#688 3 - 9 January 2014 20 pages Rs 50

HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT: Elephants try to fl ick the ball past each other at the 10th Chitwan Elephant Festival in Sauraha on Monday.

DANCING FOR THE GODS Bharatnatyam artist Sulochana Gopali used to spend hours inside her bedroom copying the dance moves from her favourite films while her friends played hide-and- seek. After performing in India, Europe, and all 75 districts of Nepal, Gopali now wants to revive Nepal’s classical dance forms and pass the THE WARS OF OTHERS knowledge to the next generation. he new year marks heartlands in central and coverage shows, the lessons PAGE two war centennials in eastern Nepal were emptied of from 200 years ago are just as DOUBLE 7 TNepal. 200 years ago, their young men as the British relevant for Nepal today as it CENTENNIAL an expanding Gorkha Empire shipped them from Flanders was then. If empires went to EDITORIAL PAGE 2 clashed with the East India Field to Mesopotamia and war over tea and cotton in the ON Company and lost almost Gallipoli to Palestine. past, today’s prime commodity half of its territory and kept In the 100 years since, more is labour that migrates outwards 50 YEARS THE its sovereignty. Nepalis went and fought wars from poorer countries. And AFTER TIBET RAID FAST And a century later in for the British in Europe (again), unless a state protects its PAGE 1914, over 200,000 Nepali Burma, Malaya, Borneo, Iraq citizens and provides for their 4 TRACK men set sail to Europe and Afghanistan, as history future, the world outside will after Kathmandu’s elite came a full circle from the continue taking advantage. 200 YEARS PAGE 11 gambled on British victory Anglo-Afghan wars in which Unfortunately for us, Nepal’s OF LAHURES in a European war. Gurung, Gurkha regiments took part. diplomatic acumen and foreign Magar, Rai, and Limbu As our special military policy remain much the same. PAGE 15-17

BIKRAM RAI 2 EDITORIAL 3 - 9 JANUARY 2014 #688 DOUBLE CENTENNIAL JON APPEL he new year marks two war centennials in Afghanistan more than a century later as a part of Nepal: the 200th anniversary of the Anglo- the British NATO forces in Helmand today. TNepal War of 1814-16 and the start of the As our special coverage of the two centennials First World War 100 years ago in 1914. In the first, in this issue shows (see Page 15-17), the ambition an expansionist Gorkha Empire clashed with the and greed of powerful men write the history of British East India Company and in the second, nations and sow suffering for peoples. The British Nepalis paid a heavy price for supporting the Allied East India Company didn’t go to war with Nepal so war effort in Europe. much for territory, but for trade. It needed control The Sugauli Treaty of 1816 allowed Nepal to over the trans-Himalayan passes to Tibet. And after remain independent, but at the cost of losing one- it had hacked off the region west of the Mahakali third of its territory, allowing a British resident River, the Company had access to the high passes in Kathmandu, and permitting recruitment of its over the Himalaya and saw no need to conquer and soldiers into the British Army. Later, Nepal’s Rana keep, what even then, looked like an ungovernable rulers became Anglophiles, adopting the lifestyles state. of the English nobility and building lavish palaces. But the terms of the treaty that preserved They sent Nepali soldiers to help the British quell Nepal’s nominal sovereignty, altered our nation’s the Indian Mutiny of 1857 and deployed them in boundary and history and started the tradition of the colonial campaigns to pacify pesky tribes on the Gurkha recruitment that continues to this day. Afghan frontier. Incongruous as it may seem in this day and age As a direct legacy of the Sugauli Treaty, more that the citizens of one country should be laying than 20,000 Nepali soldiers in the British Indian down their lives for the sake of another, the lessons Army ended up being killed a century later in the from 1814 and 1914 are as relevant today as they trenches of Flanders Field in Belgium, in the quagmire were then. at Gallipoli, and in the deserts of Mesopotamia. One The ambition and greed The first lesson is economic: small countries are in every 10 young Nepali men recruited didn’t make it of powerful men write the mere pawns in the world of globalised trade and each back home. At a time when Nepal’s population was only country needs its own strategy to take full advantage 5.6 million, up to 200,000 young men were fighting and history of nations and sow from this lopsided relation to spur growth and create dying in some far-off land for a cause not their own. And suffering for peoples jobs. If it was tea, cotton or shahtoosh 200 years ago, since many of them were from specific ethnicities, entire the commodity today is labour. Four coffins arriving communities in the remote mountains of Nepal lost their in ‘theatres’ in Italy, North Africa, Burma, and Malaya. at Kathmandu airport everyday is a wartime casualty men. Many of them were sons of soldiers who had been killed rate. Thirty years later, the world was engulfed in war in World War I. The second lesson is political: a nation is only taken again. Nearly 250,000 Nepali soldiers again went down Nepal’s soldiers first fought Maoist guerrillas not in seriously if it is united, if it cares how it is perceived to Calcutta to join troopships sailing off to Europe and their own backyard from 1996-2006, but in the jungles by the outside world, if its people take pride in their South-east Asia. Another 30,000 Nepali soldiers in of British Malaya in the early 1960s. And in an example shared history, if its rulers protect citizens and provide the British Army died during the Second World War of history coming a full circle, Gurkhas have returned to for their future.

ON THE WEB www.nepalitimes.com

TO DO LIST that wasn’t broken and failed whose only qualifi cation is that they large number of seats in UP and was blown away not only by the on A check-list for Nepali politics, miserably at it. are daughters/wives/mother-in- Maharashtra in the upcoming stage performance, but how much let’s not kid ourselves (‘To do list’, SS laws of powerful men or that they general elections (‘For the aam the audience was enjoying itself. Editorial, #687). Our leaders make donated/are capable of donating large aadmi’, Ajaz Ashraf, #687). Your message of peace, unity, and and break deadlines on will and as PR FOR PR sums of money. Even if there are Yes, the Congress and BJP will quality education for our children the events of the past month have The same politicians, who had 300 women in the 601-strong CA, I constantly pose problems and try is as pertinent as ever and hope proved (once again), they have promised to respect the public wouldn’t necessarily call it inclusive to thwart the AAP government, but you continue with the good work for no respect for the public mandate. mandate, are once again failing us or progressive if highly-qualifi ed and it seems Kejriwal and his team are many, many years to come. If the Election Commission is as and we are fools for trusting them deserving female leaders are being prepared to lead cautiously. The Sangita persistent as it was about the 19 (‘PR for PR’, Trishna Rana, #687). Six kept out of BICC hall. AAP shouldn’t worry too much November polls, then perhaps we weeks after elections, the Proportional Mahila about its length of stay in power, The concert in Kathmandu might have local elections in 2014, Representation lists are just being instead it should focus exclusively Valley was terribly managed. Tens but hoping for a new constitution decided. Maybe we could borrow I absolutely agree with the writer on how to fulfi l the promises it of thousands of fans went to Patan within a year is stretching it a little Arvind Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi on the need to modify our PR system. made to the 10 million citizens of Darbar Square to see the concert, too far. Party from Delhi for a few years to set In Nepal, a closed list ballot would Delhi. yet there was no crowd control. Renu Shrestha our politics right. work best. People will be voting for Anonymous Many were injured in the stampede Gaya parties, but the ranked list will tell at the end. I personally feel relieved How spineless are the senior them exactly in which order and I watched Kejriwal’s swearing- to have gotten out alive. The sound leaders of the Congress and UML, Even after a third extension to which candidate is going to win. More in ceremony at the Ramlila system was horrible, the music could to let Pushpa Kamal Dahal walk the deadline, 19 out of 30 parties, importantly, both the closed and open Maidan live on tv and despite my be barely heard from a 100 feet. all over them? Dahal, on the other and only the UML from the big three, ballots will save time, because the initial reservation about the AAP, The fi nal show could have been hand, has shown without a speck have managed to submit their PR lists parties will have to submit their lists I must admit it was a very moving phenomenal; instead it ended up a of doubt how little he cares about before 30 December. The EC should before election day. and honest speech, a rarity in the disaster and tarnished the reputation public opinion. His party was say ‘enough is enough’, disqualify Sandy era of career politicians. I wish of Nepathya. heavily defeated at polls, but why the 11 parties who have once again the party all the best and hope it ‘Ordinary audience’ be bothered about the people’s fl outed the deadline and distribute If human rights lawyers and lives up to the very high standards mandate when you can blackmail their seats to others. This is the only journalists are coy about pressuring it has set for itself. If the new your way back to power? The four- way to teach an important lesson to the International Court of Justice to chief minister and his cadres can point agreement will go down in the the wayward parties and their leaders, investigate the murder and mayhem accomplish even half the points annals of Nepali history as one of who believe they are above the law. unleashed by the Maoists, Dahal in the party manifesto, then their the biggest farce. Shame on us for Loppa and his comrades will continue to political experiment will go down in Weekly Internet Poll #688 allowing this to happen. be smug for a long time to come. history as a major success. Who Q. Which of the following is more likely to happen in 2014? Nepali So far the debate around PR However, if the president of Kenya is knows, there might even be a real has focused solely on the 33 per being perused in the Hague, I wonder Indian Spring. Total votes: 602 What is this editorial trying to cent quota. But what about the skills who/what is stopping the ICJ from Arti say: now that the leaders have their and competency of our future CA interrogating Nepal’s war criminals. four-point agreement in place, they members? The UML refused to give Poudyal WHEN SNOW FELL IN BARDIYA need to complete the wish list? Got a seat to a seasoned leader like Thank you Amrit Gurung and to love that message, but got to Ram Kumari Jhakri, who is not only AAM AADMI band for giving us Nepalis such love Nepalis even more for voting the fi rst female president of the Free As long as the Aam Aadmi Party world class concerts every year the same leaders back to power. I Student Union, but was also at the stands fi rm on its manifesto, it has (‘When snow fell in Bardiya’, wonder when people will accept the forefront of the 2006 Janandolan. In an encouraging future in Delhi Kunda Dixit, #687). I attended Weekly Internet Poll # 689. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com fact that they tried to fi x something her place the party sent candidates and immense potential to win a your show in Pokhara in 2011 and Q. Are you satisfied with the PR nominations?

