#668 9 - 15 August 2013 20 pages Rs 50
DEVAKI BISTA GETTING COLD FEET Parties are nervous about falling popularity and want to delay polls EDITORIAL PAGE 2 A SPOT OF BOTHER A state of statelessness in the plains is helping extremists BY THE WAY by ANURAG ACHARYA PAGE 3 INSECURE ELECTIONS If we must have elections in November, they better be proper elections GUEST COLUMN by BIHARI KRISHNA SHRESTHA PAGE 19
WIRED Nepal’s old media must adapt to a more online readership or wither away by BHRIKUTI RAI PAGE 16-17
NATTU
THE ONLINE SINGING SENSATION PAGE 8-9 2 EDITORIAL 9 - 15 AUGUST 2013 #668 GETTING COLD FEET here are only so many ways you can keep their own credibility saying the same thing every week. But it Even non-Maoists voted for the Maoists in 2008, Thas to be said again that although all the either out of fear or because they thought giving blame seems to be heaped on the Baidya Maoist- former rebels the ballot would encourage them to led group of 33 smaller parties for obstructing the give up the bullet. But having squandered their November elections, it is actually the UCPN (M) and mandate during successive tenures in government, the establishment Madhesi parties who are slyly both the Maoists and Madhesis know that it is working towards the same end. not going to be a cake walk this time. Besides, The M&M are going back on the very agreements the Maoists have split, eroding their rural vote they were signatories to in the presidential banks. Some of the discredited leaders within the ordinance that made way for the interim electoral NC and UML are equally nervous about facing administration. That agreement stipulated the voters, but they are secretly happy to let the number of seats and constituencies in the next CA dissident parties and the Maoist-Madhesi elections, but the UCPN (M) and Madhesi parties combine take the blame for being spoilers. are now having second thoughts. They are shifting Which is why the Maoists and Madhesi the goalposts again on electoral constituencies and parties are blowing hot and blowing cold, being going back to a 601 seat CA and old proportional wildly optimistic one day and wildly pessimistic representation provisions. the next, and giving contradictory statements Whatever spin the protagonists put to it, the to the media. Some have started saying “Let’s ongoing talks between the four-party mechanism postpone elections till April.” Indeed, if some and the littler dissident parties look like a futile of the demands of the 33 and the Maoist- exercise because of the mutually exclusive list of SUBHAS RAI Madhesi alliance is to be accommodated, there demands from the 33. Some want the Khil Raj Regmi is no way the Election Commission can conclude government to resign, some want just the High-Level For a party to refuse to go to preparations in time. But there are dangers if Political Committee to be dissolved, others just want polls are postponed till May 2014. Regmi to abandon his Chief Justiceship, some want the the polls because it may not fare Firstly, there is the political minefield over who entire four-party, 11-point agreement and the 25-point well, undermines democracy and should succeed the Regmi government or whether it ordinance to be scrapped and be replaced by an all-party its own credibility should continue. The UCPN (M) and especially Pushpa roundtable. Still others want the electoral constituencies Kamal Dahal, will be blamed because he was the chief to be rearranged to reflect the results of the 2011 census, architect of making Regmi head an interim government to while some want the proportion of candidates nominated the delaying tactics. The reason is that both have read the conduct polls. The four political parties and their leaders under proportional representation increased, or the writing on the wall, seen the public opinion surveys, and will suffer further damage to their credibility. deadline for voter registration extended. Everyone wants are running scared that they will be trounced at the ballot If the public’s apathy and lack of confidence in the rules that will give them a numerical advantage in polls. box. It is natural for political parties at election time to parties and the electoral process decline even further, Even if the UCPN (M) and Madhesi parties are not be curious about whether conditions are favourable for it could irreversibly undermine democracy, benefit the actively colluding with the dissidents and egging them on them, but to refuse to go to the polls because they may extremists of the left and right, and make a future election to put up these pre-conditions, it is clear they benefit from not do well at the ballot box undermines democracy and whenever it is held, meaningless.
ON THE WEB www.nepalitimes.com
HUMLA’S GREEN HOUSE EFFECT country dirt poor. I’ll take a corrupt, but so full of cynicism. I used to love your ECONOMY FIRST SINGING NUN So delighted to read good news elected leader anytime over a corrupted articles but not after this ‘one sided, The author makes some excellent Watching Ani Choying Drolma about Humla Development Initiative unelected one. hatred, self-labeled opinion’. Like me, points about how to improve Nepal’s perform alongside AR Rahman was (HDI) and how far it has progressed SK millions of Nepalis are having a change economy by boosting investments and like seeing contemporary art and and the positive impacts it has had Gyanendra could possibly play a of heart, we shall talk after elections demands (‘Believing in Nepal’, Srisanth traditional Tibetan art come to life on the people of Humla (‘Humla’s much needed role in our democracy. He take place, if they do. Srinivasamadhavan, #667). However, I (‘Ani meets AR’, Sahina Shrestha, green house effect’, Sunir Pandey, is there, but beating the wrong drum. BG feel that most of the recommendations #667). Ani truly has a melodious #667). May their livelihoods become He may be smart, but lacks the heart to I smell a rat here. Pranav, can you are closely linked: without improving tax voice which is enhanced by the easier and sustainable. Keep up the really reach out to Nepalis. The former name a person whom you as a Nepali collection (and proper tax utilisation), words of the powerful mantras she spirit. king would do well to surround himself trust at the moment? If I am not wrong, I don’t see many of the other things sings. I wish her all the success for Rabindra Roy with better advisors. you are also thinking of Gyanendra as falling in place. future performances. Amal Gurung an answer. Morten Rolsted Tashi Lama Well done Yogi ji and HDI team. Gorkha Nepali Life in Humla must be very harsh, A Nepali tries to help fl ood victims in Great points Mr I don’t want to sound like a but this is a testament to how even the far-west and suddenly there is such ECONOMY, STUPID Srinivasamadhavan. Although your spoilt sport, but I didn’t fi nd the song small-scale initiatives can lead to a hue and cry right from the election Punish the guilty responsible for article was written keeping the economy as exceptional as it was hyped up to major changes in people’s lives. I commissioner to Maoist leaders. Some this horrible decline of the economy in mind, I think it would have made be. Ani Choying’s part in particular look forward to visiting you someday want to jail him, some want to exile (‘Economy,stupid,’ Editorial, #667). more sense if you had also touched was rather disappointing. Perhaps soon and witnessing this change him, and some just can’t stand the We all know who the big players are upon the political instability that has she will make a greater impact and fi rsthand. possible popularity this might bring in this game. If Nepali people could hijacked Nepal’s prosperity for years. impression when the full version is Nirmal Rijal him. As an ordinary Nepali, what am I get rid of 20 men from the highest Luv Nepal released later this month. to understand from this incident? I now corridors of power today, we could get Shaili Enjoyed reading this piece. understand that this man is important, back on track. Every Nepali deserves Why don’t our politicians and Great work Sunir Pandey. that he can make a difference, and is the opportunity to live in peace and bureaucrats have the common sense Rajan Kathet giving sleepless nights to our so called prosperity and if we know what the that Mr Srinivasamadhavan has? leaders. Politicians need to be scared. problem is, then we must fi nd a Sometimes it looks like foreigners care LOST CROWN AND COUNTRY Anonymous solution. Unfortunately, we don’t have more about Nepal than we do. Excellent article by Pranav the backbone or pride to take a stance. Jaya N Weekly Internet Poll #668 Budhathoki (‘Lost crown and Old Nepali habits don't die easily, do Nirmal Kafl e country’, #667). Gyanendra Shah they? Someone lends a hand to fl ood FULL CIRCLE Q. Do you think elections will happen on 19 November? is not what this country needs, far victims (regardless of his motives) and Finally, an article that calls a I agree with Muma Ram Khanal’s from it. He gets big crowds because we are all up in arms whining about spade a spade and highlights what is analysis of the Maoist party (‘Revolution Total votes: 1,354 Nepalis love spectacles, they will it. I would like to know what these important: the economy. comes full circle’, #667). At this point, stand around and watch just about naysaying armchair analysts have done Indra G the NC, UML, and Madhes-based anything. And what better spectacle to help the disadvantaged people of this parties are also against polls because than a former king, who thought of country? Something is far better than Does anyone remember how they know people are frustrated with himself as an incarnation of lord nothing. Pushpa Kamal Dahal once promised to them and won’t vote in their favour. Bishnu, distributing fl ood relief to PRai turn Nepal into Switzerland? Well the Kamal Thapa’s RPP is the only one people in need? In any case, his lot only thing he has ended up achieving who will benefi t if elections take place in ruled over Nepal for a long time and Pranav, I understand you have the is to fi ll his Swiss account. November. lived princely lives while keeping the freedom of speech, but your writing is Parbati Pokharel Kalyan Bhattarai Weekly Internet Poll # 669. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Q. What do you make of the CPN-M’s 18-point demand?
Publisher and Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit Editor: Trishna Rana | Associate Editor: Tsering Dolker Gurung | Online Editor: Bhrikuti Rai | Design: Kiran Maharjan Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5005601-08 Fax: +977-1-5005518 Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorials: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscriptions: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Nepali Times on Facebook Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com 9 - 15 AUGUST 2013 #668 OPINION 3
Khum Bahadur Khadka of the NC, who served time with Gupta and will be released next month after serving his sentence for corruption, has already pledged his support for Gupta. Gupta will not be allowed to contest elections even if he wanted to, so he has taken the self-righteous position of not hankering for power. His Tarai Madhes Campaign is supposed to be for the ‘sensitisation’ of Madhesi youth, but appears to be a disguised political mobilisation. His meeting with Jay Krishna Goit in India was also suspicious. Various political parties have been similarly using the excuse of bringing armed groups into their fold to set up vanguard forces for elections. The quickest way to defuse this situation is to hold elections and pave the way for restructuring of the state and ensuring Madhesi autonomy over its destiny. But the political landscape is so fluid that November elections are once more uncertain and even if they happen, it is doubtful Fluid political landscape they will be truly free, fair, and peaceful. Extremists and political actors in the plains have found a fertile Anurag Acharya is Program Officer at the Centre for breeding ground in the state of statelessness and discontent Investigative Journalism.
