Every Thursday issue 225 Rs 40 19 June 2014 5 ciff( 2071

The Smarter Entertainment Weekly

Free Fifa booklet with this Issue

Kick Back! 13 June 2014. Mark your calendar. The time has come to relax and enjoy the game. Soon, flags will be waved, faces will be painted, and teams will be cheered. Fr!day celebrates the 2014 FIFA World Cup not just this week, but throughout the tournament.

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Top 3 Events It’s finally here! The ultimate football extravaganza, the 2014 FIFA World Cup, is upon us! Who are you WOMEN IN CONCERT FUNDRAISER rooting for? Still haven’t decided who to support, or how and where you’ll be watching the Nirbhaya Manch is organizing a fund raising program to games? FR!DAY brings to you all the answers with our FIFA exclusive pocket book that has conduct the Phase-1 audition of the Women in Concert everything you need to know about the phenomenon that is the World Cup. regional series in Butwal and Pokhara. The fundraiser includes Haiku performance by Chirag Bangdel, and This year’s tournament is slated to take things a step further since all the countries that ! have won the tournament at one time or another, including Uruguay, Italy, Germany, performances by Sujata Shah, Raksha Limbu, Kristina Allen (who have all participated in previous editions of the concert), England, Argentina, France, Spain and Brazil, are taking part this year. The football crazy along with Abhaya and the Steam Injuns. This year, Nirbhaya country of Brazil is hosting the FIFA World Cup for the second time after last doing so in Manch intends to take the concert out of Kathmandu for the 1950, when Uruguay took home the Cup after beating the host nation. first time in its history. What’s Inside? Date: 18 June Time: 6:00 pm, Venue: Trisara, Lazimpat (Invitation only) Page 6: Get Started with all the basics you need to know about FIFA 2014. 1For Invitation: 9804074964 / 9803098020 Page 8: Check out where can you watch FIFA LIVE, and at which time? Page 20: As the World Cup takes center stage for an entire month, here’s another way of enjoying those exhilarating matches, and it doesn’t involve your TV remote.

Let’s Go On A Ride! V.G Automobiles, the authorized importer and distributor of Suzuki Motorcycle India Ltd. in Nepal, recently launched the company’s new scooter - LET’s. LET’s has a mileage of 63 kmpl, easy pickup, tubeless tire, and maintenance free battery, in a 98 kg frame. The vehicle is also equipped with telescopic type front forks and rear suspension settings, which makes riding on local road conditions MERO ASHA very convenient. The scooter has a cut- Mero Asha is a social initiative by Heartbeat Nepal, away floorboard narrowed down at the an organization that works for the betterment of street part where the leg touches the ground, children. Their art exhibition and musical dinner night making it easy to handle. Other additional is jointly supported by The Last Resort and Moksh. “We features of LET’s are the large foldable hope to collect enough funds to build the much needed bag hook, single key operation with shutter safe houses for street kids,” state the organizers. The log, and additional utility box with mobile event features live jazz performances and an exhibition socket (optional). LET’s, with its sporty of paintings by street children. “We hope we can and trendy look, targets the city youth who contribute even more to the fundraiser by selling some of want a fun ride that’s also easy to operate. the paintings,” they add. TICKET PRICE: Rs. 2500 (Available at Moksh, Last Resort Mandala Street and Friends Café, Thamel.) 2 Hippies Night Looking to let your hair down and party till the wee hours of Tuborg’s new look the morning? Hippies Night at the Blue Galaxy Discotheque Gorkha Brewery introduced the new look of Tuborg with the is just the party for you. The event features DJ Pratish, tagline “Kholau TUBORG Ramera, …Jahabhayapani”, a call for the official DJ of Channel [V] India, as well as hip music action to open Tuborg for fun...wherever you are. from the 60s- an era when Nepal was known as a Mecca for hippies. Slogans like “Make Love not War” became The new Tuborg bottle has an innovative pull-off cap, giving associated with the hippie culture in Nepal, and so did the consumers the freedom to drink without having to look for a sounds of rock and roll that was introduced to the country bottle opener. It is also tamper proof, which makes it impossible by the flower children. to either replicate or contaminate. Building on the existing equities of the Tuborg name and label shape, it has added 3 Date: 13 June, Friday Time: 7 p.m to 2 a.m new ideas such as the tilted front label with the visible Tuborg Venue: Blue Galaxy Discotheque, Hotel Yak and Yeti branding. The Tuborg label titled at 62.5 degree, called the tipping point, is the angle when the first drop of liquid leaves the Tuborg bottle. Tuborg’s new green bottle is an award winning With events to the left and right, Fr!day makes it a little bit easier for you to choose events to design (Cannes Lions 2012) and the debossed surface across check out this week and the next. Here are our top three picks. the label gives it a better grip. Tuborg’s new look is all set to POST US: Email event details to [email protected] or entice consumers, and its edgy appearance, with an easy to hold call 5011571/ 5011639/ 5011730/ 5011731 for listings. Listings are free but grip, promises an international feel but the same great taste. inclusion is not guaranteed due to limited space.