Publisher and Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit Editor: Trishna Rana | Associate Editor: Tsering Dolker Gurung | Online Editor: Bhrikuti Rai | Design: Kiran Maharjan Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5005601-08 Fax: +977-1-5005518 Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorials: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscriptions: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Nepali Times on Facebook Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com 3 - 9 JANUARY 2014 #688 OPINION 3 Statutory warning Political parties that suffer from a democratic deficit within can’t give us a democratic constitution

BY THE WAY Anurag Acharya

he month after elections has once again proved that Nepal’s present breed of top netas are an embarrassment not Tonly for those who voted them to power, but also for their own young cadre. The shameless display of greed, power, lust, and favouritism by senior leaders in all major parties has sparked intra-party conflicts. Pushpa Kamal Dahal bypassed both deputies to get his way with the Proportional Representation list this week, but resignation by 11 senior district leaders of Jumla including an elected CA member is a tight slap on his face. The way a ‘people’s leader’ has eroded his personal and political credibility over the years, means that the only legacy he will leave behind is that of deceit, double-speak, and debauchery. The attack on dissenting groups by Dahal supporters in Birganj and the arson in Dhading (pic, below) are an indication of which way the party is headed. Dissatisfaction is also rife in the UML after hardworking leaders like Rajendra Rai and Ram Kumari Jhakri, also from marginalised backgrounds, were left out while family members of senior leaders were rewarded. It is no secret that the seats were internally divided between Madhav Kumar Nepal, Jhala Nath Khanal, and KP Oli, who cherry-picked their favourites. After nobody from their district made it to the PR list, all 40 committee members from Solukhumbu resigned on Sunday. In Inaruwa, Kosi cadre padlocked the party office in protest of the decision. For those celebrating Kangresi victory as a comeback for democracy, its PR list debacle must have come as a rude reality check. This is a party that has long been divided, split, and patched SITARAM ADHIKARI/NS together to suit the selfish interests of a few top leaders. The divisive politics between Girija Prasad Koirala and Krishna Prasad Bhattarai was inherited by Sushil Koirala and Sher Bahadur Deuba, who now run their own coteries along with some powerful kingmakers. The NC’s outspoken Gagan Thapa, who signed a note of dissent along with 12 CWC members, feels it’s not just a question of why Meena Subba did not make it to the PR list or why the tainted Khum Bahadur Khadka’s wife did. Thapa is more worried about the longstanding democratic deficit within the party and disappointed by the feckless submission of senior leaders to such feudal practices. “Seats were divided at the very top, individuals’ interests prevailed over party norms and values, yet very few chose to speak against it,” a dejected Thapa told me. Leaders of the Madhes-based parties have made it easier on everybody by not even pretending a democratic exercise while handing PR seats to their wives on the women quota. Rajkishore Yadav, Rajendra Mahato, Anil Jha, and Sarat Singh Bhandari chose their near and dear ones while Bijay Gachhadar has rewarded seven businessmen who funded his pricey election campaign. It’s ironic that the people have given the democratic mandate of drafting a statute to parties that have yet to prove their democratic credentials. Claims that the NC and UML are vanguards of Nepali democracy falls flat in the face when its leadership is exposed of undermining internal democracy for vested interests. Similarly, the Maoist commitment to peace and democratic politics becomes a joke when the leadership is openly promoting lumpenism to threaten and discipline opponents. Unless political parties stop paying lip service to democracy and begin upholding it within, there is a real danger that the second CA will also fall victim to the same dysfunctional practice that brought down the first. 4 NATION 3 - 9 JANUARY 2014 #688

WWW.MIKELDUNHAM.BLOGS.COM Two declassified Foreign Office files in the UK National Archives shed interesting light on events in Kathmandu in July 1964 which put newly arrived British Ambassador Antony Duff in a predicament, seriously discomfited King Mahendra and caused problems for Panchayat officials. WWW.PHAYUL.COM WWW.MIKAELSTRANDBERG.COM 50 years after the raid into Tibet

SAM COWAN eyes as he quickly got permission to start fi lming for you”. Mahendra immediately summoned the THE INSURGENTS (l-r): Khampa fi ghters in in and around Kathmandu. His application to go Foreign Minister Kirti Nidhi Bista who transferred Mustang prepare for an attack on Chinese Mustang was refused and he obtained a permit for the monarch’s ire to his subordinates at a meeting forces in June 1964. George Patterson, a eorge Patterson had been a missionary in ‘a trek to Pokhara’, but left the trail at Arughat to the next day. Duff reported: ‘The main brunt fell on Scottish engineer and missionary, led the Kham in eastern Tibet and spoke the dialect walk north up the Budi Gandaki and after passing Padam Bahadur Khatri who took it especially hard covert effort to fi lm the ambush which was later Gwell. Along with documentary maker Adrian the Indian wireless station at Setibas, headed up because he would much sooner not have known made into Raid into Tibet. Cowell and cameraman Chris Menges, he was the long, steep trail to Tsum. anything about it all.’ keen to fi lm Khampa fi ghters in Mustang carrying Contact was quickly made with a small Khampa That same morning, as previously planned, out a raid so he could show the world that Tibetans group which had one Bren Gun, eight rifl es, and no Cowell and Menges left Kathmandu to drive overland achieved by taking a conciliatory approach with were still fi ghting the Chinese. means of communication. Tendar, their commander, to India via Raxaul, but were detained overnight at Patterson. Mahendra and the palace were receptive, The build up of the Khampas in Mustang was had led reconnaissance sorties across the high the border. Some innocuous fi lm footage and audio but Padam Bahadur Khatri wanted some measure a badly kept secret. The Indians were getting snow passes to monitor traffi c on the Dzonkha to tapes were confi scated and Duff reported that the of retribution. Two weeks later, police prevented worried that a strengthening of Tibetans on Nepal’s Kyrong road, but little offensive action had taken palace had given the order to release them without Patterson from fl ying out and when Duff complained, northern border could lead to China sending troops place. A July 1964 dispatch from Duff reported a informing the Foreign Secretary. no one in Kathmandu could or would identify who into Nepal. The fi rst two CIA airdrops of arms from meeting he had with Michel Peissel, the Himalayan A week later Duff reported: ‘Judging by had given the order. Patterson was allowed to leave Hercules aircraft 10km inside Tibet took place in explorer and author, who told him that there had conversations with the King and the Foreign three days later, having signed a fi ve line note saying April and December of 1961. The third and final been no raids across the border since early 1963. Minister at a reception, I have acquired no merit essentially that he was sorry for straying from his drop was made into Mustang in May 1965 by a DC- Still, Patterson persuaded Tendar to carry out a at all for telling the Nepalese about the sortie over trekking permit. 6. The Khampas had suffered heavy losses: of the raid so he could fi lm it. With his eight lightly armed the border into Tibet. The Foreign Minister indeed ‘Why that curious little statement should have 49 parachuted into Tibet, 37 were killed in action men and the three foreigners, he crossed the high muttered something about it being sometimes satisfi ed anyone is merely one of the many mysteries against the Chinese. In 1964, the CIA shifted its passes and on 9 June 1964 ambushed a PLA better to conceal things for a while.’ about Nepalese behaviour throughout this affair.’ strategy to infi ltrating small groups of Khampas into convoy, killing eight Chinese soldiers. In his book, At the same reception, Mahendra said that the That comment from Duff’s fi nal dispatch seems an Tibet on intelligence missions. Patterson gives a detailed description of the raid, fi lm ought to be stopped. Duff told him this was not apt way to end this tale as it also neatly conveys the The Nepali authorities knew what was going which was successfully fi lmed. possible. Patterson and Cowell had told Duff that opaqueness of government during the Panchayat on in Mustang and who was backing the Khampas The team returned to Kathmandu on 27 June they would wait for three months before showing days, which so confused outsiders and so suited the with money and material. There was therefore no and Cowell dispatched the footage of the raid on the material, but the fi nished fi lm called Raid into monarch. chance that Nepal would allow Patterson anywhere the fi rst plane out to East Pakistan. A few days later, Tibet was not shown on British tv until 1966. In addition to the UK archive material and near Mustang, but they underestimated the man’s the three of them went to see Duff to confess all. Patterson was clearly not prepared to sit Patterson’s book, other information about Tendar guile and determination. Cowell and Menges were dubious, but Patterson on his story. In March 1965, he wrote a lengthy and the Khampas in Mustang comes from The CIA’s In his book, A Fool at Forty, Patterson agreed that Duff could pass the information to King propagandist-style article on the raid in The Secret War in Tibet by Kenneth Conboy and James describes the web of deceit he spun in Kathmandu Mahendra at an audience already fixed for the Reporter, an American magazine, describing the Morrison. about his real aim beneath the cover of making ‘a evening of Friday, 3 July. One of his two telegrams ambush in graphic detail. Large extracts appeared tv fi lm about Nepal’. Patterson saw most of the key that day stated that he was going to inform the in the Hindustan Times, under the heading Nepal- Sam Cowan is a retired British General who knows people: Tulsi Giri, the Chairman of the Council of US ambassador and it would be reasonable to based Khampas harass Chinese. The files show Nepal well through his Gurkha connection and Ministers, Prakash Thakur, the Chief of Protocol, assume that this is when the CIA would have fi rst that the articles caused concern among British extensive trekking in the country over many years. Mr Banskota, the Director of Publicity, and General known about the raid. At this stage, the UK was still officials which suggests that perhaps ATV, the Padam Bahadur Khatri, the Foreign Secretary. accepting categorical denials from the US that it independent company which fi nally transmitted it nepalitimes.com He also had a two-hour meeting with Mahendra’s was not involved in support for the Khampas. in the UK, had been persuaded to delay showing brother, Prince Basundhara. King Mahendra’s fi rst reaction was to tell Duff the fi lm. Longer version Patterson clearly pulled the wool over all their that the fi lm would be “a big headache for us and Duff had argued a better outcome might be Patterson’s video of raid on Tibet 3 - 9 JANUARY 2014 #688 BUSINESS 5

