#594 2 - 8 March 2012 16 pages Rs 30

BIKRAM RAI the sorrow of Nepali widows, the continued violence against women, the plight of elderly Home away from home women cast out by their families. On International Women’s hana Maya Gautam is 60, lives in heads of state to Patan. Dhana maya shelter her from the wind. Day on 8 March, there will be a grand pavilion, she has police has been living here for the past seven “I wouldn’t go anywhere the predictable platitudes from Dguards, a sunny veranda, lawn years after her husband died and her else, this is my home,” ministers, lots of ribbon cutting and a great view of the city skyline. But brother-in-law chased her out of the says Dhana Maya, as rush and probably a new report. Dhana Maya is homeless. house in Okhaldhunga. hour traffi c picked up on the bridge Dhana Maya will likely not even know The Newari-style ornate brick Dhana Maya’s lawn is the traffi c one morning this week. Thousands of that it is her day. structure was built during the 2000 island, and she has improvised people see her every day from buses SAARC summit to welcome foreign cardboards to ensure some privacy and and cars, and Dhana Maya represents Full story page 6-7 2 EDITORIAL 2 - 8 MARCH 2012 #594 AGAIN, THREE MORE MONTHS

hen Baburam Bhattarai assumed constitution and he needed to keep the government office in November last year to Nepal’s politics intact to reach that goal. But as the scandals pile up, Whead a coalition government will be stormy Bhattarai himself has shown a woeful lack of maturity. with the Madhesi Front as partner, Leaking the Chinese prime minister’s visit date, saying he Nepalis were cautiously optimistic. in the coming had “gambled” by signing an investment guarantee treaty A desperate public, disillusioned months. The with India, and that if Nepal wasn’t careful it could be with the fourth non-performing “merged” with our giant neighbours, are some examples. government in four years, with bottom line While all this was grist for the opinion mills in delays in the peace and constitution should be holding the Nepali media, what eroded Bhattarai’s popularity process were willing to give at the people’s level this winter was his incapacity Bhattarai a chance. The public the ship of state to deal with the fuel and gas crisis. We are used to perception of him was that he was steady shortages in this country because after a few weeks of upright, he was a do-er, and he was long queues at fuel stations supplies usually resumed. different. After all, as a PhD finance were out to make Bhattarai look like a This time, there was no power, and no diesel for minister during the Maoist tenure in office in failure right from the beginning. Bhattarai generators either. The fuel shortage has now lasted four 2008, he was credited with boosting state revenue had better relations with, and more months, and it seems like the Maoist supply minister is and cracking down on tax evaders. cooperation from leaders of the NC and either unable or unwilling to resolve the crisis because he In November we had agreed that Bhattarai UML than from the hotheads in his own belongs to a Maoist faction out to prove the prime minister should be given the benefit of doubt because party. incompetent. there was a chance that he would succeed But things have started going badly On assuming office, Bhattarai had extravagantly where his predecessors failed. The wrong for Bhattarai. Maoist ministers have promised peace and constitution in “45 days”. But the international community was supportive, been treating the national exchequer as integration question is mired again in controversy, and mainly because it saw no one else on the their personal piggy bank. The other big with three months to go for a non-extendable deadline, the horizon to deliver on peace, constitution and albatross around Bhattarai’s neck has been constitution is bogged down over disagreements on state stability. The Maoist party had to be a part of the the partnership with Madhesi members restructuring and form of governance. solution, and Bhattarai was the most acceptable in the coalition. To accommodate all Our minds should now be focused once more on how face among the Maoists. The prime minister members of the Madhesi Front, he broke to avert a constitutional crisis if the new constitution is immediately made some high-profile, symbolic all previous records by swearing in not written by 31 May. Changing the prime minister gestures like inspecting toilets in Mugling the biggest government ever. It wasn’t now is not the priority, no matter whose “turn” it is. restaurants, making the locally-assembled just the numbers, the ministers lacked An all party government would have helped back Mustang jeep his official car, and bulldozing half competence, were immediately embroiled in in November, but now the extended haggling for the city to widen roads. controversies like the “pre-paid” kickbacks for portfolios is going to be another huge distraction and a Bhattarai had no illusions about the job. transfers of police and civil servants. gigantic waste of money. Hardliners within his party openly called Privately, Bhattarai has admitted to Nepal’s politics will be stormy in the coming months. him an Indian stooge, and Pushpa journalists that he knew what his The bottom line should be holding the ship of state steady, Kamal Dahal has done everything to ministers were up to no good, but protect our democratic freedoms, and prevent a slide undermine his deputy. The radicals that his priorities were peace and towards violent ethnic fragmentation.

SUBHAS RAI ON THE WEB www.nepalitimes.com

UPROOTING DEMOCRACY We Nepalis must stop putting our (district forest offi cers) of corruption notion that the communities should up about the Nepali psyche which Just like they razed all the dear leaders on pedestals and treating is wrong. Former and current DFOs be left 'free' and entirely on their own tells us it’s okay to treat women like infrastructure in our country during them like deities, and the leaders have actively promoted community whatever they wish to do with the animals, accuse them of all sorts of the revolt, the Maoists believe they should also understand that they are forestry and have never acted critical natural resources. A coherent misdeeds and kill them to ‘cleanse’ must wipe out all existing forests public servants, not gods. We need against the program. If there are overarching policy on the planning, evil from our society. in order to create ‘new’ forests in to interrogate their actions, hold them cases of corruption then members production and utilization of all kinds Maya Joshi ‘new’ Nepal (‘Uprooting grassroots accountable and throw the ones who of user committees must be involved of resources, including forestry, would democracy’, Editorial, #593). When are guilty (like JP Gupta) behind bars. as well. CFUGs (community forest therefore be benefi cial for both the UNIVERSAL HEALTH INSURANCE will these morons realise that it’s This is the only way to make progress. user groups) and activists need state and its communities. A dynamic Universal health insurance is better to rebuild rather than destroy Gareeb Nepali to understand that amending the equilibrium between the two are desirable in any developing country, everything and start from scratch? Forest Act is a positive step from the essential for the success and survival but there are two important issues Chaku Naran DON’T FIX government. Many CFUGs around the of democracy and society. Only that we must consider (‘Universal Nepali Times, why are you so surprised country have excluded communities through further empowering the local Health Insurance’, Buddha What more can we expect (‘Don’t fi x what ain’t broke’, Rubeena which lie on the fringes of the forests. communities (to the extent of granting Basnyat, #593). First, such a from the pupils of Stalin and Mao? Mahato, #593)? The Maoists or for By collecting tax from the sales of constitutional rights to call back their program requires a lot of homework The only thing they believe in is that matter, the NC and UML don’t forest products, the state will ensure elected representatives should they and preparation and should be ‘uprooting’ the ‘old’ which in this like anything which is organised that these marginalised communities work against the vital interests) can developed gradually, not on the case happens to be our forests. outside their politburo and central also get to make use of the nation’s the 'center-periphery' problem be whim of an INGO or a political They have destroyed our national committee chain of command or which resources and benefi t from extra effectively addressed at a systemic party. And in many countries, health unity, Nepaliness, institutions, could jeopardise their rent-seeking funding. So instead of dismissing level. insurance schemes are pro-poor. infrastructure, morale, and have capacity. They destroyed community the amendments and portraying the Anonymous But in Nepal, the problem of health instilled a culture of intimidation irrigation, community water supply, and government’s efforts negatively, it care is not so much fi nancial (most and violence. With Lal Dhoj at the community electricity and now they are would be more advantageous if all ABLAZE people pay out of their pockets helm and a host of who’s who of the after community forestry. NT, just admit the stakeholders got together and Accusing women of being ‘witches’ already), but a matter of accessibility criminal ring as ministers, there is that Loktantra is really loot-tantra and discussed the new act. and murdering them aren’t simply Anoop Singh Gurung little hope for Nepal. spare us this phony outrage. Ajeet Karn acts of ignorance, they are crimes Parag Party Peedit against humanity (‘Then they set I consider this news about the her ablaze’, Narayan Dhungana, The forestry issue is not about Thank you Nepali Times for this proposed new law as probably the #593). The convicted deserve the the politicians, but about the welfare timely article. There is no doubt what worst news from Nepal in a long time, harshest punishment such as solitary Weekly Internet Poll #594 of ordinary Nepalis. All the leaders the government is trying to do by hijacking its future. In fact, I think imprisonment for life. Unless we have whether from the Maoist Party or amending the Forest Act. But what the author should write to a global stricter laws, such heinous acts will not Q. Which is the most corrupt institution in Nepal? the NC or the Madeshi front have surprises me is how little this issue petitioning organisation called AVAAZ end and people like Bikana Mahato betrayed and failed us miserably. is being raised and discussed in the and plead with them to make this an will roam the streets with complete Total votes: 2283 It’s time to improve the lives of the other Nepali media. Also, are any issue in their campaigns. They have impunity. 99 percent Nepalis and send the organisations or civil society members 13 million members: http://www.avaaz. Indra Giri one percent criminal politicians protesting against this Act before it org/en/ to prison. Otherwise people like passes the house? If there are please Nick Meynen I know illiteracy is still prevalent Pushpa Kamal Dahal will continue update us and keep us informed. in large parts of the country, but how living like royals, while commoners Dolpali While I appreciate the success long will we use superstition and will struggle to eat one good meal story of community forestry in Nepal, lack of education as excuses for the a day. The media should not publish such (thanks to the public policy initiative cold-blooded murder of women? I think Weekly Internet Poll # 595. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Sangita Manandhar a biased article. Accusing all DFOs taken by the state) I disagree with the there is something intrinsically messed Q. Will 13 cantonments be dismantled in 10 days?