Lack of jobs, crumbling to consolidate his position and framed by the state for standing nepalitimes.com infrastructure, and a sense of will join the election process. up for the Madhesis. But he has being let down by their own Two weeks ago, Jaya never bothered to explain the No Madhesi wave, #391 leaders have left the region in a Krishna Goit of the Tarai vast wealth he was accused of Calling all moderates, #366 state of dangerous hopelessness. Liberation Front issued a accumulating in office. Not out of the woods yet, #410 Three years later, #486 The dissolution of the statement attacking the current Another tainted leader, Constituent Assembly last breed of Madhesi leaders for May dashed Madhesi hopes betraying the ‘One Madhes’ for autonomy and self-rule, agenda. But he did not say giving impetus to extreme anything against elections. voices calling for a violent Most armed groups operating BY THE WAY uprising against Kathmandu. on both sides of the border Anurag Acharya Extremists and political actors are not political in nature and who have nothing to lose have chances are that they will found a fertile breeding ground be up for hire as campaign n the good old days, people in this state of statelessness muscle. Last week’s attack on from outside Kathmandu and discontent. However, as MJF-N’s Mahottari leader is a IValley used to refer to the with most cases of political case in point. Some of these capital as Nepal. And over the extremism, it is not about the groups were hounded by the centuries, the high and mighty welfare of the disenfranchised state during the Madhav Nepal in Kathmandu took that literally but exploiting their discontent government and feel betrayed to ignore the rest of the country. to gain power. by top Madhesi leaders who Even after democracy in There are three forces in the they believe failed to protect 1990, the preoccupation of Tarai who are against elections. them at the time. those who clawed their way The MJF-Nepal led by Upendra The third force which to Singha Darbar remained the Yadav says it will take part in has the potential to create same. They pushed the country polls, but has some populist turmoil in the Madhes before into a bloody conflict and six demands to appease the elections is not a group, but years ago let the Madhes burn. plains constituency. Through an individual. After being As the country prepares the ongoing negotiations released from jail in March, the for another election, angst is with the High Level Political corruption-tainted JP Gupta growing again in the plains. Committee, Yadav is just trying has maintained that he was 4 NATION 9 - 15 AUGUST 2013 #668
class, and gender differences are already empowered to participate in their own decision Insecure elections making. As things stand, going by If we must have elections in November, the various poll results, the contest in the upcoming election better ensure they are proper elections is going to be mainly between two positions: one favouring politicians pretend not to see the federalisation of the country writing on the wall. and another against it, the latter GUEST COLUMN The root cause for the self- favouring devolution of authority Bihari K Shrestha centred nature of our politicos to the grassroots for accelerated and their chronic lack of local development. accountability is the fact that Therefore, in order to enable they come from the ranks of the people to cast their ballot ow that the Baidya feudal elite in our traditionally freely, security arrangements Maoists appear to be agrarian rural communities who for November must be of the Nshowing slightly more have always imposed their own top order. But the police, flexibility, the election for verdict on their underprivileged Armed Police, and Nepal Army another Constituent Assembly and disadvantaged constituents. may not be up to the task. At is beginning to look more likely. Their game plan for elections, as present, security personnel are Various public opinion surveys in the past, will consist of vote- so demoralised that they are have shown over the past six buying, intimidating, cheating, bystanders when political goons months that the people want and ballot stuffing. And for good hold entire districts hostage. elections in the fervent hope measure, they try to stoke ethnic On the geopolitical front, that it might finally somehow and geographic loyalties for vote neighbours India and China help bring closure to this messy Which is why a fool-proof 601 members so that everyone banks. The YCL’s violence and which purportedly want to see political transition. and effective security in the gets a piece of the cake. vandalism in Chitwan this week a politically stable Nepal, must This support for election, campaign period and during Some parties demand were reminiscent of the Maoist coordinate the leverage with however, exists even though the voting is of utmost importance ethnicity-based federalism. use of muscle in 2008 and could the parties so that they behave people know fully well that the if the election is to have any Although because donor presage what will happen in themselves. The aim should be CA-2 will be composed mostly meaning. Our goal should not funding has dried up for this November. to try to have a deal on the main of the very same politicians who be elections just for the sake of agenda, erstwhile top guns seem Despite vestigial feudalism, facets of the constitution even couldn’t get the earlier assembly elections. to be deserting that particular however, Nepalis vote before elections so it won’t really to write a new constitution and However, Nepali politicians bandwagon. One survey intelligently when elections are matter who wins. That is the used it shamelessly to line their seem too busy with politics- after another has shown that free and fair, as we saw in 1991 only way to avert another stalled own pockets and fill up party as-usual to notice just how most people do not want the and local elections thereafter. CA. coffers. Despite being badly disenchanted the populace is. division of this densely multi- Two Nepali innovations, forest Independent election cheated, voters this time would When cheating and intimidation ethnic country into arbitrarily user groups and mothers’ observers too must do their like to use their franchise to get votes, the least of their carved autonomous enclaves groups, also show that grassroots homework early and not behave register their disillusionment worries is public opinion. The in the name of federalising democracy is alive and like the parachutists of 2008 who with politics-as-usual. Provided, parties now number more than the country. But since public kicking in this country. Direct were so eager to see free and of course, they are not terrorised 120 and they are talking once opinion doesn’t matter for stakeholders in the communities fair elections that they ignored by party cadre. more about a jumbo assembly of populist rabble rousers, irrespective of their caste, evidence to the contrary. 9 - 15 AUGUST 2013 #668 BUSINESS 5 BIZ BRIEFS
have launched Himalayan Bank American Express Gold Discounted rates Credit Card in Nepal. The card is available in two variants Etihad Airways is offering exclusive – domestic (India and Nepal) and international. According to discounts on Pearl Business and the press release the domestic card also offers discount on Coral Economy Class flights to New hotels and spas. York, Chicago, and Washington DC.
The offer is valid until 15 August and tickets purchased can be used to travel from September to October. Ramadan Karim Qatar Airways celebrated Ramadan by hosting an Smart paint Iftar dinner in Kathmandu Pashupati Paints recently last week. The dinner launched a smartphone app saw distinguished guests that will enable customers from Qatar Embassy, to select the colour of their SIAN CHOO TONG Malaysian Embassy, choice within the comfort of their homes. The app also Saudi Arabian Embassy, Egyptian Embassy, and many carries detailed information about the company’s dealers officials from the Haj Committee. all over Nepal and is supported by both iOS and Android devices. Taking off Hold my hand Canada Nepal Development Winning numbers Foundation’s President The winners of Rs 100,000 for the final week and the Dundi Raj Khanal donated bumper prize winner of Pepsi 20-20 campaign have been with China Rs 42,000 to Pavitra Samaj Sewa Nepal. CNDF supports the education and health of hina’s Exim Bank is going ahead with a Rs 15.5 billion loan 25 orphan children in Kathmandu. for the much-delayed new airport in Pokhara and extending another loan for the purchase of Chinese-made turboprop aircraftC for Nepal Airlines’ domestic operations. New beginning Officials from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Aviation, Bihani social venture will begin services from 16 August. announced. The weekly winners are 497542X, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), and Nepal Airlines held According to the press release it aims to provide a platform 814270L, 250005F, 298765Y, 625272F, 244909G, for individuals (especially those over 50) to share their talks with a Chinese delegation led by Exim Bank’s Deputy General 344018Y, 999275R, 391669T, 738917U while the winner experiences along with learning from each other, so that they Director Lee Dan on Tuesday in Kathmandu to finalise the deal. of the grand prize worth Rs 2 million is 487669X. The can bring about a difference in their lives as well as that of China CAMC Engineering Company won the bid for the Pokhara seven-week campaign concluded on 6 August. airport last year with a quoted price of Rs 28.6 billion. However, others. when it was found that this was almost double the estimate by previous consultants, CAMC agreed to the lower amount. CAAN is Better savings Everest Bank launched a Bottoms up now evaluating the CAMC feasibility for the airport and will come Royal Kathmandu Himalaya Beverages has launced Royal new deposit product called up with changes in the final project before construction begins. Only Big Master Red Wine. Priced at Rs 385 the wine is targeted Asha 2070 fixed deposit. The product is targeted towards Chinese companies were allowed to bid for the project. towards middle to high class families reads the press release. Nepal Airlines is also going ahead with the acquisition of four individuals who desire higher return than the regular fixed Y-12A STOL and two MA-60 turboprops from Aviation Industry deposit reads the press release. Corporation of China (AVIC) Holdings for US$ 30.5 million. The Electronic way MA60s were originally ordered for Nepal Army during the conflict Sunrise Bank signed an New off er agreement with SDS and and an advance had already been paid when there was regime Himalayan Bank Clearing for electronic archiving change in Nepal in 2006 and the deal fell through. inaugurated its of the share trading. The Under the re-negotiated contract, China will provide one MA60 40th branch office agreement was signed by for free and Nepal Airlines will buy three Y12As and get one free. at Betrawati in Sunrise Bank’s CEO Surendra Nuwakot. The bank has so far mobilised Rs 53.07 billion The state-owned airline plans to use MA-60s for trunk routes like Man Pradhan and CDS and in deposits and disbursed Rs 41.05 billion in loan and Pokhara, Bhairawa, Biratnagar, Dhangadi, and Nepalganj and fly the Clearing’s CEO Subodh Sharma Sigdel. Y12s to short remote area airstrips. But even here, CAAN needs to advances. Himalayan Bank and American Express first provide airworthiness certificates for both planes. 6 OPINION 9 - 15 AUGUST 2013 #668
even more regressive citizenship law that would have rendered thousands of children from the most marginalised communities The Nepali make up stateless. While there is some patriarchy at play here, the main Is our sense of Nepaliness so fragile that we need to get reason why officials are hesitant to allow children of single worked up about every perceived slight against our nationalism? mothers to become Nepalis is because they think it will open ‘other’ inculcated by the state. a pandora’s box of ‘others’ who Governments abhor ambiguity, might then become eligible. so the more people fit into neat In an obscure online list HERE WE GO boxes, the easier it is for them to of 10 top hiking trails in the Trishna Rana control the population. Nepal’s world this week, the Himalaya rulers have been no different. was placed number one with From the ‘daura suruwal, dhaka pictures of a lake in Ladakh. hen MTV Coke Studio topi, Nepali bhasha’ Jubiliant Nepalis started released a teaser nationalism of the Panchayat celebrating as if we had just won Wfor the song Zariya, era to our parochial citizenship the world cup, forgetting that a collaboration between AR laws, there have been continuous it wasn’t the country that was Rahman, Ani Choying Drolma, attempts to wipe off any traces of voted number one but the whole and Jordanian singer Farah Siraj grey areas and force a monolithic mountain range. When someone on 1 August, social media in identity upon a multilingual, pointed out that the lake was Nepal was abuzz. multicultural nation. Beyond in fact in India, he was nearly Most seemed impressed antiquated symbols of national cyber-lynched. by how effortlessly Rahman pride (the land of the Buddha and Social media provides a and his international team Mount Everest) we don’t actually fertile ground for this insecure transcended national and seem to know who we are, but we nationalism to play itself cultural boundaries. But there hurry to claim him as one of our multiple identities posed no know for certain who we aren’t out. Pseudo-patriots tweeted was a smattering of Nepalis own. He was just a ‘Tibetan’, an threat to our fickle nationalism (not Indians). profanities and attacked incensed by the studio’s outsider. and fragile self-esteem, so she It’s not surprising then that Sarita Giri, president of Nepal description of Ani Choying as What made Ani Choying was exempted from public seven years after Nepal became Sadbhawana Party, this week for a ‘Tibetan Buddhist’ nun. ‘How distinctively Nepali in the public scrutiny. When Prashant a secular republic and despite suggesting that the government dare they? She is a Nepali, psyche but not a self-immolator? Tamang, a native of Darjeeling, provisions in the citizenship declare the dhoti as the national she is ours,’ they screamed on While Choying is a Nepali won the Indian Idol contest in act of 2006 for certificates to dress and Hindi the national social networking sites. This citizen of Tibetan ethnicity, 2007, he was proclaimed as a be issued based on a mother’s language of Nepal. While Giri’s was taken as another example perhaps she thinks of herself as son of the soil. It was the same papers, officials at District recommendation only serves of a deliberate affront to Nepal’s a Tibetan first and agrees with mindset that led us to claim Administration Offices frequently to replace one obsolete version pride and of Indian hegemony. Coke Studio’s original label. If Tenzing Norgay as a Nepali in turn women away. Having a of nationalism with another, Next day, Coke Studio backed she was any ordinary person, her 1953. Nepali father is still the easiest the online outbursts remind down and changed Ani Choying dual identity and loyalty would Our severely circumscribed way of gaining citizenship. us of how weak our sense of to ‘Nepali nun’. But this week, have immediately raised red flags definition of who we deem Lawmakers we entrusted with Nepaliness is. Even the thought when a monk set himself ablaze and caused us to be circumspect. to be a fellow ‘Nepali’ stems writing the new constitution for of having to think outside of the at Boudha, no one was in a But since she is a celebrity, her in part due to fear of the a New Nepal almost drafted an box seems unacceptable. The major monsoon build up in the Bay of Bengal will continue to bring more rain over the weekend. Expect heavy KATHMANDU precipitation as thunderstorms continue to intensify in many parts of eastern and central Nepal with temperatures dipping to 16-18 range. Cloud cover will continue in the day time with light showers.
FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 27° 26° 27° #668 9 - 15 August 2013 18° 18° 18°
Reeching for the stars
PRANAV RAJOURIA formulas of song-dance-romance,” says the 28-year-old. In her five years in Kollywood, s a kid, long before she was Sharma has also learnt to be a household face in Nepalis’ more cautious when it comes to Aliving rooms, Reecha selecting scripts and bemoans a Sharma would sit in her living bad habit among producers and room watching Bollywood movies directors of handing out scripts to for hours. In school she took part actors just weeks before shooting. in almost every acting competition Preparation she believes is a key and won as many awards. Little to good performance. “I turn did she know her religious down last minute scripts because I devotion to cinema would one day believe in becoming the character, help her seal the top spot in the not acting it out,” she explains industry she had grown to love. with refeshing candor. Although Sharma’s father wanted her to become a nurse, he had a dramatic change of heart after After the success watching her music video and of Uma, Reecha realising just how good she was. “I am just happy to be here,” Sharma is now beams the former TV artist who one of the most even after three successful movies sought after actor in a row - Uma, Loot, Highway - shows no signs of smugness. Her in Kollywood stellar performance as a young girl forced to join the Maoists and At times she finds it a bit take up arms against her brother disheartening to see actors both in Tsering Rhitar Sherpa’s Uma in films and theatre not getting won her the love of critics and the respect and recognition they ordinary Nepalis alike. “Out of deserve. “When the cricket or the six films I have completed, I football team return after playing enjoyed working on Uma the most abroad, people queue up outside because Tsering was immensely the airport,” she says. “But when encouraging,” admits the star. we return from international Sharma made her big screen shoots or award festivals, no one debut in 2009 with First Love, a bothers. Maybe as the industry film about friendship, love, and progresses, Nepalis will start betrayal. “When I look back, I am appreciating our hard work and surprised by how much I have have a better opinion of the grown since then,” she says. She profession.” truly has. From playing a caring For aspiring actors and mother who’s forced to take up actresses, she has one simple prostitution in Deepak Rauniyar’s advice: “Acting is not only about Highway to her much talked attitude and talent, but also about about role in Uma, Sharma has technique. Make the effort to learn shown her range as an actor and basic concepts and theories, go to has emerged as the go-to star acting school.” for filmmakers who want to try something ‘new’. “It’s good to be a part of the industry at a time when nepalitimes.com people are willing to experiment See photo gallery and not just rely on age-old SURYA KARKI 8 Mama’s curries, if you like curry and want to avoid infl ated menus, this is EVENTS DINING the perfect place to go. Jhamsikhel
Kathmandu book swap, Love Marronier, visit this restaurant for Books? Love Coff ee? Join other a taste of Western cuisine as seen bookworms to exchange books and through Japanese eyes. Pulchok drink your favourite brew. Second Saturday of every month, 2.30pm, Café du Temple, spectacular food, Yellow House, Sanepa, ktmbookswap. better view. Patan Darbar Square wordpress.com/2013/08/07/august- bookswap/ BOTTOMS UP, take your taste buds Refl ective instances, a joint and olfactory nerves on a joy ride at exhibition of four painters Bhawana the 10th Annual wine tasting festival Manandhar, Rajesh Manandhar, at Kilroys. Rs 200 per glass, Rs 800 GOALMARI, BANGLADESH’S Niraj Chitrakar, and Ganesh G C. 2 per half litre. July to August, Kilroy’s, OWN ISLAND, a photo exhibition to 19 August, Park Gallery, Pulchok, Thamel, (01)4250440/41 by Bangladeshi photographer (01)5522307, www.parkgallery.com.np Munem Wasif on Bangladesh’s water problems. 25 July to 15 August, 10am A Step for Freedom, a painting to 6pm, Alliance Francaise, Teku road, exhibition by eight young upcoming FRIEND’S CAFE AND BAR, RUM DOODLE, a Mecca for (01)4241163/4242832 women artists from Pokhara. Runs new address for Spanish delicacies. mountaineers, Rheinhold Messner till 11 August, 12 to 6 pm except Thamel included. Thamel Photography Workshop, learn the Saturdays, Artist Proof Gallery, New tricks of basic photography with in- Orleans, Pulchok, Lalitpur Tushita Restaurant, off ering a class lectures and practical shooting mix of Nepali, Indian, Chinese and assignments. Rs 4000, 21 July to 14 continental dishes, pleases everyone. August, Sundays and Wednesdays, SWIM AND LUNCH, enjoy your Lajimpat 5 to 7pm, photo.circle HQ, Jhamsikhel, weekends with a dip in the pool and Lalitpur, [email protected] savour a mouthwatering lunch with a glass of beer. Rs 999, Saturdays, With love from blank to you, join 11am to 6pm, Waterfront Resort, Katha Satha and Word Warriors to Pokhara, (61)466 303/304, www. write your own love notes and share waterfronthotelnepal.com your tale of love and longing in a three-day writing workshop. Rs 150, CUT! WRITE A SCRIPT, win $2700 Gunla, the Newari month of 12, 14 & 16 August, 2 to 4 pm, photo. prize money, and make your own festivities has begun, be alert circle, Arun Thapa Chowk, Jhamsikhel, movie. Deadline 15 August, www. with your cameras to take great Apply here goo.gl/VTyCPW by newnepalicinema.com/script2013 photographs. RED MUD KITCHEN, enjoy a cup of THE YELLOW HOUSE, the 11 August 7 August to 6 September coff ee after work before going back sumptuous breakfasts on off er here A People War, an exhibition of home. Thapathali is probably one of the best in town. Open day, clearance sale, photo photographs that portrays the Visions, exhibition and sale of 55 Sanepa exhibition and fi lm show. 10 August, reality of Nepal through 10 years of photographs and artwork by Thymi, Vienna Bakery, bring your favorite 10am to 7pm, Café Mitini, Lajimpat, insurgency. Everyday except Tuesdays, Momo, and Yusha. 8 to 10 August, 12 afternoon read, order a cuppa, and Sarangkot Fordays, of all the great (01)4002070, 11 am to 4 pm, (01)5549948, www. to 8 pm, Trisara Garden Restaurant, lounge around in this charming little places to eat in Pokhara, this is [email protected] madanpuraskar.org Lajimpat, (01)4410200, 9818097880 bakery. Jhamsikhel literally on top. Sarangkot, Pokhara 9 - 15 AUGUST 2013 #668 9 MUSIC GETAWAYS
Waterfront Resort, stay away from the crowds and revitalise your Pokhara trip. Rs 4,444 for twin sharing Bed & Breakfast, Sedi Height, Lakeside Road, Pokhara, (61)466 303/304, reservation@ waterfronthotelnepal.com, www. waterfronthotelnepal.com
LIVE AT CAFE 32, live music and delicious food every Friday. 6pm onwards, Café 32, Battisputali, (01)4244231
RELAX!, YOGA, detox and Belle ayurveda treatment in a quiet corner of Kathmandu. Himalayan Peace and Wellness Center, Park France Village Resort, Budhanilkantha Another month, another host of (01)4375280, 980106661, events at the Alliance Francaise [email protected] Centre:
Shivapuri Cottage, escape the 15 August, Les chansons d’amour, hustle and bustle of Kathmandu a film on the trials of love by MUSIC JAMS, enjoy great live and enjoy peace, tranquility, good Christophe Honore, 7pm, Free music every Tuesday. 7pm, Moksh, food, and fresh air. Rs 3,500 per entrance Jhamsikhel person per night inclusive of dinner and breakfast. Budhanilkantha, 23 August, Le banquet des anges, Earthwatch, live music over dinner 9841371927 a concert by Aurelie Barbelin and every Friday. Rs 1,299, Park Village Nicolas Meyer, 6pm, Free entrance, Resort, Budhanilkantha, (01)4375280 Haatiban Resort, climb up to Russian Culture Centre Chandragiri in the morning for a Live music at Jazzabell, drink, royal view of Kathmandu Valley 18 to 27 August, ‘Around the Boz eat, and enjoy live music with old and jog down to the hotel for in 80 Years’, conference, dance friends every Wednesday and Friday, a relaxed evening. Pharping, workshop and performance, Free Jazzabell Cafe, Patan, (01)2114075 Kathmandu, (01)4371537/56 entrance, Alliance Francaise A MONTH OF JAZZ Good news for music students, Sonia Megias will be holding composition, arranging, and choir classes throughout August. Megias began composing at a very early age and is a Fulbright Fellowship student. She currently lives in Madrid, where she conducts the choir Coro Delantal and teaches composition at Centro Superior Katarina Gurska.
