#766 10 - 16 July 2015 20 pages Rs 50 DIWAKAR CHETTRI DIWAKAR

ENTER: COMING RIGHT UP CHIEF JUSTICE SHRESTHA Cheer up, we have a draft constitution and so far it’s only Kalyan Shrestha has the challenging task of restoring been set alight by Madhesis, women and minorities. the reputation of a tarnished Supreme Court. ONE TO MANY LEGALESE BY BIDUSHI DHUNGEL BY BINITA DAHAL INSIDE PAGE 3 PAGE 6

FIXING Nepal’s tourism was in crisis KASTHAMANDAP WHAT’S long before the earthquake. The shrine after which Kathmandu was named withstood many BROKEN EDITORIAL PAGE 2 quakes in the last 900 years, but came down in this one. PAGE 10-11

BIKRAM RAI DEVAKI BISTA 2 EDITORIAL 10 - 16 JULY 2015 #766 FIXING WHAT’S BROKEN Nepal’s tourism was in crisis long before the earthquake struck

uild Back Better’ has become a mantra for were relocated and Sauraha became more and more post-earthquake rehabilitation in Nepal. As unpleasant. There were concerns of safety in domestic ‘B a motto it strives for an ideal outcome: the air travel after a series of crashes. reconstruction of roads, schools, homes, government Air fare was another factor: it cost more for a tourist buildings, hospitals, utilities should not just be physical to fly from Kathmandu to Rara than to fly to Europe. rebuilding, but restructuring each of these sectors from Helicopter rescue in Nepal is as expensive as in the the ground up. United States, and is the highest in the world. Then there Nepal was a disaster zone long before the earthquakes were the high profile disasters like the Everest avalanche struck. Education was in shambles because despite last year followed by government bungling on permits, enrolment numbers being up, quality remained dismal. the tragic loss of lives in the Annapurna blizzard raised The health arena was either over-commercialised or questions of the lack of early warning and shelters along under-served, putting basic medical care out of reach the trail. of most of the population. Kathmandu’s haphazard The ‘Turning Point in Tourism: Role of International urbanisation and unsafe buildings made it a ticking and National Tour Operators’ conference organised by timebomb, and it was not defused by the 7.8 quake on the group, Samarth, last week drew attention to these 25 April. intrinsic factors already affecting Nepal’s tourism before The root reasons for all these problems have the earthquake. Robin Boustead of the Great Himalayan been poor governance, political unwillingness and a Trail Alliance said: “Nepal has fantastic mountains to disturbing lack of accountability on the part of elected climb, but it is becoming a much harder place to climb officials. The earthquake, therefore, has given us the them in.” chance for a paradigm shift not just in the 15 affected BIKRAM RAI Visitor numbers to Nepal have gone down in the districts, but in the rest of the country as well. governments have frightened off potential past. It plummeted by 40 per cent after the 2001 royal And the constitution offers the mechanism to visitors. Insurance companies take their palace massacre, went down by 80 per cent during the 2003 make politics more just and equitable. cue from these blanket notices and the high Gulf War, and shrank to a third of normal during the Maoist Much has already been said in this space premium is further deterrence. Happily, as conflict. But in all these cases, arrival numbers revived in a about maximising job-creation during the we write this, the United States, UK, and New few months. This time, even the most optimistic scenario reconstruction process, and the National Zealand have relaxed their advisories and there predicts a 70 per cent drop in the autumn season, and a 40 Planning Commission has taken the lead in are indications they will be revised further as per cent drop in bookings for the spring. It will take longer ensuring that this happens. This would be REBUILDING independent assessments of the Everest and to bounce back this time. the start of a longterm process of reversing the OURSELVES Annapurna trekking trails and Kathmandu’s The Samarth conference drew up a checklist of things to outflow of desperate young men and women to heritage sites become available. be done to revive tourism revenue: work overseas in appalling conditions. Nepal’s tourism was also in crisis long before the The other mainstay of Nepal’s economy is tourism, earthquake. Visitor numbers were stagnant, spending per Set up a verifiable third party online knowledge base and this has taken a direct hit from the earthquake. tourist was down, average duration of stay was getting with up-to-date information on the safety status of Saturation coverage in the international media of the shorter, repeat visitors were getting rarer. trekking trails immediate aftermath has spread the perception that Nepal It isn’t hard to figure out why: the quality of the product Relaunch the Nepal brand in target markets, especially is completely destroyed. The fact that many tourist spots was going down with the chaos at the airport, the visa lines India and China like Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, Muktinath or Mustang are and the squalour of Kathmandu. The Annapurna Circuit Clean up the airport, streamline visas, make it easy for not affected is not widely known. and other trekking areas were marred by new highways. visitors In addition, alarmist travel advisories by some Chitwan suffered a 70 per cent drop in visitors after lodges Don’t reduce prices, improve safety and quality of services

YOUR SAY www.nepalitimes.com THIS WEEK

THERE IS A DRAFT The Meiji Constitution women. Both UML and NC are playing Constitution is dividing Nepal, how can A very balanced solution-oriented promulgated in 1889 in Japan lasted with fi re, you cannot ramrod 40 per that be a good thing? editorial (‘There is a draft’, Editorial, 58 years till 1945 when Japan was cent of the people. Dahal, the coward Sunder Prasad Jha #765) with right amount of critical defeated in the Second World War. that he is, dreams of being President outlook. Gen MacArthur, the allied commander and will do anything for that. Why did RICE PLANTING Dinkar Nepal and the prime minister couldn't 17,000 people die in your fake and Interesting reportage. (‘Nepal’s quiet agree on a new constitution so the failed revolution, Mr Dahal? This draft green revolution’, Sonia Awale, #765). The person who wrote this General got a committee to prepare Constitution divides Nepali people Combination of machine and SRI is JANA AŠENBRENNEROVÁ (70 LIKES) editorial has very low expectations a new draft in a few days and asked instead of uniting them, it is doomed. fascinating and could overcome the Most liked on Facebook for Nepal. We deserve a lot better. the government to endorse it. That Alex Shrestha earlier slow adoption of SRI. But, three At 100, Sher Bahadur Gurung has seen it Manjushree Thapa Constitution is still serving Japan well. times more production through SRI is a all: two world wars, two great earthquakes but urges to rebuild and plant paddy Why does our process have to be so CITIZENSHIP bit of an exaggeration. If the principle of ‘my way or complicated? Nepal is a racist nation. Nepal Suresh Dhakal Most shared on Facebook the highway’ is what pleases the Grimaljee discriminates women and treats Marooned by the monsoon by Om Astha Rai (25 shares) editorial writer, he is hoping for them like fourth class citizens Excellent article that offers a clear nothing but mediocrity. This settling I thought, Baburam Bhattarai, a (#citizenshipinthenameofthemother, way out of Nepal’s crisis of feeding Most popular on Twitter for mediocrity principle is what let man with a PhD, would be a different Tsering Dolker gurung, #765). Nepali itself. Mechanise SRI cultivation, The quiet warrior by JANA AŠENBRENNEROVÁ (65 retweets, 89 favourites) so many innocent people die in kind of politician. Alas, he is just like women should focus their energies work with cooperatives to overcome the quakes. If the foundation of the rest. How can you, Dr Bhattarai, on becoming the next Prime Minister fragmentation of land-holdings, get Most visited online page anything whose age we hope to sign this fi lthy and rotten draft? Any or President. Only then will they be the pricing right, and create jobs while Nepali by descent by Ass (1,842 views) empowering women. It is a win-win-win. be long, turns out to be weak and respect I had, you lost it all. You can able to make laws that treat them as Most commented mediocre, a single tremor may cause redeem yourself still if you have the equals. We need a new force, a new Jens There is a draft, Editorial (36 comments) it to collapse in the future. Learn to guts to stand up for women’s rights. party that will work to ensure the rights believe in a solid foundation that Here is a piece of unsolicited advice: of women. There is change in Nepali garners the interest of the masses leave the Maobadi and start a new Rekha Sharma agriculture but very few people are Weekly Internet Poll #766 rather than a select class. The political force that fi ts your intelligence really tracking this, need for research Q. What do you think of the constitution draft endorsed Madhes is home to half of Nepal’s and stature. ‘Burning’ is the key word here and policy. by the Parliament? population. How then can you ignore Rita Shrestha (‘Burning issues’, Anurag Acharya, DS Total votes: 36 them and say that it is not possible #765) The Nepali Congress and UML to keep everyone happy? Sorry, but I disagree with the are playing with fi re that can engulf BACKSIDE Rohit editor when he writes, ‘Let’s embrace them and reduce them to ashes. Who it.’ Just because the corrupted is advising these immoral leaders to go The Ass is always good (‘Nepali by My choice would be to stick with politicians from the NC, Maobadi and ahead with this immoral Constitution? descent’, Backside by Ass, #765). Been the Interim Constitution, at least it is UML have to save their asses, we get Why are they inviting trouble? Is there reading him for eight years now. But Weekly Internet Poll #767 more progressive than this draft. stuck with a Constitution that does not a foreign hand that's forcing them this week was better than most. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com even recognise the rights of Nepali Leela Q. Will the zero-cost policy be successfully Guru to act in this cowardly manner. This implemented?

Publisher and Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit Associate Editor: Tsering Dolker Gurung | Online Producer: Ayesha Shakya | Design: Kiran Maharjan Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu Nepali Times on Facebook [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5005601-08 Fax: +977-1-5005518 Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorials: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscriptions: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Follow @nepalitimes on Instagram Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com 10 - 16 JULY 2015 #766 OPINION 3 Egos at the door, please Cheer up, we have a draft constitution and so far it’s only been set alight by Madhesis, women and minorities

