#95 24 - 30 May 2002 16 pages Rs 20 WORLD CUP STARS8-9 till November.

whether or not he holds the elections as scheduled on 13 November. Furthermore, with parliament dissolved, the army can get a new three-month emergency without much of a fuss. Congress sacks Deuba and his supporters, It appears to have taken Deuba less than and Deuba formalises a split. three hours to formalise the decision to go for UML goes into elections allied with the Emergency electionselections. Technically that would have rump Congress under Koirala under a pro- involved a cabinet meeting to make a democracy platform. There is more to the Deuba-Koirala fight than meets the recommendationeye. to King Gyanendra, A compact caretaker government announces rushing the paperwork to the palace for the an extension of the emergency, restricting royal seal—all in time for the 11pm campaigning by opponents to pull off a newscast on Radio Nepal. Musharraf-type poll. What has surprised many insiders is not Maoists try to muddy the waters by allying so much that the decision was taken, but the with anti-Deuba forces to further their speed atwhich it was done. And the entire republican agenda while escalating the level of process was so hush-hush that even violence before elections. Deuba’s close cabinet colleagues were not All scenarios point to one outcome: more taken into confidence. instability in the country. “He may have had this option in mind, On return from his US-UK trip, Deuba but because of its very nature only very close invited the police and army brass to an all- supporters were told,” a Deuba aide told us. party meeting. According to sources present, By press time Thursday evening resignations Chief of Army Staff Prajwalla S Rana told had come from Finance Minister Ram Sharan party leaders that the emergency extension was Mahat, Education Minister Amod Upadhyay needed to keep up the momentum against the and Women and Social Welfare Minister Maoists and without it, there might be Rajendra Kharel. setbacks. On Wednesday he told the Nepali Mahat told reporters: “I don’t think daily, elections can be held, and the political Himalaya Times, “The Royal Nepal situation will be very uncertain.” Kharel, once Army does not get into politics, it only erupted as soon as Deuba got back. a staunch Deuba supporter, said: “We have responds to the national interest. We will first Deuba was cornered, and ran out of doubts about the future of democracy itself.” let the politics play itself out.” options. On the one hand, the army brass was Meanwhile, the main opposition was in a The Congress won a majority in May insistent that it needed a state of emergency for huddle all day. The UML standing committee1999. But infighting brought the average and he calls Deuba a dangerous deviant who isits counter-insurgency operations, and on the saw this as a result of Congress infighting, BINOD BHATTARAI life expectancy of a prime minister to less ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○ intent on handing over the reigns to a palace- other his Congress rivals and the leftist and said it hadn’t yet decided whether to than a year. Deuba came to office in July n the face of it, the sudden dissolu- army combine. Deuba’s supporters see Koiralaopposition saw an extension of the emergency accept the elections. The unlikely allies in this 2001, as the third Congress prime minister tion of parliament and the call for as an ambitious dictator not satisfied with just as a path towards martial rule. are Koirala and UML leader Madhav Prasad since May 1999. His government was the mid-term polls in November was just O being party president, and wants to be prime In the end, the party had to do what it Nepal, brought together by their common 12 the latest outcome in the clash between minister again. had to do: it suspended Deuba’s party suspicions about Deuba’s anti-democratic th in 12 years. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pressure had been building up among membership and Koirala asked the remain- motives. Political analysts see several scenarios his nemesis within the ruling Nepali Koirala’s cronies for a final showdown, and theing members of hisjumbo cabinet to resign. Editorial p2 Congress, Girija Prasad Koirala. sight of Deuba being feted at the White HouseBut Deuba has also got what he wanted: A similar path But there seems to be more here than meetsand 10 Downing St earlier this month seems another six months as prime minister the eye. Koirala has tried to portray this as an to have been too much to bear. The quarrel Pitamber Sharma p3 epic battle between democrats and demagogues, An emergency for the Maoists

EXCLUSIVE Royal visits King Gyanendra will make two goodwill visits to neighbouring countries after coming out of mourning on 1 June, a source close to the royal palace said. The in LUMBINI Lumbini’s rebirth KANAK MANI DIXIT six-day India visit is slated for the third ○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Things may finally change at the Buddha’s week of June, followed soon after with aLumbini is Buddhism’s equivalent to Bethlehem or Mecca, but it has been more of a China trip. The India visit is finalised weeping wall for pilgrims and devotees. Decades of disinterest in distantbirthplace. Kathmandu For the better. down to the dates, and will be announcedhave maintained this nativity site of Sakyamuni Siddhartha Gautam as a monument to after the dates for the king’s China visit neglect and prevarication. All that may be about to change. are confirmed. When the 60-year-old Mayadevi temple structure—the white box with the pipal tree—was pulled down in the early 1990s and the hallowed ground beneath it excavated, it seemed the final desecration. Since the dig was completed in 1996, the site has remained closed to the public, and the excavations covered by tarp and tin. But suddenly, there are heartening developments. The Lumbini Garden is today a Weekly Internet Poll # 35 hive of construction activity, and the nativity site is set to open to visitors within a Q. Is it OK for the government to get foreign support couple of months. A part of the new structure is ready for the ancient Mayadevi for its counter-insurgency campaign? statue to be re-consecrated on 26 May, Buddha Jayanti. The completed structure will display the excavated ruins of the temple complex put up in the 3

rd century BC, which includes the historical “marker stone” said to pinpoint the spot where Mayadevi gave birth to her illustrious son (an event the ancient statue commemorates). There have been enough reasons in the past decades to give up on Lumbini. The main trouble lies with Kathmandu’s party-centric political establishment, uncaring bureaucracy, and demanding Buddhist groups fighting for control of the Lumbini

Development Trust (LDT) and its dollar-and-yen potential. The terrain has become KANAK MANIDIXIT more complex as the sectarian interest in Lumbini extends beyond Kathmandu Valley Buddhists to include hill and high-mountain Buddhists of Nepal. Added to all this is the Total votes: 1404 unhappiness of the Muslim locals who populate the Lumbini area, who feel left out in Weekly Internet Poll # 36. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com the rush to cash in on Lumbini’s tourism and pilgrim potential. Q. Do you think Prachanda is serious about peace this time? Go to p15