Publisher and Editor: Kunda Dixit Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Chief Operating Offi cer: Sunim Tamang | Hattiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu | Design: Kiran Maharjan [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5250333/845 Fax: +977-1-5251013 Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma, Min Shrestha [email protected] | Advertorial/features: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscription: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Nepali Times on Facebook Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter 2 - 8 MARCH 2012 #594 OP-ED 3

BY THE WAY Anurag Acharya Into the void BIKRAM RAI

athmandu is witnessing understand that except for 14 been one of the major fallout of a resurgence of violent The lingering transition and un- districts where there is some Nepali politics: lawmakers are Kattacks on civilians. The negotiated political space are population density of one there only to vote by whip on population density and gaping community, it is impossible the party diktat. holes in the security mechanism feeding into anarchist terror to carve out a single ethnic The countdown to the make the city an easy terrorist state. “The demography of the 31 May deadline on the target. The blast in Babar Mahal If a small town goon has the people for a dignified presence country only allows multi- constitution has already begun this week and unexploded capacity to take on the state, it in the national agenda. But the ethnic, multi-lingual and and the political landscape will explosives recovered by the speaks a lot about how stateless refusal of a few Janajati and multi-cultural federalism,” only get murkier. If the parties police in several other locations we are. Metropolitan police Madhesi leaders to acknowledge he said. cannot find mutual points for have done the trick: sow public chief Kuber Singh Rana was that Nepal’s social mosaic does Even as debates over state agreement, there is a real danger fear. blunt: “We are too short on not support ethnic enclaves is restructuring and forms of the ground will fall beneath The use of violence for logistics to be policing a city of an even bigger problem. governance linger, the majority them. This will not just bring a political blackmailing has in this size.” Leftist intellectual Shyam of lawmakers say they are constitutional void, it will lead recent years blurred the line At a program this week Shrestha said those who are helpless because their party to more anarchism and violence between politics and terrorism. in Dhulikhel, lawmakers calling for ethnic enclaves must bosses call the shots. This has like we saw this week. The increasing trend of terror and activists from Dalit, groups, brandishing political Madhesi, Muslim, Tharu, and cover for a supposed freedom various ethnic communities movement with no mass unequivocally condemned base, has unfortunately been attacks on innocent civilians. promoted by the state’s own They had gathered to debate engagement policy. the contentious issues that The Babar Mahal incident remain unaddressed in the which took place at a time when constitution making process. the government is holding talks Maoist lawmaker Ang Dawa with militant groups in order to Sherpa, who is a member of the provide them a political ‘safe ethnic caucus in the CA, said landing’, may have been carried although there are pitfalls in out by another group looking ethnic federalism, rejecting the to draw the state’s attention. proposal may lead to a bigger Eroding political legitimacy and disaster. fear of political backlash have The Janajati and Madhesi made the government incapable activists present said their of dealing with such threats. movement does not seek Investigations so far indicate to establish the rights of that Monday’s blast may have indigenous people at the cost been a case of individual of others, and complained that anarchism. Accused Devraj the media has misrepresented Lama of Dhankuta, who calls their cause. This is not himself ‘Biswo Kranti’ (World entirely untrue. A section Revolution) was until recently of mainstream pundits are just a local thug who extorted fearmongering by demeaning money from people in Dharan. the genuine aspirations of the

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Ups and downs in Nepal A trekker ambassador sees the need to be patient

n the Great Himalayan hiker, Roedern wanted become the world’s post-conflict countries. Perhaps firmly on the country’s Trail, the team led to support the cause the youngest republic in we should not be so impatient.” economic development and not Oby 21-time Everest trek aimed to highlight: 2008, and the former This is refreshing coming from so much on domestic politics. summiteer Apa Sherpa, promote ecotourism armed rebels had just the dean of the Kathmandu And von Roedern seems which is walking four months and bring attention to joined mainstream diplomatic corps, which is determined to keep it that way. across Nepal, found an climate change in the politics. Four years and sometimes better known for its During her three week trek unlikely companion when it high Himalayas. five extensions later, we cynicism about the deadlocked across eastern Nepal she was reached Tumlingtar: German But walking the three are still waiting for the politics, corruption and poor more convinced than ever ambassador to Nepal, Verena week up-and-down stretch from constitution to take shape and governance. about the great potential that is Gräfin von Roedern. Tumlingtar to Lukla also gave the peace process to conclude. It is her optimism about Nepal just waiting to be unleashed in With four high passes von Roedern the time to reflect “It is easy to get that sets the level-headed von hydropower, medicinal herbs over 3,000m, this segment of on the ups and downs of Nepali disappointed looking at things Roedern apart, and patience is and tourism. So what is holding the 1,700km trail traversed politics in the four years of as they are,” von Roedern told what the ambassador herself things back in her opinion? Bhojpur, Sankhuwsabha and her tenure as the ambassador. Nepali Times, “but Nepal has needed when at the end of her “There will not be any real Solukhumbu disricts. An avid She came when Nepal had just transitioned far better than most trek she was stuck for three days economic progress in Nepal in Lukla due to bad weather. until there is closure on the But von Roedern also says she peace process with integration has been in Nepal long enough and rehabilitation of Maoist not to expect miracles overnight. fighters.” “The good thing is, unlike what The last time she met prime an outsider assumes from reading minister Baburam Bhattarai, papers,” she adds, “Nepali von Roedern joked that she politicians are not always at wanted not flowers but a new each other’s throats, but interact Nepali constitution for her among themselves and are open birthday on 28 May. to solutions.” “There is a great opportunity Despite the history of bilateral for Nepali politicians to make a cooperation going back 54 years, historical breakthrough,” says and the substantial aid that the ambassador, “investors Germany gives to Nepal each also want stability, and I really year, the European economic hope Nepali leaders rise to the powerhouse has maintained a occasion.” low profile, keeping its interests Rubeena Mahato

COVER STORY On the wrong side: The CoAS falls for HIMAL Maoist cruel intenti ons KHABARPATRIKA 28 February-13 March 2012 EDITORIAL Be honest: The army chief has a legacy to uphold

COMMENTARY North to south Keshav Man Shakya Formula that works Sher Bahadur Tamang Ques ti on of integrati on Manmohan Bhatt arai

