Kathmandu l 29 Jan-4 Feb 2007 l # 1 l Price Rs. 25

Maoist's message to Terai : We are for you, but discard Madheshi Janadhika Forum Bhaswor Ojha No Trust US suspends its crucial project as Maoists, still in its terrorist list, prepare to join the government

äää Yubaraj Ghimire commitments’ it has made. The suspended project covers a wide gamut In what looks like a tough wait and watch of judicial reforms besides providing approach, the US has suspended its project on infrastructure to the apex, appellate, districts judicial sector reforms in Nepal. The suspension and the special courts. It involved providing order came into effect from January 15, the day computers, archiving documents and setting up Maoists joined the parliament and the news of mediation centers. Besides the Supreme court, their joining the interim Government a couple of Patan appellate court, district courts of Lalitpur weeks later. and the special court had been the beneficiaries The 5. 6 million dollar project—Strengthening of the project. Rule of Law and respect for Human Rights in “The project worked in close cooperation with Nepal—is funded by the U S Aid with the the Commission of Inquiry into Abuse of Authority American company ARDINK as the contractor. It (CIAA), Vigilance Commission, and the office of began its work in September 2004 and its the Attorney General. At least 13 NGOS including completion was only six months away. Along with Nepal Law Society and Transparency the judicial reforms, the project aimed at International had been funded by the project as strengthening the anti-corruption measures and part of the mission. mechanism in the country. Although substantial target of the project has US Ambassador James F Moriarty confirmed already been achieved, the suspension of the that the project has been suspended at the particular programme is a statement of U S moment and “we are waiting for a response from doubts over Maoists adherence with the ‘Rule of Washington D C," he told newsfront. While the U law’ once they are part of the Government, and S has welcomed the peace process and Maoists partly an indicator that it might review other joining the parliament, it has been insisting that projects as well. The U S has not yet lifted the Maoists conduct did not confirm with the ‘public ‘terrorist' tag on the Maoists. ä 2 29 Jan.-4 Feb., 2007 News Soft target Radicals approach refugees to join armed revolution in Bhutan

The apathy shown by the Royal Bhutan Government towards the people of Nepali origin might fast turn refugee camps of eastern Nepal into potential recruitment centers for guerrillas for the ‘armed revolution’ the Bhutani Communist Party (BCP) plans to launch there soon. The "revolution" will be launched to "overthrow the monarchy" and “we are here to gather financial and other kind of support", a BCP leader said. Kala, a representative of the BCP-MLM

Newsfront (Marxist-Leninist-Maoist) has been given charge to mobilize the support from refugees in ten different camps based in Jhapa and Morang districts. Nona “We are aware that reactionaries might call it extortion, but what we are doing is essentially a political passes campaign which will involve giving political training and preparing the members of armed revolution”, Kala away told newsfront. Although, the BCP leaders do not state when they are Nona Koirala (80), a political going to start the armed revolution, activist and mother figure for Refugees at Beldangi camp

they said, “it will be very soon.” Om Astha Rai many in the Nepali Congress The Royal Bhutan Government party, died on Sunday. She seems equally determined not to accept officials claimed they were sent to Bhutan set up a separate cell to deal with the was alleged to be one of those was suffering from multiple the refugees back declaring, “they all by the BCP Chief Chhabilal Pokhrel and Bhutani refugees. Ram Karki, Maoist trained. Kala however, denies any link ailments including diabetes and are terrorists.” The vigil on the refugees General Secretary Bikalpa Chhetri. The member of parliament and the central with the Maoists in Nepal. high-blood pressure. crossing the border to India, possibly en BCP, through a press release has committee member heads the cell. The BCP is also opposed to the U Hundreds of congress route to Bhutan has increased. Bhutan however, denied Acharya’s association Bhutan Government has not only S move to have around 60,000 workers who knew her as police had arrested Shantiram Acharya with the party. been saying that the Nepalese refugees settled in the U S and other ‘Nona Ama’ bid farewell as her and four others on January 23 on the In fact, the Bhutan government’s Maoists and the BCP have close links, countries and is approaching the two sons—Niranjan Koirala and charge of having entered Bhutan to fear has increased manifold in the it also claimed early last year that refugees to prepare for the war so that Dr Shekhar Koirala—lit the "create network for causing sabotage, recent times specially after the Maoists were imparting guerrilla they can go back to their country with funeral pyre at Aryaghat. explosion etc." All of them were living in Communist party of Nepal—Maoists training to some of the refugees in their dignity and head held high. the Belgandi refugee camp then. Bhutani with possible links with the BCP—has Danabari forest area of Ilam. Acharya äää Om Astha Rai in Jhapa

Search for an identity : Procession of Tharu community in Kathmandu Sonia ignores Terai in focus Maoists Though Maoists are like any other in politics, coinciding with the death political parties in Nepal as far as anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi but no the Government of India is on January 30 in Delhi. But no concerned, the Indian National invitation has been extended to the Congress heading the UPA Maoists who are already in the respite coalition is apparently treating parliament, and are going to join Maoists on a different footing. the interim government soon. At least four political parties; Maoists leaders however have

