressed himself" stood all along. Bhattarai also That also means and legacy which had a piece of he remains generations to- advice to the king. opposed to the "Now it is high dictate G P Koirala gether have built." time to remember gave to the again that the Congress party manifesto committee monarchy truly acted as a unifying that the party should go republic. symbol of diverse religions, culture, "Late BP Koirala and Ganeshman ethnic and political groupings within a Singh came back to Nepal from India truly democratic set-up." He said in 1976 ending their eight-year long Nepal's transition needs a safe exile with the call for national reconcili- landing which is possible only through ation. They were clear in their minds unity and reconciliation. that a prolonged difference between In a Gandhian spirit, he said, the king and democratic forces will only "politics of hatred and denial dictated weaken the Nepali nationalism, by undemocratic desire of revenge 2 10-16 Sept., 2007 News Army's warning Election vs. no election Whom to trust: PM or Prachanda Maoists may sabotage elections, but we will protect democracy on the fate of the election?

ä nf correspondent ä nf correspondent republic, and asked his party cadres to go for an agitation to As count-down for the polls stall such a drama. His call for The Nepal Army fears that that the begin and the election commission agitation also comes as a Maoists are active to sabotage gears up for the final prepara- challenge to the home minister elections to the constituent assembly tions, there are still doubts if at all who has been instructing security scheduled in November. This was the the election to the constituent officials to act sternly against any dominant view, based on 'information- assembly will take place on person or groups if found based' assessment of the existing November 22. indulging in activities that will situation at a top-level meeting of the The conflicting stance between disturb the atmosphere for army officers in the capital recently. PM Koirala and Maoist chief election. The meeting attended by about 17 Prachanda over the fate of the "We are very upset with these senior generals, commandants of the election has triggered the developments. We have been regions and those based in the uncertainty given a series of asking the political party leaders headquarters, was near unanimous instances in the past where to promote an atmosphere for that the activities of the Young almost invariably, the PM healthy polls," one of the election Communist League (YCL), directly conceded to the wishes of the commissioners told newsfront. under control and guidance of party the serial explosions in the capital in United Nations special office, UNMIN, Maoists. "That only means The EC on its part is busy chief Prachanda, were clearly aimed which three people, including two however, makes it mandatory for election will take place on dispatching election materials at creating a situation in which holding school girls were killed, and more army to be kept in the barracks until schedule if Koirala agrees to beginning with ballot-boxes to polls on November 22 would not be than two dozens wounded. the peace process is completed. declare Nepal a republic in the approximately 9,000 polling possible. The meeting was also unanimous "We have been honouring this. But next few weeks, or before the booths. It has finalised the list of There was anger expressed over that it would be happy to play any role the Maoists have already violated this process of nomination begins," a returning officers and is engaged home minister K P Sitaula's activities assigned for successful and impartial undertaking as a sizeable number of member of the Congress central in regular consultations with the that encouraged the YCL and conduct of elections, should the their combatants are out in action in committee said, adding, "I am not government on security arrange- Maoists to do whatever they liked and government so desire. Army's offer to the guise of YCL," a general told sure if Koirala and Maoists have ments to be made. "But the at the same time, “demoralised the play a role in the election comes in newsfront. But the army also made it struck such a deal already." commission has not been able to army and cast it in a poor light.” The the wake of more and more leaders, a point to deliver a message to the Prachanda made his remarks issue the model code of conduct participating officials also expressed including Purna Bahadur Khadka of prime minister (who is also the more strident in Nepalgunj on because the government has not grave concerns over the existing law Nepali Congress-D, Pradeep Nepal defense minister), that said, “you will Saturday when he insisted that been able to make necessary key and order situation, quite inadequate and Mahendra Pandey (both UML), consider using the status and the election in November would appointments within the time for conduct of the polls. demanding that they should be strength of the Nepal army to protect only be an exercise in futility if held frame that the commission has The army's latest assessment deployed for election purpose as in country's sovereignty and indepen- without declaring Nepal a given," the commissioner said. follows the bombing incident last the past. The agreement between dence besides consolidating week. It suspects Maoists’ hands in the government, Maoists and the democratic system in the country.” News 10-16 Sept., 2007 3

Newsbrief Country without CJ Bizarre politics Parliamentary committee takes time to decide on new Chief Justice Anandi Devi, Chief of Nepal Sadhbhavana Party (NSP) and ä nf correspondent widow of its founder leader, late Gajendra Narayan Singh, has Nepal goes without chief become not only an object of justice as the parliamentary amusement in the coalition politics committee in charge of but there are also indications that confirming CJ designate she might soon be suspended Kedar Prasad Giri felt the from the post. The party is likely to need to grill him over some adopt a resolution expressing lack of the ‘controversial of confidence in her leadership. judgments’ he made. The latest round of develop- The 28-member special ment was triggered by her committee of parliament recommendations to PM Koirala, discussed and debated the the second in less than a month's findings of a nine-member time, to remove Rajendra Mahato sub-committee which from the cabinet. Industries and commerce minister, Mahato represents looked into some of the her party in the cabinet. But Koirala refused to act on her recommenda- major complaints against Giri’s elevation. The committee on Sunday Avoid Par hear- tion following information that the “simple village woman” was being decided to invite Giri on Tuesday for his explanations on at least three used by certain leaders or factions of the party. major rulings that he delivered as a judge in the past. ing : Dhawan Mahato and Hridayesh Tripathi are pitted against each other in the They include endorsement of the government action in curtailing rights NSP politics, and there are indications that the party may soon split with of the FM radios to broadcast news and current affairs programme An eminent constitutional expert from the two factions parting their ways. On Saturday, Koirala even refused during the royal regime and exonerating one industrial house in the tax- India has warned that the system of to see Anandi Devi who had gone to Baluwatar along with some anti- default case related with Mahalakshmi Sugar mill. Giri is also likely to be parliamentary confirmation for appointment Mahato group leaders to plead that he should be dropped from the asked about the circumstances in which he was physically assaulted by of Supreme Court judges in Nepal will not cabinet right away. one person last year in retaliation to a judgment that he delivered. be a healthy practice towards promotion of Sarita Giri, the party's spokesperson said, “given the fact that she was But all these delays had a toll on the functioning of the Supreme Court independent judiciary. acting against the interest of the party, a no-confidence motion has as the apex judiciary went without a leader. In fact, committee members Dr Rajeev Dhawan who is here to been moved in the party and appropriate actions would follow on that.” appeared sharply divided over Giri’s appointment and the understanding participate in debates and discussions on that emerged, was in favour of interrogating him in some controversial independence of judiciary in a federal set-up cases besides asking him about his plan to make judiciary more said, “to say a judge should go before the accessible, transparent and worthy of people’s trust. house committee is like throwing baby out Paras fine The new experiment with the country’s judiciary also leaves one major with bath water.” Crown prince Paras who question unanswered. Will Giri continue to serve as the judge if the “Ask anything about public and private life underwent an emergency committee refuses to confirm him? “It is a gray area. There is a moral of the judge, grill him on anything, there is no coronary angioplasty last week in question involved. But the law is silent on this,” a prominent lawyer said. end to it,” Dr Dhawan said amidst applause Norvic Hospital is stable and fine. Besides, completing on the hearing on the CJ appointment case, the from the members of the bar. “Entire process According to the hospital sources, first after the interim constitution has come into effect, the committee will has the danger of a political witch-hunt.” he will be discharged any time take up the cases of appointment of the ambassadors as well as the Interestingly, Chief Justice designate Kedar now as his progress is satisfactory. chairman and members of the National Human Rights Commission. Prasad Giri was sharing the dais with Dr He spent the first three days in the Some members of the committee are unhappy with the nomination of Dhawan along with Bar Association chief coronary care unit (CCU). Shailaja Acharya as ambassador to India on the ground that she was too Vishwa Kanta Mainali, attorney general Y M He was admitted to the hospital soft on the king after he took over power in February 2005. Banjare and advocate Prakash Rawal. on Thursday following chest pains. Subsequent tests revealed that one of the arteries had 95 per cent blockage leading to circula- tory problems. Dr Bharat Raut led the team of surgeon that conducted angioplasty. Congress Hosts of visitors and well wishers visited the hospital to wish him speedy recovery. Except former Prime Minister K P Bhattarai and former speaker Taranath Bhattarai, none of the senior leaders from the current ruling coalition visited him. groups fail BP Caught lying ä nf correspondent Education and those who have The long expected unity between the two Nepali excelled in the field do not appear Congress groups could not materialise on the birth to mean much for PM Koirala. The anniversary of BP Koirala on September 10, a event on Saturday showed how deadline set earlier for the purpose. less he cared for them and the The unity was to come as an offering to the day also caught him lying. memory of the late leader, a week after his brother Koirala, in his capacity as the GP Koirala decided to dispense with the policy of 'officiating head of the state' and conciliation that envisaged a constitutional king and ex-officio Chancellor of Tribhuvan Congress party working under an understanding. University, skipped a function at Koirala has already instructed that the Nepali the last minute while students and Congress should go republic through its manifesto academicians who earned their which is in the process of being written. Ph.D., those excelling in their The failure to unite on the occasion was largely bachelors and master's degree because of some hitches that have still not been examination results, were waiting sorted out. According to one of the members of the to receive 'Vidhya Bhushan Award' task force, chiefs of party units in 12 districts are yet from him. The ceremony used to be conducted by the king in the be decided. Similarly, the share of the two parties on previous years. the frontal organisations like Nepal Vidyarthi Sangh, As a result, 33 out of 75 Ph.D. holders refused to receive the award Tarun Dal, Mahila Sangh and Labour Front of the from the education minister Pradeep Nepal saying it was an insult for party still need to be sorted out. “It might still take general secretaries and senior office bearers of the them, not so much because the PM did not show up, but because he about a week for a formal unification. But things are unified party. lied to cancel the programme at the last minute. They said that while moving in the right direction,” the member said. The two sides have also agreed to have an they were told that he could not come because of ill health, he was Both G P Koirala and Congress-D chief Sher enlarged central committee, but the two top leaders, actually busy meeting a diplomat in Baluwatar palace then. But the Bahadur Deuba agreed to have Sushil Koirala as the G P Koirala and Deuba will be appointing the government took a tough line against the 33 Ph. D degree holders working chief of the party, but below Deuba in the supreme body which will decide on the selection of saying they could collect their awards any time from the ministry. party hierarchy. Similarly, an agreement has already candidates for the forthcoming election to the been made on who will be the vice presidents, constituent assembly. 4 10-16 Sept, 2007 Editorial