BIZ BRIEFS

IT Mela The girl can’t help it The 20th edition of CAN InfoTech kicked NAOMI WOLF in NEW YORK off on Thursday at Exhibition Hall, Bhrikuti Mandap. Organised hen Mary Barra It is difficult to imagine a by the Computer Association of Nepal (CAN), the six-day expo is supported by (pic, right) was black male middle-aged the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment, Ministry of Information Wnamed CEO CEO (Barra is 51) being and Communication, Nepal Telecommunications Authority, FNCCI, and Nepal of General Motors last introduced to reporters with Chamber of Commerce. December – the first the assurance that “he was With more than 200 stalls offering the latest gadgets and tech services, woman to head a major not picked for his race.” and an IT conference to boost, the organisers hope to draw thousands of American automaker – it Then there is the visitors. As in previous years, several companies have announced attractive schemes for buyers at the fair. Nepal Hima Trade Links, the authorised sellers seemed to many to be a ‘Potemkin CEO’ approach, of Sony product, is offering seven-eight per cent discount on the purchase milestone in women’s which implicitly assumes of its goods. Likewise, Nagmani International, the authorised seller of Asus struggle for equal rights that powerful men would notebooks, is also providing fi ve-ten per cent discounts. and opportunities. never really choose a But in a climate in woman to lead an important which, as Catalyst, the institution. According Building blocks feminist glass-ceiling to this cliché, Barra’s Chaudhary Group has introduced its new product- watchdog, points out, only promotion must be a ‘CG|Cement’. CG|Cement’s OPC cement is now available 4.2 per cent of US Fortune public-relations ploy, with in the market and the company plans to launch its PPC 500 CEOs are women, is men retaining the real and PSC brands in the near future. Barra’s promotion really a power behind the façade. victory? So we get this headline Dream homes One way to answer that from Fortune magazine: “Is Asian Paints Nepal announced the top 50 fi nalists of its question is to consider GM’s Board Setting up ‘Dream Home Contest’. A team of architects will now visit the who is doing the judging. Mary Barra to Fail as New homes to pick the top 10 fi nalists. In the United States, by CEO?” The article goes one count, two-thirds of on to explain that being professional journalists surrounded by male rivals Cash cash are men and they account COURTESY: GENERAL MOTORS for her job may fatally Syakar Trading has announced a new scheme for almost 90 per cent weaken Barra, as if male on the occasion of new year. Customers now of bylines in economics and reputations; in the case of CEOs were not also surrounded by stand a chance of winning cash prizes from Rs business reporting in traditional CEOs, they also reduce their would-be rivals. 4000 to Rs 100,000 on purchase of a Honda motorcycle or scooter. media. In fact, the reflexive value to their companies. Perhaps that is because she worldview of male-dominated And all of these clichés were really is just a lady first, not business-news coverage reproduced in the coverage of a manager. An interview in Athletic look invalidates all talk of a victory, Barra’s appointment at GM. The New York Times’ business Jayshree Retail, a subsidiary of Jayshree Group, has whether for Barra or for the rest For example, CNN covered section manages to focus the launched JOMA, a Spanish sportswear brand. JOMA of us – including impressionable the story by referring to entire discussion on how things in Nepal will showcase a large variety of sports apparel 15-year-old girls seeking role Barra’s “knack for climbing have changed for women at and footwear reads the press release. models and a message of the corporate ladder” – a GM, rather than on what Barra empowerment. phrase with some suggestive intends to change at the company Many news stories about undertones and one that would as CEO, or even on how things One more female CEOs and other high- never be used with a man at the have changed in the car industry Bank of Kathmandu recently started an top. extension counter service at the Inland achieving women are coded – surely an important question. Revenue Department in Pokhara. The counter will provide revenue collection The New York Times led with a set of reliable clichés: The interviewer even asks at the services to the department and tax payment facilities to customers. they lucked into their new with Barra’s father and its end whether her husband is a GM roles (and thus do not deserve headline suggested that she employee. them), inherited them from male was “born to” her role, as if I cannot fathom why serious relatives or spouses (and thus ambition and hard work had journalists commit such do not really hold the reins of nothing to do with her ascent. egregious breaches of basic power), or will not be there for It notes the car her husband professional norms of fairness long. If all else fails, coverage drives and describes her as and impartiality. When they do, concentrates so narrowly on “soft-spoken.” And it includes they are performing the role of gender that a woman’s very an excruciating quote from guard dogs of an endangered leadership is weakened. her predecessor, Daniel F patriarchy, defending – and thus These clichés not only Akerson: “Mary was picked strengthening – the glass ceiling. undermine successful women’s for her talent, not her gender.” www.project-syndicate.org 6 REGION 3 - 9 JANUARY 2014 #688

Condemned to repeat history The past will haunt India in 2014, the year of general elections

ew year’s greetings Hindu-ness of these castes, for reflect people’s which the rhetoric of riot is a Ninnate desire for fresh proven tool. beginnings and an end to what For Rahul Gandhi and the is painful. Yet it is impossible Congress, 2014 will be severe, to divide time other than on voted out of power as they calendars and dials of watches: probably will be. The Congress the past invariably shadows the might even see its seat tally in future. Ghosts we think we laid the Lok Sabha dip to its lowest to rest, return to torment us. ever and confront a spell in oblivion. Rahul, too, will have to return to the past, to fathom the armour of privileges that society responds to allegations General Elections. the process underlying the LOOK OUT bestows immunity from intense of rape. Are we to presume all No doubt, the BJP and its emasculation of the grand old Ajaz Ashraf legal scrutiny for the powerful such charges are true and the prime ministerial candidate, party and discover a new mantra in India. media justified in pillorying Narendra Modi, will go to appease the ghost haunting So it was that as 2012 ended Hurrah, then? Not really, the accused? Then again, is it for broke in 2014, hoping his party. last year, India’s capital erupted for the past returned wearing not possible that anti-rape laws to exploit the discredited In India’s political over the gang rape of a a new guise in December, can be misused, as anti-dowry Congress. However, contrary to firmament, it is the Aam physiotherapy intern on a bus. through the suicide of Khurshid laws have sometimes been? popular belief, the BJP will not Aadmi Party (AAP) and its It persuaded us into believing Anwar, executive director of Such questions will continue forget its Hindutva past: it will leader, Arvind Kejriwal, for the nation had turned the corner the Delhi-based Institute for to haunt us in 2014, even as be presented to the electorate whom the year 2014 heralds on gender justice as anti-rape Social Democracy. Months sexual predators will discover in the glossy wrappings of a fresh beginning – it rose laws were made stringent. Yet, earlier, an activist had accused their victims rising laudably development. out of nowhere to become within weeks of new laws being Anwar of raping her. She did against them. The past will return in the country’s great hope. He enacted, a five-year-old was not file a police complaint. The religious riots in 2014, the year of elections. has captured the nation’s raped in Delhi. Is our society Instead, she videotaped her Muzaffarnagar will go off For Modi to become the prime imagination through the impervious to change? Or does statement about the incident to the headlines in 2014. Yet, minister, it is vital that the audacity of adhering to his the outrage indicate we are no academician Madhu Kishwar the town in the state of Uttar BJP dramatically improves promise of fighting and winning longer indifferent to the plight and disappeared from the city. Pradesh will become the petri- upon its 2009 performance election on meagre resources of women in the public domain? The video found its way to two dish to grow and multiply the in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, collected with transparency. Later in 2013, a legal intern tv channels, which triggered virus of communal hatred, where the Congress isn’t even The AAP and Kejriwal are went public with her allegation a virulent campaign against to drive a wedge among in the hunt. It must, for one, fortunate to have begun the new of harassment against a former Anwar. Deemed guilty, he communities, and attempt wean away the middle and year without a past. Supreme Court judge, AK committed suicide, prompting at consolidating the Hindus lower caste supporters of a Ganguly. Then a journalist took many, including women, to against ‘the other’: the Muslims. clutch of regional leaders Ajaz Ashraf was for the last on her editor, Tarun Tejpal, for condemn the culture of trial by The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – Mayawati, Mulayam Singh 12 years deputy editor at sexually assaulting her. Societal media. will try to harness this divide Yadav, Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Outlook magazine in India. He change or not, the glare of the The suicide of Anwar as it did through its public Nitish Kumar – to enhance its contributes this weekly column, media spotlight ensured that challenges the manner in which felicitation of the accused, to strength. What better way to Look Out, to Nepali Times. neither accused slipped behind our increasingly sensitised bolster its chances in the 2014 achieve this than to harp on the [email protected] The westerlies carrying snow-laden clouds made it to Nepal’s western border and brought in heavy snowfall with temperatures KATHMANDU dropping to -7 degrees in hilly district of Jumla. There is no other frontal system in sight so expect clear, though often hazy, winter days this week. The weekend will see a further drop in minimum temperature in Kathmandu’s outskirts.

FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 15° 15° 15° #688 3 - 9 January 2014 9° 8° 6°

present a full recital on stage - and Bharatnatyam a lifetime of dedication, it does not have the mass appeal as other artist seeks to Indian dances. The number of DANCING Bharatnatyam artists in Nepal can revive Nepal's be counted on the fingers of two hands and those with an academic classical degree are even rare. Sulochana has travelled across dance forms the 75 districts of Nepal as well as FOR THE GODS many parts of Europe and India honing her talent. “No matter RISHEERAM KATTEL dance at Padma Kanya Campus. where I perform, I concentrate Having grown up watching popular on giving my best when I am on Kollywood and Bollywood dance stage,” she says. hile her friends would numbers on TV in her village in Besides lives shows, the 26- bicker about who would Tistung, she got cold feet when she year-old is also a dance instructor Wbe the ‘doctor’ or ‘pilot’ was put in a Bharatnatyam group in at schools around the Valley and during pretend play, young her first year. is now being sought after by Sulochana Gopali always chose “I had never heard of colleges to teach Bharatnatyam to be a dancer. Such was her Bharatnatyam in my life. Getting at university level. Padma Kanya, love for the art that the girl from the precise movements and which is introducing a master’s Makwanpur spent hours in her expressions correct was very program in dance, reached out room perfecting the steps of her challenging. But with practice to its alumna recently to work on favourite dances from actress and my gurus’ guidance I started the new degree. “I am humbled Mithila Sharma’s movies. enjoying the dance,” recalls to be working besides my guru After completing high school, Sulochana who trained under ji on developing the new program Sulochana moved to Kathmandu Krishna Pradhan and Yagya Man which I hope will benefit many in 2002 and began studying Shakya in college. dance enthusiasts who want to With a BA degree in hand, the perfect their skills,” explains talented dancer left for Banaras Gopali. Hindu University (BHU) in 2010 to The gifted artist, however, sharpen her craft and broaden her is saddened by how quickly understanding of classical dance traditional dances in Nepal are forms. It was during her two years losing their appeal and fears that in Banaras when Sulochana realised without proper promotion and how far we lag behind in our support, they will soon die out. performing arts curriculum. “My “From popular media to dance Indian classmates were far ahead schools, our children are watching of me and the first semester and learning only western dances was definitely the toughest,” and Bollywood routines. When I she admits. “I felt like I try to teach classical dance like was starting from the Charya to my young students, very bottom because they shy away,” says Sulochana. everything I had “If we want to inspire young learnt in college people to take up traditional dance was a fraction professionally, us teachers need of what I was to incorporate modern styles expected to into ancient dance forms without know at BHU.” altering their core elements.” Sulochana’s hard work and Sulochana now wants to go perseverance finally paid off paid beyond teaching and research on when she graduated last year with a Nepali folk and classical dance master’s degree in Bharatnatyam. forms like Charya so they become An extremely precise dance more popular among the youth. style with the knees bent in a She says: “It is unfortunate that basic stance called araimandi we haven’t been able to pass where the body is divided into on the skills and passion for three triangles, Bharatnatyam is our traditional dances from one traditionally performed to Karnatic generation to the other. I hope to music. The theme is devotional work closely with my teachers to love: a love for god that is at once ensure that we don’t lose such physical, emotional and spiritual an important part of our cultural characterised by human emotions identity.” like jealousy, anger, happiness, www.twitter.com/GopaliDance playfulness, and betrayal. Since the craft demands nepalitimes.com extensive training - a minimum of six years is usually required before The dance of devotion, #154 a dancer is considered ready to Bharatnatyam recitals 8

CLIMATE+CHANGE, an awe-inspiring educational science exhibition DINING about climate change and Nepal's Himalaya. Lal Durbar Restaurant, authentic December to April, Nepali dinner with cultural shows. Nepal Art Council, Hotel Yak & Yeti, Darbar Marg, Babarmahal (01)4248999, [email protected] KASI, spread out over a Satsang, read, refl ect, discuss, and large terrace assimilate the meaning of the Hindu overlooking EVENTS scriptures with fellow enthusiast. Phora Darbar, 8am, Saturdays, Mind Body LIbrary, Kasi off ers Babarmahal, (01)4102025 a delectable Tree of life, an exhibition of the plate of Newari paintings on the Mithila cosmos by SALUT, be one of over 550,000 delicacies. SC Suman. students all over the world to learn Darbar Marg Runs till 6 January, 5.30pm, French. Siddhartha Art Gallery, Babarmahal Session starting on 27 January, Alliance Francais Centre, Teku Barista lavazza, the newest addition to the Valley’s European inspired YIN YANG RESTAURANT, east coff ee-culture cafes serves excellent meets west as you choose from a mochas and lattes, don’t forget to variety of Thai and continental dishes. try their grilled chicken sandwich. Add a little spice to your life with the Jawalakhel pad thai or green curry. If you can’t handle the heat, fall into the safety net of its western dishes. Thamel, 10am to 10pm, (01)4701510

Chopstix, savoury Asian food cooked THE HERITAGE, escape the MAGHE SANKRANTI, a month of in true Chinese fashion sure to charm hodgepodge of the tourist hub as you reading Swasthani, a pilgrims' tales of and impress. Try the famous drums of relish delights like paella and panna the Kathmandu Valley of yore. heaven. Kumaripati, (01)5551118 cotta. Thamel 15 January to 14 February Délices de France, taste a piece of Alice restaurant, step in for Winter camp, give your children a France in the heart of Kathmandu. scrumptious Thakali, Chinese, chance to make good use of their Thamel Continental, and Japanese cuisine. holidays by learning music, arts, and Gairidhara, (01)4429207 drama. Boudha Stupa Restaurant and Runs till 10 January, 10.30am Café, bide your time in the free wi-fi New Dish, grab fi lling meals like pork CHEZ CAROLINE, exquisite food, to 4.30pm, Kathmandu Jazz zone as you enjoy wood fi red pizzas, momos, spring rolls, and chop suey glorious sunshine and more. 9am Conservatory, Jhamsikhel, home-made pastas and Tibetan and enjoy excellent value for your to 10pm, Baber Mahal Revisited, (01)5013554, www.katjazz.com.np gyakok, Boudha, 9841484408 money. Khichapokhari (01)4263070/4187 3 - 9 JANUARY 2014 #688 9 MUSIC GETAWAYS Killing the giants Andromakers, let the all girl duo Himalayan wellness centre, a one- charm you with their jingles, stop centre for a relaxed mind and a especially for fans of Björk, Coco healthy body inside the Park Village The world's oldest cup Rosie, Portishead or Massive Attack Hotel. competition is back as Rs 200, 13 January, Budhanilkantha, open all week, EPL heavyweights take on 6pm, Café des Arts 9801066661, lower-league minnows in www.himalayanwellness.com.np a tournament known for upsets. Glacier Hotel, good value and friendly service for travelers on the January 4 lap of Lake Phewa. Rovers vs Man City, 6.30pm; Gaurighat, Lakeside, Pokhara, Everton vs QPR, 8.45pm; (61)-463722, www.glaciernepal.com Arsenal vs Tottenham, 11pm Andolan Sarod maestro Suresh Raj Waterfront Resort, the lakeside January 5 Bajracharya and his group The hotel invites you for special Derby vs Chelsea, 8pm; Sarodists bring their second barbeque dinners on Friday Liverpool vs Oldham, annual festival for connoisseurs of and lunches on Saturday. Sedi 8.45pm; Man Utd vs classical music. Height, Lakeside road, Pokhara, Swansea, 10.15pm 4 January, 2.15pm onwards, (061)466303/304, Patan Museum www.waterfronthotelnepal.com Airing on Star Sports

STARRY NIGHTS, munch on the tenderloin with Ciney Gurung performing live. Rs 1,499, 3 January, 7pm onwards, Shambala Garden Café, Hotel Shangri- Tharu day out La, (01)4412999, Ext. 7520/7515 15 January, Maghi Parba , the Tharu Shastriya Sangeet, dabble in the community of Nepal celebrates its annual magic of Hindustani classical music festival. Early in the morning, Tharus bathe every new moon night. in the river and light oil-lamps. They then 30 January, 3.30pm, Ram Mandir, dress in their fi nest and have a sumptuous Battisputali meal - pork, fi sh, snails, rice-bread and home brewed alcohol. Married daughters return for Happiness happens, the best of the day to their parents' house, where they are continental, Chinese, Nepali, Newari ATITHI RESORT, a perfect place to guests for the occasion. Throughout the day, and Indian food in a new modifi ed stay, nearby pool, massage, sauna, each village organises a special seasonal dance version with live performance by and delicious food of your choice. called 'Maaghi naach'. It is also the start of the Lucky Sitaula and band. 6 to 10pm, Shantipatan, Lakeside, Pokhara. new fi scal year for Tharu villages - the landless 3 to 4 January, Fusion Restro and Bar, (061)466760 /400207, are given farming land on rent and village Jhamsikhel, (01)5009076 [email protected] headsmen are appointed for a one-year term. 10

from these and other sales are then used to support eye surgeries and shoe donations in countries The like Nepal. At first glance, it would appear that everyone benefits. Americans get to buy shoes that shoe make them feel good. The Chinese efficiently produce the shoes in their factories. And, Nepalis get to receive ‘gifts’ bequeathed on them through the Toms giving on apparatus. But Toms bypasses Nepal in the production process and engages with Nepalis only as the recipients of charity, missing an opportunity to support sustainable growth in the country through investment in local talent and other manufacturing infrastructure. The success of companies like Toms suggests that responsible consumption is a growing trend. foot Consumers want to buy products that do more than just serve their needs. They want to feel that they are, in a small way, helping make the world a better place, but socially conscious entrepreneurs should evaluate their change models carefully. In November 2013, Toms SANGITA SHRESTHOVA philanthropic projects as an Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie in LOS ANGELES integral part of their for-profit Toms bypasses Nepal in the indicated he is giving these issues activities. While such efforts are more thought. In an interview with laudable, the effectiveness of these production of its new boot Huffington Post, he acknowledged t all began on Facebook a few humanitarian interventions are that Toms needs to ‘create jobs’ months ago, when several questionable. and engages with Nepalis as if it is ‘serious about poverty INepali friends linked to a new Development, foreign aid, and alleviation’. Mycoskie also product in their newsfeed: the poverty alleviation are complex recipients of charity promised that one third of Toms new Nepal Boots created by Toms issues entangled in many local and Giving Shoes would be produced Shoes. global realities. Yet, these socially in the countries where they are The shoes were beautiful, conscious companies would like to information about its Nepal shoes there’. donated by the end of 2015. woollen, and furry; their colours have us believe that purchasing a specific programs: ‘You are clearly But, it comforted me, Toms So, maybe one day Nepalis may reminding me of Tij and Tihar. product can, and indeed does, help benefiting by branding your shoes does ‘give the gift of sight’ in the actually help design and produce The Toms website explained that solve enduring issues of inequality with the Nepal name and through country through Seva Nepal. As the Toms Boots that already the boots were ‘inspired by the and poverty. this associating them with this proof, it included a link to a short carries their name? Maybe they beautiful fabrics and textures of As I waited for my Toms Shoes country’s resplendent mountains film about a Toms supported can buy and wear the boots too? Nepal’. delivery, nagging questions crept and Himalayan cultures. Why not eye clinic in Khandbari. Finally, Gazing west to an imaginary point Nepal Boots was a part of Toms in, jeopardising a pleasurable complete the circle and give back it encouraged me to suggest new where the Pacific Ocean meets the ‘giving the gift of sight’ initiative consumption moment. Surely, to Nepal directly? Some Nepali ‘giving partners’ in Nepal, but Himalaya, I can almost convince and its One for One program donating a product to ‘someone youth would love to do your shoes warned me that it wasn’t accepting myself that my Nepal Boots will through which the company in need’ must come with its own proud.’ applications at this time. one day be made by someone in donates a pair of shoes for every disruptiveness? Doesn’t the local Back came a polite, but Toms is doing more for social Nepal. pair it sells. A local store had the shoe merchant suffer if the shoe unsigned, reply. Toms assured me good than most shoe companies, boots in stock and within minutes market is flooded with imported that it ‘welcomed my feedback’ but its response raised some Sangita Shresthova I received a confirmation email donated shoes? And how does before admitting it didn’t ‘have issues in the change model it is is a Czech- thanking me for my Nepal Boots purchasing a pair of Toms’ Nepal a specific answer right now’. It supports. The boots are named Nepali media purchase. Boots that are ‘Made in China’ even went on to explain that: ‘While the after Nepal and the company scholar focusing Based in California and begin to help support sustainable inspiration for our Nepal Boots was gains from the country’s cultural on the intersection founded in 2006, Toms Shoes entrepreneurship in Nepal? found on a Giving Trip in Nepal’ imagery and cache. The shoes between popular exemplifies a trend where I sent Toms a Facebook the company was ‘not currently are made in China and sold in the culture, new media, companies donate or support message politely asking for more set up with a giving partner to give United States. Some of the profits politics, and globalisation. Branding the Himalaya