Date: 9 August – 4 September Time: 11 am onwards Venue: Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, Jhamsikhel Fees: Rs 5,000 www.katjazz.com.np www.soniamegias.es RANDOM REVERIES ikalpa Art Centre presents an exhibition of Bthe work of three women artists Bidhata KC, Kurchi Dasgupta, and Pramila Bajracharya. KC centres her work on nature, Dasgupta’s paintings deal with urbanisation and women, while Bajracharya works with feminine figures and urban landscapes. Go see how contemporary women artists with divergent styles deal with a wide variety of subjects.
Date: Runs till 14 August Time: 11am to 6pm Venue: Bikalpa Art Centre, Jhamsikhel (01)5013524, www.bikalpaartcenter.org 10
Nurtured by the Yangtze River NEPAL’S YOUTH for centuries and home of the Ming BRIGADE dynasty, Nanjing is not only one of the oldest cities in China, but Aslesha Lissanevitch Tennis also its fastest growing, next only Abhishek Bastola Tennis CURTAI to Beijing and Shanghai. However, Sichhya Shrestha Badminton unlike its prodigal cousins Beijing Dipesh Dhami Badminton China (Olympics) and Guangzhou Aditi Dhital Swimming prepares to (Asian Games), the city doled out a relatively modest budget Sirsih Gurung Swimming make its mark of $160 million for the games Miraj Prajapati Swimming and still has managed to set high Nitesh Poudyal Fencing on the global standards. Phupu Lamu Khatri Judo sporting map, “Our main goal in hosting Himprawa Khatri Judo the games is to open up Nanjing Sangita Khadka Athletics once again to the outside world and spread the Olympic spirit of friendship Mani Kumar Lama Table Tennis and mutual understanding,” says Manita Chitrakar Table Tennis Yang Weize, party secretary of TRISHNA RANA in NANJING Nanjing Municipal Committee. “We in 2005. A 40 minute drive from also wanted to show that these downtown Nanjing, the centre is targets could be achieved not one of the 15 sporting venues that through extravagant spending, but will be used for the games and 008 Summer Olympics, 2010 by making best use of available will host the opening and closing Asian Games, 2013 Asian resources.” ceremonies as well as competitions 2Youth Games, 2014 Youth Keeping with its cost-conscious in track and field, handball, Olympics: China is putting itself policy, instead of constructing diving, swimming, and squash. on the global sporting map and new stadiums The main stadium has a how. From 16-24 August around the municipality capacity of 62,000 with a 3,000 athletes from 45 countries, kept itself busy in gymnasium, natatorium, including 13 from Nepal, will refurbishing and tennis court, and an IT descend upon Nanjing, capital of upgrading existing hub in its vicinity. The Jiangsu Province, for the second sporting facilities tracks and seats have READY, SET, GO: Municipality workers wash and scrub edition of Asian Youth Games like the Nanjing been scrubbed, painted, the athletic track at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre (above). Students from a local school light torches at the (AYG). Like the inaugural AYG in Olympic Sports and polished and with flame-lighting ceremony in Nanjing in May (right). Singapore in 2009, this year’s Centre which was new lightings, the event will serve as a curtain raiser built for China’s complex looks as good TRISHNA RANA for the Summer Youth Olympics. National Games as new. are over, they will be handed over preparation. Under the ‘Heart-to- The only building to the university and turned into Heart’ program, 45 primary and to be literally built from barren staff quarters. secondary schools in Nanjing land is the Athletes Village in What has been most impressive paired up with a member country the western part of the city. about the lead up to the games or region in Asia to learn about Housed within the grounds of is the organisers’ efforts in the history and culture of their Nanjing University of Technology promoting educational and ‘adopted’ countries. “AYG is (NUT), the 22 dormitories will cultural exchanges between the meant for the youth and we accommodate all the teenage athletes and young students have so many talented young atheletes and team officials for two of Nanjing and getting them adults. So instead of international weeks in August. Once the games involved in promotion and celebrities, we decided to let local
very time Natasha Shah aka Nattu comes on stage – which is quite frequently these days E– she immediately cracks a Nuts joke to calm herself. But if there are nerves, the audience wouldn’t know. Everything about the 23-year-old singer, song writer, comedian, and about aspiring director - the dapper blazer, perfectly spiked gelled hair, and that impish smile - exudes confidence. And when she starts crooning the latest single from her new album or Nattu a rendition of Maroon 5’s One More After performing online Night, hearts begin to flutter. for years,YouTube star Growing up in a musically inclined Natasha Shah released her family, Natasha remembers how she loved being the centre of attention debut album last month at family gatherings; turning the living room into an impromptu stage, strumming her miniature guitar and SUNAINA RANA TUBE TOPPERS belting out her all-time favourite PROMISE TAMANG SHREYA RAI PARCHA PRODUCTIONS Promise Tamang is the second Twenty-year old singer and artist Besides organising most subscribed make-up Shreya Rai from the UK, has been dance parties and other artist on YouTube. Although not uploading covers of her favourite social events, Parcha formally trained, her fine skills songs on YouTube for the past Productions (they recently have earned her subscribers three years. She is known for her co-organised Nepathya’s virtually from every corner of perfect rendition of old classics. concert at Wembley) are the world. Tamang is known for Her cover of Yo Jindagani also the makers of twisted, if her chameleon like personality, originally sung by Amrit Gurung of somewhat loud, parodies and transforming into famous Nepathya was shared by the man music videos that appeal to celebrities and charactersin just a few strokes of the brush. himself on Facebook calling Rail’s version ‘beautiful’. the Nepali diaspora living in the UK and elsewhere. 1,610,453 subscribers 2,112 subscribers 1,941 subscribers 190,424,505 views 177,704 views 548,666 views Most watched: Fairy Barbie Princess (12,738,309 views) Most watched: Lag Ja Gaale (45,020 views) Most watched: Om Shanti Om - Parody (159,058 views) www.youtube.com/user/dope2111 www.youtube.com/user/dryroti www.youtube.com/user/ParchaProductions 9 - 15 AUGUST 2013 #668 11 IN RAISER
Take the lunge hen Abhishek Karki tells others he is a fencer, the first question Whe ia asked: ‘Is it even a game?’, followed closely by ‘Isn’t it dangerous to play with swords?’. A champion player, Karki fell in love with fencing while studying in Kolkata and is one of the pioneers of the game in Nepal. While modern fencing traces its épée to 18th century Italy and France, in Nepal it’s still a relatively new sports. The Nepal Fencing Association was established in 2009, but since it is not registered with the National Sports Council it does not qualify for any financial or infrastructural support from the state. Equipment (a beginners’ kit consisting of swords, protective gear, and clothing costs anywhere upwards of $150) are all donated from abroad and there is only one training and practice hall in Shivapuri School in Baluwatar at the moment. Professional fencers train and play on rubber, aluminium, or metallic piste (mat), ours have to make do with a hard, concrete floor. Karki currently teaches 45 young students at Shivapuri along with two other coaches. One of his students, 16-year-old Nitesh Poudyal from Royal Academy India School, is flying off to Nanjing this week to participate in the Asian Youth Olympics. Karki says while Nepali players specially those from martial arts background have a natural proclivity and superior skills, lack of monetary incentives and proper infrastructure hamper their progress and discourage others from joining. students carry out the ceremonies President Gao Ming, “Our students “We invest a lot of time and energy on and and help with the games,” have a unique opportunity to make students, send them to international events. But explains Weize. friends with people their age and when they are finally ready, they leave for foreign While students from the School learn about different cultures. It employment. This is very discouraging,” admits of Design at Nanjing University will also be a good experience for Karki. “If the government could guarantee jobs of Arts assisted with designs for the athletes to interact with local to our top athletes like India does, Nepali sports the emblem, slogan, and posters, students and know China a little could move ahead.” over at NUT more than a 1,000 better.” However, with the Armed Police Force and volunteers were trained over five It’s time for the fun and games to the Army School in Bhaktapur showing interest months as language assistants, begin. in developing the sport, fencing might finally be MCs, and paramedics. Says Vice- www.nanjing2013.org taking a match-winning lunge in Nepal. WWW.NEWS.CN