Editor & Publisher : Yubaraj Ghimire Executive Editor : Sushma Amatya News Coordinator : Manoj Dahal Design: Sunil Khadgi, Kishor Raj Panta & Ramkrishna Rana Address : PO Box: 8830, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel : 4443888, Fax : 4421147 (Edt.), 4411912 (Mkt.) Email: [email protected], [email protected] (Mkt.) Printed by: Express Color Press, Buddhanagar, Tel.: 4781810, Distribution: Kasthamandap, Tel.: 2010821 Point to Ponder Unity to be real must stand the severest strain with- out breaking. - Mahatma Gandhi Purpose of unity Splits and reunions are regular features in Nepal's politics. Those responsible for a split almost always find imaginative explanations with an ideological façade and they are quick to come out with equally idealist explanations behind the need for a re- union. Two parties, Nepali Congress and the Nepali-congress (D) Letters have once again come out with statements, heavily loaded in favour of democracy, saying they are taking this constructive move Say no to party Kudos to Limbu to save the country and democracy and they are going to leave authoritarianism R D Limbu's presentation of the their past behind. current political as well as social situation Ironically, personal as well as ideological differences between G With Nepali Congress embracing “federal democratic republic” as their and realities of present day Nepal was a P Koirala and Sher Bahadur Deuba, initiators of the present unity very powerful expression and articulation move, had led to the split in the United Nepali Congress five years objective, a Rubicon has been passed in Nepali politics. While this clears up the of the realities. He deserves all praise for ago. Koirala, as chief of the party, was trying to dictate the putting forth his views, in the form of a government led by Deuba, and the latter, fearing Koirala would confusion and paves way for the elections, it also sounds the death-knell subtle warning to the rulers that they expel him from the party making his continuation as Prime Minister should not behave like Dhritarashtra of impossible, recommended dissolution of parliament in a surprise for a truly free and fair election, and thence a just peace in this country. Mahabharat epic. move. The political crisis and vacuum that followed, and the cost This also could be a reference article that the nation had to pay were painful. If the three major parties are all for republic, it is unlikely any other smaller for most of those who have been writing There are many forces both inside and outside the country that on the political as well as ethnic issues, argue that consolidation of pro-democracy forces alone can parties will root for any form of monar- chy, or that they will be effective even if that you can be objective, to the point checkmate the rise of authoritarianism, be it in the form of and powerful without being virulently absolute monarchy, or Maoist one party dictatorship in the country. they do. This means that the election is going to be a choice-less election. The communal. I hope to see Mr. Limbu more But the unity at the top level of the two parties will be meaningless often in the newsfront column. without real commitment and without a permanent machinery to people will have to vote for a republic out of compulsion. What is this if not a farce? Asha Choudhary address the root issues of the split in the party. The separation of Kathmandu. jurisdiction as well as the area of coordination between the party What’s the point of having an election if there is no real choice? The people, the large and silent majority, supported and the government has to be clearly defined. Why main news? One major reason for that is clash of personality, and it will the election believing that the political candidates would cease to play a destructive role only if the united party encourages represent our views in the constituent assembly. Newsfront seems to be advocating for continuation of inner party democracy and promotes grass root leaders instead of Now the politicians’ views and agendas are being forced monarchy in one or the other form. Otherwise, how could G P sycophants. Can Koirala, as leader of the united party, act like a down on us, and we’re being asked to rubber-stamp it. There Koirala's instruction to his party's manifesto committee chief make democrat? Too much concentration of power as the head of the is no option now but to have a referendum on the monarchy the main news (dumping BP Koirala, issue 32) of the paper? government, head of the party and also his appropriating the role concurrently with the elections. If we allow this farcical election Political parties have often trusted and in return, been of head of the state - are clear indications that his lust for power to take place as it is, then the politicians will forever rule “new cheated by the kings one after another. However, I feel that have little or no parallel in the history of Nepal, perhaps with the Nepal” in a farcical manner. If one illegitimate and unjust act is the present leaders including GP Koirala who contested and exception of Jung Bahadur Rana, the founder of the oligarchy. allowed to pass, more are bound to follow. won election in the name of 'multi-party democracy and This unity would only be a travesty in the name of consolidation In order to teach the parties, once and for all, that they are constitutional monarchy' in the past elections must step aside of democratic forces if the swollen strength of the united party here to represent our views, not to force theirs on us; to for new leadership within the Nepali Congress who by would be confined to making more or bigger claims of share in teach them that we did not fight the king’s authoritarianism to conviction, is pro-republican. power. This unity will only mean something, if it successfully leads be replaced by theirs; and to teach them that sovereignty in It is Narahari Acharya who has been advocating the pro- the country to a meaningful and functional democracy where this land belongs truly and only to the people, not to the republican slogan within the party almost for six years now, people will not only elect their government in a free and fearless parties, we have to root for a referendum now to decide the and Koirala will actually be proving his democratic credentials atmosphere, but will also have a much larger say; and where the fate of the monarchy. if he steps down and gives space to people like Narahari. political parties will truly act as people's representative bodies. Satyajeet Nepali Ramesh Uprety Kathmandu. Kathmandu.