REPORTS Exclusive Republic Silent ride State and structure

INTERVIEW UCPN-M vice chairman Mohan Baidya 2 - 8 MARCH 2012 #594 NATION 5 New canine member joins the Great Himalayan Trail

er name is Setuk, which is dignified dog although we Ha name given to dogs with occasionally see a glimpse of yellow eyebrows. She started her wild hunter side when she following the Great Himalayan chases goats as we pass through Trail team from just below Apa villages. She is intelligent, Sherpa’s home village of Thame trail smart and understands last week. instructions as if she can She was a playful dog, and comprehend our language. we all took to her immediately. Lately, she is a little spoilt as Some members of our team even she won’t eat just any food. You swore that Setuk was the same have to set it down gently in dog that climbed up to Camp front of her on a plate, she is the 2 (6,400m) on Mt Everest last only member of the team who spring. gets the royal treatment. We initially thought that she Setuk particularly likes to would follow us for the day and roll around in snow though return home to Thame. But she she stayed in my tent vestibule there is very little of that, now stayed with us for the night in as we camped 100m below the that we are in the lower valleys Thyangbo and was with us on pass. The next day we crossed of Helambu. She has been very the long and difficult climb up over into the Rolwaling valley, useful to us as a guard dog too, to the Tashi Lapsa pass the next and with the last possibility and barks at strangers who come day. of return behind her she has near our tents. She has also been She was always there by our now become a permanent very helpful when the group side and showed off her skills member of the Climate Smart splits up by going back and forth on the technically challenging Celebrity Trek that started in to show the way. Until today icy sections of the pass. With Kangchenjunga in January and she has walked over 250km with hurricane force winds and will reach Humla in May. us. There is another 1,000 to go. minus twenty degrees outside, Setuk is a happy and Dawa Steven Sherpa

“Enough headroom for everyone” Resta Jha, CEO of Prime Life Insurance spoke to the Nepali Times this week about how the rural areas are driving growth in the insurance sector. Excerpts:

Nepali Times: How is Nepal’s life insurance sector performing lately and what is its growth potential? Resta Jha: There has been a 20 per cent compounded growth over the last three years in life insurance segment and it seems this growth rate will continue for another three years. The major growth engine has been rural Nepal as a result of progressive cash fl ows from remittance, agriculture and tourism in this segment. Better awareness due to structured campaigns like ‘Sunya Wa Teen’ have also helped boost the premium collection. The total life fund of the industry today is more than Rs 20 billion.

Are there any Nepal-specifi c regulatory or environmental issues that are impending or fuelling growth ? The government’s mandatory policy for Nepali migrant workers has defi nitely helped growth. On the other hand, a very low tax exemption limit of Rs 20,000 is hindering the growth. Overall, I fi nd the current regulatory environment to be business-friendly.

There are over nine companies with life insurance licenses in Nepal, where does your company, PrimeLife Insurance stand? PrimeLife has 18 per cent and 21 per cent market shares in fi rst life premium and total fi rst premium respectively. We have been able to achieve these phenomenal numbers because we competed with the low-penetrated market condition, rather than competing with the competitors. In a country with 23 per cent population having insurable interest and only 5 per cent having bought life insurance policies, there is enough head-room for everyone. We just need a better structured approach of doing business.

Which regions in Nepal have superior awareness of the benefi ts of life insurance? Surprisingly, it’s the rural sector taking the lead in terms of life insurance business in Nepal. Urban people might be more aware, but approximately 75 per cent of life insurance business comes from the rural areas. This is owing to the ‘push factor’ of the business. And eastern Nepal is ahead in terms of business. 6 LIFE TIMES 2 - 8 MARCH 2012 #594

Orphaned at old age More grandparents feel less grand as they cross the 60’s line

PAAVAN MATHEMA

f 60-year-old Dhana Maya day tens of thousands other elderly, homeless second wives. office required for shelters and Gautam described just of commuters see her and abandoned women “The husband was no longer end up on the streets. Iher house, many might be plight. No one stops by like Dhana Maya on the mine, the house wasn’t either,” With traditional family envious. She lives in what looks to help, or chat. streets of Kathmandu. recalls 77-year old Jamuna norms that valued and respected like a palace with traditional “I wouldn’t go Many are victims of Basnet (pictured above, right), the elderly slowly eroding, carvings and lattice windows. anywhere else, this is domestic violence in the at the old age home, Nishahaya grandparents feel neglected and The police stand guard outside, my home,” says Dhana hands of their extended Sewa Sadan where nearly all disrespected in nuclear families. she has a sunny veranda and a Maya, who still has families. While the ratio the residents are women. Old, The trend of young families garden. property in Okhaldhunga but of 60+ men is higher to women female, single and homeless, migrating abroad means that But Dhana Maya is homeless, was forced to leave because of in Nepal, it appears that in and often uneducated, these old parents are left behind with driven out of her home after threats from her brother-in-law. most cases it is the women who women are abandoned in an no one to look after them. The her husband died. She has been Her son died and her daughter is are driven out of their homes. uncaring city. The women don’t widening generation gap, family living on the Bagmati Bridge in dire financial circumstances. Women are also forced out after have citizenship cards and disputes and even physical for the past seven years. Every It is not difficult to meet their husbands bring home recommendations from VDC abuse drive away the old into 2 - 8 MARCH 2012 #594 LIFE TIMES 7

Curry without Worry

Every Tuesday evening at 5.30 a crowd gathers under the pipal tree at Hanuman Dhoka for a ‘party’ thrown by Curry Without Worry (CWOW). As the familiar truck pulls in, the smell of warm food fills the air and there is a rush to form a queue as the buffet is set. Warm rice, beans, roti, mixed vegetables and tomato pickle on a leaf plate- for most in the line this is one of the few full freshly cooked meals they are able to eat every week. CWOW is a charity that offers free warm meals to the homeless, and anyone else who is hungry, once a week. CWOW has been PICS: BIKRAM RAI holding free buffets at the Hanuman Dhoka for more than a year and feeds over 300 people at one go. the harshness of the streets. Rs 500 per month and health Sewa Sadan: “Donors are more The organisation was founded in 2006 by Shrawan Nepali With declining fertility rates benefits, is a plus point. inclined to fund an orphanage in San Francisco where he opened a soup kitchen for the and increasing life expectancy, However, the bureaucracy is or sponsor a child, than give hungry in the city. Local businessman, Hem Ratna Shakya, demographic shift in age is so daunting that many elderly to an ageing group that has would volunteer with Nepali whenever he visited the US and among the most prominent people don’t bother. outlived an economically useful decided to begin the initiative here. global demographic trends of “Senior citizens are now life.” “The smile on the faces of our guests here motivates us the 21st century. Japan’s ageing a significant part of the Suvekchya Ghimire of to keep going,” says Shakya. The weekly cost of CWOW is population is now challenging population and with family HelpAge International says Rs 16,000. Anyone who is willing to contribute money or its economic growth, with one care becoming weak, it is that Nepal is ahead than labour is welcome. in six people over the age of 80. important that provisions are most countries in terms of As the average lifespan made for their benefit,” says policies, but lags behind in www.currywithoutworry.com increases, Nepal’s population Ram Sharan Thapa, Office implementation. She says: +977 1 4229475 pyramid now has a small bulge Chief of Pashupati Old Age “Senior citizens should not in the 60 plus age group. In the Home which houses 230 only be seen as dependents, 1950s the population of 60 plus senior citizens. “It is best if the they can still be economically citizens was just five per cent, family takes care, but there is independent.” it is expected to be over 10 per a need for old age homes for cent in the 2011 census. As those who aren’t treated well.” nations age, the prevalence of At present only 30 shelters for nepalitimes.com disability, frailty, and chronic the elderly in the country with Nepali women climbers set the diseases such as alzheimer’s, a majority concentrated in the pace, #590 cancer and cardiovascular capital. Womanpower stays home to teach, diseases also rise dramatically. Most depend on donors as manpower migrates, #563 Nepal’s universal pension because of the special care Women on air, #449 plan for senior citizens and required for the elderly. Says Holding up the whole sky, #457 widows, which offers them Sagun Shah of Nishahaya 8 LIFE TIMES 2 - 8 MARCH 2012 #594