t’s safe to say that attention has and youth were tirelessly which meant that unless swift assistance. Yes, there are all kinds now fully been diverted away conducting relief work, the action was taken, more disaster of foreign interests and politics at Ifrom the 25 April earthquake political leadership sat around was guaranteed. They must have play, but a grant is a grant and a and the limelight is back on our discussing whether or not been referring to next monsoon. condition free loan is better than splendid and seasoned leaders. citizenship in the mother’s name Since then, no progress has one which manipulates the way It’s as though the International was agreeable to the custodians of been made on the reconstruction our economy is governed. Conference on Nepal’s Nepaliness, or whether the Nepali front towards meeting the However, the likelihood Reconstruction (ICNR) on 25 June press is too free to criticise the promises the state made in front of any of this aid being was but a ploy to shortly side- state. They forgot that these are of 58 delegations attending channeled properly through the track the media and citizenry, rights already guaranteed by the the ICNR. Unless, of course, Reconstruction Authority, or even while leaders rushed in haste to Interim Constitution. we consider the ludicrous being approved (which would pull together a grand heist. And as if that wasn’t argument that the super fast- require programme proposals from enough, instead of prioritising track constitution is a precursor the Nepali government to each the recently-announced to the reconstruction zeal of this donor and partner for each task) is Reconstruction Authority by government, slim, considering the government nominating members to the If only the focus were on priorities and intentions. In all board and getting the ball rolling, reconstruction, it’s clear to see likelihood, the political elite the leadership manipulated that something positive could will identify the Big Money and ONE TO MANY the narrative to make it seem come of the aid pledges. Big distribute the spoils quota-wise Bidushi Dhungel as though a constitution was chunks of the promised amounts among themselves. mandatory for the reconstruction are loans and reallocated budgets But, hey, cheer up! We have a process. That would require some from already existing programs, draft constitution. And so far, it’s That may explain why the serious multi-tasking abilities, but the goodwill and eagerness of only been set alight by Madhesi Prime Minister only stuck around which going by past record, many countries and partners lawmakers, some women and for the inaugural session, and hasn’t been a strength for any to help is evident. Even minority communities. It is an most Cabinet members and Nepali government, much ‘evolving’ document and there leaders of other political parties less this one. will be plenty of opportunities for didn’t even bother to show up. Instead, what we reform so, in the name of progress, Clearly, the Conference was not have now is a situation Nepalis, women in particular, as important as it was made out where there is a our should basically shut up and sit to be. And before the media or draft constitution neighbours down. Only time will tell how the public could even begin to unacceptable to the majority of came forward and offered token ‘gradual’ the ‘evolution’ will be. scrutinise the pledges made, a people, even those who speak in amounts and technical assistance, What is evident is the intent whopping $4.4 billion in grants favour of the ‘consensus’. Other like Bangladesh which kindly of this state, leadership and the and debt, national attention pressing rebuilding concerns have offered expertise in dealing with entire political pack. A quick read- almost immediately afterward been forgotten. disaster, and 10,000 tons of through of current events should shifted to the draft of the At the ICNR, the PM, Foreign rice. Or Bhutan, which basically be plenty to understand that at the constitution, which seemed to Minister and Finance Minister pleaded with the international root of all this ‘progress’ are only come literally out of nowhere. all shamelessly claimed that the community on behalf of Nepal the pitfalls of the male ego, and its One can only imagine that conference was organised in such for assistance. Even the Bretton eternal obsession with power and as the people, security forces, haste so as to not waste any time, Woods giants offered condition- money. international aid organisations and that monsoon was coming, free loans and budgetary @bisauti

DIWAKAR CHETTRI 4 INTERVIEW 10 - 16 JULY 2015 #766 “India wants to start afresh in Nepal” Interview with Deep Kumar Upadhyay, Nepal’s ambassador to India

Nepali Times: What initiatives have you taken after being appointed Nepal’s ambassador to India? Deep Kumar Upadhyay: The earthquake struck just 12 days after I arrived in New Delhi, and I had to immediately start coordinating relief supplies even before submitting my letter of credence. Our embassy was turned into a relief collection centre. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called me immediately after the quake and assured full support. The assistance pledged by India’s Foreign Affairs Minister in Kathmandu was on behalf of the Indian government, but more aid came from state governments, the private sector and the Indian people. The Indian parliament, for instance, decided to provide one month’s BIKRAM RAI salaries of all MPs to support rebuilding of Nepal. diplomacy. Indian Prime Minister Modi has with Indian political leaders even for our with earthquake-relief effort but I am now They say you have a good personal rapport taken the initiative to create a fund from top leaders. So, we should maintain our studying all agreements signed after the with the Indian establishment. Does that the private sector to support Nepal’s post- protocol. We should be sensitive about Sugauli Treaty. The Lipu Lekh issue will be make your job easier? earthquake reconstruction. That will further whom we can meet and whom we should solved diplomatically. It does. In India, every government official consolidate our relations. avoid meeting. We should not hurt our receives a month’s paid leave to go on nationalism by meeting anyone against What about other border issues? vacation. Nepal has now been added to the So, Nepal-India diplomacy will now be protocol. I think many of our leaders have a A team from the Department of Survey has list of places where they can go on holiday. guided from the political level? problem following protocol. just finished inspecting border pillars along We also have a new agreement that allows India willingly or unwillingly the Nepal-India border. We are also trying Indians to visit Nepal using their own micromanaged Nepal’s affairs in the past, Is it true that a section of the Indian to sort out disputes related to Susta and vehicles for one month and vice versa. It but its new political leadership seems to establishment is against the draft of Nepal’s Kalapani at the higher level. will boost Nepal’s tourism. A new plan have realised that was a mistake and should new constitution? is being designed to build six-lane roads not be repeated. India’s official policy is to endorse whatever Do you have any programs planned to connecting the East-West Highway to India’s decision Nepal takes. India is not against ensure protection of Nepalis living in India? border. We can end our power outage by Do you really believe that? the draft, but some of its agencies might be. The data about Nepalis living in India is importing cheap electricity from India It’s evident in India’s actions so far. But they don’t really matter. If they did, we not convincing. Nepalis have been living after the construction of the Dhalkebar- Instead of always making a mountain out would not have arrived at this point. in India since the Sugauli Treaty and the Muzzafarpur transmission line is completed. of a molehill, we should acknowledge the estimated number of Nepalis in India varies Unfortunately, we have not been able to use change and work towards strengthening How does India’s political leadership see from 3-7 million. We are now collecting the the loan provided by India for our energy our relations. We have assured India that Nepal’s constitution drafting process? real data of Nepalis in India. development. It took us years to decide the anti-India activities will not take place They think consensus should be forged project’s name, and we still do not know in, through, or from Nepal. We have also among a majority of parties if an all- Nepal could not send an ambassador to when it will start. Other countries that took explained our concerns. As a result, several party consensus is elusive. They see the India for four years. Has that created loans from India along with us have already agreements that got stuck for years have constitution drafting process as being in problems? completed 40 per cent of their projects. now been inked. So there is hope. relation with Nepal’s peace and prosperity. India is an important country not just because it is huge and our closest neighbour The Indian bureaucracy and intelligence Was that change possible because a There is a growing protest against the but also because 82 countries see Nepal agencies have been blamed for hurting political person like you was sent to New India-China deal on using Lipu Lekh as through the eyes of India. So, we should Nepal-India relations. Is that changing? Delhi as ambassador? a new trade hub. Have you raised that not have kept our embassy in New Delhi I feel India’s new political leadership wants Change is possible only with our own concern? without ambassador for such a long time. We to start afresh and right the wrongs of the initiative. India is a vast country, and it I have yet to fully understand the nitty- should give more importance to Nepal-India past, open a new chapter in Nepal-India would be difficult to fix appointments gritty of the Lipu Lekh deal. I was too busy diplomacy. 10 - 16 JULY 2015 #766 BUSINESS 5 Rebuilding businesses better BIZ BRIEFS Fully HD Industrialist Pashupati FNCCI conventions are Intex Technologies (India) in association Muraraka is the new leader not about ideology. We all with EOL has launched its range of new of Nepal’s businessmen. The want to help the private Fully HD TV in Nepal. The elegant-looking tvs are packed with attractive features. general convention on 1 July sector flourish. In the past of Federation of Nepalese FNCCI elections, those Chambers of Commerce and who won were too arrogant Friendly toilets Industry (FNCCI) decided to work together with the Laxmi Intercontinental, the sole distributor to forego an election and defeated candidates and of Hyundai motors in Nepal, launched a unanimously selected him as those who did not win model disabled friendly toilet at the National the new President. also questioned the Federation of Disabled this week. The company legitimacy of elections. But is now working to make the public toilets in Nepali Times: There were I will work together with Kathmandu disabled friendly. two other candidates to the everyone. post of FNCCI president, how Young scholars did you get them agree on Is the private sector ready IME and Global IME Bank has announced your name? to help Nepal’s post- an annual scholarship fund worth Rs 1 Pashupati Muraraka: We earthquake reconstruction? million. The IME Global IME Akanshya all thought we should not We are ready to work with scholarship aims to provide scholarships to 100 fi nancially deprived students. sour relation by opting for the government on Public elections especially when Private Partnership or any FNCCI is preparing to other models. Sharing codes celebrate its 50th anniversary. Philippine Airline and Turkish Airlines have When we decided to forge What is the take of the entered into a code-sharing partnership. The a consensus on the FNCCI’s business community on the partnership will off er passengers of both airlines new leadership, I was a who felt hurt will take time to draft constitution? better connectivity and travel fl exibility between clear favourite because I had heal. But there is no alternative Our main concerns are market- Philippines and Turkey. worked as senior Vice President to unity among us in the business driven economy and rights over in the immediate past executive fraternity. The earthquake dealt a private property. We will make committee. Former FNCCI blow to small and medium-sized public our official statement on presidents and friends from enterprises, and we need to work it very soon. We will demand district committees also helped together to rebuilt and rehabilitate amendments to the draft, if me secure this post. the businesses. We also face needed. We had interacted with challenges in getting the new political parties to express our What do you think are your Labour Act and Company Act concerns about the constitution. challenges? passed by the Parliament. We hope the new constitution My foremost challenge is to retain will certainly address the the unity that we showed in the How will you keep this unity concerns about ensuring a free FNCCI convention by coming to intact? market competition and the right a consensus. Wounds of those Disputes that surface during the to private property. 6 OPINION 10 - 16 JULY 2015 #766 Enter: Chief Justice Shrestha Kalyan Shrestha has the challenging task of restoring the integrity of a tarnished Supreme Court, and protecting the separation of powers

justices like Balaram KC, Bharat Bahadur Karki who have argued that the court can only give its view through writ petitions or unless asked by the Constituent Assembly itself. The full court’s suggestion also includes extending the retirement of judges to 70 years, cancelling reappointments, curtailing the CIAA’s (Center for Investigation of Abuse of Authority) right to investigate the justices after their retirement. All these provisions are driven by the personal agenda of the justices, and send the wrong message to the public about the Judiciary. Despite his clean image, the new Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha is equally involved in backing these demands, and he will be under scrutiny during his tenure. Justice Shrestha will have his plate full during the political transition. The written statement regarding the interim order given by Justice Lal on the 16-point agreement is likely to come up for review by a full bench which is likely to decide to scrap it.

