#26 19 - 25 January 2001 20 pages Rs 20

EXCLUSIVE Free to be poor Having waited for six months for government support, kamaiyas freed from bonded labour are losing their patience and say they will settle on any piece of unclaimed land. Kamaiya activist Dilli Chaudhary says: “First, they told us they’ll give us land by Dasai, then Tihar, now Maghi is over and we’re BINOD BHATTARAI still waiting.” Destitute kamaiyas had no ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ cause to celebrate their biggest annual ast year, international auditors discovered festival on 14 January. There are an lsome fishy goings-on in two of Nepal’s estimated 16,500 kamaiyas in the foremost banks. Now, it’s not just fishy any western tarai districts of Nepal and most more: Nepal Bank Limited (NBL) and Rastriya Banijya Bank (RBB) are on the verge of collapse. Almost half their assets are non- performing, loan recovery is down to a WHAT IF? catastrophic 25 percent, and their cash ratios (adequacy) are billions of rupees short of the Two of Nepal’s biggest banks are insolvent. Rs 45 billion worth of mandatory minimum. “There’s no doubt that the two banks are depositor’s savings is in danger. The largest borrowers are the ailing and failing,” admitted Bimal Koirala,

NARESH SHRESTHA biggest defaulters. Banking reforms are the only hope. secretary at the Ministry of Finance. He told of them are now camping in the open the parliament’s Public Accounts Committee bad shape is not news. The Commercial Bank resolve the crisis, like handing the banks over like on the ground,” says a foreign economist after they were “freed” by government last week that only major reforms can ensure Problem Analysis Strategic Study (CBPASS) in to external management, but politicians have who has studied Nepal closely over 10 years. decree in July. that some Rs 45 billion worth of depositors’ 1992 had already warned of a crisis. But an unspoken worry that skeletons are going to “The hole is getting bigger every day we fail to The government recently savings are not lost. This was a shocking announced it was distributing parcels of nothing was done, and last year international topple out of their closet if outsiders are let do something.” land to 62 families, but Chaudhary and admission by a senior government official, and auditors KMPG estimated the negative net in. For the opposition, it has been just too Part of the blame for today’s mess is the NGO sources say they don’t know of one that could trigger a run on the banks. But worth of the two banks to be anywhere tempting to flog the government by opposing Nepal Rastra Bank which has always acted like anyone who has received land yet. The it was also an indication of just how serious the between Rs 20 and 25 billion (depending on “externally-dictated” reforms. The interests of a government department rather than an kamaiyas now plan to identify situation is. who’s counting) and declared them some 40 major defaulters (a literal Who’s independent regulator. All it can do now is unclaimed farmlands, and start Every politician present at the hearing “technically insolvent”. It blamed bad Who of Nepal’s business elite) is also delaying hope things will work out. Governor of Nepal occupying them. Chaudhary says his seemed to agree. But their statements showed management, bad accounting, bad supervision a decision. Nepal Bank’s board members, Rastra Bank, Dipendra Purush Dhakal, told people will measure 10 katthas—an more myopic partisan grandstanding and and excessive political interference in the past who know very well that the value of their us: “A turnaround is possible. If that can be area 40 by 40 cubits—for each family blame throwing than desire to address the seven years for the woes. equity is in the negative, want the government done with the smallest effort today, why not and build their huts. There is fear that crisis itself. Leftist politicians are neither There are ways to to pay for the new management team but still do it and take a chance to make the banks the local administration may give some convinced about the government’s reform want to call the shots even after the new profitable again?” trouble. “But since they’ve seen the plan, nor are they offering alternatives. The worst, they now seem ready to face it,” managers arrive. That effort would cost $25 million, and says Ashutosh Tiwari, a Kathmandu- PAC is meeting again on 19 January to review In case the banks do collapse, losses will the World Bank may be agreeable to lending based activist now in Dhangadi. a crucial sub-committee report on the issue. be staggering. The collective assets of NBL the amount but only if the government comes That NBL and RBB are in and RBB run up to Rs 80 billion and the two up with an acceptable reform plan. Other control over 60 percent of all banking donors and creditors will be watching those transactions in Nepal. Because the reforms keenly. Acceptable financial sector government doesn’t have the money needed reforms are also a pre-requisite for Nepal to GAGGING RADIO to rescue the banks, small and big depositors qualify to use money from the IMF’s Poverty stand to lose their savings. And the 10,000 Reduction and Growth Facility. Nepal is a public radio pioneer in South Asia. It was the first employees of both banks will not just lose The financial reform agenda at present country to allow community radio stations in 1997 when their money, but also their jobs and pensions. hinges on amending the laws to make the Radio Sagarmatha went on air in Kathmandu. Nepal has also been more liberal than others in the region in allowing It is a nightmare scenario and the money Nepal Rastra Bank independent, and more private FM broadcasters. The deregulation increased involved is so staggering that the government capable of supervision and monitoring. A bill credibility and professionalism of radio, made the medium doesn’t even seem to want to think about it. to that effect is to be tabled in parliament in interactive and citizens more aware of news and trends. We’re told that some major depositors are the upcoming session. NBL and RBB reform But it seems the government doesn’t think so. A sudden beginning to show signs of panic: the Royal plan also includes: decision by the Ministry of Information and Communication on Nepal Army and the Employees’ Provident l Selecting and appointing external 2 January (circulated to radio stations on 16 January only) Fund have already withdrawn about Rs 2 management teams; banned the broadcast of independent news and current affairs billion of their mature deposits from one of l The teams take over day-to-day bank on FM. A clause in the FM licence disallows news broadcasts, but to quote sources and “verify facts” before they go on air. the two banks under various pretexts after the management; the government claims private FM stations were circumventing it “This is exactly how zonal commissioners used to behave in KPMG report became public. l Work on a time-bound plan to address by reading a selection of daily newspapers without checking Panchayat days to control the press,” says Raghuji Pant, UML The crisis did not come overnight. The issues such as the high default rate; and facts. Sources at the ministry told us the decision was taken by MP and a former journalist. “You cannot be more undemocratic banks lent unwisely, often under political l Have them function as real banks in two journalist-turned-minister Jaya Prakash Prasad Gupta himself in than that.” The Parliament’s Development Committee has years. the aftermath of the street riots 26-27 December. Some FM decided to order the Ministry to send copies of all FM station pressure, pouring good money after bad into stations were blamed for inciting tensions by broadcasting licences and call officials over to explain reasons behind the moribund sectors like textiles, sugar and steel. There’s a sense of urgency about seeing jingoistic reports and songs. Interestingly, the government move decision. The hearing is to take place on 24 January. Worse, they waited two years after the firms these reforms through. According to the comes at a time when Gupta himself has been under fire from The distinctive and popular voice of Radio Sagarmatha, defaulted to begin taking action to get their timeline, the deadline for management the media for demanding an apology from the Indian actor which relied heavily on its own news and analysis, has been worst money back. Most loans were secured against contract proposals is next week, and they will Hrithik Roshan for rumoured comments about Nepal that incited hit. The station had popular talk shows, news programmes, panel property, often over-valued, which are now be evaluated by mid-February. Negotiations the violence, but which later proved to be false. discussions and phone-ins. The station is run by a group of not worth much because of a real estate crash. with selected teams is to begin in March, and Bharat Koirala, the one Nepali who has been engaged in a environmental journalists and was already under pressure from Now the largest borrowers are the biggest the new management team is expected in crusade to promote community radio and campaigned five the Ministry, which hadn’t renewed its licence. Kantipur FM, the defaulters. Financial analysts say the situation Nepal by the Nepali New Year. Whether or years to get Radio Sagarmatha its licence, is not happy with the other station with substantial current affairs content, defied the is now much worse than it was depicted in not it will be a happy 2058 will depend on decision. “It’s not right,” he told us. “FM stations were helping government and went ahead with its morning news-show and also the KPMG report last year. “If that was the how well the negotiations go and how much create a free, independent and pluralistic media, and evening broadcasts on Wednesday, as did Classic FM which uses t promoting public debate in our democracy.” the Radio Nepal’s own FM transmitters. macro-picture, imagine what things could be political interference there is. Media analysts say the government is using the violence as Most station managers preferred not to comment openly on an excuse to crack down on the freedom of the airwaves. Gupta’s the decision, fearing retribution from the Ministry. Said one: INSIDE ministry had already written to all stations demanding tapes “Maybe the democratic government wants the people to only spanning the period of the street violence, then it set up a listen to propaganda on Radio Nepal. The decision is an insult committee to prepare “guidelines” for FM broadcasters. Finally, to listeners and their capacity to judge news from rumours.” But came the letter from the Ministry to 11 FM stations (six in Sri Ram Poudel, Secretary at the Ministry of Information and Kathmandu and five outside) asking them to stop Communication, denies that this is an attempt to gag radio. independently-produced news and current affairs. Radio Nepal “This is not censorship. We are only trying to make news news, however, can still be relayed. But to broadcast what the more factual.” Ministry calls “second-hand news” the new rule requires stations EDIFICE COMPLEX p10-11 2EDITORIAL 19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES

KINGDOM OF AMNESIA It was just two weeks ago, but it feels like ages have passed. It is like that with bad things: you don’t want to remember. And in this Kingdom of Amnesia, we are especially good at pushing aside memories, and not learning lessons. So it seems now like a bad dream—those two days of sudden violence. As swiftly as it flared, the flames died: a paral ko aago, like a haystack in flames. All that remains today is the scorched asphalt at the Baneswor crossing, the shattered Bata sign in Mangal Bazaar, the crumpled Gupta Bhojanalaya in New Road. What is also left is the bereavement of families whose children were killed, the scars in the psyche of those on Kathmandu streets who were mistaken for being from somewhere else. And for the others, there is the frightening spectre of what we are capable of doing and how little it takes to get us to do it. So, two weeks later we are back to where we started. Our leaders in RABIN SAYAMI the ruling party are still snarling at each other, and the fight is about distributing the power to plunder. No one has any illusions about it anymore: this has never been an ideological battle over the best and quickest path to development and social justice—it is a Darwinian STATE OF THE STATE by CK LAL struggle involving the political survival of the least scrupulous. The problem is that one faction has monopolised the spoils of power, and the other one wants a piece of the action. Do they stop to think that pretty soon the coffers will be empty and there will be nothing left to fight about? The Congress’ Kumbha Mela in Pokhara this weekend promises Girija’s last hurrah some pyrotechnics, but nothing major—just another boring bout between Girija Koirala and the mentors of Sher Bahadur Deuba. No one expects a real resolution of the Leaning out over crisis of leadership and The dreadful precipice governance in this One contemptuous tree. -WH Auden country post-Pokhara. And even though the n the morning, you can see vapour rising Khadka and Bijaya Gachhedar, will make give more legitimacy than selections. But Prime Minister, who is ifrom the surface of Phewa Lake. The sun sure that it’s not a cakewalk for the Koirala elections do not always send the best also party supremo, penetrates the morning mist, and the dynasty. They know this is their final managers into positions of power, and so seems to have got his Valley of Pokhara finally comes to life. chance to prove their relevance in a party the internal structure of the party needs electoral sums right and Machhapuchhare looms, incredibly high in that has functioned more like a platform to be re-designed for efficiency. will probably keep both the sky, it is so clear and near you want to thus far, but is likely to acquire the Nepali Congress stalwarts frown posts, this is unlikely to reach out and touch it. By afternoon, there semblance of an actual political party in upon the dictatorial ways of cadre-based do anything to placate the is a crisp winter breeze wafting over the lake Pokhara. parties, but there is nothing wrong in Deuba squad. Koirala from the forest on the far bank. The mood Nepali Congress leaders like to think learning from them the lesson of being sits on two chairs, and brings back the innocence you thought you that theirs is a mass-based party. What they organised around shared values and the rebels will continue had lost long ago in the dreary journey of don’t say is that it is so by necessity. When norms. This makes everybody respect trying to pull both chairs life. As evening falls, the shadows of the it was underground and functioned in a the rules of the game. When there are

OS from under him. surrounding hills lengthen across the valley hostile environment, ad-hocism was the elections for leadership, and that will be So nothing has really changed, except this feeling of free fall. The floor absorbing the darkness. Then the only way to run it. The party can’t afford to more often in the future, the winner will government is getting ready to arm a paramilitary force, and international moon rises, and the snowy flanks of run that way now. Transparency, still take all. What they need to arms dealers are circling like vultures. The ruling party had better sort out Annapurna glow in the dark with an accountability and openness are the remember is not to leave losers behind. its power struggle for this country’s sake, if not their own. Just look at the unearthly luminescence. Pokhara is magical new principles of the Tao of Political There can be no winner without at least alternative. Trapped by the irreversible slogans of their own revolution, the anytime of day, anytime of year. Management. And political parties one loser, so the rules of the game ultra-left is inviting a crisis that could one day even cost us our And it is in Pokhara that the Nepali first need to be democratically require that the loser be given due independence. Those on the far right are set on a course of democratic Congress’ own political Kumbha Mela is being governed if the country is to be importance as well. reversal. And what does the government do? It plays petty games by held at a time when the ruling party faces democratically governed too. In elections everywhere, the blocking news and current affairs on FM, forgetting that rumours like the serious challenges of internal rift within, and a The Pokhara convention loser shows the grace of ones that fanned the flames last month can only be countered by open, challenge to parliamentary democracy by should also re-examine the congratulating the transparent and responsible media. forces without. For the sake of the party and role and function of Nepali winner. The reason why Scapegoating selected media, and blaming the messenger is not the nation, the Nepali Congress has to come Congress party in the Koirala and Deuba going to mask the incompetence of a government that demanded an to grip with itself and the nation’s problems. country’s rapidly could not show even apology from a foreign actor for something he never said. Banning news But since politics is about power, worsening half as much maturity, on FM is the kind of decision we have come to expect from officials so Pokhara too will see the war for party circumstances. despite being in the insecure that they are afraid of their own shadow. leadership erupt openly once more. Girija When it was same party, is that Prasad Koirala will be trying to ruthlessly spearheading a Nepali Congress WAITING FOR SPRING steamroll dissidents. Sher Bahadur Deuba revolution, hasn’t designed its and his band of rebels have publicly the organisation to announced that he wants at least one of centrality accommodate All right, this was a bad winter. The only thing to break the monotony of MIN BAJRACHARYA haze and frost was the fierce heat of burning rubber on the streets. And to Koirala’s jobs, and he has refused to accept of party dissent while coping top it all, you couldn’t buy kerosene when the price was hiked, and again defeat in the no-trust vote two weeks ago. leadership was quite logical. with change. you couldn’t buy it when the price was slashed. Then we found out it was The party constitution is expected to be You don’t fight a war without Considering that because all the kerosene was being used to dilute our diesel. Then came amended to elect half the central committee a general whose orders are the convention takes the gas shortage. Subsidised kitchen gas powers three-wheelers, which members from a national constituency of carried out without question. place every four years, and the government in its infinite wisdom has allowed to roam our streets so general convention members, but Deuba’s Evolutionary methods are octogenarian Koirala is asking we can embark on the search for cylinders to cook our meals with. So regional hold over the party apparatus in better suited for more settled for three more years, Pokhara don’t blame us for slipping into cynical mode, it is getting harder and the mid-west and far-west regions of the times. Evolution depends on will probably be his last hurrah. harder to keep this upper lip stiff, and the chin up. One consolation is that country will not be enough to foil Koirala. creativity, adaptability and History will perhaps be kinder things have to bottom out, and it will get better once it gets worse. That amendment is likely to be the flexibility. This means a party needs to him than his critics have But at least the sun has begun its return to our hemisphere and most important concern of Nepali Congress an internal structure where dissent been so far, but we will someday soon we will start feeling our homes, offices and blood getting general convention representatives from all is managed, not squashed. The remember him better if he warmer. The birds will return, the bees will buzz and the streets will be over the country when they assemble this party must therefore learn to place succeeds in kick-starting the leafy again. And maybe the tourists will be back. This cruel winter must weekend in Pokhara. Koirala has declared more emphasis on the institutionalisation of his party. draw to a close, and then spring can’t be far behind. in an interview that he does not need more management ability of its leaders. Delegates to the General than “two or three years” to groom a When half the central Convention of the Nepali Congress share a successor. Pokhara is the best place to make committee members come from bigger responsibility than perhaps they Nepali Times is published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd that announcement, where he will have a direct elections, all party themselves realise. It concerns us all, because Sanchaya Kosh Building, Block A-4th Floor, Pulchowk, Lalitpur receptive audience with his hardcore leaders aspiring for a internal matters of a ruling party are not Mailing address: GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu, Nepal Phones: (01) 543333-7 Fax: (01) 521013 supporters heavily outnumbering the rebels. national role would like to internal at all—they assume national Editor: Kunda Dixit (The representation-arithmetic has been be elected rather than importance. A location as grand as Pokhara Desk editors: Deepak Thapa, Samuel Thomas, Anagha Neelakantan carefully manipulated that way by his cousin selected. In a deserves momentous and historic decisions. If Editorial: [email protected] and hatchet man, Sushil Koirala.) democracy, elections the Nepali Congress fails to rise to the Marketing, circulation and subscriptions: [email protected] www.nepalitimes.com Printed at Jagadamba Press (01) 521393 On the other hand, Deuba and his occasion, they will have no one to blame but vocal fellow-travellers, Khum Bahadur Sher Bahadur Deuba themselves. t VIEWPOINT 19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES 3 COMMENT by P SAINATH Rationalism and nationalism What if the Indian media applied to its own society even a tenth of the standards it has judged Nepal by? A noted Indian writer explores the moral

loftiness of his country’s press.