Spiritual Corner Your true home is in the here on a mission to spread races, religions in order to expose and concentration, the energies of the and the now. Buddhist thought around the them to mindfulness-taking care Buddha, you can find your true home in the globe. In 1967, Dr. Martin in the present moment, being full relaxation of your mind and body in the Thich Nhat Hanh has been living in exile Luther King, Jr., nominated profoundly aware and apprecia- present moment. No one can take it away from his native country Vietnam since the age Thich Nhat Hanh for the tive of life. from you. Other people can occupy your of forty. A Buddhist monk since the age of Nobel Peace Prize. country, they can even put you in prison, but sixteen, he earned a reputation as a respected Hanh's Buddhist delegation Quotes by Thich Nhat Hanh: they cannot take away your true home and writer, scholar, and leader. He championed a to the Paris peace talks “The miracle is not to walk on your freedom." –Returning Home movement known as "engaged Buddhism," resulted in accords between water. The miracle is to walk on the which intertwined traditional meditative North Vietnam and the United green earth in the present moment, “If in our daily life we can smile, if we can practices with active nonviolent civil disobedi- States, but his pacifist efforts did not end with to appreciate the peace and beauty that are be peaceful and happy, not only we, but ence. This movement lay behind the establish- the war. He also helped organise rescue available now.” - Touching Peace everyone will profit from it. If we really know ment of the most influential center of Buddhist missions well into the 1970's for Vietnamese how to live, what better way to start the day studies in Saigon, the An Quang Pagoda. trying to escape political oppression. “Your true home is in the here and the than with a smile? Our smile affirms our He lives in exile in a small community in He teaches respect for life, generosity, now. It is not limited by time, space, awareness and determination to live in France where he teaches, writes, gardens, responsible sexual behavior, loving communi- nationality, or race. Your true home is not an peace and joy. The source of a true smile is and works to help refugees worldwide. When cation and cultivation of a healthful life style. abstract idea. It is something you can touch an awakened mind.” - Peace Is Every Step: Thich Nhat Hanh left Vietnam, he embarked He gathers people of diverse nationalities, and live in every moment. With mindfulness The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life Debating Development 10-16 Sept, 2007 5

Nepal, at the moment has escaped a regime against the state's persecution debate whether it is failing or a failed state. campaign, is now mysteriously silent. This But political pundits have begun fearing the indicates that these bodies are as respon- worst. Nepal perhaps qualifies to be listed sible for the current state of mess witnessed as a 'captured state' where some powerful in this hijacked country. Hopefully, UN personalities and groups or parties have Security Council will soon be taking stock of monopolised or captured the state power as Captured the situation and the role of its designated well as privileges without people's mandate. agencies in Nepal; so that they could play much more positive and constructive role in Any differences or quarrels among those retrieving the situation before it is too late. who have captured power at the moment is not so much because they are opposed to As of now, UN bodies’ silence over these it, but simply because they want an State malpractices committed by the state will increased dose of power, perhaps at the mean that they have endorsed it. It will also cost of other partners. The government is mean that the international system will be purely running on a contract system where fast discredited in the same proportion as principle of collective responsibility or Might is right has already become the mantra for the current political dispensation in Nepal. accountability has become the casualty. It is The first mistake of the international a weird system of politics and governance the key political players and the parties. referees as well as the designated UN where government's powers have been ä Yubaraj Ghimire bodies was to keep mum when the clandestinely transferred to political parties executive began systematically violating the or individuals and their decisions are final. principles of separation of power and Personalities are getting stronger at the cost independence of judiciary. of the institutions. favour of going republic than having a constitu- tional monarchy; it obviously means putting the The home minister has now admitted publicly Secondly, their silence over the new With elections to the constituent assembly king under an effective control of law. Might is that there were some lapses on the part of the eight-party regime monopolising every around the corner, the government is hardly right has already become the mantra for the key commission in recommending action against two political process by literally excluding the bothered about maintaining law and order. political players and the parties. The state has officials, the then CDO of Dang and Superinten- rest of the population has created an Instead, the home minister has been given totally abdicated its role and responsibility to the dent of Police of Jhapa. But it was the ministerial impression that the UN system at times sole monopoly over the institution of the private political parties and the gang of eight that committee in which the home minister himself endorses policy of persecution as well as police and the armed police force. Similarly, rules through the coalition now. was a member that scrutinised the report and exclusion of political minority. And finally, it cabinet or the prime minister would have no recommendation actions against 201 people has not been able to prove itself effective right to interfere in what Hishila Yami will be As a result, the country is moving towards a including the two, who he now says are enough in putting pressure on the govern- doing on Melamchi. Almost all the govern- civil war. Parties are defying the traditional and innocent. ment to have monitoring committee for an ment hospitals and their management, top constitutional norms of exercising power with effective evaluation of the peace process as level recruitment as well as transfer are in responsibility and accountability. In absence of All this only shows that the state authorities well as the code of conduct. the sole hands of Giriraj Mani Pokharel and involvement of the people in the business of and power under Koirala indulged in a game of Shashi Shrestha, the ministers who political parties, their chiefs are gradually turning unfair persecution. And the international The outcome of these failures is all the represent Jana Morcha. into tribal chieftains and acting like one, some community, mainly the designated UN bodies, more dangerous and in Nepal's context, it even questioning the basis of integration of the which were so dutifully vocal during the king's will mean endorsing hijacking of the state The most classic example of this contract society. That is just one step before the era of apparatus by the high and mighty, with the system that has surfaced, in the so far war-lordism begins. people having no role in it at all. ä incomplete attempt to appoint secretaries to the government departments is that; each Strangely enough, absence of rules and party prepared a list of 'loyalists' from refusal on the part of the government leaders to among the bureaucrats. Assessment of adhere to established norms do not raise eye- their pro-people credentials, efficiency or brows of the international community anymore. performance was not at all the criteria for Instead, they have resorted to the politics of considering their promotion. Jamuna appeasement of the national players, and in a Krishna Shrestha, the senior-most joint way, recognised their way of governance. There secretary, tendered his resignation from the has been no concern expressed over the threat post after he got to know that he did not that an independent judiciary is facing over a figure in any of the political parties’ list for period, or about unfair trial and persecution by promotion. The fact that he did not act as a the state, through its regular agencies, or the politician, and only acted as a bureaucrat ones created for a particularly motivated went against him at the end of his career. purpose. Yet, he showed guts that bureaucrats rarely display.

Maoists did not behave differently from the Congress and the UML during several rounds of meetings and lobbying, for who they thought were their loyalists, for filling up the posts of ambassadors and commission- ers for the National Human Rights Commission. Such a brazen appropriation of the authority and power of the states by individuals and political parties weakens the state, and may become the cause of its fragmentation in the long run.

Maoist Chief Prachanda has declared that the Kangaroo Courts have been reactivated. KB Mahara, the government spokesperson as well as the Maoist leader in the cabinet, is in favour of such parallel private courts' effective existence. On the other hand, parliament's special committee is now going through the process of hearing chief justice's appointment case. Naturally, and justifiably, Maoist legislators are a part of this committee. But conducting parallel courts under their parties violating the authority of the state, and having a substantial say in appointing the chief justice of the country's legitimate apex court is ridiculous and a contradictory exercise in any country allegedly practicing democracy.

When ruling parties appear more in Bhaswor Ojha 6 10-16 Sept, 2007 Debating Development Learn from world history Countries adopting step-by-step reforms are found to be more successful

