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Pampha Bhusal (Maoist) was the first to be declared winner from the party in the capital valley. She defeated Raghuji Pant (UML) from Lalitpur-3. Photo feature on page 6 & 7. Bhaswor Ojha Victorious Mandate for peace ä nf correspondent continue in the post. “We will be working together with other parties and not fail the The Communist Party of -Maoists people who have reposed their faith on us,” (CPN-M) secured the much needed support of Prachanda said while addressing swelling the people for its legitimacy as a democratic crowds of his supporters after his victory in party, and as the key agent of the promised Kathmandu’s constituency no 10. transformation of Nepal into a peaceful, It was not only the US and India, but also the democratic and prosperous country. business community in the country also who fear As early results indicated, Maoists had ‘capital flight’ as Maoists have the image of being already bagged more than 55 seats, with leads anti-economic reforms. “It is a mandate for in as many constituencies, out of 175, where the peace and I hope Maoists understand it,” an counting was in progress from Sunday ambassador said. afternoon. Results from nearly 230 constituen- Prachanda was quick to address these fears as cies under the first past the post system are he said he would be working in close cooperation expected by Tuesday morning. with the international community as well as the A re-poll has been ordered in nine of the 239 security agencies. Besides, the Maoist supporters FPTP constituencies following instances of demonstrated more restraint in celebrating their rigging and poll violence. The UML and NC victory as their slogans were not at all provocative were racing for the second and third position as compared to the language they used against with 16 and 15 victory respectively by Sunday the King, UML and the leaders noon. The Madheshi Janadhikar forum (MJF) during the election campaign. ä was emerging as the main party in Terai with a lead in about 21 seats, far ahead of the Terai New outlet in Lainchour also Madesh Loktantrik party. The final picture of the constituent assembly would be known in the next two weeks as by then the results for the remaining 335 seats under the proportional system will also be known as per the information given by the election commission. King Gyanendra promptly welcomed the poll outcome as well as Maoists’ march to victory. However, the unexpected Maoists victory visibly makes United States of America as well as India a bit uncomfortable. Maoists are still under the terrorist list of the US government while India was apparently was not yet ready to welcome Maoists heading the government. But Maoists are all set to head the future government with Prachanda replacing GP Ph:- Shop 5011685, Factory: 5555459 Koirala who is under moral obligations not to 2 14-20 Apr, 2008 News A rout Madhav Nepal resigns as Gen Secy ä nf correspondent Bharat Mohan Adhikary, Asta saving grace that gave hope that Lakshmi Shakya, Raghu Panta and despite the poor number, UML The Communist Party of Nepal- Pradeep Nepal, and the latest trends members will be making some United Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) show that KP Oli is also trailing quality ‘contribution’ to the CA turned out to be the biggest losers behind. The party’s over confidence making process. The UML, like the as the final results and decisive about its results are now being seen Congress and the Maoists, is still trends of the first past the post votes partly as its arrogance, and partly as waiting for the final results of the began to emerge. lack of touch with the political realities proportional votes. The party has lost its heavy at the ground level. In fact, soon after the talks for left weights from both sides of the But the debacle has led to a alliance failed, Maoists went debate - favouring and opposing any quick introspection on the part of aggressively against electoral alliance with the Maoists, its leadership. Madhav Nepal the UML. Beginning with printing who seem to have gained the most resigned as the General Secretary photographs in the party’s propa- at the cost of the UML. In most of the party and announced that ganda organs, of Madhav Nepal places except in Kathmandu districts, party ministers would be with- offering coin at the feet of King UML candidates have lost to the drawn from the government. Gyanendra soon after he ascended Maoists. Nepal’s resignation has however, the throne, the Maoists also began Not only that the party that hoped not come into effect until the party physically targeting the UML to be leading the future government reviews the entire results of the candidates like Devshanker Poudel was humbled by the voters, almost election including that under the in Ramechhap, Rajendra Pandey in all its stalwarts with some notable PR system. Dhading and KP Oli in Jhapa, exceptions were trounced in the However, the victory of Jhalnath besides physically intimidating the electoral battle. The losers include Khanal, Pradeep Gyawali and active campaigners of many Madhav Nepal Madhav Nepal, Bam Dev Gautam, Subhash Nembwang came as a candidates elsewhere. Key ‘peace Indian perspective The southern calculation seems to have gone wrong… actors’ rejected The United States of America has government of India’s channels suggested reasons to feel uncomfortable with the gain that the Maoists’ tally in the constituent that the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoists assembly in the first past the post system will (CPN-M) has made in the election for the be 20 at the most, and that the Communist constituent assembly, as the party is still on Party of Nepal - United Marxist Leninist the US government’s terrorist list. But Delhi (CPN-UML) will be the single largest party, seems to be no less perturbed having to most likely in a hung-scenario. With the see Maoists in the leadership position of Communist Party of Nepal-Maoists (CPN- the government in its immediate north. M) emerging as the largest party, with or Delhi, that brought Maoists together with without majority, when all the results come, the seven pro-democracy parties in Delhi’s calculation has failed. The possibility November 2005, seemed to have little of China getting closer to the Maoists inkling that the mandate in their favour appears to further upset the south. during the constituent assembly polls would The southern calculation also seems to be so huge. Understandably, Delhi till the have gone wrong on Madhesh politics in last minute was calculating that it might have more than one way. It pursued a quiet policy to welcome Madhav Nepal, if its first choice, of insulating the borders from the Maoists. GP Koirala could not make it to the top. But they got more seats in the area than the It is too early to gauge how the US Terai Madhesh Loktantrik Party (TMLP), the government will respond to the emerging party that India supported. Moreover, the Sitaula Sekhar political situation in Nepal, but Jimmy Madheshi Janadhikar Forum (MJF), a party Carter, a former President has made an led by Upendra Yadav, emerged as the appeal that Maoists must be taken off the largest Terai party despite India’s clear lack of Home Minister KP Sitaula made no efforts at Palchok and Ramechhap. ‘terrorist list’ now that they have got the trust in its leadership. While TMLP leadership concealing his frustration and disappointment with It is believed that the PM had been told that mandate of the people through a demo- consists of the upper caste leadership mainly, the poll trends that leaves him trailing as a lesser the Maoists will win in all the places where it had cratic process. the MJF has its leadership mostly from the known Maoist candidate. “What did I not do for intimidated the rival party candidates and their Reports from Delhi indicate that the intermediary and Dalit castes. the peace process and for the Maoists? I did not active campaigners, beginning with Ramechhap. deserve the outcome,” Sitaula told his disap- “But once the PM consulted Sitaula, he refused pointed party supporters as the counting of ballots to go by the army’s reports,” sources told indicates that his luck might be running out. newsfront. The Home Minister, sources said, According to the information, both Prime insisted that there was no reason not to trust the Minister GP Koirala and the Home Minister, three security departments’ assessment as he depended largely on the reports they got from had also traveled in most places and sensed the chiefs of the Armed Police Force (APF), Civil mood of the people, “which was clearly in favour Police and the Intelligence Department that the of Nepali Congress.” Nepali Congress will emerge as the single Sitaula as the Home Minister was being largest party with the Communist Party of the criticised within his own Nepali Congress as Nepal-United Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) as someone who served the interests of the Maoists close second and Maoists as the distant third. than of his own party. He was also projected as A senior official in the Ministry of Defense said the key architect of the peace deal, with Shekhar that the reports that the Nepal Army submitted Koirala and Amaresh Singh toeing the line. to the PM about the poll prospects turned out to By Sunday noon, when ’s be much closer to the outcome. Pleading defeat had been officially announced; Sitaula anonymity, he said the army was clear that the was behind his Maoist rival in Jhapa while Maoists were adopting different tactics and all Amaresh Singh was trailing behind his one time set to get most or all seats in Nuwakot, Rasua, political mentor, Mahantha Thakur of the Terai Dhading, Gorkha, Kavre, Palanchok, Sindhu Madhesh Loktantrik Party (TMLP) in Sarlahi. News 14-20 Apr, 2008 3