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“deep and friendly relations” with. If anything, it’s surprising the anti-Indianism provoked by that act didn’t burst into the open then as it did this time over a foolish, possibly planted story. The situation on the border changed when the Gujral government was in power. A trade treaty was signed, bilateral trade thrived and things improved. Sadly, all that is threatened as New Delhi refused to look at the piling up of anti-Indian grievances in Nepal. Our water disputes with Kathmandu have hardly been handled with great delicacy. And along the border are dams and other structures that could one day cause mega-deaths on both sides. We built most of them. The Nepalis have protested against these in the past. Indian media audiences know nothing about them. And take what young students could be learning from Uttar Pradesh’s textbooks: that Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, for instance, were and should be part of a Greater India. The anti-Indian rioters in Nepal’s streets haven’t latched on to that one yet, it’s a matter of time before they do. After all, some of them seem to have drawn much inspiration from the politics of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. And in case there’s any chance of their missing the point, there’s KR Malkani to set that right. He laments India’s failure to acquire Nepal when it had a chance to do so, thereby forfeiting prime real estate in the hills. Malkani says out loud what the top bosses of the parivar deeply believe but won’t openly admit. Not just yet, anyway. Take the bans on New Year revelry, birthday cakes and honeymoons in Uttar Pradesh. These were indeed attacked as irrational hogwash. But again, what the BJP and ABVP did on the ground was never connected to the paragons SUBHAS RAI of rationality in government. But with Nepal, a whole society can be stereotyped ven as the Indian media mull over why Nepalis could be so annoyed at country left many more hundreds dead in its insane trail. Vicious outbursts by on the actions of a few. The RSS has really got its knickers in a twist over eus—we Indians being such nice guys—it follows fail-safe methods in the Thackerays and Singhals too, have led to far more loss of life than anything Nepal—remember all the stuff about The Last Hindu Kingdom? The only annoying them. Sure, what happened in Nepal last month was bad. The that ever happened in Nepal. But that’s only politics. What’s with these Nepalis, Hindu ruling monarch? The Sangh crowd was always against the pro-democracy chain of events sharpened a number of contradictions in that society: a poor anyway? No irrationality, please. We’re Indians. movement in that country. At the same time, Nepal is, ah well, Hindu. How do showing by an ineffective government, the hills-plains problem, anti-Indianism you bad mouth it and support it at the same time? It’s not easy. amongst some Nepalis. In the last decade the gains of Nepal’s pro-democracy NEPAL AS A DEN OF THE ISI Many Nepalis were angered by Indian coverage of the IC814 hijack last year. movement have ebbed. And the ultra-left and far right seem to be ganging up, The ‘den’ image has cropped up in countless reports since the hijacking of the Security at Indian airports has hardly been exemplary. And yet the kind of “we- and in fact helping create that hopelessness where many will welcome strongman Indian Airlines plane last year. Remember how the Indian media went to town penetrated-Kathmandu airport-security” stories could also have been done at a rule once again over democracy. then? The ISI may well be active in Nepal. But the Indian government tells its dozen terminals in India. Besides, the stereotyping of Nepal and the Nepalis that There’s been little analysis of these deeper and real issues in the Indian people the ISI hasn’t been dormant in India either. They’ve even been active was a by-product of the accompanying hysteria did not make India too many media. But there has been no hesitation in finding Nepal as a whole guilty of lots recently inside Delhi’s Red Fort. And if we go by the Rastriya Swayamsevak friends in Nepal. of unpleasant things. What if the Indian media applied to its own society even a Sangh’s (RSS) view of things, the ISI is entrenched in every city and town in this tenth—a sensible tenth—of the standards it has judged Nepal by? The results country. So if Nepal is their den, what does that make India? NEPAL AS UNDERWORLD HAVEN would be interesting. From what sort of platform do the media in India apply That the Delhi government is specially gifted in ISI-spotting is beyond This much repeated charge is not without truth. It might help, though, to point their moral loftiness? The planks are many. Let’s look at just four: dispute. One of its intelligence agencies puts out a note calling Dr JK Jain an ISI out that a large part of that underworld is, er… Indian. Within that, the mafias agent. If true, this confirms the ISI has successfully penetrated the National of Mumbai and UP have a big share. The Chotta Rajans, Dawoods and Babloo WHY ARE THEY BEING SO IRRATIONAL? Executive of the ruling BJP. Jain is a former BJP MP, a Sangh media baron and Srivastavs have all had bases and links. It’s clear the unfortunate young actor, India’s injured innocence is a bit misplaced. The irrationality of the rioters in among the most faithful of saffron souls the parivar has ever known. That the Hrithik Roshan, never said the ridiculous things attributed to him. There’s more Kathmandu was very real. So was the damage and loss of life it led to. It still in Sangh parivar itself has historically so often served the cause of India’s adversaries than one way, though, that the false idea that he did could have caught on. no way surpasses the many wonderful things we do here in India—only we do is indisputable. However, it turns out the allegations spring from a petty property Bollywood and mafia links are not Nepal’s problem. But it is the Indian media’s. them more often. After MF Hussain has paid a thousand times for his supposed dispute the man has had with a BJP minister. That’s frightening. If this is how Many in it have no incentive to probe deeply the ties that bind Bollywood to bad sins against the gods, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad-Bajrang Dal still attacks his rationally they deal with their best friends, one of their own pack, imagine what money. Such an investigation could prove highly embarrassing. The Indian media film in Ahmedabad, smashes theatres and intimidates audiences. It then proudly they would be willing to do to their political opponents. are just covering police action. Not one independent investigation has come proclaims its “defence of Indian culture”, and says it will persist no matter what from them. Surely odd, for a media that prides itself on its knowledge and apologies Hussain may tender for crimes he has never committed. I couldn’t spot THE RISE OF ANTI-INDIANISM coverage of Bollywood. From the Indian media, let’s have less instigation and any editorials in the papers that focused mainly on the irrationality of the VHP’s Nepal has long been known for its tolerance and friendliness. What’s occurred is more investigation. t attack on the film. Those that mentioned it editorially at all took care to an alarming break with that tradition. It might help, though, to try and distance the whole thing from the Vajpayees, Advanis and Murali Manohar understand why it’s been happening. It isn’t so many years ago that India blocked (P Sainath is a Bombay-based writer and journalism trainer Joshis—all very rational people. The last is a professor of physics who believes all transit points but one on its border with Nepal. Delhi then decided to make who writes regularly for The Hindu and The Telegraph. He is there were flying chariots and nuclear weapons in the time of Lord Ram. us look worse by arguing that it had upheld its “international obligations” by the author of the award-winning book, Everybody Loves a Good The loss of five lives in Kathmandu was a major tragedy, and the keeping open that single transit point. This was not only a technical stand, but Drought, Penguin, 1996. The above piece was adapted from a circumstances quite unprecedented for Nepal. But Advani’s rath yatra in this also a very stupid one. We were talking about a country we claimed to have longer version that appeared in The Hindu.) LETTERS AFTERSHOCKS These irresponsible mushroom revolutions “bahunism” in his article ‘Look ‘Waiting for the big one’ (#25) (and umbrella) parties seem com- by John back in sadness’ (State of the left me in a state of panic. It has mitted to turn Nepal into hell people holding 10 shares don’t these bandhs are probably pretty Child, #13) State, #25 ) was uncalled for. If he projected an apocalyptic picture (well, its half hell already). They have any idea about operating a good to clear the smog-choked has been wants to practice tolerance and of the valley after a magnitude have no clue what the far company. In fact, they may be environment. What the safa removed harmony as he preaches it, I 7 or 8 quake. It seems the reaching consequences are. I am more bril-liant than the directors. tempos or the government’s from her suggest he take an honest look at aftermath will be more serious just frustrated with these classic Shareholders may have valuable environmental policies could not post his own deep-rooted prejudices, than the actual earthquake. No @#$%&* (excuse my language) insight into running companies, achieve, the “bandhs” probably opposite which seem to surface from time one can prevent an earthquake, Why don’t they see the larger and what makes you think the do. We should not underestimate Singha to time in his writings. Meanwhile, but the time has come to think picture and imminent threats. directors are sincere to share- the ultimate motive of our Durbar. Mr Under My Hat Dixit is nuts! of earthquake safety and ready God save Nepal! holders? political parties in calling for Rumour has Keep up the nuttiness ! emergency and relief strategies. Bhim Karki Manij Lakhey shutdowns from time to time. It’s it that she crossed a couple of Kishore Joshi Recent quakes in El Salvador by email by email the environment, stupid! government ministers by insisting Handigaon and Turkey have lessons for us: Subarna Bhattachan that their children come in person if we depend only on the gov- Thank you for inviting views on MORE BANDHS, PLEASE Lawrence, Kansas to collect their driving licences ernment’s safety rules, all we your article (Shareholding Nepali I read Mr. Padma Jyoti’s comment (and take a test?) rather than the can do is pray. Style #25) on troubles caused in (“On Bandhs”, #25) on the WHERE IS BIMALA? licence being delivered to their Correction Ajay Das the annual general meetings in Internet. During my recent trips to Allow me to inform you that residence by a messenger. Lalitpur AGM of public limited companies Nepal, I have witnessed a few Inspector Bimala Thapa whom Mark Pickett The picture accompanying the due to public shareholders and bandhs myself and I must say the you had pointed out as an Kathmandu Nepaliterature column “Words of ARTHA BEED your interest in transparency in city was surreally tranquil because example of resistance to the dislocation” on Sarubhakta (#25) Could not agree more with Artha companies. But I don’t under- of the lack of traffic congestion, prevailing corruption in public NUTS was taken by Kumar Ale. Beed (Closed Economy, #24). stand why Artha Beed thinks noise and air pollution. Seriously, life (“New heroes, quiet Mr Lal’s malicious little crack at 4NATION 19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES

of them puts it. None of the three government-run fire brigades in the Valley provide fireproof jackets to firemen, let alone oxygen masks, cylinders and other equipment. Their ‘latest’ acquisition is the FIRE ALARM German-made Magirus Deutz fire tenders which all three brigades throttle. “It’s just impossible to put bought in 1976. The only ‘hi-tech’ out fires in the inner city,” says a fire engines, i.e. with foam to Kathmandu fireman. The Valley combat blazes, are at the Tribhuvan SALIL SUBEDI desperately needs portable fire International Airport. engines—smaller trucks carrying Firemen are increasingly upset GAURAB RAJ UPADHAYA 1000 litres of water that can go about government indifference to anywhere, he says. their welfare. There have been no Then there is the water promotions since 1981, and no new problem itself. All three fire recruitment since 1991. Patan’s fire brigades are perennially short of brigade has been without commanders water. The 10,000-litre water since July 2000. And, no, they’re not storage tank at the New Road fire covered by any insurance policy. “You brigade is completely dry, and has can imagine the risk to the poor been so for three years. In Patan, sipahis,” says a fireman. 1 2 every other day a fire engine goes “We are constantly at risk saving out to collect drinking water for its other people’s lives,” says another SALIL SUBEDI WITH There are 11 fire engines from Patan, recalling the death of a

HEMLATA RAI staff. “We had a 3,600-litre tank ○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○ operational in the Valley—one in built but it leaks. We’ve asked for it colleague who inhaled toxic fumes f a major fire breaks out in Lalitpur, two each with the Nepal to be repaired several times. We while rescuing a person from a well. i your neighbourhood the thing Police and the Pashupati Area still have to collect water from “We do feel for them, regarding to do is dial 101, but don’t be Development Fund (PADF) and Bode and Mahankal,” the fire issues like insurance, training and too sure that the firefighters will three each with the Judda Barun GAURAB RAJ UPADHAYA brigade says. And during the dry overtime allowance. But at the rush over. Provided they turn up Yantrashala in Kathmandu and season, they are often ordered to moment the government does not at all, for it is as likely the Bhaktapur. PADF has been trying to supply drinking water to the have any budget for that. It will take firemen would be busy repairing give its two Japanese fire engines residences of Ministers and other some time,” says Poudel of the Home their tenders, some of which (one without a tank) to the government officials. Ministry, and leaves it at that. are more than 60 years old. And government, but the government Fire hydrants can been seen at Retiring employees have a hard if there are more than four big has so refrained from taking up the odd intervals along some Kathmandu time getting their pension books from fires simultaneously in offer. Explains Min Bahadur streets, but are useless for the firemen. the Nijamati Karmachari Kitab Khana Kathmandu, the most anyone Poudel, chief of the Disaster Relief (the government records office). “We 3 According to the Nepal Water Supply can do is sit back and watch Section at the Ministry of Home Corporation, in 1997, there were 235 are stuck with work that gives us the flames, as fire engines run Affairs: “We want to hand over all the hydrants, 106 in Lalitpur and 129 in neither professional nor personal here and there with empty existing fire brigades to the local If there is anything scarier than Kathmandu. But most of them are satisfaction,” says one who has been a water tanks. “Only after development authorities either out of order or blocked. Even if sipahi for 19 years. something disastrous will the (municipalities). That’s why we haven’t a big blaze in the inner city they were to function, it would only The Home Ministry is government come up with done anything.” be at specific times since they are all responsible for the fire brigades in anything new. At the moment There is also an acute shortage areas, it is the state of our fire- connected to the water supply lines Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur, we can do nothing but hope of firefighters. Numbers have fallen fighting capacity. and even then the flow is feeble. “Fire but firemen aren’t too sure who is in nothing like that happens,” says drastically in a few years. The hydrants are not our priority at the charge. They’ve been to the Public one fireman in Kathmandu. Kathmandu fire brigade has 30 Service Commission, the Commission No roads, no water moment. We are more focused on If you want to know what he is firemen to manage four trucks (one remains totally oblivious to their public water supply distribution,” says for the Investigation of Abuse of cribbing about, take a stroll around with a ladder). Each truck requires problem. The government gives The growing number of houses Noor Kumar Tamrakar, acting Authority, the Local Development the 63-year-old Juddha Barun 10 firefighters under normal them a grossly inadequate Rs built without regard to fire safety Deputy General Manager of the Ministry and even the Special Police, Yantrashala at New Road or the fire circumstances. Poudel of the Home 100,000 each year for fuel and makes the scenario all the scarier. Corporation. to pour out their woes, but to no brigades offices in Lalitpur or Ministry doesn’t seem bothered. “They maintenance of machines. “We Add to that the fact that 50 avail. The firemen are hired under Bhaktapur. Even a brief chat with are already without work. There are no have to personally beg petrol percent of the Valley’s 1,260 km Exploited, uninsured provisions similar to the armed forces, firefighters will tell you how careless fires in the Valley. They can manage pumps to provide fuel on credit,” of road passes through high- Firemen say they sometimes fear the but are denied corresponding facilities. authorities have been about with what they have,” he says. says a fireman. (None of them wanted density areas with narrow alleys worst. Says one: “We’re often The Superintendent must be a something like firefighting. And we Firemen at Bhaktapur told us to be named since a colleague of theirs and lanes. Firemen say a road must harassed when tackling fires. If there’s graduate with basic training in are not even talking of the safety of that they have to respond to an was fired for speaking out openly to a be at least 8ft wide for the fire a big blaze, we’ll probably be lynched firefighting. “But here the khardar [a these daring workers or how they average of 20 fire incidents every newspaper.) “We get the same amount trucks to manoeuvre. The water if we aren’t able to put it out.” lowly functionary] of the ministry is have been discriminated against month. Their engines are petrol- that was budgeted in 1994,” he hose is 75m long and water can be They continue to risk their lives assigned to the post. He knows over the years. guzzlers, but the government moans. directed a further 70 feet at full only out of sheer “dharma”, as one nothing about firefighting,” says a

HERE AND THERE by DANIEL LAK Explaining everything

here are countless theories to I’ve never felt more dull-witted and uncreative political authorities. There were exceptions to this: the Incas of South t explain why some parts of the than in a Nepali January. But there has been American, the Aztecs of Mexico and the Mississippi valley native tribes are world have lots, and others some of them. But these people were particularly vulnerable to something little; why North and West are rich a ray of light, if not warmth, from the book else that was developing in the Eurasian societies—the “germs” in the title and much of the South and East Guns, Germs and Steel by the American of the book. wallow in poverty and scientist, Jared Diamond. European colonialism wiped out huge numbers of people in these underdevelopment. Some of the less developed society, usually through the spread of disease that had theories are odious and racist, others not. This is one of the best things I’ve ever read, on any topic. It oozes leapt to humans from domesticated animals. Those who domesticated are ideological, conspiratorial or humanity and an endless fascination for an array of topics. Diamond is a the animals had developed relative immunities, those who hadn’t died downright silly. biologist by trade, a genius and a polymath by inclination. in droves. Any other resistance was seen off by military technology and One of the latter goes something His thesis is blindingly simple. People evolved differently in different the use of horses in battle. People in South Asia, Africans, Australian like this: people from cold climates parts of the world according to their access to wild plants and animals to aborigines and indigenous hunter-gatherer societies in various other (Europeans, Japanese, Han Chinese) are domesticate. The largest selection of those were in West Asia, what parts of the world suffered similar fates as developed peoples spread more industrious, inventive and creative historians call the Fertile Crescent, modern day Iraq, Turkey, Palestine, outwards in search of gold, land and loot. Religion buttressed than people from the tropics (almost Israel, and Egypt. The same plants and animals were also acquired by imperialist movements and Diamond is particularly scathing in his everywhere else) because they had to work adjacent societies and those that traded with the West Asians: the ancient analysis of the role of organised faith in economic development. harder to cope with the cold. I have had thoughts like those brayed Chinese and Indians, the Celts and Teutons of northern Europe and even Successful societies, he writes, had religions that justified “kleptocratic into my ear by saloon bar sociologists in many places, including some indigenous folk from Southeast Asia. Having a broad choice of elites” who in turn funded military structures, mercantilism and Kathmandu. As a representative of one of those northern peoples, the domesticated plants and animals meant that nomadic hunter-gatherers national myths. Canadians, let me say I’ve never felt more dull-witted and uncreative settled down and produced food surpluses. This allowed them to support The underlying message here is that circumstance, luck and a degree than in a Nepali January. I can’t invent ways to find any LPG or specialists, first craftspeople, then scribes, bureaucrats and inventors. They of ruthlessness gave the north its prominent position in global development, kerosene. And as for industrious, well, ask the editor of this paper developed technologies, the “guns” and “steel” of the book’s title. not intellectual or evolutionary superiority. Diamond’s conclusion is a about whether I met the deadline for this column. Meanwhile, the people of the Americas, Africa and Australasia lagged withering attack on racism and social Darwinism and a plea for the A ray of light, if not warmth, on this perplexing topic comes from a behind because, according to Diamond, they had fewer, less efficient food inheritors of history’s good fortune to be both humble and generous newly acquired book Guns, Germs and Steel by the American scientist, sources. No wheat, for example, no cows, horses or pigs. They were not in victory. Jared Diamond. The cover blurb says the book is “a short history of able to develop writing systems, the wheel or gunpowder. Their societies May I humbly recommend this book to people from both sides of the everybody for the last 13,000 years.” It may sound grandiose but it’s largely remained organised as village-level chiefdoms without central global development divide. t NATION 19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES 5 GAURAB RAJ UPADHAYA

4 5 Everest Hotel

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ SALIL SUBEDI Planning permission has been granted for building the world’s highest hotel—17,000 ft above sea level—in the Rongbuk valley on the Tibetan side of Mt Everest. The project has however angered environmentalists and climbers who feel that the hotel will attract more visitors and make the area a virtual theme park. The man behind the scheme is Russell Brice, a New Zealand-born mountaineer who has been climbing and running expeditions on Mt Everest for more than 20 years. Brice and his Nepali partner, Ang Tsering Sherpa of Asian Airlines, first met representatives from the China- Tibetan Mountaineering Authority in Lhasa, where they agreed upon a joint venture to build a lodge at base camp. Brice then had to seek the approval of more than 88 government authorities before finalising the proposal for the eight-bedroom hotel and six chalets with 36 beds. The proposed hotel will cover 22,000 square feet of the base camp area, and will include a bar and restaurant serving local cuisine. The hotel, yet to be named, is expected to cost £2.3 million to build and designers say they have ensured that the complex will be solar powered and waste will be recycled into energy using highly pressurised tanks. Buddhist monks have advised that the design remain traditionally Tibetan. Operational Fire Engines with Juddha Barun Yantrashala The idea germinated from a temporary camp set up by Swedish climbers 10 years ago. “It made sense to have this sort of set-up Morita, German permanently, to serve not only climbers but also the majority of tourists who visit the base camp for a short time,” says Brice. But honorary Model: 1976, Capacity: 4,000 litre secretary of the Mount Everest Foundation, Bill Ruthven, dismisses the (Kathmandu-2) idea: “This is commercialising Everest. It should be left aloof from the Magirus Deutz, German masses.” Model: 1976, Capacity: 2,400 litre