BIKRAM RAI When we met Justice Shrestha on Tuesday morning ompared to his predecessor and never compromise the hastily decided in four months, priority. In the end, he blamed at his residence, he said: “I have from whom he took over on independence of Judiciary. This unprecedented in Nepal’s judicial the Nepal Bar Association for not a very short tenure as the Chief CWednesday, Justice Kalyan was a legacy of the controversial history. recommending its representatives Justice, and people have many Shrestha has had an untarnished appointment of Chief Justice Khil His decision to appoint to the Judicial Council. expectations. I cannot bring any 40-year career. This is a man Raj Regmi as Chairman of the Deepak Timilsina as the IT Justice Shrestha’s foremost drastic change but will try my known for his integrity and sense Interim Election Government in adviser, a person who was fired challenge now is to face the new best to restore the public trust in of fair play, and his appointment 2013. But it was under Shah’s by former Chief Justice Ram constitution and its provisions the Judiciary.” comes at a time when the watch that the Supreme Court Prasad Shrestha was investigated related to Judiciary. Most Chief Justice Shrestha has Supreme Court has been dragged got embroiled last month in by Himal Khabarpatrika two provisions in the draft like a established much precedence into controversy and disrepute. another tussle between the weeks ago. But the most damning separate constitutional court and in cases involving human rights Legislature and the Judiciary blot was his acquittal of Yeshe the reappointment of Justices and women’s issues, and has with the interim order issued by Lama, a fake doctor from Humla after the promulgation of new a reputation for competence the single bench of Justice Girish who had embezzled millions from constitution have always been and decisiveness. On the other Chandra Lal on the 16-point the American charity, Citta, to criticised by the Judiciary. hand some people from legal agreement between four political build a hospital in Simikot. The The Constituent Assembly on fraternity argue that Shrestha parties. story has been doggedly pursued Tuesday put the draft up to the may be influenced by the non- LEGALESE Some of Shah’s other by Bhrikuti Rai of the Centre for general public for feedback, even government sector with which he Binita Dahal verdicts like the one on ex- Investigative Journalism for three though the full court comprised has been involved. crown princess Prerana Rajya years. of all the justices of apex court But even if he can just start When Chief Justice Ram Laxmi has been criticised for Shah also failed to appoint had suggested to the CA that some cleaning up the image of the Kumar Prasad Shah was its lack of transparency even justices of the Supreme Court of the provisions regarding the Supreme Court as being a den of appointed some nine months by other justices and the Nepal which has a massive backlog Judiciary be revoked. self-serving judges, he will have ago, he promised that he would Bar Association. The case of cases despite saying time This move has already fulfilled a much-needed task. respect the separation of powers which was filed on January was and again that it was his top been criticised by some former @binitadahal The fact that this week’s brisk showers were accompanied by localised lightning and thunder meant that this is still not a 100 per cent monsoonal. A real monsoon is relentless, steady rain covering an entire section of the Himalaya. The fact that we are still getting convection storms means that a lot of the activity is still isolated. This increases the chances of cloudbursts, landslides and destructive fl ooding. The rains accompanied by lightning will continue into Friday, but things are expected to settle down to quiet and sometimes heavy squalls more characteristic of the southwest monsoon. KKATHMANDUATHMANDU FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 25° 27° 28° #766 10 - 16 July 2015 19° 19° 20°

PLAYTIME: Sushil Marik plays with toys made by his grandmother who says the three-year-old has grown smarter with increased playtime (top).

Radha Devi Thakur of Saptari uses toys she made to educate her children (bottom).

taught to make toys from locally available resources like clay, paper and old clothes. Empty shampoo bottles, juice cartons, old clothes which would otherwise be disposed are recycled to make new toys. The women also learn how to craft toys from bamboo and clay. At the end of the workshop each participant walks home with a basket of toys for her child. Some are distributed to ECD centers in the communities. “This is the first time we introduced the campaign here and it’s already become very popular,” says Laxmi Rai of UNICEF, which provided technical assistance and funding to the program. Parents say children have become PICS: SAHINA SHRESTHA more interactive, creative and confident since they were given toys a month ago. The women in the community have also had to come out of their shells to participate in the workshops. Most of the participants are daily wage earners and work in the fields. Around 30 women participate at each workshop. “I attended the training for my son,” says 23-year-old Binita Thakur as she TOYS watches her three- year-old son Ayush play with the house she made. Thakur herself wasn’t allowed to play much as a child and she doesn’t want her son to suffer a similar fate. “I want my son to ARE play as much as he wants," she says. Even though Ayush keeps breaking the toys she makes, Thakur has no complaints about making a new set of toys almost every week. “Because I use whatever resources is available in the US house, it doesn’t cost a thing,” she says. The workshops have targeted women from socially marginalised Mothers in Saptari get together to make toys to educate their children communities with poor economic background. Nineteen-year-old Kalawati Thakur SAHINA SHRESTHA the colours, one by one. Figures of birds ‘learning by playing’ method has been says her mother Radha Devi has grown in SAPTARI and animals, colourful corn cobs, and rag conducted in 30 communities in this more attentive to her sister’s upbringing dolls lie scattered all around him. Tarai district. after attending the workshop. “In my All of Sushil’s play things were made “Ever since we gave him toys he’s case, I was left on my own. But she’s aro Marik beams with pride as her by his grandmother who learnt the skills grown smarter, he now recognises become more attentive towards my three-year-old grandson, Sushil at a workshop conducted earlier this year different colours and shapes,” says sister's development,” says Kalawati. Kpicks up a clay bird and says by Seto Gurans, which works in the field Babita. Karo adds: “He has also become “I did not know how to make toys or 'chunmun', Maithili for baby chick. Sushil’s of early childhood development (ECD) more active. Earlier he would only the benefit it brings to my children back mother, Babita Marik stands on the side, in Saptari. The workshop, a part of the cling onto his mother but now he plays then,” says Radha Devi, “but things are smiling. Sushil then picks up a dozen Ek Tokari Khelauna (A basket of toy) independently.” different now and I feel glad to see the empty nail polish bottles and starts naming campaign that encourages mothers to use During the training the women are joy these toys bring to my child.” 8 EVENTS DINING MUSIC

Café Aamu, If you are a rice lover and crave Chinese Himalayan glory, food all-day, all-week, then the Tofu and Ready to bang some heads? UgraKarma, Plague Throat, Binaash, Kaal and Vomiting Chinese Black Mushroom with Rice is a Snake live under one roof. must try. 25 July, 12pm to 6pm, Purple Haze, Thamel Krishnagalli, Lalitpur Café Nina, The best burgers in town. Maharajganj Galli Patan, Dhokaima Café, A storytelling workshop by Katha Satha in collaboration with Photo Kathmandu Enjoy the summer and chill with with a focus on using mixed media. This time the subject is Patan and the indigenous cocktails at the Rukhmuni Bar. workshop will be facilitated by Prawin Adhikari, Muna Gurung and Shuvechhya Patan Dhoka, (01)5522113, Pradhan. [email protected] 20 to 24 July, Application deadline 15 July, Rs 1000 (partial scholarships available), Young guns, Rusty Nails, kathasatha.org.np Enjoy an evening with Kramasha-Nepal. Rusty Nails and Dr Suman collaborate for 10 July, 8pm onwards, Ai-La Lounge and an eventful night. Get Inspired, Restaurant, Kumaripati, Lalitpur, 10 July, 8pm onwards, House of Music, Thamel Co-founder of Happiness for Life and recipient of Global Trailblazer Award from Harvard Social Innovation Collaborative, Rastraraj Bhandari will share his life experiences. Open to undergraduate GETAWAYS Critical mass, applicants, register in advance at the USEF A monthly meet up of cyclists who go on a library with national ID. Embassy, ride, their purpose: reclaim the streets. 14 July, 1pm, USEF Offi ce, Gyaneshwor, Serves ‘value lunches’ from 11am to 3pm 31 July, 5.30PM, Basantapur Darbar Square Kathmandu daily. Lajimpat Community yoga, Child wellbeing, Learn the basics of Hatha yoga and enjoy Classes on basic wellbeing skills for the benefi ts. children aged seven to 12. Classes start 13 July, 6pm, every Monday and Starts 14 July, 4 to 5.15pm, every Tuesday, Wednesday, Rs 350 per class, Gyanmandala Complex (Moksh), Jhamsikhel, Bikalpa Art Centre, www.bikalpaartcenter.org Rs 2000 per child Lato Mato, Set in eastern Nepal, Lato Mato is a tale of four porters and their struggle to make The Entrance Café, ends meet. Friendly staff , good food, and quiet Mum’s Garden Resort, Directed by Kiran Chamling Rai and adapted ambience. Head out to Pokhara for a peaceful and comfortable stay in beautifully designed by Yuvraj Ghimire. Bakhundole, Lalitpur cottages at 50% off , surrounded by a lush green garden with great views of Phewa Shilpee Theatre, Battisputali Lake and the Annapurna range. Lake Side, Pokhara, (06)1463468, Phat Kath, www.mumsgardenresort.com Off ering French-ish food, a takeaway crêperie, low tables and hookahs for hippies, tables and chairs for normal Park Village Resort, people, and a formidable hip hop Far away from the madding crowd, yet so Kathmandu Kora, soundtrack for everyone. close to the city. Thamel Join hundreds of cycling enthusiasts and Budhanilkantha, (01)4375280, ride for 50, 75, or 100 km to raise money [email protected] for a birthing centre in Pyutar, Lalitpur. 18 July, 6.45am to 4.45pm, The Yellow House, ride@ kathmandukora.net, Bed and breakfast for the light traveller. www.kathmandukora.net Sanepa, (01)5553869/5522078, www.theyellowhouse.com.np Restore Gumba, A 12-day trip to magical Mustang, while Learning meditation, Gokarna Forest Resort, there volunteers can participate in A fi ve-day course on fundamentals of Mezze, A forest sanctuary to help you relax and restoration of the Chhairo Gompa, an old meditation with Vishal Mishra. For pizzas, pasta and people watching. breathe, just a 20-minute drive away from monastery of the Nyingma sect that was 12 July, Rs 3000, Sooriya Wellness Darbar Marg Kathmandu. partially damaged in the quakes. Kathmandu, NLIC Building, Lajimpat Gokarna, (01)4451212, [email protected] www.restorationworksinternational.org French speak, Admission open for July intake of students The at Alliance Francaise in Kathmandu. Nagarjun Hike, 16 July to 28 August, Alliance Francaise, Famous Hike up the Nagarjun this weekend with (01)4241163, (01)4242832, the Hike for Nepal team which aims to [email protected]. Farmhouse, motivate young Nepalis to explore a www.alliancefrancaise.org.np Its converted old buildings are diff erent location every Saturday. family friendly, the gardens and 11 July, Rs 700 (includes a T-shirt, snacks, Quiz night, The Old House, bougainvillea intertwine, the furniture park ticket, and fi rst aid), 7am, After a one-week hiatus Quiz night is back For times when you want to splurge and fi ttings are an antique collector’s Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, for at Sal’s. Bring your brain. Parisian style. delight. bookings contact 9841178536, 9815237844 13 July, every Monday, Sal’s Pizza, Lajimpat Darbar Marg Nuwakot 10 - 16 JULY 2015 #766 9