Bhaswor Ojha Nepali Congress, Nepali been extended courtesey at par Congress (Democratic), with other political leaders by the The Madheshi Janadhikar forum comes in the wake of series of dialogue with the forum leaders to Communist party of Nepal/United Indian embassy in Kathmandu and led movement was fast protests, some of them violent in resolve, among others, the issue of Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) and government authorities in Delhi on snowballing into a major political several parts of Terai which has ‘representation in proportion to the Nepal Sadhbhavana party have different occasions. In November, crisis for the ruling coalition as one claimed at least 7 lives after it erupted Terai population’ at the time of been invited by Maoist Chief Prachanda and of its constituents—Sadhbhavana on January 19. At least 40 people electing the Constituent Assembly. Congress President Baburam Bhattarai were received Party (Anandi Devi)—was have been wounded in police firing In the meantime, Indian Sonia Gandhi to by ambassador Shiv Shankar contemplating to quit the and clashes while half a dozen towns Ambassador Shiv Shankar participate in a Mukherjee at his office in Government if Prime Minister G P Mukherjee who had a meeting with symposium, Kathmandu on the eve of their Koirala did not favourably NSP’s warning to pull- Yadav on January 27 is believed Satyagraha and departure to Delhi to participate in respond to the demand. For to have advised Yadav to stop its relevance the Hindustan Times leadership forum, it is sort of an endorsement out comes in the wake violence at once as ‘that would do programme. The immigration of the movement by a Terai based of series of protests the greatest disservice to the authorities at the Indira powerful political party. Madheshi cause’. Gandhi International Apart from the visible fissure in including Birgunj, Lahan, Janakpur, Prime Minister Koirala’s plan to Airport also extended the coalition, Prime Minister Gaur and Bara were put under address the nation with an appeal special treatment to Koirala and the Maoist leadership curfew for various length of time to maintain communal harmony and the duo. On were also at loggerheads on the during the period. The Prime Minister seek solution to all major problems January 26, the issue with the latter right away is yet to respond to the forum’s through peaceful dialogue embassy invited denouncing the forum leaders as demand for resignation of Home scheduled on Sunday, however, Maoist MPs for the ‘criminals’ who need to be ignored Minister K P Sitaula as the pre- had to be postponed because of Republic Day while addressing the Terai condition for dialogue. his sister in law, Nona Koirala’s celebration. problem. While Koirala defied Maoists clearly death. NSP’s warning to pull-out as he pledged that he was keen for äää Bishwa Mani Pokharel News 29 Jan.-4 Feb., 2007 3 Bhaswo jha Koirala’s new headache A pro-republic campaign by an emerging group of Nepali Congress is all set to pose a major challenge to Prime Minister G P Koirala who has been advocating a pro- ceremonial monarchy line. Upper Dolpo and upper Mustang Party’s Central committee member Narahari Acharya, joined by his radical colleagues like Krishna Khanal and Gagan Thapa have already toured 42 districts of the country campaigning for ‘Loktantrik Sanghiya Gana Rajya (Federal Democratic Republic). “But it is not a programme the party has authorized and it’s going to create lot of Just for $350 now confusion”, Party’s central committee member Sunil Bhandari told newsfront. While the central office has not officially reacted to the Signifying a major step forward to simplify Visit Nepal rules and ministry said the whole purpose of the regulation was being campaign yet, there are fears that this might lead to a tussle encourage economy tourists, the Ministry of tourism is considering rendered futile by a large number of tourists that visited the areas between the emerging radical group and the establishment slashing the entry fee to upper Mustang and upper Dolpo, both by bribing the local officials. led by Koirala. along the China border. The latest decision of the Ministry of tourism is based on Some of the district committees of the party have invited the “We have already recommended reducing the existing royalty suggestions mainly from the Trekking Agents Association of Nepal pro-republic groups, but the central office has not yet of 700 U S dollar by half”, Madhav Prasad Ghimire, secretary of (TAAN). It's assessment on the move predicted a sharp rise in the endorsed it. Nuwakot district president of the party, Jagadish tourism told newsfront. He number of tourists and thereby Narsingh K C has invited the republic group to launch the added, “since the issue is increase in foreign exchange campaign in the districts early next month. linked with immigration, it The latest decision of the Ministry of earning. “It’s the height of irresponsibility to carry out such a has to be approved by the tourism is based on suggestions A large number of potential campaign without authorization and endorsement of the department of immigration mainly from the Trekking Agents Asso- tourists appear to be distracted central office”, Bhim Bahadur Tamang , member of the and the home ministry first.” by the more accessible higher party’s central committee said. The apparently ciation of Nepal (TAAN). plateau, Tibet. A 10-day tour Prof Khanal however, differs, “It may not be the priority exorbitant royalty fee was package to Tibet from Nepal agenda for the central leadership. But what we are doing introduced from security as well as environmental point of view, but costs only 700 U S dollar while the total cost to enter the two reflects the collective desire of the nation. We are doing this “we are considering the recommendation by the tourism ministry”, restricted areas of Nepal costs double the amount. A lot of to create pressure on the central leadership to endorse the a senior home ministry official said. anticipation by the toursim industry appears to rest on the new Republic line as the party’s official agenda”. Thousands of tourists have been diverted to Tibet due to the move. äää Bishwa Mani Pokhrel steep royality in these two hot destinations. Sources in the tourism äää Madhusudan Poudyal The rise of Dalit force The share of Dalit in the Maoist recognition of the movement for Dalit empowerment. movement in terms of the “This is a very positive sign , but not number of those killed during enough", Tilak Pariyar, President of Maoist the decade long conflict was wings Nepal Dalit Mukti Morcha said. He added, "our demand is minimum 20 pc much higher reservation in every sector of the govern- ment as a special rights which should also In what could be taken as an indicator of Dalit compensate for the past deprivation”. The empowerment, the interim parliament has an share of Dalit in the Maoist movement in terms all time high number of the community of the number of those killed during the constituting more than five per cent of the total decade long conflict was much higher. At least strength of the House. There are altogether 1100 Maoist Dalit cadres lost their lives in the 18 Dalit members in a house of 330. conflict. The largest block of the members from the Despite the Muluki Ain, 2020 V S that community belongs to the Maoists with 12 declared eradication of ‘untouchability’ and members which accounts for 60 per cent of caste discrimination, the community remains the total number of Dalit parliamentarians. The almost unrepresented in the legislature. The current number compared to just one Dalit, increase in participation by the Dalits today Krishna Singh Pariyar, elected in the first signifies a positive change. elected parliament in 1991 is a significant äää Govinda Pariyar 4 29 Jan.-4 Feb., 2007 Editorial