(Kathmandu-1, Patan-1, Bhaktapur-1) DFID gives £19.5m

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Bedford, UK Britain’s Department for International Development (UK) has agreed to Model:1973, Capacity: 1500 litre give Nepal £19.5 million to support programmes that would facilitate (Bhaktapur -1) pro-poor governance. The money is to be used over an eight-year 1. A non-operating Dennis Fire engine in Kathmandu. period in projects to improve governance. The Prime Minister’s Office is 2. A Magirus Deutz with the Bhaktapur fire brigade. On the far end is a small scummy Dennis, UK the counterpart to DFID’s Enabling State Programme (ESP), chiefly pond which is the brigade's water store. Model: 1945, Capacity 1,200 litre because governance issues overlap different government agencies and 3. A Magirus Deutz in Kathmandu. (Bhaktapur-1) departments. Without any pre-conceived projects, the ESP will provide 4. A Bedford fire engine in Bhaktapur. funds for activities formulated by Nepalis. “The idea is to get Nepalis to 5. The Dennis at Bhaktapur Fire Brigade station which a Belgian tourist mistook for a conceive, design and implement activities to improve governance and history museum. take responsibility for the outcome,” says Sailendra Sigdel, ESP national programme adviser. “It’s a programme seeking not to build fireman from Kathmandu. their cannon instead?” asked one fire bridges or roads but to change behaviour.” Neither is there any training for fighter. ESP essentially aims at making Nepalis capable of taking charge of new recruits either. Only the first Recently, they were called upon to the change they want and involving them in the entire process. It hopes batch of firefighters were given extinguish a rumoured fire at the Gopi to enable or facilitate “change advocates” to function as pressure groups formal training when the Juddha Krishna Cinema during the recent to bring about the desired changes in governance. Though an idealistic Barun Yantrashala was established riots. Eyewitnesses say that despite goal, DFID seems convinced it is worth a shot. Which explains why— back in 1938. “We learn the skills their hesitation, firemen were forced by unlike most projects funded through bilateral grants that budget as from our seniors,” they say. police to move ahead when suddenly a much as 40 percent of programme funds to pay advisers from donor nations—ESP has just 4 percent of the kitty set aside for External “The Home Ministry does receive stone crashed through the windscreen Technical Assistance. Even that will be spent on monitoring. “We’ll be scholarship and training offers from and injured the commander badly. An closely monitoring the programme to ensure no specific interest group friendly countries every year. But since eyewitness said: “He was taken to the hijacks it,” says Michael Lowe, ESP manager. none of our firemen meet the criteria army hospital, the wound sutured and set by trainers, we are unable to send that was it. He was neither

anyone,” says Poudel. Firemen, compensated nor given any further RNAC chief suspended

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ however, claim that ministry officials medical treatment.” Hari Bhakta Shrestha, the controversial executive chairman of the Royal have been going on these training “This kind of treatment hurts us a Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC), was suspended last week upon the programmes. lot,” says the commander, who recommendation of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of If that was not enough they are remained in bed on a liquid diet for a Authority (CIAA). The anti-corruption body has been probing the also called upon by the police during week, paying for the medication out of controversial Lauda Air jet lease by RNAC, which was done through riots to shoot water. According to the his own pocket. direct negotiations despite a standing CIAA directive that all leasing be firefighters, the cops have not used There is now another worry for conducted through open competitive bidding. Shrestha had led the their water cannons even once. “We the firemen: the government decision negotiations to lease the Lauda Air Boeing 767 that has been part of are the unlucky ones, left to face the to rid the Valley of vehicles more than RNAC’s fleet since 1 December 2000. The jet was leased for 18 months mobs. We are neither armed nor 20 years old. Says a veteran fireman: “I at $3,500 per flight hour, but there are allegations that other “hidden costs” have increased that figure to about $5000. protected. The police exploit us. They wonder what the big bosses are hide behind our trucks and order us planning to do with our fire engines Kathmandu Valley Road Map highlighting heavily populated areas to move ahead. Why don’t they use that are more than 50 years old.” t which the fire brigade cannot access.

opel ad NATION 19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES

6 KIRAN PANDEY

SHIVA GAUNLE

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ fter a courtship that lasted ayears, Amrita and Ganesh Bhakta finally got married. But within a few months, the couple had filed for divorce. The judge hearing their case tried to convince them that a divorce was not the only solution. It was an effort wasted since both were bent on separation. So the necessary papers were prepared and that was the end of a marriage both partners had looked forward to so eagerly. Amrita and Ganesh Bhakta’s KIRAN PANDEY divorce was one of over 200 cases registered in Kathmandu last fiscal year. That represents around 9 percent of all cases filed in the court, and is the highest in number Divorce cases are on the rise, after traditional disputes relating to and the law remains loaded land, money lending and inheritance. against women. There is definite evidence that divorce is on the rise in Nepal. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Social scientist Ram Bahadur Cases from Kaski and Sunsari and making their own decisions. Chhetri of the Tribhuvan show a predominance of cases Upbringing too is playing a University found plenty of evidence where the wife gets into a sexual major role in divorce cases of today. while helping students gather data relationship with another while her In cities and towns, girls are less on the issue of divorce among husband is away working and vice discriminated against, get a proper Bahun, Chhetri and Newar versa. Since people are not education and are more outgoing in communities of Pokhara and comfortable talking about sex in their outlook and behaviour. Kathmandu. As part of the study Nepal, gathering reliable data on However, after marriage, society in they also collected information this aspect is rather difficult. general, and their in-laws in from the district courts of Jhapa, However, there is reason to believe particular, tend to slot them into Sunsari, Parsa, Rupandehi, Palpa that such instances could be much the role of the traditional wife or and Banke, and the results were the more widespread than reported daughter-in-law. Career-minded same. Splitting up during divorce cases. The laws of women are not prepared to accept The findings from these eight this country are biased against this. This sometimes leads to districts provide an indication of women and many of them, like problems and when the husband the changing social scenario in the Newars, which could have many more reasons and that lawyers not presented to the court, was that Babita, quietly endure everything sides with his parents the woman country. And given that these areas something to do with higher levels mention only those reasons that are she had shared no physical rather than take action. (see box). finds it easier to file for are all semi-urbanised, it also of education in these communities. likely to speed up the divorce relationship with her husband for Chhetri believes that reasons separation and concentrate on her reflects the attitude towards divorce Among the reasons cited for process. the five years she was married. The being presented in court nowadays career. But that is not so in all among people who are educated divorce by women are physical and Two major reasons not often last straw was a letter from her are not new. Earlier, women did cases. There are still plenty of and financially stable, and who have mental torture, non-maintenance explicitly stated are lack of sexual husband that said, “…didn’t have a not raise these issues because of instances where totally the confidence to approach the and lack of companionship. In satisfaction, and cheating. Babita physical relationship with you lack of education, weak financial incompatible couples continue to courts. People from all castes and Parsa (perhaps due to its proximity from Kathmandu was granted a because I thought that it would status and general oppression by live together. Concepts and ethnic groups are opting for to India) the issue of insufficient divorce in 1997 and the reason destroy your life. I have chosen husbands, family and society. The thoughts cannot change so divorce. But it is more common dowry is also cited. However, social stated was lack of interest. The another person as my life partner. rise in divorce is also a sign that easily. t among Bahuns, Chhetris and scientists believe there could be main reason according to her, again Please forgive me.” women are now more self-assured (Adapted from Himal Khabarpatrika.) Lesser citizens Grounds for divorce

Nepal ratified CEDAW (the UN convention on elimination of all forms of discrimination against In case of forced marriage between minors, a divorce can be obtained through mutual women), which recognises marriage and family rights as important and inalienable rights of understanding between the two parties when they come of age. The procedure to obtain a women, in 1991. Article 11 of the Constitution of Nepal also guarantees legal equality between men divorce for women is easier than for men, but alimony or any other form of maintenance and women. But when it comes to actual practice these assurances are not worth the paper they expenditure will be paid to the divorced wife only if the cause of the divorce is established to are printed on. be the husband. The husband will then provide maintenance to the wife only for five years “The chapter on Husband and Wife and the chapter on Marriage in the Civil Code are highly or until the wife remarries, whichever comes first. However, the provision of maintenance discriminatory against women. It puts women at a disadvantage while they are married and when is at the court’s discretion and is awarded only in cases where the wife does not have a they demand a divorce,” says Dr Shanta Thapaliya, advocate and women rights activist. She is source of income. mainly critical about the legal provisions that demand a woman’s loyalty to her husband, even after the husband’s death or a divorce. In case a woman has a sexual relationship with another man or re- For men marries, her share of property received from the former husband will revert back to him or to his natal family. On the other hand, a simple verbal accusation by a husband that his wife has been unfaithful is recognised as valid l grounds for divorce and the wife is even disqualified from receiving alimony. if wife lives separately from husband for more than three years; l As a state party to CEDAW, Nepal is obliged to ensure similar responsibilities and rights for men and women if wife attempts to take the life of or causes disability or any serious physical damage in marriage and divorce and the maintenance of children, irrespective of their marital status after divorce. The to husband; l clauses concerning these rights in the Civil Code are both contradictory and inconsistent with the CEDAW if wife has sexual relationship outside marriage or admits having sex outside charter. Women rights activists are critical about both the executive and legislative marriage in a court; Sapana Malla- Pradhan l branches of the nation for failing to bring about amendments to the four decade-old if wife elopes; l Civil Code which they say is guided by “outdated and orthodox” social values. For if wife does not produce a child in 10 years after marriage husband can remarry example, the Civil Code allows a man to re-marry without divorcing his first wife if without divorcing the first wife l she fails to bear a child after ten years of marriage. The provision assumes that if wife is infected with an incurable, transmittable sexual disease or if she becomes women are solely to blame for infertility. “Social discrimination (against women) insane, crippled or blind, husband can remarry without divorcing the first wife; and l triggered by illiteracy and an orthodox culture is furthered by a discriminatory legal if a married woman or a widow enters a forged marriage by stating her marital status system. Nepali laws related to marriage and family rights, in many cases, reinforce otherwise, she is penalised and the marriage is automatically terminated. women’s subordination to men,” says Sapana Malla-Pradhan, an advocate with the Forum for Women, Law and Development. For women Nepali laws are also discriminatory on the issue of granting child custody to women. Divorced women cannot get custody of their children. And if they do by mutual consent, the Civil Code’s chapter on l if husband remarries; Paupers denies them the right to look after their children if they re-marry. This also applies to l if wife is thrown out of the family house; widows re-marrying after the death of their husband. However, fathers retain the right irrespective of l if husband lives separately from wife for more than three years; their marital status after the death of the wife or a divorce. l if husband attempts to take life, causes disability or serious physical damage; and The same discriminatory provisions exist with regard to adoption. A woman whose husband is l if husband is impotent. not dead or who has sons either herself or from a co-wife cannot adopt a child. A woman is not also allowed to adopt a daughter without her husband’s consent, whereas a man can do so without óHemlata Rai consulting his wife. NATION Epidemic proportions19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES 7 The Hepatitis B virus is spreading fast, and most people don’t even know.

HEMLATA RAI ○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○ membranes. The infection is chronic infection among adult silent killer is upon us. If generally from mother to child, recipients is also low. Studies athe doctors are to be child to child, unsafe injections, show that there is an 80 to 90 believed, there is a blood transfusions and sexual percent chance that the Hepatitis “sudden, persistent and progres- contact. When children contract B infection develops into a sive” growth in Hepatitis B cases the virus from their mother chronic infection if the infection since 1997, and which they claim during birth or during occurs in infancy, less than 50 can be signs of the “emergence of breastfeeding, they become life- percent if infection occur in an epidemic” long carriers of the virus, childhood and less than 5 percent in Nepal. infecting other healthy people. if it occurs in an adult. Researchers put the number However, there is a cure for Sharad Onta of the Resource MIN BAJRACHARYA of Hepatitis B patients in Nepal infected adults. Centre for Primary Health Care at 200,000, and approximately The infection is detected said that the rate of Hepatitis B 200 new cases are recorded through blood tests and in case of infection in Nepal is alarming, annually. The incidence of acute indications of active liver damage, and that biologically, the Teku Hospital Hepatitis B was 9 percent in the the patient is recommended for a Hepatitis B virus is more five years between 1982-86; it liver ultrasound and a biopsy. infectious than HIV. According the Hepatitis B virus to their spread of the virus. According to for a complete course. rose to 15 percent between 1987- The government’s Epidemiology to him, preventive vaccination is children. However, we still need the documents made available to There are two types of 91, and is projected to have and Communicable Diseases the most effective way to control further studies and investigations us by the Nepal Liver Founda- Hepatitis B vaccine available in grown by 36 percent between Control Division identifies drug the spread of Hepatitis B virus. to establish the real reasons as to tion, China has a Hepatitis B Nepal: plasma-derived, prepared 1997-2000. Doctors warn that addicts, commercial sex workers, But he was critical about the way why some groups have higher surface antigen (HbsAg) preva- from purified Hepatitis B surface there could be more undiagnosed military personnel, migrant the vaccination is administered in Hepatitis B prevalence,” said Dr lence of 10 percent, Bangladesh antigen taken from persons with cases. workers and patients with the Kathmandu Valley. “What is Santosh Man Shrestha of LFN. 7.5 percent, and Pakistan and chronic Hepatitis B, and a A major hurdle to controlling chronic kidney problems as dangerous is the commer- The open border with India, India, 5 percent. genetically engineered vaccine, the spread of the disease is that an particularly vulnerable to the cialisation of the Hepatitis B and the large number of young The Asian-Pacific Consensus prepared by inserting the infected person can carry the disease. vaccination in Nepal. There is people who travel abroad to find Meeting on Hepatitis B and C, Hepatitis B surface antigen in Hepatitis B virus without showing The problem is there are neither a price-control mecha- jobs are also to blame for the spread held in Fukuoka, Japan early last yeast. Both kinds are recognised any symptoms of the disease and people who are even sceptical of nism nor follow-up to check if the of the disease. The LFN study year, recommended universal as safe and effective. transmit it to other healthy the existence of the virus, and pharmaceutical companies are reveals that 90 percent of Hepatitis immunisation for newborns as the The non-governmental sector people. It is often diagnosed too claim that it is a pharmaceutical selling unnecessary vaccines to B cases in Nepal originated in India best way to prevent the spread of blames the government for the late, after having exacted its toll industry-engineered scare. the public.” via the thousands of Nepali migrant Hepatitis B. Nepal’s progress in high price of the vaccine. Until the and manifested itself in some However, the people working to A preliminary report by the workers. Nepalis migrating for work this direction has been tardy. The price of the vaccine is reduced, and deadly liver ailment. Studies have raise awareness against the virus Liver Foundation Nepal (LFN) to other Asian countries are also reasons include widespread there is greater awareness about shown that Hepatitis B is dismiss the claim simply as a throws up some interesting vulnerable. East Asian countries like ignorance about the disease and the need for vaccination, Nepalis responsible for 60 percent of “misconception”. They claim that findings. It shows that certain Thailand, Singapore, and Taiwan, the prohibitive cost of the will have to protect themselves by chronic Hepatitis, 40 percent of people developed this ethnic groups like Tibetans, traditionally favoured by Nepali vaccine. Compared to neigh- avoiding unsafe injections, unsafe liver cirrhosis and 34 percent of misconception as in some adults Manang-bas and Sherpas have workers, also have high incidences bouring Bhutan, which supplies blood and blood products, tattoos, liver cancer in Nepal. the virus sometimes just disap- higher Hepatitis B prevalence of Hepatitis B. the vaccine at about Nepali Rs 35 acupuncture and dental care, The virus is present in blood pears, without ever developing compared to other ethnic groups Better air links with countries per dose (Rs 105 per course), taking proper medical and surgical and body fluids, and spreads into a serious ailment. The rate in Nepal. “It is because among that have a high prevalence of Nepalis have to pay five times care and avoiding multiple sex through skin and mucous at which the virus develops into a them, mothers are transmitting Hepatitis B is also facilitating the more, Rs 175 per dose, Rs 525 partners. t

VILLAGE VOICE by HEMLATA RAI Kumrose Machan hen the residents of Kumrose decided to set up a community camping on request. w forest adjoining their lands, it was a tough choice. Bordered Rare birds like colourful parakeets, scarlet minivets, endangered by the Rapti river on the south and the Royal Chitwan dusky horned owls, large grass warbler, lesser adjutant stork, lesser National Park on the west, it meant facing one of two perennial spotted eagle, yellow bittern, darter, black stork and bristled grass problems: suffering the annual monsoon flood of the river or facing warblers have been recorded in the forest. It is also rich in flora— possible danger from wild animals. Having decided the second choice there are numerous species of trees including simal (Bombax ceiba), was relatively safer than the first one, villagers, in the late 1980s, vellor (Trewia nudiflora), kutmiro (Litsea monopetala), sissau initiated a small-scale reforestation programme to save their fields (Dalbergia sissoo) and khair (Acacia catechu). from inundation and erosion. That decision was the first step towards Annually, the Kumrose machan earns between Rs 100,000— what is today known as the Kumrose Community Forest. 150,000 from both Nepali and foreign visitors. The main drawback at “The local leadership was criticised by people when it was first the machan is the lack of eateries at the site, which keeps away decided that a reforestation programme was to be implemented in our visitors who might otherwise have preferred to spend a night at a

village. People were afraid that wild animals from the nearby Royal KMTNC community-managed machan rather than in already congested Chitwan National Park (RCNP) would make this patch of forest their Sauraha, a 20-minute bicycle ride away inside the RCNP area. home and cause more trouble to local farmers,” says the present Kumroj “There are many agencies who talk big about village tourism, but Village Development Committee (KVDC) Chairman Krishna Lal A community-managed forest shows what nobody came up to help us. We are willing to work and manage the Chaudhary. could possibly be done in buffer zones machan as a community, and we are confident that if we are trained in However, the lack surrounding conservation areas. restaurant and lodge management we can attract more visitors to our

of enthusiasm among forest and machan and hence increase our income. That will be vital ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ locals did not deter ○○○○○○○○○○ for self-sustenance and also enhance the sense of ownership towards HEMLATA RAI HEMLATA Pradhan Panch Lok three species of deer, marsh mugger crocodiles, the rare Bengal tiger natural resources,” says a discontented Hira Bahadur Gurung, vice- Prasad Barakoti from and 159 species of birds. However, this quick colonisation by wildlife chairman of Kumrose VDC. “Due to lack of proper publicity, we do implementing the has not caused any trouble as the residents had feared initially— it is not get as many guests as expected,” said Chaudhary of Kumrose VDC. reforestation project. instead a matter of pride and a source of valuable income. The Kumrose VDC population includes Tharus who are The Community Forest Curious visitors to the community forest have encouraged local indigenous to Chitwan valley, and also hill migrants—mainly Bahun, Programme initiated in micro-entrepreneurship at the individual level, and the success of Chhetri, Magar, Gurung, Newar and Tamang. These subsistence Krishna Lal Chaudhary Hira Bahadur Gurung 1992 by the King preservation efforts has also encouraged the people to start community farmers depend on farming and also raise livestock for their livelihood. Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation (KMTNC) restored more enterprises. The users’ group of Kumrose Community Forest, along The community forest now fulfils the fodder, fuel-wood and timber than 1000 hectares of degraded land adjacent to RCNP. The forest with the village development committee, recently constructed a needs of about 1178 households. Apart from these benefits to the management was then formally handed over to the community in machan (view tower) that can accommodate eight visitors at a time. villagers, the Kumroj VDC itself earns approximately Rs 1.2 million November 1996. The community forest today lies within the KVDC The machan offers visitors a chance to experience jungle life at night, annually from the community forest, of which half is spent on located just outside the National Park. and in the daylight, the opportunity to observe animals and birds in a conservation, while the other half is allocated for local development With the forest came wildlife, like the villagers had anticipated. peaceful setting. Apart from the machan, Kumrose Community Forest activities. The annual development fund provided by the RCNP is Today, KVDC is home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, offers other safari facilities like elephant rides, jungle walks and another source of income for the VDC. t 8NEPALI ECONOMY 19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES

BIZ NEWS ECONOMIC SENSE by ARTHA BEED

Hotel blues again

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ We’re another week closer to the 11 February strike deadline by hotel unions. The unions say that since the government had asked them to “halt”—not “withdraw”—protests for two months, What about Indian vehicles? they reserve the right to protest or strike if the decision does not address their demand to be paid a 10 percent service charge. The unions have submitted a nine-page argument for having the service charge to the government committee, which is expected to recommend a way out We don’t trust a company with a turnover larger than Nepal’s by early next month. GDP. Indian car-makers should be trusted to self-certify their The group of 16 business and industry groups that rallied behind the hotels to shut down products, just as the Koreans and Japanese are. rather than wait for a strike, has completed a socio-economic impact study on what the charge could do to the economy. Its main argument against the charge is that it is against the he judiciary has once again that provides such certification. should Indian vehicles not be granted principle of pricing, where the value of work is determined by the employer and not by mobs. It t proved that the executive is However, Nepal believes that it has to the same? On the contrary, if the also argues that the charge is unacceptable, especially when labour laws don’t allow either inefficient or be done the Nepali way—we do not system in the Nepal Standard 2000 employers to fire even the most unproductive workers, requires them to pay for work not done incompetent. Last Friday, the allow self-certification, and we do not specifies a different process of and does not allow the hiring of contract labour. Supreme Court ruled that no believe in companies with turnovers certification, it should be applied Tourism last year dropped by 11 percent. And industry argues that if it were to fall by the “engine operated vehicles” shall be greater than our own GDP. across the board on all imports. There same percentage this year, the direct cost on the economy would be Rs1.8 billion. With four imported from India for another The import of Indian vehicles was has to be a level playing field. taken as a multiplier of the effects, losses could add up to Rs7.2 billion. The government we’re fortnight till it decides whether the on hold from December 1999 to July We are really good at announcing told is “working” to meet the deadline, but there’s no hint of what its recommendations would petition raised to do so is right or 2001 for the same reason, until the messed-up policy, especially in the be. The union says it knows what to do should the decision be unfavourable. Industry’s single- wrong. The injunction would mean government gave in and allowed self- transportation sector—be it the point agenda is no service charge, or even negotiations until the threat of strike is withdrawn. that the can of worms is opened certification like it does Japanese and microbus fiasco or banning old Some arguments and counter-arguments of the unions and industry: once again and the hullabaloo of the Korean auto-makers. This has angered vehicles. We have made a mess of the l Unions say the 10 percent charge is standard in many countries. Industry refutes this achievement of the Prime Minister’s some of our self-proclaimed Electric Vehicle industry by allowing saying that this is in no way an “international standard”. Unions cite examples from countries visit to India is all over. environmental activists who feel the unrestricted production and the like Indonesia and Singapore. In Nepal, public interest import of Indian vehicles violates lofty unregulated use of cooking gas to run l Unions say trekking and travel agencies and other industries won’t demand the charge. litigations have become a powerful Nepali standards, and they are now vehicles has created the LPG crisis. Industry maintains it will be inevitable, given even the union’s andolan (revolution) is illegal. tool to settle scores between various seeking a court injunction against it. We argue and complain about l Unions say service charge will only be charged in hotels and Nepali fast food outlets. people outside and inside politics and The issue here is whether inequalities meted out to us but we Industry says it’s a contradiction that “union bosses” do not seem to worry about the extra perhaps this is again an interesting Indian automobile producers are still continue to practice partisan change that those in lowest rungs of the economic ladder could earn. enactment of the same—and as always being denied the chance to speak policies at the behest of political and l Unions say that workers elsewhere have better facilities than what Nepali workers get. the victim is business in this country. for themselves and vouch for their other vested interest. The fact that a Industry maintains that if Nepali workers should get similar perks as those in Germany then The half-baked emission standards, something allowed to different cabinet made the policy does everything in Nepal should be as it is in Germany. standards announced in 2000 threw manufacturers in other parts of the not change what it means. This is not l Unions have presented “low” salary structures in different hotels to prove their point. up a lot of issues relating to the world. Perhaps the emission- the time for judicial intervention or to Industry maintains that the account does not factor in free or subsidised food, medical import of vehicles. Even as it remained chasing activists are being biased in argue, but to go to the bottom of the benefits, etc. unclear whether the same standards singling out only imports from issue. If there is a provision in the l Unions say hotels maintain different account books and hide profits. Industry charges apply to vehicles manufactured in India. Perhaps they are driven by Nepal Standard 2000 then implement there are several government departments looking into that and especially with VAT there are Nepal, the focus of all attention was political forces to settle scores that it on all imports and also domestic no chances of doing what the unions allege. the growing number of vehicles are really beyond the ambit of manufacture, otherwise change the manufactured in India. The vehicles or even business. provisions of the standards. We have government seems to have a soft spot The issue is of equal treatment for had enough of half-baked policies

Court bars Indian vehicle imports t

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○ for Japanese and Korean vehicles—it all imports. If all other countries can followed by callow implementation. The Supreme Court has ordered an interim ban on Indian understands that economic diplomacy get away with the fact that they have vehicle imports until its convenes again to hear a petition is one way to keep donor money no equivalent system of certification Readers can post their views at [email protected] by a consumers’ rights group which charges that import coming in. other than self-certification, why procedures are in contravention of Nepal’s emission The production of a vehicle standards. The Court has also asked the Customs entails the issuance of Type Approval Department to furnish details on vehicles imported on the certificate to certify that the prototype basis of “self certification” so far. of the vehicle is suitable for

The petitioners are challenging a Ministry of Population MIN BAJRACHARYA production. Various agencies in- and Environment (MOPE) decision allowing imports on the country as well as certain regional basis of “Conformity of Production” (COP) issued by bodies generally issue this certificate. manufacturers and not by an independent agency Thereafter, the manufacturer issues a recognised by the government. Nepal’s Emission Rules certification of Conformity of require importers to furnish both “Type Approval” and COP Production (COP). This certificate is for vehicle imports. This changed since August after Nepal agreed with India that this could be generally issued after the volume of done through “self-certification”. The 26 December petition was filed by three non- production reaches a certain figure. governmental organisations Pro Public, Martin Chautari and Leaders Nepal after the MOPE’s This is part of a manufacturer’s self- November decision allowed “self certification”. certification process and there is generally no regional or national body COMMENT Think nationally, act individuallyby ANIL SHAH

he old Chinese greeting, “May you live in interesting Far from demanding an apology from an this will take the attention away from their own infighting, misman- t times”, seems to be appropriate in contemporary Nepal. actor, it looks like we will be the ones to agement and venality. I turn to my escapist friends who are This is as interesting as it gets. Along with 23 million desperately filling out their visa application forms for the United other Nepalis, I too call this patch under the sun my home. apologise: to the families of those killed, States and Australia, but this is the eject seat—don’t we have a Home is where the Himalayan peaks are, where the thunder- to those whose shops were stoned, and responsibility to return to society what society has given us? ing rivers roar, home is the lush valleys and abundant plains. even to those we falsely slandered. There are no quick solutions. Urban Nepalis have got too used It is God’s own country, a home we have inherited from our to fast money, fast food, fast cars, instant gratification, and that is ancestors and which we will soon pass on to our children. distinguish between “us” and “them” and to make Nepal more why we seek an instant solution to our national problems as well. The question is what is our generation doing to this king- “ours” and less “theirs”. The only way out is to stop passing the buck, and individually start dom? After this tragically wasted decade, it is important to look at being a part of the solution. If we don’t like living in a dirty street, A decade ago our leaders rose up to demand an end to where we are now and chart out a new destiny. I look at the eyes of stop littering and spitting on it. If we want to have enough water the uni-party Panchayat system. After much loss of life and my innocent child, full of trust in me, content and confident knowing and electricity, let’s conserve what we have and raise our collective property, they proclaimed that we were now entering the that I will only do what is best for her. I try to look for the eyes of our voices to support viable solutions. If we want tourism for golden era of multi-party democracy. Today, some of the leaders, searching for the same commitment and confidence. I fail development we have to foster tourism, not wreck it. If you have to same leaders organise riots to demand an apology from a to find a leader. use the streets to protest, it should be to take brooms and baskets movie actor. Five young lives are lost, and we find ourselves Groping for solutions, I come across the traditionalists who have to clean them, not to burn tyres. The road ahead is long and with our feet firmly in our mouths. Far from demanding an put their fate in the hands of Lord Pashupatinath. I meet difficult, but the solutions have to come from us. No one else is apology, it looks like we will be the ones to apologise: to the monarchists who say the only way forward is a coup: the palace and going to do it for us. These are big problems but not families of those killed, to those whose shops were stoned, the army have to take over law and order since without stability insurmountable ones. One place to start would be to stop reading and even to those we falsely slandered. nothing else is possible. (Staging a coup may be the easy part, the articles like these and to start thinking nationally and acting Ten years ago, we thought all Nepalis regardless of hard part is coming to grips with the magnitude of the country’s individually. t caste, creed or religion would be treated equally and live in problems after that.) I turn to the revolutionaries who want to take us harmony as one nation, one people. We have since abused down to the lowest common denominator and start all over again, Anil Shah is a graduate of International Business Finance from our freedom to pull apart those of other religions and castes, but I can see a bottomless abyss there. I move on to the George Washington University, USA and is currently with we have used our freedom to become parochial and insular. establishmentarians, and all they can do is blame “anti-democratic” Nepal Grindlayís Bank in Kathmandu. The views expressed Leaders we elected to high office have taught us to forces for the failures of the past decade, thinking that somehow here are his personal ones. NEPALI ECONOMY 19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES99 No business like show business ALL PHOTOS: MIN BAJRACHARYA

RAMYATA LIMBU

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ asking in the success of bDarpan Chhaya, the first Nepali film to run for 51 The Nepali film industry is finally coming into its own. days in eight of the Valley’s theatres simultaneously, the film’s The success of Darpan Chhaya and the censor row director Tulsi Ghimiray was over Aago have given Kollywood a new boost.

delighted. At a ceremony last ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ week, Ghimiray and actors ○○○○○○○ Neeruta Singh, Uttam Pradhan brawls, trashy innuendo, in the early 90s, when viewers the Valley, Aago expects a turnover and Dilip Rayamajhi met fans melodramatic, crude sex and preferred to stay back home and of Rs 15 million. outside a downtown theatre. histrionics that characterised the watch the latest Hindi hits in the Darpan Chhaya, produced on “Owing to your energy, the flood of films produced in the comfort of their living rooms. a modest Rs 4 million budget (Rs Nepali film industry has gathered mid-nineties. This was when 3-5 million is average for a Nepali momentum,” said Ghimiray. “I novice producers who were more Nepali over Hindi film) has already made Rs 6.5 hope you continue to watch our speculators than cineastes made Films are big business in Nepal. million. Even by conservative films. If we fail you, you have films that can at best be called Theatres, whether cavernous estimates, the producers expect a every right to curse us.” poor copies of Bollywood buildings cramming hundreds, turnover of Rs 10 million. raw material and equipment. are making most of technology to Ghimiray had reason enough productions. What these copycat “hi-vision” video halls that are Says filmmaker and president Already after the tax break cut production time and costs. to get emotional. Having entered movies lacked, however, was the converted garment factories, or of the four-month-old Film announced last year, production Director Puri edits and dubs his the Nepali film world in the mid- real edge Bombay has— wood-and-straw shacks posing as Development Board Yadav has doubled. films on digital computer. “In 80s with a number of quick production values and quality. cinemas are spread all over the Kharel, “It’s a healthy sign that In 1995 Nepali theatres terms of time and money it’s cost successes after a long Nepali films are being bought and screened 20 Nepali films effective. What might take 200 apprenticeship in Bombay, his Tulsi Ghimiray Narayan Puri sold while still on the floor of the (compared to 124 Hindi films) in hours on analog can be completed later movies had flopped one after editing room. Businessmen, 148 theatres within Nepal, and in 100 hours.” another. In a last-ditch effort, the including exhibitors and Nepali-speaking areas of India While Kollywood can’t director banked everything—his distributors, are investing too. like Darjeeling. This year, about compare with Bollywood in terms reputation, knowledge of film Distributors are putting up 40 40 Nepali films (compared to 80 of scale, it is now producing the grammar, and finances—on percent of the capital required in Hindi films) were screened in same number of films as, say, Darpan Chhaya. As he puts it, the exchange for exclusive about 336 theatres around the Bangladesh, Sri Lanka or film would decide whether he distribution rights. Thematically country, including 64 hi-vision Australia. “This is the beginning would make it or break it in and artistically, Nepali films still halls. Once-underpaid actors are of the best period of the Kollywood, as the Nepali film have a long way to go but they working double shifts, and their industry,” says Ghimiray. He industry calls itself. The gamble can replace Hindi films in terms price tags have shot up. Popular believes that it is because the paid off, fortunately for both of quality and economic male lead Rajesh Hamal charges middle class has returned to Ghimiray and Nepali cinema. achievement,” says Kharel. Rs 300,000 per film, while theatres. New theatres and Tulsi Ghimiray’s Darpan The Nepal Motion Picture actresses like Neeruta Singh and multiplexes in Kathmandu have Chhaya is a simple “you’ll laugh- Association, the body that Jal Shah are demanding as much also lured the upmarket crowd you’ll cry” story about a bunch of represents the interests of as Rs 200,000, more than double back. As film enthusiasts line up college kids. What makes it stand Incidentally, another film by country. In the remotest of producers, distributors and they made just a couple of years to watch Darpan Chhaya outside out is that it is imbued with a Ghimiray had started the trend. hamlets, posters of film stars vie exhibitors, is working with the ago. It’s not just the stars who’re Biswajyoti, manager Motiram certain ‘Nepaliness’ that most His family action drama, Chino, for pride of place with pictures of Film Development Corporation having a field day—film Pradhan exudes confidence. “It’ll local productions sorely lack. The was a big hit in 1991. Ghimiray deities and family portraits. Film to get government recognition for technicians are in demand too, probably complete 100 days. film is devoid of the bloody understood that a Nepali public magazines do brisk business, and the movie business as a confirming dates for the next That means other Nepali films weaned on a 40-year diet of just about everyone can hum the production-oriented industry project before they’re even done waiting for a slot will have to wait Hindi films had to be given latest hit tune. rather than a service-oriented with this one. Dance masters and a long, long time.” t comparable themes and quality. Once under the spell of Hindi sector. This would entitle it to fight masters are also fully booked. Based on the familiar father- films, this fan following is tax concessions when importing Finally, tech-savvy directors murdered-brothers-separated- gradually switching loyalties to reunion-final retribution theme, Nepali films. Except for the tarai, the film managed to do just that. demand for Hindi films is But the spate of copies that shrinking and Nepali films now followed failed miserably. There have 70 percent of the market HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION, GREAT VALUE was overkill and Kollywood took share. This has come with the a nosedive. This was a bleak industry beginning to understand period for Nepali cinema— public taste and inclination, and Outstanding Nepali Our Computer Science, sometimes producers couldn’t also making the most of existing students are choosing to Business, Engineering and even collect Rs 50,000 on a film. technology and new tax breaks. study in Canada. Across Arts programs are among The industry also fell victim to The government last year decided the border from the USA, the best in North America. Rajesh Hamal the novelty of satellite television to exempt Nepali films from the University of Windsor offers These are challenging film development tax. Instead of Top Class Undergraduate programs.You have to be paying tax on screenings, (Bachelors) degree good at the beginning, exhibitors can now share part of programs in a World Class because you will be great the earnings with producers and environment. when you graduate! distributors. Narayan Puri, one of Nepal’s youngest and most prolific directors, also attributes this change to a newfound “Nepali Get informed. Contact the University of pride”. His film, Aago, based on the Windsor Liaison Office Maoist movement, was shelved for a Canadian Cooperation Office year while a battle royale raged with Tel: 415193 censors. The Rs 3.4 million film E-mail: [email protected] was finally released in October last Web: www.uwindsor.ca year and did brisk business in Applicants for Bachelor’s degrees only! Kathmandu. Now showing outside 10NEPALI ARCHITECTUREEdifice 19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES complex

SUJATA TULADHAR ○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○ the most worrying is the stability athmandu’s urbanscape of the buildings (see: Waiting for ktoday is a mishmash of many the big one, #25). influences: western But in the midst of all this extravaganza, glimpses of nouveau urban squalour and appallingly riche and ethnic chic, careless hazardous construction, there is improvisations. But dominating the slight glimmer of hope that a the urban milieu are the concrete new generation of Nepali monsters towering over narrow architects is marrying form with MIN BAJRACHARYA lanes, or wedding cake villas that function and designing new seem to have been uprooted from buildings that try neither to be Beverly Hills and plonked down too ethnic, nor abandon totally 2 on Bhaisepati. Kathmandu’s traditional The basic contemporary urban look is of a reinforced 1 6 concrete skeleton frame, flat roof, cement plastered surface and large windows. This “neo-Baneswor” style dwarfs everything else. Twenty years ago when the tile- roofed, mortar and brick two- storey houses started being torn down to make way for these boxes, it was a sign that Kathmandu was finally getting a “modern” look. Unfortunately, our architectural models seemed to have been borrowed from 1. The Everest View Hotel in Syangboche; 2. Heritage Plaza in Gorakhpur rather than Kyoto. Kamaladi; 3. The Oasis 49 Dhara building soars above the Patan This trend abated slightly with skyline; 4. The Rastriya Banijya Bank’s “lego” look; 5. Reconstructed the slump in the real estate Rana-Victorian facade of the Yak and Yeti; 6. The Shangrila Hotel in market in the past five years, but Lazimpat’s elegant Nepali design; and 7. A row of houses in the “neo- population pressure has made it Baneswor” style along a Patan street pick up again. The economics of such constructions makes silhouettes. And it does not also met the culturally immediate sense: it enables matter that this is happening only determined dwelling needs of people to build higher than on the facades because it returns inhabitants. But as joint families before, whether to stretch a small to the street-front Kathmandu’s disintegrate and inheritance piece of land to surprisingly large historical harmony of space and fragments ancestral buildings, rent-able floor space, or in the grace. So at least we have not traditional courtyards are not quest for more sun. We have very completely sold out. “You need feasible anymore, and the size of sensible building codes and to have a feeling for architecture the rooms reflect the shift zoning laws, but since these are and your city. Only then can any towards nuclear families. The amenities to co-exist with a rarely implemented, the sky is the form of architecture representing challenge for modern Nepali traditional look. limit. “People take it as an the essence of the city develop,” architects, then, is to design space The establishment of the achievement if they can rise says veteran Nepali architect according to contemporary needs, Chinese-built Harisiddhi and higher than their neighbours on Bihuti Man Singh. while taking lessons in Bhaktapur brick factories helped the same foundation,” says A Malla-era Newari house construction techniques from sustain interest in exposed-brick architect Deepak Man Sherchan generally didn’t go higher than older structures. The extensive forms. “Chinese bricks” added a of one of Kathmandu’s most three storeys, the ideal height for use of brick is something that still new layer to the history of sought-after architecture firm, a house in a seismically-active, makes sense for Kathmandu, construction techniques in the Creative Builders Collaborative. former lake-bed Valley. The which lies in the monsoon belt, Valley. And it was the spurt in House owners ignore the ground floor was used for storage but the mortar can be changed to the tourism industry and the advice of architects and engineers or a shop in a bazaar area, the cement. flurry of hotel-building that when building becomes a race to second for living and sleeping, The present trend towards brought back the traditional keep-up-with-the-Janardans. My and the top floor had a kitchen merging Malla with Rana- essence to Kathmandu house has to be higher than the and pooja area. The use of locally Victorian styles began in the architecture. Dwarika’s Hotel in neighbours’, how many rooms can available materials made 1950s when the focus was on Battisputali is the ultimate I cram on each floor, how can I construction economical, and the form rather than function. Later a example because it re-uses make my staircase narrower and house was easy to maintain. The few foreign architects, like antique windows, doors and steeper than the next guy’s. There presence of different layers of Austrian Carl Pruscha, brought carved wooden columns in a is no thought paid to the strength bricks (raw and fired) made the back Malla-period elegance and modern new building, then there A house is not just a home, a busin of the foundation, the frame or walls stronger and also insulated combined them with modified are the Vajra Hotel, the Soaltee’s the soil underneath. There are the rooms. The sloped roofs made interior space. One of the notable new wing, the elegant lodges that both speak volumes about the level many problems with new of tile or slate protected the walls examples was the Shangrila Hotel have sprung up in Bhaktapur and structures, including poor from rain. This was a time-tested in Lazimpat, which had the the bread-and-breakfast pensiones and the cultural awareness of a city insulation, the cold-trapping construction suited to the valley’s dimensions, structural harmony, currently under construction in qualities of concrete but among climate. Until recently the design and landscaping to allow modern Patan. Hotel Narayani is building a shopping mall and turning its course. Soaltee’s original old wing Nagarkot, or in the original 5 coffee shop into a conference had the look of a Las Vegas Thamel. Perhaps it wouldn’t have centre and is going for a sloped motel, there are still hotels being mattered if these buildings had roof, carved wooden windows and built that look like the owners come up in the middle of the exposed brick walls. Proprietor have edifice complexes, structures Ganges plains, but they co-exist CS Gyawali says: “This is an that truly represent a with (and often stand in place of) expensive and time-consuming megalomaniac’s dream come true. the exquisite living architectural task, but I am optimistic that it Then there is what can only be heritage of the Kathmandu will make the hotel more described as the Banglangpoo- Valley. Many owners and appealing to tourists and also Thamel style: quick-rise designers get carried away, while make it blend better with the ferrocement and glass that has trying to be traditional they end traditional surroundings of come to be the trademark of up with hotels that look like Taj Patan.” Thamel-by-the-lake in Pokhara, Mahals with brick façades,