epal, the very word still has a mystic the company’s research and development pull. The majestic mountains, unit. Most Sherpa apparel, sleeping bags, Nfriendly people, and an unspoilt and tents are manufactured in Nepal way of life are the attributes that make generating employment for hundreds. manufacturers employ Nepali names for Sherpa Adventure Gear’s insulation jackets, their products. International companies fleece hoodies, down jackets, sleeping like Toms have launched ‘Nepal’ lines, bags, and trekking gear with its proud and a New Zealand entrepreneur launched Made in Nepal tags are now sold across the Kathmandu brand of sportswear and stores in the US, Europe, and Asia. outdoor products. Companies like Aveda Sherpa enlists Nepali celebrity have tried to link their sales with charity mountaineers like 12-time Everest work for Nepali children, especially during summiteer Lhakpa Rita Sherpa as ‘brand the holiday season. athletes’ and helps specially with education As a brand, Sherpa Adventure Gear for Sherpa children in the Khumbu. Sherpa’s stands out because it was started by a Nepali. Paldorje Education Fund helps children Its distinctive ‘endless knots’ logo, the of Nepali mountaineers who are injured Sherpa brand name, and Made in Nepal or killed while climbing. The company label, make it one of the most internationally donates Rs 50 from every item sold to recognised Nepali brands today. Founded the fund. Says Tashi Sherpa: “I know it by Tashi Sherpa, the Seattle-based climbing was a huge leap of faith to base myself and outdoor clothing company opened its in Nepal. But it’s not about me, I am just flagship store in Nepal in 2009. The five- the custodian of the Nepal and Sherpa floor building in Narayanhiti Marg houses brands.” 3 - 9 JANUARY 2014 #688 11 ON THE FAST TRACK

A soldier paralysed during the conflict inspires others like him to stay positive and fulfil their dreams

MINA SHARMA Rupandehi, who had a keen interest in art myself up again,” explains the 34-year-old. since childhood, picked up his brush again Currently a sergeant, Himal is posted as a form of therapy. After his first painting Beni. He is thankful to the Nepal Army for t was a nippy November afternoon of a peacock sold for Rs 1,500, he was helping secure a job for his wife in the in 2003. Lance corporal Himal encouraged to pursue the hobby further. military and for their constant support IAryal was returning from a patrol To keep his mind occupied, Himal began throughout his grueling journey. in Makwanpur’s Sunachari. The Maoist vocal training and learnt to play the guitar. Says Aryal: “If I had chosen to blame insurgency was at its peak and the But regaining physical strength was equally my destiny, then I would have remained rebels were attacking security forces important which led him to take up weight confined to my wheelchair. I hope my across the country. lifting and wheelchair basketball. outlook towards life post-accident, inspires An army truck carrying the troops The fitness, stamina, and mental others to stay positive no matter how huge was about to reach Kulekhani when a toughness that he built in the last six the barriers are.” landmine exploded, propelling Aryal years have stood him in good stead at in the air and disposing him on the sporting events across the globe. In 2010, nepalitimes.com roadside. All he remembers is seeing Aryal travelled to China to participate in a Photo gallery his fellow soldiers lying on the ground weightlifting competition where he met and Out of the dark, #431 covered in blood. Before he could crawl interacted with athletes like himself who had Soldiering on, #575 any further, Aryal felt a throbbing pain won medals despite their handicap. “Every in his head and then everything went time I feel weak, I remember my fellow dark. He woke up a week later at the participants in China. Their stories provide Army Hospital in Chhauni and found me with the moral boost I need to pick out that the attack had left his lower body paralysed. After four years in and out of the hospital, Aryal returned home in a wheelchair. That was not how the young soldier had envisioned his life when he joined the army in 2002 and he remembered the times when his family had begged him, unsuccessfully, to leave the security force. “Friends and relatives, who respected me because of my job, began avoiding me and my family and took pity on us. It was the most painful time in my life,” he recalls. Aryal, however, didn’t let anyone or anything come in the way of his recovery. Even while he was being treated in the hospital, the native of

ALL PICS: BIKRAM RAI 12

Legolas (arguably Orlando Bloom’s best role to date) and even more excitingly his potential love interest Tauriel (played beautifully by Evangeline Lilly). There are many other elements that you will not recognise from the book – but rest assured, they do not bloat the film, only elevate its complexity. Jackson’s strengths have always been his ability to cast just the right people for these archetypal THE HOBBIT: parts and so in addition to the already brilliant Martin Freeman THE DESOLATION (Bilbo Baggins), Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), Stephen Fry OF SMAUG (Master of Lake-town), we also have the much talked about Benedict veryone who ever grew up one but three films, we all shook Cumberbatch (of Sherlock Holmes reading The Hobbit and The our heads – this time Hollywood’s fame) as Smaug the last, great, HAPPENINGS ELord of the Rings books have avarice had gone too far. So it was terrifyingly magnificent dragon of one thing in common – an obsession with trepidation that I went to see Middle Earth. with Middle Earth and a deep the first of these three films last This second and middle yearning and nostalgia every time year – circa this time. film (always a tricky one) is we pick up those beloved books. Although panned by critics, astonishingly good at propelling I must admit I was delighted to forward the quest to reach the find myself back in Middle Earth, mountain and the dragon with surrounded (courtesy of ubiquitous a great deal of extraordinarily 3D) by the Shire and dwarves and choreographed action set pieces MUST SEE elves and of course Gandalf (the linking the narrative to ensure Sophia Pande legend that is now Ian McKellan). that we never lose our sense of So going to see the The the grand adventure. The only So when the first instalment of Desolation of Smaug was slightly regret I had when leaving this 161 The Lord of the Rings came out in less stressful. It is clear by now that minute long film is that despite its 2001, I was in a heightened state of Jackson’s greatest strength is his length, it never quite had the time BHASHWOR OJHA anxiety, I mean, after all, how could commitment to Tolkien’s material to breathe, give us a bit of that THREE’S A CROWD: Tanka Dhakal (centre) speaks to the media after Peter Jackson possibly realise the in all of its entirety. This is why you hobbit humour we have so grown registering Nepali Rastriya Prajatantra Party (NRPP) at the Election Commission soaring expectations of millions? will find entire storylines in these to love, and, most unfortunately, office in Kantipath on Monday. The NRPP is a breakaway faction of Kamal Thapa- led Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal. And yet he did – with that first films that you will not remember we never have the time to linger in trilogy which I count among my from The Hobbit – Jackson and his the beauties of Middle Earth – for three favourite films of all time. screenwriting partners have in fact this film deals more with Orcs, a The anxiety and speculation incorporated information from the rather terrifying Necromancer, and started again with rumours that appendices to The Return of the of course with dragon-fire. Jackson would then develop and King and cleverly worked them into direct The Hobbit. When it was later the story. nepalitimes.com announced that that slim book Hence we have a wonderful Watch trailer would be extrapolated into not storyline harking the return of

DEVAKI BISTA HAPPY NEW YEAR: Women from the Gurung community perform the Ghatu dance on the occasion of Tamu Losar at Tundikhel on Monday.

BIKRAM RAI BEAUTIFUL BEAST: A female elephant takes part in a beauty pageant during the 10th Chitwan Elephant Festival in Sauraha on Saturday.