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Box: 1307, Durbar Marg Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 252995/228288/221774/244956/246685 Fax: 977-1-221180, Email: [email protected] 222 EDITORIAL 24 - 30 MAY 2002 NEPALI TIMES NATION 24 - 30 MAY 2002 NEPALI TIMES 333 Nepali Times is published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Chief Editor:Kunda Dixit Editor:Anagha Neelakantan STATE OF THE STATE by CK LAL COMMENT by PITAMBER SHARMA Design:Kiran Maharjan [email protected], www.nepalitimes.com Advertising:Sunaina Shah [email protected] Subscription:Anil Karki [email protected] Sales:Sudan Bista [email protected] Sanchaya Kosh Building, Block A-4th Floor, Lalitpur GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 01-543333-7, Fax: 01-521013 Printed at Jagadamba Press: 01-521393 The prince of peace he number of people who call themselves An emergency for the Maoists Buddhists in Nepal has, according to the Thelatest Buddhacensus, more than doubledis all in the thethings place has been to sold allto the worldpeople. as a fter the dissolution of parliament and to democracy is an accountable democ- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ The Maoists now have to decide which side they are on: A SIMILAR PATH last ten years. For an official Hindu kingdom, pilgrimage site. an imminent reimposition of the racy, nothing less. Those who ignore this even one that boasts an entire administrative After a long-drawn controversy, the temple Aemergency, the Maoists have two history are condemned to repeat it. nce more, we are made to pay for the tiny minds and large egos of ourzone politicians. named after the Enlightened One, the of Mayadevi is finally being built at Lumbini. to get the Dalai Lama to visit the birthplace choices: continue on their path of retrogres-the side of destruction or the side of democracy. Ever since they suddenly walked out Once more the nation is held hostage by their myopia. The dissolutionsudden of parlia- jump to ten percent is somewhat of Lord Buddha. Fear of rubbing the ment, the November elections are just outer manifestations of infighting in the However, the frantic pace of construction hides sion, or join hands with other democratic from negotiations in November to stage O perplexing. After all, Buddhists haven’t run anthe fact that the implementation of the Chinese the wrong way may have prompted forces to defend and build on the achieve- that ill-conceived attack on Gorahi, the ruling party. We can only hope that by making this desperate move to save hisT own skin, Prime Minister Deuba has inadvertently done the one thing that could bringaggressive the Moaist conversion campaign, nor has there infamous “Master Plan” has been dragging on our government to exercise restraint—the ments of the people’s movement of 1990. political credibility of the Maoists hit a leadership to the mainstream. But will the underground comrades grab this beenchance? a huge One influx of Buddhist refugees into for years. We overestimated the desire of Dalai Lama is, after all, not just the spiritual, The choice is an urgent one. new low. They have made an effort at a of the lessons Nepal can take from Peru is that if you want to fight an insurgency,the country. you have The reason behind the rise must international Buddhists to donate generously tobut also the temporal, head of Tibetans in At the heart of every insurgency and dialogue again, but the ball is in their to first put your political house in order. You can't have political parties clawingthen atbe simple:each emboldened by democracy, exile. But there is really no need for the make Lumbini a world landmark. And despite rebellion is the goal of putting the legiti- court. By a few chosen unilateral actions, other in parliament while the security forces try to fight a guerrilla war. many no longer feel the need to hide their non- Lumbini Development Trust to follow suit. the stewardship of highly-placed individuals— macy of the powers-that-be on trial. And so such as a declared total and unconditional Nepal’s Maoists are travelling the well-trodden path of the Peruvian revolutionaries.Hindu identity. the present king himself used to chair the Lumbini won’t grab the attention of the it has been with the Maoist “People’s stop to all acts of destruction of develop- The parallels between these antipodal uprisings are striking. Their remote and Buddhismrugged and Hinduism have evolved Lumbini Development Trust—the organisationworld as long as it insists on keeping the War”. The Maoists’ justification for the ment infrastructure, and a ceasefire for a altiplano is our mid-west. Peru and Nepal have similar populations of disenfranchised,syncretically here. Having appropriated Lord has failed to attract the generosity of the world most illustrious of Buddhists off its soil. marginalised ethnic groups and capital-centric elites who have shown breathtaking insurgency is derived from the failure of the fixed duration, the Maoists can still regain disregard for the hardships and misery of fellow-citizens. When revolutionariesBuddha took asup just another avatar of Vishnu, the Buddhist community. Sure, the Chinese are touchy about him, but the Dalai Lama is considered a reincarnation government, and indeed the political the credibility they forfeited. Their arms to capitalise on this bitterness, the state in both Peru and Nepal came Hindudown orthodoxyhard. here looks approv- response to the elections in November will But responses designed to nip the rebellion in the bud had the opposite effect:ingly uponthe Vajrayana Buddhism. of the Buddha by most followers (some of system, in addressing the basic economic, be carefully watched. atrocities of the Peruvian security forces in Ayacucho in the mid-1980s had Janakpur,parallels the with birthplace of Sita, them high-flying Hollywood stars, we might social, and cultural development of the vast human rights violations that accompanied Operation Romeo and Operationdoesn’t Kilo Sierra ring a bell in in the add) and he has won the Nobel Peace Prize. majority of Nepalis. Will they create the trust for a peaceful the mid-west in 1996-98. assemblies of the global elite. In his Lumbini Chakra hypothesis, The Maoists portrayed their rebellion resolution to the present crisis and pave For anyone who wanted to predict that this country was going the way of Peru,But the the moment Nepalis architect Shankar Nath Rimal argues as an attempt to provide an alternative path the way for negotiating a future for Nepal writing was quite literally on the wall. Back in 1993, the streets of Kathmandumention were painted that Lord Buddha in which they will be partners? An over with blood-red graffiti proclaiming solidarity with the Peruvian struggle, and when that the Lumbini Garden contains to Nepal’s progress. In the early phase calls Sendero Luminoso leader Abimael Guzman was caught that year there werewas “Release in fact born in what is symbolic representations of against rural economic and social exploita- extension or re-imposition of the emer- Comrade Gonzalo!” slogans emblazoned across the country. now Nepal (and not what almost all the important events tion, untouchability, injustice and discrimi- domestic and foreign, to close ranks. No gency could strengthen the hands of the is now India) they often Our comrades have followed the Shining Path model to the letter, even cleverly of the Buddha’s life. Rimal nation of dalits, indigenous ethnic groups wonder, Nepal is fast becoming an “inter- forces of retrogression and status-quo. The succeed in getting the last six months of the emergency have naming their doctrine the Prachanda Path by playing on the Nepali word “path”. (Of further posits that a part of and women were at the forefront of the esting” place, interesting enough to be a course, the Peruvians were such purists, they didn’t want to start a personalityattention cult by of everyone clearly shown that it is neither conducive the Buddha’s mortal Maoist struggle. playground for foreigners. Nepal has naming their revolution after a leader.) But there is no doubt about it: both presentrevolutions anywhere in the nor desirable to a political resolution of essentially follow the paths of destruction. The aim is to destroy the presence of govern- remains might also have They drew attention to the unfinished received more powerful dignitaries in the world. The Buddha is a last six months of the emergency than inthe crisis. A democracy under sustained ment and symbols of its oppression through devastating slaughters that spreadbadge panic of honour and for many been buried at agenda of Nepal’s unification, and the un- demoralisation through the sheer shock of brutality. its last 12 years as a democratic state. emergency can very well seal its symbol-starved Nepalis. Lumbini. If that can be addressed issues of Nepal as a nation-state. ment infrastructure may not have been The core of the ideology in both cases is therefore to play on the psychological They appeared to question the content and Surely, the message on the wall should own fate. Convenience is another proven, the place will serving the dispossessed directly, but the impact of violence and mayhem so that people, in the end, lose faith in government, in direction of on-going development efforts be there for all to see, including The moderate left political parties factor that makes Nepalis accept take on even more schools, and the Sanskrit University have problem is not with infrastructure, the the economy, and, to cut a long story short, in everything “old”. By their own admission, on grounds of their reach and effective- the Maoists. lost the opportunity in the past by not Buddhism with relative ease. significance for devout been razed. Now, all private schools in the problem is with its reach among the poor the comrades in Peru and Nepal both like to say that they don’t believe in the “old”, and if ness on the lives of the poor and the The truth is indeed ugly. A blunt Nepalishowing a pro-active policy and pro- any residue of the “old” is allowed to remain, it will undermine the “new”. Nepalis abroad sometimes pretend Buddhists. mid and far west have been forced to close and the conditions for its use. disadvantaged. grammatic response to the Maoists’ The panic and anarchy feeds on itself, and Peru came close to Year Zero.to beThe Buddhist in order to prove The responsibility down. Even health centres, Red Cross A school, a health centre, a university, proverb says it all: when the vultures roam, their ‘non-Indian’ identity. Nepali This strategy played a major role in offices, drinking water systems and orphan- there must be a carcass. Some are already actions. They helped strengthen the security forces had been chased away from large parts of the country, and the strangula- for inviting the Dalai community buildings and offices, roads and hands of the forces of the status quo by tion of the capital from the countryside had begun. It was in fact while the Shiningmedical studentsPath in Pakistan have Lama to Lumbini lies the relatively strong support and ages have not been spared. bridges, electricity, drinking water, homes drawing parallels with Afghanistan. That is guerrillas were on the verge of advancing into Lima that an intelligence breakthrough led the distance we have travelled from the agreeing to re-impose the emergency been known to pass themselves off as primarily with the consequent expansion of Maoist influ- These acts of wanton and brutal for the destitute and the helpless are to the arrest of Abimael Guzman. Buddhist, just so they don’t get hassled. vibrant democracy we were some years ago.three months ago. To support the re- management of the Trust. ence in rural Nepal. Despite the murder destruction are not isolated, neither can institutions and facilities that are needed in The difference between the Shining Path and Nepali Maoists is that our comradesThe fascination of the Nepali power elite of political opponents, of extortion, and Militarisation is not a substitute for theimposition of the emergency, irrespec- But that doesn’t mean that His they be dismissed as instances of all societies, no matter who calls the shots. have contested elections and served in parliamentary parties. Some of themwith have the Buddhaeven and his birthplace is on an increasing militaristic tendency the politicisation of the people. Terror cannot tive of how Maoists respond to their been members of parliament. They could go back if the conditions are right, and Holiness shouldn’t make his indiscipline within the Maoist ranks. They may not be development per se, but call, would be suicidal. elections in six months may be just the thing. To be sure, they will first have displayto live in down the excesses of the Lumbini movement spread rapidly. In other Had it been, the Maoist leadership they are essential and inseparable compo- be a means to make people “sovereign”. Development Trust, where a new set of bosses own efforts. There are other words, development or the lack of it The government insists that the and atone for the mayhem that they have unleashed. But more brutal rebel movements Besides the usual accusations of cronyism would have repudiated them and disasso-nents of it. And these facilities are not Physical liquidation of individuals is not an have been known to join the political mainstream in other countries. takes over after every change of government at countries in the world where provided the alternative to the battle of ideas. To refuse security forces are making major gains. and nepotism that continue to undermine the Buddhists have welcomed the ciated itself from such recklessness. created by a magic wand overnight, there is In Peru, the government reacted late, but it got its act together with a multi-prongedSingha Darbar. Ever since former UN Secretary Clearly, the destruction of development a cost to it and invariably it is the public reason and dialogue as a basis for the The Maoists insist that they are not General U Thant wept on a visit to Lumbini inefficiency of the Trust, the rapid turnover of itsDalai Lama even if their governments were losing. The truth surely lies somewhere counter-insurgency strategy that employed a classic “shield” and “sword” approach. The key personnel in the last twelve years has also has been a deliberate act to score that has to foot the bill. In the case of creation of the objective conditions for shield was a grassroots development programme that aggressively redressed1967, past andneglect. King Mahendra recognised the less than keen. Maybe Nepal’s 2.3 million between. We only know one thing for been a factor in its stagnation. But quite apart political points. What is incomprehensi-Nepal, quite simply, the destruction of progressive social and economic change is to The sword used military pressure and effective intelligence to go after hardcoreimportance cadre, of those precious drops of tears, Buddhists also have a say in this? Chinese raison d’etre for the sure: at the rate of one thousand Nepalis from all these factors, keeping the Dalai Lama ble in this madness is the purpose they development infrastructure is a deliberate nurture totalitarian dictatorship. And the while sparing the followers. It would be counterproductive to make theThat’s people suffer. dignitaries on official visits to Nepal now People’s War. Or so it seemed. killed every month, the only losers and what worked with the Shining Path. Can it be made to work with Prachanda’s Path? away from Lumbini is probably what has reallyhave Lumbini on their itinerary, so the serve and the message these acts convey act of pushing the country further into the intent of all dictators (ideologies notwith- prevented the project from taking off. However, since the ratification of the to the public at large. hands of the donors, and of course, India. standing) is the same. The only alternative the ones truly bereaved are the Nepali Chinese government may someday see people. The question simply is: who It seems absurd, but the Lumbini emergency by parliament in February the that it is in its own long-term interest to Why has a rebellion whose avowed It is also an open invitation and a call dares own the Nepali people? Development Trust has made no effort to date allow the Buddha’s most eminent main target of Maoist destruction has turned to infrastructure. Telecommunica- objective was to out-legitimise the for all defenders of the status quo, both contemporary disciple to visit the place of government in the public eye, been so his birth too? tion towers, airports, community-built hydro power plants were destroyed. Nearlybent on de-legitimising itself? Develop- fairway is well-maintained, the a thousand VDC offices, hundreds of ambience is unique, the food is the treatment as “informed excellent, and most of all the staff country. It is true that Nepali eliteconsent”, is but it also requires that are helpful and polite. You are equally to blame, and even Mr Lalpermission be obtained from the playing an international-standard may be guilty of taking some patient or patient party (if the LETTERS golf course and yet by the time consulting fees and selling his patient is not in a position to give and China, and this in a highly Rana, Nandida Rai, Manishayou finish the 18 of trekking by walking the entire the problems young professional soul for a fancy car, but the factvalid permission) before carrying sensitive zone, it is an open LEARNING TO COUNT MORALITY Kapoor, Bharati Shah, course. It’s a win-win situation. golfers in Nepal face—there isNepal is considered a rich man’sis that at least he has the courageout any treatment procedures orinformed consent and starting secret that Nepal has always game. That’s plain wrong. If it treatment. been a playground for spies from Hemlata Rai’s “Counting on This is not the time to do re- After the advent of the Maoist Reema Gurung, USA I am improving my game by only one tournament that they to own up to his sins. I salute Mrresearch. Explaining the outcome were true, why aren’t all the around the globe, whether it is Nepal” (#94) was interesting. searchIt on the Maoists to see insurgency the morality of truth can play in the whole year round Lal for his courage in exposingof the any treatment is only the Dr Sudhamshu practicing hard, and can’t wait to politicians playing? the CIA sneaking into Tibet is good to learn that the 2001how they evolved, or whether hasor taken a back seat. The rebels and they cannot afford to even very people who support the compulsory obligation to be Chiba, Japan be there soon. Jai Nepal! Jai Golf! through this, perhaps the easiest, census will soon be out. Manynot they are true followers of thewho were once lauded by the play in India as they do not get Sonny Shrestha, by emailglitzy lifestyle of people of his ilk.carried out by physicians or ìOmardai î, Taipei, Taiwan route to escalate the tension in new facts are shown throughGreat Helmsman (“Maoism in a people for social reformation have any financial aid from the Dr Narayan Khatri,surgeons. It is better to take the autonomous state in China this census, but the most post-Mao world,” Puskar now plummeted to the abyss ofFORE! government or from business permission of the patient’s familyNOT SO INNOCENT Pokhara with a view to shattering the intriguing thing is that ethnic andGautam, #93). The present satanic acts. They have lost allReading about golf (Fore!, #94) th hole you have I’m writing to thank you for houses. I’m an amateur golfer SOUL SEARCHING before explaining the whole truthBhaskar Tripathy’s letter (“Loss of language counting revealed situation in Nepal is the outcome myself and I feel for these about the disease and outcome of world’s most powerful communist humanity and ethics, they havewas like a soothing spa for theprobably experienced the florathe article on golf; it was well- The letter from Paschim is innocence,” # 93) reminded me of dramatically more than the of various things, such as lack of talented young pros. the treatment when there is less nation, or the alleged terrorism gone beyond common sense andtattered soul of an overseas and fauna of a small-scale written and being an avid golfer, I annoying (Letters, #92). The the selling pitch of last year’s actual numbers. This may be political commitment, no sense of chance of survival. Patients being promoted by Pakistan’s ISI unleashed a sadistic barbarismNepali. on Today, I am not going tonational park and don’t forget thatliked it very much. I think you could Tenzing aka Tiger Oopsreader apparently harbours a Hollywood movie Pearl Harbour: due to the fact that the re- responsibility, misguided profes- already suffering from a debilitat- and India’s RAW. their motherland. Can’t the so- bother or worry about the Maoistsyou have also accomplished a haveday devoted some more space to by email grudge against CK Lal, how else the loss of innocence and the spondents did not understandsionals, corruption, mismanage- ing disease are vulnerable to the Such behind-the-scenes called great minds like Dr Baburamor the number of incoming tourists. could he fail to see the point Mr beginning of a nation’s greatest what they were being asked.ment, and most of all lack of harsh reality, and may develop Bhattarai stand apart from the I am simply going to indulge myself Lal has so powerfully made? (“Do glory. Loss of innocence, indeed!games have plagued this nation in Therefore, as language namesvalues and confidence as a psychological problems like destructive bunch of anarchistsin the pleasure of playing golf our banners still wave?” State of Ram Limbuthe past and point to graver they gave names of clan or nation. It’s a shame that the depression. that have hijacked the revolution?vicariously at the Gokarna Club in the state, #90.) Every Nepali national tragedy in the days to place instead of the actual credibility of our nation is fading Thank you for the coverage INFORMED CONSENT Sydney You can exploit the emotion of farawaythe Nepal. owes more than Rs 8,000 to the It is true that in many Asian come. It’s true, there are many name of their ethnic group orand that we are no longer in a ignorant and destitute population The eventuality of golf tourism of golf in Nepal. It just might helpWorld Bank and the Asian This letter is in response to countries the concept of informed other burning issues in Nepal language. Complications ariseposition to decide our own and urge them to act at gunpoint. open a few eyes among the Development Bank and most of“Informed consent” (Letters, #93).consent is virtually nonexistent. today, but we need an immediate from the differences in the destiny. in Nepal is unquestionable. But you will only succeed in authorities concerned to the this money has flowed back toTelling the patients that your But it is not true that it is a totally probe into this matter, and we naming of ethnic identity and Kathmandu can be the Thailand of FAR FROM HOME Many say the Maoist revolu-destroying everything. You cannot word ‘golf’. Golf isn’t only a western countries as consultingsurvival is 50-50, that too at pointnew concept in Asia, since it is need to put behind bars all those language name—an ethnically golf for South Asia, particularly I am an avid readerNepali of tion has its roots in corruption heal a society after you have torn sport, but an integral part of thefees or profits. Electricity, blank as stated in an earlier letterused in Japan, Singapore, South involved in making a mess of this “Rai” person speaks a language India where the golf population is and poverty. I have my doubts.its It fabric to shreds. tourism business. This is telephone and water charges by Jyoti Lohani (Letters, #91) isKorea. In most Asian countries,Times and Daniel Lak. However,country. I We must safeguard our distinct from another person leapfrogging. South-east Asia has started because of our lack of KP Poudel, by email understood all over the world, have gone up and even govern-not informed consent. The when patients come to a doctorwould it like to question Daniel Lak’snational integrity. who is ethnically the same. plenty of first rate golf courses sense of values and selfishness. except in Nepal. Golf by itself willment education now comes withBumrungrad Hospital says it wasis taken for granted that they havewisdom in talking of diaspora. Suresh Lohani, Kathmandu Tejpuri or Gangai, on the other but Kathmandu and particularly We don’t have to follow Mao to never make money. It is more likeuser fees. All of this has beenexplaining the potential outcomegiven of their consent for treatment(“Dialectics of diaspora,” #94) He hand, speak the same language courses like Gokarna have an tackle poverty and corruption, in a bait to entice the tourist to done to please the donors and they have to accept the seems to have a gripe on the as the Rajibansi. But they want edge over these countries in that fact Mao may not be the right spend more money while visitingwho think that they own this consequences if any arise. Sincediaspora. He should have taken a their own ethnic identity. Thus almost all courses in ASEAN person to follow as his own a country. Tourism isn’t just Mt patients are not always in a look at what makes a human being they claim to speak “Tejpuri” or countries are tropical in environ- country has abandoned his Everest and Phewa Tal. Nepal position to make the valid decision,leave the homeland. “Gangai”. A scientific language/ We strongly condemn the ment and landscape, but ideas. It is a classic example of has the best of everything: the family members need to be linguistic survey should be terrorist attack on Sanskrit Kathmandu and Pokhara provide Manjil Dhungana, by email how immature and mentally scene, the weather and the consulted before obtaining conducted by an authoritative University. These terrorists arecool no and comfortable weather straitjacketed we are as citizens, costs related to building a proper body as soon as possible to different from the Taleban whocondition as well as the magnifi- so much so that we are ready to championship layout; it has land determine accurate numbers destroyed the Buddha statutescent in Himalayan backdrop. destroy our own lives and lives and labour. The government has of languages and ethnic groups Afghanistan. The recent attack byAs a recreational golf player, I I SPY HAPPY of our children in a fit of pique at land, why can’t it identify proper in Nepal. Maoist terrorists is a cruel attack Congratulations to Shree BhaktaI am happy to be able to read our present politicians. got hundred percent satisfaction plots of land for golf course IS Toba, Kathmandu not only on the university, but onshooting the white ball at the development and invite private Khanal for his gripping story (“Iyour newspaper, one of the best ìSameerî , USA Hinduism as well. We hope theGokarna Club. The green is on par investors in joint ventures? Golf didn’t know they were spies,” published in Nepal, on the net. I Nepali government will take actionwith any first-rate course, the does not need prime land, it #89). This is explicit verificationrecently of particularly enjoyed CK against the perpetrators. needs adequate land. Golf in the allegation that Nepal was aLal’s “Peace in our time” and Kamala, Rita Rana, safe haven for spies. The Daniel Lak’s “All things consid- situation is no different now. ered” (#93). Congratulations. Subhash Giri, Prativa KC, Crouched uncomfortably between Ralph Taylor Barbara Gurung, Chandra two nuclear superpowers, India Washington DC, USA 444 NATION 24 - 30 MAY 2002 NEPALI TIMES NATION 24 - 30 MAY 2002 NEPALI TIMES 555 population benefits directly from the construction of new tourist International Newspapers accommodation. . The CAMC is trying to regulate The world has been a ‘global village’ for on-demand print logging, issuing permits in some and the distribution of international newspapers. You can places, and trying to work with order your favorite newspaper from a collection of 100 dailies Seeing neither forests nor trees indigenous ways of authorising including IHT, The Times, The Washington Post, WSJ, USA felling in others, such as fixing the Today, Le Monde, Sueddeuthsche Zeitung, La Stampa, price of timber and trees. Such Mainichi Shimbun, El Pais, Basler Zeitung, Berlingske Tourism is down in Manang, control mechanism haven’t been Tidende, Aftenposten etc… We hand-deliver fresh copies very effective yet, however. “That’s every morning. For a detailed list and price, please call us but tree-cutting hasn’t stopped. why we are trying to come up with today: new, strict rules,” says CAMC’s Lama. If the new regulation can be Bazaar International, Phone: 255125 Fax: 229 437 implemented, no logging will be E-mail: [email protected] allowed for the construction of hotels “Everyone is keen on running a and lodges in Manang VDC for the hotel these days,” says Lama. Even next 10 years. “We will implement possibility of smuggling into Tibet before last year’s flurry of building similar ideas in other villages gradu- Pokhara’s problem when they heard about the growing activity, upper Manang had 700 ally,” Lama says hopefully. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ illegal timber for salt bartering in beds to cater to a maximum of 200 Any regulation, no matter how Garbage isn’t a problem peculiar to Kathmandu. A recent survey of the the Langtang and Manaslu areas, well thought-out and inclusive, will lake city of Pokhara revealed that the city council has been disposing 58 tourists at any given time. There are tons of garbage everyday—by tossing it over the Seti river bridge in the which have relatively easier access now more than 100 lodges and find it tough going against the city centre due to lack of a proper dump site. Waste generated by the instances of bad decisions made to Tibet. A similar, but far worse, teahouses in Manang district, whichtraditional ways in which natural local hospitals, most of it toxic, has made matters worse. Phewa lake, for by us,” said a young resident of the situation exists in Humla, where gets around 12,000 trekkers resources have been used in this its part, is breeding an alarming amount of coliform, due to the sewage Manang Village Development illegally logged timber is traded in tight-knit community. In the and garbage from surrounding hotels and restaurants dumped into it. annually. In Manang village alone, The survey, by Martin Chautari and the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce Committee, who did not want to Tibet via Taklakot for food and there are 20 lodges, some boasting meantime, conservationists suggest and Industry, says that Pokhara’s environmental problems, which include be named. “There are still no alcohol. (See “Nepali timber to as many as 50 rooms, often with a that the ACAP needs to start the illegal settling of land are numerous and growing. Forest User Groups in the upper Tibet,” #17.) Ganga Bahadur deluxe room option. Narendra evaluating the impact of its work. belt of Manang, like there are in Thapa, executive officer of the Lama, the officer in charge of They fear that Manang may prove the lower part,” the ACAP official KMNTC insists that all trees ACAP’s Manang office, says to be an unexceptional case in the told us. “The fate of the forests felled in Manang are for domestic “Everyone with a little bit of moneyAnnapurna, just more dramatic. “It depends on the whims of the personconsumption. is high time they did an impact More on Everest feels they must invest in the hotel ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ who has been entrusted to look Unfortunately, that, combined industry.” Ironically, assessments of study,” says Dr Chandra Gurung, It’s been another record-breaking after them.” In keeping with tradition,with the in slump tourism doesn’t the tourism industry in Manang say Country Director of the World season on Everest this spring. Fifty- permission to fell trees can still be mean that the logging will slow that only 10 percent of the Wildife Fund- Nepal. “ACAP has four climbers, including 24 high- obtained by making an offering of been working in the area for 15 altitude Sherpas made their way to has formed a Conservation Area down anytime soon. People are still the top of the world’s highest building, hoping for better times. years, it is time they assessed the mountain after a much-anticipated Management Committee in every state of the natural resources now, saw no more prospects in business village under its purview, but says it chhang and akhada to the “author- break in the weather the morning of and compared it with what it was 16 May. Among the climbers were overseas, locals who’d migrated is difficult to implement new ity”. The District Forest Office has no for a renovation or expansion. elsewhere are returning to their back then.” Tashi Wangchuk Sherpa, grandson of Given the cost of transporting other logging-control mechanisms in this say, and logging is on the rise. Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, who became ALL PICS: NAVIN SINGH KHADKA SINGH PICS: NAVIN ALL homes, some of them lured by the programs about safe logging construction materials to this area, where traditional practices are The lack of uniform laws shows the first to scale the mountain on 29 practices, Manang will rapidly prospect of a tourism boom,” May, 1953 with Edmund Hillary. On NAVIN SINGH KHADKA remote part of the Annapurnas, still dominant. In many villages, the better business in the boom, and explains Lama. The local popula- in the forest—some areas have what the same day Susan and Phil in MANANG lose its richest natural resource. responsibility for managing the ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ building hotels and homes. most people build structures of appears to be healthy tree cover, Ershler, became the first married ACAP officials say the mush- tion of Manang has now reached entire common forest lies with a ocal entrepreneurs in Manang But Manang has seen trekkers wood and stone along traditional over 10,000, an increase of almost other hillsides are denuded and couple to climb the highest mountains in seven continents and Nepal’s rooming of new lodges and single person, contradicting every Appa Sherpa maintained his record of the most ascents on Everest, after could never have imagined drop by 40 percent this year. And lines, paying Rs 50-100 for a tree, 50 percent in the last decade. “Each bare. Take the case of Pisang teahouses in Manang and other and Rs 5 for a seven foot-long conservation tenet of ACAP. village, where the forest is thicker summiting Sagarmatha for the 12 Ltheir luck would run out so that isn’t the only loss the area has areas in the Annapurna region last new family in the region exerts extra wooden plank. “Outside” administration has than that around other villages in fast. Until just last year, this remotehad to bear—in the last decade thisyear was unprecedented. “Never pressure on the natural resources district bounded by Thorung-La, trans-Himalayan valley has lost over Pasang Lama, chairman of the such as timber for the many new virtually no chance of influencing Upper Manang. So far. The village before have so many structures been th time. There were quite a few women Tibet and the high Himalaya was 10 percent of its lush forest cover, Conservation Area Management houses that will be built. the local community, we were told. administrators have already given built in these areas in one year,” an out some pockets of the forest on on top, too. Namche resident Pemba Doma Sharpa became the second one of the most trekked areas of in large part due to the wave of Committee (CAMC) at Chame, The problem is that in the “That is why the organisation finds ACAP employee told us. There are Manang district’s headquarters, says it hard to implement their rules and contract to neighbouring villages. Nepali woman to climb Everest from both the north and south sides, after Nepal. And almost every resident ofconstruction to be ready for what district, especially in Upper she summited the mountain from the south side this spring, two years no official records to quantify the the construction boom is also in regulations. There are many Manang village itself is increasingly every village along the trekking locals hoped would be increasing increase, but locals say that every Manang, logging has never been a after her climb from Tibet in 2000. An all-American women’s team fell route was building a lodge or numbers of tourists. Annapurna part due to the return of locals dependent on this contract for its 200 feet short of the summit, but another American climber, Ellen Miller, village on the trekking route saw at cause for concern or debate. ACAP ascended, becoming the first American woman to climb the mountain expanding their teahouse, in Conservation Area Project (ACAP) formerly living abroad and in timber needs these days. least half-a-dozen new lodges built, different parts of Nepal. “After they Even smaller plants are feeling from Tibet and Nepal. The spring also saw the ascent of Tamae anticipation of even more visitors. officials, as well as some locals, are and there wasn’t any tourist Watanabe, 63, the oldest woman to climb Everest. A native of the ill-effects of mis-managed Many natives of Manang settled in worried that unless they can accommodation that did not go in Yokohama, Watanabe broke the record a 50-year-old Polish woman set Kathmandu, Pokhara and overseas enforce uniform regulations on logging. After the trees are felled, in 2000. A retired office worker, Watanabe has two other Himalayan were even moving back, sensing felling, or at least run awareness the logs, instead of being carried giants under her belt—Dhaulagiri I and Gasherbrum II. away, are simply rolled downhill, smothering the undergrowth. The Manang forests contain a significant portion of the over 1,200 species of HERE AND THERE by DANIEL LAK Break for NRNs plants found in ACAP, including 40 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ varieties of orchids and 10 types of Now that the government is planning special visa provisions for non- rhododendron. The forests are also resident Nepalis, as are available to non-resident Indians, expatriated home to many endangered animal Nepalis around the world may feel more inclined to visit their mother- land. A recent cabinet meeting decided that NRNs deserved special species, such as the red panda and visas that allow them to stay in the country for a longer period without Re-inventing America possibly the snow leopard. Our straining their visa-fee budgets. The idea is to boost the national informant in Manang who spoke on economy by attracting NRN investment in industry, tourism, and condition of anonymity, said that hydropower. Government officials say non-resident Nepali students will new edition of the British magazineGranta is always cause for even if control over felling were to have to pay $50 for a year, while others will pay $100 a year. The The US has some things going for it: its ability to transcend failure, and its multiple-entry visa will be issued from Nepali embassies and consulates celebration. Founded in Cambridge in 1982 by American Bill follow the old norms, outside Buford, insistence on accountability. around the world. About 100,000 NRNs who hold foreign passports are A Granta ploughs its own furrow, mixing fact, fiction, agencies could do a lot better in expected to benefit from the change in visa provisions. reportage and opinion in a seamless, usually thematic whole four citizenship is an act of faith, the only country whose promises to itself terms of raising awareness about times each year. Issue number 77, fresh from my post box, is even continue to command the faith of people like me, who are not its better logging practices. “When the more thought-provoking than usual. citizens.” Ignatieff begins his essay at an anti-Vietnam war rally in laziness to carry a single log results The magazine has asked 24 writers, Lebanese, Serbian, Australian, 1972, in the middle of one of the most turbulent periods in modern in the death of so many smaller Canadian and a native Hawaiian to ponder the role of America in American history. It was a time when it seemed the colossus was on plants, the least we could get is The cost of advice their lives. It’s a post-11 September exercise in reflecting on the most the ropes. The conflict in South-east Asia was going badly, hearts and proper education on these issues.” ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ influential, powerful and wealthy nation that has ever existed. A minds at home were uncertain despite having re-elected Richard Executives of the King Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s nearly two dozen advisors are Nixon. Still to come were the carpet-bombing of Cambodia and the costing the state close to Rs 400,000 a month. Figures in the Royal rainbow of opinion and anecdote about matters American arcs from Mahendra Trust for Nature Gazette released Monday show that thirteen of Deuba’s senior advisors the beginning to the end of the book. Dubliner Fintan O’Toole gives Watergate revelations of rot at the very heart of the White House, Conservation, which manages receive a total of Rs 75,1400 a month from the government for fuel the unique perspective of an Irishman raised in the austere 1960s, the uncertain Carter years, the Iranian hostage scandal and finally, ACAP, say that while things are bad expenses alone. Three of the prime minister’s top advisors—Prakash whose view of America is tinged with wealth, success and more than a Ronald Reagan. Sharan Mahat, Baldev Bohara and Gyanendra Karki—receive Rs 16,000 in Manang, the loss of forest cover each in salaries, Rs 15,000 each in housing expenses and Rs 9,000 little deception of the folks back home. Hanan al-Sheikh from Beirut What’s most remarkable in America, for me and many of these isn’t as swift or extensive as it each for 200 litres of fuel. Two other advisors receive Rs 15,600 each in relates the sad tale of a sister ejected from assisted housing for poor writers, is that failure is usually little more than reinvention. Go would be if northern Manang’s salaries and Rs 12,000 each for housing expenses. Lower down the immigrants again and again. bankrupt, get a court order, and start a new business next week. Get border with Tibet were easier to advisor pole, two specialists get Rs 14,000 each in salaries. Six of the British playwright and champagne socialist, Harold Pinter, rants caught with your hand in the till, go to jail, pay your debt then renew cross. Both ACAP and police prime minister’s assistant advisors are paid Rs 10,500 each in salaries and the equivalent of 80 litres of fuel from the government. There are about Washington as the capital of a rogue state that flouts interna- your life’s work. The foreign writers—all from societies where failure officials at Chame investigated the additional payments, such as Rs 1,000 each to senior advisors for their tional law and commits crimes around the globe. A Chinese professor is more final—are in awe of this trait of American-ness. Some protest telephone expenses. The salaries and perks were decided on by the of English, Lu Gusun, discovers the counterculture America in San against it, most—rightfully see it as America’s greatest achievement, council of ministers at a meeting in mid-February. The same meeting Francisco in the 1980s when a light switch in his friend’s flat is the ability to transcend failure. decided that seven branch officers and two computer officers appointed capital of Yasser Arafat’s Palestinian Authority—has more native sons by the prime minister would receive a salary of Rs 7,500 each. surrounded by a doctored photo of then President Reagan, the actual In these troubled times, it’s clear that America is far more and daughters in America than remain behind. Shahedah compares the switch, predictably, is between the president’s legs. Professor Lu— important to all of us, everywhere, than she ever was before. Her British and Israeli occupation of the West Bank by looking at the type raised on reverence for authority and having met Reagan personally— culture, economy and military might have doubled and trebled their of road each occupier built; the British, he says, built narrow, cheap, is horrified and embarrassed for his hosts and the president. influence in my lifetime and will do so again. This collection of essays windy roads that followed contours and cupped ancient sites in their could just be the start of a global exercise in accountability by those A liberal Israeli, Haim Chertok, stoutly defends the role of the curves; the Israelis used American money to punch four-lane high- of us who are not America’s citizens, but who live in its shadow and United States—where he was born—in keeping his new land afloat inways from their territory to Jewish settlements, security ever-present. Army website reflected light. The democracy that Washington has raised to high art ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ a sea of hostility and violence. Chertok’s voice is precious and rare Yet the writer—Palestinian and Ramallan to the core—says American demands accountability, checks and balances, not just within the Anyone interested in the history, current news, and pictures of the Nepali these days, for he admits in print the mistakes made all around in hisgoodness and optimism may yet tip the balance for peace in the superpower, but beyond its borders. Who knows? Perhaps one day army can access the information from the army’s new website, sad region, but asserts that America is fundamental to eventual peaceMiddle East. I wonder if Shahedah and Chertok have ever met to they’ll even give us the vote. royalnepalesearmy.com .The site provides daily press updates on the in that cauldron of history and anger. A heartfelt contribution from compare notes on the United States. emergency and security situation. It also features pictures of Maoist Palestinian Raja Shahedah reveals that the city of Ramallah—now Perhaps the most interesting thought of all comes from Canadian leaders wanted by security forces. The website can also be accessed on rna.mil.np Michael Ignatieff who writes of America as “the only country whose 666 NATION 24 - 30 MAY 2002 NEPALI TIMES ECONOMY 24 - 30 MAY 2002 NEPALI TIMES 777 SOMEWHERE IN NEPAL by PUSKAR BHUSAL BIZ NEWS ECONOMIC SENSE by ARTHA BEED Television tales ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Two newly-licensed broadcasters are gearing up to get on the airwaves. The Image ChannelTaxman says it plans cometh. Not to be on your television screens by Dasain (15 October), starting with two-three hours of broadcasting a Defensive imperialismleadership, for its part, has started apologis- day and slowly growing to seven hours daily. Kantipur Television is looking at a premiering date towards the ing for its lack of vision. In a culture that end of the year. Kantipur says it is looking at a lead time of 8-10 months before beginning its broadcasts. has always exalted authority, this is no efore our politicians could properly Image Channel Metro TV, which has been broadcasting on airtime leased from Nepal Television“Strengthening” for the income tax laws won’t help. Nothing will, Foreign aid is an investment in a secure future, not philanthropy. mean achievement. last four years, says it will have Rs 100 million as authorised capital (including investments already made). get away with illegal actions all the warn us of how Nepal was turning Since 11 September, 2001, those who until we learn the art of implementation. into another Afghanistan, Bosnia or KTV has an authorised capital of Rs 500 million and several co-financiers, including successful Nepali time’. The other argument, that one B entrepreneurs in Russia and the former Soviet republics. KTV, which is owned by Kantipur, the largest FM oversaw the emergence of a new world Cambodia, we find ourselves learning the sk any tax consultant in this needn’t pay taxes, as the money is disorder have had ample time to compare broadcaster and newspaper group, says it will go national over three years. simply used to fund jumbo cabinets, ABCs of life in the post-modern world. country about the nitty-gritty notes. In George W Bush’s war on terror- unwanted advisors and unaccounted- Britain is scheduled to host an international Aof taxation laws and duties, and ism, countries like Nepal find themselves for expenditures, has also become meeting next month on ways of helping you get a standardised form re- caught in Al Gore’s axis of evil: poverty and sponse—a) evade tax that could legally something of a set piece. The naysayers Nepal meet its security and development ignorance; disease and environmental Rupee dives further are right. The government’s so-called requirements. It’s unclear where we stand in ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ be levied on you; b) find other ways to disorder; corruption and political oppres- avoid a large assessment; c) wait for the voluntary declaration scheme, VDIS, the classification of strained-fragile-failing- The Nepali Rupee took another beating at the end of last week, as the Indian Rupee slid down the exchange did little more than allow defaulters to sion. Foreign aid has regained respectability board. The dollar now costs Nepalis Rs 0.25 more. The dollar traded for Rs 78.35 all throughnext last voluntary week, declaration but scheme five failed states. But the fact that an interna- on the international agenda. But since it is bleach their black money. Through all tional meeting is being convened suggests was Rs 78.60 on Friday, when the Indian Rupee-US dollar exchange rate slipped to $1:Irs 49.08,years hence; an all-timeand d) hire an expert to an investment in a secure future, the rules of low. conceivable media channels the we are on dangerous ground. interpret the laws and pay tax. Less philanthropy don’t apply. Countries that than one percent of Nepalis opt for the government warned people of dire How a people internationally acclaimed promote open markets, respect human and last choice. consequences and even drew up lists of for their fierce fighting skills could have political rights, and aggressively combat defaulters. But the threats and finger- Copper blues On 1 April, 2002, Nepal’s new wagging died down with such great avoided violence at home for so long always corruption can qualify for more interna- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Income Tax law was made effective. It’s despatch, one can understand the baffled many. It’s still hard, though, to tional help. Vegetable ghiu producers say they are already producing just half of what they were last strangeyear. thatBut the effective date of the law accept that the commanders of the global producers of copper goods say they have it even worse. The copper industry says more than half of its frustration of those who did declare Nepal could easily have been on the is not the first day of the Nepali their wealth. Our lawmakers need to war on terrorism see us as a potential haven establishments have shut down, leaving about 2,000 people without jobs. There used to befinancial 46 copper- year, but of the Gregorian mind of Robert Cooper, the foreign related undertakings before Nepal and India agreed to fix export quotas while renewing the trade treaty working with tax officials, aided by taxrealise, to guide their own behaviour for hate mongers from both hemispheres. policy guru of British Prime Minister calendar. Then again, perhaps we With Nepal’s modern political history earlier this year. Under the new regulations, only 7,500 metric tons of copper goods can be exported to pimps in the garb of consultants, and that of others, that law-abiding, Tony Blair, when he made his case for a India duty free. shouldn’t expect any semblance of transparent actions are driven by smouldering in the wreckage of misplaced yields better results. The Beed will not “new imperialism”. While poverty normalcy from a law that not only even get into how many large incentive, not just goodwill. hopes and broken promises, distance doesn’t cause terrorism, it can lead to resembles an epic in Sanskritised investment opportunities have been There is no point constantly probably allows a more dispassionate probe. Nepali, but is still awaiting the arrival hopelessness and despair in states where lost because few outsiders want to deal revising the laws. The number of Although we emerged as a unified entity of an Act detailing its rules and governments fail to fulfil the basic needs Avros retire with this sticky matter. taxpayers will not increase, and nor ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ regulations. There are controversies a full 120 years after the 1648 Treaty of of the people. These nations become As for the new law, it is an will collection, until we can properly Necon Air says it has decided to permanently galore raging, and plenty of post- Westphalia gave birth to the modern state, havens for terror. When the terrain is attempt to do something, anything. implement at least one of our our oneness was predicated on a covenant retire all its fuel-guzzling Avro (BAE48) aircraft, mortem seminars and workshops. One irrational and, by logical extension, treacherous, every cave and crevasse is a which used to be the mainstay of its fleet. the And it shows. It hits individual numerous Acts. The tax administra- similar to that of the Europeans. In return irrelevant. The new leadership, trained in of the arguments being repeatedly and For a country that owed its political state offered us assurances of often petrify- potential refuge for radicalism. If they airline will now rely entirely on ATR 42s and forcefully made in some quarters is taxpayers the hardest, as there is now tion is in tatters, same as this for freedom from fear, from want, from the rigorous circumstances of exile, awakening to two world wars and a civil ing predictability in exchange for enforced become too dangerous for established Beechcraft 1900s. Necon flies two ATRs (right) that the law was no choice of Nepalis, absolutely no incentive to save. This benighted country’s political adminis- internal and external conflict, and greater disobedience campaign that demolished thesilence. Amid a perpetual struggle to incarceration and subterraneous existence, states to tolerate, Cooper argues, it is and one Beech. The company says it will add country desperately needs more tration. A lot remains to be done, and liberty in our personal lives, Nepalis agreed another to its fleet next month. The last of four but imposed on us by consultants South Asian edifice of the British Empire, establish its legitimacy, the partyless recognised the political perils of playing possible to imagine a defensive imperial- funded by bi-lateral agencies. Given a savings, and the general expectation everyone knows it cannot be done. So to follow the decrees of the state. Our part Avros was ferried by Necon crew to Johannesburg this month. Nepal’s ambivalence on the road to state set targets that sounded too good down public expectations so soon. Instead,ism that aims to bring order and organi- choice, many say, perhaps Nepal was that we’d get better incentives to here’s something truly radical: scrap income tax in Nepal. At least business of the deal also required us to pledge our modernisation was perhaps natural. From to be true. In the claustrophobic they came up with another covenant. The sation but which rests today on the would do without such a law. save, whether for housing or pension time, energy, resources, and even lives to funds. But the new law seems to can stop wasting its time trying to play malaria eradication to market liberalisation,conditions of those decades, discontent price of tomorrow’s prosperity was today’s voluntary principle. A new era has Income tax has been one reason the service of the nation. Over the centu- function on just the opposite that silly old game, and get on with the our Cold War trajectory was a little fed on itself. patience. It was difficult for a people produced a new compact, complete with behind the complete stagnation of ries, we saw many states fail because they seeking a better life to focus exclusively on a new set of apprehensions. Housing boom principle. With insurance premiums business of business. slipshod but nonetheless stirring. Multi- A population that felt doubly duped ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Nepali business, another sign of how couldn’t prevent external aggression and and other savings schemes now party politics took a backseat, but, then, weeasily succumbed to the euphoria that creating a new constitution and holding no one wants to do anything profes- subjugation. We dodged that historical new elections, but they endured. Twelve Construction is big business in the country these days. Consumer housing is the fastest growing segment taxable, the fate of life insurance Readers can post their views at weren’t the exception in the grand assemblycomes with getting too much of something of the—industry estimates say about Rs 2 billion has been invested in consumer housing insionally the past in this two country. The very idea trend only to face the malaise within. years later, the people are stuck with the companies and allied agencies is also [email protected] of nations that refused to officially take too soon. Freed from the state’s subjugation years. If market trends are anything to go by, more money is destined to flow that way, andof there transparency might in this arena is up in the air. same set of complaints. The political soon be more than the current eight major players in the market. The home schemes now inludicrous the market because are taxpayers aren’t sides in the superpower rivalry. Instead, wein 1990, we believed the fusion of liberalism This Beed is being inundated drew up a new compact under which the largely apartment complexes, although some builders also offer stand-alone homes. Banksgiven and any finance incentives, and find that and capitalism would make conflict companies have joined the business, giving it added impetus. Apartment and home prices range from Rs with bitter questions along the lines of 700,000 on the low end, to a high of Rs 5.2 million. ‘why bother about Income Tax, people