EVENTS MUSIC

Live music by SIGN band every week except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 7:30 pm onwards, Corner Bar, Radisson Hotel, Lazimpat. Call 4411818

Kutumba Playing for Heritage II, Kutmba will be travelling across MILK COFFEE N COCKTAIL CAFE, Nepal to generate awareness on the coffee house during the day and a cozy preservation and protection of local lounge serving cocktails at night, try its heritage till 15 April yarchagumba and molecular cocktails. Woodland Complex, Durbar Marg Baja Gaja, playing live every Tuesday 7: 30pm onwards at Mosksh, Pulchowk. Call 5526212 1905 RESTAURANT, feast on miss out on their Irish coffee. Lazimpat, roasted delights within this converted Ananda Bhawan, 4416027 Live music at Jazzabella Café. aristocratic residence. Walled ambience Every Wednesday and Friday and green surroundings make it an 6pm onwards, Jazzabella café, oasis within the city, Kantipath, 4215068 Jhamsikhel, Patan. Call 2114075 Bu keba, the organic restaurant in town, offers continental and Indian food along with chef’s originals. Sanepa

Cosmopolitan Café, located in the LIVE PERFORMANCE BY ATIF heart of Basantapur, this cozy café YIN YANG RESTAURANT, east meets ASLAM, the famous Pakistani pop offers arguably the best chicken sizzler DHABA, for an excellent range of North west as you choose from a variety of singer will be performing for the fi rst in town. Basantapur (along Kathmandu Indian delicacies, try their unbeatable Thai and continental dishes. Add a time in Nepal. 3 March, 5:00 pm Darbar Square), 4225246 Kashmiri Gosh. Thapathali little spice in your life with its pad thai onwards, Jawlakhel football ground. METAL SUFFOCATION II, bringing or green curry. If you can’t handle the together all the metal heads of heat, fall into the safety net of western Summer Utsav, charity event to Kathmandu featuring bands like And dishes. Thamel, 10am to 10pm, support children. 3 March, 2:00 pm to we came, Infected, Deadwishes, 4701510 8:00 pm, Lorry’s Restaurant and Bar, Shadow in shade and many Jhamsikhel more.10 March, 1:00 pm onwards, Neon pub, Thamel. Call Suman All Women Scooty Rally, join the Shrestha at 9841558087 rally to celebrate womanhood and girl power. 8 March, 8:00 am, Starting from DINING Basantapur ALFRESCO, for homemade pastas and Lecture Series LII, a talk by Todd New Orleans, offers a wide other lip-smacking delights. Soaltee OR2K, one of the few vegetarian Lewis and Subarna Man Tuladhar on variety of western dishes that are Crowne Plaza, 4273999 restaurants in the Valley, their Middle Chittadhar Hridaya’s Sugata Saurabha. scrumptious yet healthy. Get hooked Eastern platter is delicious and their CAFE HESSED, for those with a sweet 6 March, 4:30 pm, Yala Maya Kendra, on the rosemary chicken and Irish Pub, for the simple reason that cocktails are simply amazing. Mandala tooth, the cafe offers a delicious range Patan hamburgers. Jhamsikhel, 5522708. the place actually feels like a bar. Don’t Street, Thamel, 4422097 of cupcakes and doughnuts. Jhamsikhel American by birth, Sherpani at heart Caryl Sherpa finds love and a new family in the heartland of the Himalaya

ore than 20 years ago at Bhote Odar, Caryl in 1991, there were very few tourists and we used Sherpa feels she suddenly found the clarity to camp out on the river banks. Today there are big, Mshe was searching for in her life when she fancy lodges even in the Khumbu, and there is a road met her guide, Nima. And two days into her trek of the around the Annapurna circuit.” Annapurna circuit she promises herself: “I will marry After almost 20 years in the US, the Sherpas are Nima Gyalgen Sherpa.” now back in Kathmandu and preparing to settle Caryl’s book, I taste fire, earth, rain: elements of a life permanently in Nima’s hometown in Solukhumbu. with a Sherpa traces Caryl and Nima Sherpa’s journey as Caryl who took 15 years to complete her first book they crisscross the Annapurna, Los Angeles, Michigan while working full-time, wants to dedicate more and Solukhumbu and learn to reconcile their two of her time to writing. She told the Nepali Times, worlds. “I have plenty of free time now and living in the The memoir picks up in the spring of 1991, when 39 foothills of Himalayas will definitely boost my year-old Caryl leaves behind her posh home, difficult job creativity.” The couple is currently busy traveling as the manager of an interior architecture project and a back and forth from Kathmandu to Solukhumbu, messy breakup in Los Angeles and arrives in Kathmandu making arrangements for their new home and searching for a sense of purpose and in desperate need planning to open a retreat for artists and writers near of change. Once on the trail, she quickly befriends Namche Bazar. one of her guides, Nima. While Nima is calm, assured Although Caryl says she misses her family in the and has strong faith, Caryl is restless, full of doubts US and might struggle to get through Nepali winters and skeptical. Despite the language barrier and cultural KUNDA DIXIT in cement houses with no central heating, she feels at divide, the two are instantly attracted to each other and home and is ready to start her life as a Sherpani. risk a relationship. it can be very difficult,” Caryl explained. While a large part of the book is devoted to stories For readers who are unfamiliar with Nepal’s about their love and marriage, Caryl also delves into topography, Caryl describes the Brahmin, Gurung and the more serious issues of cross-cultural unions and Tibetan villages that she passes through on her way the frustrations they experienced while adjusting to a to Thorung-La and Kala Pattar in meticulous detail. world that did not fully accept Nima nor understood her Her understanding of Sherpa culture and explanations feelings. of their customs and rituals will also fascinate and “Nima is wise, has been through some tough educate even Sherpas. experiences and like other Sherpas was very adaptable. When asked about her first impressions of Nepal, But it was still a very alienating environment for him Caryl told us in Kathmandu last week, she was amazed I taste fi re, earth, rain: and the way he dressed, or spoke, his lack of formal how despite the poverty, the Nepalis she met found Elements of a life with a Sherpa education, his rough edges made him an outsider. joy in simple pleasures and their deep commitment Studio Press, USA 2011 Sometimes people who want to emigrate to the US only towards their faith. Two decades later, she finds the ISBN : 9780983609421 see the money and opportunities, and fail to realise that country is almost unrecognisable: “When I came here 346pages 2 - 8 MARCH 2012 #594 LIFE TIMES 9

The Factory, a trendy restobar for a refreshing stopover in the chaos that GETAWAYS GREAT HIMALAYAN TRAIL is Thamel. Great food and drinks, with zesty music. Don’t miss out on the cheesecake, it’s a must. Mandala Street, Thamel