A 12-part documentary on ‘The rise yet exerted their influence globally. areas without properly assessing the sacrificing their lives, enduring of Great Powers’ released by the impact it could have on the society as sufferings for a long time just to place China Central television had attracted The main themes have to do with a whole. In the name of uprooting a select section of leaders at the helm a good deal of attention of the global convergence of various social forces feudal mindset, we are trying to adopt acting irresponsibly. community not only for the contents and blending of modernisation with a new political system. We are also of the film but also its relevance in the tradition. One of the striking examples making efforts to put monarchy away Constitution making exercise is context of China’s rise. The CCTV of these themes has been cited as from the national scene without giving neither the preserve of legal documentary identifies nine big Japan’s adhering to the emperor ä Binod P. Bista due regard to the Japanese lesson. professionals nor political activists. powers as Portugal, Spain, the system during her modernisation to Economists, social scientists, Netherlands, England, France, preserve social order and stability. Since Nepal, too, has to follow a engineers, doctors and everybody Germany, Japan, Russia and the path of modernisation for the benefit from all professions must take part in United States leaving out Italy and Also, it gives a clear message to of her people, all things must be it. A system must be devised by the some others. the world that countries adopting considered in a careful and serious members of constituent assembly to step-by-step reforms are found to be manner. The onus of building a new involve every common man, The media seems to have tried to more successful whereas others A system must Nepal rests with the constituent especially those who have difficulty in support the wishes of Chinese which introduced radical changes be devised by assembly members who must not understanding the complicated political leaders who wanted to draw faced setbacks and defeats. Though only be representative of the entire speeches and manifestos. The lessons for the benefit of China’s China and Japan shared similar the members of people of Nepal but also work hard to common man alone can make the modernisation. Once dubbed as feudal background, with Japan’s constituent come up with a constitution. It is dreams of a nation come true. ‘China’s peaceful rise,’ China’s road, completely different to China, it assembly to needless to state that the new success story is now known as led to successful modernisation. constitution must find a balance For it to happen, the elections to the ‘China’s peaceful development’ and involve every between ground realities and constituent assembly must take place also called ‘harmonious development’. There is no dearth of critics who common man, pragmatism. in a free and fair atmosphere. When opine that perhaps the underlying the parties in power express serious Although there is continuing theme of the documentary was to especially those Past lessons offer ample examples doubts in the convening of elections in discussions on the ‘great powers’ film stress the point that economy is the who have diffi- that incremental process of develop- time in November, what can the in China, and there are admirers as key of all world powers, but without culty in under- ment involves all stakeholders and it is people do? Why is not the government well as critics on the issue, one of the proper political system it can hardly long lasting. Whether it is a political functioning as a government to restore notable factors of the film for last. China needs to reform in many standing the system or economic policies or social stability and order in the country? Why countries like Nepal is the selection of areas as her rise to become a world complicated development, unless the people are are several groups, associated with countries included on the series. power is nearly a reality. at the core of these activities and political parties now registered for the Many of the countries listed as great speeches and have a say in the state affairs, any elections, allowed to carryout illegal powers do not match the population In Nepal today, we seem to be manifestos. new exercise is bound to fail. People and violent activities? Are we serious or territorial size of big countries but going for radical reforms in many of Nepal did not go to the extent of as a nation? ä

ä Roop Joshi cancellation of the November polls. There has been the recent alarming proposition to As they waited for the bus to take them convert the current interim parliament to a home, their life seeped away in that crowded constituent assembly. Different political parties bus stand. The tapering monsoon gave way CLIMATE OF FEAR have put other preposterous proposals to a climate of fear. Terrorism has raised its forward. There seems to be an ongoing macabre head amidst us again. It is not the It is time we, the common Nepali citizens, speak out against competition on who can come up with more first time; alas, it probably will not be for the demands. The futility of this demand-based last time either. We now struggle to come to mindless terrorism. Unless we want Nepal to mirror Baghdad, politics is obvious when the supply of goods terms with the bombings of September 2007 it has to stop. and services to be provided by the govern- in Kathmandu. Do we accept them as just ment is so scarce. another symptom of the making of a “New Nepal?” Or do we label them for what they The necessity of the elections is sacro- are – attempts to achieve political ends by sanct, if Nepal is to be a multi-party democ- unacceptable methods of violence against racy with a legitimate elected government. innocent Nepalis? Politics is certainly the art of compromise, and political decisions will never please everyone A few days have passed since the equally. The 1990 Constitution was hailed at bombings. A few obscure organisations have the time as one of the best in the world. allegedly taken responsibility for them. The Today that same constitution is being police say they have some suspects. shredded by haphazard amendments and on Meanwhile we, the general public, try and go its way to being defunct. One wonders about about our lives with the impermanence of life the fate of the new post-polls constitution haunting our sub-conscious. The news says given the fickleness of our leaders. that the target of these bombs is the constituent assembly polls. But who gives the No matter who planted those bombs, the perpetrators the right to use innocent fact remains that it was wrong – morally, civilians as fodder for their objectives? socially as well as politically. Unless we want Nepal to mirror Baghdad, it has to stop. Those It is unfortunate that the sanctity of human who believe that they are achieving political life and the traditional peace-loving nature of ends must ask themselves whether the means Nepalis have been violated repeatedly over they are using are justified. The question is the past 11 years. The gun culture whether the entire Nepali population is to be popularised by American western films or held hostage by a few terrorists. As long as this the incessant modern Jihads is now no newsfront climate of fear persists, the future of Nepali stranger to this land of the Buddha. The anymore who considers himself/herself a increasingly united by its monetary unit and democracy is bleak. current lack of security and the incapacity of “Nepali”? We now comprise an ethnic mosaic international perspective, we Nepalis are the security forces to do anything about it with pointed classifications such as Madhises, fragmenting ourselves, stapling ethnic and It is time we, the common Nepali citizens, have driven many a Nepali to arm himself in Pahadis, Bahuns, Chettris, Limbus, Kirats, communal labels on one another. Our new speak out against mindless terrorism. We order to defend his life, family and property. Newars, Thakalis, Janjatis, Dalits and on and on national anthem that speaks of a united Nepal, have seen how guns can achieve political We are turning fast into an armed nation, – each fighting for that last pound of flesh from likening it to a garland of 100 flowers, pays but power, how Bandhs can debilitate society. even though the national army is ironically an emerging democratic polity. lip service to today’s reality. Why let these tactics be the monopoly of the confined to its barracks. few? Let us remember that we all have the Somewhere down the line, the ‘unity’ of this Any keen observer of contemporary Nepali democratic right to protest this invasion on The other troubling phenomenon is the country has been placed in the back burner. politics is fully aware that there are those who our personal security – and we, the real rise of communalism. Is there anyone While, for example, the European Community is would benefit from the postponement or even people, are the majority. ä South Asia 10-16 Sept, 2007 7