Editor & Publisher : Yubaraj Ghimire Associate Editor : Sushma Amatya Design: Sunil Khadgi, Kishor Raj Panta & Ramkrishna Rana Address : PO Box: 8830, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel : 4443888, Fax : 4421147 (Edt.), 4411912 (Mkt.), Email: [email protected] Printed by: Express Color, Buddhanagar, Tel.: 4783007, Distribution: Kasthamandap, Tel.: 2010821 Costly Silence Managing transition of a nation is not only a challenge, but an opportunity as well. Misusing such an opportunity thrust upon the leadership of the day would not only prove their failure but would also lead the country to disaster. Timely intervention and an accommodative gesture is all that the Government ought to have displayed. A mature Letters political approach was all the more necessary especially because the state’s authority has collapsed, defiance and resistance have grown in the same proportion and a Simplicity of language newsfront endeavor. I am sure the crew with skillful teamwork will be able to demonstrate their Courage and live volcano seems ready to erupt across the length and I applaud the Samay team, who dared stand by the ethics Conviction in promoting Nepalese professional journalism, breadth of the country. of journalism even under the king's direct rule. The new venture, newsfront, is striking for its simplicity of language and serve news, editorials and views that will be and attractive presentation. Though there are comments that evolutionary in thrashing any efforts designed to harm It’s only natural that neglected, deprived and it appears similar to Nepali Times, I hope newsfront with its common aspirations of the Nepali people. However, marginalised groups, regional and geographical unique identity will give a stiff competition to any other challenges with its innumerable nature will be waiting to make you more industrious. entities would want to ensure participation in the English weekly. Dev Khanal Krishna Dahal emerging power structure during and after the Thimi kathmandunewsline transition phase. The hasty way the Government and Voice of Women & Children the Maoists promulgated the interim constitution More development issues The Samay's team deserves congratulations for refusing to even take into account the grievances and Thanks to Samay team for their new endeavor. We would anger visible in Terai was clearly a provocative act. newsfront which has come out at the right time. I am hoping like to see newsfront come up with different information and to see more news especially on women and children, Let Maoists calling the leadership of the agitation groups, more development issues. We used to follow Nepali times for newsfront be their voice as well. news and current analytical writing but now we have "a bunch of criminals", only shows that despite their Bidya Timilsina another option. entry in the parliamentary politics, they have not been Volunteer, Maiti Nepal Samir Ghimire able to feel the pulse of the people, and gauge what Koteswor an explosion of pent up frustration and anger might Shaping young minds lead to. Great presentation It was great to see newsfront hitting the news stands. I hope it will succeed in shaping our young minds. I hope In-depth investigation, scoops, different perspective on Samay will focus on the dreams and needs of young Government has helplessly watched the fire leaping current affairs and on matters of all aspects of life, great generation. presentation, photos are what I'd like to see in newsfront. higher and higher in Terai instead of using it as a lesson Subhash Pokhrel Ashesh Rajbansh and as an opportunity to take stock of situation there and Trichandra College Photographer elsewhere where people have deep rooted frustration Independent Paper and have not yet been able to orchestrate it collectively. Reflect realities Perceived sense of deprivation in scattered pockets of There is hardly a paper that I can call independent. I Newsfront should reflect the realities and strive to stand by hope newsfront will stand out as one and play a vital role the country can be ignored only if the Government wants it's logo of conviction and courage at all times. towards peace and political stability. PL Singh to invite trouble elsewhere as in Terai. Sugat Ratna Kansakar Chaksibari Managing Director, NTC Leaders of the agitation in Terai have already set some conditions like resignation of the Home Minister before Helpline column Better insight More social issues and especially a help line column for dialogue. After all, parliamentary system calls for full I would like to congratulate the editorial team. young people who are suffering from various emotional, accountability and the Home Minister has not only to own However, the essence of stories is definitely more worthy psychological problems is what I'd love to see in newsfront. when they provide the readers with better insight and up to the entire responsibility for the failure of law and Regina Shah reaches out to all corners of society. I hope newsfront will order in Terai, but also for insulting their legitimate Supervisor of drug rehab center, Hathigoda be able to scrutinize policy body, advocate for poor and aspiration to be a part of Nepali nationalism by using deprived, energize youths, empower women, promote words such as, "instigated by the palace". Speak out fearlessly social and economic welfare and ensure environmental Be an icon in nonaligned journalism, speak out fearlessly sustainability. and not mince words is what I'd expect from newsfront. Babina Kharel On the other hand, everything that the agitators are Sangeeta Lama Lazimapat doing like raising sectarian slogans in some parts, Journalist attacking private property and government offices is to Expensive be highly condemned. They are clearly acts of crime Space to Nepali Diaspora It was quite nice to see your newspaper in the stand, but the full responsibility of which will be theirs. What the News front is a happy news for the increasing number of could not buy coz I find it quite expensive. Being a student, I Government, especially the prime Minister needs to do English readers. Country is slowly moving towards peace could not afford to spend Rs. 25 per week. Anyway urgently is to call for an all party meeting, evolve and there is an increase in the number of tourists. Media congratulations for the new venture. can encourage both those positive trends. Newsfront should Aditi Tiwari consensual approach on Terai and on similar issues in also give space to the Nepali Diaspora outside. Sanepa, Lalitpur the hills and elsewhere. And he also needs to act with Capt. S. Sarkar the authority of the state and make a choice between Bishalnagar the incompetent home minister and emotional and Skillful teamwork Letters to the Editor should be addressed to: [email protected] political integration of Terai. The Samaya team duly deserves congratulations for the Debating Development 29 Jan.-4 Feb., 2007 5 Exclusion Defying curfew for a cause Exemplified

Inclusive democracy is much more than making the polity reflect the social demography of the country, as seems to be the general understanding äää Deepak Thapa Shyam Sundar Yadav

It perhaps went unnoticed by many, but around a opinion-makers. That it took the recent unrest to in which they have set out to reshape the future everyone else out of the discussions, and which year and a half back when a Madhesi student energise everyone into ‘doing something’ of our country. The flare-up in the Tarai is a they may have to revisit soon, the interim group organised a press conference to protest indicates the reactive nature of our elite (as was symptom of what has gone wrong in the months constitution does not allow political space to many the manhandling of some Madhesis by the army, evident throughout the 10 years of the Maoist since the king bowed to people’s power. Having other groups. Thus, we continue with the not a single reporter showed up. Similarly, a conflict as well). arrogated upon themselves to speak for all of sentiment of the 1990 constitution and retain couple of years ago, there was an academic There is no need to go into the specifics of the Nepal, they have managed to shunt aside many restrictions on partisans of religion, caste, conference on the Tarai in Kathmandu, perhaps disenchantment Madhesis feel vis-à-vis the groups who would contest the parties’ claim to community, etc, as well as those who seek the the one and only of its kind so far. Again, Nepali state. These are manifold and most speak for all Nepalis. ‘fragmentation’ of the country. What is wrong with although there was much appreciation from Nepalis are aware of it. And the salve is not for There seems more than an element of truth in opening up the political marketplace to all ideas, Madhesi leaders,-- social and political--for the people like Girija Prasad Koirala to claim that he the claim that ‘regressive forces’ are instigating howsoever abhorrent or alarming these may attempt to raise the problems of the Tarai (and/or understands the cause as he himself is a much of the violence happening now. But, then, seem? Madhesh) and bring it into mainstream discourse, Madhesi since he hails from a town in the that should only have been anticipated. It is a Let’s take the question of secession itself, the there was a total blackout in the press about what Madhesh. That is pure hogwash. The grouse of worldwide phenomenon that when elites become most taboo of all political subjects. It is surely happened at the meeting. the Madhesis has nothing to do with one’s threatened by political change they resort to all more civil to allow a group to argue its case for An issue that any objective individual should residence in that strip of land known as the Tarai; sort of tactics to destabilise the new regime and opting out of a state in a parliamentary forum, as have recognised long ago as something much it has to do with their identity and what it portends that often includes rallying ethnic sentiments and the Parti Québécois has been doing for decades more serious than the Maoist movement could in the larger Nepali sphere. promoting ethnic violence. And, with a population in Canada, than to silence it. For, regardless of ever be was completely ignored by Now, finally, there is talk of talks to as disenchanted with the Nepali state as the the merit of its case, any party that feels ignored our media and, by extension, the address the ‘Madhesi issue’. Better Madhesis, no one would have had to try that has ways to make itself heard (whether those late than never, since that hard to stoke their anger. All of this might have methods succeed or not is a different matter). perhaps will rouse the 7+1 been averted if the ‘new Nepal-in-the-making’ Ultimately, everyone has to submit to the test of party alliance into had been able to accommodate or even the people’s will, and the only civilised method of introspecting the manner sincerely acknowledge the different Nepals that persuasion open to the state is to demonstrate by are having to make themselves heard, oftentimes action that any such group is better off within the through force. national fabric than without. For all the current genuflections to the idea of Inclusive democracy is much more than ‘inclusive democracy’, the political compromise making the polity reflect the social demography of that resulted in the interim constitution seems to be the country, as seems to be the general equally a means for exclusion. Apart from the understanding. That is a start and the Maoists arbitrariness of the eight parties to keep have been rightly commended for having led the way. But there is much more to creating a genuinely inclusive democracy. As Iris Young writes: ‘It is also a means of collective problem-solving which depends for its legitimacy and wisdom on the expression and criticism of the diverse opinions of all the members of the society. Inclusive democratic practice is likely to promote the most just results because people aim to persuade one another of the justice and wisdom of their claims, and are open to having their own opinions and understandings of their interests change in the process.’ Verbal sparring has to be preferable to its alternative—violence. (The author is a free lance journalist)