Nepali Babu-Made in Nepal. The maya garchu (Nattu’s song) which more than one million views and instruments for the album,” she young singer would often accompany went viral and racked up close to 4,000 subscribers to her channel. explains. uncle Deepak Thapa of Bidesh janey 200,000 views. But she only found “Performing in London was definitely You can catch Nattu on mayalu fame to his studio where she out about her celebrity status four easier because Nepalis there always Friday nights at popular hangouts says she began to understand the years later when she was in London cheered me in unison. I was one of in the Valley jamming with band intricacies of the business. studying for her diploma in music. them,” she admits. “In Kathmandu, mates Ajit, Kishor, Birat, and Pema. In school she bagged lead roles Encouraged by the positive I am judged, sometimes unfairly, by And when she’s not practicing and in musicals every year, winning the response, she uploaded more acoustic a small number of music lovers and performing, you’ll find her riding talent competition in Grade10 being covers as well as original numbers critiques, it is difficult to please all of her Suzuki DR around town or one of her most cherished memories. like Pahilo maya, one of her most them.” writing scripts for comedy videos. As the lead singer of her college popular songs. Within a year, Nattu Natasha released her self-titled “I have been singing for as long as I band, she would always be the first had enough hits to make her a local debut album in May this year. The remember, but I feel my real calling person to get her group registered celebrity among the Nepali diaspora seven tracker, an interesting hybrid in life is to make movies. I want to for gigs and competitions around in the UK. Performances at Nepali of English and Nepali pop ballads on become the Farhan Akthar of Nepal. town where she mainly played metal charity events and gatherings like love, heartbreak, friendship, escapes I adore his talent and versatility,” and heavy rock for the first year and Nepali Battle of the Bands where she the derivative nature of the genre she says about the Indian actor, later shifted to more calming rock came second and weekend gigs at through her sheer conviction and director, singer as she breaks into a and roll. Fusiliens Pub followed. individuality of voice. “I don’t like wide grin. Like most young artists today, By the time she completed following the crowd, that’s not Natasha began her musical career her degree and returned home in my style. Even though I am most nepalitimes.com on YouTube. In 2004 she posted an 2011, Natasha had built a small but comfortable performing acoustic, I original number called Ma dherai loyal following in Kathmandu with experimented with a lot of different Watch Nattu's videos
YAMA BUDDHA’S RAP BATTLES LEX LIMBU YESHI DOLMA LAMA Taking his cue from American According to the grapevine, all Based in Germany, Yeshi freestyle rap battles, Yama Buddha you need to do to keep abreast of Dolma aka Yeshigaga is best gathered (mostly) pubescent the latest happenings and gossip known for her Sir and Student Nepali boys to see if there was any from Nepal, is to simply call up parody skits, a comical take gangsta among them. Verbally at Lex Limbu in the UK. Limbu’s on Nepali school teachers. least, because in its initial stages popular blog is now the one stop Besides collaborating with the battles were limited to ‘yo destination for Nepalis on all boyfriend Tenzin Tsele for mama’ jibes. But some of the artists things Nepal. On his YouTube these videos, Yeshi is also an are revelations as far as Nepali rap channel, he shares everything aspiring make-up artist who is concerned and have already spawned imitators. from music videos to his views on a diverse range of subjects. regularly transforms herself into K-pop stars on her channel. 36,624 subscribers 2,094 subscribers 8,606 subscribers 4,667,815 views 3,718, 263 views 1,162,966 views Most watched: Raw Barz Laure vs Unik Poet (559,600 views) Most watched: Akha Akha- Kohi Mero Nepali (136,685 views) Most watched: Sir and Student Part 2 (177,325 views) www.youtube.com/user/thelyricalsoulja www.youtube.com/user/lexlimbu www.youtube.com/user/yeshigaga 12 GIZMO by YANTRICK
without a doubt that none of these three films could have been made without any one of the trio. Cab convenience In Before Sunrise, Celine and Jesse meet on a BEFORE train while travelling in Europe. As one is wont to do very morning as Yantrick leaves for work, Kathmandu’s traffi c as a young adult, the two talk all night, falling in love does its best to discourage her from taking the bus. At rush hour with each other’s ideas. These two young beautiful 750,000 vehicles claim fi rst-come rights on any strip of tarmac, MIDNIGHT people are markedly more tempered when they E compelling her to hail down a cab and be taken for a ride again and meet again, nine years later in Before Sunset when again. Jesse, now a successful writer, visits Paris, where ell, Appli Kali’s Taxi Fares Nepal is here to save our lunch MUST SEE the very French Celine has been living. She visits the money. The app designed by a group of Nepali software bookshop where he is speaking and the two embark engineers does just what its name suggests – calculates the Sophia Pande again on yet another day marked with long playful W fare from your starting point to your destination in the Valley. If the philosophical conversation. fact that its website is down because of high traffi c is any indication, it nce in a while you come across one Nine years later we have Before Midnight. Jesse seems Kathmandu’s crawlers have long been waiting for an app of this of those special films that tackle has indeed stayed with Celine, they have two kind. Oimportant subjects with fierce passion. astonishingly cute twin girls and they are on summer The app is very minimal and, owing to its small size, loads almost Richard Linklater’s three films Before vacation in Greece. Jesse is still a successful novelist, instantly. At the fi rst interface you are asked to choose where you are Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset but Celine is at a crossroads in her career. taking your taxi from, where you want to end up, and bam, you have (2004), and now Before The two are clearly past their ‘honeymoon’ the bill on your palm before you even step into a cab. Midnight (2013) all tackle the period, struggling between their work, bringing up On the bottom of the screen, an information button shows you the issue of romance. Granted the twins, and the departure of Hank, Jesse’s son, current authorised rates for day-time and after-hours. Clicking on the this overarching, exalted idea who has just spent his summer holidays with them policeman icon gives you an option to send complaints to Kathmandu of ‘romance’ evolves over and is going back to Jesse’s former wife who loathes Metropolitan Traffi c Offi ce via SMS. the course of three films both him and Celine even nine years after the fact. But the most into a real pondering over The film begins with Jesse and Celine driving impressive feature of the the nature of long-lasting back from the airport after having dropped Hank, app is a route simulator relationships; still, I with the twins asleep in the back. Their conversation that takes advantage would say that the three turns alternately sour, sweet, playful, teasing, of Google maps to fi nd main writers do have a deadly serious, and reverts to an easy, comfortable out the fare from point palpable, quite touching exchange that is emblematic of their relationship. A to point B, lets you belief in the true possibility of The writing is so sharp and sure that this zoom in and out, and set romance over the course of a single first scene quickly lays the groundwork for markers for both points. relationship, however intermittent and understanding what is niggling at each of them and There’s plenty of room difficult to maintain. these issues become crystallised over the course of for improvement though, Perhaps what is so special about a long, boozy Mediterranean lunch at their holiday because the shortest route these films, in addition to their real, home, surrounded by friends. can sometimes guide you unaffected charm, is the incredible By the time the couple are walking to their hotel wrongly through a one- collaboration between the director, room, which has been bought as a gift by their way street or a normal ride Linklater, and his two actors, Julie Delpy, friends so that they can have a romantic night on through town will take a who plays Celine, and Ethan Hawke, their own, well, let’s just say everything comes out. Ring Road detour. who plays Jesse. Delpy and Hawke have And yet, the dialogue, though it deals quite viscerally Another fault its worked with Linklater on writing the latter with the nitty-gritty ugliness of quotidian life, makers will surely better two of the seemingly simple, but actually never strays far from real philosophical, existential in coming days: a shortage incredibly sophisticated scripts and it is questioning. of options in the start and No matter how much these two very different destination boxes. Ideally people may fight, they have one thing in common, you should be able to go to they love each other and they are articulate. They and from anywhere in Kathmandu, but this isn’t the case. For example, talk, they fight, they talk. And this in the end saves if you select ‘Airport International’ as your starting point you can only them. What will happen in another nine years, no choose, for some reason, ‘Naya Bus Park’ as your end point. Bizarre, one really knows, but I hope that Celine and Jesse really. When Yantrick took a taxi to Patan Dhoka, the app got lost will still be taking long walks and talking deep into before we even made it to Bagmati Bridge! the night. Minor glitches aside, the greatest thing about this app is that users can fi nally calculate the exact distance of their rides and do the math nepalitimes.com without worrying about whether taxi drivers are ripping them off . From her experience, Yantrick has found out older drivers will agree to go by Watch trailer untinkered meter and it’s usually the younger ones who have the nerve to be reckless. The app is available on both Android’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store and will take less than a minute to download (absolutely free).