FLOOD

Bangladesh action

India Nepal Deepak Gyawali

ä Shashanka Saadi rivers of South Asia flow over more than two To find solutions, these measures recognising the diversity of the issue. countries but South Asian State authorities treat could be implemented: Floods in South Asian countries are a major the flood issues from an individualistic and 6. Corporate thinking and planning without setback for the regional and national economy. nationalistic perspective and as a bilateral issue 1. Civil society as a part of public action can political wisdom for flood protection will replace which have been proven incompetent to tackle do advocacy on the rights of the riverine people the remaining weak chain of social security in Directly and indirectly affected poor and the impacts of floods. and rights analysis of state and non-state laws, the South Asian societies and will force many middle income people cope with the loss of acts, regulations and interventions. more poor and marginalised communities to live asset and livelihood in formal and informal ways. Social and political organisations lack in more vulnerable and insecure areas, increase Directly affected people have a chance to get understanding and awareness on the flood 2. An energetic media can play more the number of displaced people and flow of some relief and recovery support from govern- issue due to their ignorance and stereotyped proactive role to raise the issues of continuous migration to the big and small cities and towns. ments, state authorities and non-government views. Most of the duty bearers, elected MPs, damage due to flood, increasing poverty among sources and few of them might get compensa- local governments, state authorities and NGOs poor and mid-income people and reflect the Floods are inevitable in South Asia and they tion but indirectly affected people do not have have exhausted their time and energy on relief people's voice for a regional flood resilient are the source of regenerating life and fertility any chance to get any kind of support. There is distribution and meeting the immediate needs of planning in South Asia. along the flood plains in India, Pakistan, Nepal no effort to identify indirectly affected people by the affected people rather than addressing the and Bangladesh. Structural public actions like floods in South Asia or to bring them under flood causes behind the high level of impacts, 3. Social and political organisations can play dams, protection walls or embankments on the adaptation schemes by NGOs and governments especially on the women, children, aged, an effective role in introducing an efficient and rivers and tributaries increased the extent of excluded groups like sex workers, HIV/AIDS systematic mechanism and functional procedure flood related vulnerabilities and damage. Poor and middle income people take loan people, ethnic minorities, lower castes, fisher to predict damage to protect livelihood security mostly from informal sources and use social folk, and day laborers. of poor at national and regional level. South Asian states and political organisations capital to overcome the grave situation and start jointly with social organisations should recognise a new life. But they cannot repay the loan due to Meanwhile flood control has become a buzz 4. Develop micro level informed planning and flood as a regional issue. They should also continuous loss and are forced to migrate and word and high profile political agenda in all of implementation of flood protection programmes recognise flood related vulnerability to agricul- are displaced to more remote places or to cities the four countries of South Asia affected by through community centered regional strategy. ture, health, education and other sectors linked and towns to survive. flood in 2007. But there is no clear effort to with hunger and under-nutrition. develop a strategic plan focusing on the 5. Flood affected communities are heteroge- Although South Asian states and non- vulnerable and regularly affected people, their neous entity due to their different socio-political We can resist the threat of floods if we government actors focus mainly on visible livelihood and the state level recovery system to and economic condition as well as cultural promote the social and political movements means of control the loss through different prevent the hunger, loss of food production, position within the South Asia societies. During jointly by the people centered non-government measures, the recovery schemes and adapta- properties and assets. Public action is limited to last 30 years of response planning by the public entities, various social and political organisations tion schemes get lesser priority at the national adhoc level or at piloting level in a micro-area for in South Asian states against flood has been and an active non-corporate media. planning of poverty reduction. Most of main last fifty years. dominated by homogenous thoughts rather than (Saadi is a climate change expert.) 8 10-16 Sept, 2007 Issue Avoid genocide in Nepal It is in everyone’s interest to ensure that the political conflict does not ä Uday Pariyar transform itself into an ethnic one. A heart-wrenching movie, Hotel Rwanda, serious as they should be. On top of released in 2004 is based on one of the maintaining the rule of law, this is the time for most terrifying events in modern history – all responsible parties to publicly condemn the Rwanda genocide. The movie realisti- violence and give up violent tactics. It is cally captures the scenes of horrific killings. wrong for the Maoists or any party to The killings started soon after the murder continue to argue that the violence from their of the Rwandan President by the Tutsi side is justifiable and the violent means rebels in April 1994. In retaliation, the Hutu followed by other groups is criminal. government ordered its army to kill all the Parties should stop raising the expecta- Tutsis in the country. One of the worst ethnic tions of the marginalised and suppressed conflicts in the world led to the murder of groups in an unrealistic manner. So far the some 800 000 citizens, mostly Tutsis, over a parties have been projecting the ethnic short period of three months. Nobody, issues merely to gain more votes in elections including the UN could control the rapid and to increase their cadre force. But the escalation. The widespread massacre, the real issues are neglected. For example, all human tragedy shocked the world. parties have their Dalit wings but none have Clear message from the movie is to take put in their substantive efforts to end the lessons from the Rwandan genocide and practice of untouchability. Their own cadres work towards preventing such horrific A scene from 'Hotel Rwanda' (2004) which speaks about Rwanda Genocide. are found discriminating against Dalits. Party crimes. Indeed, there is a lot of anger and smaller insurgent groups have started their that the government simply does not have a activities should be geared towards frustration among the marginalised and bloody campaigns emulating the Maoists, comprehensive and long-term strategy for integration, not further segregation. To me, suppressed individuals and communities. particularly in the Terai areas. identifying the most suppressed groups and having a separate Dalit wing instead of Every oppressed person seeks freedom All these have a potential for increased working to address the major issues associated making the party structures more inclusive is from domination. But, it is important that we tensions between communities. Already, we are with social exclusion and marginalisation. More promoting institutional segregation. weigh up the costs against achievements. witnessing some level of ethnic tensions in some dangerously, many of the agreements reached If we want a peaceful and prosperous It is perfectly justifiable, for various groups troubled districts of the southern plains between with the agitating groups have not actually been Nepal, one of the key challenges is to in this country to pursue liberty and equality. the Pahadis and Madhesis. This is an unprec- put to practice. maintain and develop the traditional But they should be clear about the ways and edented development, something that every- Non-implementation is a potential factor for harmony between our diverse communities. means of going about it. Their movements body should be taking seriously. It is in eroding public confidence. For example, Addressing the issues of social exclusion and should not be directly or indirectly fuelling everyone’s interest to ensure that the political although the government declared Nepal as a injustices in a proper manner will only communal hatred; or else we might end up conflict does not transform itself into an ethnic secular state, Prime Minister is busy officially strengthen the societal unity and reinforce in a mess that would benefit nobody. one. attending Hindu religious ceremonies, in place of integration. Nobody can be sure that ethnic tensions Obviously, it is the primary duty of the the traditional King. PM is not a person but the Ethnic conflict tends to be far more would not reach a boiling point in Nepal. government and the parties in power to state himself. By definition the secular state does devastating than the political ones. The Never in our wildest imaginations did we objectively study and analyse any possible not follow any religion. This gives an impression government and major parties should realise think a decade ago that a bloody communist threats and plan out the future course of action. that the announcement of Nepal as a secular this on time and take careful measures to revolution in Nepal would cost some 13000 Currently it has been negotiating with only those state in practice was bogus. Such double reduce the possibility of the start of an ethnic lives. Still, people are not fully assured that groups that have organised powerful strikes and standards do not help build sustainable peace. conflict. They should see beyond the party the armed movement is over. Many other disrupted public life. This is indicative of the fact Similarly, the parties in power are not as interests on such crucial issues. Booming nursing ä Sabita Gyawali Nursing is a noble profession for both males and females.