MIN BAJRACHARYA Not everyone got it right, of in Thamel-on-the-hill in completely disconsonant with the NEPALI ARCHITECTURE 19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES11 3 4 MIN BAJRACHARYA

actually turned out to be not out- Baroque: wedding cake colours that respond to the surroun- of-place at the Singha Durbar and protuberances, Greco-Roman dings,” says architect Biresh Shah. intersection, its self-conscious porticos, marble flooring that Architects and armchair flamboyance in stark contrast to destroyed the natural critics are unanimous that the the staid police barrack across the environment of Godavari, challenge the city faces is avenue. Predictably, the reaction Jacuzzis and pools in this developing a vocabulary of space to the building is mixed, with waterless world, Rajasthani and buildings that actively begins some insisting it is a sore thumb carvings, Swiss-chalet roofs, to dilute the ugliness all around. while others believe it is the only Buckingham-style balconies, and A style that expresses something true expression of modern, White House-style Corinthian about how modern Nepalis MIN BAJRACHARYA mercantile cosmopolitanism in columns—all in one house. interact with their natural Modern Nepali architecture is finally showing the city. Money is no object, clearly, physical surroundings. A house is As private residences go, the when building in the service of not just a home, a business signs of moving out of its kitsch phase to news is almost uniformly bad. thou-shall-be-one-up-on-thy- complex is not just an office: both Along the Ring Road, in neighbour’s house. Architects, speak volumes about the level of explore new styles and tastes that are in Maharjgunj you go dizzy driving when faced with such follies, say respect for their surroundings and past the sudden visions of post- they’re hired, but hardly the cultural awareness of a city harmony with the urban and natural modern southern Californian consulted, and basically fill the and its people. Deepak Man kitsch. These are Kathmandu role of the structural engineer. Sherchan is pessimistic, he is environment. But with so much ugliness incarnations of the bizarre “We alone cannot do anything. afraid that it will take another around, it will take time to make an impact. Punjabi Baroque seen on the There has to be a conscious effort major earthquake for Kathmandu outskirts of Delhi. Behold the on the part of the client and to set things right so that we can manifestation of Kathmandu society as a whole to build houses start rebuilding from scratch. t

surroundings. Your building hotels with brick and tile facades. cannot stand out like a The Yak and Yeti has cleverly Dharahara, unless (like poor integrated the old Lal Durbar Bhimsen Thapa) you want to with a boldly cantilevered new make a folly. wing. Nearby, the Heritage Plaza Outside Kathmandu there are has unusual sheet metal roofs some good examples of resorts that steeply sloped to make room for a have not overwhelmed or tried to spacious attic. The roofs are compete with the natural emphasised with slopes and struts surroundings—foremost among for support, echoing one of the them is the low-profile and most elementary aspects of intelligently planned Shangrila Newari design. The brick walls Pokhara, and the incredible have staggered and layered Everest View Hotel in projections to break the Syangboche that is so discreet monotony and protect the that you don’t see it until you are structure from rain. The result is right in front of the building, and a simple, functional multi- even then it never rises above the storeyed building that stands out, tops of the junipers on the especially in contrast to its

7 toyota MIN BAJRACHARYA ness complex is not just an office: l of respect for their surroundings y and its people.

ridgeline. And of course, what can nondescript neighbours. The we say about Tiger Tops in acclaim for the Heritage Plaza Chitwan that has built rooms on seems to have sparked off a the jungle canopy, an idea that welcome copycat trend. has been copied all over the It’s not all faux-Malla, world. though. Other buildings have But Kathmandu’s new attempted similar effects: the RB architects seem to have learnt complex at Ranamukteswor, the their lessons well. Today, Himalayan Bank on New Road. although Kathmandu’s skyline is a And of course there is the jagged outline of concrete Rastriya Banijya Bank’s Legoland terraces, from certain aspects you building—that impossibly- do see the emergence of a new complicated but somehow line of red roofs, modest modern symmetrical construction has 12 MULTIMEDIA 19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES This is IT Medical transcribers at work at Himalayan Info Tech in Kumaripati, Patan

GAURAB RAJ UPADHAYA ○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○ A full shift at Himalayan Tele Commerce’s call-centre in Sigma House, Balaju tep into the first floor of s Sigma House in Balaju any morning and you will see 40 youngsters tapping away at their keyboards, listening intently to the headphones connected to a special communications set. Fast forward Himalayan Tele Commerce’ to 2 pm, and you see all of them, the MD included, taking time out in the company cafeteria. Come evening and they’re on the company grounds, playing volleyball or badminton. Welcome to the world of IT-enabled services and a new ALL PHOTOS: MIN BAJRACHARYA breed of white-collar workers. After failing for years to get foreign software development jobs in Nepal, IT entrepreneurs are now gunning for IT-enabled services, which are usually labour intensive jobs like medical transcription, call-centre services and data entry. There are already seven such companies in As research-oriented, software development jobs are difficult to get, Nepali Nepal, two of them full-fledged operations and the others start-ups. companies are gunning for labour-intensive IT-enabled services. The first movers in IT-enabled services were Geographical now training their workers. The Telecommerce is already in beta, and like an American accent, but is answers, but the general documents, a “yellow paper”—a Information System (GIS) and data medical transcribers listen to has started test calling, and the other actually a Nepali voice giving you consensus is that Indian document issued by the customs creation companies, Geo Spatial recorded accounts of diagnoses and two, Serving Minds and all the information you need. Anand companies are moving towards when goods are shipped. But Systems and Digital Meikein. The surgery and then transcribe them to Solutions.com, are in the early stages. is now Andy. Or you could be global e-commerce-oriented what of wireless exports? IT Japanese-funded Geo Spatial Systems be stored in computer databases. The call-centres are the top-of- making airline reservations, services. Nepal is just entering the entrepreneurs have long de- were the first in, venturing into Countries have specific rules about the-line IT-enabled service complaining about a faulty product, info-tech arena and lacks skilled manded that this rule be converting old hand-drawn carto- how medical records should be providers. To understand how it or asking for help in putting manpower for advanced services, amended. There’s finally an IT graphic maps into digital format. transcribed, so quality is a matter of works, say, for examples, you live in together your child’s new toy. The but has a workforce that can be policy, but still no legal provision Then came in the medical highest concern here. the USA and want to know the same goes for telemarketing — trained in ancillary services and so for knowledge and service transcribers—Himalayan Info Tech The third business catching on balance on your credit card, people all over South Asia work all has a slight price edge over India. exports. Tax reduction at source and Unlimited Numedia. Both in Nepal is the call-centre service. promise a payment, or just apply for hours, offering strangers in the USA Raghu Shah of Himalayan Tele is another bone of contention. companies have completed their There are three firms trying their one, chances are you’ll ring the toll- or Canada, information like the Commerce, a call-centre The tax office wants companies first phase of recruitment, and are hand at this. Himalayan free number and hear what sounds latest in blanket vacuum-sealing operator, also cites business to deduct tax at source even technology. It’s much cheaper for firms overseas to outsource such work to countries like Nepal. What make these companies important is that they currently provide around 1,000 Nepalis with hi-tech jobs. Employees don’t necessarily need to have hi-tech backgrounds—the companies have trained even high school graduates for the jobs. “We want people who understand English, and can maintain a certain quality of work. Their level of education is not very important,” says Juddha Gurung of Himalayan Info Tech. His company Juddha Gurung of Himalayan Info Tech Raghu Shah of Himalayan Tele Commerce received more than 5000 applicants, but only 480 were ethics and customer service as when paying for satellite selected. The workers, most of reasons Nepali companies will get bandwidth. “This is ridiculous,” them urban youth, start at around business. “Some companies like says Shah. Rs 6000 on completing the the smaller outfits like ours, because For IT-enabled service businesses training programme. Once the we will give priority to even the the 1999 Communications Policy, companies start full-fledged smallest of clients,” he adds. was a shining star. The liberalisation production services, the salary Entrepreneurs are doing their of telecom services allowed private and benefits are sure to go up. best, but it isn’t all smooth sailing. parties to have their own V-SAT Initial investment in IT- The biggest problem seems to be, as (Very Small Aperture Terminal) enabled services has already always, government indifference. The terminals, which means they do not crossed Rs 500 million, and as the IT-enabled services sector is not have to rely on service providers for companies grow and more come in, regarded as an industry and doesn’t bandwidth. But the Policy also the investment amount will also rise. receive any export concessions. “We dictates that users must have devices The projected annual revenue from pay 20 percent tax compared to 0 installed by local companies, and also the operation of a single call-centre percent in India. It’s difficult to buy the equipment locally. with 40 people is around $1 million. remain competitive,” says Shah. Yet, for all that businesses are still Medical transcription is potentially an Entrepreneurs don’t want just excited and remain open to new ideas. equally lucrative business, with an tax-breaks though; they want to be As the Internet has grown, new average rate of 5 cents per line of recognised as a valid, viable export avenues have opened up. transcription. Most companies work industry. Without that they cannot Entrepreneurs here hope—and are only single shifts now, but are aiming bring in their export earnings in the certainly acting on the premise—that at round-the-clock services. If form of foreign currency, points out there will be a trickle-down effect. In properly planned, revenue from Umesh Bajghai of Geo Spatial such a large and diverse global market, such services can easily touch Rs1 Systems. “We’ve not yet paid any tax, they feel, Nepal can definitely corner a billion annually, and provide jobs to because we applied for our export niche somewhere. And developing at least 5,000 people. income to be tax-exempt. But even the requisite expertise in IT- The obvious question then is after a year and a half, the enabled services, will perhaps why Nepal should be an attractive problem hasn’t been solved.” The help the country move into other IT Himalmedia Pvt Ltd GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu Nepal destination for firms overseas to various ministries concerned just arenas. With a little help from friends Sanchaykosh Building Block A 4th floor Lalitpur Tel 977-1-543333 Fax 977-1-521013 [email protected] outsource such work when IT pass the buck. According to in high places and a sustained giant India is right next door. export regulations, companies emphasis on quality, Nepal’s IT boom Entrepreneurs have different need to submit, among other could be just around the corner. t WORLD 19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES 13

How globalised are we? ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Searching for a new utopia ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ WASHINGTON-Singapore, the Netherlands, and the Nordic countries are the world’s most “globalised” nations, according to a newly-devised index MARIO OSAVA IN RIO DE JANEIRO ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ties, gender questions, and even the released by Foreign Policy magazine. he World Social Forum 2001 issue of a one percent tax on Interestingly, the United States ranks only 12th on the magazine’s list of (WSF) gathering to take place financial transactions— the so- 50. The US economy is not as dependent on international trade and t investment as those of other nations, and its citizens, on a per capita basis, later this month in Brazil will called Tobin Tax—will exchange are much less well-travelled than Europeans. The US would be among the be a bold experiment at drawing ideas in Porto Alegre. least globalised countries on the list but for its huge lead in technology and together a broad range of interests The WSF will not be a Internet use. and civil society groups with the decision-making body, no final The index, devised by Foreign Policy and the Global Business Policy ambitious aim of rebuilding the document will be approved, but Council (GBPC) of AT Kearney, found a correlation between the degree of a dreams of the Left in today’s groups represented at the forum country’s globalisation and its small size and open economy. “Size matters,” globalised world. The 25-30 will be free to disseminate proposals said Moises Naim, Foreign Policy’s editor. “The smaller you are, the easier it January gathering in the southern and joint positions that arise from is to be globalised.” It also found that more globalised countries were less Brazilian port city of Porto Alegre, specific meetings. The choice of likely to suffer corruption or the denial of basic freedoms to their people. In capital of the state of Rio Grande The seeds of the World Social Forum were planted at gatherings like these in Seattle, Porto Alegre to host the gathering reaching that conclusion, it used two other much-cited indexes: on civil and protesting against the WTO. do Sul, will draw delegates of trade was a statement in and of itself. For political liberties, by the New York-based, neo-conservative Freedom House, unions, non-governmental the past 12 years, the city has been and on corruption, by Berlin-based Transparency International. Countries After the protests in Seattle, there’s highly integrated into the global economy also tended to be those where organisations (NGOs), and governed by Brazil’s leftist Workers wealth was more equitably distributed. political and social movements now an organised alternative to Davos Party, which has run the city based But Naim stressed that causation was not addressed by the study. “We from throughout the world to and the WTO— the huge World Social on innovations and people-oriented are not claiming that globalisation leads to equality or political freedom,” identify new routes and proposals policies such as the “participative he said. Income disparities may have far more to do with history, economic to mobilise civil society Forum in Brazil this week. budget”, micro-credits, and top growth, welfare and education programmes. The new index is based on a

internationally. priority attention to social rating of four different groups of measurements: trade, finance, personal ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ The initial projection of 2,700 ○○○○○○ problems. Brazil’s Landless contact and technology. participants, divided equally consultant to the United Nations, the influence of multinational Movement (Movimento dos Sem Trade was measured by the convergence of domestic prices with among the four abovementioned and financed by more than one corporations on local communities”. Terra, MST) will propose that international prices for goods and services, and the percentage of trade as a sectors, could actually be several thousand corporations,” according While the working agenda is “anti- seeds be named a common heritage share of the country’s GDP. Finance, by inward and outward foreign direct times that given the flood of to the WSF website. Davos”, it will be based on the of mankind, as part of the struggle investment (FDI), portfolio capital flows, and income payments and receipts as shares of GDP. Personal contact was measured by cross-border registrations, said Fernando The idea to organise an search for concrete proposals, said against transgenic products. It remittances and similar transfers as a share of GDP, the number of minutes Carvalho, with the Brazilian alternative forum parallel to the Carvalho, who stressed that this will also organise group visits per capita of international phone calls, and the number of international Institute of Socio-Economic World Economic Forum emerged year’s gathering would be a “first by participants to camps set up travellers per capita. Technology variables included the percentage of the Research, an NGO on the from demonstrations staged since test” of joint reflection by by landless rural folk, waiting to population with Internet access, the number of Internet hosts and secure organising committee. One 1998 against meetings of the IMF, organisations dedicated to a wide be settled on their own parcels servers per capita. example of the strong level of the World Bank and the World spectrum of issues, in the search for of land. Singapore is at the top because of its high trade levels, heavy interest is Italy, where a flight will Trade Organisation (WTO), such as alternatives to neo-liberalism. The Among the personalities who international telephone traffic, and high volume of international have to be chartered to bring in all the mass protests held at the WTO theme “Another World is Possible”, have confirmed their attendance are travellers—three times its four million population. Next are the Netherlands, of the delegates. Other countries ministerial conference in Seattle, late highlights the aim of coming up with US linguist and activist Noam Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Ireland, Austria, and the United Kingdom. have also exceeded their quotas. November and early December global proposals that would place Chomsky, Indian physicist and eco- Switzerland and Austria do well due to travel and tourism, while Ireland The total number of participants 1999. Organisers describe WSF as “human development and feminist Vandana Shiva, the leader scores high due to remittances from citizens living abroad. The Netherlands tops the Index in the financial category, with Sweden, Finland, and the could be in excess of 10,000, said “a new international arena for the participative democracy among the of East Timor’s independence United Kingdom also scoring high in the economic group. Rio Grande do Sul Deputy creation and exchange of social and top priorities of governments and struggle and 1996 Nobel Peace Canada ranks 10, followed by Denmark, the United States, Italy, Governor Miguel Rossetto, one of economic projects that promote citizenries”. laureate José Ramos Horta, Germany, Portugal, France, Hungary, and Spain. Among developing the gathering’s hosts, who recently human rights, social justice and The WSF is also an attempt to Egyptian economist Samir Amin, countries, besides Singapore, Malaysia is the highest ranked, at 20, made a European tour to publicise sustainable development,” and reorganise and give direction to the and Danielle Mitterrand, president followed by Chile at 26, South Africa at 27, and Tunisia at 28. In Asia, the event. which “will provide a space for world’s leftist forces, but not merely of the France Liberté Association. Malaysia was followed by New Zealand at 21, Australia at 23, Japan at 29, The WSF emerged as a building economic alternatives, for political parties—taking part along Chomsky sees the gathering as an Thailand at 30, South Korea at 31, Philippines at 33, Indonesia at 38, counterpoint to the World exchanging experiences and with socially concerned trade “opportunity of unparalleled China at 49, and India at 50. Economic Forum, which has been strengthening South-North alliances unions, parliamentarians and importance to bring together The analysis stressed that technological factors have become the taking place annually in late between NGOs, unions and social government officials will be NGOs popular forces from many and driving force of globalisation, particularly since the 1997-98 Asian financial January in Davos, Switzerland for movements”. fighting for the widest range of varied constituencies from the crisis. It said the sharp rise in Internet access and usage among advanced economies more than offset slowing growth in more traditional measures of the past 29 years. Participants will try to come up causes. Human rights defenders, richer and poor countries alike, to integration like cross-border trade and foreign investment. The World Economic Forum with “strategies for grassroots land reform advocates, develop constructive alternatives The index notes that many variables that indicate the extent to which a “has played a key role in formulat- organising” and “build proposals to environmentalists and activists that will defend the overwhelming country has become globalised are unavailable. The degree to which ing economic policies throughout democratise international working on issues ranging from majority of the world’s population cultures are penetrated by foreign influences is very difficult to measure, the world, sponsored by a Swiss institutions such as the WTO, the foreign debt to urban planning, the from the attack on fundamental while, in other cases, such as immigration, the reliability of existing statistics organisation that serves as a IMF, and the World Bank to limit fight against poverty and inequali- human rights.” t (IPS) is subject to question. t (IPS) The mother of all mergers