shines as Thapa. Played by Prakash Dahal, Toya’s gait and ‘hajar’ succeeds in raking in laughter Singha Darbar ko Tender from the audience every time the character appears on stage. he inefficiency of Although the play has its government and corruption moments (like when the main Tthat riddles give steady characters talk about how hard grist to the gossip in tea shops, it is to work in a system where informal family gatherings corruption is rife without any self- and diplomatic receptions. introspection, hiring 601 engineers Development projects have a way to work on the plan and a peon of stretching on for years: folks getting caught for accepting a cup in Kathmandu are still waiting for of tea from Melamchi and after seven years someone the humble citizens of Nepal have REVIEW while a finally seen a draft of the new CIAA official constitution. openly demands the remaining The inefficacy and the ‘wall’ from the contractor and corruption that goes on behind engineer) there are times one feels the scenes of government are so that the story has dragged on obvious and yet so veiled. Now, for too long. After 1:20 hours of Dilip Ranabhat has adapted Ajay playtime, this viewer felt a bit of Shukla’s satirical play Taj Mahal splicing would have helped to keep ka Tender from Hindi to Nepal’s it crisp and tight. parallel universe making fun of Sahina Shrestha BIKRAM RAI the inefficiencies and corruption that plague Nepal’s politics and the project and wants it to be contractors fill their pockets with audience are reminded of various Singha Darbar ko Tender bureaucracy. completed as soon as possible. easy money. All this has resonance real life CEOs of multinationals Director: Dilip Ranabhat The play introduces the But Thapa and other opportunist in post-earthquake Nepal because who control our destiny but Cast: Sangeet Sangraula, Bhola audience to Sarkar, a self- middlemen have different plans. there is talk of demolishing the whose true intentions are highly Raj Sapkota, Sujan Oli, Prakash important, Candy Crush-playing, While Sarkar waits for the damaged secretariat building and questionable. Dahal, Risabh KC, Sabir Churaute, lewd video-viewing fellow whose foundation to be laid, Thapa erects rebuilding it. First time director Ranabhat Shrawan Rana, Awan Raj Uprety, dream is to build a Singha two multi-storey houses of his own, From creating ‘Singha Darbar succeeds in creating memorable Jiwan Bhattarai, Gopal Aryal, Darbar so his legacy lives on. and initiates the building of a new Construction Corporation’ to characters and the actors hold on Darwin Lungeli, Bijay Tamrakar. He hires Thapa, an engineer five-star hotel. Leaders claiming setting up an international to them throughout the play. Actor Ran for a month from 10 June to with questionable morals, for to be working for the people and corporation to sell shares, the Bhola Raj Sapkota of the Barfi fame 7 July at Theatre Village.

consistency, and tasted absolutely delicious. I even liked the brown garlic bread served on the side. For our mains we chose the Cajun Revolution Café Grilled Chicken with mashed potatoes, grilled veggies and mango salsa (Rs 490). The serving was huge and enough for two to share. The dish was well presented to match the rustic nature of Cajun cuisine. The chicken was perfectly grilled and had a nice spiciness to it. The hotness of the tangy sauce was offset by the sweetness of the potato and mango salsa. A big thumbs up. We decided to end our meal with a plate of Nutella Crepes with Vanilla Ice cream (Rs 270). While the crepe had a generous amount inding a quiet place to dine on the of Nutella spread over, it lacked the lightness busy streets of Thamel can be quite that sets apart crepes from pancakes. Fa challenge. But once in a while you Nonetheless, the presentation of the dish and stumble across cafés that lets you forget your copious amounts of ice cream and Nutella location. Revolution Café is one such place. made up for the not-so-perfect pan-crepe. The café is spacious with both indoor For the spiritual souls, the café offers a and outdoor seating. Its garden is pleasant PICS: KARMA GURUNG unique breakfast experience every morning and despite the rains makes for the more from 8.30AM to 9.30AM where a healthy preferable of the two seating options. street food but worried about the stall’s breakfast is accompanied by a session Judging by the presence of diners during hygiene, you know now where to come. of yoga. the day of our visit, Revolution café it seems Because my partner and I wanted to Like many other cafes in Thamel, has been successful in attracting both local have a healthy full-course meal we Revolution has also caught the live music bug and international customers. decided to forego the aforementioned with different bands playing on Friday nights. The menu is a mix-mash of popular OPEN FROM items. To start with I had a small While the dishes were a hit and a miss, I Nepali favourites with starters like chips 10AM Green Garden Salad (Rs 270) while my know I will be visiting Revolution Café again TO chilly, chicken chilly, mushroom chilly. 10PM partner decided on the Green Spinach to try more of its mango infused dishes and You get the idea, right? The chef has also Soup (Rs 200). to eat in quietude. introduced a special menu featuring mango- The salad was neither fresh nor Karma Gurung inspired dishes. Revolution also serves stick tasty. The greens were soggy before I’d even food items like fried potatoes, sausages and put the dressing on them. But my partner How to get there: Revolution Café is located in grilled chicken. So if you ever wanted to try had better luck. The soup had a beautiful Bhagwan Bahal, Amrit Marg, Thamel. 10 Resurrecting Kas The shrine after which Kathmandu was named withstood many quakes in th

SARTHAK MANI SHARMA “Bricks and mud started falling on us, and nearby temples began going down one by one,” Amit abi Bhandari was lining Awale told Nepal Samacharpatra. I witness up for a blood donation He went back into the ruins of uman Bhujel looks out the window at Rprogram organised by Kasthamandap to rescue alive three Sthe vacant space where Nepal’s glorious Nimbus Savings and Credit others, including a nurse and two Kasthamandap temple stood for 900 years. Cooperative that Saturday morning blood donors. Suman is 18 years old and has studied up to at the historic Kasthamandap. Besides the cost in human life, Grade 8. He is from Binjel of Sindhupalchok More than 50 other employees of the destruction of the 900-year-old where all the houses were destroyed. He had been the cooperative had also gathered structure was also an enormous working in Kathmandu at rooftop Kasthamandap for the event. Some of the women symbolic loss for the Valley’s View Restaurant when the earthquake struck were reclined on chairs with IV cultural heritage. Kathmandu owes on 25 April. He watched from above as the entire needles stuck to their arms, others its name to Kasthamandap, which Kasthamandap structure collapsed. He was filled were chatting with colleagues is said to have been originally made with fear and ran up New Road to the open spaces when the wooden structure started from the timber of a single tree, of Ratna Park and the Tundhikhel for safety. He is shaking violently. hence its name. It is also called now back, and is going to work at the restaurant “Those of us at the edge of the Marusattal. long enough to make the money required for a building ran outside,” Bhandari The first historical mention of passport so he can head out to Dubai for work. recalls, “but when we looked back Kasthamandap goes back to 1090 Kevin Bubriski we saw that the whole structure AD which makes the structure one had collapsed. Some of our friends of the oldest among the monuments KEVIN BUBRISKI who had been in the middle were of Kathmandu Valley – far older crushed by the falling beams.” than Dharara which has dominated Himalayan trade routes as they exchangers, who even today neatly people,” says Bhushan Tuladhar, The shock and horror of that day conversations about the loss of passed through Kathmandu. fill up Kasthamandap’s corners. a heritage conservationist with and the grief of having lost so historical monuments in the April Traders did not just rest here, “While Hanuman Dhoka and UN-Habitat. Kasthamandap had many friends is still writ large earthquake. but also stored their goods on other palaces were built for kings a multiplicity of functions and upon Bhandari’s face. Altogether Kasthamandap was primarily a their way to Tibet or India. They and the nobility and temples was also a shrine for Kanphata 10 employees from Nimbus were public pavilion, a rest-house which enjoyed the services of the Malakar were dedicated to the Gods, Yogis, a group of holy, ear-piercing killed. sat along two ancient trans- flower sellers and Sarafi money Kasthamandap was built for the renouncers. The inside of the 10 - 16 JULY 2015 #766 11 A heap of history sthamandap DIPESH RISAL he last 900 years but came down in this one

asthamandap is no more. What is perhaps almost as unfortunate is that a majority of KNepalis believe Kasthamandap was built many centuries after its actual construction. For this reason experts, journalists, and city- dwellers have not lamented Kasthamandap’s loss to a great extent. But the fact remains: Kasthamandap was easily the oldest standing public structure of any kind in the valley, dating back to at least 1143 AD. While much of the building interior and facade was renovated over the intervening centuries, experts believe the large central platform (mandap) and the enormous four wooden columns most likely date back to the original construction. The misinformation about Kasthamandap’s much younger age stems from 19th century Kathmandu vamsavalis, which without fail, and for some inexplicable reason, credit Laxmi Narsingh Malla (ruled 1621-1641) for building the monument. The rigorous Samsodhan Mandal had correctly established the antiquity of Kasthamandap more than 25 years ago in the book Hyoptheses and Proofs from Historical Research. However, the incorrect later dating has been cited and perpetuated in most Nepali and Western publications, unfairly denying Kasthamandap the fame it deserves because it is ‘only about 400 years old’. There is now talk about restoration of the more popular structures in Kathmandu Darbar Square (Upper floors of the Basantapur Tower, a MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA devastating loss in itself, Trailokya Mohan, build at least 537 years later, and the iconic Maju Dewal, build at least 549 years after Kasthamandap). But few seem as concerned about Kasthamandap’s fall or about the makeshift tents build right atop the uncleared and unsorted rubble more than a month after the devastating earthquakes. RELIC IN RUINS: Search Luciano Petech in Mediaeval History of Nepal mentions and rescue teams dig an unpublished manuscript account, according to which the through the rubble of Kasthamandap on 25 April Kasthamandap sattal already existed in 1090 AD, during the (left), looking for survivors. reign of Harsadeva (ruled 1085–1099 AD). The polymath Rahul Ten people were killed here. Sankrityayan, traveling under great duress to Tibet in 1936, found in the Saskya Monastery a worn-out palm-leaf copy of a Kasthamandap before (right) manuscript called Namasangiti. and in an aerial view (above) The colophon of this manuscript contains the word Sri along with other temples Kasthamandape and is the first confirmed record of the name that came down ‘Kasthamandap’ to date. According to Petech, this colophon and (circled in red). transcription was completed in Brahma Tol, Kathmandu in ‘the BIKRAM RAI MINMIN RATNA BAJRACHARYABAJRACHARYA last hours of Friday, September 24th, 1143’ during the reign of Narendra Deva and somehow made its way into Tibet. structure had priceless ancient that did not save it. One was The Heritage Cycle Ride That makes Kasthamandap around 900 years old at the time copper-plated inscriptions, and a Yet, for a building with such and the other a marathon led by of the 2015 earthquake. If we do not restore Kasthamandap, and rare statue of Lord Gorakshyanath, historical and cultural significance, Baikuntha Manandhar. search for the historic treasures within, we will lose a part of our which the Yogis say is the earliest Kasthamandap has drawn less Questions are now being raised heritage and a part of our identity forever. among other figures in Gorakhpur attention compared to other about how true to the original and Gorkha. All these treasures temples and shrines. For heritage material and design the new still need to be rescued from under documentarian Alok Siddhi structure should be, or whether Read the full original of this post by Dipesh Risal in the ruins of Kasthamandap. Tuladhar, Kasthamandap was a adding concealed steel or concrete rebuildingkasthamandap.org Although the timber structure memento from his forebears who reinforcements should be allowed. stood for a millennium, enduring were traditionally engaged in It is felt the project should be led massive earthquakes that have Kathmandu’s trade with Lhasa. “It by a government body and include struck Kathmandu every 100 years is possible my ancestors also rested historians, structural engineers, or so, it didn’t survive here, so whenever heritage experts and also religious this one. “It would I pass through groups for whom Kasthamandap not be right to call Kasthamandap with holds special religious significance, this building old and my children, I make like the Kanphata Yogis, who are weak. Structures like it a point to tell them already feeling left out of the Kasthamandap need about its history and discussions about their temple’s to be maintained and significance,” he says. future. There are also pressing repaired often,” says REBUILDING Nevertheless, questions of how to protect and architect and urban OURSELVES efforts are underway retrieve the copper inscriptions and planner Sudarshan to fundraise to rebuild figures buried under the rubble. Raj Tiwari. He adds it is possible Kasthamandap. Dipesh Risal, a Says Alok Tuladhar: “It helps to Kasthamandap’s wooden joints Nepali in the United States has see rebuilding Kasthamandap as were rotting away and simply collected and published a trove of really a part of the cycle of birth, could not support the weight information on Kasthamandap in life and death. Things, like people, of the building during the big an effort to ease the reconstruction rise up and come down. We must earthquake. Kasthamandap was process (see sidebar, right). Last accept that and move on to rebuild last repaired 50 years ago during weekend two fund- raising events this great monument of our history the reign of King Mahendra, but were held to rebuild Kasthamandap. and culture.” 12