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One of the first joint venture banks to set up shop in Nepal has already It’s everywhere divested. Does that weigh on your mind? The SCB essentially focuses on emerging-markets—we have operations in Freedom of speech/ press, that is. Even on radio. 50 countries in Africa, Middle East, South and East Asia. We understand ○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ the intricacies of emerging markets and have tested policies and proce- dures that take the conditions in these markets into account. Nepal is an t’s official and legal. The provisions of the Nepali constitution do, in emerging market and therefore poses both the challenges and opportuni- fact, allow private radio stations to disseminate news from independent ties that are inherent in such markets. Our commitment to Nepal can be sources. In January 2001, the Ministry of Information and Communica- “We aredetermined here by the fact that we have 13 points toof representation in thestay.” I country—Anil already Shah, and Standard the fact Charteredthat we are upgrading Bank our entire hardware, tion issued a notice to all private radio stations saying that it was illegal for them to broadcast independent news and current affairs. The notice been extended up to 7PM on weekdays and from 9:30 AM to 12:30network PM andon software platforms. We’re investing over Rs 330 million in this claimed that the stations had been circumventing this clause of the FM weekends and holidays. We’ve also added four more ATM machines,project, which which is surely an indication about the bank’s view about doing license by reading a selection of daily papers without checking the facts. brings us up to nine. On the asset side, we have launched the homebusiness loans, here. Yes we have economic problems and most definitely all to complement auto loans and credit cards. All this has been doneinstitutions to will have to tighten their belts and keep a very close eye on The full text of a July 2001 Supreme Court decision, released last further enhance the customer’s experience of banking with us. cost lines to get through these trying times. But for us emerging markets month, rules that the government has no right to restrict news and are our home and we are here to stay. information flow on independent radio stations, and media activists say Other banks also offer these loans, why should they come especially to this could change the way the private television stations that have been Standard Chartered? How would you explain the contribution a bank like the SCB can make issued licenses this month will handle news when they come on air. That is correct, other banks offer the same products, but there areto somethe Nepali economy? A three-member team of Supreme Court judges came to the decision features of ours that benefit the customers more. For instance, ourThis credit is a question that we get asked often. We look at our contribution from while looking into a lawsuit filed by lawyer Madhav card is a true credit card—at the end of the month you have a choicethe point of of view of our stakeholders—shareholders, customers, regulators Kumar Basnet challenging the legality of the paying just 5 percent of the total amount outstanding in your account,and staff. or In the case of shareholders, if an investor had purchased 100 January 2001 directive from the Ministry the entire outstanding amount or any amount within that range.shares This gives during the initial issue in 1987, it would have cost him Rs 6,000. of Information and Communica- customers flexibility in payments. Our auto loans have an interestToday of 11 he would have 675 shares worth Rs 1,012,500 (at a share price of Rs tion. The government notice percent, which along with the five-year loan tenure and up to 801,500), percent in addition to which he’d also have received dividends of Rs claimed that FM radio stations financing we provide, also provides the customer maximum flexibility.2,42,650. Our I think that type of return on investment is exceptional any- were “undermining democracy” home loans stand far above similar products in the market—youwhere. get 10 through their broadcasts, and percent interest, repayment within 15 years, loan amounts ranging Fromfrom Rs the point of view of the customer, we look at the fact that we have 300,000 to Rs 7.5 million and financing of up to 70 percent. It isn’t directed them to seek news only helped bring international standard banking products and procedures to enough for us to just be part of the market, it is essential for us to be from “official” sources and Nepal. In international trade we have provided our customers the opportu- leaders in every product and service that we provide. Our dedication to retransmit only materials from the nity to give their customers, in turn, the confidence of dealing with a customer service was recently recognised by the Federation of Nepalese state-run broadcaster. The directive also recognised global bank. We have provided about 40,000 depositors with a Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), which awarded us a Com- maintained that the government would have greater level of service, security and satisfaction. Besides we also pay mendation for Customer Satisfaction and Relationship. the final say over whether or not certain material taxes to the exchequer and for the last seven years have consistently been could go on air. amongst the highest taxpayers in the country, a fact that was recognised by What is behind your recent push in consumer banking, rather than the government recently. In addition to this we have always taken pride in The decision says that the constitutional guarantees traditional corporate banking? the recognition that we receive from the Nepal Rastra Bank for the high to the press are also applicable to other forms of media, radio in particu- Globally, the Standard Chartered Bank views consumer banking as a major international standards that we bring to the market in terms of compliance, lar, although the government continues to interpret them as being contributor to overall revenues. In keeping with, and taking into considera- customer service and operational and credit risk management. In employ- applicable only to the print media. The same decision also questions an tion, our local market, we are stressing consumer banking here too. If you Anil Shah is Chief Operating Officer and ment terms, our bank is a preferred employer, because we have a perform- established government practice of appointing an official as director of look at the banking industry today, you will quickly realise that in the ance-oriented culture. Simply put, if you perform you will be rewarded. the board of any private radio station, saying this was a form of censorship,head of the consumer banking corporate arena there are many banks and limited customers. Add to this as the government appointee could single-handedly overturn or operations of Standard Chartered Bank.the fact that the number of corporates is increasing at only a marginal rate, alter any decision. and you realise that the potential for growth is limited. Even though the “It is an historic decision that could influence the operation of Nepali Times spoke to him about the consumer banking side is far less developed, it still offers many opportuni- ties, all of which we are looking at. With our international experience and television and other forms of media,” says ecstatic media activist bank’s recent efforts to sell consumer range of products and services in consumer banking, we have the unique Raghu Mainali. “It will influence how we deal with journalistic advantage of knowing how to pick those that would be most suitable to meet freedoms, irrespective of the medium,” adds Mainali, coordinator, loans, and its long-term outlook on our customers needs. With this focus on consumer banking the individual Community Radio Support Centre at the Nepal Forum of doing business in Nepal. consumer will get access to an array of financial products, which until Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ). recently were not available in our market. To date, the government has licensed 25 FM stations (including FM 100), of which about 20 broadcast currently. Among them six are non-profit stations, including Radio Sagarmatha and Metro FM in Kathmandu. Nepali Times:Your bank has begun to aggressively market different consumer finance products, including home loans. Does that mean you’re running out of other investment options? Anil Shah: We are starting a new chapter in our approach to banking by enhancing service delivery to customers, and that explains the new products and services. We have launched “Xtra Banking” at our Kantipath branch. It will now be open 365 days a year, and banking hours there have 888 SPORT 24 - 30 MAY 2002 24 - 30 MAY 2002 999