ALEC KLEIN ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ of entertainment, cable and publishing businesses. “It’s unique,” said Scott AOL and he Federal Communications Commission (FCC) last week unanimously Cleland, chief executive of Precursor Group Inc., an independent research firm in Time Warner t approved America Online’s takeover of Time Warner, clearing the way for Washington. “This company will be a de facto leader in its space because no one the partners to finally create the world’s biggest media company a year after can match the audience.” Regulators on both sides of the Atlantic have spent can finally they first announced their mega-merger. The agency, concerned about AOL months trying to figure out how to rein in the media giant so it doesn’t stifle Time Warner Inc.’s potential market power, took much longer to review the competition on the Internet and restrict consumer choice in the marketplace. go ahead transaction than the companies had anticipated and it imposed tougher AOL underestimated the ferocity of its opponents and the effectiveness of with their conditions than most analysts expected. consumer groups that lobbied against it. The company had expected the deal to The chief condition requires AOL Time Warner to open its hugely popular close in the autumn of 2000. The various conditions attached to the deal by the $112 billion instant-messaging system to three rivals. Instant messaging, which allows FCC, the Federal Trade Commission and the European Union appear to put merger. Internet users to send brief notes to one another in pop-up boxes that appear on safeguards in place that will protect consumers but still allow the combined their computer screens, is widely expected to become a broad technology company to capitalise on its content and distribution might. “Public officials condition that requires platform for trading music, video and other data. have taken a merger that had enormous consumer dangers for some of the most Time Warner to open its When the all-stock transaction was announced on 10 January 2000, it was vibrant services and developing markets, and transformed it in a manner that cable network to Internet the biggest merger in corporate history, a marriage of old- and new-media titans. should promote substantial new competition for high-speed Internet and service providers that The deal—then worth $183 billion—is now valued at $112 billion as stock interactive television service—an enormous victory for consumers and compete with AOL. prices of both companies have declined. The merger represents a seminal event competition,” said Gene Kimmelman, co-director of Consumers Union, The FTC decision in corporate marriages, bringing together the world’s dominant Internet service publisher of Consumer Reports magazine. followed an antitrust provider, with about 29 million subscribers worldwide, and the venerable Time Under FCC’s decision, before AOL Time Warner offers advanced IM review by European Union regulators after which the European Warner brands, including Time magazine, CNN, HBO, Warner Bros. films and services, such as video conferencing, over its cable network, it must agree to Commission formally approved the AOL-Time Warner merger. The the nation’s second-largest cable provider. allow at least one IM rival to connect to its system. AOL currently blocks other Commission’s ruling followed a four-month antitrust review that led Time Whether the merger will succeed is already the subject of debate among instant-messaging systems from inter-operating with its own because it says it is Warner to call off a separate merger with the British music giant EMI analysts. Consumers will quickly begin to see AOL and Time Warner cross- concerned about user security and privacy—a claim that rivals say is designed to Group PLC. AOL, meanwhile, agreed to sever its relationship with market their products—including movies, music and magazines—on the web maintain competitive advantage. In addition to conditions governing IM, the Bertelsmann AG, Germany’s giant music and publishing firm, and French and through traditional channels. And analysts expect AOL to begin exploiting FCC also included some language to protect small and regional Internet media company Vivendi SA. its instant messaging (IM) system further, creating a communications platform providers that want to provide high-speed service over AOL Time Warner’s Now that the regulatory agencies are done, the new company will that some think could rival telephones and e-mail. cable network. quickly begin restructuring operations, which could mean layoffs. Once the Competitors are likely to press again for regulatory assistance in harnessing The FCC’s action comes after FTC (Federal Trade Commission) merger is finalised, AOL shareholders will own about 55 percent of the the behemoth, while some media companies may decide to find a partner to unanimously approved the deal in December. The antitrust agency accepted a combined company and Time Warner stockholders will hold 45 percent. better compete. Among the candidates frequently mentioned is Yahoo! Inc. settlement that requires Time Warner to open its cable lines to Internet rivals AOL shareholders will receive one share of AOL Time Warner for each Analysts say AOL Time Warner will be a formidable force because it controls and effectively turn the privately owned system into a kind of public channel for share they own, while Time Warner stockholders will get 1.5 shares of AOL about half of the Internet access market in the United States and a huge chunk delivery of information over the Internet. The key to the FTC settlement was a Time Warner stock for each share they own. t (Washington Post) 14 ASIA 19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES

Indonesian “Yummies” ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Sex, lies and AIDS JAKARTA-Economic recovery is nowhere in sight in Indonesia where currency fluctuations have put even

SIDDHARTH DUBE IN NEW DELHI daily necessities almost out of reach of many people. ○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○ A prostitute waits for customers, Kamathipura, Mumbai People with HIV/AIDS are often espite a decade of record dismissed from their jobs, forced Yet, in cities across the country, exclusive entertainment economic growth in India, out of their neighbourhoods or spots are still not short of clients. d The latest models of luxury cars are regularly parked poverty and tragedy remain as denied medical care. The police, commonplace as ever. A mounting politicians and even judges outside these hotspots. “I pass through every weekend,” HIV-AIDS epidemic is increasingly routinely order the arrest and Yaya Suryana, a lecturer at the State Islamic University in to blame. More than 2 million forcible testing of sex workers and Bandung, says of a particularly popular entertainment adults have died of AIDS, over- homeless women. Legislators in strip there. “And it seems there is no such thing as whelmingly in the country’s most Maharashtra and Karnataka economic crisis whatsoever,” he adds. dynamic states. Some 300,000 died continue to push for laws that Meet the “yummies”—Indonesia’s young, upwardly last year alone, far more than in any would allow the branding of mobile, modern, independent elite singles, who live it other country. More than 4 million infected sex workers. A Supreme up even as tens of millions of their countrymen struggle people are infected or sick. Many of Court ruling that bars people with to make ends meet. Highly ambitious, yummies rarely these adults are from India’s middle Last year more people died of AIDS in HIV/AIDS from marriage has apologise for their lifestyles, reasoning that they deserve class, skilled and often well- India than in any other country. further demonised them and the to party as hard as they work—and they have more than

enough money to live it up. Often occupying high

○○○○○○○○ educated. Even more are from the ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ disease itself. India’s leaders have vast ranks of the poor. grossly ignorant of sexual matters. evident. barely any time left before HIV/ positions in companies or owners of successful Almost certainly, far worse lies One in every 10 adults suffers from But India’s epidemic is running AIDS dooms tens of millions. There businesses, these 20-somethings earn between $12- ahead. Because the government’s one or more sexually transmitted far ahead of the government’s is proof that they can succeed against 15,000 annually—a small fortune in a country where the prevention efforts are lagging diseases, increasing the risks of HIV response. The programmes in place this disease, if they are truly per capita annual income is $617. dangerously behind the epidemic’s transmission. today would possibly have been committed and act early. The chief Some commentators dismiss them as a selfish growth, the number of adults India’s epidemic began in the sufficient to curb the epidemic a minister of the southern state of bunch. They note that many yummies jump jobs—proof infected is doubling every 18 prospering western and southern decade ago; today they serve only to Tamil Nadu quelled a severe of “disloyalty” and “ungratefulness”—and delay having a months or so. On average some states, where it is now at its worst: mask the fact that it is all but epidemic by promoting frank family for fear of jeopardising their careers. Others see 3,500 Indians contract HIV every Maharashtra, an industrial and unchecked. Even in the worst-hit information campaigns, better them differently. Explains psychologist Joyce Djaelani day. A World Bank report warns financial powerhouse, and Andhra cities, sex workers still lack the treatment for sexually transmitted Gordon: “This generation sees life as a sea of that without adequate prevention Pradesh and Karnataka, leaders in information and support they need to diseases and some sex education in opportunities they must dive into.” efforts, 35 million Indians—5 the information technology boom. protect themselves and their clients. schools. In communist-led West A sense of adventure is one characteristic that percent of the country’s adults— In the first two states, well over 2 Prevention programmes for Bengal, sex workers have been yummies share. It is this that distinguishes them from could be infected by 2005, a percent of adults are infected. In homosexual men are all but non- allowed to unionise and so to their parents’ generation—yummies seem to have a number equal to the current global Mumbai and another half-dozen existent. Few schools and colleges protect themselves: HIV rates fondness for challenging sports. Bambang, one of them, total of people with HIV-AIDS. cities and towns, 3 to 5 percent of have meaningful sex education remain low. has taken up paragliding. “I feel closer to God when Since the end of colonial rule, adults are infected. programmes. Because public Most Indian states are still only paragliding. You realise how insignificant you are,” India has been transformed by vast At first glance, the Indian information campaigns evade sexual mildly affected, giving their leaders the he says. population growth, urbanisation government’s failure to curb HIV/ issues they have spawned dangerous chance to avert full-blown epidemics That many yummies do not think twice about leaving and wider prosperity. Single men AIDS is baffling. In 1992, faced new myths, such as that HIV is through such relatively painless high-paying jobs to start their own businesses is crowd the cities, only rarely able to with evidence that large numbers of spread only by vaginal sex. Unsafe programmes. But for every reason, evidence of their willingness to take risks, say visit their wives in the countryside, middle-class men and women were blood and contaminated medical from disbelief to discomfort, few are sociologists. Rina Octaviani is 25 years old and already feeding a gigantic commercial sex infected—not just the poor and equipment are infecting tens of likely to rise to the challenge. It is owns a boutique in an exclusive area in Bandung. She industry that flourishes in the cities. “sexual degenerates”—the thousands more each year. And even less likely that the leaders of earns about $1,200 a month—most of which she Each new study confirms how government ended its reliance on those infected, sick or dying—or the worst-affected states will take spends on weekend escapades in an exclusive resort, sexual mores have changed penal methods, such as forced their survivors—can expect virtually the necessary steps to control where she indulges in her favourite sports. “Money isn’t irrevocably. The only vestige of testing. It has since borrowed nearly nothing by way of counselling, their epidemics and prevent a problem,” says Octaviani. “It gives me a lot of fun tradition is the powerful taboo on $300 million from the World Bank medical care or other support. infection.This failure of leadership and, more importantly, recharges my energy to work public discussion of sex. But this for HIV-AIDS prevention, and top- Moreover, human rights abuses will mean a calamity for many million harder.” (IPS) serves only to leave the majority level official concern is finally linked to HIV-AIDS are still legion. Indians. t (Washington Post) Biodiversity burn-out At the current rate of destruction,

MICHAEL A BENGWAYAN IN BAGUIO CITY, PHILIPPINES

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ efore moving on to the new millennium, the world marked 29 the Philippines archipelago, b December as Biodiversity Day, designated by the United described as the “hottest of Nations to focus national and international attention on the importance of preserving plant and animal life in all its variety and biodiversity hotspots”, may soon richness. In the Philippines, it passed almost unsung. It stands to reason. After all, this is one country where humans are burn itself out.

destroying nature faster than in any other place on earth. At the current ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ rate of destruction, it is estimated that many of its plants and animals will extinct plant and animal species documented by the organisation in die out before long—gone the way of the Dodo. The Swiss-based 112 countries, 932—or nine per cent—are in the Philippines. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in its Red List is the result of the most comprehensive analysis of global List of threatened and extinct species published September 2000, named conservation ever undertaken, involving 120 governments and 735 and shamed the Philippines as the world’s leading destroyer of fauna and non-government organisations. flora. Another group, Conservation International (CI), described the The IUCN cites the Philippine Eagle, the rarest and second Philippines as the “hottest” of the 25 so-called ‘biodiversity hotspots’ in largest eagle in the world, and the Mindoro crocodile as two of the the world. These are several areas with the least number of species and an threatened animals while 227 plants are listed as extinct or alarmingly high degree of threat against those that do exist. threatened. The Philippines, with 2.2 million square kilometres of Hotspots include the Mediterranean basin, Madagascar, territorial waters, once had 27,000 sq km of coral reefs in good Caribbean islands, the Atlantic forests of Brazil, Cape Floristic region shape. Today this is down to 1,161 sq km. Even this will eventually of South Africa, mountains of Central China, Brazilian Cerrado, die as there is little effort being made to protect these natural fish- Southwest Australia, Polynesia and Micronesia, the Western Ghats of breeding grounds, the World Bank says in its Environment Monitor India, Sri Lanka, central Chile, Guinean forests in West Africa, and for September 2000. the coastal forests in Kenya and Tanzania. The Philippines ranks the The environmental think-tank Earthwatch Institute warned in second in the world—after the African continent—in terms of extinct 1998 that 30 percent of the Philippines’ coral reefs were already and threatened plants and animals. dead and aggressive conservation efforts were needed to save the “Government negligence has prompted the devastation not only rest. Over 11,500 sq km of mangrove forests have been of forests but all that live with it,” says Senator Loren Legarda, indiscriminately cut for firewood, construction and charcoal or lost former chairwoman of the Philippine Senate’s environmental to commercial fishpond development says the Bureau of Fisheries committee, in her final report in April 2000. and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). “The coral reefs, sea grass beds and Much blame has fallen on the government and its agencies for mangroves support 80 percent of all commercial species of fish and lacking the political will to accord priority to conservation shellfish. In the last 20 years, these have declined as much as 57 programmes in order to protect the national heritage. “The percent in the Philippines,” says Mario Carreon of the BFAR. Philippines, which has perhaps the best coral reefs, does not give Flawed government policies have also been criticised by foreign The impending loss of coral reefs will reduce marine fisheries importance to its water resources,” says a World Bank-sponsored development agencies. Dr Frances Korten, former head of the Ford production by 10 to 15 percent and threaten the livelihood of an study published in November 2000. “Dynamite and cyanide fishing Foundation in the Philippines, says that a $325 million loan from the estimated 65,000 fishing families. As the coral reefs die some 500 to are still rampant in the Philippines and Indonesia and the Asian Development Bank in 1990 for a national reforestation 700 animal and plant species that thrive in them will also face governments have done little to curb these destructive fishing programme was wasted through faulty policies. “The programme was extinction, the World Bank report warns. Deforestation, poaching, methods which are illegal under Philippine laws as well as under the ill advised and managed and relied on insufficient data. The programme over-hunting, logging, pollution and urban growth are among the 1975 Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species accelerated the damage it intended to reverse,” she charges. reasons cited for the destruction of the environment. t (Gemini) (CITES),” it adds. The IUCN Red List indicates that of the 11,046 endangered and FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES 15 Divisions among not listening to the cries of the Dungana, Dipak Prakash people and is not showing any Banskota, and Ram Krishna

Still no confidence Maoists interest in solving these problems Acharya. Likewise motorcycles ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Nepal Jagaran, 8 January either. The process of dialogue, issued to Prakash Chandra Sher Bahadur Deuba in Tarun, 8 January supported and moved forward by Lohani, Rajiv Parajuli, and the Maoists, has been sidelined by Gajendra Narayan Singh have Fifty-six MPs, including myself, had filed a vote of no-confidence against our parliamentary leader, Girija Divisions are now apparent the government. It is now bent not been returned. Prasad Koirala. When we filed our motion we had stated that we were doing this because Koirala had been within the Maoist movement. It upon starting a civil war. The study by the national unsuccessful on the three issues that he himself had claimed he would successfully tackle. has mainly to do with governance management When he became prime minister, he had said that he would solve the Maoist crisis, control corruption and disagreement among the top provide security in the country. After nine months we have analysed how his government has been functioning Government committee authorised MP Arjun leadership but it has now slowly Junga Bahadur Singh to

and have concluded that he has not been successful in solving any of these three. This is why we filed a vote of spread to the grassroots level and vehicles misused ○○○○○○○

no-confidence and we feel that we filed it at the right time. ○○○○○○○○○ investigate the number of is affecting all aspects and levels The procedures for election in parliament and a parliamentary party are different and Koirala has committed a Nepal Samacharpatra, 16 January vehicles being misused. The crime by enforcing parliament election rules on the parliamentary party. In parliament, MPs are elected from of the party. The main issue is report also stated that former different parties. Their election symbols, their election papers are all different. They sit in groups separately. the conduct of the people’s war. minister Govinda Nath Upreti People in high political, There has to be some difference in the way a parliamentary vote is conducted, and elections to a parliamen- A certain section has been and Balaram Gharti Magar have administrative and judicial posts tary party. proposing that the people’s war not returned a motorcycle each are known to misuse government In the present case, for his selfish needs Koirala has forced one set of rules on another and he did not even should be stopped for some time, while Arjun Narsingh KC is still vehicles. There are former prime table the rules before enforcing them. We showed our displeasure and boycotted the elections. So how can this wait for a new direction and going around in a government ministers, former chief justice of be called an unsuccessful no-confidence motion? We had stated that a reign of terror would be unleashed if think, and only then take new jeep. According to a member of open voting took place, but who listened to our pleas? the Supreme Court, former steps. The opposing faction has the sub-committee, former ministers, former members of labeled this a cowardly step and minister Purna Bahadur Khadka, parliament and other high officials Revolving door governments branded its proponents as former deputy prime minister among those misusing vehicles. reactionaries. Shailaja Acharya, former Chhalphal, 7 January The law allows special classes It seems that two power minister and presently public Excerpts from an interview with Nepali Congress MP and former minister, Ram Sharan Mahat. centres have been created in the accounts committee member Q. You say that the no-confidence motion is justified, but at the same time you did not vote for the Maoist party, one led by Dr Babu Hridyesh Tripathi, were found motion. Why? Ram Bhattarai and the other to have misused government- A. For the sake of party unity, I stayed neutral and did not vote. There are many issues within the party that headed by Prachanda. Babu Ram owned vehicles. An unnamed can only be solved through consensus and this was my effort till the end. However, solutions could not be found. Bhattarai thinks that the Maoist former water resources minister That is why I felt it was not correct to participate in the voting process. The nation is facing many problems, and forces will be decimated once the is reportedly making use of 20 at this moment the party should be united and move forward collectively. army is mobilised and is therefore vehicles, 18 of which belong to Q. You were definitely not scared of the prime minister and therefore stood neutral? proposing a temporary ceasefire. the Irrigation Department. A. This is a stupid argument and I do not attach any importance to it. I do not want to comment on such He feels that a new strategy must rumours. be found and only then PC Lohani Paperless Q. Both Koirala and Bhattarai were unsuccessful in providing good governance, controlling implemented. He presented his corruption and providing security. Will Deuba be successful on these counts? thoughts at the politburo of government officials and Central Library meeting but politburo members members of constitutional bodies ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ A. This is not a question of proving one’s competence. It was wrong to remove Bhattarai from the PM’s post. Gorkhapatra, 12 January It has now been proved that the reasons stated while removing Bhattarai were baseless. Therefore this issue has brushed aside his proposals and to import private vehicles under a now been raised again. Despite the majority of a particular party, the government is being changed every six asked the central committee to reduced duty scheme but those who months. This is not a good sign; it sets a bad precedent. We have to save the party from this and unite the give its judgment. Prachanda and use this facility are not allowed to use Plans are on to make the country’s party. Understanding, consensus, and unity must be developed in the party. For this the party must think with a his supporters did not attach government vehicles anymore. But largest library, the Tribhuvan cool head. The present crisis is not beneficial to anyone in the party. We have to take steps to stop the system importance to Bhattarai’s there are still many government University Central Library, a of revolving-door governments. thoughts and have said the officials who have imported vehicles, paperless one. A strategy has Q. Is your present battle a battle of principles, or a battle for the chair? Bhattarai camp is full of but continue to use government already been formulated and it is A. The issue of principles is there but I cannot deny the fact that it is also a battle for the chair. Therefore reactionaries. vehicles. estimated to cost almost this is a display of one’s forces too. To solve all these issues the party should be united, but the tragedy is that The very issue of this tussle is Among them is a list of 101 $400,000. The financial crunch at in the Congress one’s strength is being displayed all the time. It has been reduced to head counts. The party going to affect the working and justices, some of whom are Khilraj the moment is holding it up and as leadership is responsible for this. If peace had prevailed, we wouldn’t have had these difficult times. Therefore morale of the Maoists. Prachanda Regmi, Ramprasad Shrestha, soon as money is made available leaders have to tread carefully and with great understanding. and his followers are in no mood Harijung Sijapati, Arjunprasad Singh, the project will be implemented. Q. What do you mean the leadership has to tread carefully and with great understanding? to call a ceasefire. They want to Minbahadur Rayamajhi. Others The Central Library was A. At present Koirala is leading both the party and the government. The absence of peace and continue with their present line include the National Planning established 40 years ago with understanding within the party has led to these problems. Every party has many centres of power and this is true of action and are not prepared to Commission vice-chairman Prithvi 1,200 books and 1 cupboard. Two for the Congress as well. One has to gain support, handle all of them carefully and move ahead. This is the test listen to opponents. The cracks Raj Ligal, members Rameshananda years later it was merged with the of a successful leader and statesman. Koirala has been unsuccessful on these counts… in the Maoist camp are now Baidya, Harishankar Tripathi, and Central Library in Lal Durbar and clearly visible. Yadav Lal Shrestha, secretaries was re-named the Central Library, Contending leaders Govinda Raj Bhatta, Rewati Raman TU. Currently it has a collection Government Pokhrel, Khagendra Basnyat, and the of almost 235,000 books. Nepal Jagaran, 8 January Public Service Commission’s Vedvyas The library does not have a signals civil war Chettri. These individuals have not complete list of all the people who