to Nonnatus House and its HAPPENINGS mission of delivering infants from all walks of life safely into the world. If the words “midwife” and “babies” have already sent you screaming into the hills, whether you are a man or a woman, I would regardless ask you to watch this gem of a series, so rooted in historical context, with a spectacular ensemble cast, and written with equal parts humour and compassion, with many episodes that will leave you openly weeping. To quote Dargis who, in turn, so astutely

and eloquently quotes George RSS Eliot, we need art that can help COURTESY CALL: American ambassador to Nepal Peter Bodde meets Prime Call the Midwife people “to imagine and to feel Minsiter Sushil Koirala at Baluwatar on Monday. the pains and the joys of those arlier this week, The TV shows move further away, who differ from themselves in International New York Times’ however slowly, from white, everything but the broad fact of Etwo veteran film critics, male centric plotlines that are being struggling, erring, human A.O. Scott and Manohla Dargis, designed for the usual audiences creatures.” published a discussion, as they that mostly consist of the Watching cinema is an periodically do, on their thoughts aforementioned. instinctive act of empathy. regarding a marked rise (at least Both Ms. Dargis and Mr. Scott If we are to evolve further, (the latter of whom self-admittedly and not just in the way we falls into the above category) view art and cinema, we must speculate on the effect that extrapolate the lessons learnt increased female viewing power from the arts, moving towards has on the nature of the content practicing a deeper, truer version of successful shows, which brings of empathy starting with the MUST SEE us, quite neatly, to the question of writing of our constitution. The Sophia Pande the smashing success of Call the drafters of which do not seem BIKRAM RAI Midwife, a wildly unlikely BBC One to understand that the country production that is now firmly in around them is made up of FIRST DAY: Newly appointed Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha takes office on Tuesday. this past year) in female centric its fourth season with a fifth in the a complex mixture of people films such as Pitch Perfect 2, Spy, works. who may differ from them in Inside Out, and most recently Mad Based on the memoirs gender, culture, and colour but Max: Fury Road starring Charlize of Jennifer Worth, a real life are as deserving of the rights as Theron as a ferocious, furious midwife who served in London’s themselves. character who makes war against impoverished East End in the the patriarchy. 1950s and 1960s – the series nepalitimes.com Their discussion is a crucial follows the dedicated nuns, and  Trailer one at this time as films and the trained midwifes who commit

RSS GRANTING HELP: German ambassador to Nepal Mathias Meyer and Finance Secretary Suman Prasad Sharma sign a grant agreement on Wednesday. The German government has announced an assistance of €29 million.

DEVAKI BISTA HERITAGE RIDE: Chief Secretary Leela Mani Paudyal participates in a cycle rally to raise funds for reconstruction of Kasthamandap on Saturday.

DEVAKI BISTA WE ARE HERE: Tourists take a selfie in front of a temple at Kathmandu Darbar Square last week. 10 - 16 JULY 2015 #76613

before it can complete its journey. However, no one seems to know when that will be. “The chariot should be pulled and must complete its journey, it must be concluded,” SONIA AWALE said Dil Kumar Barahi of the Barahi Society. Popular myths of doom and destruction have always surrounded Machhindranath if he chariot of Machhindranath was the journey is disrupted for any reason. In Rain god on its way from Bungamati to Patan 2000, the chariot of the red rain god toppled Ton a more-important-than-usual 12- over and the Bhoto Jatra festival that the King yearly commemoration of the annual festival would have attended had to be postponed. when the earthquake struck. The chariot had The very next year was the royal massacre arrived in the township of Chyasikot with its in which King Birendra and many other in limbo colourful pendants flying in the breeze, and members of the royal family were killed. excited youth pulling it with fervor. Myth or no myth, the show must go But at 11:56 AM on 25 April, everything on, and the chariot has to be pulled to its came to halt. Houses started swaying and destination. The Guthi Sansthan which is temples came tumbling down. The tall responsible for the construction of the wooden chariot itself swayed from side to chariot had decided to rebuild it after an side, although it did not topple. In Bungamati inspection, but it has yet to send out a formal itself, the temple of Machhindranath where letter to the carpenters. This hasn’t only left the deity is usually housed, collapsed. But the the makers of Machhindranath uncertain god survived because it was in the chariot. about the future of the 12-year festival, but Tradition demands that every 12 years also disrupted their everyday life. the chariot has to be rebuilt “We are carpenters, from the scratch by the Barahis we’ll rebuild it but when the and Yewals belonging to the organisation that has to speak community of Newari carpenters up is quiet, there isn’t much we with their chariot-making skills can do,” said Barahi. “But the passed down from generation to bigger issue is we have other generation. This year, they used jobs we have to complete to earn a living. Rebuilding the special types of timber, reed REBUILDING and ropes since nails are not OURSELVES chariot will take two months.” allowed to be used on the holy Also waiting for chariot. Unlike the journey in Machhindranath to arrive in other years, the festival route this time was Jawalakhel is the chariot of the consort different: every 12 years the chariot is pulled goddess, Minnath, which is itself parked at from Bungamati to Patan and Jawalakhel, and Gabahal in Patan. back to Bungamati. Ashok Raj Shakya, the priest of Minnath, If there hadn’t been an earthquake, the says that there is nothing to do but wait until festival should by now have been in full swing the Guthi Sansthan decides on rebuilding with the Bhoto Jatra in Jawalakhel attended Machhindranath so that the festival can go by the President. But this year, the chariot is ahead. Despite this, there are still devotees still in Chyasikot, exactly where it stopped on who come to worship at the chariot. Says 25 April. It needed repairs even before the Shakya: It is unfortunate that the earthquake earthquake, but now has additional structural happened in a year when Minnath invites damage. It has to be completely rebuilt Rato Machhindranath as a guest.” GOPEN RAI 14 10 - 16 JULY 2015 #766 Foreign aff airs

Hi again, most likely grow up questioning On the other hand, I hate being family. You could either choose more? Are you comfortable with The rise of foreign employment the sanctity of marriage. alone. A man I have known to stay in an unhappy, loveless having a secret companion? How has led to an increase in the Please send more questions for several years recently marriage and suffer for a long will this affect your friendship? number of extramarital affairs to: [email protected] suggested having an affair with time or address the problem by Most extramarital affairs do in the country. While having or @AnjyRajy him, and I must admit I found talking to your family and putting eventually end, and given relationships outside marriage the offer extremely tempting. an end to the relationship. This your child, it is important you is condemned in almost every Dear Anjana, After all I need a friend and will take a lot of courage but will consider the consequences of all I am a 28-year old married want to be intimate with most likely make you happier in your possible options. Personally woman living in Kathmandu another person. I know I am a the long run. Being a divorcee I would never endorse an with my five-year old son. good mother, but I don’t know brings new sets of challenges extramarital affair, but in the end My husband and I have been how long I can continue being a in a society like ours. That said, it is your decision and you need married for six years. He works good wife when my husband is living a life to please society is to do what you feel is right for in Doha so I only see him a distant stranger? something that does not seem you. Remember, it is impossible ALL IN THE MIND once or twice a year for a few Sincerely, Loveless in Lalitpur practical to me when the society to please everyone, so choose Anjana Rajbhandary weeks at a time. I feel like we actually does not really care the one whose happiness is most barely know each other. We AR: Long distance marriages are about the person’s happiness. important to you before you take country and culture, in Nepal behave like strangers when challenging. Long term absence You have a son and you probably the next step. married couples usually turn together and the atmosphere can pose a significant risk to a want to provide the best for a blind eye to their partner’s automatically gets tense around family’s stability as you have him, the choices you make will Anjana is a certified mental unfaithful ways because divorce us. I don’t think we love one stated, however, in your case affect him in the long run. As for health rehabilitation technician still continues to be a social taboo. another anymore. But I would you clearly do not want to stay your friend’s offer, it is entirely and has four years of experience The result: a lot of unhappy never consider divorcing him. with your husband and are only your decision. Does it have the in adult mental health in Maine, families, where the children will My family would disown me! with him for the sake of your potential to become something USA.

had diarrhoea after consuming it. Our argument against Micronutrient Powders in Nepal is that we already have nutrient-rich food but this fact is ignored by those who Local is best bring in these supplements from outside and pressure local communities to use them. Instead of micronutrient additives for children living in Why don’t donors pay as much attention earthquake shelters, we should promote nutritious local foods to traditional foods available locally which have all the micronutrients children need? hen the National Planning These are easily available and much cheaper. Commission carried out a post- An Ethiopian doctor once told me how his Wdisaster needs assessment last country was able to reduce malnutrition month, its final report underlined the need to among children by making flour from dry use local indigenous foods wherever possible sprouted soya beans and chickpeas. Being to overcome malnutrition among children full of protein, vitamins, calcium and other and infants living in temporary shelters. micronutrients, it helped Ethiopia overcome malnutrition among children. The Nepali diet has sprouted beans, and this could easily be distributed to earthquake affected areas instead of imported supplements of dubious efficacy. In emergency situations, nutrition GUEST COLUMN interventions tend to focus on the treatment Aruna Uprety of acute malnutrition through therapeutic feeding and food aid. But it should not be That was a welcome statement, however blanket use, and interventions should be that is not what is happening. In fact, the based on the need of the child. Assistance reason nutritious local foods are not being may also be required to help restore local used is because we are inundated with so- food production and community access called ‘emergency’ food supplements and to safe and nutritious foods, and we have micronutrient additives. enough experience in that here. Children everywhere are nutritionally of grain, vegetables and meat which carry all supplementary Micronutrient Powder even For instance, we have sesame (til), flax vulnerable when disasters strike not just the energy proteins and micronutrients their though donor surveys have found that its seed (alas), peanuts, many local green because of the lack of proper diet, but also growing bodies need. use in normal settings over the past five vegetables and pulses rich in micronutrients because of poor hygiene, sanitation and The Ministry of Health and Population years in 20 districts haven’t produced any which can be used for children as well as for physical stress. Post-earthquake children (MoHP) has taken steps to address this of the anticipated nutritional outcomes that adults. Research on the preparation of carrot in the 15 worst-affected districts suffer problem. Combat those challenges through benefit health and population of children. mixed baby food in 2009 published in Food from deficiency in the intake of iron and the community management of acute Indeed, one report says: ‘Large and strong Research Bulletin by the Department of Food other trace elements in their diet because malnutrition including Infant and Young experimental research has shown that in Technology and Quality Control revealed of emergency dry foods like biscuits and Child Feeding (IYCF), counselling, breast populations where malnutrition is common that using locally-available wheat, maize, noodles they have been eating. milk substitute code monitoring, and and so are diarrhoea and pneumonia among soya bean, carrot powder, ghee, sugar and In Sindhupalchok a parent told me establishment of Outpatient Treatment children micronutrient powder aggravates water provided adequate micronutrients. recently: “We have food, they have given us Programmes (OTPs) in health facilities in the diarrhoea.’ But such locally-produced formula have not enough noodles to last us a year.” This is affected districts. Mothers I have met in the districts have been promoted by MoHP, and the question worrying. Children brought up with this diet Another worrying aspect of emergency also said the children don’t like the taste of is: why not? will refuse to go back to their healthy staple food relief is the distribution of the powder and they confirmed that children Aruna Uprety is a nutritionist.