Fabio The Stars of the W rld CupCannavaro With one week to go before the greatest show Italy DefenderAC Parma (Italy) on earth, Nepali Times brings you 1.76 m, 75 kg pin-ups and profiles of some of the biggest Italy’s notoriously stingy defence stars who will feature in today contains a new breed of contemporary world class Korea Japan 2002. defenders—athletic, fast and efficient unlike the classi- cal tall, rocklike physical defenders of the past. Along with Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta, Fabio Cannavaro completes Italy’s formida- ble defensivecatennaccio, or “chain-link” defensive trio. Cannavaro has incredible agility and pace but his strength lies in his ability to consistently man- mark an opposing striker Zinédine Zidane completely out of a Michael Owen France Midfielder Real Madrid game. Despite his (Spain) size, Cannavaro EnglandForward Liverpool (England) 1.85 m, 78 kg relies on his physical1.73 m, 70 kg strength and mobility and should be a Eighteen year-old Michael burstOwen onto the international football scene in France ’98 with his wonder-goal against After his heroics in France ‘98, Zizou threat to any attack the Argentina. Now twenty-two, he has established himself as among the top strikers in the world. Owen’s brilliant close has reached the best form of his control and acceleration is perhaps only second to Ronaldo when he is at his best. At only 1.75 m Owen is not consid- world has to offer this June career. With his exceptionally brilliant ered dangerous in the air—but the timing of his runs, his pace and his sheer confidence make him a terror to defenders. in Japan and Korea. goal against Bayer Leverkusen in last week’s Champions League Final Zidane showed just why he’s consid- ered one of one the true legends of the modern game. Zidane’s intelli- gence and his masterful dribbling and passing ability enable him to effort- lessly create massive gaps in enemy territory. But what really sets Zidane apart from most players is his ability to rise to the occasion and create and score the momentous goals when they count.