An artist brings Terai in capital's focus Bhaswor Ojha 6 29 Jan-4 Feb, 2007 Development

A Village A Family

Think of a product or a service that could be consumed in any rural part of the country and it can be readily provided for by the micro-entrepreneurs in Jaljale

äää Sudarshan Shrestha pics by NEFEJ

The residents of a small sleepy village, conscious of her social and political surround- available in Nepal. be allied with rural enterprise development Jaljale that lies close to Udaypur cement ings. She proudly identifies herself as a Musahar Parvati Rai who lives in a ramshackle house to prevent a resurgence of yet another factory in the neighborhood of Ghaighat and says the social fabric that she lives in is the close to Jaljale provides employment to more revolution by the youth for economic town in Udaypur share an unspoken bond result of common shared value guided by than 50 women. She sees to it that there is a independence. of hardship and suffering. economic needs. Dukhanidevi says she has reliable supply chain management system to How best to improve the livelihood is a The village is multi-cultural with an equal political freedom to express but this she says, has ensure bamboo files, coal dust, tree bark matter of debate, but the Jaljale experience proportion of Brahmins, Chettris, and a large less value for her if she does not have economic (Kaulo)), scented herbal oils are in regular could be seen as an indication to show that number of indigenous (Janjati) and ethnic resource to support her family. supply. Parvati sold more than Rs 26,000 worth the micro-enterprise sector could be an groups; and also a considerable number of Think of a product or a service that could be of Dhoop when she made her first trip to alternative way to strengthen rural people from scheduled castes (Dalits) like consumed in any rural part of the country and it Kathmandu in December 2006. She says economies, improve basic social indicators the Musahar. The residents of the village are can be readily provided for by the micro- "Aromatic stick manufacturing is appropriate for and ultimately link rural economies to the migrants from all over the country who came entrepreneurs in Jaljale. People in the village low income people and those seeking off farm national economy. It would also be worth here during the construction of the Udaypur who strive to be self sufficient are entrepreneurs income opportunities because it is a home based assessing how micro-enterprises in the U.S cement factory more than a decade ago. producing ceramic products, bamboo furniture, enterprise and could be an alternative source of accounts for 20% of all jobs in rural counties After the completion of the construction work, leaf plates (Saal ko Tapari). They also produce employment and income for rural people". Not far or how employment generated by micro- the labour force found themselves minus any pickles, soaps, spices and fast food snacks away, a young entrepreneurs Rabita Rai, 17, enterprises represents 17.9% of all private jobs and with saving too little for them to go (Dalmoth – Bhujiya). A micro-service industry makes pickles and markets them in local markets (non-farm) employment in the U.S. ä back homes with. This need to survive exists in the village that includes photo studios, in Ghaighat and along the east west highway. (Shrestha, a former East West Center against all odds served to connect the beauty parlors, electronic service centers, Given the present scenario in the country, the scholar is an independent media and people of Jaljale. numerous tailoring stores and blacksmiths. government and development agencies should communication consultant .) Striking about the micro- pay attention to provide the disfavored rural How best to improve the livelihood enterprise village in Jaljale is population better opportunities to improve their the sense of belonging and livelihood. In the process, the youth force could is a matter of debate, but the support system the entrepre- Jaljale experience could be seen as neurs share. Competition an indication to show that the among the diverse multi- cultural population does not micro-enterprise sector could be a seem to be the overriding way to strengthen rural economies factor to guide their success but working in a spirit of Unlike the configuration of political partnership and assistance is what is helping structures which bring people together enterprises to expand. An example of this is based on ideologies, the Rais, Shresthas, Shobha Danuwar who when she goes to market Danuwars, Karkis, Sadas, Sigdels, Magar, her Dalmoth – Bhujiya takes along her fellow Basnets, Lungeli, Boharas, Thapas, business women to market their individual Chaudharys, Dhimals and Gurungs in the products. village bond together as a community of Aromatic sticks (Dhoop/ Agarbatti) is another families whose priority is to make a decent micro-enterprise that is flourishing in Jaljale. living. Most households in the village have Although a large quantity of these aromatic sticks different political belief systems but the most are imported from India, they are also manufac- pressing concern that transcends their tured in Jaljale with nominal investments using political allegiance is their need for economic local resources and labour. The entrepreneurs freedom and employment opportunities. have successfully decoded the ingredients and Musahar Dukhanidevi Sada, 35, is very confirmed that the raw materials for "Dhoop" is Profile 29 Jan.-4 Feb., 2007 7 Dare to dream Vicky embarked on an impossible dream and now 14 years down the line she transformed it into a wonderful reality