Sujata

PM Koirala Sushil pix by newsfront

US president Jimmy Carter once for the poor show and resign from called GP Koirala, “my hero” and the post.” Indian Prime Minister Man Mohan But there are speculations that Singh said he is a, “legendary leader” Demolished was acting like a ‘shock of South Asia. Koirala must be a absorber’ to let GP retain the shocked man today as not only his leadership on grounds that, “through- Congress party was trounced, but Koirala dynasty tumbles out the election he acted more like a almost all his family members in the non-party man or leader of all the electoral fray have also lost. (CPN-UML) in the second elections who had been shown the door by the leader in his own right, and a close seven parties as he did not campaign There is no news yet as to how to the House of Representatives. PM last month when wanted relative of the PM resigned as for the Congress party.” Koirala is reacting to the defeat of his His daughter, Sujata Koirala lost to ‘respectable number’ of seats for his working president of the party owning Koirala’s other nephews, Ashok party, but the defeat of the ‘demo- Madheshi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) supporters from the Congress party responsibility for party’s poor Koirala and also cratic dynasty’ is something that he is leader, Upendra Yadav. His nephew, had left Baluwatar with a parting showing. He however said he lost. The only saving grace for the very upset with, a Baluwatar source Shekhar Koirala who lost to Sujata, in sentence, “I will meet you only after welcomed and accepted the dynasty was the reports of early lead told newsfront. Koirala had resigned the race to don the crown of Koirala my victory” - has won from two outcome. “We have brought Maoists of Sashank Koirala, son of BP as leader of the Congress parliamen- dynasty once GP retired, also places. Gachedar refused to accept to the peace process, and we respect Koirala, from Nawalparasi. His victory, tary party in 1994 when the Nepali suffered humiliating defeat at the the Congress nomination and joined people’s mandate in their favour,” many guess, might lead to the return Congress lost to the Communist hands of Bijay Gachedar, another the MJF to take on Shekhar Koirala. Koirala said in a statement. “As a of the dynasty’s leadership to the BP Party of Nepal-United Marxist Leninist MJF leader. Interestingly, Gachedar, Sushil Koirala, a prominent NC leader I own the moral responsibility family once again, after GP Koirala. Picture of Nepal in Austria …In Nepal we are plagued by the national disease of procrastination and myopia.