MIKE’S BREAKFAST, huge breakfasts and a never-ending supply of coffee amidst a lush garden setting Day 40 characterise this café, popular among SINGMA FOOD COURT, for the best tourists and locals alike. Naxal, Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine FULBARI RESORT, enjoy the scenic he Climate Smart Trek led by Apa Sherpa arrived at Barhabise, 4424303 in town. Pulchok, 5009092 and view as you pamper yourself with tennis, Sindhupalchowk today, completing 530km (40 days) of its 1700km long Bhatbhateni, 4411078, golf, drinks and dinners. Rs 6500 per Ttrek (120 days) on the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) to raise awareness person for 2 nights and 3 days. on ‘Climate Change in the Himalayas’, and to promote the development of the Vesper Café, has quaint outdoor patio Call 4461918, 4462248 GHT to build the climate resilience in Nepal’s most vulnerable communities. good for leisurely weekend brunch. On the occasion Apa Sherpa said, “I have a message for my fellow Serves good salads, and steak-wraps. The Borderlands Eco Adventure Nepalis. Climate Change destroyed most of my property back in the Dig Tsho Jhamsikhel Resorts, raft in the mighty Bhote Kosi, try Glacial Lake outburst of 1985. I successfully climbed Mt Everest for the fi rst a canyon descent, or an off-the-beaten time in 1990, and since then I have scaled it 21 times in 21 years. Tourism trek to a hidden monastery. Call 4700894 gave me back my life.” The pro-poor sustainable development GHT project aims to address the impacts of Climate Change in the Himalayas. Holiday at Grand Norling Hotel, The core GHT-CSCT team which includes Apa Sherpa (21 times Mt. HANKOOK SARANG, from Bibimbab Gokarna. One night and two days at Rs Everest summiteer), Dawa Steven Sherpa (Mountaineer and Climate to Samgyeopsal, Hankook offers a wide 4500and two nights and three days at Rs ambassador), Saurav Dhakal (British Council International Climate Champion range of Korean delicacies at affordable 7000. Call 447948 and Journalist) and Samir Jung Thapa (photographer) began its journey on prices. Thamel 15 January 2012. BRONCO BILLY, a new restaurant The Last Resort, be a part of the Bungy Jazoo, a quiet place ideal for beer and in town offering Tex-Mex and Indian or Swing Jump Event over the Bhote On Facebook: relaxing conversation. Bring a friend dishes. They make their own corn Khosi river 160 metres below or mountain http://www.facebook.com/climatesmarttrek and enjoy the special barbeque set for tortillas, which gets a big thumbs- bike up to the Tibetan border. The Last Follow on Twitter: a mix of everything. Jawalakhel (near up. Pulchok, opposite Namaste Resort Sales Offi ce, Mandala Street, @TheGHT_Nepal the zoo), 5538321 Supermarket Thamel, 4700525 http://www.climatesmarttrek.org.np/

that enveloped the paneer stuffing was hardly traceable. Shaam Savera (Rs 650) the restaurant’s “signature preparation of spinach koftas filled with paneer served floating in a velvity makhni gravy” sounds divine. But sad to say, the gravy tasted like treacle and the paneer was grainy. Beverage-wise, the Peach Iced Tea (Rs 100) and the frozen Margarita mocktail were heavy on concentrate and required diluting. SOMEPLACE ELSE Kapoor’s saving grace, aside from its attentive service and comfortable setting, Yellow Chilli was in his sweets, as to be expected. Kesari Kulfi with Rabdi (Rs 225), ype around the opening of apparently “sugar-free,” was a toothsome Sanjeev Kapoor’s Yellow Chilli in dessert where the saffron married well Kathmandu may have made our with the homemade ice cream. H It appears that the Nepali extension sampling a pinch too sweet. The Indian chef and host of the of the streamlined chain may have popular cooking show Khana Khazana been hasty and may have assumed that presents an overwhelming menu of North an Indian satellite would more or less Indian specialties and chaatwala-inspired sit well with the upstairs neighbour. dishes at the three-month-old outlet at the For what is served, prices could better accommodate and the menu could be Blue Bird Mall in Thapathali. PICS: MARCO POLLO Upon our entering the dining hall tweaked to suit the Nepali tongue and from the very formal reception desk, it 250) without an alternative description. was tabled was something more like taste bud. But to be fair, the description was clear that we were underdressed for Every other menu entry is a dish a skewered cream of mushroom. The of gulio bhat in parentheses and the the upholstery. The origami napkins, from Kapoor’s televised compendium, mushrooms were tender and generous but addition of steamed chicken momos modern angles, earth tones, recessed highlighting the colours and flavours the blue cheese was indeed subtle. (Rs 650!) make an lighting, jute and bronze-vested staff from his family’s home in Meerut or Khaas Seekh (Rs 650) advertised attempt. suggest fine dining with swank and as we his Pashtun heritage. His signature as the “Chef Special” and “the softest Marco Pollo soon discovered, the prices matched our dishes, indicated by his silhouette, were seekh kebabs you’d ever have” were first impressions. naturally sampled. quite different from Kapoor’s kebabs as Blue Bird Opening the menu reveals an intricate For starters, the Shabnam ke Moti televised in a September 2011 episode. Complex at read, where even the prices are spelled (Rs 510) promises “mushroom caps Preparations may be different from the Thapathali out. Patrons not fluent in Hindi may overflowing with cream cheese and a kitchen and the tandoor, and perhaps, above the KFC encounter some difficulties. For example, subtle touch of blue cheese cooked to watching Kapoor makes the food seem and Pizza Hut plain rice is listed as “Sada Chawal” (Rs a golden hue in the tandoor,” but what just more appetising. The minced chicken Delivery 10 HAPPENINGS 2 - 8 MARCH 2012 #594 Cave of Forgotten Dreams WEEKEND WEATHER The prevailing high pressure system is keeping the moisture Despite these challenges Herzog, as usual, out, and bringing dry cold air from has made an amazing fi lm. The cave paintings central Asia. This is prolonging of Chauvet are dramatic in themselves, but the spring season, keeping Herzog has somehow turned his disadvantage the maximum and minimum temperatures lower than usual into advantages with his narration, which is full KATHMANDU of philosophical wonder at the epic gap in our this time of year. As soon as the wind direction changes, the knowledge between us and the Cro-magnons mercury should go into the upper FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY who painted these powerful renderings of lions, twenties later next week. All this bulls, pre-historic wooly rhinos in the haunting, means that the winter inversion dark interior of the cave. Herzog uses the has persisted in the Indian camera to drift and wander around the cave plains as well as the valleys, and for long minutes allowing us to wonder and compounded with pollution has 25-05 23-05 23-05 marvel at the paintings which are underscored brought hazy conditions. by orchestral music that is both melodic and evocative. Finally, the other exceptional, aspect of this fi lm is that Herzog chose to fi lm it in 3-D. Another fi lm-maker might not have had the patience or the experience to succeed with this kind of technology in such an environment, but Herzog and his team are able to MUST SEE create a breathtaking fi lm that allows the viewers to feel like Sophia Pande they are in this most mysterious of caves themselves.

nce in a while, directors with true vision are able to Pina take subjects that would confound an ordinary fi lm- Oddly enough, yet Omaker and create visceral, transcendent works of art. another German All fi lms are not necessarily ‘works of art’, fi lm is primarily a fi lm-maker of the medium of entertainment, but there are individuals who have same era, Wim been able to achieve both aims: creating exceptional ground- Wenders, has also breaking, captivating cinema that can also be called art. created a fantastic Werner Herzog, the eccentric, poetic, German fi lm-maker documentary, BIKASH DWARE who insists on narrating all his documentaries in his own also in 3-D, LEAPING HIGH: Winner of the 100m hurdle, female, Arati Pathak of Nepal Police distinctly accented English has always gone out of his way about the famous Club, jumps to the fi nish line during the sixth National Games in Dhangadi on to choose the most diffi cult and outlandish subjects. He has choreographer Wednesday. worked with a man obsessed with grizzly bears, a rocket and dancer Pina scientist who hovers over the rain-forest in a hot air balloon, Bausch. In Pina, Wenders uses the camera in a fl uid fl oating and writers and adventurers who live and work in Antarctica. manner that allows the dancers a measure of freedom of Now, with Cave of Forgotten Dreams, he chooses to movement that is impossible with a more static camera. document the millennia-old paintings found in the Chauvet Bausch’s amazing pieces come to life in this fi lm that, along Cave in the Ardeche region of France. The only problem with Herzog’s, push the boundaries of what we have come to was that the skeleton fi lm crew were only allowed access accept as conventional cinema. Movies are still young, a little for a few hours each day over the course of a week. Every over a century old, and they entertain people young and old, documentary maker knows the absurd proportion of footage the world over. Once in a while though, a few pioneers like shot to the actual footage that ends up in the 90 odd minutes James Cameron (with Avatar), Herzog, and Wenders take a that is a feature length documentary. To be allowed to fi lm few chances and set new standards that make one gasp at only a few hours can be catastrophic to the viability of a the almost magical potential of cinema. fi lm. Additionally, the cave being a fragile and compact environment meant that the crew often could not duck out of nepalitimes.com the shots and were forced to use only the most rudimentary equipment in a dark and hard to manoeuvre environment. Watch trailer