Rivaldo Brazil Attacking midfielderFC Barcelona (Spain) 1.87 m, 75 kg

Rivaldo has a knack for scoring goals that leave his opponents astounded. The Barcelona and Brazil number ten can do things with a football most players only dream about. Rivaldo is probably the only Brazilian who could be compared to Pele, and like Pele, he had a modest up- bringing and relied on football to save his family from utter poverty. FIFA World Footballer of the Year in 1999, Rivaldo remains an integral part of Brazil’s hopes for an unprec- edented fifth World Cup this year despite their disappoint- ing qualifying campaign. opium in Asia. Prohibitions imposed by the US and other governments WORLD 24 - 30 MAY 2002 NEPALI TIMES ASIA 24 - 30 MAY 2002 NEPALI TIMES 101010 destroyed traditions which reduced the 111111 harm caused by these drugs by COMMENT by ETHAN A NADELMANN COMMENT by PRAFUL BIDWAI “domesticating” them. At the same Less of everything Know thy neighbour time, they encouraged transitions to ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ refined drugs like heroin and cocaine. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○ PARIS – A new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation BEIJING - Buildings festooned with barbed wire, roads sealed off US law enforcement and intelligence and Development (OECD), which represents the 29 most industrialised with tape, sombre-looking armed police guards every couple of agencies routinely provide information countries, reveals a $2.3 billion drop in aid from member countries last metres, hordes of policemen checking people’s identities—this is the year from the year 2000. The report released in Paris last Thursday by to other governments knowing it will look of Beijing today. As China and Japan continue to be locked in a the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the OECD shows that Going nuclear A failed warbe used to arrest and sometimes bitter row over the fate of five North Korean asylum seekers, bilateral aid by OECD members fell from $53.7 billion in 2000 to $51.4 Apologists for the bomb are torture those it identifies. arrested by the Chinese police inside a Japanese consulate in billion last year. Only five countries meet the UN target of giving 0.7 per being proven wrong—they proph- All these consequences of the drug cent of their gross national income (GNI) to development assistance— north-east China last week, few Beijing residents know why the Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Sweden. The US esied that nuclearisation would city’s downtown has been transformed into a military zone. war could be seen as human rights compel Indian and Pakistani leaders Passers-by offered reasons ranging from the war in Afghanistan to abuses. But the fundamental rights gives only 0.11 per cent of its GNI for ODA, Japan 0.23 per cent, This time the noises from India Germany 0.27 per cent and France 0.34 per cent. Threat 2015 report says that of all the to behave “responsibly”. Nuclear fear of attacks by Uighur terrorists from the Muslim minority in issue here is about the right of world’s regions, the risk of nuclear war China’s northwestern province of Xinjiang. In a parallel development at the OECD ministerial summit in Paris and Pakistan couldweapons, saidbe pro-bomb more pundits, sovereignty over one’s mind and is the highest in South Asia, and will would even prevent conventional war. While state-run Chinese media did mention the Shenyang body—which also incorporates the last week, member countries failed to reach a consensus on rules to cover state export agencies, which provide heavy subsidies to OECD exporters. thanremain “serious”. just CIA director sabre-rattling. Tenet During the Cold War, the United incident, which drew Beijing and Tokyo into an angry dispute, right not to be forced to take drugs In most industrialised countries these export credit agencies (ECAs) even testified: “If India were to conduct nothing has been said about the growing problem with North Korean ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ States and Soviet Union○○○○○○○ did not against one’s will. Heroin users are subsidise arms sales. Analysts say the parallel revelations are a double large-scale offensive operations into exchange a single shot although they refugees that China is facing. The media has also said little about denied the most effective medication blow to developing countries. “On the one hand, OECD countries such as Pakistani Kashmir, Pakistan might fought brutal proxy wars. India and the reasons that are causing tens of thousands of desperate North the US, Germany or France continue to subsidise exports with taxpayers’ available to remedy their addiction, retaliate with strikes of its own in the Pakistan went into battle a year after Korean people to flee their country and cross the Chinese border. money and through the ECAs, often in detriment to the competitiveness Between 250,000 and 300,000 refugees are believed to be in hiding methadone. People unable or belief that its nuclear deterrent would the May nuclear tests, with 40,000 unwilling to stop injecting drugs are of the world’s poorest countries,” says Aaron Goldzimmer, representative in the impoverished countryside in northern China, believing even of the US non-profit Environmental Defence. “On the other, ODA, which is limit the scope of an Indian nuclear troops and over 1,000 casualties. denied access to sterile syringes. that is better than their existence back home. People of North Korea one way to support the countries of the South to find a sustainable path counter-attack.” Since then, mutual tensions have are plagued by a lack of food, heat and medicine and deprived of Millions who smoke marijuana or to development and progress, is being reduced.” even a “limited” strike is liable to There is distressing new evidence increased. most basic freedoms. Little of this however has been highlighted by consume other psychoactive drugs are escalate, argues Lt Gen VR Raghavan, athat the subcontinent was on the brink Nuclear weapons have also the Chinese media, leaving Chinese people unaware of the dimen- harmed far more by state action than strategic expert, because there is no of a nuclear catastrophe during the extracted a heavy cost—socially, sions of the human tragedy unfolding next door. State media by drug use. NEW DELHI- Exactly four years after stable nuclear-deterrent equation regularly trumpets warm relations between Beijing and 1999 Kargil war. According to Bruce economically and politically. Over the We need a systematic review of the between India and Pakistan, no Pyongyang—two communist allies who fought “American imperial- (IPS) they shocked the world by detonating Riedel, a senior White House adviser next few years, India is expected to transparency about their nuclear ism” in the 1950-53 Korean War. international anti-drug conventions 11 nuclear devices, India and Pakistan at the time, the Pakistani army then spend more than twice as much on doctrines: under what circumstances that sustain today’s failed policies. once again find themselves on the mobilised its nuclear arsenal against them as it annually spends on Some emphasise the anti-scientific and Meanwhile in eastern Europe brink of war and in the grip of intense they might use such weapons to deter India—without the knowledge of then ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ primary education. For the price of “unacceptable” damage, or what is These coca producers in Colombia aren’t other infectious diseases for which illegitimate basis for including insecurity. George Tenet, director of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. US one missile, it could run 15,000 These coca producers in Colombia aren’t there is no demand. Governments cancannabis and coca in the conventions. BUCHAREST - Former Communist countries can expect more funds but the US Central Intelligence Agency “unacceptable”. India says only that it also more caution in years ahead from the European Bank for Recon- officials feared India and Pakistan rural health centres. Pakistan’s helped by current drug laws. Nore are users.act unilaterally and multilaterally to Others point to the contradictions recently said that the chances of a won’t be the first to use nuclear (IPS) on the global trade in illicit drugs that struction and Development (EBRD). Delegates at a two-day meeting of “were heading for a deadly descent intoeconomy is already a shambles. As regulate commodity markets, but between these conventions and those of subcontinental war “now are the weapons. Pakistan refuses no-first-use. is enforced by governments and the EBRD that ended here Monday expressed tempered optimism over full-scale conflict, with a danger of it spends more on the military—it prohibition is not the ultimate form ofhuman rights, or note that they highest since 1971”. As more than Both states have enough fissile material he world’s drug problems are collected by those willing to violate the the region’s economic prospects, and concern over the social costs of nuclear cataclysm.” Although Riedel is is raising itsbudget by 11 percent in laws. No other set of laws produces so regulation, it represents the abdication exacerbate the problems they seek to restructuring. The EBRD was created in 1991 to help Eastern and Centralone million soldiers confront each for 25 (Pakistan) to 100 (India) silent on India’s counter-preparations, East Timor looks to oil far more severe today than they ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○ European countries build Western-style economies, and has given nuclear bombs/warheads, each of midstream—its state will withdraw were a century ago. Drug use much revenue for criminals, terrorists of regulation. What isn’t suppressed isameliorate. A new global drug control other nose-to-nose at the India- it is almost inconceivable that New T billions of dollars in loans to the region’s 27 countries. which can kill up to 800,000 civilians from even the few public services it UNITED NATIONS - The new nation state of East Timor is among the unregulated—except by criminal regime must acknowledge that the true Pakistan border for the fifth month, hasn’t increased enormously—huge and corrupt officials, generates so Delhi had no contingency plans for world’s 20 poorest countries in financial and human development organisations. Around the world, drugchallenge is learning to live with drugs The EBRD predicts a sharp increase in foreign direct investment (FDI)New Delhi accuses Islamabad of at one go in a large city. Both are provides currently. Nuclearisation quantities of alcohol, opium and other much violence, or contributes so using nuclear weapons. Pakistan’s terms, the UNDP said Tuesday. In a study released here, UNDP said law violations account for the largest so they cause the least harm. People this year, up to more than $33 billion from $25.5 billion last year. The masterminding and aiding a 14 May creating nuclear command structures. has promoted intense national drugs were consumed back then. The much to the spread of HIV/AIDS, elected prime minister, Nawaz Sharif East Timor’s per capita income is about $478 compared with its share of the roughly 8 million inmatesshould not be punished for what they bulk will go to countries such as Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic suicide bomb attack near Jammu in Both are developing new missiles. chauvinism and religious funda- problem lies in today’s drug control hepatitis and other diseases. and Slovenia, which are preparing for EU entry. Countries like Russia, was told of the plans by US President more affluent neighbours and soon-to-be regional partners, of local jails and prisons—almost 10 put into their bodies, only for the the Indian part of Kashmir, in which India test-flew a new medium-range mentalism in both countries. These, policies, which probably cause more The war on drugs persists because Romania, Bulgaria and Georgia are still rated below investment grade. Bill Clinton in 4 July 1999 in including Singapore (over $26,000), Australia (about $22,000), percent. In 1980, 50,000 people wereharms they do others. more than 30 people died. Prime missile in January. Pakistan is in turn, raise tension and make war Malaysia (about $12,000) and Indonesia (over $4,500). The fledgling harm than drug abuse itself. of two myths—first, that human They are struggling to tap international capital markets and repay debts, Washington. Sharif recognised the more likely. The region’s potential incarcerated in the US for drug law but can expect a little more support from the EBRD. Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has expected to conduct a test-flight within“catastrophic” danger, and “said he was nation’s human development index—based on life expectancy, Like alcohol Prohibition in the US beings are better off “drug-free” and educational attainment and income per person—is on a par with violations. Today, the total approaches (Ethan A Nadelmann is founder Helped by growth in Russia, the region as a whole posted a GDP promised a “counter” or “retaliation”. the coming week. against (the preparations), but worriedfor nuclear catastrophe has never been during the 1920s and early 1930s, that all societies should strive to be so. greater. ailing economies such as Angola, Bangladesh and Haiti, according half-a-million, with a few hundred of the Drug Policy Alliance increase of 4.3 per cent, one of the world’s largest. But that growth rate isThe Indian government has two Any reason can set off a military for his life back in Pakistan”. He global drug prohibition has failed to In reality, few—if any—drug-free to the study. thousand more locked up on other author ofCops Across Borders: expected to slow down this year. The bank warned that FDI in Central andoptions: harsh diplomatic measures confrontation between the two agreed to end the Kargil conflict—to reduce drug abuse even as it generates societies ever existed. Addressing a special meeting of the UN Security Council on prohibition-related offences. Eastern Europe is still low compared with that in some developing against Pakistan, or ”limited” strikes countries: routine army exercises, Musharraf’s annoyance. The general’s extraordinary levels of crime, violence, The second myth presumes The Internationalization of US countries. “One of the constraints on FDI is the relatively unfavourable East Timor Monday, Singaporean Foreign Minister S Jayakumar, who In the developing world, poor across the border. territorial incursions (or fear of these), October coup followed. corruption and disease. In 1998, the prohibition reduces the harm Criminal Law Enforcement.) investment climate in particularly south-eastern Europe and in the also is Council president, said sustained international assistance peasants producing opium, coca and A strong lobby in India favours extra-regional events, or internal UN estimated the total value of the associated with drugs. Global markets Commonwealth of Independent States, which worsens the balance would prove essential during its early years of nationhood. Last cannabis are arrested, and often beaten between the risk and return to investment,” says the bank. Corruption is military action, including artillery developments. Such a confrontation illicit drug trade at $400 billion—7 in cannabis, opium and coca products week, the international donor community pledged more than $360 or extorted by government agents often cited as a major factor discouraging foreign investment here. shelling, “limited” air strikes and could uncontrollably escalate to the percent of global trade. Critics say the are basically similar to other global million in development assistance to be spread over a three-year enforcing drug laws. In Bolivia and narrowly-targeted commando nuclear level. The CIA’s Global period, adding to the $81 million already available through a multi- figure is half that, but it is still commodities markets, yet global drug Peru, coca was part of society, as was operations to destroy communication donor trust fund, bringing the total to more than $441 million in remarkable. Colombia today is far control policies operate on the routes close to the Line of Control that international support for East Timor. UNDP said one of the major worse than Chicago under Al Capone, assumption that the drug markets have determinants of East Timor’s longer-term economic future will be the (IPS) runs through disputed Kashmir. But as are other Latin American, Carib- more in common with smallpox and way it uses revenues from oil and gas. Australia and East Timor bean and Asian countries. Drug have signed the Timor Sea Arrangement governing oil and gas fields prohibition effectively imposes a tax they share in the Timor Gap. The treaty, if implemented, would Don’t drink the water or breathe the air (IPS) provide East Timor with more than $3.6 billion in revenues over a ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ BELGRADE - Three years after NATO air strikes against Yugoslavia 20-year period. people in the area are still breathing in particles of toxic depleted These revenues are expected to be East Timor’s key uranium (DU), according to the United Nations Environment Programme sources of income after independence. “The challenge is to OPINION by PER AHLMARK (UNEP). The latest UNEP report said persisting contaminations were resist the temptation to spend these revenues on current recorded at the locations percent from 7 percent of GDP by slashing development spending to the lowest consumption but to invest in human development and stimulate targeted by NATO during private enterprise,” UNDP said. the 11 week-long air All theever level in 2001.president’s Similarly, the hike in foreign exchange reserves was not due to spin campaign against Yugosla- an improvement in exports, which went down to $7 billion as against the target via. The shells with DU of $10 billion for the current fiscal year. Foreign direct investment has also gone ammunition (known as MUDASSAR RIZVIin ISLAMABAD ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ down by 14 percent compared to last year. “The reserves increased due to artificial Analysing Palme ‘penetrators’) have corroded “amazingly fast” and DU is n October 1999, when General Pervez Musharraf toppled Prime Minister factors—increased remittances by Pakistanis through official channels after a constantly being released Nawaz Sharif’s government, he promised Pakistanis that he would do crackdown on the ‘ (IPS) STOCKHOLM - Olof Palme, Sweden’s then prime minister, was assassinated 15Olof Palme’s legacy is the belief that eveninto the air and is spread- Ieverything the democratically elected set-up couldn’t. He vowed to make years ago on 28 February. His death shocked millions everywhere; the crime was ing in particulate form all Pakistan a moderate and forward-looking country by addressing poverty an attack on democracy itself. Palme is now part of history. But history must befundamental freedoms are relative. around the areas that were hit. “The contamination remains widespread,alleviation, economic stability, de-politicisation of state institutions, accountability ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○ although with low level risks for the population,” said Pekka Haavist, head Belgrade is still pretty unhealthy. freely analysed, not silenced out of deference. So, as of the DU assessment team. “Constant monitoring of water quality is and good governance. But two-and-half-years later—and as he begins another hawala’ system of money transfers throughout the world, five years in power after the 30 April referendum—most of his promises remain we recall Palme’s assassination, we should also The same happened in Cuba. Palme shared a needed, and the site decontamination and construction work could poten- official purchase of around $2.6 billion in foreign exchange from the market unfulfilled, analysts say. Indeed, some voters said life has become worse, not remember what he represented. tially stir up DU dust from the ground surface in the future,” he added. and international aid amounting to $1.6 billion after 11 September,” said podium with Fidel Castro at a mass rally and spoke better under the military regime, and Palme was a powerful, eloquent critic of the US appreciatively of “socialist revolution,” never mention- DU is a waste product of the process used to enrich natural uranium the spokesman. ore for nuclear reactors or weapons and is used in the tips of bullets or this is why they did not vote in the and the war in Vietnam. He cursed Soviet ing his own party’s conviction that “revolution” should Many are feeling the economic oppression in Czechoslovakia and General warheads to pierce armour plating. On impact, DU breaks into tiny referendum, despite an unprec- take place only after free and honest elections. Palme crunch at the household level. A Pinochet’s murders in Chile, and so he has often particles which can be easily ingested or inhaled. Some 31,000 warheadsedented official “Vote Musharraf” used Marxist slogans, but said nothing about human with DU landed in Yugoslavia during the 1999 NATO campaign. recent survey by the English- been portrayed as a consistent adversary of campaign and official results showing rights and political freedom, giving the impression that language daily tyrannies. This isn’t quite true. Palme systemati- that 98 percent of voters agreed with Dawn says prices of Sweden and Cuba embraced similar ideologies. Palme extending his stay in office. cally refrained from criticising many oppressive claimed that the two men were united in every respect, 37 essential commodities increased regimes and embraced some of the cruellest even in their happiness that the struggles for freedom Musharraf claims victory on the by an average 20 percent between dictators, or at least tried not to offend them. Do of “the Vietnamese and Cambodian peoples have been (IPS) economic front in three areas: the October 1999 and March 2002. not “vilify” the Soviet Union, said Palme, Chair- crowned with victory.” This was the summer of 1975, budget deficit is down to 5.3 percent of The major drain on almost stagnant man of Sweden’s Social Democratic Party for 17 two months after Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge embarked GDP, foreign exchange reserves have incomes has been the 15 to 40 years and prime minister from 1969-1976 and, on a genocide that killed two million of the country’s Anti-terror, anti-immigrant grown to $5.3 billion, a record in the percent hike in electricity prices, gas ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ again, from 1982-86. Do not engage in “the seven million people. country’s history, and foreign loans and fuel in this period, even as the CANBERRA - Invoking the spectre of 11 September, the Australian business of anti-Sovietism,” he declared in 1984, a Newspapers in almost all democracies, including have been rescheduled to ease the debt prices of some food items rose by 5 typical neutralist stand in Palme’s Sweden. government has announced a massive increase in spending over the burden. But many of these achieve- to 51 percent. This was in addition Sweden, were informing us of the Cambodian horrors. next five years to repel asylum seekers from Australia’s shores and ments were not due to reforms under to other unpopular measures—the No doubt, Palme reflected the spirit of his Palme thought it more important to present a united implement a range of new “anti-terrorism” measures. Announcing the the Musharraf government, but because imposition of 15 percent General times. The west’s Marxist revival after 1968 deeply impressed journalists andfront with Cuba’s tyrant than worry about atrocities committed by communistsbudget last Tuesday, Australian Treasurer Peter Costello emphasised socialists, not least in Sweden. Vietnam changed the outlook of many young security: “The government believed its priority should be a safer Aus- of the events of 11 September, the Sales Tax on medicines in a country in Indochina. Palme seldom condemned oppression in Third World countries.tralia, secure borders, stronger defence and a strong economy.” dividends from a changed political where almost 50 percent have no people, but Palme carried this spirit long after many others had seen the liberalHe constantly condemned apartheid in South Africa, but never criticised Mao’s light. “Neither communism nor capitalism represents a dream of liberty for the Critics believe this is a smokescreen to allow draconian “anti-terrorism”environment that saw Pakistan’s support access to essential drugs. Govern- China, the most murderous regime to arise after World War II. This double legislation, which allows political and community organisations to be becoming crucial to the US military ment servants complain that the 25 peoples of Europe,” he said a few years before the peoples of Eastern and Centralstandard was particularly pernicious in the Middle East, where Palme never Europe embraced democracy and capitalism. banned by a government minister, to be pushed through the senate latercampaign in Afghanistan. Musharraf hasn’t been any betterpercent increase in their salaries was censured an Arab country, regardless of its corruption or cruelty. The only nationthis week, and to intensify efforts to repel asylum seekers. The legislation The World Bank says it is premature for Islamabad to declare victory on the too little to offset the impact of Palme also tried hard to divide the west at a critical moment. In the 1980s,in the region he repeatedly attacked was its only democracy, Israel. He even is facing increasing resistance from government members, community for Pakistan thanunbridled presidents prices. One-third of past.Pakistan’s 135 million people still live on under a the Social Democrats in Sweden and Germany developed a close ideological equated the Israelis with the Nazis. groups and media commentators. “ economic front, as the post-September economic gains have not benefited the collaboration in foreign affairs. The so-called “Palme Commission” (including Over the next five years Australia will spend $1.5 billion, just slightly people. The IMF”s Global Economic Outlook said growth in Pakistan actuallydollar a day. Over 45 percent have no access to primary health care. Officially, Fifteen years after his murder, Sweden and the west must grapple with what weakened in 2001. “If September 11 hadn’t taken place, Pakistan’s economy unemployment is at 7.8 percent, though critics say it is much higher. the influential Egon Bahr) suggested a policy of “common security” between eastPalme left behind, his anti-western agitation and his willingness to see funda- less than its entire annual aid budget, to keep out asylum seekers. The funding includes $660 million for the “Pacific Solution” under which would have nose-dived,” commented a Fund official in Islamabad, request- The law and order situation remains unchanged, despite the government’s and west, and nuclear weapon-free zones. The alliance that led to serious mental ideals of freedom as merely relative values. For people seeking or asylum seekers in Australian waters are forcibly removed to detention ing anonymity. In a report last month, the Asian Development Bank claims to the contrary, and sectarian violence remains common. “This will not distortions of fundamental western values. Palme and Oskar Lafontaine, then onedefending democracy and human rights, Palme was an unreliable partner. It is centres on Nauru and Papua New Guinea. Costello claims recent (AsDB) said Pakistan’s economy faces serious problems such as decliningchange unless the government’s actions are matched by real will,” said Afrasiab of Germany’s opposition leaders, did not see the Cold War as a conflict betweenthat aspect of his moral “example” that should be recalled. (Project government efforts have effectively ended asylum seekers arriving on freedom and tyranny. When Palme visited East Germany in 1984 he never investment in 2000-01, inadequacies in the tax collection system and Khattak of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. The Musharraf govern- Syndicate) Australia’s shores. But buried deep in the budget is the assumption that protracted low spending on improving people’s lives, a high poverty rate criticised repression there, but praised its leader, Erich Honecker, underlining the future costs are based on 4,500 people a year coming to Australia— ment arrested more than 2,000 workers earlier this year in a countrywide swoop and low level of human development. against so-called extremist groups, but the absence of proof led the government to the mutual struggle for peace and development. Palme’s main speech mentioned(Per Ahlmark is a former deputy prime minister of Sweden and isthe same number before last year’s Tampa crisis. “détente,” “trust,” and “friendship,” but never “freedom”. A Bank spokesman here said Pakistan reduced its budgetary deficit to 5.3offer general amnesty to those arrested, seeking only a statement that they would currently an author and newspaper columnist.) not participate in the activities of banned