ä ä Sushma Amatya children in small scale income generation activities. This encouraged them to send children to school instead of begging or Victoria Subirana, 47, popularly known as Vicky followed what her working. She concentrated on raising the standards to meet her heart dictated and never regretted it. Having always had an affinity objectives rather than compromise. towards the Tibetan cause, she decided to visit the Tibetan She saw how the poor were suppressed based on caste and a community in Nepal. Just 27, with a masters degree in curriculum host of superstitions. One day a Pariyar girl whose dream was to and teaching from Michigan university, US; she instantly felt she become a doctor came and told her that she was informed that a had found the mission in her life when she saw children begging in Pariyar had no right to become a doctor. "I decided to deal with this the streets and fighting with dogs for food from garbage. "That sight logically and suggested she look up all scriptures, search the transformed my life. I went back home in Spain and told my family I Internet and verify where it says that a Pariyar or anybody else wanted to quit my job as a kindergarten teacher and go to Nepal cannot be a doctor. This seemed to convince her and today she to work for disadvantaged children". and her friends are in university and are preparing for their She then moved to Barcelona to learn Nepali. Vicky recalled career". the adventure, "To save money to come to Nepal, I took up a The phase when she brought in medical volunteers to study job as a servant in the city and became best friends with the parasitical worms in the children and to treat them stands out in her lady of the house who understood me very well. I didn't mind. After the children were given deworming medicines, some feel as a servant at all. You are what you feel, isn't it?" Not began to vomit and long worms had to be pulled out of their surprisingly, she had to face opposition from everybody. mouths. In the process some volunteers fainted and Vicky was at a "Even my mother thought I had gone crazy. She even loss how to handle it all. "We made a good analysis of parasites took me to a psychiatrist who declared me sane after I then!", was her witty remark. talked with him for two hours." To encourage children to be regular at school, she began Vicky then came to Nepal and lived with a Shrestha serving food once a day and for most children, it was and still is the family and learned to adapt to Newari – Nepali culture only meal of the day. Some children leading double lives, mafia comfortably. She got in touch with a Tibetan refugee threats and exploitation had to be worked on harder to keep their school in Boudha where marginalised children from interest in school alive. different ethnic groups, speaking different languages with One day she came back home to find an empty fridge and no no communication with each other were under one roof. money even to feed her child. She was reprimanded severely by Experience with the children added a new dimension to a good friend that served to get back her practical sense. her life. "They were defecating, urinating, sleeping as "Intuitively, my feet led me to Lincoln school and guess what, a they wished and all parents were gathered inside the teacher had just given in her resignation and the job was waiting class. I wanted to run away! The idea I had about for me!" The job provided her with the financial support she was so myself being well qualified was shattered and I direly in need of. After the school hours, she'd rush back to her realised I knew nothing. It was a great lesson on school where she'd end up working till midnight with her son in tow. humility." She cried for many days in a row. "I used to collect all the discarded materials from Lincoln school Gradually amidst the chaos, Vicky developed and garbage and use them to make flash cards, number cards at my

The methodology Vicky has created believes a brain of a child needs incentive to grow. Maturity of mind figures strongly in her curriculum that integrates formal education with problem solving, creative and inter personal skills.

applied another set of knowledge, a set of school.” methodology suited to the new scenario Slowly and steadily, the project VEDFON (Vicki Educational and and saw positive results in six months. Development Foundation Nepal) established in 1993, expanded Trouble arose when her visa expired from her first school, Daleki in Samakhushi to another extension, and she received notice to leave in a Catalunya school in Balaju. Both schools house a total of 530 month—something she wasn't willing to students from pre-primary to class ten. leave just when things were settling The methodology Vicky has created believes a brain of a child down. The Tibetan community wanted needs incentive to grow. Maturity of mind figures strongly in her her to stay and proposed she get married curriculum that integrates formal education with problem solving, to a Nepali citizen so she could remain in creative and inter personal skills. “A child brings with him/her the the country. The idea though completely whole world that the child is exposed to. The children I work with alien to her background appeared as a come from highly complicated backgrounds and healing emotional better alternative to a regular cycle of bribing the authorities. A list of problems figure strongly in our schools”. Her credo is to encourage candidates were arranged for her to review and finally she chose every child to dream and become architects of their lives. her now ex-husband with whom she lived for nine years. Those The indomitable lady published a book in Spanish, Vicky Sherpa - were difficult years for her to say the least as there were hardly any A teacher in Kathmandu, in Spain in 2001. With two children that she similarities between her and the man she married. dotes on and treats as her friends, she wishes she had more time for Vicky said with a laugh, "Marrying appeared to give me a sense creative pursuits, “It’s very tough raising funds. You can’t be creative of acceptance here and also in Spain where my arranged when you’re always publicizing and advertising for funds. Now, I’d marriage served as an initial selling point to raise funds for my like to focus more on implementing my methodology and sell it to project to start my own school! If not for this novelty, nobody knew other schools. I’ve received a proposal to start a similar project for and cared about the children in Nepal. I raised funds, came back war torn children in Sierra Leone, Africa and see myself traveling a and opened a school with 19 children, mostly who were branded lot in future.” But Nepal’s poorest children to whom she strived to as untouchables." She trained teachers and helped families of the give the best education remain dear to her. ä pics by Bhaswor Ojha 8 29 Jan-4 Feb, 2007 From the Region Nuclear waste It is therefore necessary to start a dialogue or debate in this critical area

ä Saionton Basu a reasonable assurance that the public and the nuclear fuel and planning to control any generators and owners of such waste and environment will be adequately protected from adverse, safety-related impacts from such site spent fuel, which will ensure that the costs As India moves fast on the superhighway to the hazards posed by high-level radioactive characterisation activities. of carrying out activities relating to the civilian nuclear power plants and with Russia waste and such spent nuclear fuel. The Nuclear The Nuclear Waste Rules do not prescribe disposal of such waste and spent fuel will be agreeing to give this country four more Waste Rules only provides a sketchy Schedule, any guidelines for site characterisation and borne by the persons responsible for reactors, little thought has been given to the containing conditions and procedures for merely provide that no person shall dispose of generating such waste and spent fuel. A regulatory framework for safe and environ- disposal of radioactive wastes by institutions radioactive waste in a location other than that provision of this nature would indeed be a mentally acceptable methods of disposal of handling small quantities of radioisotopes. It is which is prescribed in the authorisation granted legislative crystallisation of the ‘polluter pays’ radioactive wastes that would be generated. therefore necessary to start a dialogue or under Rule 3. Thus it is not clear on whom the principle enunciated by the Supreme Court Given the emphasis that is being placed on debate in this critical area. responsibility rests for site selection for disposal of India in the case of Vellore Citizens’ nuclear power plants, it would not be First and foremost, along the lines of the of radioactive waste. Ideally, the government Welfare Forum versus Union of India, AIR premature at this early stage to chalk out a Nuclear Waste Policy Act, 1982, of the United should conduct site characterisation surveys and 1996 SC 2715. detailed regulatory regime governing States of America, site characterisation activities decide upon the most appropriate location for Thirdly, we come to the vexed question of disposal of (a) spent nuclear fuel from need to be carried out by the competent disposal of radioactive waste. State and public the extent of private sector participation nuclear reactors; and (b) radioactive waste authority, which in the case of India would be the participation in the planning and development of which ought to be permitted in the area of from the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. Such site repositories is essential in order to promote disposal of radioactive wastes. The analogy The Atomic Energy (Safe Disposal of characterisation would include studying the public confidence in the safety of disposal of of privatisation of handling and disposal of Radioactive Wastes) Rules, 1987 (“Nuclear extent of planned excavations, planning for any such waste and spent fuel. municipal wastes, which is under way in Waste Rules”) is the only definitive law on onsite testing with radioactive or non-radioactive Secondly, on the lines of the Investor several municipalities in India, though an the above point that we have, and I would material, planning for investigation activities that Education and Protection Fund envisaged under useful starting point, runs into troubled beg to submit that it does not even begin to may affect the capability of such candidate site the Companies Act, 1956, a nuclear waste fund waters, given the extent of sensitivity of the cover the bases, which would be thrown to isolate high-level radioactive waste and spent needs to be carved out in the Nuclear Waste waste in question. open by the installation of nuclear power Rules, composed of payments made by the (expressindia online) plants. A law of this nature ought to provide The writer is advocate, Supreme Court of India