BIKRAM RAI STANDING TALL: Editor-in-Chief of Guinness World Record, Craig Glenday (right) measures Chandra Bahadur Dangi, 72, in Kathmandu on Monday. Dangi was announced the world’s shortest man alive, as well as the shortest person ever Hidden hunger measured by the Guinness World Records.

children in developing countries suffer from vitamin DHANVANTARI A deficiency, and many are Buddha Basnyat, MD afflicted by night blindness and even permanent visual problems. Iodine deficiency which causes goiter and rompted by massive developmental disabilities advertisement campaigns, affects 18 million babies Psales of instant noodles each year. It used to be a and fizzy drinks have sky- significant problem in the rocketed in Nepal. Among Khumbu region in Nepal, the world’s 7 billion people, when iodine-deficient salt 3 billion either eat too little, too was ‘yaked in’ from Tibet, much, or eat unhealthily. but nowadays thanks to LET’S SHAKE ON IT: Vice President and CEO of International Finance Corporation It is easy to detect when iodine- enriched salt, goitre Lars Thunell met Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai at the PM’s offi ce people are severely lacking and mental problems are on Wednesday. Thunell reiterated IFC’s commitment towards increasing calories because they will much less common in that investments in Nepal, particularly in infrastructure, and to support private appear “marasmic” (chronic area. (Interestingly, with the sector development. starvation). When people decrease in goiter cases, fewer are obese, the effects are all instant noodles have replaced Nepalis are superstitiously too obvious as well. But it is the more nutritious sampa or blowing into their hands after “hidden” starvation (the group sattu made of barley or other touching their neck to ward that eats unhealthily) that may grains. Noodles, although off goitre). go unnoticed. very convenient to prepare, In 2008 as part of the If a nutrition survey is only provide empty calories Copenhagen declaration, done in a Nepali village, it is compared to the vitamin B eight eminent economists likely to show a high degree of and mineral- rich barley. Since were asked to propose malnourishment. Many people ‘mohi’ (watered-down butter plans that would be most are just barely healthy, which milk) has been replaced by beneficial for humanity. Half predisposes them to illnesses. sugary drinks where available, of them recommended proper While poor nutrition is the the nutritional trade-off has nutrition. For young people norm, people may have other been unhelpful in promoting planning exciting careers, a priorities besides a healthy diet health. People may not appear useful and satisfying future like buying a better television to be starving, but the ‘hidden’ may lie in being a nutritionist BIKRAM RAI set. hunger is taking its toll. to help deal with the world’s STREET DRAMA: Traffi c police personnel penalise pedestrians who did not use Even in remote Nepal, More than 160 million problems. the overhead bridge at Rani Pokhari to cross the road on Thursday morning. 2 - 8 MARCH 2012 #594 NATION 11 Knotting for Nepal A woman’s personal hobby is helping others become self-sufficient and preserve traditional weaving skills

MAKING A DIFFERENCE are sent not just with the know-how but a market for their handicrafts. This initiative has not BHRIKUTI RAI only made them more socially uring a time when and financially independent, Nepali women had few but increased their interest in Deconomic and educational preserving their art and passing opportunities 30 years ago, it to the younger generations. Shyam Badan Shrestha gathered The journey has been Rs 200, built a small workshop challenging. In 2007, the in her house and started making factory was shut down due knotted handicrafts along with to labour militancy and two friends. although business resumed after That was the humble two years, Shrestha says starting beginning of Nepal Knotcraft over was difficult because Centre, the country’s first many skilled artisans from the showroom for knotted products company migrated abroad for and bamboo furniture. work. After working as a teacher for Now, Nepal Knotcraft is 13 years, Shrestha’s foray into struggling to compete with handicraft making was largely BIKRAM RAI cheap, synthetic Chinese trial and error. “I was interested products which have flooded in macramé from an early age, she was inspired to experiment the market. But Shrestha is but I had no formal training,” with cornhusk due to the Indian confident that increasing she recalls, “so I read a lot of embargo of 1990 and 1991 when preference among urban Nepalis books and taught myself the there was a severe shortage of for eco-friendly lifestyles art of knotting.” She started by cotton twine. will make handicraft goods a making small items and began During this time she also household staple in the next 10 experimenting with different discovered indigenous weaving years. materials like cotton, hemp and traditions practiced by Nepali Still, Shrestha is content and yarn when she gained confidence. women from diverse communities optimistic. She says, “The future Today, the Centre produces who had the expertise, but of the industry depends on how a wide range of knotted goods lacked technical knowledge and well we tap into the country’s such as hammocks, purses, resources to use their skills to earn abundant natural resources. belts, and decoration pieces at an income. If we can replace imported raw its factory in Patan Industrial Nepal Knotcraft teaches local materials with local ones and Estate. Interestingly, ethnic women’s groups to blend their develop research facilities, the dolls made of husk are one of indigenous weaving techniques handicrafts sector will take off in the hottest commodities in the with contemporary styles. By the a big way.” Kupondole outlet. Shrestha says end of the training, the women www.knotcraft.com.np Sewing a social safety net Reena Rai has decided to dedicate her life to helping other women like her to be independent with skills training

HARIDEVI ROKAYA Like the women at the centre, Chairperson Reena Rai, too had humble beginnings. She started her career as he small single-storied house a tailor, worked as an instructor for a in Gyaneswor is abuzz with the while and then went on to establish Tcontinuous clatter of sewing the first women’s centre in her home machines. Inside the home, poor district of Makwanpur. women with difficult family lives are Rai says she started the centre being trained in tailoring and other because she wanted to impart her skills skills. and encourage women in her village Women’s Advancement and Skill to seek economic independence. Until Development Centre which manages now Rai and her staff have trained the home has not only helped the 11,000 women from diverse classes women overcome personal and HARIDEVI ROKAYA and ethnicities. social obstacles, but also made them However, she is disappointed by financially independent. her harsh life as a maid. Before coming to Kathmandu, Anju the apathy and negligence of the state Among the group is 16 year old Sarita Karki, 36, of Sindhupalchok Poudel worked 12 hours daily at a and private sector and disheartened to Sushmita Subedi who is learning to be shares a similar background. After garment factory in Birganj, where she see skilled women staying idle at home a tailor. Before coming to Kathmandu, completing tenth grade, she was forced earned Rs 2,000 and struggled to get by. without work or income. Many of the she worked as a domestic helper into marriage and recalls being regularly Opening a toy store in Kathmandu didn’t women she trains don’t have the capital to support her family of eight and abused by her alcoholic husband. Karki, improve her economic position either. to start their own ventures. Some don’t injured her hand in the process. She who has two children was desperate to Following her sister’s advice she joined even have the money to buy pieces of says: “When I worked as a servant, break out of the cycle, earn a living and the centre, learned to sew and now earns cloth to practice on. people ridiculed me and I was scolded become self-sufficient. After struggling a reasonable income. Says Rai: “I wish the government or frequently by my employers. I hope to make ends meet selling vegetables, When Deepa Rai from Solukhumbu NGOs would help them financially at learning tailoring skills will change she took tailoring classes. “No matter started her tailoring shop, her husband least during the initial stages. But so far my situation and help me take care of how educated a woman is, people was opposed to it. Today Rai is a respected no one has shown any interest.” my family.” Subedi looks forward to won’t respect her unless she is self- earning member of her family and says owning a sewing machine and ending reliant,” says Karki. her husband is more supportive. [For more information call 4412840} 12 NATION 2 - 8 MARCH 2012 #594 They don’t count,

No one knows how many Nepalis work in India, nor is there a reliable estimate about how much money they send home