ä Bhumika Ghimire in Austria victims of conflicts whose lives were Innsbruck City, Austria threatened by Maoists or Army. Arriving in Innsbruck, Austria March 17th, I was struck by how similar the There are reports that about 200 small Alpine city is to Kathmandu; with its Nepali refugees now live in Austria. snow covered mountains that carry What attracts them to this country? hundreds of years of history. Well, to be a refugee cannot be an Although the façade of history and attractive matter. Here, social security is culture seemed similar, there were stark very strong. A recognised refugee may differences. Walking through Innsbruck, get benefit of up to 600 Euro. I never had to cover up my nose to escape dust, smoke or unpleasant smell About the political situation in of garbage. No member of opposite Nepal? gender offered uncomfortable com- As a president of NRN I am not ments on my dress; traffic was sane supposed to make a political statement. and public transportation a class of its As an independent citizen of Nepal I own. could say that the culture of violence is Austrians take pride in preserving their created by Maoists and they are natural resources and their heritage responsible for lives lost during the war sites. Rivers in Innsbruck run clean and and till date. The rights of all ethnic clear, museums are well kept. People groups must be respected within the value their family and culture and work state of Nepal. Maoist violence is a hard. Innsbruck and Austria offered a setback in the struggle of ethnic groups picture of what Nepal could be if only we DIASPORA for their cause. However, I am optimistic. could correct all the mistakes made in But election alone would not be sufficient the past and stop repeating them now. How many Nepalis are now living in attended by 100 to 150 Nepalis. to solve all the problems. Contrary to Austria, in Nepal we are Austria? What is their profession and A small number of Nepalis are working in plagued by the national disease of procrastina- background? professional position. In United Nations, there About your life in Ausria? tion and myopia. We rob the rivers of the sand There is no reliable data about the number are three professional staff (UNIDO), two I am working as a Chief Statistician of to make quick buck, and we brand our own of Nepalis in Vienna. A large number are general service (IAEA and UNOV) and five UN UNIDO. When I have free time I like to meet culture as ‘backward.’ asylum seekers. Not all of them want to Security Officers. other Nepalis, especially those who have a So what do Nepalis living in Austria think disclose their identity. Due to the free move- Outside UN there are around six families of hard life here. We also have a small group about their homeland? Dr. Shyam ments within Schengen states, it is hard to professionals. There are around 150 university who arrange Nepali class for our children Upadhyaya, President of Non-Resident establish the actual number. The estimated and Ph D students. Around 100 Nepalis every Sunday. It gives us an opportunity to Nepali Association Austria answered some of number is around 1000. A formal gathering permanently settled in Austria through job or meet each other frequently. And I miss my our questions. like New Year or Dashain celebration is marital relations. All others are refugees, country, my society. 4 14-20 Apr, 2008 Editorial

Editor & Publisher : Yubaraj Ghimire Executive Editor : Sushma Amatya News Coordinator : Manoj Dahal Design: Sunil Khadgi, Kishor Raj Panta & Ramkrishna Rana Address : PO Box: 8830, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel : 4443888, Fax : 4421147 (Edt.), 4411912 (Mkt.) Email: [email protected], [email protected] (Mkt.) Printed by: Express Color Press, Buddhanagar, Tel.: 4781810, Distribution: Kasthamandap, Tel.: 2010821 Point to Ponder We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace. - William E. Gladstone A vote for peace The people of Nepal have spoken through their ballots. They have accepted and recognised the Maoists as the key agent of desired change. The present election is an outcome of the Delhi agreement that defined peace, democracy and economic prosperity as the common agenda of the nation. Delhi agreement had also intrinsically Letters envisaged that violence will have no space in future politics of Nepal. So it is imperative that the Maoists do not misinterpret this Good wishes to PL Allow not anyone victory as an endorsement of the politics of violence, extortion, This is in response to the to curb press annihilation of those they did or do not agree with. This is clearly interview given by Mr.PL freedom an endorsement and encouragement of their pledge, post 12- Singh. I think PL did speak point agreement, that they would shun violence and be a part of well but after a long spell of Newsfront’s main story ‘At democratic process and politics. silence. I am sure if he last’ in its last issue gave It is time for the Maoists to be magnanimous in their victory. would have stressed these interesting details about the Revenge against the dissenters will have no place in future politics. views from a political election preparations. Now They have also got the mandate to implement the Comprehensive platform during the time the people have voted and as Peace Agreement (CPA) in a much more responsible and credible king revived the House of trends indicate, Maoists may way. Democracy is not just about setting some populist goals. It is Representatives, today’s emerge as the largest party, very much a process that has wider acceptability. In that sense, with or without absolute the interim parliament has blundered on many occasions. parliamentary elections would not have been the majority of its own in the With Maoists coming in as the main party, international constituent assembly. And community’s discomfiture is clearly understandable. Most of them same or the elections might have taken place a long what will the big powers do including India were hoping that Maoists would get less than two in that case? Will they dozen seats, and will only be a marginal player in future politics. time back. PL forgets that we are all respect the mandate of the On the negative side, key international players - the United people or try to impose their States, United Kingdom and India, all have contributed to Nepal’s living in an era where we are own agenda? instability and conflict. The three not only supported the King in in constant rift with speed It is also a big challenge 2002 in sacking an elected government, but also supplied arms and time. We live contempo- for the media to continue and ammunitions in ‘militarily suppressing’ the Maoists when an rarily and tend to forget overwhelming majority of the people favoured management of the things quickly too. This trend warning the political parties conflict through peaceful dialogues. will also make the people of and exposing their failures. The international players backed out and aligned with the Seven Nepal forget that they will be Media must fight for its Party Alliance, putting the entire blame on the king when things electing a government freedom and rights if went wrong. And unfortunately, the rulers in the past couple of constituting of Maoists who Maoists try to curb it. Maoist years that included the Maoists seemed to be guided more by till yesterday were killing their Chief Prachanda’s latest these players even on domestic affairs. The challenge lies in own countrymen. criticism of the media shows defining the road map of future Nepal independently. My good wishes to PL who still thinks he and his party do not feel comfortable No doubt, the international community’s support will be crucial of morals in politics but also feel sorry for political movements, they must do it with criticism, and if that continues once for Nepal’s peace process and development, but the future the Nepali mandate who does not find his from a different forum. they are in the government, they might government needs to have a clear approach about how to solicit name on the ballot paper this time. It was good that the Nepal Mountain- also contemplate bringing laws to curb their support without inviting interference in country’s internal ä Ashok Mathur eering Association (NMA) took the press freedom. affairs. However, Maoists need to understanding that it is possible New Delhi initiative towards assuring China that no ä Sunita Shrestha only if their actions as a government are in conformity with the anti-Chinese activities will be conducted Makhan, Kathmandu spirit of the people’s mandate and are well within the parameters by the expedition group. Thus the NMA of established or accepted democratic norms. Keep politics away from also has been able to ensure that Nepal There are going to be representatives from all parties including expedition does not lose revenue and foreign Readers, your reac- the Madheshi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) and other parties which This is in reference to your story on exchange through this expedition. This tions, criticisms, com- Maoists have been boycotting all along. Besides, Maoists must Nepal’s assurance to China that the is truly a great service not only towards ments, suggestions realise that they are very much on the terrorist list of the United expedition to Mt. Everest from Nepal’s Nepal-China relationship, but also in States. Respect for dissents in internal politics, and shedding all side will be all peaceful. I completely retaining the faith of expedition groups are most welcome. traces of what could be called ‘terrorism’ are the minimal and natural agree that expedition and politics are who keep coming to Nepal each year. expectation of people who voted for them. After all, it’s not the Please address it to: two different things. If any group wants ä Nima Lama bullets, but the ballots, that Maoists have derived this victory from. [email protected] to get involved in Free Tibet or other Swayambhu, Kathmandu