Inside Afghanistan The battle for Kajaki

The war in the open spaces of Afghanistan most dangerous, with daily fighting between is very different from the one being waged Royal Marines and insurgents. Just before our by the Americans in the streets of helicopter landed from Camp Bastion, the main Baghdad. But for British Royal Marines British base in southern Afghanistan's troubled The state of schools: 80% of Afghanistan’s schools have engaged in daily firefights with the Taliban, Helmand province, the Taliban had begun been damaged by war it is no less dangerous shooting at the British position, starting a firefight Royal Marine Andy Mason, on Sparrow that went on into the night. Hawk ridge, sighted his heat-seeking While violence has ebbed away at other In one week, starting on New Year's Day, From three vantage points - Sparrow Javelin anti-tank missile and squeezed the flashpoints in northern Helmand such as Sangin British forces said they had killed more than 120 Hawk, Athens and Normandy - the trigger. Eight seconds later it smashed into and Now Zad, and a truce of sorts holds at Taliban. One Marine and one member of the Marines attempt to control and then the target, a large house from which Musa Qala, it has escalated at Kajaki. Flanked Parachute Regiment have been killed, and expand into the valleys. They live and fight Taliban insurgents were firing at British by mountains and a deep-water lake, the area around half a dozen injured. from old Soviet positions where one still forces. has become a symbolic and logistical prize for "I could see the guys on the balcony in my comes across the debris of a lost war - Half a dozen insurgent fighters jumped both sides. At its heart is the Kajaki dam, the sight when I fired the Javelin", said 27-year-old twisted artillery wreckage, spent shells and off the first-storey balcony just before it biggest United States aid project in Afghanistan, Marine Mason, from Harlow, Essex. "They had also personal items like spectacles and disintegrated. Others in the compound which, when fully operational, will supply power received fire from us and would have known books, abandoned when Soviet forces left were trying to flee when air strikes were to the provinces of Helmand and Kandahar. what to expect. All they would have seen was a in a hurry. Down below, groups of men, called in. A Tornado GR7 dropped a The US construction company Lewis Berger flash. They jumped off the balcony and the suspected insurgents, can be seen moving 1,000lb bomb, leaving the building a pile of has refused to begin work until a 6km safety Javelin followed them down. These are along the narrow tracks and a deep wadi rubble and billowing smoke. zone has been established around the dam. awesome weapons, but it's a sobering thought between walled compounds. British This encounter took place on Friday That is what the Marines of 42 Commando are that each time you fire them it is costing convoys leaving Kajaki come under night in Kajaki, one of the most ruggedly creating, in attritional warfare across some of £65,000. We come in constant contact with frequent Taliban fire. beautiful parts of Afghanistan, but also the the country's most inhospitable terrain. them, but we have firepower they can't match." (The Independent) Jajarkot 29 Jan-4 Feb, 2007 9 Healing exercise

Khalanga buried its passed but the future is uncertain

ä Chhatra Karki in Jajarkot It took an hour for us to walk to Khalanga Khalanga in peace is different, and so are people are enthusiastic and optimist”, Dambar from Kale Gaun. The situation has changed the people who are no longer afraid. Bahadur Singh, local CPN-UML leader said. But Bheri’s water has often turned red as she has drastically in this remote mid-western district Clashes between security forces and Maoists it’s only the grass root cadres of the Maoists silently borne witness to the wounded and dead compared to the days of conflict. The place were common, and the security wall around the who are trying to establish their contacts with bodies being dumped in the waters over the smothered by curfew for five years can now District Administration office ( DAO) was getting the people. Their leaders from district level and years of the conflict, leaving no evidence. It may finally light their lamps in the evenings. The higher. The wall is now being brought down. above are still based outside. all be relegated to history what with the relative people can walk around without fear and have “Our perceived proximity with the other side, It’s not only the grass root workers who are peace prevalent now but wounds are still raw in begun to experience what peace used to be like. Maoists or the army used to put us under confused about the nature of politics that those who fought and suffered all those years. A The wish that this peace to be a lasting one is constant risk of attack,” the locals said. Maoists would be pursuing in the future. “The mix of hope, despair and uncertainty flits across on everybody’s minds. Peace that has prevailed has enabled those party should not give up its revolutionary line,” the minds of those who are trying to adjust to life Security personnel were doing their jobs who once were considered the Maoists now to Tek Bahadur Rawal ( Darshan), President of today. minus any fear. They have also started going freely talk about their likes, dislikes and affiliation the now dissolved district Janasarkar said, After crossing Bheri I met two young boys in with the non-Maoist parties, mainly “people will start the war again if Maoist leaders the hills of Kale Gaun . “We never felt tired Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML. forget all about what they fought for.” But local walking even for 10 hours everyday as soldiers “We are going to all villages of Prem Bahadur Shahi, 63, a resident of mood appears hostile towards the Maoists as of the people’s war, but now we find it difficult to the district to draw support Dhime-9, Jajarkot, said the two parties many of them openly talk about the atrocities by walk for an hour”, said the Maoist guerrillas, out are very strong here. He was attacked their cadres and leaders against ordinary of breath. They were on their way back home and the people are enthusiastic by the Maoists five years ago and was villagers in the time of conflict. from a cantonment located in Surkhet, and optimist” given up for dead. Today, he’s quite With the return of Government civil servants Dashrathpur. active in the Nepali Congress party. and the police posts, central level leaders of Their house is about a day’s walk from The local Maoist leaders and cadres different parties mainly the congress, congress Khalanga, the district headquarter of Jajarkot. home on leave, something they couldn’t do walk around with no fear of reprisal. (D) and CPN-UML have frequented these The duo identified themselves as comrades during the conflict. En route, I met an army An election to the local body two years after areas many times to re-establish their holds. Sandesh and Prajwal . They supported the soldier hurrying back to his barracks in Surkhet. the conflict saw CPN-UML sweep 30 village Khalanga, despite it’s political awareness, party line on the contemporary peace process “My other colleague can go on leave once I development councils, the Nepali congress lacks connection with the outside world to but were clearly worried about their own future. report on time”, he said, expressing his getting the second place. But, when Maoist took overcome which a ten kilometer link road with One of them said, “We gave up our studies happiness at being able to see his family after to guns, all the elected leaders either moved to Chhinchu (Surkhet) is being built. when we were in class nine. I hope the conflict three long years. Kathmandu or to the district headquarters in will be resolved but what will be our role in Jajarkot, which made the two major parties coming days?” The effect of dreams sold to almost invisible. them appear to be wearing thin. What worries Peace restored, they are now back to build them now is how they will adjust to the new their base. With their conviction and experience, reality and the future society. the non-Maoist parties seem more effective in exercising open politics. “We are going to all villages of the district to draw support and the 10 29 Jan.-4 Feb., 2007 Comment Bhaswor Ojha The politics of Civil Society