NEPALAYA THE END: Nepathya performs its final show of the nationwide Education for Peace concert tour at Patan Darbar Square on Sunday evening. 3 - 9 JANUARY 2014 #688 13 Cosmic consciousness or centuries, humans have been dynamics of love relevant to the one viewing it. Suman obsessed with understanding the and power. on the other hand, narrates stories of Fconscious and subconscious mind. What makes identity, family, religion, and history We want to determine who we are and Suman’s form of art through his paintings of village people, what we’re doing in the world. Do we serve interesting to look at their daily duties and responsibilities; a greater purpose, or are we destined are the use of bold concepts that have intrigued us for to merely perambulate life but not fully colours and intricate centuries. understand? And what is our connection details. His Milan, Admittedly apprehensive before to the universe? These are the breed of Bibaha, Kohbar walking into the gallery, Suman’s MITHILA questions that are evoked when experiencing CALLING: Ghar and Bidai is modern take on traditional Mithila SC Suman’s Mithila Cosmos: Perambulating Indian especially wonderful art was finally, appreciatively the Tree of Life. Ambassador because the more unpretentious and a visual delight. What really stood out for me was the Ranjit Rae the viewer observes, Because of the universal nature of sheer consistency of the 50-plus works (centre) at the greater meaning the themes expressed, the responder SC Suman’s created by Suman for the exhibit. Extended exhibition. the painting gains. consciously or subconsciously finds across the three floors at the Siddhartha BIKRAM RAI While at first it may a piece of themselves in the work. Be Art Gallery, the pieces take you on a visual seem to be a simple prepared to be lost in Suman’s vision journey into another context altogether. is of course aligned with the concept of story of a girl getting married, at second for some time. Inspired by his Maithili heritage, Suman cosmos or a beautifully arranged, almost and third observation the audience Meghna Bali employs the use of acrylic, natural dyes, and perfect universe. The motif of the tree realises there is more to the story, a pigments used with pens, brushes, and even which is present in every one of his works kind of visual dialogue that is occurring Mithila Cosmos: bamboo sticks. represents just this, ecological harmony. between Suman and the responder. Perambulating the Tree of Life In the true style of a Madhubani or Like our world, Suman’s paintings look Art has always been an important Runs until 6 January Mithila painting, the works are characterised simple, yet hold complex and profound form in the sense that it reflects the world Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal by geometrical patterns and symmetry. This ideas of human relationships as well as around us; however it may not always be Revisited

was essentially a few vegetables stirred into a bland, generic cream sauce. There was nothing gratinated about the dish and PM is now petitioning that we stop PHAT ordering vegetarian altogether. We couldn’t leave without sampling something from the gnore the terrible name; Phat crêperie. The streets of Paris are Kath might just be my new lined with these stalls, serving both Ifavourite restaurant. Offering KATH sweet and savoury pancakes to the French-ish food, a takeaway city’s notoriously crêperie, low tables and hookahs discerning for hippies, tables and chairs for passersby. Because normal people, and a formidable I am actually hip hop soundtrack for everyone, five, I went for there’s a lot to love. the chocolate- In many ways this looks a banana crêpe (Rs bit like any of the two-bit, ill- 200) which, if I’m conceived throwback joints feigning expertise Thamel has been drowning in (which I am), was for as long as most of us can a little on the thick remember: all old John Lennon side. record sleeves, space-poor, kitsch- distribution of every ingredient and Phat Kath doesn’t demand to rich layout and the gastronomic not a single morsel was wasted. be taken too seriously: it’s laissez equivalent of the gaudy rainbow The forest galette (Rs 300) – a faire. What’s refreshing is that, patchwork kurtas I overheard kind of stuffed pancake made with unlike so much of the district, this two other diners regretting wholemeal or buckwheat flour place provides an atmosphere they’d bought. But something – was filled to bursting with tender where diners can seriously kick more compelling is happening at pieces of chicken, wild mushrooms back, all the while – vegetarian Phat Kath and it starts with the grown here in Nepal, and a creamy food aside (and who goes to blackboard menu mustard sauce. a French joint for vegetables, adorning the SOMEPLACE ELSE The only low point, for us, was anyway?) – these guys are taking open kitchen, PICS: PM when we went vegetarian. This what they do very seriously which you can predictably recurring theme is indeed. just about squint to see from centrepiece. PM ordered sea- sliced steak, bacon, egg, cheese, perhaps unsurprising – vegetarians CC front-of-house. buckthorn juice (Rs 150), which I’d and salad (yes) on a good (read: in predominantly carnivorous lands With a total lack of pretence, only ever seen advertised out of savoury, not sweet) bread bun and have often suffered from bland, How to get there: look (very the restaurant announces its season in Langtang, and it’s great, with a side of fries. The burger uninspired, put-something-on-the- carefully) for a small, floor- burgers, crêpes, Breton galettes, if you’ve never had it. held together well – there are plate slop servings. The vegetarian standing sign pointing into an alley and miscellany without printed But things really got going with people and I aspire to be one, for au gratin (Rs 350), served with off Chaksibari Marg. Phat Kath is menus: the blackboard, or rather the Phat burger (Rs 350), which whom this is a science – meaning wilted spinach, rice, and – for no on your right if coming from JP the dishes it discusses, is the came as a generous helping of a mouthful ensured even apparent reason at all – coleslaw, School Road. 14 3 - 9 JANUARY 2014 #688

GIZMO by YANTRICK A milestone article No middling affair

Unfortunately, s the nerve centre of any home theatre system, an audio- PCR tests are very video receiver is supposed to be an immaculate multitasking expensive and not device. It must decode surround sound formats, coordinate available in most A your loudspeakers, and switch between audio and video hospitals or clinics components seamlessly. Which means that simply buying a Blu-ray in Nepal. Keeping disc and tossing it into the tray won’t guarantee you an enriched this drawback in cinematic experience. mind, we tried to With this in mind the folks at Onkyo USA have come up with a figure out if clinically gem. The new TX-NR727 doesn’t betray the company’s reputation (that is without blood as a manufacturer of solid audio-video equipment. Quite the tests, just based on contrary. signs and symptoms of the disease) if Capable of delivering surround sound at 110 watts on the 7.2 these PCR-diagnosed channel, the TX-NR727 is worthy of being the centrepiece of your typhus patients TV room. But what impressed Yantrick the most is that it has all were different from the hallmarks of a trustable equipment. Classic look, check. Firm, regular typhoid weighty feel, check. Customisable features, check. Brilliant sound, patients. But there check. were no clinical And it is not all form over function. With THX Select2 Plus characteristics that certification an equally fancy-sounding Audyssey DSX and Dolby clearly distinguished Pro Logic IIz audio processing capabilities under its hood, you are yphoid is a common illness Indeed, this murine (which typhus patients from those with sure to get the most accurate performance from your movie and in Nepal. But are there actually denotes rodents or blood-culture positive typhoid game soundtracks. Tinstances when a patient rats) typhus organism (called patients. looks like he or she has typhoid rickettsia) is carried by fleas on Medical textbooks mention that fever and it turns out to be rats. These fleas transmit the murine typhus patients, in contrast something else? At Patan Hospital disease to humans when their to typhoid patients, have more we had clearly suspected this may faeces contaminate the area on respiratory problems like shortness be the case, but had never quite the person’s body where the of breath, cough, and findings on proved it in a scientific manner. bite takes place. chest X-ray. Although our initial The incubation period for findings did show this to be the murine typhus is about two case, the final statistical testing did weeks and the patient suffers not bear this out. Interestingly, our DHANVANTARI from fever, headache, cough, study revealed that most people and generalised malaise. who had murine typhus were Buddha Basnyat, MD The rear end of this console comes with above par connectivity Unlike other places where this women from Kathmandu with high options. Eight HDMI inputs allow for multiple devices like DVD/Blu- disease is endemic, in Nepali fever in the winter. There were serological patients, we found no rashes. The findings from the 2008 ray players, games consoles - you name it. Two analogue to HDMI diagnosis of various organisms These symptoms look exactly study are very important because video conversion out-ports provide up to 4K HD outputs. Add to resembling typhoid, but these like typhoid fever and that is they have the potential to this its Marvell Qdeo video processor that also supports 3D and you tests are not always fool-proof where the confusion arises and change prevalent therapy. Many are spoilt for choice. because there is the chance may lead to a misdiagnosis. antibiotics used for typhoid are Music lovers have an equally grand plaything. The TX has of getting mixed up (cross- The test employed to not very effective in treating built-in wireless and Bluetooth for hassle-free connection to reactivity) with other organisms diagnose murine typhus was typhus fever and because typhus your smartphone, tablet, or PC. A remote control app for Apple, which also appear serologically a PCR (polymerase chain and typhoid are common and Android, and Kindle devices gives further options to enhance your alike. reaction) test, a modern, DNA- generally indistinguishable, it is sonic adventures. A little-known, but landmark based study that makes the vital to use proper antibiotics at the The bane of home theatre systems has always been the study carried out in 2008 called, diagnosis almost certain. We outset. Since similar environmental difficulty one faces in setting up and calibrating them. But with Murine Typhus and febrile tested 85 blood samples from conditions prevail in our region, an in-built microphone, the TX does this by itself. However, its illness, Nepal, looked at the patients whom we suspected the diagnostic finding of murine interface can seem puzzling to a first-time user. But once you get possibility of one other important, to have typhus. Fifty of these typhus is not limited to Nepal more familiar with the device, you will find that all the bells and common cause of fever in Nepal patients had a positive PCR and applies equally well to other whistles have a purpose. This A/V middle-man is a friend, not a foe. besides typhoid. We focused diagnosis for typhus (for countries in the Subcontinent. on typhus (specifically, murine various reasons we actually Hence this article (Emerg Infect Dis Yantrick’s verdict: retailing for approximately Rs 70,000 typhus) because first there was, think these numbers reflect 2008 ; 14(10): 1656-1659), which is excluding the speakers, the Onkyo TX-NR727 is not cheap. But as mentioned above, the evidence an underdiagnosis). However, easily available online, needs to be once you recline on your sofa and close your eyes to the entire of the non-diagnostic positive the sheer sample size of this read by all healthcare professionals sonic spectrum, you will hear exactly what you paid for. serological tests and second, the final diagnosis makes this an while dealing with treatment of commonness of rodents in Nepal. impressive finding. fever in South Asia. 3 - 9 JANUARY 2014 #688 NATION 15 More warlike The British preferred to recruit soldiers from Nepal’s mountain ethnicities rather than from the high castes

Nasiri and Sirmoor Battalions distant lands for the British had Brahmins, Chhetris, Empire. Most of the names of Thakuris, and Dalits. But Nepalis killed in action in the it was evident that British battles of Monte Cassino in Italy, officers preferred men from in Imphal and Burma, or Malaya Tibeto-Burman ethnicities like had Gurung, Magar, Rai, and Gurung, Magar, Rai, and Limbu. Limbu names. The British asked for and got permission in 1886 to Deepak Aryal is carry out its own selection a reasearcher at of recruits in the mountains Madan Puraskar