(IPS) jihadi outfits in future. (IPS) present during the prime minis- ter’s meeting with President 121212 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS THIS PAGE CONTAINS MATERIAL SELECTED FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 24George - 30 MAY W Bush, 2002 NEPALI an indication TIMES of HISTORY AND CULTURE 24 - 30 MAY 2002 NEPALI TIMES 131313 the importance the US is currently Recast RECAST giving to security in Nepal. NEPALITERATURE by MANJUSHREE THAPA ENCOUNTERS by MEGH RANJANI RAI ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ At a time when the Maoists “Untouchability is not Spacetime, 19 May are increasing attacks on physical infrastructure, making it difficult The wind mill at Tribhuvan to evaluate how donors’ money only a problem of dalits”University’s (TU) Research Centre and other assistance is being used, THE MID-COLUMN BLUES for Applied Science and Technology analysts feel it would be appropri- Midnight (RECAST) is a mockery of the ate to bring the Maoists around to especially in dehumanising times such as One of my friend’s went Sixty-eight year-old Padamsingh Biswokarma has institution itself. There has been no a peaceful solution. The US has these. But it all feels very marginal to be in the dark age of absolute monarchymemoirs and in democracy, one of my own completed his Madhyama (IA Level) in Sanskrit looking up the dictionary for the meaning of literature and used to be a teacher in Baglung. His repair or maintenance work done on said it will provide $40 million hey hover like dragonflies, circling over the latest slaughter. From their views on the problems faced by dalits is different it in its two decade-long life, and annually and also provide weapons such artsy expressions‘dTo’k/fGtsf [ as ;f/] Both friends are missing one arm each bellies emerge cocoons of dead soldiers faces caked in blood. At the from those of people in the business of develop- creepers have taken over it. and military training. Although the ulet{ ;Gtfif’] when hundreds are being killed You tell us now Tscene of battle, half-buried and half-rotten bodies of their brothers are ment.Himal Khabarpatrika spoke to him about the The only TU institution with UK hasn’t yet committed publicly to with such brutality. how we might wear taken out of shallow graves. And the innocents, Nepalis who side with shirts that have sleeves on both sides issues confronting dalits in Nepal today. the mandate to conduct research any particular amount, the focus of I never got my head around this neither side, just got in the way. its assistance will probably be arms, HIMAL: How would you define dalits? work on applied science and problem (my head is not very elastic); so, People walking to work, people buying fruit, vegetable vendors, men on the Biswokarma: (They are) economically exploited, technology is defunct because it training, and security equipment. two weeks later, I was back translating street walking on the scalding asphalt, sweating under the noonday sun, pulling socially oppressed, deprived of education, does not have enough money. TU district, and then don’t pay the A government source says that Nepali stories and poems, and calling CYCLEthat carts piled with 100 kg steel cabinets. All struggling to earn enough to buy food politically marginalised, ostracised from the world allocates Rs 9.5 million annually to bills even when they run into the Prime Minister Deuba will soon a column. For this week, I have selected for the evening meal for the hungry child, expectant wife swollen with a sixth. of religion. They are outside the mainstream of the RECAST, but that is spent on millions. The line is disconnected be visiting China, Russia, Japan, two poems by Bimal Nibha, who wasBimal Nibha At first you could count the dead on the fingers of your hand, now we state. Before the 2020 Muluki Ain (Civil Code among the best young poets opposing 1971) came into force, they were considered paying the 95 employees. There is and you simply get another phone and also some European countries have exhausted the fingers many times over. The daily death toll is an- untouchables. no money for research. RECAST without paying the dues. Now its for more international support for the Panchayat era, and now is among It’s been a few days nounced on the radio as if it were cricket scores—a sixer, a century, body employees complain that TU used time for you to stop acting as a fighting the Maoists. the best chroniclers of the mis-govern- my bicycle has vanished counts numerically listing a grotesque match. Listening to it out here, far What are the major problems they face? to provide a minimum of Rs leader. You distribute money ance of the past twelve years. A satiristDo you know where I might find it? from the capital it seems like a farce--history repeating itself like an Illiteracy, poverty, social oppression and expulsion from the mainstream of politics and society. We will not 700,000 ever year for research in before elections, use the adminis- as well as a poet, Nibha’s best work unstoppable tragedy. Now the deaths come in hundreds, numbing numbers have effective programs for dalits from the state until they themselves are in decision-making positions. Until It’s true that my cycle is small that we need electronic calculators to project before our eyes. And the audio- then we will be unable to raise dalits to the level of other groups in society. science and technology but this tration, unfair means and win adopts a naïve voice to express its tires are bald visuals on television shows corpses piled high. Is this the Nepal we were year, there isn’t even enough money again. Wonderful! Beware, leaders: bewilderment, and moral outrage, at they have too little air So how can all this be changed? born in, the Nepal we love so dearly? to pay the telephone bills. “When the coming dawn will not bring the the failed promises of the recent the colour is faded First, educated dalits should get jobs commensurate with their qualifications. They need affirmative action, Most of the dead are we don’t have enough money to pay rays of light you are expecting, and past. Writing with a clear ethical the stand is broken reservations proportionate to the size of their population. It they cannot have affirmative action,for theyutilities, must how be can we be even if it does, it will come with the kinetic light is faulty men. This is a patriarchal protected in other ways. Dalits are skilled in working with gold, silver, leather and iron. Their skills can be vision, he calls not for a return to expected to conduct research shades of darkness smeared on your the bell trills softly society, so these are all conserved by engaging them in productive activities. The goods they produce can be made tax-free to help the authoritarian forms of with marketing. Mananges (the people of Manang) are good examples of how people can progress,programs, given even if we wanted to pay faces. What do you want? Wealth Look who’s talking the peddles move slowly “breadwinners”: someone’s This is a farce, history ○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○ the chain is old supportive state policies. for them out of our own pockets?” or leadership? Tick one. government that many Nepalis father, someone’s brother, Dhruba Hari Adhikary in seem to be wishing for these the handlebars are askew someone’s son, nephews andrepeating itself like an Which is the larger problem, economic poverty or untouchability? asks Roshani Shakya, administrative Last Sunday [19 May] the the wheel is bent head of RECAST. “Even our simple Deshantar, 19 May days, but for greater, and it has no carrier uncles. “Martyr” is a fancy Dalits, who make up 20 percent of the population of this country, are plagued by both. Because they are poor, Tanka Prasad Acharya Memorial truer democracy. Both the word for workers who died tryingunstoppable to feed their families. Society tragedy. demands that it is difficult for them to get a good education and if they do manage, they find it difficult to getexpenses jobs. areThen being paid for with Trust organised a day-long and no lock poems below come from his there be a son to carry on the family name, society demands that the son shall there is untouchability. Even today educated dalits cannot openly say ‘I am a dalit.’ Even todayhelp they from have outside to projects.” interaction programme on the Prime Minister Sher Bahadur lie about their surnames to be able to get housing in cities. collectionAagonira Ubhieko No matter what earn, grow up to start a family, look after his aged parents, get his sisters married, Most of the 28 research posts national problems. Different ideas Deuba met the Indian Chief of Machhe. even if it’s small and defective shoulder the burden of the dowry, beg before the groom’s parents (having What should be doneóput caste-related problems second and first work towards reservations,are empty. or end A few are staying afloat were tabled there, but the Army Staff General S even if it’s shabby Padmanabhan at Singha Darbar on forgotten he was groom himself once) educate the younger brothers and plough caste-based discrimination and work for competition on equal basis? by working with outside projects in conclusion was that if firm, no matter what it’s like, that cycle isthe land (we still do not look approvingly at those women who take the onus of We need to balance the two. There was no untouchability in earlyGita times. Krishna In thetells Arjun that Thursday, 16 May. Nepal four areas. These include a British committed steps were not taken mine tilling the fields in the absence of their migrant husbands). character is based on virtue, that your deeds should reflect your virtuousness, and that caste isEmbassy-funded determined by experiment to towards changing the social, Television covered the event on its The weight of my body lies on its seat your deeds or karma. That is why we need to revise the scriptures relating to dalits that were added to the 18:30 news bulletin with visuals of So what happens to their dependants? Thousands of Nepali men killed generate alternative fuel (oil) from economic and political order, a A Shirt With ONLY One Sleeve The measure of my feet fills its peddlesmeans hundreds of thousands who have lost their sources of livelihood. scriptures after the Vedas. In short, to emancipate dalits from social and religious oppression, we need to Prime Minister Deuba shaking The print of my hands marks its improve Hindu religion and culture. To put an end to their economic problems, dalits need tothe be given more serious problem would Bimal Nibha Soldiers, police, teachers, political leaders, civil servants, Maoist militia--they facilities and reservation. emerge even if the Maoist crisis hands and sitting down for talks handlebars with General Padmanabhan. all have families. Are they not pivots in a life-support system to mother, were resolved some day. The My breath rests in each part of thatfather, brother, sister wife and child? Where does one place this blood-letting Isnít there untouchability within the dalit community? The meeting, and the issues For my friend I needed to purchase organisers attempted to include a shirt with only one sleeve cycle amidst the sweet smelling meadows of Mustang or the crystal cool waters of We have made it a tradition. The Upadhyayas do that with the Jaisi, the Jaisi with the Thakuri, theSajeevan Thakuri plant, to research into the discussed were what we generally o a year-and-a-half after starting this the Chettri, the Chettri to Newar, the Newar to the Gurung, the Gurung to the Magar, the Magar to the Kami, the various points of view from column, I received some feedback on it, I am there the Bheri? Survival cannot overlook existence, the quintessential and breath- Kami to the Sarki, the Sarki to the Damai, the Damai to the Gaine, the Gaine to the Badi, thefeasibility Badi to ofthe solar dryers, the different ethnic groups and regions. anticipate when top-ranking at last, confirming to me that at least At the time of the democratic movement In summary that cycle is my life taking beauty that surrounds us amidst the carnage. Now too amongst the Pode and the Pode to the Chyame. properties of Seabuckthorn juice, All had the same questions: Whose officials from two countries meet. S my friend had fallen from a police shot one person does read it: Ajit Baral. “Why concrete melee of Kathmandu, one can spy niches of the human spirit. The near the statue of King Mahendra (What kind of place is this This is why it is important to not say that untouchability and equality are issues related onlyand to adalits. project Yes, looking into plant- country is this? Doesn’t this nation But what really surprised and should I read your column,” he wrote in a fervour of devotees at Bagalamukhi every Thursday morning, the flying One arm had to be amputated not unknown to me, my own village because they are the weakest, they are the most affected. The roots of untouchability are not basedVedic cures religion for cancer but being carried belong to all? Where is equal pained me is the source of the tough-minded email which I here paraphrase, where in the bright light of midday pigeons at Krishna Mandir Square, the vermilion and yellow-powdered feudal tradition and they will remain until that is erased. That is why we need to look at untouchability and “when I can read the original Nepali work? out in coordination with the opportunity? There were harsh, information that our national Since then he’d required a whole life has vanished deities (even Comrade Prachanda has red vermilion splattered on his brow) caste as a problem of all, not only dalits. And you never say anything critical about Thailand-based Asian Institute of touching questions. But even in broadcaster had to rely on. It was a slightly different kind of shirt Do you know where I might find it?)the solitary red hibiscus adorning the stone images polished to perfection by the work you’re translating: what’s with all Technology. clear that while the government- a shirt with only one sleeve a million supplicating fingers over the centuries. Have you had any bad experiences because you are a dalit? that serious gathering, they did not the praise for Nepali literature, all this But I couldn’t locate such a shirt It’s been a few days I had a Jaisi-Bahun acquaintance in my village. When I was told to step down from the threshold Theof his rector house, of TU, I Professor Dr talk about asking leaders to give owned Nepal Television shot the currying of favour with writers and poets? Further off, the sweating Bhimeswor Mahadev, the multiple tridents raising almost felt as if I had died… Once, on the way from Pokhara to Baglung, I met a pundit on the road. I dis- visuals at Singha Darbar (where in any of the shops my bicycle has vanished their defiant spikes to the skies above Kalinchok. Have you walked through the Premraj Pant thinks there is back some of their excess (illegally Don’t you have anything hard-hitting to say?” Do you know where I might find it? cussed the scriptures with him. While we were taking leave from each other he asked me which bahun I was, and amassed) wealth to the nation. No NTV is also located), its source of rhododendron forests at Ghorepani in early April? A canopy of red, white and I said Biswokarma. After that he began to addresstimi, notmetapai as . I felt bad but such instances are nothing abnormal about the fact I wrote back timidly at first: well, um, no, I When I said so to my friend leader volunteered to give. information was the Indian pink blossoms, the cascading waterfall at Rupse and the changing moods of common. that the research budget has been don’t have many hard-hitting comments to he smiled and said— slashed at a time when TU itself is Embassy in Lainchaur. make about Nepali literature (all my meanest A shirt with both sleeves mountains along the Tila. Where will all this be a few years from now when the cash-strapped. “It’s perhaps natural NTV had to rely on the press observations I compressed intoHimal one will do for me, Companion sweetness of our nation is slowly extinguished? Where will the doves rest? that RECAST also suffers when TU statement issued by the Indian Khabarpatrika article a few years ago; I Look, look at my hands Oh! How peculiar have nothing much to add to that). I wrote: is going through a budget slump, Embassy to learn that PM Deuba Both hands were there as before Basically, I read Nepali literature, find some of but research work must not stop. had thanked India for providing A moment later in an outburst of joy it good, translate a few of these pieces TU is discussing the possibilities of weapons and other military I tried to take his hands in mine every other week and call that a column. But what was this? outside help to invest in all four More money hardware. I am not sure about how Then I got defensive: “Naturally, I translate ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ I was missing one hand research centres,” says Professor Dr other fellow viewers found it, but I only pieces that I like,” I wrote, “so I only Mohan Bikram Gyawali, executive Deshantar, 19May was tormented and distressed. have positive things to say about the work Noting my confusion I’m introducing. I mean, why translate a bad director of RECAST. “The third I feel that this incident my friend said—Companion poem or story just to then be able to criticise instalment of funding that His Despite Prime Minister Sher don’t be surprised concerns every Nepali. We must it? Life is too short. I have better things to Majesty’s Government was Bahadur Deuba’s recent visit to the This is actually your hand know what could have really do.” I got quite scrappy at the end. “Do you I just took it to make do supposed to give TU has been US and the United Kingdom to happened at Singha Darbar that mind?” delayed, hence a delay in the garner support to fight the Maoist QUOTE OF THE WEEK day, what the employees in the My I-see-what-you-mean-but-can’t- allocation of a research budget,” terrorists, the kind of support It seems that it’s possible press department and all the prime really-be-bothered response prevented other to work with only one hand Democracy has become weak because you have party workers sportingchappals even as says Dr Pant. Nepal will receive—in terms of the minister’s advisers at the PMO rejoinders from my column’s single, tough- My friend and I both wore shirts the ministers are always dressed to the nines. weapons, as well as development might have been doing. What minded reader, but secretly, I started with sleeves on both sides assistance—will only be clear after might have kept the Defence wringing my hands about what a terrible That he was missing one arm international donor agencies and Ministry busy that day? Issuing column this is. I mean, who cares about made no difference at all — Speaker Taranth Ranabhat Kantipur,in 19 May. Nepali literature to begin with—other than for I had both well-wishers meet on 19 and 20 long statements about the deaths June (in London). Nepali writers and poets? Do English in everyday clashes between the readers really care what Nepali writers are Then came this matter, one day— Money, leaders It isn’t yet clear either what Maoists and the security forces? writing? Let’s be honest here. Because it’s Making an invocation to the masses ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ support will be provided by the What could have prevented the not like Nepalis need to be reading their the Prime Minister was waving his hands Bhairav Risal inSpacetime, UK, at whose initiative the headquarters of the Royal Nepal literature in English translation. Distraught, I I too waved my hands in salutation meeting is being held. However, Army from acknowledging an asked my friends what for I was writing this and in exuberance I tried 21 May column, and they out-and-out admitted that to raise both arms forcefully there is an indication that donors important meeting attended by the not only do they not read this column, they’ve But I couldn’t do this The current aim in politics, whose such as the UK, France, the US, Chief of Army Staff himself? It never read anything I’ve ever written. I was missing one arm sole ambition is to amass wealth, is Japan, Germany, India, and China seems that none of our govern- There are moments in one’s life when I assumed it was with my friend sweeping the country like a will support Nepal with modern ment offices documented the one realises that one’s efforts are mere Upon meeting him later weaponry, other arms, military meeting. ...If Singha Darbar had gnats in a storm: no one has noticed that hurricane that can’t be stopped. I asked—Where’s my hand? training, as well as development they are there, and no one would miss them Maybe in a rich country it would be provided it with information, He grew serious and said— if they were to disappear. I have experi- natural for the rich to rule, but in a aid. Nepal has never fought NTV might not have had to rely I don’t have your hand, Companion enced innumerable such moments in my terrorists, so countries like India on material produced by a foreign I also grew serious poor country the poor cannot be (short, and that is what makes it so depress- and the US sent their army and started to fret ruled by leaders whose mindset is embassy. ing) involvement in Nepali literature. All geared only towards earning more personnel here (for assessments). The government should learn around, there is bloodshed, and I’m doing Who knows what’s happening The donors haven’t decided who what? Translating Nepali literature into money. True leadership of a nation from its mistakes. Otherwise it They’re suddenly disappearing, hands does not come about by actions will provide what and how much. could just appoint the Indian English. You know? Yeah, culture-shulture is such as abducting parliamentarians Possibly, this will be sorted out at Embassy to prepare all its important at wartime too, yada yada: I know, of course, the value of translating literature, or luring greedy ministers to London. Prakash Sharan Mahat, publicity materials, and gradually Bangkok. advisor to Prime Minister Deuba hand over total governance too. The tendency to consider and member of his US, UK Why bother about protecting our oneself above law is also harmful. entourage, says the prime minis- sovereignty? You become minister and misuse ter’s visits were positive. US public vehicles. Why should the Foreign Secretary Colin Powell and people consider such people as National Defence Advisor Condoleezza Rice, were both The offering on the dishes: Emergency leaders? You get telephone lines Man: Do I want more?! Enough sir, I’m full. allotted to you in every other Spacetime Daily, 19 May Tourism Bal Bahadur KC, ex-officio CITY 24 - 30 MAY 2002NEPALI TIMES HERITAGE chairman of the Trust, has given 24 - 30 MAY 2002 NEPALI TIMES 141414 the required backing to the present 151515 LDT chief, Vice-Chairman Omkar “For all the pride we take in Nepal ABOUT TOWN YAK YETI YAK by MIKU Prasad Gauchan. A Thakali and being the birthplace of Buddha, the the desolation of Lumbini in 1967, Nepali Congress stalwart, Gauchan attitude towards this place has been the International Committee for the FILMFILMFILM is known to be above schisms slack,” says Gauchan. Kathmandu Documentary Film Association presents People Like Us: Social Class in America, Development of Lumbini was between Buddhist groups. The IOE You do not have to look far to supposed to fund-raise and keepteam, meanwhile, is led by a funny and provocative look at class and race in the US. 23 May, 6PM, Rs 200, with 50 percent off Lumbini in world focus. see that Lumbini may yet be for students. Indigo Gallery, Mike’s Breakfast, Naxal. Lumbini’sInstitute’s new current dean, Jiba Raj look from p1 Kathmandu’s unconcern hasPokharel, a conservation architect buffeted by the machinations various factions and groupings. left the Committee moribund forwith a PhD from York University. He wallahsbrought in from Patna. Political changes in Kathmandu EVENTSEVENTSEVENTS more than a decade. The Unitedis backed by IOE faculty, including Between the largely Hindu “Reversibility is important in directly affects the executive Meditation Retreat for Nepalis by the venerable Tsok-Nyi Rinpoche at the Ngesdon Osel Ling Nations website today does not Sudarshan Raj Tewari, Sudha administrators, Buddhist leadership this type of work, for some day leadership of the LDT. Since even list the Committee, and Shrestha and Prem Nath Maskey, Monastery, Halchowk Danda. Seven-day silent retreat from 12-19 June with meditation, teachings in and Muslim locals, Lumbini someone may come with a betterSeptember 2000, there have been Nepal’s Permanent Mission to thethe last having the task of ensuring English on shamatha and viapassana meditation and Buddha dharma. Rs 1,000, including housing, becomes a proper cauldron of woe. idea for the heritage site. That isfive chairmen of LDT (i.e. ministers UN is clearly un-interested in the integrity of the hidden steel food, monastery upkeep. Contact Nagarjuna Institute of Exact Method, Patan, 527446; Himal Then there is the donor factor. The planned structure, withwhy brick we havecovering designed the itsteel. so that West ofthis culture elevation. and tourism), and seven Association, Patan Dhoka, 542544; Blood Bank, Pradarshani Marg, 229344; Basanta Ranjitkar, reviving the body. superstructure that is at the core of Although the LDT has sole say over the new building. building can be completely pulledindividuals have occupied 249455, [email protected]; or Manjushree Thapa, [email protected]. the area, since 1997 the Sacred So what has changed, that we the archaeological ruins as wellapart with no damage to the Gauchan’s position of Vice Chair- This was the site where Emperor Friends of the Bagmati aim to clean up the Bagmati river. Monthly meetings open to everyone. Garden has been declared a Worldcan now look forward to the as the ‘marker stone’ would be archaeology,” says Jib Raj Pokhrel.man since 1990. All of them might Ashok put up the rock pillar marking Email [email protected] for details. Heritage Site, which brings it withinproximate completion of Mayadevi exhibited by making the inside of One satisfied person in well have done a decent job had the oversight of UNESCO. Mean-temple structure? the birthplace of the “Sage of the they been allowed to stay through the structure hollow. Lumbini today is Basanta Bidari, while, the Trust has tended to lean Sakyas” in the 3 the stipulated five-year term. BOOKWORM The sudden burst of activity LDT’s Chief Archaeologist of the MUSICMUSICMUSIC on the Japanese Buddhist Federa- pilgrims and tourists would have can be attributed to the coming last 18 years, who has had the Being made a political football 1974AD in concert 25 May, Birendra International tion (JBF), practically regarding it Plants and People of Nepal Narayan P Manandhar together of three factors: a can-do access to the inside of the building.unenviable task of being custodianis what has made Lumbini look as exclusive patron. Convention Centre, Baneswor, 2.30PM. Tickets, Rs minister supporting a new, commit- all the work done on the site of an out-of-sight nativity site increasingly like what one journalist Timber Press, Oregon, USA/ Cambridge, UK In thrall of the small pickings 1,000, Rs 500, Rs 300, Rs 200, at Tik ‘n’ Tok, New Road ted leadership at the LDT, which in would be reversible. beneath a tin shed. Says Bidari,described as a “religious Disney- and Jawalakhel; La’Soon Restaurant and Vinotheque, Rs 5,750 from the JBF and heritage supportturn took the help of the profes- “This project is unique because land”,it rather than a spiritual site Following architectural Pulchowk; Jatra, Thamel; all Bakery Café outlets, Dexo For 30 years, with limited means, but a vast heart and engaging, scientific mind, Manandhar provided by UNESCO, the Nepalisional architects and engin-eers of does several things at one go—without it religio-political overtones, Music, Thamel and Kantipath; The Club, Bhat Bhateni; botanically explored every corner of Nepal. In addition to species descriptions, including line commissars have quite forgottenthe Institute of Engineering (IOE) principles for heritage spaces, thefollows UNESCO guidelines, a space that can be ‘owned’ by all and at venue. drawings, he provides the historical, ethnographic, and ecological settings from which his the existence of an unique inter-at Pulchowk. reversibility criterion means thatrespects Nepali sentiments and the world. the building can be completely Rockers on ParadeRobin n Looza, X- arica,Albatross, ethnobotanical information is derived. The result is this brilliant book, a world-class governmental committee at the Minister for Culture and memories, as well as follows Perhaps the work underway at United Nations Headquarters in New dismantled. The use of steel architectural conventions for such the nativity site, at long last, is Ugrakarma, Mokshya and many more perform at the Mahendra Police Club from 2PM. Tickets, contribution to ethnobotanical literature, and the most complete survey ever of Nepal. York, solely dedicated to Lumbini. girders, fabricated by the Radhasites. Besides, the Mayadevi statue signal of the maturing of under- Rs 125, at Tik n Tok, New Road and Saturday at Mahendra Police Club. Started at the behest of the late Steel Structure of Sano Thimi, will be back where it originally was.” leaves the building without pillars, standing as to what Lumbini Club Rumba Latin band, salsa food until midnight on Thursdays. Early bird discounts between Limited edition, few copies in stock, order now. Secretary General U Thant, who Faced with the 26 May which allows a walkway from which represents. If this is true, one may dropped famous tears on seeing rd BC, and where 8-9.30PM, buy one, get one free. Hotel Shangri-La. 412999 visitors can view the excavations,deadline, the IOE team worked evenup begin to hope for the imple- Dinesh & Pemba Live every Friday 7PM-9PM, Himalatte Cafe, Thamel. 262526 Chhetria Media: Vigar ra Vartaman Pratyoush Onta, ed Chinese travellers Fa Hien and the ‘marker stone’, as well as thea storm to finalise the design andmentation for the grand visions that Beatle Nite Tribute to the late George Harrison. 12 May, 6.30PM,New Orleans Cafe, Thamel. Martin Chautari, Kathmandu, 2002 Hieuen-Tsiang separately reportedMayadevi statue restored to its structural aspects in just a month-form part of the Lumbini Master a complex of monuments inth theoriginal 5 sanctum. and-a-half. Plan prepared by the Japanese 425736 Rs 200 “Even if we are unable to architect Kenzo Tange in 1975. and 8th centuries. Archaeologists of A key challenge encountered Down Memory Lane Wednesday nights with Teesta. The Rox Bar at the Hyatt Regency This volume, a compilation of essays and case studies, explores the impact of democracy on the complete the whole building, we Omkar Prasad Gauchan, British India located the Ashok by the design team was building a Kathmandu. 491234 will have Mayadevi back in her certainly, cannot wait to get Nepali press, particularly outside Kathmandu. Dealing with the country as divided into develop- pillar in the 1890s. The scholarsturdy foundation to take the load sanctum on Buddha Purnima,” saysstarted on that. “The idea is to Live music by Catch 22, Friday nights at the 40,000 ½ ft Bar, Rum Doodle Restaurant, Thamel.ment region, the essays tackle two aspects of the evolution of the media in different parts of autocrat Keshar Sumshere clearedof the heavy steel frame without LDT chief Gauchan, overseeingkeep the working as long as one is 414336 the area and had by 1939 put upimpinging upon the archaeological Nepal, first detailing briefly the history of journalism in the area and then looking at the current work in his suruwal-kameej and anallowed to,” he says. the whitewashed brick box aroundintegrity of the site. The architects umbrella to protect him from the state of the media and the changes it has seen, especially post-democracy. and atop of the ancient mounddiscovered that an exploratory DRINKDRINK blistering sun. DRINKDRINKDRINK containing Mayadevi’s statue. trench had once been dug by Fridayz Music, dance and between 9PM-11PM, unlimited drinks with entrance. Men Rs 995, women archaeologists right around the The cost of the project is Rs 70 Kimiyagar Paulo Coelho, Ritesh Thapa, trans. It is this aesthetically-chal- Rs 495, couples Rs 1,445. Until 7 June at Hotel Yak & Yeti. 248999 temple structure. This already- million. The LDT will pay Rs 30 lenged white box that has for sixty Walden Book House, Kathmandu, 2002 disturbed perimeter thus providedmillion and the government is Coming soon Fusion at Dwarika’s years been associated in the mind Rs 200 the space for the pylons and cross-supposed to come up with the rest. of people everywhere with the place beams to take the load of the Gauchan says the money has been A Nepali translation of the Paulo Coelho’s bestselling The Alchemist: A Fable About Follow- of the Sakyamuni’s birth. The FOODFOODFOOD steelwork. There was still the needpromised but not yet sanctioned. Saturday brunch Buffet, free flow of beer, desserts, outdoor activities for kids below 12 and ing Your Dream. An Andalusian shepherd boy dreams of hidden treasures in Egypt and sets off image included the large pipal totree place deeper piles, however, and to follow his vision. Along the way he meets many people, including an alchemist who teaches which grew out of one side of the complimentary use of the swimming pools and outdoor jacuzzi. Adults Rs 1,050 plus taxes, children for this the architects chose to insert him about the “Soul of the World” and how to stay true to his dream and consider the fear of block. Over time, the structure-and-30-foot beamssal of wood—chosen below 12, 50 percent off at The Café, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu. 491234 tree standing astride the Ashokan for being “organic”—into the suffering to be worse than suffering itself. pillar took on an iconic power by Wood fired pizzasat the new Roadhouse Café. Completely redesigned with separate bar seating alluvial soil. As hammering would association - until the excavation and coffee bar. The Roadhouse Café, Thamel. have created unacceptable vib- ‘disappeared’ it. The LDT gave rations, the piles were placed using Steaks, Sangri and ESPN Food, drink, and the World Cup at K-too! Beer & Steakhouse, Thamel. permission to the Japanese Courtesy: Mandala Book Point, Kantipath, 227711, [email protected] augers turned by expert -augur 433043 Buddhist Federation to ‘tackle’ the Big Barbecue Two cocktails for the price of one (Rs 250), Friday through Sunday, 4PM-8PM. tree which was spreading it roots CLASSIFIED into the brickwork, but in a process Kilroy’s of Kathmandu, Thamel. 250440 that has not been adequately San Miguel BIG Brunch Lavish brunch buffet and free flow of San Miguel beer. SaturdaysNagarkot 11.30 special at Naked Bed Chef and ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ K-Too! Beer and Steakhouse not the explained, the entire structure was AM-2.30 PM at The Fun Café, at Radisson Hotel. 411818 dismantled and another metre or breakfast, three-course gourmet dinner. “longest”, “highest”, “first” or any other more of soil dug up. B-B-Q & MoMo Evenings 5PM onwards at Nanglo Café & Pub, Darbar Marg. 222636 Rs 800 per person. For reservations ring superlative. Just a relaxed, easy-going Lumbini got converted from Special Thai Authentic Cuisineat the Ban Thai Restaurant, Darbar Marg. 243271 441494, 680006 bar and restaurant with the coldest beer and juiciest steaks this side of the nativity site to archaeological dig, Buddha’s 2,546 and the foundations of a 15- moon. By the Kathmandu Guest House. chambered edifice were revealed, House for rent Ground floor: living room, 433043 as well as the rock conglomerate kitchen, dining room, one bathroom. First ‘marker stone’. The Japanese and th birth anniversary 108 lamas pray for peace and recite the holy Tripitak atfloor: the master bedroom with attached bath, Nepali archaeologists involved in one bedroom, bathroom, pantry. Second the dig have cited various historical Boudha Stupa Mandala on 26 May. Watch from the Stupa View Restaurant and Terrace, with The way to Mexico is too far. Botega vegetarian food, clay-oven pizzas and momos. 480262 floor: one bedroom with attached bath, references to prove that this stone Restaurant and Tequila Bar is near marks the exact place of Too busy to eat lunch? Daily specials for the busy executive at Dwarika’s Hotel. 479488.store, lobby. Third floor: terrace and laundry room. Location: Galfutar. Tel: Thamel Chowk. 266433. 15 percent off Siddhartha Gautam’s birth. Weekend Brunch Rs 350 per head, special package available with bowling. Oriental and412094. continen- season discount tal lunch or dinner by the pond. 1905 Boardwalk, Kantipath. 225272 Authentic Thai food Everyday at Yin Yang Restaurant. 425510 Paddy Foley’s Irish APub wide range of drinks and food. Live music on Wednesday, Thursday Flowerlovers, don’t miss our special and Sunday nights. 416096. Stupa iewV and Restauranterrace & T at FUCHSIA Exhibition!!! More than 60 Baudhanath Stupa. Well-appointed new and very beautiful varieties of GETAWAYS restaurant and terraces with views of FUCHSIA, recently imported from stupa and Himalayas. International Europe, are on sale now, for the first LDT Chief Omkar Prasad Gauchan on inspection.