Yantrick’s verdict: It’s still early days, but at least with this app you can fi nd out an approximate fare before you even hit the road. 9 - 15 AUGUST 2013 #668 13 RE VIEW Travelling Without Moving
e have come to expect production serves some purpose and the To his credit, Ahmad not least when he dismisses activist Tek Nath values from Aleph Book Company and reader begins to grasp the does have a go at setting Rijal’s account of his decade-long incarceration WThe Kingdom at the Centre of the World: difficulties the tiny kingdom the scene for the inevitable in Chamgang jail, which allegedly employed Journeys in Bhutan does not disappoint with its has faced throughout its discussion of ‘the Nepali mind control techniques, as ‘something from the delicately rendered cover of a dzong suspended, miraculous survival in a rough issue’. Several chapters X Files’. as it were, in time and space. Nonetheless, it is neighbourhood. Ahmad also, explain Bhutan’s anxiety Refugees dispensed with, Ahmad moves the stated mission of author Omair Ahmad to by recounting the invention regarding its independence on to an admiring account of the Fourth King’s tether the mystery of Bhutan to the mainstream of the suspension bridge in and national character before development philosophy, detailing how he of the wider world and he begins by name- Bhutan and the tea-fuelled Ahmad works up the nerve abdicated in favour of his son and guided the checking milestones on the road to Thimpu – the Duar Wars with the British, to address the question of country to democracy. En route, he offers this introduction of Buddhism by Padmasambhava manages to posit Bhutan as the Lhotsampas, the ethnic remarkable justifi cation for Bhutan’s homegrown in the 8th century, the state’s consolidation in less isolated, if not quite the Nepalis who comprised a third indicator of development, Gross National the 17th century, its fraught relations with Tibet, centre of the world. of Bhutan’s population before Happiness. The consequences of unhappiness China and British India, the refugee crisis of the If unbiased historical approximately 100,000 left are to be seen everywhere, Ahmad declares; 1990s, and the latter-day curiosities of Gross analysis is not Ahmad’s forte, to become refugees in Nepal Bhutan has not failed to notice how this has led National Happiness and guided democracy. however, we have a right The Kingdom at the Centre of from the late 1980s onwards. to confl ict across the region. Once more, there But Ahmad is not dealing in serious history to expect real insights into the World: Journeys in Bhutan, Ahmad describes the is no analysis of what Gross National Happiness here. He opts for a more palatable hodgepodge Bhutan’s character, earned by Omair Ahmad, Aleph Book escalation of confl ict between might offer as an alternative to Gross National of folklore, journalism and travelogue, divvied through hard miles off the Company, 2013 overzealous but non-violent Product, merely the banal claim that Bhutan has up into sections too brief to do their subjects beaten track. Instead we are state authorities seeking decided to prioritise the happiness of its citizens. justice; it’s frustrating that a book that means served up with vignettes of a to implement nationalistic But which state in history has not claimed to to enlighten us on Bhutan finds it necessary to few tourist sites, supplemented ordinances and violent have the interests of its citizens at heart? rely on such a mash-up. Ahmad’s easy, anecdotal with weak anecdotes culled from previous Lhotsampa revolutionaries and suggests that It is this simplistic view of things, finally, style leads him to lazy statements, and when he visitors. Is the writer being disingenuous when he those ethnic Nepalis who doubted their ability that dismays the reader looking for a solid attributes the domination of the Drukpa school claims that as a political advisor in New Delhi in to cope left while many others stayed on. One depiction of Bhutan. For all the book’s claims, of Buddhism to 11th century mystic Milarepa, 2005, he found ‘almost no concrete information senses that Ahmad is trying to be balanced, Ahmad perceives little more than your average, there is no real consideration of the signifi cance about the country’? Or perhaps he is trying to but in supporting the hypothesis that the vast informed tourist. This is not the defi nitive book of either. convince us that information was scarcer than majority of those in the refugee camps were on Bhutan you have been waiting for: it really is However, the simplicity with which Ahmad it was, so as to present his own travels as more actually Nepalis from Nepal and India, he risks just one man’s journey. outlines Bhutan’s religious and secular evolution adventurous than they actually are? sounding like an apologist for ethnic cleansing, Nepali Kukur
SOMEPLACE ELSE tortellinis resembled little bunny ears perhaps a little too closely for anyone squeamish about eating anything that was, prior to its slaughter, cute. Wrapping up a lunch that would have felt extravagant in LE SHERPA Paris, London or Rome, there was only one natural choice for dessert: the crème brûlée (Rs 320). The last reviewer was especially critical of this offering, informing the uninitiated of the caramelised crack we should expect to hear when digging in, before giving way to a rich, smooth custard. I’m pleased to report that the dessert behaved itself this time around, with a thin, super-sweet crust yielding to the spoon like plate glass. Clearly, things have changed at Le Sherpa: high standards across PICS: CC the board, from the kitchen to ack in December 2011, register his disgust. acidic, counterbalancing the one can expect from a hog cooked the courtesy. Upon leaving, I felt Nepali Times’ former food Nearly two years on, Le Sherpa richness of the quail eggs well and slowly under a thick layer of its genuinely sorry for the owners, Bconnoisseur Marco Pollo, has undergone changes that our setting us up for heartier mains. own fat – which, in this meal’s only who have clearly invested so much didn’t enjoy his dinner at Le former reviewer might just approve The restaurant’s main courses real flaw, lacked the crispy, golden and committed themselves to Sherpa. “[S]lapping on a French of. Adopting a broader, pan- are noticeably meat-centric, but for brown outer edge we’d hoped for. meaningful improvements, but are article to ‘Sherpa’ does not a French European menu, the listings at least readers concerned about Nepal’s Presented impeccably atop the left with the dustbowl chaos on restaurant make,” he withered, promised to live up to its almost bird-flu crisis, you’ll be pleased to smoothest, creamiest mash in town, the Lajimpat road outside – hardly before adding a series of tips for unparalleled ambience. But could know that your options are hardly the sauce was too sweet for my inviting to the patrons Le Sherpa the restaurant to ponder. it deliver, where before it left us limited, with only one chicken dish partner in crime, but perfect to me. aims to woo, or to win back. In turn, online commenters wanting? appearing on the menu. Not wanting The latter was a dish of rich CC didn’t take too kindly to Mr We started with a tapas-style to fall fowl (I know) ourselves, we rabbit meat, encased in small, Chicken’s review. One respondent plate of hummus, quail eggs, opted instead for the slow-roasted but perfectly formed fresh pasta How to get there: walk north called it “[S]hameful and griddled vegetables, and sundried pork belly (Rs 900) and the rabbit parcels. This was a definite from Shangri-la Hotel, Le Sherpa vindictive,” while another called it tomatoes and French bread (Rs 460). tortellini, served in a cream and highlight, with just the right level is located inside the Ramalaya “empty”. One even went as far as So far, so good – the hummus was white wine sauce (Rs 760). of garlic permeating through the complex, opposite the Volkswagen to quote Shakespeare, in order to unusually (but not unpleasantly) The former was as succulent as sauce. Be warned, though: the showroom. 14 9 - 15 AUGUST 2013 #668
HAPPENINGS BIKRAM RAI CHICKEN RUN virus lies in its inability to be transmitted from human to human. Humans are infected VISIT A DOCTOR 600 only when they come in contact CONFIRMED CASES OF IMMEDIATELY with diseased birds making H5N1 IN HUMANS IN IF YOU FALL poultry farmers, butchers, and 15 COUNTRIES (EXCEPT SICK AFTER cooks who deal directly with NEPAL) SINCE 2003 CONTACT WITH livestock and raw meat most BIRDS vulnerable. Among the more than 600 confirmed cases reported PREVENTION: worldwide through July 2013, MIN RATNA BAJRACHAYA 337 COOK EGGS AND nearly all were acquired by direct PEOPLE DIED CHICKEN AT HIGH contact with poultry, with person CELEBRATION TIME: The Newar community marks the beginning of the auspicious month of Gunla on Wednesday at Swayambhunath. TEMPERATURE to person spread being almost non-existent. 2009 USE DIFFERENT Aside from agricultural NEPAL’S FIRST BIRD UTENSILS FOR intervention (ie culling the birds), FLU OUTBREAK COOKED AND the other means of control is RAW MEAT vaccines and antiviral agents. SRPEADS ONLY FROM If oseltamivir (an anti-viral agent) is started within the first INFECTED BIRDS TO WASH HANDS WITH SOAP HUMANS 48 hours of symptoms, the OR HAND SANITISER benefit is significant. But cost BEFORE AND AFTER and availability of the drug are IN THE EVENT OF HANDLING MEAT impediments. While countries in AN OUTBREAK: the west have hoarded vaccines REPORT SICK OR DEAD BIRDS COVER MOUTH WHEN in case of an epidemic, they are TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES COUGHING OR SNEEZING not available here in adequate doses. So what should those of
us in Nepal do? MIN RATNA BAJRACHAYA across the globe in a mere three Proper cooking kills the virus RAMZAN KARIM: Leaders of political parties enjoy their Iftar dinner organised months and wiped off almost 50 so we should only eat meat that by Azaad Foundation at Hotel Everest in Baneswor on Sunday. million. is fully cooked and served hot. If DHANVANTARI In May 1997 a child from Hong eggs are consumed, they should Buddha Basnyat, MD Kong died of H5N1, a common be hard cooked and certainly not strain of bird flu, becoming the runny. Eating or drinking dishes s Nepalis are forced to pry first known human victim. After 18 that include blood (‘ragati’) from themselves off chicken cases and six deaths in Hong Kong, any animal is highly discouraged. Amomo and chicken chili the virus appeared to be under Since 95 per cent of viruses once again, the question on control and possibly eradicated like bird flu enter our bodies everybody’s mind: what exactly by the end of 1997. However, from contact between our fingers is the difference between regular it reared its ugly head again in and the mucous membranes of flu and bird flu? Well for starters 2003 and has continued to evolve our eyes and nose, maintaining seasonal flu comes around mostly and spread. More worryingly, a good hygiene and cleanliness is in winter and can potentially be new strain of virus called H7N9 imperative. Washing hands often prevented through vaccines. Avian was detected in China earlier this with soap or an alcohol-based influenza, on the other hand, is year, but quick action from the hand sanitiser is a good idea more lethal. This type of flu is so Chinese government meant that as is covering our mouths and
notorious that it is often compared the number of cases after April nose with a tissue or sleeve (not BIKRAM RAI to the Spanish flu of 1918-19, dropped drastically. our hands) when coughing or ROCK ON: Students at a concert organised by Ganesh Man Singh Foundation on another avian strain, which spread The Achilles’ heel of the sneezing. Saturday at Basantapur to support the victims of the recent flood. 9 - 15 AUGUST 2013 #668 NATION 15
Nepal’s politicised teaching fraternity has other priorities besides raising students with an Computers in schools all-round education relevant to their community and society. Teachers all moonshine as political cadre, union activists or have NGOs. And with without textbooks elections coming up they are also mobilised for other duties SUNIL POKHREL like polling and census data gathering. f the new budget is actually The problem is not hardware. implemented, 20 per cent of It is the software: computer Ithe schools in Nepal may soon literate and enthusiastic have computers and internet teachers who can motivate and connections. Finance Minister inspire children to use the vast Shankar Koirala set aside a knowledge base in the internet to whopping Rs 1 billion to hook expand their horizons and make 7,123 schools to the net in the a difference in their learning coming year. environment. Just putting a Although this is a small computer in the classroom will proportion of the 35,000 be a colossal waste of money. government schools in the Computers also need country, the decision was electricity and even schools that extraordinarily bold and have power don’t have lights for ambitious. Providing support most of the day. Government for rural community schools schools will get Rs 160,000 to leapfrog into the age of the from the state for computers internet is laudable, but the WWW.MAGNUS.ORG.NP and printers and will have to Department of Education (DoE) add another Rs 40,000 from which is supposed to implement Not enough homework has been done machines will be a meaningful local resources. There seems this plan is woefully unprepared. resource for both teachers and to be no allocation for internet The DoE has been a perennial on an ambitious program to equip students. fees, maintenance, upgrading underachiever. Just look at its 20% of government schools with ICT integration into computers, and running costs. record of annual non-delivery computers and internet classrooms will require teacher The government hasn’t done of text books to schools around training to integrate computer- its homework on integrating the country. If the department aided learning. But the SLC computers into schools. It simply can’t deliver books, how can it in the classroom, how are they allowing teachers to hook up on results this year shows that seems to want to spend a lot of deliver computers? The dismal going to change that result? Facebook, but to expose them teachers lack training and money for a showpiece program SLC pass rate also points to the Many teachers and district to computer-aided teaching motivation even for rote learning, that is neither cost-effective nor shameful failure of the education education officials erroneously and learning. Before sticking a let alone producing critical sustainable. bureaucracy. How can a country equate learning with typing on computer to every classroom, thinkers. This is the collective Sunil Pokhrel is a curriculum move forward when 72 per cent a computer. The government’s DoE officials have to be first failure and indifference to the expert at Open Learning of high school graduates are hefty budget allocation, one helped to develop digital Department of Education and Exchange (OLE) Nepal. labeled ‘failures’? Even if we hopes, is not limited to teaching learning content for different most District Education Offices ensure computers and internet children keyboard skills and subjects and grades so that the to quality in the classroom. see page 16-17 16 NATION
got 110,000 hits in less than a week. online media has been encouraging, now She says: “The reach of an online news all we need to do is tap into the readers’ portal may still not match a newspaper’s pulse that is turning towards multi-media print circulation, but the stories generate content,” explains Dharma Raj Bhusal immediate feedback and create a huge who founded Onlinekhabar and edits it. buzz.” Appetite for multi-media content Online journalism in Nepal got a among internet users in Nepal has spiked kickstart from king Gyanendra’s military as connectivity spread and bandwidth coup in February 2005, when media increased across the country. Nepal’s looked to cyberspace to bypass controls. telecom companies and internet service The second wave for online media has providers (ISPs) paid Rs 3.76 billion to BHRIKUTI RAI come with the proliferation of cheap international carriers in bandwidth fees smartphones using 3G connections. A alone in the last fiscal year, up from Rs quarter of Nepal’s population is now We are still in the learning-by- 2.58 billion in 2011-12. t started on the most non- online, there were 6.84 million internet doing phase. However, not everything is smooth serious date, April Fool’s Day users as of mid-June and nearly 2 million sailing in cyberspace. Although the this year. But four months later, of them were on Facebook. Another Binita Dahal readership has increased dramatically, Nepal’s latest online media factor that has boosted online readership Setopati online ad sales are still negligible. This portal, Setopati, has shot up to of Nepali language portals is the large brings up the issue of sustainability and becomeI one of the most visited Nepali diaspora population. well in the last two decades, but if we could mean that the sudden surge of language site. Its brand of long-form As a result, publishers in don’t make our online content strong we readership could be a flash in the pan as journalism with in-depth coverage the mainstream media are no longer will be swept away by the digital wave online news ventures come and go. and analysis has shown that serious looking at online journalism as a passing that is gaining momentum in Nepal.” In fact, digital media experts say journalism is possible and it needn’t fad and have invested in pushing digital In terms of numbers, the readership most Nepali news portals are still not be in hardcopy anymore. versions of their own publications. of Nepali language portals has grown using the full potential of online sites “We moved to the online platform “We need to reinvent ourselves and exponentially in the past two years. Soon for interactive, dynamic, multi-media because this is where the future of our products so that young readers can after it started, Onlinekhabar.com topped content. “It is hard to recall having come journalism is,” says Binita Dahal, be engaged on our sites for longer,” the list of Nepali news portals with an across any exclusive online journalism one of Setopati’s reporters who left says Akhilesh Upadhyay, editor of The average of 160,000 unique visitors per day. piece showcasing full multi-media Nagarik last February. Dahal’s recent Kathmandu Post which has a presence Started by a group of journalism students potential available today,” says Dharma 2,700 word profile of one day in the in the www.ekantipur.com portal. in 2006, the portal’s traffic is mainly Adhikari of Media Foundation, a research life of heart surgeon Bhagwan Koirala “Newspapers and magazines have done diaspora dominated. “The growth of and policy institute.