Susmita Khadka of Balkhu who passed SLC hospital started its first nursing school in 1956. Advance Studies, says, “Male nursing started females; and some feminists protest that it is in the first division this year wants to be a nurse At that time girls who did not pass SLC were from 2046 B. S. Now we have around 100 male stereotyping the profession and so it should be and go abroad for further studies. There are also given admission because it was difficult to nurses… the government started male nursing opened up for everyone. Due to this social many youngsters like Susmita who are get girls with SLC certificate.” Lalitpur Nursing so that we could go to remote parts of the projection, there is still confusion among interested in nursing. Till a few years ago there Campus is the first campus established in 1956 country and help. But due to lack of opportuni- prospective male students whether to take up was a conventional dream in the minds of that offered post-basic bachelor of nursing. ties the number of male nurse is not on rise.” nursing as a profession or not. Added to this is parents who always wanted their kids to be Nursing has attracted many teenage girls Guragain who is also the secretary of Nursing the lack of clear government policy that adds to doctors and engineers and the children too today. “I studied science in intermediate level. As Association of Nepal says, “NAN has submitted their confusion. There definitely is a need for wanted the same. Now there is an increasing I had background in science, I choose BSC demands to the Tribhuvan University and one of more support from all concerned to promote this shift in these desires; where the young nursing because its scope is high both at the demands is to ensure the government policy noble profession for males and females alike. generation is exploring diverse fields to satisfy national and international level,” says Ava who is for the provision of their ambitions; and nursing is one of the a student of Scheer Memorial Hospital and male students.” emerging professions that many youngsters are College of Nursing. She added, “My main Nursing has attracted to. purpose of studying nursing is to help the poor always been It is not easy to be a nurse since the and needy and my second priority is obviously to seen as a competition has become tough and it is seek better opportunities abroad.” profession of expensive too. Sarala KC, president of Nursing Sarala KC explained the reasons why nursing Association of Nepal (NAN) says, “There are has become a hot ticket to go abroad for many limited seats and students need to go through a young people, “There are no opportunities or tough competition. Previously it was easy to facilities which government should be providing become a nurse but not anymore.” She adds, to nurses in Nepal. Thus nurses are bound to “There are more than 100 colleges which go abroad seeking a better life. America, Britain, conduct nursing programs with only 40 seats in Australia, Canada are the main destinations of each collage and there is tough competition Nepali nurses. And they are doing well there. among students to get admission.” It generally Although I don’t have exact number of how costs about three to four lakhs to complete a many nurse go abroad every year, the number certificate level nurse, and seven to eight lakhs is rapidly increasing.” She added that every year for BSC nursing. around 3200 nurses are produced in Nepal. Till 1956 there were no professional Nepali Despite the rise, the number of male nurses nurses in Nepal. Sarala says, “Before 1956 in Nepal is conspicuously low. Ranta Guragain, there were only foreign nurses in Nepal. who is one of the first batch of male nursing and Realising the importance of Nepali nurse, Bir is currently working in Asian Collage for From the region 10-16 Sept, 2007 9 World eyes Chinese market World business leaders attending the Summer Davos in Dalian are seeking to expand their presence in China, which has seen booming economic growth for nearly three decades. US banking giant Citibank announced at the meeting it has been approved by the China Banking Regulatory Commission to open a branch in Dalian later this year, its eighth in China and the first in the country's northeastern areas. "With its infrastructure and outstanding support for foreign investment, the thriving city of Dalian represents a key city for Citibank's expansion plans in China," said William Rhodes, chairman of Citibank NA, at the meeting. Citibank is among several major international banks that are ramping up presence in China, particularly after the country fully opened its banking sector to foreign banks in December last year to fulfill its WTO commitment. Among other business leaders brought together by the three-day meeting, many said that business prospects in China are good. Craig Barrett, chairman of the US computer chip maker Intel Corp said at a panel session on Saturday, "The Chinese market is huge. It is the second largest computer market place and the largest communications market in the world. There is a huge opportunity for both home- grown and international software companies." Barrett later attended a ground-breaking ceremony of a computer chipset plant in Dalian, pledged to maintain the country's fast growth Wen said. Chinese economy will be sustainable and there the corporation's first in Asia with a record while tackling such problems as trade surplus, Sir Martin Sorrell, chief executive of the UK- are immense potentials. investment of US$2.5 billion. environment issues and energy consumption. based advertising giant WPP Group Plc, said "We will definitely redouble our efforts in At the beginning of the Inaugural Annual "We are confident that with enhanced macro- choosing Dalian as the host for the Summer China, including time and investment," said Meeting of the New Champions, dubbed regulation, the giant ship of the Chinese Davos is a recognition of China's economic Sorrell. Summer Davos, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao economy will continue to surge ahead steadily," achievements, and more importantly, the (China Daily) Truck crash kills 86 pilgrims I am district official Shikhar Agarwal, coming, who was driving by soon after the accident. "The wireless phone was not working so we could not even says call for help from there. We started sending people to hospital in private cars." Passers-by also Nawaz alerted the nearest police post. Nearly a dozen cranes were LONDON: Former premier duration of the exile and insisted brought to the accident site overnight Nawaz Sharif said on Saturday that it be reduced to five years. as rescuers using searchlights he would return to Pakistan on Nawaz said that Hariri then visited scrambled to find survivors and Monday despite a request from him after a week and told him that recover bodies. The smashed Saudi Arabia to abandon his Saudi King Abdullah had also vehicle had been pulled out of the planned trip, AP reported. objected to the exile duration and ravine and investigators were “I will go back to Pakistan on had agreed to reduce it to five examining it to determine the cause September 10 with my brother years. He added that Hariri then JODHPUR, India— The toll in one injured, police said. A large number of of the accident. During the day, because my country needs me,” asked him to sign the papers. of India's worst road accidents the dead were women, said police, anxious villagers thronged hospitals he told a press conference in Nawaz said that in spite of the mounted to 86 on Saturday as adding about 50 remaining passen- where the injured were taken. London. verbal assurance that the exile one of scores rescued from the gers were believed to have survived "We knew the truck driver who Daily Times Monitor adds: duration would be five years, the mangled wreckage of a truck that unhurt or with minor injuries. Eighty- was going and he told us to come Nawaz said he had not broken papers of the understanding still fell into a ravine died in hospital, three bodies had been handed over too. So 54 of us went with him," any promise and accused carried the figure “10-year exile”, to police said. to relatives, police and local officials said 25-year-old Manji Lal, lying in President Pervez Musharraf and which he objected, but Hariri said it Some 200 people were said. At least three of the victims were a bed with a bandaged foot in Lebanese lawmaker Saad Hariri was his responsibility to change the crowded into the truck travelling to so badly mutilated that their bodies Rajsamand's main hospital. "It all of going back on their word figure in the papers and pressed a religious fair in the desert state could not be identified, police said. happened so suddenly we had no because the promised duration him to sign them. Nawaz said that of Rajasthan in western India. Rajasthan's home minister Gulab idea where our family members of the exile was five years, but he believed Hariri and agreed to go "One person has died in Chand Kataria told late Saturday that ended up. People were screaming he had spent seven years away in exile for five years. hospital. This takes the number of a district transport officer had been for a long time until someone came from his country. Nawaz said Nawaz said that the agreement dead to 86," said police superin- "suspended for negligence of duty" and rescued us." that he had tried his best to stated that there would be no bar tendent Rupinder Singh in that resulted in people overloading Television channels showed refrain from saying anything on on the Sharif family to move Rajsamand district, 200 kilometres the 10-wheel truck -- meant for patients attached to intravenous the “agreement” due to its anywhere (except Pakistan) from (124 miles) from Jodhpur city, hauling cars and heavy equipment. drips, including a boy in a blue shirt sensitive nature, but Hariri’s Saudi Arabia during these five where the accident occurred after Police official Singh said he suspected with a thick bandage around his press conference in Islamabad years. “But Musharraf violated the dark on Friday. negligence. "Such a large number of head. "Suddenly the brakes failed," had compelled him to disclose understanding, seized our The truck driver lost control on people being carried in a truck like the boy told the Aaj Tak channel. “some hidden facts”. passports and restricted us to a sharp bend in a mountainous (this) has never been seen," he said. The driver of the truck, who was Nawaz said that Hariri visited Saudi Arabia only,” he said. region and smashed through a Earlier, a witness told that piercing killed in the accident, appeared to him in Attock Fort in 2000 with an Nawaz denied that former US protective roadside wall, plunging screams and cries could be heard as have used a wooden plank to rig understanding under which the president Bill Clinton was into the 80-foot (25-metre) deep survivors called for help from the up extra seating, police said, and Sharif family would have to involved in brokering the gorge, said Singh.Apart from the ravine where the truck fell. "I stopped may have offered a free ride to the remain in exile for 10 years in agreement between him and Gen deaths, some 60 people were in the car and saw a truck lying upside shrine of a mystic saint revered by Saudi Arabia. The former PM Musharraf. ä three hospitals, many seriously down in the ravine," said Udaipur both Hindus and Muslims. ä said that he objected to the (Daily Times) 10 10-16 Sept, 2007 Perspective After their fifth plenum, the Maoist leadership came to Marshland Flowers a conclusion that holding elections would severely damage the party. It is said that great Gurus like Gampopa (the disciple of Milarepa) took his breath in at sunset and let it go at sunrise. ä Acharya Mahayogi quality. It generally becomes Above the fourth Dhyana is The election fiasco Sridhar Rana Rinpoche brighter and seems to come what is called formless closer to the meditator. This is meditative stabilisations (Arupa ä Siddhartha Thapa decrease their numerical strength in the In the Buddhist called Samantaka Samadhi in Dhyana). These are really parliament. They also know that an tradition, there Mahayana or Upachar Samadhi based on the fourth Dhyana The bomb blasts in electoral loss would tear their party and are many kinds in the Theravada system (near and are not really considered Kathmandu last week prove they are unwilling to make ideological of focused attainment Samadhi). higher than the fourth Dhyana that the law and order concessions to enter the political main- meditations. The Then as she goes on in the Buddhist tradition. They situation of the country has taken a nose stream. Sravakayana has around 40 practicing with great dedication, are called formless Dhyana dive. Contrary to the fact that government The international community has different types of focused the winds in the body (called because the objects of authority is virtually non-existence through- conducted endless surveys that all indicate meditations on outer and inner Prana – vayu in Sanskrit and meditation (Alambana) are out the country, the government is still Maoists’ loss in the polls. Therefore, the objects and the Mahayana has Rlung in Tibetan and Chi in formless (Arupa). The first of adamant about holding timely elections. The international community has increased their others on top of those 40 or so. Chinese, Ki in Japanese) begin these is infinite space Dhyana Home Minister during his parleys in the pressure on all political parties to conduct The Samatha methods were to move in her body. The winds (Akasanantyayatana Dhyana). parliament conceded to the fact that the polls this November. Some diplomatic taken by the Shasta from those begin to flow up to her head so The experience at this stage is government would need to recruit an missions have gone one step further to prevalent in the Indian that she feels like someone is of infinite space or void, as all additional 30,000 troops for the Nepal Police broker an electoral alliance. For example, subcontinent and were not his pressing her head lightly with forms are dropped. to ensure security for the polls. Gunther, the Swiss diplomat; who has been own creations. the palms of the hand. During Beyond that, even the space is On the other hand, in past elections busy trying to broker alliance between ethnic Samatha is the quieting of the this period bliss called dropped and experience is of the Nepal Army provided the backbone for the groups, particularly the Madhesis and the mind by focusing it on some Prasabdhi begins to rise. It can infinite consciousness security arrangements during elections; Maoists. object normally. No matter what rise to such a degree that her (Vigyanantyatana Dhyana). This however, the present peace agreements The Norwegians and the Swiss for long method is used, if that method breathing can become is what many non-Buddhist prohibit the deployment of army for any have been cultivating the Left ever since the gradually stills the mind and belaboured. systems call the experience of purpose. Therefore, how the Prime restoration of democracy in 1990. They concentrates it on an object, This Prasabdhi reaches a super-consciousness, where Minister envisions conducting timely have been doing so because they have whatever it is, that is Samatha peak point and then begins to there is only the infinite all elections is still a mystery. come to realise that the democratic forces meditation. This was common in subside somewhat like a expansive consciousness or pure To add to the PM's worries, CPN-Maoist - will always work closer with India and this the time of the Buddha in the rushing river subsiding when it awareness by itself that does not one of Koirala's major allies has now stated they can not digest. Therefore, Günter's Indian subcontinent and it was arrives at the ocean. Then the seem to change. In the Buddhist that elections are impossible given the attempted bid to unite ethnic groups and the common before his time and is mind becomes extremely calm system of Samatha, there are deteriorating law and order situation of the Maoists is a ruse to help the Maoists still common today. The Buddha like the calm after a storm and two more stages above this: country. Although the legal aspects recapture the lost ground in the Terai. himself took some of those to this is the attainment of Mula Akinchanyatana (nothing concerning the elections have been PM Koirala will inevitably yield to the help his disciples to attain one- Samadhi of the 1st Dhyana. In remaining) and above that, completed, the administrative work is still pressure tactics of the Maoists; hence, there pointed concentration. So the Theravada tradition, this is Naiva Sangya Naasangya incomplete and political will is lacking among is a very slim chance that elections will take Samatha is not specifically called Appana Samadhi. But this (neither perception nor non- all parties to forge consensus to conduct place on time in November. Over the last special to Buddhism. is only the first Dhyana; higher perception). timely polls. The only person pushing for year, political observers have been taken Even Christian Mystics and levels than this is the second All these are highly rarified elections is the PM and the international back by the PM's inability to confront the Muslim Sufis have various Dhyana; third Dhyana and the states of mind; but in Buddhism, community, while the others are ranting Maoist on fundamental issues. Time and methods to make the mind fourth Dhyana. In some none of these states are hollow rhetoric. again, he has conceded to the Maoist concentrated, i.e. Samatha Buddhist systems both considered as the attainment of The Maoists actually do not want demands and on some occasions has been meditations. When one crosses Sravakayana and Mahayana, enlightenment. There is one elections. After their fifth plenum, the Maoist forced to backtrack. a certain level of ability to there is also a 5th Dhyana but more Samadhi state called leadership came to a conclusion that holding Koirala has embarked on a trend where remain in a concentrated state this is not really a higher Nirodhasamapatti which is elections would severely damage the party. he has inevitably succumbed to the pressure without effort then that is called Samadhi than the fourth higher than all the above but is The Maoist leadership has come realise that of the Maoist leadership. Therefore, to Samadhi. In the Buddhist Dhyana mentioned above but accessible only to Arhats and their position in the Terai is extremely weak ignore Koirala's trend in surrendering to his tradition, there are eight levels only the style of categorising it Boddhisattvas from eighth and their position in the hills is no better. coterie and the Maoist will prove detrimen- of Samadhi called Dhyanas makes the difference. Bhumi upwards. Therefore, the leadership has decided to tal. The truth is that Koirala's coterie and the (meditative stabilisations). In the fourth Dhyana, This is a crucial point to explore alternative avenues to end the Maoists are bent on pushing Koirala for the There are nine levels of breathing stops automatically. understand if you want to institution of monarchy and create distur- immediate declaration of a republic and concentration. This breathing can stop in other understand Buddhism. Although bances to sabotage the polls. exhausting the means to hold elections. But Through long and dedicated methods of meditation using the the various Samadhis, including The fifth plenum also ironically concedes there is also a genuine case of deteriorating practice the person slowly Nadi – Chakras as Alambana the Samadhi of pure awareness to the fact that the King is a spent force law and order situation. climbs upon the ladder as his / (channels etc); but even without by itself, is cultivated and used and the probability of the resurgence of the The Maoists fear an electoral loss. The her capacity to concentrate the use of any breath control in Buddhism as in all religious King with the backing of the army is nil. international community is confident the single pointedly on one object and Nadi – Chakra when a systems, in Buddhism they are Knowing that forceful fraudulent elections democratic forces will prevail and Koirala (Alambana) increases by dint of person reaches the fourth only used to develop concentra- can only guarantee them victory, the has already begun to yield to the Maoists. effort. At the eighth level, her Dhyana his/her breathing stops. tion and never accepted as the Maoists know these elections will be However, the question regarding the concentration starts becoming It is said that great Gurus like enlightened state. (To be condemned domestically and internation- possibility of elections should be left to the easier and effortless. When she Gampopa (the disciple of continued.) ally, and so now have accepted the fact people to decide. If Koirala holds the reaches the 9th level, the object Milarepa) took his breath in at (Sridhar Rinpoche is a that going for elections will prove to be a election in haste – the electoral process of meditation takes on a new sunset and let it go at sunrise. Vajrayana Master) political suicide. Elections would also would prove futile. ä Art & society 10-16 Sept, 2007 11 Prayer in mountains Marijuana use damages Would bombs enter her poems? nerves and brain