ANURAG ACHARYA in NEW DELHI

bhishek Mandal, 28, leaves his stereotype of Nepali workers in India, and laws, and the open border, have replaced Biharis in Punjab’s farms. apartment in Tilak Nagar in New who are usually gatekeepers, waiters or certainly driven millions of Nepalis to The lack of jobs in Nepal has also ADelhi at midnight, and drives farmhands. Different studies estimate the India but the nature of the workforce they forced thousands of students in India to his office Quatro Global Service in number of Nepalis in India to be between enter into is different. Although seasonal to stay on after studies to find jobs Gurgaon of Haryana state where he works 1 and 1.6 million. It is even more difficult unskilled labourers make up a sizable there. Keshav Bashyal, who is doing his as a diagnostic expert. to calculate the amount of money they number of Nepalis working in India, there doctorate research from JNU on Nepali Asif Ali, 29, who works for IBM Global send home every year. The figure of are semi-skilled permanent job holders migrant workers told the Nepali Times: has a similar routine. Both Abhishek and Nepal’s annual remittance earnings of $2 in various government and private “There are people who are doing well in Asif came to New Delhi from Biratnagar billion totals money Nepali workers wire institutions. India with their creativity and hard work. in eastern Nepal in search of a better life, home from the Gulf, Malaysia, Japan, and Historically, Nepalis have dominated Unfortunately, Nepal has not been able to and after years of struggle they both make Korea, but does not include India. the security profession. Tens of thousands entice them home.” a comfortable living. Usually domestic labour market of Nepalis work in the Indian Army and Besides the loss of skilled manpower, Abhishek owns property in India and conditions determine migration trends, paramilitary forces (again, there is no the lack of information and unsystematic sends money regularly to his family. Asif but in Nepal’s case, simple push and pull exact count). Recently, private security migration to India have put Nepalis at educates his younger brother and sister at theory may not sufficiently explain such a companies have been hiring Nepali risk. Nepali domestic workers are often his own expense. His mother, Aamna, and huge flux of labour. Rising unemployment guards. Young Nepali boys are sought mistreated and exploited, and successive sister, Nazia, now live with him in Delhi. at home, geographical accessibility, after in restaurants and hotels, and after governments in Nepal have been unable Abhishek and Asif do not fit the affinity with the local language, culture the turnaround in Bihar, Nepalis have to control trafficking of young Nepali

the lower castes, has withered. This has left Mayawati fi ghting with her back to the wall. As for the Samajwadi Party, the reins are slowly being taken over by Mulayam Singh’s son, Akhilesh Yadav, member of parliament from Kannauj. Where Mulayam had once CHALO DILLI openly spoken out against the English language, son Akhilesh has sought Jyoti Malhotra to move the party into a new era by personally using a tablet computer. Still, none of UP’s major leaders can match the vision and the s the feverish election campaign leadership shown by the chief minister in Uttar Pradesh winds down, of Bihar next door, Nitish Kumar, Athere’s only one question that who is in alliance with the right-wing is being asked around the city: is Bharatiya Janata Party in the state but Mulayam Singh Yadav’s Samajwadi refuses to let Narendra Modi step into Party going to oust Dalit messiah and his province. Kumar, whose credentials Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati as a socialist leader are impeccable, from the throne of Uttar Pradesh? says he will not get into a slanging The stakes are enormous. The match with Modi or his creed. That only reason Uttar Pradesh lies at the heart further builds up the people’s respect. of India’s politics is because the state’s Certainly, by improving the state’s nearly 200 million population elects notoriously infamous indices on female as many as 403 members to the state and child mortality, Kumar has shown assembly, and signifi cantly, sends as THE FREE PRESS JOURNAL himself to be a leader not only of many as 80 people (out of 545) to the national stature but also someone who federal parliament. In this case, the can be an example to all of South Asia. numbers are so overwhelming that Earlier in the month, his invitation nothing else in the country comes close. to Nepal's prime minister Baburam Uttar Pradesh also has a 600 km open Bhattarai, to attend the Bihar Global border with Nepal, and what happens Summit as the chief guest, was here with the Dalit identity and the fate Down in UP received with great admiration of the Congress party always has an as far away as the capital, Delhi. effect across the border. There are lessons for Nepal from the elections in Interestingly, Narendra Modi may be Besides Yadav’s home-spun an outcast in Bihar, but he is being rhetoric and Mayawati’s ability to the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh this week welcomed in Nepal next week for a rouse up the state’s Dalit population business conclave. to passionate zeal, there is Congress UP’s politicians would do well to dynast Rahul Gandhi’s experiment He is a huge curiosity considering genie of caste politics neatly divided and the right-wing Bharatiya Janata take a leaf out of Nitish Kumar’s book with the thrust and parry of state-level several generations of Gandhi- up the state, the Congress was simply Party are vying for the third slot in UP’s once they settle down to governing. politics. Nehrus have stood from the Amethi unable to provide either the leadership electoral race. Dalit leader Mayawati is Mandates are precious things and Even on the road, Gandhi looks a constituency in Uttar Pradesh. or the politics to overcome the backed by the solid chunk of the Dalit must be treated with utmost respect. bit like a movie star, with his angular But the party has been routed right challenge. It became an embarrassing vote, although it is a moot point that Even in the poorest parts of the sub- good looks set off by the ubiquitous across the Indo-Gangetic plains for also-ran, lying in the ground for the last some of that vote-bank is also split. continent, one thing is already clear: white khadi kurta-pajama that is the the last decades, ever since it mutely 20 years, even as the world – and India Clearly, the rainbow coalition that she if the rulers don’t listen to the voice of uniform of the average Congressman, witnessed the destruction of the Babri – changed. had so successfully created in the last the people, they will be changed by the completed by a set of running shoes. Masjid in 1992. Simultaneously, as the By most accounts the Congress election, comprising the upper as well as people. 2 - 8 MARCH 2012 #594 NATION 13 and are uncounted

AT HOME (left to right): Dil Bahadur Mahara from Dang with his co-worker at an Indian restaurant in Delhi. Asif with his sister Nazia, brother Kashif and mother Aamna. A Nepali rickshaw puller in Delhi.

his job there. “People are good to me, and I manage to save Rs 5,000 every month and send it home to my old parents and son.” Hundreds of thousands of Nepalis like Dil Bahadur don’t count because they are not counted. Ganesh Gurung of Nepal Institute of Development Studies feels the government has disowned the Nepalis who work in India and believes the 1950 treaty is detrimental for the PICS: ANURAG ACHARYA immigrant community, because while it women to brothels and boys for circuses allows free movement across the border, and work in dangerous jobs like the it lets Kathmandu wash its hands of the firecracker industry. The estimate of responsibility towards its citizens. A beautiful mind Nepali sex workers in India varies from “How can protecting your citizens be 25,000-250,000, but no one knows for at odds with your friendship with India?” Shanti Shrestha came to India from Dhangadi in 1984 sure. asks Gurung. “Regulating the Indo-Nepal when she was just 24, as a beautician trainee. She has now Piyush, 14, works at a roadside border will not create unemployment opened her own saloon in Delhi’s South Extension. eatery near Delhi’s Nizamuddin Railway problem in Nepal, in fact it will make She began in a small basement in 2000, and now runs Station. He ran away from his home in migration to India systematic through a chain of five ‘Hair and Shanti’ saloons in different parts Gulmi district last year when his mother record keeping and help the state keep the Indian capital. “It has been difficult trying to make a living in a foreign remarried after his father’s death. “I didn’t track of its citizens in India, reducing country,” says Shanti, “I did not understand the language and was often want to live with him so I ran away,” says their vulnerability.” humiliated but it has all worked out.” the sixth grader. A plucky young boy, Her partner in business and in life, Narayan (seen above with then minister Piyush says he wants to earn some money (Some names have been changed.) Shashi Tharoor), is proud of his wife’s success. “It is through her hard work and go back to Nepal. and determination that we have achieved what we have,” he says admiringly. Dil Bahadur Mahara, 39, from Dang nepalitimes.com “We will soon be expanding to 20 more places and in the next three years works in an Indian restaurant in Tilak Lost to the land, # 552 plan to spread the chain all over India.” Nagar in Delhi and says he is happy with 14 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 2 - 8 MARCH 2012 #594 Dead and forgotten ‘We should rise above Santosh Yadav, Sahara Times, 13 February