Spiritual Corner Wisdom teachings Bhutanese Lama, as a meditation lands, Shri Gurudev put into Shri Gurudev Mahendranath wrote Shri Gurudev Mahendranath (April 29, master in Soto Zen, as well as motion the formation of the numerous articles and essays on tantra and 1911–August 30, 1991) was a British occultist, into Taoism and both Mahayana International Nath Order. The the spiritual life, including the Twilight Yoga mystic, writer, poet, Avadhut and founder of and Theravada Buddhism. Guru tradition and initiation which Trilogy, the Levogyrate Tantra, and The the spiritual organisation known as the He resolved not to pass on the he has passed on includes not Londinium Temple Strain, subsequently International Nath Order. Indian Sannyasi initiation and only the wisdom teachings from collected under the title The Scrolls of Born Lawrence Amos Miles in London, made no new Indian sadhus. This Indian, Bhutanese, and Soto Zen Mahendranath in 1990. These works England, his interest in spirituality began at an decision was made in response to sources, but also includes gems present the essentials of spiritual life and the early age. He arrived in India in 1953 and was changes in Indian socio-religious of Taoism, and such wisdom as is tantric path in a humorous, non-dogmatic given initiation (Diksha) as a Sannyasi into the patterns and the difficulty rediscovered by the science and and non-sectarian manner. In 2002, an Adinath Sampradaya by H.H. Shri Sadguru experienced by sadhus of tantric yoga of meditation and contem- expanded online version of The Scrolls of Lokanath, the Avadhut of the Himalayas. traditions to be welcomed and supported plation. A Nath or Devi of the International Mahendrath & Other Writings was published He was later given tantric initiation by Shri outside of areas where they were well known Nath Order is not bound by the rules of by the International Nath Order. His last Pagala Baba of Ranchi into the Uttara Kaula and loved. Asian sadhus, and may work for gainful residence was his hermitage, Shambhala sect of northern tantrics and became his To meet this situation and to give occult employment, marry, and live the normal Tapowan, near the Vatrak river, in the state successor. He also received initiations as a spiritual pursuits greater expression in western way of western patterns. of Gujarat, India. Perspective 14-20 Apr, 2008 5

Number of women casting their votes in Mahendranagar Shyam Bhatta Realising the dream The constituent assembly members must act independently and with conscience. Their account- ability to people is much higher than their allegiance to their political parties.

Historically, a revolutionary force that people during the insurgency period. delete sub-clauses 1,2,3 of article 38 constituent assembly and a change in is successful takes charge of a situation It is quite clear from the present of part 5 or form a new understand- Nepali system of governance. By all fully and completely. It does so, on the behavior of the YCL (young commu- ing among the parties and individuals counts the present situation in Nepal strength of ballot rather than a bullet nist league) during last one week of represented in the assembly. has been possible because of the for which there is no need after a the constituent assembly polls date, The new members as legitimate Communist Party of Nepal-Maoists. successful revolution. This is a normal when Maoists supremo Prachanda people’s representatives, elected on Logically, they should be leading the ä Binod P. Bista scenario witnessed by people all over instructed YCL to behave as Gandhi the basis of adult franchise under an country for now. However, owing to the world as a revolutionary force fights (non violent means of campaigning), acceptable election process for mistrust and fear they could not make for the sake of poor, oppressed and that the Communist Party of Nepal- Nepal, should alone decide the fate of amends at the right time thus placing outcaste. Any situation different than Maoists is fully capable of functioning Nepalis henceforth. No citizen of themselves in an awkward position. this normal scene requires a critical as a legitimate democratic political Nepal expects the constituent Like a wounded revolutionary, their assessment by the revolutionary force party. Mistrust of the system and the assembly and the government (yet to behavior would be quite unpredictable and the people as well. rival political parties might have kept be formed) to behave like the present and perhaps more difficult to sustain if In Nepal, despite a successful the Maoists at bay extracting a very legislature and government that has they were left out of power. Peace in revolution of the Maoists for a heavy price on them. projected an image of absolute Nepal would again take a back seat. Their account- constituent assembly (voting for which As soon as the constituent assembly is submission to external influences, Since the interim constitution has took place on 10 April) that is supposed established in about three weeks time, captivity from within, and whimsical adequate provision to not only to ability to people to create a new Nepal for all Nepalis, the members of the assembly would actions and decisions except conduct accommodate but also change is much higher yet the Maoists appear to be in a have to act responsibly not only for of CA elections. certain articles to suit the situation defensive situation. From current drafting a new constitution but also run Moreover, the constituent assembly during the most critical transition than their alle- indications it appears that the Maoists the country during the transition phase, members must act independently and phase, serious thought must be given giance to their may not receive the overwhelming expected to last about 3-6 years. In fact, with conscience. Their accountability by the forerunner political parties to support from the Nepali people in spite this task is equally as difficult as the to people is much higher than their allow the Maoists to take lead. The political parties. of their grand vision and numerous conduct of CA elections that fortunately allegiance to their political parties. largest democracy and the second sacrifices made for the cause. saw good participation of voters as well The future of Nepal rests in their largest democracy, being close to The future of There are three major factors that as political parties. Chances are that the hands. Since they must pay full Nepal and her people in the success Nepal rests in prevented the Nepali Maoists from constitution in-the-making would be attention to the task at hand, it may of present elections, would certainly rejoicing the success of their revolution acceptable to most. be desirable to work out a mecha- find a way to explain, interpret and their hands. fully. Unfulfilled promises and commit- The present interim constitution, as nism to lessen their involvement and persuade the people as well as the ment of returning seized lands to amended, does not elaborate on the time in the regular law making world that a minority party can also rightful owners, continuing extra legal formation of government except that process and overseeing of the assume power under successful and illegal activities of extortion, the same would be according to the government. democratic governance. Most abduction and highhandedness, and interim constitution with necessary The dream of a new Nepal can be importantly, democracy will neither lack of visible efforts to address and changes. At the outset, the first hardly realised by leaders and parties develop nor thrive in the absence of remedy the pains and sufferings of the change that must be done is to either that had never raised the issue of peace and stability in a new Nepal. 6 14-20 April, 2008 Photo