The Great Godavari Getaway Special weekend packages including room with breakfast and KANAK MANI DIXIT vegetarian specialties, pizza from clay time ever in Nepal. Only at THE Tug-o-war dinner, 25 percent discount on health club facilities. Godavari Village Resort. 560675 oven, ice cream, soft guitar tunes on BISHALNAGAR NURSERY, tel. 431797, The excavation was completed in PackagesOvernight and short-stay at Dwarika’s Hotel from $99. 479488 Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays from 5PM on.five min. from Bhatbateni Supermarket, 1996, but the next step—what to do The Teahouse Inn Combo Special package for Nepalis and expatriates. Rs 700 per personSpecial on events on full moon. Open daily two min. from Bishalnagar Chowk (turn with the site—became the subject twin-sharing basis for room, breakfast, Nepali thali lunch or dinner, and swimming and11AM-8.30PM. jacuzzi at the 480262. right and downhill). of a tug-of-war between the various Club Himalaya. 410432, 680048 national and international players. Also to be contended with were the Summer Splash Use of pool 15 May – 15 July, 10AM-6PM Over 18 Rs 4,000 plus tax, schoolchil- UNESCO guidelines on the dren under 18, Rs 2,000 plus tax. Hotel de l’Annapurna. 221711 For insertions ring NT Marketing at 543333-36. conservation of heritage archaeo- Shivapuri Heights Cottage 30 minutes from Kathmandu, staff guides to monastery, peak and logical sites. reserve. Rs 1,850 per person with dinner and breakfast, Rs 925 per child 5-14 years, children Some proposed a prayer hall, under five free. [email protected] others a grand hollow stupa covering the entire site. Yet others wanted a building with ‘Nepali’ elements, and there was a sugges- For inclusion in the listing send information to [email protected] on FM 102.4 tion of recreating a Maurayan period shrine. In the end, an original plan put forward by the IOE was re-evaluated and approved. NEPALI WEATHER by NGAMINDRA DAHAL The principle challenge was to DSES-22-05-2002 08:00 GMT