NEPAL WHEREVER YOU ARE.

in your lap or palm. www.nepalitimes.com 10 - 16 JULY 2015 #766 NATION 15 Gurkhas at Gallipoli - 4

July 1914 for eight days and nights the The 2nd/10th had lost 40 per struggle continued, with hand- cent of their force, and by 1 July, In 1914, Nepali Gurkha to-hand fighting, in which only three officers, all subalterns, battalions (‘Gurks’) and Allied the Gurkhas again used their remained with the unit. Under khukuris to deadly effect. the command of these young forces were deployed in what But the Ottoman soldiers men and the surviving Gurkha would prove to be a disastrous countered with their knives and officers, the battalion held on to campaign to take control bayonets. Carlyon describes how all its territorial gains but was of the high ground of the ‘the Turks bombed the Gurkhas effectively decimated by 5 July. Gallipoli peninsula in order to out of their trenches, then It was only five weeks since threaten Constantinople, the the Gurkhas took them back’. their arrival at Gallipoli. The capital of the Ottoman Empire. Hamilton seemed pleased that 1/5th and 1/6th Gurkhas had the Gurkhas ‘got into the enemy to be temporarily amalgamated This is the fourth installment with their khukris and sliced off because of their losses, and of a series of flashbacks of the a number of their heads’. the 14th Sikhs were by now involvement of Gurkhas in the During the short period so depleted in numbers (they First World War. between 28 June-5 July, the had only one British officer, Ottomans lost 16,000 troops, 1 VCO and 117 other ranks) most of them around Gully that they were attached to the Ravine during their counter- 2/10th Gurkhas for rations DAVID SEDDON on the British side were also very badly on the right. The attacks on 3rd and 5th July. and maintenance. Like the terrible, around 7,000. 2nd/10th Gurkhas followed up But the British and allied 14th Sikhs, the 1/5th Gurkhas With both sides badly the heavy bombardment which casualties were also heavy. had only one surviving British he casualties suffered at punished, only a few small-scale the British guns had maintained General Hamilton expressed officer, with only eight in Gallipoli by both sides at attacks were launched by the for about two hours and moved himself well pleased with the the 5th Gurkhas as a whole, Tthe end of the first week warring sides during the rest of under a cliff, then, using all the result of the Gully Ravine battle, including the staff officers, and of June 1914 were appalling. June and Allied progress was cover available, climbed to the but the repulse of the Ottoman every unit was severely reduced After the failure of the assaults slow. Towards the end of the top of the cliff and routed the attacks on 5 July marked the in numbers. mounted in late May and month, however, the right flank defenders. It was, perhaps, the end of serious fighting for the The three big battles of June early June by the Allies, they had been pushed forward and most successful set-piece attack 29th Indian Brigade in the Helles and July together cost 12,300 were exhausted. The Ottoman Hunter Weston decided now of the whole campaign, for area, and after a few days spent Allied casualties, the equivalent forces, which had attempted to take the left flank forward as the battalion took five lines of in bivouac on the coast, it was of a division, while the Turks to take advantage of this by well. Three brigades, including Ottoman trenches. moved on 9 and 10 July to the had lost some 30,000 men. As launching a counter-attack, had 29th Indian Brigade, were The 1/6 Gurkhas on Gurkha island of Imbros for rest and Carlyon comments: ‘Hunter found resistance greater than they ordered to drive the enemy Bluff were heavily involved, recuperation. By then it had been Weston had butchered every anticipated. back 1,000m from their position as were other Gurkha units. reduced to a skeleton. The three division he had been given’. Rest In the bloody fighting northwest of Gurkha Bluff. They The battalion moved over and Gurkha battalions were badly and recuperation was desperately that ensued, all three Gurkha would advance along Gully Spur extended the line, by which time affected but so were the other needed by the survivors. battalions (1/6th, 1/5th and and Gully Ravine. the Ottoman troops had been units of the Brigade, particularly 2/10th) were engaged, often using The first assault of the Battle pushed back half a mile. Then the Sikhs. But it was the shortage their khukuris to good effect. The of Gully Ravine began on the the enemy counter-attacked. of British officers that was the nepalitimes.com Ottomans lost an estimated 10,000 morning of 28 June 1915. The These counter-attacks hit each primary reason for withdrawing  Previous episodes and Interactive Timeline men in a week, but the casualties battle went well on the left but Gurkha battalion in turn, and the brigade from the front. Will the AIIB work?

KENNETH ROGOFF World Bank’s record is that its role has been most consistently positive when it helps countries with “soft” development CAMBRIDGE – Most of the debate around infrastructure: technical assistance and China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment serving as a global knowledge bank. Bank (AIIB) has centered on the United When its main role has been to provide States’ futile efforts to discourage other financial muscle, the results have been less advanced economies from joining. Far impressive. too little attention has been devoted Indeed, a strong case can be made that to understanding why multilateral development aid would be more effective development lending has so often failed, if it took the form of outright grants, rather and what might be done to make it work than loans that ultimately need to be better. repaid. Headline aid numbers might seem Multilateral development institutions less impressive, but long-run results would have probably had their most consistent be better. Moreover, the world is awash success when they serve as “knowledge” in liquidity right now, and even where a banks, helping to share experience, best government’s own money is inadequate, it practices, and technical knowledge across is often possible to establish public-private regions. By contrast, their greatest failures partnerships to build genuinely high-return have come from funding grandiose projects projects. Competent government is a far that benefit the current elite, but do not scarcer commodity than cash. properly balance environmental, social, and Unfortunately, it is far from clear development priorities. that the Chinese model of infrastructure There is a general tendency to development can be exported universally. overestimate the economic benefits of big China’s strong central government infrastructure projects in countries riddled overwhelms opposition from people by poor governance and corruption, and displaced by new roads, bridges, and to underestimate the long-run social costs dams, and for many years ran roughshod of having to repay loans whether or not over environmental concerns and workers’ promised revenues materialise. Obviously, may use the AIIB to advance its economic channels. rights. Whereas, in democratic India, for the AIIB runs this risk. and political interests. But anyone who is While the world should generally example, it took eight years to rebuild That said, there are huge infrastructure even vaguely familiar with the US approach welcome China’s initiative, the real Mumbai’s airport, because courts forced needs across developing Asia, and it is to multilateral lending knows that no other question is what kind of aid developing the government to respect the rights of high time for China to play a greater role country has been as adept at exploiting its Asia needs. Anyone who has worked in squatters on its outskirts. in international lending institutions. power and leverage for strategic gain. developing countries understands that Given the legacy of problematic loans Moreover, the official US argument – With China’s growing importance in the weak institutions and poor governance are and projects funded by Western-led that China should invest its money in world order, it needs to be given space to often far bigger obstacles to growth than infrastructure banks, it is reasonable to ask existing institutions, such as the World forge its own approach to global a lack of funds. And, however whether another one is needed. Still, if the Bank and the Asian Development Bank, economic leadership. Besides, great a project looks on paper, AIIB views itself mainly as a knowledge because a Chinese-led bank would likely China is already pouring money practical implementation is often bank, rather than a funding vehicle, it could have governance problems – smacks of into the developing world, a sobering experience. provide real added value. hypocrisy. The US also worries that China often through highly opaque My interpretation of the www.projectsyndicate.org 16 NATION 10 - 16 JULY 2015 #766 The trilateral path Nepal stands to benefit from the rapprochement between India and China, and not just in earthquake reconstruction

uring his visit to neighbours to the north and manifestations of this culture. China last month, south. So, while most people have DIndian Prime Minister Nepal’s governance failure continued to suffer in this Narendra Modi made a pitch pre-dates the earthquake. In fact, ‘democracy’, its elected leaders for trilateral cooperation to ever since 1990, we have seen seem to be always in the seats help Nepal with earthquake a polarised partisan paralysis of power to perpetuate their assistance. He and Chinese that has kept Nepal from leaping plunder and neglect. president Xi Jing Ping agreed to ahead in energy, infrastructure, Now, following the work with Nepal for mutually investment and tourism. Even massive commitment of aid for coordinated reconstruction and with Nepal’s much-touted earthquake rebuilding there rehabilitation. successes in community forestry is new dynamic in sight. The and maternal-child health, the constitution-drafting process groundwork was laid with the has dragged on through two move towards decentralised elections since 2008, but a development during the handful of politicians have now Panchayat. got together to bulldoze a new For now, it is clear that constitution through the CA GUEST COLUMN Nepal’s needs in post-earthquake and the so-called public hearing Bihari K Shrestha reconstruction is not so much process. The driving force here in cash to rebuild physical is not the constitution, as we No doubt, this is a great leap infrastructure, but to enhance all know, but power-sharing forward in Indian foreign policy, our governance and management in a new national government which has traditionally preferred capabilities. That is not that will include the opposition to deal with its neighbours something money can buy. which wants its hands in the bilaterally. In fact, New Delhi has Besides their monetary earthquake relief honeypot. steadfastly opposed any attempt assistance, therefore, India and shed this policy and, particularly long term. However, without some by Nepal and Bangladesh to China should aim at building in relation to constitution drafting The failure of Westminster- far reaching transformation in work together with India in the management capacity of in Nepal, has left it more or less to style democracy in Nepal to the political culture, even the regulating the flow of Himalayan their landlocked neighbour so the elected Constituent Assembly ensure development, growth massive earthquake aid package rivers. that it is able to emulate both of to come up with its own solution. and stability worries both would be unable to make a At the International them in accelerated, sustainable There seems to be a sense that our neighbours. With its lasting impact on the lives of Conference on Nepal’s and equitable growth. India, Nepali politics is so unpredictable feudalistic and stratified state the poor in this country. What Reconstruction in Kathmandu under Prime Minister Modi, that micromanaging affairs structure, a large proportion Nepal needs is the reformulation on 25 June, India and China has departed significantly from here either backfires, or is of the population has been of her polity to build democracy together pledged more than the policies of previous New counterproductive to India’s own confined to perpetual poverty. from the grassroots up. Since half the $4.4 billion in grants Delhi rulers in dealing with interest. The entrenched interest of both India and China have and loans – leaving Nepal’s neighbours and beyond. China and India are bound the high caste elite who have dealt with Nepal’s politicians traditional bilateral donors Indian analysts themselves by a convergence of interests in traditionally dominated rent- from close quarters, the two trailing far behind. This was the have said that New Delhi’s Nepal’s stability. China has an seeking extraction from the countries must contribute to best indication yet of how the earlier strategy was to create additional sensitivity about Tibet, governance process has kept redefine Nepal’s democracy world’s economic power centre ‘intrinsic instability’ in the and has been openly casting the country backward. Chronic and eventually help the country has shifted to Asia. It is Nepal’s neighbourhood in order to gain doubts about whether ethnicity- corruption among politicians, grow to become a well-governed great fortune that we have these advantage in bilateral dealings based federalism along Nepal’s the bureaucracy and even the and prosperous neighbour two giants as our immediate with them. India seems to have northern border is desirable in the private sector is just one of the between them. POLES APART After the Constituent Assembly (CA) endorsed the first draft of the new constitution on Tuesday and presented it to the public for comments, Nepali Times asked Laxman Lal Karna of the Sadbhavana Party and Agni Kharel of the CPN-UML for their views. Excerpts:

had called for an inclusive state, and the What is your first impression of the king handpicked a few from marginalised draft? communities to garnish his institution. Agni Kharel: I am aware that the draft The question is not about whether the has several contentious issues that state wants to be inclusive, but about require serious deliberation. constitutional provisions that guarantee it. The word in itself carries no meaning The Supreme Court issued an interim unless proportional representation is order against the 16-point deal. Isn’t the Nepali Times: What is your first guaranteed in the constitution. draft a violation of the court’s verdict? impression of the new constitution’s I have read the full text of the verdict, draft? How will the Madhesi Front respond? and I find it difficult to believe that the Laxman Lal Karna: We had a lot of We have objected to the big parties’ high- SC actually issued it. I don’t understand expectations. We were hopeful that the handedness by symbolically rejecting why the SC issued this kind of verdict draft would accommodate aspirations the draft. We could go a step further and without listening to our arguments. But regard is also political. Having said that, of all marginalised groups like Dalit, dissociate ourselves from the constitution we are clear that the statute drafting is a the future legislature parliament that Janajati, Muslim and Madhesi, Tharu writing process altogether. jurisdiction of the CA and no other state will take final decision on demarcation and Women. But it didn’t. The draft organ can take that away, not even the of federal units will have the same has ignored the Interim Constitution’s But you already tore up the draft inside apex court. members of this CA. Simply put, the guidelines for proportional the CA and burnt its copies outside. CA’s involvement will not end with representation of marginalised groups at The front is now distancing it only from The SC says the draft violated Article promulgation of the constitution. all levels of the state. the way the constitution is being written. 138 of the Interim Constitution which But if they do not address our issues, we gives the CA full mandate to restructure So the CA will not honour the SC’s But the draft guarantees an inclusive will not only dissociate ourselves from the the state. verdict? state, doesn’t it? constitution drafting process, but from the Drafting a statute is a political process, We will not end the process because we Even the Panchayat-era constitution state itself. and every decision that is taken to this have a mandate from people. 10 - 16 JULY 2015 #766 NATION 17

PAPERS PLEASE: Police checking the papers of a migrant worker at the gate of the Department of Foreign Employment on Wednesday. The office has been closed after a protest by recruiting agencies.

OM ASTHA RAI Who is against zero-cost Where we are Numbers of Nepalis who went to receiving countries AFGHANISTAN (except India) to work between 1994-2014. QATAR 6,175 SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN EMPLOYMENT 910,204 migration and why? SOUTH KOREA 22,131 KUWAIT Labour recruiters are protesting their right to keep 97,973 on cheating poor Nepali migrant workers LEBANON 11,432 JAPAN NEPAL 13,842

OM ASTHA RAI Malaysia agree to bear the cost ISRAEL of visas and air fares. “Only big 7,937 employers are paying for air tickets and visa fees of migrant workers,” fter the Department of SAUDI ARABIA UAE BAHARAIN Foreign Employment said Khadka. 666,048 420,721 40,651 MALAYSIA A(DoFE) began issuing To be sure, Labour Minister 1,144,859 labour permits from its Tahachal Gurung did own a manpower office last year, the road leading company before receiving a ticket OMAN to it past Soaltee Crowne Plaza from the Nepali Congress (NC) 23,632 was perpetually teeming with to contest the last Constituent migrant workers lining up for Assembly (CA) elections from their travel documents. Manang. After winning the election of the new policy. This would least they will not be exploited. Bahadur Deuba faction. But this week, after the he transferred ownership of all his mean Nepali workers going He is adamant that the zero-cost Meanwhile, as the sit-in government’s new zero-cost recruiting companies to relatives. overseas would have to bear the policy is irrevocable and he will by the agents goes on, it is the migration policy came into The NC’s decision to appoint additional cost of visa fees and not back down. workers waiting for their labour effect, the road is crowded not a former manpower agent as air tickets. Some leaders of the UML, permits who are suffering the with workers but with labour Labour Minister was already a Gurung defends the zero- which is a coalition partner of most. A policy meant to protect recruiters to protest the rule that case of conflict of interest. And cost policy, saying it will end the NC in government, have them from being overcharged is would exempt Nepali workers it is possible, as the protesting exploitation of Nepalis. “Poor publicly criticised the policy jeopardising the jobs waiting for from paying for visa fees and recruiting companies say, migrant workers have to sell and are putting pressure on them overseas. airfares. that Gurung was motivated to or mortgage their land, borrow Prime Minister Sushil Koirala to The ‘manpower agents’ implement the zero-cost policy from loan sharks or spend persuade Gurung to back down. nepalitimes.com say the new policy that would to benefit agencies run by his most of their savings to pay for Even within the NC there are  Zero cost migration #753 benefit hundreds of thousands of nephews and brothers. airfares and visas, and then they some leaders opposed to Gurung  Blood, sweat and tears #716 Nepali workers is “impractical” However, instead of persuading end up not getting the salaries who is said to be from the Sher and accuse Labour Minister Tek the Gulf-Malaysia based promised,” he told Nepali Bahadur Gurung of favouritism employment companies to provide Times. towards those who own big free air tickets and visas in tune Gurung admits that the zero- recruiting companies. with international conventions, cost policy may lead to a 30 “We will not move from here protesting recruiting companies per cent drop in the outflow of unless this zero-cost policy is have been lobbying for withdrawal migrant workers, but he says at retracted,” said Janak Khadka of Deluxe HR Solutions Pvt Ltd which enlists Nepali migrant workers for jobs in Qatar. Khadka is among hundreds of others that have locked out the DoFE in Tahachal and say they will not give up unless they are allowed to charge Nepali workers air fares and visa fees. They say the zero-cost policy sounds good, but will be practical only when all employers in the Gulf and 18 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 10 - 16 JULY 2015 #766

Box: Draft constitution

Bhanu Bhattarai in Himal Khabarpatrika, 5-11 July

Letter to the President Combat gauze missing BIKRAM RAI Santosh Pokharel in Nagarik, Setopati, 9 July government not to let the public the government calculates that 29 June suffer on account of a VIP motorcade. the loss to citizens adds up to loss However, on the very evening after to the nation, we will be forced Honourable President, Sital Niwas, you read the government’s policies to conclude that the state is only A consignment of life-saving Kathmandu and programs in parliament on giving us hollow assurances. This combat gauze donated by an I am glad you fulfilled Wednesday, I had the misfortune will only push us backwards. American drug company for your official duty as President of being caught up in a monstrous Mr President, if there aren’t any treatment of people wounded to read out the government’s traffic jam caused by your official concrete changes we will be forced by Nepal’s earthquakes has gone official policies and programs in carcade. to conclude only the personalities missing. No one knows whether parliament on Wednesday. An There was a torrential downpour, have changed for the torture we are the consignment was misplaced honest and competent leadership and many of us pedestrians, those forced to bear on the roads when or stolen, which could have can implement these programs, of on bicycles and motorcycles were a head of state passes. Still, we probably saved many lives after that there is no doubt. looking for shelter from the rain haven’t given up hope that you will the disaster. Mr President, I have read that and were drenched. Passengers be able to convert your official good Z-Medica, manufacturer of you have repeatedly expressed the in stationary cars just sat there, intentions into action. QuickClot Combat Gauze, had wish that ordinary Nepalis should not moving. Actually there was couriered 2,750 packets of these not be inconvenienced while you already an indication that this was Suraj Poudel, Koteswor first-aid kits to Nepal, and these Airlines says, “We searched travel to and from official functions. going to happen when there was a Read original in Nepali. were meant to be distributed for the consignment in every In fact you have instructed the rehearsal the previous day. Unless www.setopati.com by Nepal Share, a Kathmandu- possible place, but we didn’t based NGO, to all hospitals in find it. We are not sure if it went the earthquake-affected districts. missing after being delivered to Mohan Pahari, who previously Nepal or it did not arrive here at worked for Z-Medica, had all.” requested the company for these Max Khatri, President of Leaving home to rebuild it first-aid kits, which are now Nepal Share, says QuickClot widely used by US troops to stop combat gauzes were precious bleeding from wounds and cuts. first-aid items and could have “I got a call from Nepal been helpful to save lives Dhruva Dangal in Nagarik, 8 July destroyed Dong’s family house and turned to rubble Airlines cargo to receive the of people wounded by the whatever little they owned. Dong is once again delivery, but when I went to earthquakes and landslides. preparing to leave for Kuwait. the airport, the shipment was “We lost a precious gift due to Sang Temba Sherpa of Ghortali in Sindhupalchok She says that with her experience she can earn 100 missing,” Pahari says. someone’s negligence,” he says. owned a provision store at the Tatopani Liping border. dinars per month. “The work is easy, if they increase Kamal Gyawali from the “Nepal Airlines must investigate The earning from the shop was enough to run his my salary I’ll go there. If not, I will go to Kyrgyzstan cargo department of Nepal the matter.” household and pay for the education of his children where the pay is better,” said the 25-year-old. in a private school. But the earthquake on 25 April Teenage brothers Daulat and Dale Lama of brought down both his house and shop, setting one Selang were also waiting outside the DAO for a challenge after another for the father of four. He has recommendation. The brothers who were studying in now decided to go abroad to build back his life. Grade 10 say they have no choice but to go abroad to “We cannot depend on relief materials forever. earn for the family. What will we eat once the emergency food stops “We have no home, the landslide destroyed our Which Chief Sec? coming?” asked Sherpa as he stood waiting in line farm and we need to feed our family,” said Lama who outside the District Administration Office (DAO) in have seven other siblings. Sindhupalchok for documents to get his passport Although a large number of Sindhupalchok’s Nagarik, 7 July basis of seniority and competence. process started. “I know how to drive and will work residents were already abroad even before the Education Ministry secretary as a driver abroad.” After receiving a recommendation earthquake struck, the number of people applying for Bishwa Prakash Pandit is said to be from the DAO office, Sherpa left on a bus for passports has shot up after the quake. Deputy CDO Three candidates are in the running in the running too, but not through Kathmandu. Sherpa’s eldest daughter, Choedon is Surya Prasad Upadhyay says earlier young Janajati and to replace Chief Secretary Lila the usual process. If he becomes giving her SLC exams this year and he knows he has to Dalit men formed a majority of passport applicants, Mani Poudel when he retires Chief Secretary, Shreedhar Gautam make extra money to pay for her college. now it’s an equal mix of men from all communities. on 8 August after completing will have to retire on 31 July When Motimai Dong of Nimlung returned home Since the DAO resumed office on 25 May, more three years in the post. The three 2016 because of the age limit of last month after working in Kuwait for four years, than 2,500 passports had been issued. It receives up to probable civil servants are: Ministry 58. This is why Bishwa Pandit she thought she’d never leave the country again. She 70 forms a day and recommends 10-15 to the Ministry of Cooperatives and Poverty is supporting Gautam who has a wanted to get married and settle here but the quake of Foreign Affairs daily. Alleviation secretary Shreedhar clean reputation, but is said to be Gautam, Ministry of Federal Issues indecisive. and Local Development secretary Som Lal Subedi has worked Somlal Subedi and Ministry of for a long time in the Ministry Industry secretary Jay Mukunda of Local Development and has a Khanal. PhD in Financial Decentralisation All three candidates were and has served in the Ministry of promoted to their posts on 13 Education, Ministry of Labour and April 2011. According to tradition, most recently in National Planning the present chief secretary stays Commission. He is known to be on holiday a few days before close to the NC. Jaya Mukunda his retirement date and the new Khanal served as CDO in various chief secretary is announced by districts and is a quiet person, the cabinet. The Civil Service close to the UML. Who becomes Regulation states that the Chief Secretary will hinge on government promotes a secretary to the composition of the national the post of Chief Secretary on the government next month. DHRUVA /NAGARIK 10 - 16 JULY 2015 #766 NATION 19