Pascale who has come to see Nepal would miss these spectacular scenes from stadiums of delight Counseling by drug therapist, Ragina Shah as he has taken the flight to Pokhara. Would bombs enter her poems? Would she ever in future visit this land, or ask others to come? My friends at college use Pot/ I think my boyfriend is into drugs. The whole landscape of green paddy fields marijuana and they tell me it is not a What should I do? tinged with yellow flowers looks like wavy beard drug and so is harmless. Is it true? Manju Sthapit ä Yuyutsu RD Sharma of an ascetic. Poet Robin Metz keeps mumbling Arjun Lamichane Putalisadak prayers for this nation as he sees the breathtak- Bhanimandal Fragile my eyeglasses, ing landscape. This is just the beginning, I tell my When a boy is into drugs, his integrity will Fragile and foreign, guests. Tomorrow we would go into the leach It is not true. This is a myth created by start decreasing gradually. His actions will start I take them off; greasy landscape of perennial waterfalls. people who sell drugs and the users becoming unethical and this will affect his there is a speck of a scar in them. Tomorrow we would see real Nepal. Tomorrow themselves, ignorant of the harm and relationship with everyone in his family and On the mule path we would see Annapurnas, the place where soul consequences of marijuana smoking. friends. He will gradually start isolating himself I take them off to face the green of the gods lives. Marijuana damages lungs, nerves and brain. from those who suspect him of drug addiction. stretch of mountains beneath the saddle of You will see smiles on the faces of people. There are 400 chemicals in marijuana smoke. Once addicted, he will start borrowing, stealing Annapurnas. Mules will shake their head gears and the song 60 of these have been proven to cause and selling valuable things from his house. From the balcony of the whistling thrush will sing in the valleys of cancer. The chemicals can stay in users’ In the beginning he may say that he is of clay plastered house I see your hearts and then there we shall utter a body for months or even years. managing well and he is in control but soon his a sun rise in the clear sky of my life. prayer for those who became victims of the Marijuana contains THC, a neurotoxin (a addiction will control him. His personality will (In the Mountains) terror. And a prayer for our own beloved one poison that damages nerves), which causes start changing; he will stop communicating and who passed away, without a warning: memory loss. may also start avoiding you. He will not be The week passed with the rumble of the bombs in When people use marijuana regularly, their able to keep any kind of routine. He may call to the streets of Kathmandu. But what amazed me how This is where last spring body start tolerating the chemical in the body meet you but will not keep the date. He will lie the people ignored the evil impact that this bombing a rainbow appeared and they will need to take higher doses of it to and make excuses and try to justify why he had on the hearts of the ordinary people. A friend said and seconds later the sun set at the same spot. get the high that they used to get before. This was late. He would also promise to change he was expecting curfew but nothing of the sort A huge sun-sized moon usually leads to other drugs like brown everyday or even pretend that he is trying. happened and people went about their lives. The crept from behind the mountain sugar. But addiction is powerful and has to be defiance that the Nepalis have shown to this terror and lingered like a cherry-faced child Lack of knowledge and awareness among treated on time with help from professionals; proves that nobody can put down this nation. Nepal peering over the courtyard of Annapurnas, students make them think that smoking pot or for even if he does try and stays off drugs for is not just arcadia, a sequestered little Himalayan the gorge of the River Modi. tobacco is harmless. But marijuana is fatal and sometime, he will relapse again unable to quit nation, it is fast turning into a modern busy democratic Fragile my eyeballs; one has to stop using it whether for fun or drugs for good. You could check if he is nation that has lot to do in the practical world than to Fragile and tainted with the speck of a bleeding otherwise. Once addicted, the users become exhibiting any of these signs. If so, he needs be held back by these nefarious acts. tear unable to face life problems and become help. Only your love will not be enough to To get rid of stress, once again I turn to the of my mother who left me lately. dependent on it to conduct their daily pull him out of the trap that is too vicious to be Annapurnas. Once again I take that less traveled I close my lids activities. It is common to see marijuana users handled without outside help. road that passes through alluvial valleys. My bus and see her face in the courtyard of Annapurna. eventually moving on to hard drugs and Send questions on drug/alcohol/smoking speeds past the flooded river. I wonder how ([email protected]) destroying their lives. addiction to: [email protected]