The two main contenders for the post of party president are Girija Prasad Koirala and Sher Bahadur Deuba. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ For membership in the Central Working Committee, the contenders are Ram Chandra Poudel, Shailaja Editorial in Jana Ahwan, 12 January given up their government benefits have borrowed books from the Acharya, Sushil Koirala, Khum Bahadur Khadka, Bijay Kumar Gachhedar, Mahesh Acharya, Nar Hari Acharya, even after importing their own library and not returned them. vehicles. According to sources, among them Govinda Raj Joshi, Jai Prakash Prasad Gupta, Chiranjibi Wagle, Gopal Rai, Purna Bahadur Khadka, Mahadev With the formation of the Armed Gurung, Prakash Koirala, Bal Bahadur KC, Ram Sharan Mahat and Arjun Narsingh KC. It appears that the Then there are former officials are many prominent people of the Nepali Congress is divided into the Koirala and Deuba camps. And if these camps slug it out in an election, Police Force (APF) the yet to give up the government country. A partial list is given then many are expected to lose. government has signalled the vehicles that were made available to below: Prakash Lohani, Kamal start of a civil war in the country. them while they were in office. This Chitrakar, UB Pradhanang, Ram This force has been created to includes former prime minister Sher DCO Singh, Mangal Raj Joshi, QUOTE OF THE WEEK suppress the people’s war and the Bahadur Deuba, and Lokendra Krishna Mohan Shrestha, Yam struggle being carried out by the Bahadur Chand, former chief justices Bahadur Ale, Suresh Acharya, It’s our challenge to you [the Girija group]. Wait and see what will happen if you dare deploy the army against Maoists. When the Act covering us. See which side the patriots will point their guns—against traitors like you or patriots like us? If you have Vishwanath Upadhya, Trilok Pratap Rajendra Acharya, Ambar B the formation of this force was Rana, and Om Bhakta Shrestha. Dangi, Tara B Karki, Jeevan the guts try it. Why only talk about it. being drawn up, the Defence —CPN(Maoist) leader Baburam Bhattarai in Janadesh, 16 January, 2000. According to the sub-committee Chandra Koirala, Yogesh Krishna Minister had stated that if the under the governance committee Kharel, Nava Raj Gurung, Kamala Maoists did not change their formed by Parliament, former prime Pant, Raju Nepal, Shambhu ways, they would have to face not ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba and Narayan Pradhan, Ramji P only the police but also the army. Lokendra Bahadur Chand have not Poudel, Hari Bhakta Pathak, The Maoist activities are for returned a jeep and a motorcycle Rajan Pant, Harihar Dahal, nationalism, a people’s republic respectively. Prabin Pathak, Mohan B Basnet, and democracy and the There are more of those who Mukunda Baral, Bijay Baniya, strengthening of people’s rights, are no longer in government but Uday Nath Poudel, Chandra and the government is bent upon are still using vehicles like former Shah, Uttam Bhakta Wagle, denying these very rights to the minister Devendra Raj Kandel, Sudip Kumar Pathak, Ganesh people. With the creation of this Mohamad Aftab Aalam, Bhakta Rai, Sri Krishna Shrestha and force, the government has now Bahadur Rokaya, Ananda Prasad Krishna Malla. shown its true colours. Through this action the government has blocked all political moves to a solution. In fact, solutions that could be reached concerning burning issues of the country and the people have been blocked. The government always blows the bugle and states that it wants peace for the people and the “It’s me who is more worried about the nation, the citizens and democracy.” country, but has now put a stop to all moves towards peace. It is Nepal Samacharpatra, 14 Janury 2001 THIS PAGE CONTAINS MATERIAL SELECTED FROM THE NEPALI LANGUAGE PRESS 16 CITY 19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES ABOUT TOWN MOVIES Subscribe to Himal Khabarpatrika, get Nepali Times Free ! * v Movie ticket bookings online at v Pequenos Milagros (Small Miracles) A film by Eliseo Subiela, Argentina, 1997. An introverted but Newsstand price - Rs 25 willing Rosalia believes in being a fairy and succeeds in charming the all-too-structured reality around her. Organised by the Inter-Cultural Film Society. Saturday, 20 January. 4:30pm. Russian Culture Centre. 1 Year subscription - Rs 530 2 Year subscription - Rs 1000 v Russian Film Festival Jointly organised by the Kathmandu Film Archives (a Martin Chautari & Godavari Alumni Association undertaking) and the Russian Cultural Centre. * With a one-year subscription get 2 month free of any Schedule one Himalmedia publication (Wave, Nepali Times, Himal Moscow Doesnít Believe in Tears (1981 Best Foreign Film Oscar South Asian) winner): 24 January, Wednesday, 5:30pm Genghis Blues (Courtesy Himal Association): 25 January, Thursday, With a two-year subscription get 3 month free of a 3pm and 5:30pm Himalmedia publication of your choice. Brothers Karamazov (Based on Dostoevsky’s novel): 26 January Friday, 5:30pm Tickets at Mandala Book Point in Jamal, GAA Hall in Thamel, Martin Chautari in Thapathali, and all Momo Costomer Care Call # 543337 (0700-1700 hrs) King branch. Rs 100 and Rs 50 per show. For more information ring Martin Chautari at 246065 or email EXHIBITION v Angkor A black and white photography exhibition by Jaro Poncar from Prague. The focus of the exhibition is the temple complex Angkor Wat, one of the architectural wonders of the world. Last day 20 January. 8 am to 6 pm. Indigo Gallery, Naxal. SLIDE LECTURE v Across the Himalaya and Beyond Lecture and slide-show by Arlene Blum who’s led over 20 successful mountaineering expeditions, including to Mt Everest and Mt McKinley and the first American summit of Annapurna I (8,091 m), and a 2,000 mile, nine-month trek across the Himalayan regions of Bhutan, Nepal and India. Friday, 19 January, 6 pm. Indigo Gallery, Naxal. Rs 200. Reservations required. Call 413580 or email [email protected] MUSIC Shangri La Music Package v Jazz Fever at the Jazz Bar. Piano (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday), piano and violin (Tuesday), live jazz (Thursday and Saturday) and live Irish music (Friday). International cuisine with drinks from a bottomless cellar, gourmet food and espresso, cognac and cigars... and more! 435741-43 or www.hotelshangrila.com v Jazz Jazz by Cadenza at Upstairs Restaurant, Lazimpat. Every Saturday 7:30pm—10pm. v Rock and Blues Robin ‘n’ Looza play rock, blues, soul, and Nepali tunes at The Bamboo Club, Thamel. Every Friday evening. DANCE v Odissi Dance by the renowned Odissi dancer Madhavi Mudgal and her group to mark the Republic Day of India. Sponsored by the Indian Council of Relations (ICCR). Venue the Royal Nepal Academy on 25-26 January. More details at the Indian Embassy. 413174, 410900 v Traditional Dances every evening in the courtyard of Dwarika’s Hotel. Enjoy drinks from a choice of two bars. No entrance charge, however reservations are recommended for diners. 479488. EATING OUT v Authentic Nepali sekuwa (barbecue). Regular Friday night sekuwa in the lamp-lit courtyard setting starting 2 February at Dwarika’s Hotel. Select your own appetisers, momos, salads and choice of meats as well as delicious desserts. Package includes one free drink and lucky draw. Reservations recommended. Dwarika’s Hotel, 479-488. EVENTS v CAN Info-tech 2001 - Nepal Information Technology Show and Conference Nepal’s sole IT exhibition bringing together hundreds of experts, professionals, buyers, sellers, manufacturers and suppliers to provide a forum for networking and exchange of ideas. Some of the world’s leading IT companies will also be represented in the show. A two day conference on IT Revolution: A Millennium of Opportunities will also take place with representatives from more then seven different nations. 25-29 January, Birendra International Convention Centre, Baneswor. Tickets Rs 50. Rs 25 for coupon holders. 432700. v How Nepalese Organisations Could Benefit from the Asia Invest Programme An information seminar organised by Technology and Trade Information Promotion System (TIPS) National Bureau in Nepal. Ms. Genevieve-Anne Dehoux, Senior Project Manager, Asia-Invest Secretariat in Brussels will be the main resource person. 22 January, Monday from 9:15 am—12:30 pm at the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Meeting Hall (Room 10), Teku.

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NEPALI WEATHER by NGAMINDRA DAHAL QUICKWORD 16 by CROSS EYES

Across Down Terms and conditions 1. Pacific-rim metropolis, 1. Hewing garden tools (4) 1 The contest is open to everyone, except partly (4) 2. Possesses (4) employees of Himalmedia Pvt Ltd and 5. Filcher steals chicken (4) 3. Fall like dominos or some Infocom Pvt Ltd. pins (4) 2 In case of more than one correct entry, 9. Reasons remain the winner will be decided by lucky draw. uncollected (5) 4. Wildebeest (3) 3 Entries have to reach Himalmedia, by 5 11. Creamy French 5. Feds (3) pm, Tuesday. DSES- 17-01-2001 1000 GMT accompaniment to wine (4) 6. Knight receives the command 4 The winner will be announced in the 12. Angst or boredom? (5) of the garter (5) coming issue. 13. Ideally, some thoughts stay 7. _ a sword (5) 5 The prize has to be collected from this way (4) 8. Books and trees must Himalmedia within a week of the 14. Southern direction (3) have a _ (4) announcement. Please come with an ID. 15. The road shortened (2) 10. Repressive garment, like a 17. One little pixie (3) corset (6) QUICKWORD ANSWER 15 16. She broods here (6) There isn’t much you can forecast with a weather satellite picture like 18. The first British royal divorce (6) 18. Accident! Rush here (2) this. The subcontinent largely devoid of clouds, thick haze and fog 20. 20th century Renaissance 19. Morning radio news (2) over the Indo-Gangetic Plains, a hint of high-altitude cirrus riding the spot (6) 20. Repent some actions at jet stream above Iran. The western Himalaya could get some cloud 22. Cheated! I was _! (3) leisure (5) cover but not much precipitation. The high pressure region in 23. Moving high in Chicago (2) 21. Yet another attraction (5) northern South Asia is really asserting itself. So, in a nutshell: expect 100 24. The heart of the digital era (3) 22. Keep the baby quiet (4) 24. Shorten hair, pictures (4) the present morning frost conditions to continue in Kathmandu Valley WIN A 27. Public prosecutor’s American with minimum temperatures in the 0 degree range in the city, one office (4) 25. Great Inca centre (4) HOUR INFOCOM degree below zero on the outskirts. Clear skies will allow daytime 29. A temptress _ (5) 26. What a Swiss army-knife, for MILLENNIUM instance, has many of (4) temperatures to soar to 20 degrees. A slight rise in minimum CD WORTH 31. Hearty Irish food 94) RS 3600/- 32. Apnea, or a plain old _? (5) 28. Common reaction to miracles temperature in the early part of next week with possibility of fast- 33. Conceal Stevenson’s evil and large buildings (3) moving high and dry clouds. 30. Start the countdown. In The only correct entry was sent in The most convenient and economic way to surf the internet half (4) KATHMANDU 34. A singular opera (4) Italian (3) by Terence D’Costa Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue To send in your entries, please fill in the details below and fax to 977-1-521013, or email to [email protected]. Entries can be dropped off at Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur. Name...... 20-00 20-01 19-02 18-02 19-01 Ph...... email...... CULTURE 19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES 17 SAVING FAITH A decapitated God and anby DESMOND DOIG insatiable princess

o one knows exactly how old perception recognised the god, and Records suggest that the Bhairab pole and the festival recall an amazing nthe temple is. It probably wishing to keep him in Bhaktapur temple was commissioned by King story. There was in Bhaktapur an began with a small shrine to began binding him with powerful Bhupatindra Malla (1690-1722), a insatiable princess who demanded a Bhairab, the god of terror, and slowly, spells. In desperation, the god began connoisseur of art and a great builder, new lover every night. Normally the as the city of Bhaktapur grew, it was to sink into the earth but not before but there is another, more romantic men of the city would have felt given the status of a temple. Tradition the tantric quickly cut off his head. A story. The king, never tired of privileged to oblige, but strangely no has it originally a large, single-storey trophy so sacred required a suitable beautifying his city, felt that the man, however strong, survived the construction, which could account for shrine, so it was carried, dripping existing Bhairab shrine did little credit experience. Every morning there was three otherwise inexplicable finials blood, to the temple in Taumaudhi to its unique importance. So he the sad procession of mourners taking where the ground floor meets the first. Square where it was installed with ordered two more floors to be added away a son or brother or husband. Its importance is never in doubt, great rejoicing. Wherever the blood to the temple, to be topped with a The city became muted with grief. At whether as a small shrine, a single- had fallen was marked with large gilded roof and golden finials. Instead the speed at which they were dying storey temple or the present majestic stones that were worshipped as of being pleased by all this royal there would soon be no men folk left edifice that occupies one whole side of shrines. They are still in the streets extravagance, the god grew angry at in the city. an important Bhaktapur Square. today, reddened with vermilion, but being disturbed. He caused One day, in the very best Because, if legend is to be believed, no longer so sacred they may not be earthquakes, drought and pestilence tradition of fairytales, a handsome the temple originally enshrined was stepped upon or driven over. to threaten the city. The worried king stranger rode into town. Unknown to not a metal or wooden replica, but Medieval Bhaktapur grows suddenly consulted his astrologers and anyone, he was naturally a prince. The the actual head of the god himself. modern and its religion moves with soothsayers and they finally came up stranger, seeking shelter for the night, It seems Bhairab came from the times. Restoration, for instance, with extraordinary advice. To appease happened upon an old lady convulsed Banaras where he is identified with the must forget taboos like unbelievers the furious deity, the king must build with grief who between her Instead of being pleased by all this Shiva of Kashi Viswanath, to watch not entering the holiest precincts. a temple for Bhairab’s consort that lamentations told the prince the the famous festival of Bisket disguised Purification ceremonies are conducted must be of singular beauty and size. story of the demanding princess. royal extravagance, the god grew as a mortal. A tantric priest of unusual and the work goes on. Only then would the god be satisfied. That very night her only son was to angry at being disturbed.

It was done at last. The temple present himself to the palace and ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Bhaktapur Darbar Square, with a lot more people and was built, the angry Bhairab appeased. the next morning she would go to ○○○○○○○○○○ some modern structures near the Bhairab temple (right). At least until 1934, when a severe collect his body. The prince bodies. In the morning, when the old temple, pujas are performed, a knife earthquake that devastated Bhaktapur gallantly promised to take her son’s woman leading a procession of flashes and a sacrifice is made. A made a ruin of the temple. It has been place, and did. mourners came to collect his body, tourist rides a guardian lion to be faithfully restored, so that few if any The princess was beautiful. It was there was the prince happily hand photographed. Something is always looking at it today would doubt it love at first sight, but the prince was in hand with the princess. Great happening. Like models from being centuries old. as clever as he was handsome. After were the celebrations. Bisket was Singapore showing the latest fashions During Bhaktapur’s spectacular the princess fell asleep, he quickly hid born, and Bhaktapur lived happily from Rome and Paris. Or a film unit Bisket festival, the image of Bhairab is himself in a corner of the room, sword ever after. filming an epic. Life about the temple drawn through the streets in a heavy in hand. To his horror, two serpents The wheels of the great Bhairab is so interesting that one begins to wooden rath. All of Bhaktapur turns writhed from the princess’s nostrils, chariot are stacked under the eaves of scrutinise handsome strangers. Could out to watch or take a turn at pulling growing larger all the while, and the temple. Sometimes, when the one of them possibly be…? t on the ropes. Or they help raise an obviously in search of their prey. In a crowds at Bisket grow boisterous, (Excerpted with permission from enormous pole at the beginning of the flash the prince was upon them, battle looms in the square. At other In the Kingdom of the Gods, HarperCollins, 1999.) MIN BAJRACHARYA festival and lower it at the end. The severing their evil heads from their times processions converge on the