äää C. D. Bhatta believe in no way can deliver public goods and East Asian countries – once known as ‘Asian like inclusion and exclusion are influenced by meet civic duties in a true sense. Tigers’ for their economic success even with these indices. Donors and donor supported NGOs Civil society debate has reached There are many but contrasting school of minimal political and civil rights. What mattered in have never genuinely attempted to bridge this gap a new height in recent years. If, thoughts whether the NGO led Western these cases is the sense of national belonging without glorifying or pitting one against another, as Amartya Sen has claimed, the Governmental Organisations (WGOs) approach and loyalty among citizenry towards state. although it clearly deconstructs societal base and pre-eminent development of the 20th century was really paves the way towards democratisation Civil society can promote democracy definitely, divides society on vertical lines. It is the rise of democracy then it is widely believed process, civil society development and economic provided its constituents rise above vested understandable that every society needs to be that civil society has re-emerged in the new development. What is true, however, is that donor interests. What can we expect from civil society in civilized but they should not be encouraged to act millennium as a global force essential to ensuring support to the local NGO executives has given Nepal ? It is divided on different ‘columns’ based as catalyst agent of conflict in a given society. just and equitable society. birth to the middle class elites in the third world. on their partisan association. The ‘worldwide rise’ Who constitutes the civil society in Nepal ? – Likewise, in recent year's donors and donor The bottom line here is can NGOs with no in the phenomenon or growth of ‘civil society’ is They are no doubts known names drawn from supported NGOs have given renewed emphasis known source of funding really be the part of civil not without its impact on Nepal. The respectability various walks of the society, but they are the to strengthen local civil society organizations in ones trusted and promoted by donors at one or third world countries including Nepal. There are the other point of time. And the visible face of the three main reasons behind this approach - first to Civil society can promote democracy definitely, present Kathmandu based civil society virtually accelerate democratisation process, second to controls Nepali civic sphere and NGO business. uplift economic conditions of the people and third provided its constituents rise above vested Nepali civil society has contributed heavily in to engage civil society organizations in conflict interests. What can we expect from civil society waging ‘movements’ per se but failed to advocate resolution process. No doubt, this is a complete most important issues like representing package for the advancement of any society/ in Nepal ? It is divided on different ‘columns’ marginalized groups and forming peace country if implemented with full faith. based on their partisan association. constituencies in order to institutionalise The practice of engaging civil society per se democracy in the country. in political process is neither new nor an old Finally, the challenges for Nepali civil society phenomenon. It has, nevertheless, taken a fresh society? There is no straight forward answer to that civil society elsewhere commands is not bereft and others who are engaged in civil society momentum after the end of the Cold War following this. Yes, they can be part of the civil society if they of its ‘purifying power’ in Nepal. This could strengthening project is to democratize society the triumph of liberal democracy and capitalist work in line with civic values. But they certainly perchance be the reason, among others, why horizontally and not divide society vertically. What routes to development. Interestingly, the civil cannot be, if they are just spending their donors many Nepali former bureaucrats, judges, police is needed for its significant prevalence is to society project itself has been developed by the money on the imported agenda. To our dismay, and army officials and armchair political pundits ensure more inclusive culture to build networks Western developed countries and enforced upon the latter part is true in most cases here. have joined in this bandwagon. and coalitions among poor groups to strengthen developing countries, some even say to further Different countries have different views The civil society business has caught the voices of unrepresented mass. That will surely their own interest(s). towards the civil society and the role it has attention of donors’ limelight . And with notable help in changing people’s perception about civil Besides this, the western countries saw non- played. In case of Japan the civil society is not so exceptions, they're mostly found to have been society and mobilize it for a greater cause— western civil society - a traditionalistic, ritualistic strong but the country is economically unbeatable engaged in glorifying local societal issues (such as Nepal’s transformation into an inclusive society. built on familial and kinship values, which they and politically stable. Same goes for the South religion, caste, creed and alike). Serious issues (Bhatta is a Phd scholar in London School of Economics) Art & Society 29 Jan-4 Feb, 2007 11 Pyre-side reflections