The subcontinent is virtually free of cloud, dominated Mon-Fri 0615-0645 BBC World Today KANAK MANI DIXIT find an appropriate design for the by a high pressure area over northwestern India. The building itself so that the archaeo- nascent monsoon can be seen massing up off the Sat 0615-0645 BBC Science in Action logical finds would be displayed Kerala coast, still very weak. Over northeastern India while the Mayadevi statue was is a large low pressure system that is bringing pre- The Mayadevi sanctum under wraps, awaiting the roof. returned to its original sanctum. monsoon rains, some of which was unloaded over Sun 0615-0645 BBC Agenda (The image had been removed for Nepal last week. This system could bring us more safekeeping when the dig began in pre-monsoon showers, short and heavy at times, Daily 2045-2115 BBCg] kfnL ;]jf]] 1992.) specially over central and eastern Nepal next week. The IOE team’s proceeded with In between, expect sunny hot days with thick sand- its work on the basis of the following blown haze from the desert bringing down visibility. Daily 2245-2300 BBCg] kfnL ;]jf]] decisions:

KATHMANDU VALLEY Radio Sagarmatha

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue P.O. Box 6958, Bakhundole, Lalitpur, Nepal Tel: ++977-1-545680, 545681 Fax: ++ 977-1- 530227 Keshar Sumshere’s box would be E-mail: [email protected] emulated despite its aesthetic www.radiosagarmatha.org shortcomings because the appear- 29-16 28-16 29-15 30-17 31-17 /]l8of ] ;u/dfyf ance of the earlier historical The Mayadevi temple, pre-1992, with Ashok pillar on left. structure is unknown. encouraged me,” smiles Kamakshi. NEPALI TIMES 161616 24“After - 30 MAYall, one 2002 is a retired army officer without a clue about NEPALI SOCIETY computers, and the other a gender Under My Hat consultant whose computer literacy is restricted to email and Internet.” by Kunda Dixit Kamakshi’s long-term goal is to set up a software development An oraclecentre andfor get into e-marketing. Nepal “The economy can’t sustain that now, but we definitely plan to o meet Kamakshi Rai computerised system with a sensor promote it in future as a business casually, a reporter is to identify people by their finger- solution.” Even the Nepal Tourism impressed by her poise andprints, works. Since they began T Board, which needs all the help it marketing the software two months Future shock confidence. The real story behind can get, has approached her. ago, the results have been that air of intelligent competence Perhaps between them, some ince we can now all aspire to have Aristocratic integrated with a video game so that while you pedal encouraging. “Many companies is even more so. There is some tourists can be lured back here. European Lifestyles in our new townhouses right nextaway in the comfort of your den you can actually watch real buzz about the 24-year-olduse swipe cards, but that could give Sto the scenic brick kilns on the outskirts of on a LCD screen a simulation of a preset choice of trails: techie in Kathmandu’s corpo-rise to proxy entries. This actually Chapagaon, it is imperative that we move with the times andfrom flat city streets with traffic, to up-and-down rate circles. tells you whether an employee is in or out of the office,” says Kamakshi. The first woman to become a catch up with the rest of the world in acquiring the latest country roads, right to the most difficult: base camp to Kathmandu Guest House is their consumer electronic products to make it easier to carry outthe Everest Summit up the classic Western Cwm route. Oracle Certified Professional infirst client, and companies such as mundane domestic chores around the house. More and more home appliances will have a the country, Kamakshi is at easeToyota, Soaltee, and Shangri La teaching the program to profes-are also showing interest. The rest of the world, as you must be aware, is taking combination of technologies in the near future. Here is a sionals much older than herself. In school in Dehradun her great leaps forward in combining recent advances in wirelesspeek at what tomorrow may bring: “I’ve been teaching Oracle since I telephony with television on the one hand, the Internet on 1.Remote controlled vacumm cleaner. Model was 19, so I’m quite comfortable,”career counsellor saw sparks fly the second hand, video cameras on the third hand, and she says confidently. when Kamakshi was anywhere near Humvee CRV-88DX-Turbo. For parents who have a computer and suggested she Kamakshi and her fiancé, also DVD players on the fourth hand. That makes it a total of given up on their teenage sons ever cleaning up the pursue further studies in IT. four hands, but never mind. Let’s suppose for argument’shouse, here is a clever way to get them involved in a computer professional, train Kamakshi did, but also worked at an sake (if you really want to argue about it) that we do have domestic chores. The Humvee can be controlled via a students in various computer arts degree just in case. It couldn’t four hands. That is still too few for Nepalis to come to grips programs and market software. hurt to be well-rounded. But joystick and a PC screen which relays a wide-angle image Becoming a certified Oracle with the challenge of leapfrogging to the Information Age. anyone who knew her even at 18, from a tiny camera fitted on the vacuume cleaner. The professional, in particular, is a when she was a replacement If nothing is done, we will be the only country left on boys can have hours of fun zapping at bits of doritos that tough and expensive process. executive and student representa- the planet still using mobile phones to just make phone fell behind the sofa last summer, sucking up tufts of dog Kamakshi’s training institute tive at the Tata Unisys in Siliguri, calls. On a recent spying mission to the world’s most wiredfur from the carpet, and carrying out cordon and search Microhard has created a portalcouldn’t believe she’d make her where students can access 40,000 country, Singapore, I happened to eavesdrop on two teenageoperations on roaches in their cave hideouts. career in any other field. This potential exam questions. “If theywas followed by a three- operatives using their tiny Sony Ericsson T68i mobiles to 2.Microwave ovens that come with cable-ready score a hundred percent on ourand-a-half year stint at secretly take pictures of the city state’s newest pride and joy:plasma television screens. Model Sanyo EMF1006MW tests, that means they’ll probablyWorld Distribution the Double Durian Opera House. If your city wants to with 21” display panel. This convection microwave oven get 75 or 80 percent on the realNepal in build an opera house these days, always remember that twocomes with reheat, grill, defrost and recipe function that one—and that’s what you need Kathmandu,to where pass. It’s hard,” she says. durians are better than one. Cell phones, it seems, now allows you to watch the China vs she taught serve also as neat spy cameras. She can teach, but level- students Oracle Brazil match while you wait for and helped The new watchword in consumer electronics is headed Kamakshi says selling the frozen chicken roast to software is a different challengecreate “Convergence”. Combine everything with everything else thaw inside. altogether. She recently set uphospital management and, before you know it: you have another gadget. Take the 3.Electric razor-cum-mobile. Microhard, a franchise of an new Sony DCR-TRV50E Network Handycam, American software developmentsystems for this is a 1.55 mega pixel digital video camera, The Gillette-Nokia 9220 Ex- and training institute. “You haveNorvic, communicator. This electric to deal with decision makers, Apollo, and portable PC and mobile phone all rolled into the Nepal razor with flex integral system managers, administrators, non- one. Its unique touch screen with stylus pen technical people who don’t haveMedical a allows you to surf the Internet, send and with charge control, moustache clue. It’s pretty demanding.” College. “I’m happy my receive email wirelessly without a PC—while trimmer and pivoting cutting At work, she’s convincing and parents simultaneously shooting a video of the system has a built-in mobile competent as she explains to wedding reception of your sister-in-law’s phone. Perfect for busy potential clients how Biometrics, a maternal aunt’s cousin’s nephew. executives with aristocratic In the Fitness Gadget category, my European lifestyles who need a vote for the Convergence Award goes quick shave while calling a to the Cardio Bike Recumbent client, or need to quickly which is a cycling workout machine call a client while having a close shave.

CDO Regd No. 194/056/57 Lalitpur, Central Region Postal Regd. No. 04/058/59