Every year on 18 Magh, CPN-UML Siraha mourns the death of its leader, Hem Narayan ethnic and class sentiments’ Yadav who was killed eight years ago during Gyanendra Shah’s dictatorial regime. Yadav, a UML MP from Siraha, was abducted in broad daylight and killed because he challenged army offi cer, Babu Krishna Karki’s abuse. Standing over Narayan’s corpse UML leader Interview with Mohan Baidya, vice president The Maoists joined parliamentary forces Madhav Nepal made lofty promises of punishing the guilty. But justice for Yadav and his UCPN-M Himal Khabarpatrika, 13 March when the insurgency failed. Why haven’t they family remains elusive even after two UML led governments. Due to the apathy shown transformed into a democratic force yet? by the leadership, Yadav’s wife and son severed all ties with the party last year and they were absent from the program this year. Although the UML nominated Yadav’s wife into We joined the parliamentary forces to oppose the parliament to engage the family and secure compensation for them, the family was not You are considered Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s and fight against the monarchy. In my opinion, after monetary gain. They wanted justice, but the government only humiliated them further mentor. Who is leading the party, the mentor or the joint movement was the right move, by promoting Karki and letting him walk free. the disciple? but the party should not have surrendered Mohan Baidya: Let’s not get into completely. the teacher-student relation. He is our party president. He has his Does it mean the own ideals while I have my own. Maoists have been The party’s official line is decided trampled by the through dialogue. parliamentary forces? What is the party’s official line Not quite, but now? they have become We are in favour of writing a dominant. pro-people constitution and concluding the peace process Do you think the quickly. Although we know there ongoing debate is no alternative to revolution if on ethnic states the peace process and constitution has sprung out of drafting fails, we will not come people’s awareness out on the streets immediately. MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA about their rights and country’s geopolitical situation? Are you in favour of extending the CA term or a We raised the ethnic issue to address existing people’s revolt? inequalities, not to divide the country. But I cannot inspire or postpone a revolt according there are pitfalls. We should rise above ethnic Branch: Democracy day to my will. But I am sure people won’t accept and class sentiments. Nest: Democracy the new constitution if it does not guarantee Batsyayan in Kantipur, 26 February

their rights. How do you assess the performance of this

government? QUOTE OF THE WEEK You have said that the armed revolution is This government has compromised the “ incomplete. Are you planning to re-launch it? integration process and hurt the sentiments Don’t associate me with Revolutionary movements need to evaluate the of our ex-combatants in the cantonments. people’s revolt. situation and adapt to different circumstances. Even the decision to legalise war-time land “ The same modus-operandi does not work time transactions was withdrawn under the UCPN-M vice chairman Mohan Baidya and again. We have also adjusted our goals pressure of the opposition. This has dampened speaking to Himal Khabarpatrika this week keeping in mind the current situation. the party’s image in front of the public. 2 - 8 MARCH 2012 #594 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 15 Constitution impossible Interview with Nilamber between the parties and the Acharya, Chairperson of the peace process? Constitutional Committee in There is a definite trust deficit Naya Patrika, 26 February among the parties. Look at how they have been making unilateral decisions on issues The February 3 deadline for related to the peace process. No resolving contentious issues one has bothered to follow past in the constitution is fast agreements. Everyone wants to approaching. Will get ahead in the we be able to meet race by pushing the deadline? away others. All Since the rules this has delayed have not been constitution amended yet, writing. If we the CA cannot want consensus, even present its the parties must suggestions on the forge better SRC’s report to relations among the Constitutional themselves and Committee by that come to a quick time. A working understanding. committee was formed to look Are you saying into that matter, we need a but due to the government problems within of national the SRC, the process is stuck. consensus? Of course. We need a strong At this pace, how can we government that can make draft the constitution in three decisions. months? Except extending the deadline Politicians are talking and altering the work-plans, we about a fast track path to have done nothing concrete so the constitution. Can the far. This is not going to help. constitution be introduced by Unless we clean up our acts sidelining state restructuring for there is no way this constitution the moment? will be written in three months. The mandate is to create the constitution of a federal Are the problems only related democratic republic. There to constitution making or are can’t be a constitution without there other issues like relations federalism in federal Nepal. 16 BACK SIDE 2 - 8 MARCH 2012 #594 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com

The dumbest smartphones in the world

ust like we needed foreign Gutch: So, how you liking it down in a hitherto unpublicised Jexperts to certify the height here? Everything cosy? secret deal with the kangresis to of the world’s shortest man, it JP: About that bank account in rotate the prime ministership to looks like we need foreigners Bihar… Lord Ram Chandra? And, um, to help us with certifying the Gutch: (Cutting JP off) Ha just a quick question: are we true height of Mt Everest. As ha! No hard feelings, I hope? also going to repave the roads the news went around the (offering JP paan) or is this a new idea from our world this week that Nepal now JP: I could use a commode, the Urban Planning PhD Prime had the world’s littlest human squatting toilet is killing my Minister to make the city look being and the world’s highest knees. like a war zone? mountain, I guess the only Gutch: (Shouting at guard) headline we’d like to see next Commode for prisoner 536. FG week is: Anything else? JP: A pack of cards. Latest from the Red Villa is ‘World’s Shortest Man to Climb Gutch: Ok, but will you play that PKD has bought himself the World’s Highest Mountain’. solitaire? a treadmill and is regularly JP: (smiling) No, I was hoping playing badminton with his YCL FG you would join me. guards. The man has also cut SHALIGRAM TIWARI/KANTIPUR What’s with our obsession with FG down on masu-bhat and is going the Guinness Book of World Sunsari-basi’s no longer have was fluttering his eyelids rather easy on the scotch. For more Records anyway, this country to put up with the open verbal flirtatiously at Jhol Gnat and No surprise that the State information, visit: needs to see a shrink. Nepal is diarrhoea emanating from ignoring his ex. Minister for Deforestation has www.awesome.guv. But I in grave danger of getting into Minister Gutch and SuzieQ FG been on the take, keeping his wonder what PKD’s YCL guards the Guinness Book for trying to anymore? hands very busy under the will do when the Baidya loyalist be in the Guinness Book for: FG The happiest man after Minister table. But the guy’s luck ran out YCLs surround the Red Villa z Trying to break the most for Graft and Corruption Jay this week when CIAA sleuths to demand that Chairman world records Nepal is now in strong Pee was sent to the gallows was working undercover caught Ferociousness hand them back z Postponing the constitution- competition with the none other than our very own him inflagrante having his their stolen allowances. writing deadline most often Australians in intra-party Upadro Yadav. His supporters palms greased. The ministerial z The shortest ride from plane back-stabbing. But the Ozzies went around distributing laddus PA who was the middleman is FG to terminal anywhere have a lot of catching up to in celebration and there were now employing the JP formula z Having the world’s fastest do. Comrade KP Oily looked firecrackers across Tarai towns. and calling it a “conspiracy Kathmandu’s Finest sure has its clock tower thrilled when his Kamreds Gupta Sir’s supporters tried to against the Madhes”. priorities right. The day after z Having the dumbest threw in a surprise birthday light a few tyres in protest of FG a terrorist killed three outside smartphone service provider bash at United Trade Center anti-Madhesi discrimination, the NOC, our ever-vigilant cops the other day. JNK was also but it got no traction because Meanwhile, BRB has instructed were out in force apprehending FG there, so was MKN. And it was the ones celebrating the most his demolition experts to jaywalkers at Bubber Mahal, As one district after another quite painfully apparent that were the Madhesis. Erstwhile finish razing buildings on the and fining people not wearing starts declaring itself ‘no open the love triangle within the eh- comrade-in-arms and Homestay Lazimpat road “by mid-May”. seatbelts in a traffic defecation zone’, the Ass’ first Maley party is getting tangled Minister Gutch was the first Balu Water watchers found that jam. They deserve a reaction when Sunsari became again. Makunay expressed to visit JP in jail. The mule’s deadline significant. Why mid- place in the Guinness the latest to bite the dust was: unconditional love for the mole in Sadarkhor provided a May? Is that when the prime Book. “No shit!” But does this mean birthday boy, but Kamred Goli transcript of the conversation: minister is planning to step

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