Maoist chief Prachanda, under burden of marigold garlands, addresses a cheering crowd in the Birendra Convention Centre on April 12 soon after he was declared winner from Kathmandu 10. Pix by Bhaswor Ojha CELEBRATING VICT feature 14-20 April, 2008 7

Suprabha Ghimire, Congress Navindra Raj Joshi, Chakra Thakuri, Congress Congress

Jhakku Subedi, Maoist Prakash Man Singh, Congress

TORY Hisila Yami, Maoist Narahari Acharya, Congress 8 14-20 Apr, 2008 Interview

Her passion is writing and it takes forms of stories, novels and songs. The woman behind the words is Padmavati Singh. She strives to Writing, an art that reach out and touch the hearts and minds of women and the society at large. She believes strongly in integrity and in equal rights for women. Padmavati shared her views with Sushma Amatya recently. demands integrity When did you start writing? Gunjan which is a totally self sufficient who want to write? organisation with no outside I was interested in literature right intervention, is working on it. from my school days. I then came in In this intellectual arena, we have Translating our work is important and close contact with Prema Shah, who to compete with men who have better we should give it due attention. was my neighbour and was a access to time, environment, renowned writer. She used to lend opportunity, freedom to travel etc; What do we need to ensure me many books. She encouraged me and for very this reason, we need books written by women reach all to read a lot and gradually I found more women who are determined to corners of our country? myself wanting to write. I’ve been walk in this less traveled space and writing for the past 35 years now. I’ve make their mark on it. It calls for a lot Distribution is the main problem. A written many stories, poems, and of integrity and confidence in self; and proper distribution channel is lacking songs. I sang several of my songs be able to face the challenges without here. I can get my books circulated in too. wavering. Kathmandu valley but it becomes very difficult if not impossible for me to get How did your first novel, Why would people be attracted my books to go outside. The system Samanta Akash, come about? to this field which is not known is lacking. for its monetary value? Writing a novel demands a lot of Challenges that women writers time and concentration which I was Right. In other fields, you earn face? not able to manage here. So, one money but in this field, you have to day, I decided to go to , spend money. If you want your work To be a woman is the first stayed there for a month as a paying published, you have to spend your challenge! From my experience, guest and completed the book in money and the return is not guaran- finding time to write is another major three weeks time. The book talks teed. Well known names do get challenge. Women have so many about modern women and their published by publishing houses but responsibilities such as looking after struggle. At that time I had no for a new comer, it is very difficult. home, children, fulfilling social structure but once I started writing, it Their work just gathers dust. obligations, and if you are a working started flowing. woman, then the load doubles. To be And today the time is such that a lot able to write with all that is itself a I focus mainly on women’s issues depends on marketing for which you major achievement. I cannot write in especially regarding the discrimina- have to invite people, get yourself the day time, there are so many tion they face. I being a woman, talked about in the media, etc. For distractions; so many things demand know their issues intimately and it so this, you need money. What I’ve seen my attention, so I write only at night becomes my dharma to write about now is that those who have money, time. Had it been a man, he can just it. Gender discrimination is my main they publish one book after the next announce that he should not be concern. When women and men are regardless of its quality; and they are disturbed and everything gets done the same human being, living under viewed as successful; and there are for him and he can focus on his the same sky, why can’t they have poor and good writers whose works writing alone. Women definitely have equal rights? Verbally, everybody say never see the light of the day. a larger load to bear. women are equal to men but it does not happen in real life, not at home Niraj Sapkota Money talks and we have seen it Another problem is lack of and not outside. Domination exists happening not only with writers but networking for women to get their everywhere. Yes, men do have their singers, actors and other artists too. work published. Men move around a problems too but my work concen- Reading something that is written with Those who throw around money, the lot but women again due to their trates on women. Samanta Akash is media cover them again and again responsibilities cannot do that and so exactly about that. good intention, with honesty, does strikes although they are not even worth it. they lag behind in that area too. And here too the domination of one’s psyche at a deep level and slowly These days without a proper How does literature help in money has to be challenged and only network, it is not easy to get your creating awareness? makes one question one’s attitude, we writers can do it. work published and marketed. behaviour and values in life. Another problem is lack of exposure. I Reading something that is written What can be done to give have seen it in my years of working with good intention, with honesty, opportunity to new talents? that whenever there is a chance of does strikes one’s psyche at a deep I worked for various NGOs and culture and how they are integrated in traveling abroad; it is the men who level and slowly makes one question INGOs for about 25 years. I remem- the new environment. I will be studying Organisations that work to promote get the priority. one’s attitude, behaviour and values ber the first time I was posted as a their identity crisis, the problems they literature should hunt for talents and in life. Although people do not read field coordinator when there were no are facing, feeling their dreams and promote them. Priority should be Despite all these setbacks, if a much in our country, due to illiteracy women working in the outposts. then write a book on this diaspora. based on the writers’ creativity and woman writes something then it is and poverty, the habit is picking up Sensing their presumption that I capability. Potential should be really something. For writing is not just slowly and people are starting to read would not be able to survive in the not Why the US? recognised and tapped. writing, it takes a lot of effort, studying, books besides their courseware. I so comfortable environment, I put in research. It calls for a lot of personal was convinced of this after I received all that I had and completed the I have friends and relatives there Final words? experience, interaction with many diverse feedback on my book. project successfully. Not long after, I and nowhere else. I will have a place people from different walks of life. began to see more and more women there to stay. I am going there for just I wish that the tendency of one Yes, there is lack of direct, venturing into field work and excelling this purpose. I want to make my book group of writers to slander another Here too, women face domination measurable effect on the affect what at it. Today, they are definitely more based on the realities, not based on group and turn it into yet another in a different way. When a woman you read has on you, but people are confident and can compete with men what I hear or read or see on TV. political, corrupted arena would stop. writes, the general concept of men is affected by what they read. They will at any level. And I wish, money would stop taking that ‘what will women write, we are at some point begin thinking and start Don’t you plan to get your precedence. We have even seen better,’ kind of attitude. Go to a questioning if the values they clung Future plans? writing translated into English so some people who give money to literature programme and you will see on to all their lives are right or wrong that it has a wider outreach? unknown writers to write something all men out there on the dais; at this point of time. Thus, it is a step Ratna Pustak Bhandar is publishing a and then get it published in their perhaps now, they will have a few towards creating awareness. With collection of my short stories very soon. Unfortunately, due to lack of names. This is sheer exploitation. It is women there just to make sure that this confidence that what we write Now I’m planning to go to the US to translation, a majority of Nepali a negative trend that should be the gender equation appears does have a positive impact on write about this rising phenomenon of writers are confined within Nepal only. nipped in bud. In this field as balanced out. Nobody can stop us people’s attitude, mentality and will Nepalis migrating to the US citing People know me here but not even in anywhere else, one’s own credibility from writing but we need to work bring changes in the society - do various reasons. I want to see for India. For this reason, this women’s based on one’s talent, hard work together to overcome the seen and writers like us continue to write. myself what kind of lives they are organisation called Gunjan works to should be recognised; and not based unseen domination that is taking leading there; how happy they are; promote women writers. I chair the on the façade one creates around place around us. What changes did you see in what changes has moving to US organisation that is ten years old. oneself with money. This is an area of women in their work environ- brought to their mentality, their life style; Lack of funds is another reason why intellect, wisdom and integrity and it What would you advise women ment? how they are adapting to the different translation does not take place but should be respected. ä From the region 14-20 Apr, 2008 9 ‘Trade barriers should be removed’