Insight ä Sushma Amatya

Enjoying the morning sun – Syangja, Nepal. 12 10-16 Sept, 2007 Makers years old then. After his death the family moved from Pune to Kolhapur and then to Mumbai. Asha and her elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar, started singing in Ralph Lauren's films to support their family. She sang her first film song "Chala chala nav bala" for the Marathi movie "Majha Bal" in 1943. Her first Hindi 40 years song was "Saawan aaya" for Hansraj NEW YORK - Ralph Lauren took After the last gown — a slinky Bahl's "Chunariya" in 1948. a well-deserved extended bow and stunning silver chain-beaded The year 1957 was the break- Saturday night as he both gown — disappeared from the through year for Asha when O.P. presented and celebrated his runway and Lauren had his Nayyar used her to sing the heroine's 40th anniversary collection. moment in the spotlight, the back songs in "Tumsa Nahin Dekha" and Lauren sauntered down the wall opened to reveal an elegant "Naya Daur". The same year the runway at a tent erected just and elaborate party set up in the legendary S.D. Burman had a rift with outside the Conservatory Conservatory Garden itself. This Lata Mangeshkar. This came as a Gardens in Manhattan's Central was the first private event ever held blessing in disguise for Asha, who Park to Frank Sinatra's "The at the Gardens by a third party. soon became his favourite female Best Is Yet To Come." A crowd A sprawling fountain in the middle singer. In the 1970s Asha came that included Sarah Jessica picked up the light from the dozen closer to another legend of Indian Parker, Martha Stewart, Diane chandeliers hanging from arched music, R.D. Burman, who gave a Sawyer and Barbara Walters arborways on the terrace and from new hip and happening sound to her gave the designer a standing the hundreds of candles on the singing. The songs "Piya tu ab to ovation. Fellow top-tier designers tables. aajaa", "Dum maro dum" and "Chura Donna Karan, Carolina Herrera, "Like a Henry James character, liya hai tumne" were a result of this Diane von Furstenberg and Vera he (Lauren) is the last true idealist combination. Wang, who once worked for about America's imagination of But it was her immortal ghazals for Lauren, also were at the black- itself," said Harold Koda, curator at Muzaffar Ali's "Umrao Jaan" that tie event. the Costume Institute at the fetched her huge accolades. The The theme of the spring Metropolitan Museum of Art. "That songs "Dil cheez kya hai", "In collection, debuting during New makes him the greatest ambassa- aankhon ki masti", "Yeh kaisi jagah York Fashion Week, was a day dor of American style." hai doston" not only proved her at the races. Some models wore (Yahoo News) versatility but are still all-time oversized hats with garden-party favourites. For her contribution to dresses — one of the best being music in Indian cinema, Asha was a pale-blue floral printed silk conferred the Dada Saheb Phalke plisse gown with a halter neckline Award, the highest title in Indian and ruffled jabot — while others cinema in 2000. She is a source of wore menswear-style jackets, ASHA inspiration for wannabe singers. ascots and tailored trousers. "Asha-ji has always been a great Spatlike shoes completed the source of inspiration for me. In fact, look. turns she inspires all budding singers. She is The jockeys were even 747474 so versatile and her voice is so young represented with crystal- New Delhi– From "Piya tu ab to aaja" singing has7474 made memorable many that even today if she lends her voice embellished jodhpurs, a yellow to "Dum maro dum" and "Kambakht of the cabaret numbers by yester- to any actress, the song becomes a jersey dress with an equestrian ishq", singing diva Asha Bhosle has years' diva Helen. chartbuster," Abhijeet Sawant, the print, and a bright pink eques- been enthralling listeners with her Urmila, for whom Asha has sung winner of "Indian Idol 1", told IANS. trian-print taffeta jacket with vivacious and versatile numbers for many hit numbers, including in "Nowadays when established splashes of blue, white, green more than six decades. And the "Rangeela", says: "I've always been singers don't want to take a chance and yellow, and a peplum at the singing legend, who turned 74 one of Asha-ji's biggest fans. We go with pop albums she comes up with hip. Saturday, is still going strong. back a long way. She has known me an album every year. She is so Spring '08 features more From Madhubala to Helen in the from when I was a child. She had enthusiastic and always open to work colors than Lauren has shown in older films to newer actresses Urmila sung in one of my Marathi films as a with youngsters. I wish her many, years. Matondkar and Kareena Kapoor, child actor called 'Sansar'. Then, of many happy returns of the day and The clothes, however, were these screen scorchers are all bound course, her husband R.D. Burman also that her blessings should always secondary to recognizing by a common thread - the evergreen composed music for my 'Masoom'. remain with us," added Sawant. Lauren's long tenure at the top voice of Asha. The couple has seen me grow up." Her popularity is not confined to of an industry always looking for Says Gulzar: "If Lata-ji has sung all "The biggest compliment to me Indian shores! She has collaborated the next big thing. the songs in my 'Aandhi', 'Mausam' was when people thought songs like with artistes like Boy George and Lauren is one of the "nicest, and 'Libaas', Asha did the entire 'Khallas' in Ram Gopal Varma's Stephen Lauscombe. In 2002, she warmest and loveliest" in the score in 'Namkeen' and 'Ijaazat' and 'Company' were mine only because teamed with Michael Stipe on the fashion world, said von of course our collaborative effort 'Dil Asha-ji sang them," added Urmila, track "The Way You Dream" on the Furstenberg, president of the Padosi Hai' with Pancham, which is a who lent her voice for Asha's album self-titled album by 1 Giant Leap. Council of Fashion Designers of personal favourite." "Asha & Friends". In 1997, the British band America. Gifted with one of the most Born into the musical family of Cornershop paid tribute to Asha with "He is so successful because versatile voices in the industry, Asha Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar, Asha their song "Brimful of Asha", an he lives his fantasy with such has sung every genre of song, be it took her initial training in music from international hit which was later passion. I just love him," she pop, club mixes, romantic numbers, her father. But it came to an abrupt remixed by Fatboy Slim. said. bhajans and ghazals. Asha's zingy end when he died. She was just nine (IANS)