THEGURKHAMUSEUM.CO.UK of Nepal. So when World Pustakalaya in War I came around, most Patan. Still from Kesang possessions in the subcontinent. of the regular soldiers were Tseten’s 2012 At first, Nepal’s rulers appear from the Tibeto-Burman nepalitimes.com documentary Who to have been reluctant to allow communities. However, there Becoming their fathers, #637 Will Be A Gurkha their men to join a foreign army, were still between 5-10 per cent The fl ags of their fathers, #630 (above) that looks but by the time of Bir Shamsher Brahmins and Chhetris in the at the recruitment in 1885, they saw financial and British Indian Army’s regular process of Nepali diplomatic benefits and allowed force that saw action in the boys into the British Nepalis to officially join the 1914-18 war in Europe. Army. British Indian Army. After the war ended in 1918, 6th Gurkha Rifl es at The first Englishman to the proportion of higher castes Gallipoli, Turkey in describe Nepali hill dwellers went up in the Nepal’s royal 1915. as ‘martial tribes’ was Francis army while the numbers of Buchanan-Hamilton in 1819 Janajati soldiers increased in after seeing the fearless soldiers the British Army. This trend DEEPAK ARYAL in action. At that time, the in action during the conflict continued till the time World total population of Nepal was with the East India Company. War II broke out and Gurkhas estimated at 5.6 million, which The first Gurkha units of the were once more fighting in he only newspaper means entire villages must have in Kathmandu in the been emptied of young men. Tearly 20th century, And if one takes into account Gorkhapatra, referred to the First that most of the soldiers came World War as the ‘European from certain ethnicities, their War’ and carried regular reports home villages must have been from the front in which tens of emptier. thousands of Nepali soldiers The recruitment of Nepalis were fighting. The news was into the British military started about how many were killed in 100 years previously during the which battle on which front, but Anglo-Nepal War and initially did not talk specifically about was made up of deserters, Gurkha regiments in the British mercenaries, and irregulars from Army that were in the trenches Kumaon and Garhwal. After of Flanders Field or at Gallipoli Nepal’s military expansion in Turkey. ended in 1816, there were about When the war started, 30,000 battle-hardened ex- 26,000 Gurkha soldiers were soldiers who joined the British already serving in the British Army. Indian Army and by the end British Resident Brian of the conflict, this number Houghton Hodgson said had doubled. However, in the recruitment would soothe five years of fighting, another diplomatic relations with the 200,000 young Nepalis had Nepal Darbar and allow Britain been recruited for the British to induct Nepal’s warlike tribes Army and 20,000 were killed into its ranks to defend its 16 NATION 3 - 9 JANUARY 2014 #688

KANGRA THE

JAITHAK DEUTHAL PASHMINA GARHWAL NALAPANI WAR KUMAON The Anglo-Nepal War 1814-1816 was more about trade than territory

DELHI TIBET

KUNDA DIXIT The Company was in financial trouble. The KATHMANDU beginnings of the Industrial PALPA he 19th century conflict Revolution had made it possible between the Kathmandu to mass produce cotton fabric MAKWANPUR SIKKIM TDarbar and the British cheaply in Lancashire and it LUCKNOW SINDHULI East India Company in Calcutta no longer made sense to source GORKAHPUR is often attributed to a clash it from India. The Company over territory between two was in the business of selling expansionist powers in the the cotton in China, getting subcontinent. China addicted to Indian opium The Gorkha Empire was its and Indians addicted to tea Himalaya at products from trans-Himalayan trading passes Jayasthiti Malla of Patan sent peak, stretching 1,500km from originally from China. Tibet that it could sell in and the lucrative taxes on goods. an SOS to Calcutta and the Sikkim in the east right up to Although it was a trading Europe. Primary among these Even before hostilities broke Company dispatched a force Punjab in the west (see map). house, the Company was a was the shatoosh wool from out in 1814, the Company had under Capt George Kinloch. Britain’s colonial project in political and administrative the Chiru antelope that roamed already engaged militarily The invaders had to first battle India was outsourced to the force with a standing army. It the western Tibetan Plateau, with the Gorkhali Army. After malaria, swollen monsoon East India Company that was was on the lookout for more shawls from which were prized Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered rivers and desertions after tiger answerable to shareholders back commodities to trade and in England. But the Gorkhalis Nuwakot in 1742, he advanced attacks in the Char Kose Jhari. in London. looked longingly across the controlled all the traditional on Kathmandu Valley. King By the time they reached the

1743 1767 1768-69 1814-16 1857 Prithvi Narayan Shah becomes the Gorkhalis defeat Captain George Kinloch at Gorkhali army overcomes Kathmandu Nepal stretches 1,500km from Teesta Nepal aids British India in quelling the Sepoy Mutiny King of Gorkha and recruits Khas, Sindhuli Gadhi and Shah dynasty rules over the to Satlaj; start of the Anglo-Nepal war and earns back Western Tarai Gurung, and Magar men into his army Kingdom of Nepal with loss for Nepal 100 years of platitudes

SUNIR PANDEY with new recruits, sent out beyond the barbed wire to The involvement YARD BY YARD: British gain a few yards of trench- of Nepali soldiers Gurkha soldiers take over a en days after the Austro- line, only to be decimated by trench during the Battle of in the First World Neuve Chapelle in France Hungarian army fired machine guns and poison gas. during World War I. Tshots into Serbia, the Other Gurkha units suffered War has more to 2/8 Gurkha Rifles battalion of a similar fate. After a year of it than military Imperial Britain’s Indian Army heavy casualties and little corps were ordered to war. They progress in Flanders Field, gallantry would march from Sirmoor to much of the Indian army and Delhi, then onwards to Karachi with it the Gurkha troops were from where the 620 natives shifted to Egypt and Palestine. and their nine British officers In Gallipoli, a brief the Turkish coast in January would board a ship to Marseille. resurgence in a disastrous 1916, the Gurkhas were moved Twenty four hours after British campaign to cut to the Gulf and took part in the reaching the frontline in central through Turkish lines and campaign to realise the British France, 156 Nepalis would relieve Russia would leave Mandate for Mesopotamia. perish in their first skirmish on plenty of Australian, New Of the 200,000 Nepali 30 October 1914. Zealand, British, and Gurkha soldiers who took part in the Over the next 12 months, the soldiers dead. After Allied First World War, 60,000 were battalion would be repatched forces were evacuated from involved in direct combat, GURKHAS (PAGEANT OF HISTORY SERIES) 3 - 9 JANUARY 2014 #688 NATION 17

KEY BATTLES: 17,000 Nepali soldiers faced 40,000 British troops along a 1,500km frontier which included the strategic garrison in Nalapani (left) and the Kangra Fort (right), during the Anglo-Nepal War.

Kathmandu and agreed to sign back suitably impressed and the treaty. dispatched his army to quell Nepal kept its sovereignty, the Mutiny in India in 1857. but lost territory, had to agree London disbanded the East to Gurkha recruitment, and India Company and assumed allow a British presence in direct control by the British Kathmandu. The East India Crown over India. Company needed the Himalayan Nepali soldiers have been passes in Kumaon and Garhwal fighting and dying for the British mountains, the Gorkhalis were his son Ranabir Singh Thapa recruiting the Garhwali and for access to precious antelope ever since, in the early Afghan waiting at the fort on Sindhuli commanding Makwanpur Fort, Kumaoni fighters from the wool from western Tibet and Campaigns, in both World Wars, Gadi with hornet nests that they Balbhadra Kunwar defending the enemy to form the first Gurkha were not really interested in in Malaya, Borneo, and the hurled down at the attackers. strategic garrison at Nalapani in regiments. conquering the rest of Nepal, Falklands. The Gurkhas are back The British were so Garhwal, Col Ujir Singh Thapa After losing the territory west which it probably considered in action in Afghanistan as part chastened by the defeat, they in Palpa, Gen Amar Singh of the Mahakali, the English ungovernable, and wanted to of the British NATO contingent didn’t return to Nepal till 1814. Thapa at Malaon Fort, and his forces proposed a treaty to end keep us as a strategic buffer in Helmand. Under the pretext of a border son Ranajore Singh Thapa at the war. However, Bhimsen against Tibet and China. Bhimsen Thapa ruled for dispute in Butwal, the Company Jaithak Fort. Thapa felt that Nepal was The Company never did get another decade before falling launched an all out offensive The first frontal attack on strong enough to withstand to profit from the pashmina from grace after Queen Regent with four columns led by Major- Nalapani and Deuthal did not the British and refused to sign. trade, however, because the raw Tripura Sundari died and clan General Rollo Gillespie and go well for the British, but as So, in the spring of 1816, the Chiru wool trade from Tibet was fighting with the Pandes landed Colonel David Ochterlony in the war wore on the Company British sent Gen Ochterlony, traditionally monopolised by the him in jail. The British resident, Garhwal and Kumaon in the used the combination of siege the commander who had Kashmiris. Jung Bahadur Rana, Brian Hodgson, favoured the west, Gen John Wood in Palpa, tactics and mountain cannons to inflicted the greatest defeats who had staged a bloody coup Pandes and Bhimsen Thapa Maj-Gen Bennet Marley on squeeze the Gorkhali forces. The on the Nepalis in Kumaon, to in Kathmandu, became the first committed suicide in jail in Makwanpur and Kathmandu, siege of Nalapani, Deuthal, and attack Kathmandu. Ochterlony royalty from the subcontinent 1838. and another along the Kosi in Jaithak and the bravery shown surprised the defending Nepalis to visit Victorian England and the east. by Bhakti Thapa, Bal Bhadra in Makwanpur by using little- his ulterior motive for the trip nepalitimes.com The Nepali forces were Kunwar, and Amar Singh Thapa known mountain trails and was to spy on British military under the overall command is the stuff of legend in Nepali attacking them from the rear. might to gauge whether it was Interactive timeline and maps of Prime Minister Bhimsen history books. The British were Bhimsen Thapa was shocked worth going to war to regain Photo gallery Thapa in Kathmandu with so impressed that they started to find the British so close to lost Nepali territory. He came BBC’s documentary on the Gurkhas