ä Sushma Amatya

The thought, 'this too shall pass' has helped medical attention, all the Poojas performed, me through thick and thin. Every phase in death soon loomed large and then, I life, every situation including shifts in one's changed my prayers that used to be focused moods flows past. The river of life doesn't on his recovery and extention of life to stop though at times it may appear the flow another one - that his soul gets prepared for has solidified. the journey ahead and prayed he be blessed People, events and things connected with with strength to bear his suffering that we their lives are in a constant state of flux. were unable to alleviate. Everything is changing every nano-second. We watched cancer devour all the life This is a proven fact but our minds are so force manifesting in extreme weakness and deeply conditioned to concepts of what helplessness as it reduced him to skin and reality should be that we don't find it easy to bones. Gradually there were signs of life accept changes, especially those that are force receding that put the him at the mercy not to our liking. Changes in life like of tubes for all his bodily functions. Finally, illnesses, adverse life situations, growing there was only breathing left as a sign of life. older and eventually, dying and death. Soon, it too stopped, he was declared dead Pop diva,diva,Pop Death is something we barely talk about. and the body taken for cremation. We have trained ourselves, if not to deny the Once the pyre was lit, despite the urging of eternal fact, to postpone even to think about other relatives to leave the Ghats along with it. We treat it as something we eventually will other women, I stood adamant and watched have to face but till that time comes, we are the body burn – something I had never done just not ready. We are too busy living right before. It was a cathartic process of a kind. now. And most of the time, we treat it as As each log was added and every body part soul sister something that happens to somebody else, consumed by flames, I visualised my own not to ourselves or those around us. end too, and empathised for the soul that no But when it does, it strikes us like a bolt of longer had a body and faced an unknown lightening and catches us unawares. We crossing ahead minus a name, form, Jennifer Hudson, Golden Globe winner, Oscar the 1960s to obscure Delta itinerants instead of devise ways to cope with it, create layers of possessions, status, fame and what have nominee and wailing embodiment of the the sequin-gowned, smart-talking women self protection to hide under and rarely do we you while you were living. American dream, is today's hottest new star. singers who really popularized the blues and, learn to accept the fact that we indeed are I reflected on the kind of life that just ended. Arguing against that is like arguing against the before that, forced geniuses such as Louis impermanent like those who passed away How much energy, effort and resources the weather — literally. Armstrong and Mahalia Jackson to sometimes and death could strike us at any moment. deceased spent in trying to please and be Various writers have described Ms. Hudson's pose as corn-shucking country folk. It's one Personally, I was very afraid of death, pleased, to fit in the often outdated, unreason- turn as Effie in the film version of "Dreamgirls" reason why black artists who don't fit the mold especially of those close to me. Instinctively, able expectations of the society and as a as more than a mere performance: It's an act of — from Paul Robeson to Charles Mingus to, whenever I could feel the shadow of death result how elusive happiness turned out to be God. To quote from recent reviews, Hudson yes, Diana Ross — have been cast as trouble- approaching, I managed to distance myself for him. It taught me a huge lesson in getting "blows away" the bigger stars in the cast, "tears makers. from the event. A phone call of someone my priorities right in all spheres of my life. Aren't we past these stereotypes passing away or even a visit to the Ghats, I Standing alone in silence, I focused on the Various writers have described now, even if we weren't when thought was better than to watch somebody fire that devoured all traces of the tragic "Dreamgirls" first appeared on close to you die. I knew I was a coward in struggle of the deceased. It was painful but Ms. Hudson's turn as Effie in the Broadway in 1981? In the year of this aspect and I was willing to accept my through the pain, I found myself growing film version of "Dreamgirls" as Barack Obama's likely presidential cowardice rather than to face the reality of stronger. I realised I was free of one more candidacy, shouldn't a pop-culture dying and death. But deep down inside the bondage of fear when I went back home and more than a mere performance: "triumph" like this film offer a more fact that that I was avoiding a crucial part of no longer bothered about quizzical looks and It's an act of God complex view of black culture? growing up emotionally and mentally by sarcastic comments of well meaning IN "Dreamgirls," the divide indulging in this denial would nag me often. relatives. Their criticism failed to affect me the screen apart" and "takes you sky high"; she between Effie and Deena represents not just a Recently, when I had to deal with this time. And their flattery too. is "grandly shattering," "explosive" and "pyro- vocal approach but a way of being. Effie is no- suffering of a family member who was Death now for me is no longer something technic." Hurricane Effie's eye wall, the pop aria nonsense and psychically free. Her body gives her fighing a losing battle with last stages of to be afraid of but just another transition "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," is problems (like Oprah, she fights the fat) but makes cancer, I decided not to run away; no matter point that I think we all need to prepare for. propelling audiences to their feet nationwide. her trustworthy; her Svengali, played by Jamie how bad it turned out and how long it took. I The awareness of my mortality makes me Contrast this with the tepid reception for Foxx, is drawn to her because she reminds him of got involved as one of the caretakers of the appreciate life all the more. It has brought Beyoncé Knowles — the most powerful young the sisters who raised him. She is grits and ailing, did my share and prayed the best I home the importance of living every second woman in popular music today — as the blasé cornbread, a living home truth. And she sings knew during the ordeal. Despite the best with full alertness, humility and gratitude. ä alpha Dreamgirl, Deena. This top-billed role has straight from the gut. ä (LA Times) earned Knowles barely any public notice; even a trumped-up feud between the superstar and Hudson quickly fizzled, drenched by the rapturous Hudson hype. But there's more to the battle between Effie and Deena than the victory of an underdog. Beneath this feel-good story lurks a century's worth of assumptions about self-expression, femininity and race. Effie versus Deena, translated into top-of-the- lungs gospel soul versus meek commercial pop, narrows the range of black female expression to a pair of clichés. Hudson makes Effie human, projecting sassiness, rage, pride and desolation. But Effie is also a stereotype — the authentic black "sister," built from working-class values, earthy humor and the raw artistry of blues and gospel. Deena is even more flat, the race- negating black princess sneakily beating out the supermama. This split reinforces the worst habits of thinking about "real" black artists as rough-hewn, over-emoting and probably destined for tragedy. Such misperceptions have deep roots — it's what drew white blues fans in 12 29 Jan-4 Feb, 2007 Makers

Williams, who will be No. 14 in today's new rank- ing list, was simi- larly forthright about her tennis future after her 2005 against-the- odds Australian Open win. "I can definitely see how some people might have said, 'What happened to Serena Williams?' I'm back for good A LOST weekend in Hobart wrestling with reminded her of the training scenes of movie some of it was that I was dealing with a lot of Price at the presentation for "yelling" at her the fear she might have won her last character Rocky Balboa around Philadelphia stuff and trying to figure out what I wanted to during private workouts. tournament spurred Serena Williams on to streets. do," Williams said. "I'm a tennis player. That "There might have been a little racquet her magnificent Open final win. "I was so upset, I was crying and mad. I didn't makes me happiest. I know that now. throwing and the odd hissy fit, but what we kept Williams's mother and coach Oracene want to lose," said Williams, who enjoyed a "I'm criticised for my weight, but I'm the same working on most was her movement," said Mark Price said she could not locate her daughter champagne dinner with her entourage on size and the same weight I was five years ago. I Hlawaty, Williams's Melbourne hitting partner. for two days after a deflating quarter-final Saturday night. don't have a flat chest and I don't have a flat "She made a few mistakes and what she loss to Austrian Sybille Baumer in Hobart on "I felt like I was never going to win another ass, but I'm looking in the mirror today and wants is a flawless performance. She almost got January 11, which left her anchored at No. tournament. I couldn't even win a tier-four asking my agent, 'Am I not fit?'. I went three sets it. She might not have been in the same shape 81 in the world rankings. event. My mother sent me like 10 emails, said twice and won when my opponent served for as she was in 2005, but her warm-up for the Williams, who ended a two-year title she wanted to talk to me and wrote me that I the match." final was fantastic. "You knew something was drought by stunning top seed Maria should not be too upset. Williams's confidence, at such a low ebb in burning inside. In the first couple of points, you Sharapova 6-1 6-2 in Saturday's final, said "Eventually I ran to this local park, just to keep Hobart, restored itself quickly as her practice could see it was war." she had locked herself in her hotel room in fit. I ran 5km and I hate running. It was like the form improved, but she apologised publicly to (The Herald Sun) tears after the loss and had not taken any highlight of my life. I ran up some stairs and did calls. some exercises. I was literally like Rocky. I was She emerged the next day to run by sweating and so mad. But it was for the best. herself and exercise at a city park, which I'm back and this time I'm here to stay. "I've been at the bottom of the barrel. That's what makes this awesome: that you can lose faith and hope and lose everything and come back like this. I've answered every critic and I plan to keep answering them." Price sobbed with pride on Saturday afternoon when Williams dedicated her third Australian Open title to her late half sister Yetunde Price. "Serena was really crushed after Hobart. I didn't see her for two days and eventually I just let her be," Price said. "It's what she needed to play there after a (four-month tourna- ment) break. She had really good matches there. "She'd been just lazy (during 2006) and having fun in Los Angeles and doing the Hollywood thing. Maybe she might have tended to be more dedicated, but she needed to think about what she wanted." Williams, who will be No. 14 in today's new ranking list, was similarly forthright about her tennis future after her 2005 against- the-odds Australian Open win. "I can definitely see how some people might have said, 'What happened to Serena Williams?' But I think