President Pervez population still lived on Musharraf has called for less than two US dollar a sharing expertise and day. experiences, removing The president said trade barriers, involving Pakistan was dedicated public and private sectors to promoting cooperation and setting up regional for Green Asia, both in cooperation networks to the region and within the raise environmental and Saarc framework. energy efficiency. He said Pakistan had Addressing the Boao taken various steps, Hu: China-Pakistan Forum for Asia on including setting up of a “Green Asia: Moving policy and review forum towards win-win through on climate change, friendship is strong changes” here on launching of a mega Chinese President Hu Jintao and Pakistani President Saturday, the president forestry project, mountain Pervez Musharraf Friday reaffirmed the strong alliance said: “The challenge of areas conservancy between their countries, a news agency reported. sustaining economic programme and Pakistan The leaders said during the Friday talk they would work development and Wetlands Programme, to to strengthen bilateral strategic joint efforts between China ensuring environmental mitigate climate change. and Pakistan, Xinhua reported. Hu and Musharraf met protection is overwhelming and beyond global demand for energy and added that Mr Musharraf said Pakistan was trying during the Pakistani leader’s visit to Sanya in China’s Hainan the capacity of most individual countries in 70 per cent of the new demand would to maintain and accelerate its economic province. Asia.” come from developing countries, growth which had been seven per cent Hu said China and Pakistan were close friends and He said that demand for water, energy especially those in Asia. over the past five years. partners that have an all-weather bond and overall and raw materials had grown in the “We will have to rely on both traditional This, he added, continued to remain agreement. He also said their friendship was based in world. “Collectively, we face an enormous and non-traditional sources of energy to the top priority of the new government. support and trust regarding each country’s core issues. challenge to ensure food and energy sustain our growth. We simply cannot President Musharraf praised the Musharraf said he would like the countries to look into security, prudent water management and depend on fossil fuels to be the mainstay Chinese companies for their contribution new methods of expanding joint efforts, such as with trade, environmental protection.” of global economy.” to Pakistan’s economic development energy, education and culture. The president said the phenomenal Mr Musharraf pointed out that despite through investment and business. (UPI) growth in Asia had led to an increase in success a large proportion of Asian (Dawn) 10 14-20 Apr, 2008 Perspective MARSHLAND FLOWERS Glimpse of enlightenment In the Mahayana path, the first glimpse of enlightenment is attained when the person has a direct non-conceptual experiential glimpse of emptiness (Sunyata).