1914-18 1939-45 1997 2001 2009 200,000 Nepali men serve as part of 250,280 Nepalis fi ght under the After Hong Kong Gurkhas serve in Afghanistan and Iraq as The British parliament allows Gurkhas, Britain’s Indian army in WWI Crown in WWII is handed over to China, Gurkha part of the British NATO contingent who retired with four years of service headquarters is shifted to Aldershot, UK before 1997, to settle in the UK

others were army bearers or me that if I did not quit my job when Bir Shamsher became World War I came back with that they were dreaming of.’ part of hospital units. Although and came back home, I would prime minister through a coup an unprecedented Rs 130 Lured by the colourful tales largely undocumented, there be sorry for it. I laughed at this that he was compelled to million in remittance, which and newly acquired wealth of were over 20,000 casualties. and now I am repenting at my recognise British India’s ‘right’ far outstripped the country’s their foreign-returned relatives Also undocumented, as leisure. When I think of my to draft Gurkha soldiers. In annual revenue of the time. and friends, young men in historian Pratyoush Onta says, mother, I say to myself, ‘What exchange, they would blindly The families and friends of the Janajati communities is the physical harm faced by can I do?’ What was fated to support his questionable the soldiers were introduced were convinced that upward soldiers who were maimed in happen has come to pass. We ascent to power. Thus the to the kind of affluence and mobility comes quickest the war. have been caught just as fish Gurkha lahureys became, material riches that they had through army pay-cheques. To the outside world, the are caught in a net.” It is not as anthropologist Mary Des never imagined possible in Even today tens of thousands Gurkhas turned into instant known what happened to Chene writes, ‘the coin of trade their lives. train, apply, and fight for heroes – the martial race with this soldier or if the receiver between British and Nepali Writer and analyst Jhalak the 230 coveted spots in the the reputation of unwavering got his post – all names were interests’. Subedi, in his book British British Army every year. loyalty, bravery, and superior erased by the British army’s In the early 1990s, Chandra Samrajyaka Nepali Mohara, While the days of a Nepali fighting skills. Kulbir Thapa record keepers. Shamsher went on to pledge quotes court historian Bhim mass exodus to other armed and Karan Bahadur Rana The men, who risked their Nepal’s entire armed forces and Bahadur Pande: ‘All the forces are all but over, the became the first Nepalis to lives in the battlefields of all possible recruits to Britain way from Nautanawa, these exceptional contribution receive the UK’s highest Europe and Africa a century even before war broke out in youngsters spent so much of Gurkha soldiers to their military decoration, the ago, have played a far greater Europe in 1914. The British money that porters charged homeland and their adopted Victoria Cross, for gallantry role in their country’s history, would provide concessions in more, taverns opened up along battalions in the past 200 ‘in the face of the enemy’. But diplomacy, economy, and arms purchase and an annual the foot trails, minstrels got years, remains a willfully censored letters from injured culture than they are given subsidy of Rs 1 million for the enough to eat, innkeepers got misconstrued historical soldiers to loved ones back credit for. rulers’ private treasury. fatter, and land-prices soared oddity. home, reveal more shock and While the recruitment of The Gurkha regiments … everyone started hoarding awe than bravery. Nepalis into the East India bought prosperity not only to Indian currency at home and nepalitimes.com A letter written by a soldier Company army began soon Rana rulers, but injected untold people migrated to India and in a hospital in Brighton, UK after the Anglo-Nepal War wealth into our restricted Burma because Kathmandu Reading list reads: “My mother used to tell of 1816, it was only in 1885 economy. The survivors of couldn’t provide the lifestyle Multimedia special 18 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 3 - 9 JANUARY 2014 #688 Rajyalakshmi vs Ram Kumari questioning the UML’s decision to nominate controversial candidates when there are people within the ranks who are far better qualifi ed and who have sacrifi ced a lot for the party. I talked to senior leaders after the closed list was announced, but I wasn’t convinced with their explanation.

Do you want the UML to modify the list? Of course, only then will the party’s loyal cadre be convinced that leaders are willing to mend their old ways. I am not saying that all 84 PR candidates are undeserving and need to be changed, but those with tarnished reputation or those who got seats because they made hefty donations must be removed to Amit Dhakal, Setopati, 30 December Interview with UML student leader protect the UML’s standing. My message Ram Kumari Jhankri, Ghatna ra Bichar, is clear: the public mandate cannot be 1 January misused by incompetent candidates to The daughter of a well-known fi lm loot the country. producer in Bollywood, Rajyalakshmi Golchha moved from Mumbai to Many were expecting you to be on the Has the PR process been turned into a Nepal after marrying Mahendra UML’s proportional representation money game? Golchha and has been running list. Why didn’t the party nominate The PR mechanism was introduced the family business ever since her you? so that people from marginalised husband’s death. She has zero Ram Kumari Jhankri: I am just as communities would have an equal say experience in politics, apart from shocked as everyone else by the UML’s in the drafting of the new constitution as donating large sums to parties. PR list. However, my complaint is not well as to bring them into the national Ram Kumari Jhankri was born personal; I understand that not every mainstream. Unfortunately, the parties in a Magar family in Myal Pokhari, member can make it to the Constituent have made a complete mess of the Gulmi, 40km away from district Assembly. My main concern is rather process. Those with money, those who headquarters Tamghas. Active as a with how senior party leaders went about are close to party heads, or those who UML student leader all her life, Ram fi nalising the list. funded individual election campaigns Kumari went on to become the fi rst are handpicked to sit in the CA, while female president of the Free Student You have been vehemently protesting deserving candidates are easily disposed Union in 2008. the party’s decision through various of. Our short-sighted leaders have The Golchha family has been media outlets. turned this inclusive mechanism into just the patron of Nepali Congress for a It’s not just me. All of us who value another way of making more money for long time. And yet it was the UML transparency and fairness have been themselves. which readily gave Rajyalakshmi a Proportional Representation seat, while keeping a young, capable junior leader like Ram Kumari out of the constitution making process. However, it’s not Rajyalakshmi’s fault. The way PR seats are allocated in Nepal is deeply symptomatic of our corrupt political culture where money has the fi nal say. Plenty of parties have auctioned their PR seats to businessmen and entrepreneurs have been more than willing to oblige because they see their time in BICC hall as a way to earn back the millions they have invested in the parties in the form of donations. The Ram Kumari versus Rajyalakshmi case shows us that if we want to protect our nascent democracy, we must urgently change the PR process to make it more transparent. We must break this unholy nexus between politics Consensus and the corporate world. But for this to happen, ordinary Nepalis need Rabindra in Nepal, 29 December to support clean and professional candidates like the Americans did

with Barack Obama and Indians with QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Arvind Kejriwal. Since the fi rst mass uprising You should first buy land and build“ houses in in 1951, major transformations in Belgium. After you establish yourselves, you Nepal’s polity have come from the “must try and seize power. lower and middle classes. Politics must, therefore, remain within the reach of this group. In the battle UCPN (M) leader Dina Nath Sharma talking between Rajyalakshmi and Ram to Nepalis in Belgium, Jana Astha, 1 January Kumari, the latter must prevail. 3 - 9 JANUARY 2014 #688 19 20 BACK SIDE 3 - 9 JANUARY 2014 #688 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com

PAST PRESENT FUTURE Legally binding resolution DIWAKAR CHETTRI Gan gan gan gan ... he trouble with new year NEW YEAR RESOLUTION AGREEMENT back in time for a breakfast of resolutions has always been BETWEEN I, ME, AND MYSELF muesli, whole-wheat, and a Tthat by 7 January of every year, warm frothy health drink which since records started being kept, we Preamble used to be the favourite of a break them and resume snarling at our certain ex-prime minister of a slightly better halves, plucking our WHEREAS all Nepalis great and small neighbouring country which nostril hair in public, smoking five are entitled to earn karma points during starts with the letter ‘I’. packs of ciggies a day, and getting a their current passage through life so as to lifelong membership of the Nepal Bars ensure reincarnation as higher primates 2. That I will stop picking my nose Association where our favourite tipple (hereinafter referred to as ‘monkeys’) in in public (or private) unless is the Famous Grouch. their next incarnation; AND WHEREAS ordered to do so in the national we consider that it is the interest of every interest by the High-Level The main drawback of new year citizen to enjoy the fundamental human Political Mechanism. resolutions and the reason they never right to make an ass of himself and/or make it to the implementation phase, herself in the course of the Gregorian New 3. That I shall not cast aspersions Gan gan gan gan ... is that they are not legally binding. Year; DETERMINED to get intoxicated during the whole of 2014 There is nothing there in writing. And during the traverse by Planet Earth in its about the female relatives of in the absence of a Letter of Intent that trajectory around the Sun of the exact motorcyclists who try to overtake will stand up in a court of law, such spot in its orbit that it (the Planet Earth) me from the left while on the resolutions are easily broken. was at 365 days ago; BEING DESIROUS Pani Tanki uphill. That is why this year the Ass has taken of making amends for the perfect ass the unprecedented step of getting (hereinafter referred to as ‘donkey’) I made APPENDICITIS (A) A Court corporate lawyers at the Bhattarai, of myself at midnight of the 31st at the of Arbitration shall be established Bhattarai & Bhattarai Law Firm to draw Radisson; BEARING in mind that there pursuant to the Preamble above to up a Memorandum of Understanding are 16 other new year parties where I can resolve any disputes arising from the with my unreformed self and got the make a donkey of myself (viz: Bikram non-implementation of The Resolution, document duly notarised by the Chief Sambat 2072, Nepal Sambat 1030, the or if they are carried out in a manner District Officer and signed by two half-dozen Losars, and the Inuit New that is not in consonance with the letter witnesses who are senior civil servants Year); NOTING that although there is a and spirit of this agreement. in His Erstwhile Majesty’s Government case to be made for a moratorium on said that puts me under a contractual new year parties; NOTING FURTHER APPENDICITIS (B) This agreement This is what obligation to abide by the resolutions I that this country, however, needs to keep shall be deemed to be null and void gan-gantantra made for 2014. partying on since we no longer live in a if the contractual party and/or The means. partyless system; I HAVE resolved with Publisher (hereinafter referred to as The lawyers have sent me a draft of myself during the 2014th year of the Birth ‘The Sau’) decide to terminate this this iron-clad MoU and given the stiff of Our Lord to carry out the following column in the national interest penalties involved in breaking one reforms in my general behaviour: during the course of 2014. or more of the terms and conditions therein, I will think twice before 1. I will get up every morning at The Ass reaching for fags on 7 Jan. 5:30am, jog to Tin Kuney, and be

CDO Regd No 194/056/57 Lalitpur, Central Region Postal Regd. No 09/069/70