BOOK REVIEW by MANJUSHREE THAPA A worldly addition to Nepal’s literature For those seeking a no hills or rivers, and…littered with filthy stagnant ponds, swamps relations: he is careful, for instance, greater diversity of and puddles that [breed] mosquitoes and germs.’ However, Gagan to be very fair in portraying individual slowly adjusts to this alien Nepal; but he has a hard time finding Bahun characters. Still, the novel voices in Nepal’s work because he lacks citizenship papers. At the end of a few keeps slipping into the kind of literature. difficult months, he has overcome his poetic bent and is making a racialist jargon which tends to living shoveling sand, carrying loads, teaching privately and trivialise other more legitimate DB Gurung DB Gurung belongs to the third smuggling Indian goods across the border. grievances that janajati populations generation of Nepal’s English Gagan returns to Sikkim after his father’s death. By this time he suffer: for example, issues such as discrimination in Nepal’s literary writers—the first slim is skeptical about his prospects in Nepal but he still, deep down, constitution, official language policies, census counts and generation consisting of wants to return and find a home there. He finally summons distribution of social and economic justice receive far less Balakrishna Sama and Laxmi Prasad strength from a Langston Hughes verse—‘What happens to a mention than the facial features of ‘natives’ and Chettri/Bahuns. Devkota, and the second (slightly less slim) generation of Abhi dream deferred?’—and returns to Nepal, this time heading straight Despite this reductive quality, Echoes of the Himalayas is a Subedi, Padma P Devkota, Peter J Karthak, Mani Dixit, and a few to Kathmandu. fun, refreshing book to read. The author’s sensibility definitely others. While the literature written by the earlier generations He is both disappointed and rewarded by the city. In depicting stands apart as new and invigorating—perhaps because most remained confined to very narrow reading circles, Gurung’s Kathmandu, Gurung has captured the city’s fluid, shifting character. of Nepal’s literature is a bastion of Bahun writers, and the issues generation is poised to narrow the considerable gap between Gagan’s initial thrill at the cosmopolitan veneer of some parts of raised in this book are hard to find in Nepal’s Nepali-language Nepal’s English literature and the larger world: he is the first the city quickly gives way to disillusionment at the deep-seated literature. Indeed, Nepal’s English-language literature stands Nepali to have a novel published by a reputable publishing house chauvinism which marks Nepali society. Lacking local contacts, apart in that it is authored equally by Bahuns, Chettris, Newars, outside Nepal. The son of a Gurkha veteran of World War II, family support, or citizenship papers, he finds himself again and Gurungs, Tibetans, migrants from Sikkim and Darjeeling, and Gurung made first his mark in poetry, publishing a collection again knocking up against native xenophobia and parochialism. long-time expatriates from all over the world. Whisper in 1992. As with much English literature published in His attempts to find work are wrought by a migrant’s insecurity. Yet There are, sadly, a few shortcomings in Echoes of the Nepal, little fanfare accompanied that publication. Eight years Kathmandu is not all heartache: he is also embraced by kindly Himalayas that could keep it from being widely read. Though later, however, Echoes of the Himalayas received a good amount strangers, including Bahuns. Over time, as Nepal enters a many passages, particularly descriptions, read very lyrically, the of attention: by having his novel published outside Nepal, Gurung democratic era, Gagan befriends more and more members of novel is mostly written in a simple, functional prose which can got Nepal’s literati to take note of him. ethnic groups who are slowly organising against the cultural read flatly at times. Foreign colloquialisms pop up oddly in Echoes of the Himalayas is fresh and worldly in outlook. hegemony of Chettris and Bahuns. The novel ends, somewhat characters’ dialogues. The plot and pacing are erratic in places; Protagonist Gagan Ghondey’s father is a retired Gurkha abruptly, on a political note, with Gagan entering active politics as a and the rushed end betrays signs of novelists’ fatigue. Yet those serviceman in the British Indian forces who returns to Nepal after member of the All Nepal Native People’s Organisation, a forum of who sympathise with Gagan’s muddled outsider-insider his retirement, only to suffer discrimination and exclusion: and so ‘native’ Nepalis of ‘Mongoloid’ origin. Fighting for his rights as a relationship to Nepal will enjoy the book for its content. And those he migrates to Bhutan. Gagan grows up between Bhutan and ‘native’ Nepali, he belongs. who seek a greater diversity of voices in Nepal’s literature will Sikkim as an emotional, poetically inclined youth who Previous reviews of Echoes of the Himalayas have tended to enjoy the novel. Viewed in the larger context of Nepal’s literature, harbours a deep nostalgia for his imaginary homeland Nepal. criticise it, in my view unfairly, for exaggerating Nepal’s ethnic Echoes of the Himalayas must be lauded for the cosmopolitan The novel begins as he sets off from Sikkim to make a place tensions. To be sure, the author’s portrayal of the janajati sensibility it contributes to our literature. t for himself in Nepal. movement is simplistic; for current janajati rights discourses are Reaching Biratnagar, Gagan finds that Nepal meets none of more complex and wide-ranging than the ‘natives’ vs ‘Brahminism’ Echoes of the Himalayas DB Gurung his expectations: Biratnagar is ‘a confused, shapeless town, polemic that dominates Echoes of the Himalayas. In places USB Publishersí Distributors Ltd., New Delhi, 2000 sprawled in typical Indian fashion over an endless plain that [have] Gurung tries to acknowledge the complex nature of Nepal’s ethnic Rs. 320 18 SPORTS 19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES RCT, and football triumph

MUKUL HUMAGAIN ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Ramesh Gyawali For RCT, this triumph means a fter almost half-a-year in lot. Not only has its reputation as ahiatus, big time club football Nepal’s leading club been enhanced, returned to Nepal with the but it also gives them confidence as hosting of the Birthday Cup. the new football season begins. “For Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT) us it’s a perfect start,” says club lifted this year’s Birthday Cup chairman Bijou Narayan defeating Belgaria Sports Club by a Manandhar. solitary goal. In the final played at For football lovers, this Dasharath Stadium on Monday, tournament has also been some RCT gave its supporters a New relief from the turmoil that has Year gift by winning this prestigious plagued Nepali football domestic tournament. Started 27 management. The Ganesh Thapa- years ago to mark the birthday of as Ramesh Gyawali scored the Geeta Rana controversy dominated King Birendra, the Birthday Cup match-winning goal in the final. the football scenario, and it was is held annually around this time Belgaria Sports Club, an ‘A’ with this tournament that a of year. division Club from Kolkata, didn’t football loving public finally saw RCT had to wait 27 years to lift play especially impressive football some good football in the Valley. the Cup for the second time in the at any point in the cup. It was The successful completion of the history of this championship. Its given a quarterfinal entry by the tournament has also helped Geeta earlier win was in 1973 when the organisers and went on to the Rana demonstrate that she is tournament was organised for the semifinal stage by defeating the capable of running Nepali first time. With this tournament Three Stars Club 1-0. Though it football. It was first major tourney signaling the beginning of the The Birthday Cup was welcome relief from ANFA won the semifinal in a tiebreaker that the Geeta Rana-led ANFA football season in Nepal, RCT 4-3, it was only after two MPC has organised after she was couldn’t have asked for a better squabbling, and a great start to the football season. players miffed their chances in the promoted to president of the start. After winning the ANFA penalty shootout. MPC, who had association in October. All ‘A’ Coca-Cola National League in giants, Manang Marshyangdi Club Rayamajhi was instrumental in Sports Club of Kolkata. In brilliant run in the domestic division clubs of Kathmandu 1999, RCT was of late struggling to (MMC) and Mahendra Police Club these successes in the early phase. particular, its defense was much circuit last year, was let down by participated in the tournament. win major tourneys. Widely (MPC), the Birthday Cup was a The 22-year old Rayamajhi better than earlier and goalie its key players in the tiebreaker Teams from South Korea, regarded as one of the best in sore disappointment. Both scored three consecutive hat Ramesh Lama played his best against Belgaria. In the other Bangladesh and Maldives were Nepal, RCT was promoted to the reached the semifinal stage but tricks to pave the way for RCT. match of the tournament with semifinal, MMC, last year’s expected to take part, but apart ‘A’ division 38 years ago. But failed to move on from there. Last The semifinal clash with Manang some superb saves. Rayamajhi winner, had to play a much- from two Indian teams, no other success has always eluded them, as year’s winner, MMC lost to RCT Marshyangdi Club (MMC) was looked subdued in the title clash improved RCT. foreign team participated. t time and again they faltered when it while the MPC team went down the first major hurdle for RCT, really mattered. The club made it to Belgaria Sporting Club of which they won 2-1. MMC has to the finals of the Birthday Cup for Kolkota. dominated RCT in the past, but The man with the golden foot two consecutive years in the 90s RCT went into the semifinal this time RCT managed to defeat He has a knack for scoring hat tricks. And the Birthday Cup was no exception. but never went on to win. With without any major hiccups, their opponents with a golden Though he failed to score in the last two matches, Nirajan Rayamajhi made this win, RCT is back in the defeating Naxal Yuwa Mandal, goal by Narayan Manandhar. history in the Birthday Cup with three consecutive hat tricks in three matches. reckoning. Galaxian Club and Sikkim-11 In the final, RCT played a The 22-year-old RCT striker had a wonderful tournament with 12 goals to his For two other domestic football with relative ease. Nirajan much better game against Belgaria credit. No other player has had such a run in recent times. A member of the Nepali national squad, Rayamajhi was promoted to the senior team of RCT three years ago. Since then he has never looked back. ALL PHOTOS: MIN BAJRACHARYA One of the key members of the RCT strike force, Rayamajhi has been instrumental in RCT’s successes over the years. He has been named best VACANCY player in the tournaments that RCT has won in last two years. Last year, in the Martyrs Memorial League, he scored 9 goals against Bansbari Club. Regional Director, Panos South Asia Rayamajhi has been included in the national side for a year, but has yet to play a stellar role in any international tournament. A fan of Nepali striker Hari Khadka, Rayamajhi hopes to be one of the best strikers in the country. His track Panos South Asia is a regional information and communications not-for-profit record shows he is quite capable of doing so. organisation based in Kathmandu with a country office in New Delhi, India. Panos South Asia works with the media, policy-makers and international agencies throughout South Asia to provide information and stimulate debate on developing issues. Applications for the post of Regional Director are invited from nationals of South Asia. Applications from women are particularly encouraged. You will have an extensive background in media, information and communications, an understanding of development issues and a strong knowledge of development trends in the region. Combined with a relevant degree (preferably at master’s level), excellent management skills, strong analytical skills, a South Asia perspective and international exposure. You will provide leadership and vision and combine imagination and flair with a sound capacity to organise and implement a complex portfolio of projects. Panos South Asia is part of a network of eleven Panos offices in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. It is currently a subsidiary of Panos London, but during 2001 it will become an autonomous organisation. The Regional Director manages a staff of 4 based in Kathmandu and oversees an office of 4 employees in India. Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus benefits and relocation costs. The contract will be for two years, renewable, subject to a probationary period. For further information see the Panos website www.panos.org.uk or send an email to Regional Director, Panos South Asia, at [email protected]. Applications are invited with CV and covering letter to the above through email or by post/fax to:

The Director, Panos South Asia GPO Box 13651, Patan Dhoka Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: +977 1 520985, Fax: +977 1 523846 Please quote reference: PSARD/2001/NT Applications must be received by noon, 14 February 2001. Interviews are scheduled for 27- 28 February 2001 in Kathmandu. 19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES 19 OFF THE BEATEN TREK Walking on cloudsby RAMYATA LIMBU

Arlene Blum is a scientist who climbs mountains. Read all about her adventures in her next book.

Berkeley and raises funds for Blum’s photographs and articles to negotiate across cultural development projects in Nepal. have appeared in National boundaries when the stakes are high Off the mountain, Blum’s Geographic, the Smithsonian and in order to create and maintain a vision, drive and energy, yield Science magazines. To complex organisation without tangible results in the laboratory. accommodate a life with “maximum losing sight of the ultimate goals,” Her research, while she taught at freedom but minimum security”, she adds. Stanford University, Wellesley Blum conducts leadership skills, In 1992 she held similar College and the University of and teamwork and problem-solving workshops for tourism California at Berkeley, was workshops where participants are professionals, senior policy makers instrumental in banning tris, a encouraged to overcome “their own and business leaders from Nepal’s

limbing mountains and Himalayan Expedition on lived because a few days later two Cconducting scientific research Annapurna I was recently reissued women on the second summit team (things women traditionally by Random House Publishers. Back fell to their deaths. In Annapurna, “didn’t do”) gave Arlene Blum a in 1972, when Blum had the idea of team leader Blum chronicles the lifetime of challenges and organizing the first women’s personal commitment and the adventures. “It’s given me much to expedition on an 8000m peak, none triumph and tragedy of the write about,” says Blum. “The of the highest peaks in the world expedition’s journey. stories I tell, both in the lab and on had been climbed by women. Blum then started working on a mountain, are the result of a But by 1974, three members of her next goal: the great similar process. One has a vision of a Japanese women’s expedition had Himalayan traverse across what one wants to do. Then, a climbed Manaslu, the long-waited Bhutan, Nepal and India. In group of people works together to first ascent to an 8000m peak by an 1982, she and travel and achieve that goal, whether it’s all-female expedition. Four years adventure writer Hugho Swift solving a scientific problem or later, Blum’s own expedition to became the first westerners to

climbing a mountain.” Annapurna put two women on top. complete the 4,500 km trek. MIN BAJRACHARYA A mountaineer with a doctorate In 1978, two women and two Starting from the eastern border in biophysical chemistry, Blum is in Sherpas stood on the summit of of Bhutan, Swift and Blum, carcinogenic chemical used as a Arlene Blum and adventure writer Hugh Swift during their trans-Himalayan Kathmandu to work on her memoir Annapurna I, twenty-eight years climbed up and down the flame retardant on children’s trek; Blum walking on the clouds to Dhaulagiri Molecules and Mountains. Her first after Maurice Herzog’s first eight- Himalayan range up 6,000m sleepwear. book, Annapurna: A Woman’s Place, thousander climb in history in passes and down to river valleys Today, she’s traded university Annapurnas and Everests”—Blum’s leading Ministries and private about the 1978 American Women’s 1950. The celebrations were short- at 600m, gaining and losing an teaching and research, and high- metaphor for important and industry. average of 1000m each day to altitude climbing to focus on family difficult goals. Participants were encouraged to HAPPENINGS reach Ladakh. and sharing the leadership skills Based on her experiences share their vision, to make a Eager to share her cross- she’s gained leading over twenty leading successful scientific research commitment, an action plan. cultural experiences with friends Himalayan expeditions with and mountaineering expeditions, as Almost a decade later, at least one back home in Berkeley, Blum organisations worldwide. “Once you well as a synthesis of current of those participants is realising started the Berkeley-Himalayan have children you don’t want to research on leadership and team her dream. Fair, an annual event which attracts engage in life-threatening sports. It’s development, her clients include Renchin Yonjan’s vision to 5-6,000 people to enjoy dal-bhat, a personal choice,” says Blum whose corporate and high-tech companies transform Kathmandu into a green momos, song and dance, and arts numerous awards include a gold like Nestle/Carnation, Hewlett beautiful place by having companies and crafts from the Himalaya “One medal from the Society of Women Packard, and IBM. Blum will be adopt a city block or a day, I saw a few people selling arts Geographers, an honour given to shuttling between Kathmandu and neighbourhood is flowering fast as and crafts on this huge field in eight other women, including Bangalore for the next five months she continues to nurture green Berkeley and I had a vision of aviator Amelia Earhart, sharing her team-building skills traffic islands in the city’s choked something bigger.” The 18 year-old anthropologist Margaret Mead and with Indian and American computer interiors—beyond molecules and fair is sponsored by the City of Mary Leakey. professionals. “We will look at how beyond mountains. t MIN BAJRACHARYA WHAT, NO CHADS: Legal eagles from the Nepal Bar Association count votes on 15 January in elections in which 4,000 lawyers all over the country voted.

MIN BAJRACHARYA sharp SAFETY MARCH: School children march along Durbar Marg on 15 January to spread awareness about earthquake safety on the anniversary of the Great Earthquake of 1934. MIN BAJRACHARYA FLYING THE FLAG: Ranipokhari Corner Team pose for a victory photo after winning the Birthday Cup, repossessing the trophy after a gap of 27 years. 20 19 - 25 JANUARY 2001 NEPALI TIMES

it violates the Convenants of the International Under My Hat Treaty on the Disposal of Hazardous Wastes which this country has ratified, and they go about as if they by Kunda Dixit own the place. As anyone who has ever husbanded a female ow that the Prime Minister has won a Vote of rhino in Meghauli will tell you, a great deal of care nOverconfidence and gone off to Pokhara to and training needs to go into nurturing a check out the scene-scenery, what we are not relationship. In every marriage there has to be understanding is who is going to handle the Ministry compromise, accommodation, and, yes, a of Animal Husbandry back in Kathmandu. Flying commitment to live together (till reincarnation do Thehome earlier this week,wild I was told in hushed boar tones by you part) menaceeven if you want to punch the spouse in

the authorities at the Tribhuvan Multina- tional Airport that wild boar have been spotted digging for truffles in the vicinity of the VIP apron. It is time for the authorities shangrila ad to get on a war footing and leave no stone turned upside down to wipe out the boar menace once and for all. That is if they can first sort out the dog menace, the vulture menace, the earthworm menace, the monkey menace and all other vertebrate, invertebrate and extraterrestrial menaces that plague our main airport at the present time in this nation’s glorious history. This is a job for crack units of the Paramilitary Taskforce of the Ministry of the proboscis every time he snores. It is the same in Animal Husbandry, no one else can handle it. political marriages: there has to be give and take. If But Kathmandu’s problems pale in comparison to someone is giving then some other one must be the hazards faced in remote corners of the kingdom. taking, if not then there is no Big Deal. This is why Try, for instance, to persuade a fully-grown one- the Minister of Animal Husbandry is a crucial post horned rhinoceros cow to vacate the runway at during the Pokhara Cattle Fair (slogan: “You scratch Meghauli, or talk a herd of yaks out of crossing the my back, and I’ll stab you in yours”) where livestock runway to get at the greener grass on the other side will be auctioned to the highest bidder in the run-up to at Syangboche. Just try it. You will soon realise that the next general erection. Many prize specimens will higher mammals in our country have the freedom of change hands as the non-stop partying gets underway. the wild ass: they graze where they want, they drop OK, boys, enough fun and games. Time to get droppings with wanton disregard for whether or not this show on the road.t ThreeNEPALI SOCIETY Sisters

Lucky, Dikki and Nikki are an another training programme is “Everyone should trek. It has inspiration to many Nepali going on in Pokhara. to be taken as a part of life, women whose vision of the Though it was only two like the way we have done,” ambassador world these three sisters years ago that they were they say. Lucky says her have helped nurture among formally registered as an happiest moments are when whisky the mountains. agency, it is more than six she has a 360 degree view of The bright, witty sisters years since the trio started the Annapurna panorama from have one mission in life—to working the mountains. Lucky Annapurna Base Camp. “It’s empower women and help started first, and Dikki and Nikki always enlivening to see that,” them cope with modernity, followed suit after being she says. while at the same time instructed in trekking and “A guide is an ambassador preserving their culture and climbing at the Himalayan of the country. Any foreign heritage. How do they do Mountaineering Institute in trekker coming here expects this? They make them walk Darjeeling. The sisters want to the guides to know about the Himalaya. At their small bring Nepali women into the almost everything related to trekking agency—Three trekking community. “Our main nature, the environment, flora Sisters’ Adventure Trekking in objective is to employ women and fauna, culture and the Baidam, Pokhara—they not and provide women trekkers mountains. We train and educate only assist women trekkers with quality, genuine trekking. Nepalis and our foreign guests and employ Nepali women We want to share with them the same way—we tell them guides, but also conduct free our adventurous spirit,” says everything we know that they’re trekking and guiding training Dikki. interested in, anything that will for their Nepali didi baini. “We The young women say they enrich their stay in Nepal,” they used to do it at our own cost. haven’t had the time to think say. But since last year, we have about getting married, as the Lila Karki, their mother, is been receiving some work they do is more one happy and proud person. assistance from the Nepal enthralling than any social “It’s good to see their work Tourism Board,” says Nikki. obligation. To remain outdoors, ethic and hearty spirit. It makes Already they have trained 56 to be one with nature and me feel very happy,” she says. women, 15 of whom have absorb the energy of the joined their crew. At present, mountains is their life. Phone in Pokhara: 061- 24066