ä Acharya Mahayogi Sridhar stream, i.e. the stream that leads to as can be seen from the above Rana Rinpoche final emancipation (Mukti/Mokchhya) explanation. But this is only the result and Apatti is falling into or entering. of the Sraavakayana path. The The four noble truths was the first So it literally means entering into the Bodhisatwayana/Mahayana path teaching the Shasta (master/ stream that leads to or flows towards again is a little different from the teacher) gave and it was in Sarnath Arhathood which is the final emanci- above, if not totally different. to the five, who had abandoned him pation (Mukti/Mokchhya). in the middle of his endeavours In the Mahayana path, the first because he started eating. When a However there are still two more glimpse of enlightenment is attained person moving on the Sraavakayana stations or degrees of emancipation when the person has a direct non- path has his first glimpse of enlighten- called Sakridaagaami and Anaagaami conceptual experiential glimpse of ment, he experiences in his own before Arhathood is attained. emptiness (Sunyata). As you can see mental streams, the 16 aspects of the Sakridaagaami means once returner. this cannot really be equal to the four noble truths. This is the first The person will return once more to realisation of the Atma as some glimpse of enlightenment according to the human realm before he attains to Hindu Saints/Yogis/Paramhamsa the Sraavakayana system like the Anaagaami or the higher Arhat have tried to posit in the past. Theravada. stage. The Anaagaami is the non Sunyata is a synonym for Anatma but returner. He will not come back to the there are two levels of Anatma. One If one properly practices the human realm anymore but until he is the gross Anatma (no-self) which is Vipassyana of the Theravada system, becomes an Arhat he may be reborn the negation of I and me. But this is what he will experience. He will in the Deva or Brahma realms and go Sunyata is the subtle Anatma and not experience the Atma – Gyana of on to attain Arhathood. But if he therefore not only merely the the Hindus or Jains nor God attains Arhathood here he has no negation of I and me but also the realisation of some Hindus or more birth. This becomes his last negation of real existence, inherent Christians. An understanding of this is birth. existence, true existence of all very crucial to the correct under- dharmas including the fabricated self standing of Buddhism. This glimpse is The steps, the realisation and the or Atma. technically called Srotapatti and the final emancipation according to (To be continued) person is thence forth a Sraavakayana are totally different (Sridhar Rinpoche is a Vajrayana Srotappanna. Srota means the from any other non-Buddhist systems Master) Society 14-20 Apr, 2008 11

ä Pramesh Pradhan Historic backwater–Sankhu Vajrayogini is the deity of wisdom worshipped by both Buddhist and Hindus

Sankhu is an old Newari backwater that lies 23 km north- There are numerous Chaityas around the temple. Carved in east of Kathmandu. Its original name was Sankhapura that the wood around the temple are animals and gods from the literally meant a ‘Conch town.’ It was once an important town, in Buddhist pantheon. The temple stands midway up the forest of the old trading route between Kathmandu and Tibet. Beautiful Manichaur (heap of jewels) said to be dotted with the meditat- old houses, intricate wood-carvings, temples, public ponds and ing caves of Buddhist and Hindu ascetics. water taps are testimonials to its prosperous history. opularly known as Vajra Yogini, the deity is Ugra Tara, Nila The ancient city is believed to have been guarded by Asta- Tara (blue Tara) or Khadga Yogini. She is the eldest among 64 matrikas, the eight mother goddesses each in eight different legendary Yoginis. She is the deity of wisdom worshipped by directions of the city. Sankha deva is believed to be the first king both Buddhist and Hindus. The beautiful goddess here is of the city. This predominantly Newar town probably was settled defined as a ferocious protector of the Buddhist doctrine. Her in the Lichhavi era (2nd -8th century). companions (dakinis) Baghini (tigress) and Singhini (lioness) The present three storied temple is the contribution of King can be seen nearby. To Hindus she is the goddess Kali. Nearby Pratap Malla who ruled in 1655 AD. The temple is believed to the temple lies the Dharma Ghatu Chaitya. have been built originally by King Manadeva during the 5th Sankhu is still noted for its religious significance related to holy century who is associated with his penance meditation for Hindu book of Swasthani and its rites - the month long purification unintentionally killing his father. The typical courtyard behind the involves fasting, reading of sacred texts, and morning baths in the temple is called Gana Bahal, Gana means forests and Bihar Sali river. One of the most celebrated festivals is the Vajra Yogini (Bahal) means recreational place in Newari language. A finely fest which falls on the full moon day in the month of March/April. carved sunken bath from 10th century is in the middle of this Maghe Sakranti is the Hindu festival commemorating an courtyard. important Hindu event associated with Shiva, one of the Hindu There are a number of waterspouts on the way up the steep supreme trinity and Mahadevi, consort of Shiva. stone staircase to the temple. Mid-way to the temple, images Sankhu is a point to get started on some of the most of Bhairav, Vishnu and Ganesh can also be seen. Animal pleasant hiking and treks around the valley. Richly endowed sacrifices are made in front of the Bhairav image. with forests, rivers, rivulets, hills, rich farmland, and The smaller shrine beside the main temple houses Dharma hardworking people, this historic place could be made attractive Ghatu Chaitya which is a replica of Swoyambhu temple. An if it were kept clean. Sadly, this historic town lies in the shadows, image of Manjushri with a sword also stands in there. Vajra Manjushri who used his power to cut the hill and drain the ignored, despite its glorious past. Yogini is believed to have been the mastermind behind water from the valley and made it fit for human settlement. ([email protected]) CDO Regd No 93/063/64 Kathmandu, Central Region Postal Regd. No 46/063/64 12 14-20 Apr, 2008 Last words