SANTA GAHA MAGAR The Tamang epal’s earthquakes killed people belonging to all epicentre Ncastes, class, ethnicities and religious groups. But it was the Tamang people who traditionally live in the 15 worst- affected districts who were disproportionately hit. The death toll from the 25 April earthquake and its 12 May aftershock has been put at 8,844 by now, with 3,012 of them members of the Tamang community. More than half the people killed were in Sindhupalchok district northeast of Kathmandu, which has a high concentration of Tamangs. As many as 1,385 Tamangs died in Sindhupalchok. It may seem inappropriate to break down the victims by caste, ethnicity, gender, or religion but the fact that more than half the victims were women has gender implications. So does the fact that more than 50 per cent of the people killed were from marginalised DEVAKI BISTA communities ranked low in the TAMANG Human Development Index (HDI). 35 34% Analysing these statistics offer Ethnic and gender breakdown glimpse into which communities 30 Male Female are most vulnerable to natural of earthquake fatalities disasters, and how they should be Total: 8,844 protected while designing post- 25 BAHUN earthquake reconstruction projects. CHETTRI 20.1% “In Tamang villages worst 20 affected by the earthquakes, we NEWAR 30% 38% should now implement integrated 15 14.1% reconstruction programs with OTHERS their active participation,” said 10.1% economist Keshav Acharya. 10 DALIT 7.7% GURUNG The most apparent reason Boy children Girl children 5.7% MAGAR behind why the earthquakes 5 3.8% RAI killed more Tamangs than people MADHESILIMBU SHERPA FOREIGNER from other castes and ethnic 1.1% 1% 1% 1.4% 15% 17% 0 communities is that they lived in SOURCE: NEPAL POLICE Sindhupalchok, which bore the Based on approximate tally of surnames in the MoHA list. brunt of the shaking, and their stone and mud homes didn’t stand earthquakes, landslides and floods. even when there is no earthquake,” Jagdish Chandra Pokhrel, gave them money anyway, and a chance. Sindhupalchok also got a The literacy rate in the Tamang Blon said, “the earthquake just former Vice Chair of National very few bought land with that,” double whammy: from both the 25 community (62.6%) is lower than made everything worse.” Planning Commission, says it is Pokhrel said. “Soon, the money April and 12 May earthquakes. the national average (65.8%). Only Around 80 per cent of concrete also an opportunity to understand was gone and they were destitute.” The Tamangs are the largest 38.3 per cent of the Tamangs can houses in the Kathmandu Valley why the Tamangs are vulnerable to Pokhrel says that mistake ethnic groups in eight of the 15 reach nearest health facilities by withstood the 7.8 magnitude natural disasters and what can be should not be repeated in helping worst-affected districts. Even in walking for 30 minutes. In terms earthquake in April and its 7.3 done to protect them from future survivors of the earthquake from the other six districts, the Tamang of access to safe drinking water, magnitude aftershock in May. But calamities. He says the government the Tamang community. He said: population is significantly high. the Tamangs rank sixth from the houses made of stone and clay- needs to learn from its past “Before we plan reconstruction, Anthropologist Mukta Singh bottom. Almost all indicators mortar by untrained masons in experience to help the Tamangs we must have an understanding Lama says despite living in the show that the Tamangs have not unsafe areas went down. Most rebuild their lives. of the community’s economic vicinity of the capital the Tamang benefitted from their geographical Tamangs were living in such unsafe Pokhrel cites the example of activities, social status, education community which he belongs to proximity to the capital houses. the Tamang families displaced and literacy level and cultural have historically been as neglected Kathmandu. According to the latest report when the Kulekhani reservoir aspects.” as the people from Nepal’s most Kumar Blon, General Secretary by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Makwanpur was built in the Anthropologist Lama agreed: underserved Karnali zone in the of the Nepal Tamang Ghedung says the earthquakes damaged 607,212 early 1980s. Around 500 Tamang “If the government does not come HDI listing. It is the poverty, neglect most houses built by the Tamangs buildings (private, public houses, families whose lands were acquired up with effective reconstruction and outright discrimination against are on unstable slopes, exposed to health posts and schools). Of them, by the government didn’t want cash programs, us Tamangs will be even Tamangs that makes them even rockfalls, and along river banks. 381,976 buildings were in areas compensation, but to be resettled poorer and we will be pushed back more vulnerable to disasters like “These places are not safe to live in dominated by Tamangs. elsewhere. “But the government 50 years.” 20 BACK SIDE 10 - 16 JULY 2015 #766 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com

Advisory on advisories

word of advice for all for your MRP. 4. UAE of you out there who But, if you have to go then Nepali researchers working Atake seriously travel you have to go. However, exercise on PhDs on migrant workers, advisories and warnings maximum caution when visiting academics, and anyone who about visiting Nepal: your inner city Chicago, south-central has ever used the hashtag government is just trying to Los Angeles, Miami, and parts #futureguggenheim, are cover its legal ass. Be brave, of Texas unless armed with forewarned that there exists ignore it. Better still, hire your your own khukuri, the Knepali’s a slight possibility of them own lawyers and bring them Knational Knife. MoAF says that disappearing without trace along for your Annapurna trek. although there are no instances of for a few days after landing in Now, here is a little known Nepalis being specifically targeted Dubai. MoAF strongly advises fact: three times more Nepalis because they are from Nepal by Nepalis not to talk to strangers left Nepal in the last fiscal dudes carrying automatic assault on the streets, carry Mace, and year than tourists entering rifles, visitors are nevertheless drink lots of water to prevent Nepal. Which means that we warned to exercise extreme care, dehydration. should be more concerned countries in the western and strongly advised to be on high and wear Kevlar suits, body about the security of our own southern hemispheres. alert. Skinheads are not Brits armour, helmets and groin guards 5. Planet Earth nationals than the safety of In order to assist the Ministry who are in mourning, and if they at all times when venturing out. MoAF advises all Knepali visiting alien anti-nationals. of Affairs with Foreigners wear swastika tattoos it may not Oh, yes, and avoid all essential knationals against non-essential We shouldn’t take all those (MoAF) which is currently too necessarily mean they are Hindus. travel to California unless travel to Europe because advisories by western countries busy issuing passports to think Approach with extreme caution accompanied by Dwayne Johnson of heightened tensions in lying down because according about anything else, the Ass has in East London, do not greet them aka “The Rock”. Ukraine and the danger that it to the Vienna Convention prepared below a list of suggested in Hindi with “Namaste”. Avoid could escalate into full-scale and its amendment on Rules travel advisories for Nepali other extremists with distinctive 3. Malaysia World War III, engulfing the Governing Reciprocity in nationals desirous of travelling red necks, wearing heavy boots, Nepali contract workers going to planet in a nuclear winter. International Relationships to abroad. Don’t say we didn’t warn studs and rings in their eyebrows. Malaysia should be aware that Nepalis are also urged to which Nepal is a signatory, you, and ignore these at your they face high risk from exercise caution when travelling we reserve the legal right to own peril: 2. USA immigration officials, manpower with dependents anywhere declare war on countries that MoAF has upgraded the threat agencies and labour brokers -- at in the world because of the restrict their nationals from FOREIGN TRAVEL ADVICE level for all Nepalis travelling Kathmandu Airport. Travellers threat of catastrophic volcanic visiting us. For Nepali Nationals to the United States in the should exercise extreme caution, eruptions accompanied by So, while the Nepal Army unforeseeable future. All but the and offer appropriate baksheesh, giant tsunamis that may plunge gets preparations underway to 1. UK bravest of the brave should defer otherwise they may be prevented Planet Earth into a new Ice Age. launch a military expeditionary MoAF advises against all but travel to the US because of an from leaving. Despite a There is also the possibility force to invade Great Britain essential travel to Great Britain uncertain international situation government order abolishing fees that the sky will (and continue where we left off at the present time, mainly caused by the lack of Nepali and airfares for Nepali workers, fall one day, and before being rudely interrupted because it’s all but impossible passports. All non-essential travel manpower agencies have the world will in our hostilities in 1816) in for a Nepali to get a bloody visa. has therefore been suspended padlocked the Department of end when the retaliation against the FCO’s But if, by some divine luck, unless such journeys are Labour to demand their right Earth is hit by a travel advisory, it may behoove you are awarded a visa and are absolutely essential for purposes to exploit and extort fellow- giant asteroid. So, GONe to think about issuing sober enough the next morning of illegally overstaying, and if you Nepalis. Things should be fine stay home. Don’t tit-for-tat advisories for Nepalis after a night of wild partying to are willing to stand in line for once the workers actually reach go anywhere. visiting other highly hazardous catch your flight out, Nepalis are three months outside Naryanhiti Malaysia. The Ass

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