A quarter of Nepal’s population is now online and traditional media is being left behind WIRED 9 - 15 AUGUST 2013 #668 17 TIMELINE Shrestha of www.mysansar.com, one of the most popular Nepali language blogs. Shrestha who used to work as a reporter 1994 and online coordinator for Nagarik says MERCANTILE OFFICE SYSTEMS BEGINS resistance from hardcopy colleagues to move beyond updating the website COMMERCIAL EMAIL SYSTEM with newspaper content was frustrating. However, he is optimistic about the future of online journalism in Nepal: “This is the future, so investments will pour in to get 1995 ahead in the online race.” MERCANTILE STARTS FULL ONLINE There are some Nepali reporters who ACCESS OPERATING VIA LEASE LINE have already moved on from traditional THROUGH NEPAL TELECOM WITH 150 I spend more time online than media to explore the potential of the new I think publishers will soon reading books and newspapers understand the potential of online SUBSCRIBERS these days. The technology media. “New York Times’ Snow Fall media and take advantage in the shift overwhelms me all the time, but I am project showed the potential of multi- in readership patterns. THE KATHMANDU POST GOES ONLINE catching up one step at a time. media storytelling, Nepali journalists also need to start looking for innovative Umesh Shrestha ON THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS Akhilesh Upadhyay, Editor, storytelling ideas online,” says Rajneesh www.mysansar.com WEBSITE The Kathmandu Post Bhandari, who worked at Kantipur Television for seven years before starting Senior editors say even younger out as multimedia journalist. the ‘others’ category since negligible per journalists don’t come with digital and It’s not just established newspapers cent of Nepal’s Rs 3 billion advertising 1997 multi-media knowhow. And even if they that are going digital-first, Nepal’s FM pie today goes to online.“Even after eight HIMALMEDIA STARTS do, young reporters and bloggers enter radio networks have also extended their years in the business we still have a tough HIMALSOUTHASIA.COM a rigid newsroom hierarchy where the reach worldwide through live streaming time convincing advertisers who are used gatekeepers have an archaic perspective with integrated newsroom for text, audio, to seeing the products on television and on journalism. and video production. newspapers,” says Dharma Raj Bhusal of “Publishers know the tide is turning, Ujyaalo 90 national radio network’s Onlinekhabar. Nepali news portals make 1999 yet they are reluctant to invest in the www.ujyaaloonline.com integrates its up to $500 a month from Google AdSense, NEPAL TELECOM LAUNCHES GSM, medium and take advantage in the shift radio content (see video) for online not but have hardly any local advertising, TELECOM PENETRATION 2 PER CENT in readership patterns,” says Umesh just in text and podcasts, but also through which makes the business model for video. “Our reporters go to the field and online media still iffy. bring content for all three types of media,” Experts say the online revenue is a says Gopal Guragain, founder of Ujyaalo. global one and will require serious study 2000 “The aim is not just to get ahead in the and business plan to address market NEPALITIMES.COM GOES ONLINE news breaking business through online, needs. Says Ujjwal Acharya, digital editor but to create dynamic content to keep the at Annapurna Post: “Nepal’s online media BEFORE HARDCOPY readers engaged and active.” is still in a trial and error phase, we are Recognising the growing presence of still trying to find a sustainable business KANTIPUR PUBLICATIONS STARTS online news portals in Nepal’s changing model.” KANTIPURONLINE.COM media landscape, the Federation of This week, the online company Nepalese Journalists has formed the Amazon’s founder Jeffrey Bezos bought Digital Media Committee. Last week the the family-owned old media, The 2004 committee organised the first national Washington Post. Such an aquisition may UNITED WE BLOG BEGINS seminar to discuss the state of online still be a long way off in Nepal, but old media in Nepal and decided to draft a media here must also adapt to a more code of conduct for online journalists. online readership or wither away. A five-member committee led by Ameet Dhakal, editor of www.setopati.com, will 2005 prepare draft of the code of conduct and SPICE NEPAL, FIRST PRIVATELY another 10 member group led by Arun OWNED GSM OPERATOR LAUNCHES Baral, editor of Onlinekhabar will make ELECTION FEVER MERO MOBILE necessary recommendations to the FNJ Digital Media Committee to resolve legal provisions concerning online media. Younger readers are moving to online, 2008 but advertisers are still stuck mainly NTC INTRODUCES BROADBAND with print. Advertising Association of INTERNET THROUGH ADSL Nepal has lumped online medium in 2010 ith elections due in November, media TELECOM SUBSCRIBERS Wcritics have their eyes set on the online REACH THE 10 MILLION MARK media. In the run up to the constitution deadline there was a spike in postings and the internet became a virtual battleground as netizens engaged in debates on federalism 2010 based on identity. This time cyberspace will 1.25 MILLION INTERENT USERS be an even bigger virtual battleground in the campaign period. “The most accessible medium is usually the most cluttered,” says Dharma Raj Bhusal of Onlinekhabar. “With 2010 the presence of party mouthpieces online this NCELL LAUNCHES 3G INTERNET election is going to get nasty.” But experts say this is where online One can’t really predict how the media literacy will be tested as readers and technology is going to change users navigate the information clutter and 2013 so the best we can do is prepare try to separate facts from propaganda and APPROX. 2 MILLION ourselves to stay afl oat during choose between platforms. Online media FACEBOOK USERS IN NEPAL the massive digital wave. may still reach a fraction of the readership, but because journalists depend on Twitter, Gopal Guragain Facebook and blogs, it has a multiplier effect. Ujyaalo 90 Network 2013 6.68 MILLION INTERNET USERS, 6.25 MILLION ACCESS INTERNET THROUGH MOBILE HANDSETS
SOURCE: WWW.NEPALIVOICES.COM, WWW.NTA.GOV.NP 18 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 9 - 15 AUGUST 2013 #668
NEPALI TWEETS Justice delayed and denied
They smoke, drink, and chew tobacco, but in the murder. Poudel was scratch their recharge cards with a coin Hisila Yami’s assistant while because they think it will give them cancer. Bhattarai was in Baluwatar. People are so aware. When the Adhikaris came to Kathmandu to seek justice, the PM did everything in his government’s power to quash the investigation. Right now, a chief justice Is Baburam-ly Progressive Indiawards Baidya’s demands Federalism the only alternative to Hilly leads the government and Peoples’ Hindu High Caste Patriarchal the Adhikaris had hoped this for CA Elections Centralised State? #Thinking meant the Regmi government would listen to their plight Himalkhabar.com, 7 August and deliver justice. After Ghimire’s statement, all their 1. Terminate the 25-point deal doors are shut and there is no 2. Dismantle the HLPC and bring DAMBAR KRISHNA SHRESTHA hope left. every party for a roundtable Sushil Koirala has invited Sonia Gandhi to Ghimire says his hands meeting Nepal, which reminds me of a rumour from years ago of how she was not allowed inside Rameswor Bohara’s son Krishna was dragged from are tied by the government’s 3. Postpone elections Pasupatinath. Is that true? blog, himalkhabar.com, his home in Phujel of Gorkha interpretation in 2006 of the 4. Create a national unity government 4 August district, taken to Chitwan, and Terrorist and Destructive 5. Explain why the constitution killed cruelly by the Maoists. Activity Punishment Act could not be written in 2012 and Nanda Prasad and Ganga Maya 2058. Although Ghimire guarantee that the same mistakes For Nanda Prasad and Ganga have spent the past few years says he will do all he can to won’t be repeated Maya Adhikari, who were on going from one government office compensate and rehabilitate 6. Sign previous agreements and decide remaining issues through If we could detach all our organs, these a hunger strike outside Bir to another seeking justice. When the couple, they haven’t asked the CA micro-drivers would have our limbs, Hospital and Baluwatar asking they started a hunger strike for money, they just want backbone, hips, head, all of them dismantled. 7. Agree in principle about major Discount on hands because we use that to for investigation into their outside Baluwatar at the time justice. contentious issues pay them. son’s murder, 7 July brought Baburam Bhattarai was prime Minister Ghimire’s answer 8. Guarantee to decide other issues devastating news. After minister, the police sounds like an excuse not to through democratic means their case was taken up forcibly admitted them address conflict-era crimes 9. Constitution must include a clause WEEKLY BAZAR POLL #22 by the National Human into a mental asylum. because of the personalities which prevents heads of the government from dissolving the Rights Commission In March, involved. But it ignores In weekly polls conducted with the (NHRC) and presented the NHRC had the Supreme Court’s decision parliament 10. Enforce all agreements regarding support of The Asia Foundation, to the government, recommended that which sets a precedent Himal Khabarpatrika asks 375 Home Minister Madhav the government put that nothing should stop ex-combatants, marginalised communities, and enforce inclusive respondents in 12 cities across Ghimire told them flatly PEACE the guilty on trial, investigation of crimes against quotas Nepal every Monday for their opinion that his government BUILDING provide compensation humanity committed during 11. Agree on proportional on contemporary issues. This week’s couldn’t apprehend the to the couple, and the war. A SC bench, with representation on multi-party result of interviews is about Nepalis’ guilty. ensure they return home Regmi on it, had pronounced democracy principles health. “There are legal difficulties safely. But Bhattarai ignored a life