GP Koirala When the flames of envy are fanned, envy becomes hatred and hatred becomes violence. Who’s old fashioned?

national dailies, was cheeky (“it is not a matter terms of education or money has done nothing that need concern the court”) to say the least, if but weigh them down with an aversion for those he did indeed say that, and the press would who do not have such privilege or who come hardly misquote our very own emperor, would way too low down in the pecking order. they? Had he given such a response to the Supreme Court of any really democratic country There are awful divisions in this society. he might have found himself contemplating a spell Divisions indeed caused by old-fashioned of real retirement from politics-behind bars for mindsets, but on all sides. If the fortunate are contempt of court. brimful of self-importance, some of the unfortunate are full of hatred and envy for the fortunate. It The fact that probably troubles the Supreme eats away at their being. Being poor is not a Court is that there has been no general election crime, but the exploitation of the poor who are or referendum (and there will still not have been young and have unlimited aspirations and limited even when the constituent assembly elections means is. When the flames of envy are fanned, are over on April 10th) asking all those who are envy becomes hatred and hatred becomes entitled to vote in this country what kind of a state violence. Those who have nothing to envy they would prefer. The glaring fact is that an respond for the most part with an equal violence. interim unelected government has changed the Some politicians are adept at exploiting this, constitution and laws and has made decisions because they have ignorance on their side: the that no unelected body should be empowered to ignorance of the poor about the rich and the make. ignorance of the rich about the poor.

I have heard some of our politicians argue that Politicians, of course, are expected to close the they were elected once; but frankly we are being gap between rich and poor and not fan the Sanjeeb Khanal governed by people for whom the ink on the flames of division; and that has never happened ballot paper has faded or is green with fungus. in this country. Well perhaps Thursday will ä The wanderer that it changes and progresses as times There are also a goodly number who have change all that and we should just let it go. change and it varies from country to country. never stood for election and for whom no-one It’s been a very entertaining weekend. I had The original democracy of the ancient Greeks voted, namely the Maoists. It’s called dictatorship. Let what go? What are we really voting for? the opportunity to watch comrade Lotus has only one thing in common with modern Are we voting to get rid of this infamous old Blossom in full bloom, so to speak, on two very forms really; and that is the rule of law - and Do we have a future? If so, when will it arrive? mindset? If so we should remind ourselves that entertaining occasions. The number one top on other issues, the ancient Greeks hardly This dreadful shadow of conflict that has afflicted we are not voting on anything that concerns us spot, of course, just has to be his invigorating thought women had souls, let alone giving our nation was (and is) caused by egoists of one as citizens because SPAM has already chalked conversation on Kantipur TV on Saturday them democratic rights. Intelligent women just faction or another. Together they have exploited out the order of the game; and the order is the night when his very own version of the famous had to be sorceresses or possessed by the the wretched and poor among us: some of them same for all of these parties. We should also American phobia ’Reds under the bed’ was gods. In fact in some countries that perspec- have caused children to leave their classrooms remind ourselves that democracy is about choice revealed to be ‘royalists under the bed.’ A little tive hasn’t changed to this day. and fight, even kill, their own compatriots. Others and looking at all the manifestos that the SPAM more transparency on exactly who the ‘many’ have been overburdened by their own feelings has produced, there is no choice. Whither are who ‘attempted’ to put the famous Norms that are always unchangeable in a of importance. Their richness and privilege in democracy and a new Nepal? ä helmsman’s ‘lights out’ would be useful; and democracy though are the supremacy of the obviously they couldn’t have been too serious law and the equality of all before it and the about it because he was jolly, fat and freedom of the press. It is not the media that is ubiquitous on the television show. old and stale in its thinking but the extreme left wing and the extreme right wing in this It is puzzling how, half a century after coming country. They have many similarities. One out of the jungle, Fidel Castro still manages to that struck me as amusing on Saturday night look mean and lean, but our own comrade was Mr. Dahal’s reference to himself as leaders, after such a short time in the fat cat ‘Hajur’, although I suppose he’ll deny that city, are, like June in the ever leaving his lips as he famous song, bursting has denied many state- out all over. Some of It is puzzling how, ments that we have all them are very roly poly half a century after heard gushing out of the and one has to wonder coming out of the heady environment of which of them really did jungle, Fidel Castro Khula Manch. the hard work of running still manages to look up and down steep mean and lean, but If truth be told, however, pathways and gasping the supreme leader of the through the jungles our own comrade CPN/Maoist party is not liberating us witless folks. leaders, after such a alone in what I see as a There is much that short time in the fat feudal mindset. There, I remains to be made cat city, are, like used the ‘f’ word! Most of transparent. June in the famous our current political leaders song, bursting out are feudal and belong to an Unfortunately, the old order that we would do very next day, in full flow, all over. well to put into retirement, our ‘President in waiting’ making way for the younger revealed that the media has an old mindset generation. It’s too late now frankly and and will have to be brought under control after people do get the government they deserve. the election. Get a life! If ever one needed For the rest of us, it is about time we reflected proof that a) Lotus B’s thinking is old fashioned upon exactly what we have done to deserve and rooted in the past, failed glory of Stalinist this lot. dialectics and that b) he has no intention of adhering to democratic norms, it is that one Another glaring example of the feudal statement. mindset was GP Koirala’s response to the Supreme Court’s show cause concerning the The whole point of a democracy is that a constitutional changes that catapulted us into free press is one of the estates or bulwarks of republicanism just on the Maoists say so. The the system. The whole point of democracy is prime minister’s response, as reported in the