sentence on Maoist Bal 12. Elections have to be fully Has anyone in your household fallen to this case, which is why we the directive, arguing that this Krishna Dhungel for using proportional because this is the only sick in the last two months? can’t investigate,” Ghimire was an insurgency-related case war as an excuse to commit way to be truly inclusive Yes 13. Scrap the Citizenship Act so that 72% told the Adhikari couple and and swept it under the rug like murder. But the Maoists No 25.3% the NHRC at Singha many other wartime atrocities pardoned him, and nominated foreigners may not get Nepali Don’t know Darbar on Wednesday. Such committed by both sides. him to the CA. citizenship 2.7% a statement, from a minister According to the complaint Now, the Adhikaris’ failed 14. Scrap decisions taken against national interest What was it that made you ill? struggle for justice has put whose job is to look after the Adhikaris filed at the 15. Scrap humiliating Nepal-India Fever 30.4% people’s security, is sure to District Police Headquarter in a moral question mark on a treaties Cold and cough be the end of the line for the Chitwan, Januka Poudel and government headed by a chief 20.7% 16. Follow up on previous agreements Headaces 10.7% Adhikaris. In June 2004, their other Maoist cadre are involved justice. in which the government agreed to Limbs shaking scrap various laws 9.3% 17. Investigate missing persons, Diarrhoea 8.9% recognise martyrs of Jana Andolan, Accidents 6.7% and rehabilitate the injured Sore eyes 1.9% 18. Fulfi ll the demands of the PLA, Don’t know 1.5% army, police, and citizens who were Won’t say dismissed from their positions 0.7% No voter left behind Others 9.3%
number is unusually high because many don’t have citizenship cards yet. According to a study done by the Forum for Women, Law, and Development, 4.3 million Nepali of voting age are deprived of citizenship certificates. The EC’s own records show that altogether 1.2 million Nepalis are eligible to vote. Three million are working abroad at the moment, whereas in 2008 the number was 1.9 million. And those who are 18 or older stands at 16.4 million. This means up to 700,000 citizens are still missing from the electoral list. It would be a travesty if so many citizens are deprived of their right to vote. So while the government’s willingness to IFES extend the registration deadline after the Baidya: “I say tension, you hear election … you say election, Editorial, Nepal Samacharpatra, 6 August EC’s meeting with Khil Raj Regmi this week is a I hear tension.” welcome sign, it must first find out why these people Sign: High Level Political Mechanism didn’t bother to show up outside their district and We can’t be sure whether elections will take place ward offices. If this requires all parties to agree on Abin Shrestha in Kantipur, 8 August on 19 November, but the achievements made by the making amendments to the electoral law, then the
EC so far have been rather impressive. The bottom commission should move ahead immediately. QUOTE OF THE WEEK
line, however, is that there is no real alternative to Since we don’t have a method of allowing our polls so all the existing hurdles need to be overcome non-residential population to vote, none of them If the four parties“ pay attention to for free and fair elections to happen on time. will be able to choose their representatives. It is “our demands, there will be elections. More than 500,000 people who voted in 2008 near impossible to incorporate them for November’s If not, then no polls. haven’t applied for voter ID cards. Studies estimated election because technical issues of this kind take that there would be at least one million new voters a long time to devise and implement, but the state MJF Chairman Upendra Yadav, Naya since the last election in 2008, but instead we are must make sure that at least those who currently Patrika, 7 August down by five million. Experts point out that this reside in Nepal are not left out. 9 - 15 AUGUST 2013 #668 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS19 Yes they will, no they won’t … they will?
epal’s political cartoonists are having a field day with Baidya Maoists’ ever- Nchanging stance. Ever since April Fools’ Day when Khil Raj Regmi became head of the government, CPN-M has become a master of double speak, circulating wildly contradictory statements about the CA elections in November. One day they say they will take part, next day they pull out because the government sent them a ‘humiliating’ letter. Everyone thought it had come to a climax when party secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa smashed a mock ballot box with a hammer on stage, much to the delight of his comrades. Not one to let sideshows falter him, Chairman Baidya again told the press that his party was positive about talks because – surprise, “Push the elections away and we can talk.” Baidya: “We warn you not to hold elections … or else … we’ll be surprise – it had received a more ‘respectful’ obliged to enter talks.” request. Here’s what cartoonists came up with Basu Kshitiz in Annapurna Post, 4 August this week: Basu Kshitiz in Annapurna Post, 6 August
“Talks between High Level politicians “That’s Marx, that’s Lenin, that’s Mao… and who’s this People’s Nationalism and the disgruntled parties. “ one wearing a crown?” Abin Shrestha in Kantipur, 26 July Rabin Sayami in Nagarik, 30 July Rajesh KC in Nagarik, 6 August 20 BACK SIDE 9 - 15 AUGUST 2013 #668 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com
Soon after PKD accused the other Awesome’s other mistakes parties of being ‘chicken’, across the country chicken are being slaughtered t was bound to happen sooner or head of Khel Kood Parisad and buried. Is there a message there? later: the Dash Baddies have brought has pictures of Comrades Awesomeness also compared his party Iout a list of the most corrupt among Owesome and Laldhoj to ‘eagles’ and instructed the YCL to their erstwhile comrades-at-arms in hanging on his wall. The prowl the country like ‘lions’. Who the rival Cash Baddies. No prizes for man must have a pretty good does he think he is, Farmer Jones? And guessing who are the Top Three on the idea which side of his toast what is this, Animal Farm? Comrade list: is buttered because he is Chairman was in a confessional mood 1.PKD now making way for Dear the other day and admitted to having 2.HYB Leader Comrade Prakash to committed Four Mistakes. This 3.KBM gain Council membership self-criticism shows that PKD is a But you are surely not going to see as the head of the recently true blue Maoist because Mao was Loktantra Man Sing charge-sheeting registered Nepal chapter in the habit of getting his colleagues any of these klepto-komreds any time of the World Pentathlon to confess to a list of Six Deviations soon. Apparently the Dashies did an Association. And that was and launch Five Anti-Campaigns asset search of the Cashies and found FB when the world finally found before sending them off to die in plane that the row of high rises on the airport would add a portrait of Her Majesty out that Awesome Jr’s real name is crashes. Our own Helmsman was being road from Maiti Ghar to Tin Kune as well. Some Panchayat ministers Sakar. Not Sarkar, Sakar. a bit modest and left out a whole bunch gave a whole new meaning to the term would get so carried away they’d also of other mistakes he has made: ‘Prachanda Path’. hang pictures of the Father of Nation, His Majesty King Tribhuvan, and a Now that all our political leaders Brag about taking the UN for a ride likeness of Grandfather of the Nation are on FB and Twitter, the job of in the Shaktihkor tape (should have Some confused readers have written in His Majesty Prithvi Narayan the Great. a political reporter has been made also confessed to siphoning 5 billion to ask the Donkey to print a glossary of But after 2006, there are no hard and much easier. We no longer have to go from combatant allowance) all the code words used in Backside to fast rules about which portraits should to the news, the news comes to us. Send goons to kick Ass’ ass in 2008 describe various Mau Mau factions, just adorn the walls of government offices, The most prolific among them is @ Say different things to different so it’s easy for them to tell who’s who. so it is usually posters of film stars and BRB_laldhwoj, and one wonders why people (should have said different Well, here goes: other goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. Regmi Sir also doesn’t follow suit things to the same people) Dash (Baidya) There is a vague rule that civil servants and get a Twitter account. Since we Raising $3 billion for Lumbini Cash (Prachanda) can hang either a map of Nepal, or a all know his handlers are researchers (should have raised $6 billion) Bash (Baburam) portrait of a martyr of their choice. But and analysts, here is a great Twitter Missing out on saying “Hi” to Sonia Hash (Hisila) in the absence of clear guidelines and handle for him: @KRR_baldhwoj. But Ji in Delhi (ask her to be FB friend) Rash (Ram Bahadur) because all government positions today politicians should take a few lessons on Should never have agreed to the 12- Mash (Mahara) are a result of band-fand between the how to tweet responsibly and follow the point, 7-point, 11-point, and 5-point Gnash (Narayankaji) four-party syndicate anyway, officials soon to be drawn up Code of Ethics for agreements have started putting up photos of their online users. Politicians should tweet Having Prakash as son (and party mentors. During the Panchayat, information only on a need to know not Padam Kunwar) In the old days, there used to be strict heads of the Sports Council used to basis. For instance, why is it absolutely Sending 16,000 guidelines about keeping His Majesty be die-hard Mandalays and now they necessary for Nepalis to know that RCP people to heaven the King’s pictures in government are dyed-in-the-wool Maobaddies. is ‘undergoing’ treatment for a severe (should’ve asked offices. And the more sycophantic ones Not surprising, therefore, that the new case of assteroids? God first)
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