Kickstart//Get Started 6

Generation Gear Everything FIFA Add some Fun in FIFA. 13 June 2014. Mark your calendar. The much-awaited 2014 FIFA World Cup

commences in Brazil with the hosts going up against Croatia for the first match. Sack pack spain pack Sack One can already feel the excitement of the World Cup in the air, with fans donning the kits of the countries they support. Soon they will be waving flags and painting their faces to celebrate the glorious occasion that is the FIFA World Cup. Plush Mascot Fuleco Head Sunnivh Subba

The World Cup festivities are in full swing Supporting a team The Groups for the and once the tournament starts, it won’t The FIFA World Cup is a celebration 2014 FIFA World Cup be easy to avoid the extravaganza. TV of football but it is not fun until Group A: Brazil, Croatia, channels, radio stations, and newspapers some passion is injected into the Mexico, and Cameroon will cover everything that surrounds the game. If you don’t have a team to Group B: Spain, the tournament and it will be a part of daily cheer for, I suggest you pick one. Netherlands, Chile, and Australia conversations. If you use social media, brace You can play safe and support the Plush Fuleco Slippers Fuleco Key Chain yourself for a flood of World Cup updates favorites - Brazil, Germany, and Group C: Colombia, on your newsfeed. If you are clueless about Spain - who are likely to go past Greece, Ivory Coast, and Japan the World Cup, it’s about time you learnt a the group stage. Dark horses Italy, thing or two about the beautiful game and Argentina, and the Netherlands will Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, and Italy the grandest sporting event in the world so be right up there in the mix as well. that you aren’t left behind. England has one World Cup to its Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, and name but the young blood in the Honduras Medium foosball table The history team looks promising. Or you could The first FIFA World Cup took place in 1930, support our fellow Asians, Japan or Group F: Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was hosted and won by Uruguay. The Korea, who have a decent record in Iran, and Nigeria 2014 FIFA World Cup, the 20th edition of the World Cup. This time, Portugal Group G: Germany, the tournament, is hosted by five-time victor and Uruguay are the underdogs Portugal, Ghana, and Brazil. From 1930 to 1970, the trophy was but with Cristiano Ronaldo and the United States named after FIFA president Jules Rimet who Luis Suarez, respectively, in the line Group H: Belgium, set up the first tournament. In 1970, after up, you might be happy to support Algeria, Russia, and Brazil’s third victory, they were entitled to them. South Korea keep the trophy permanently. However, in After going through this article, 1983, it was stolen and never recovered. The you should be familiar with what current trophy, known simply as the FIFA the FIFA World Cup is all about World Cup Trophy, was designed by Italian and why it is such a big deal. designer Silvio Gazzaniga in 1970. It is made This long summer month will be of a solid 18 carat gold and weighs 6.175 kg. interesting with top football nations vying against each other for the The tournament format trophy. You can be a part of it too, The FIFA World Cup is a month-long cheering and celebrating when your tournament that takes place every four team wins, or you could just be a years. Football teams from around the neutral supporter and observe the world compete in the qualification phase madness that surrounds this great through a series of tournaments that take tournament. I hope you are ready to place in their respective regions until the witness it with the same enthusiasm final 31 squads are determined, with one and excitement as I am. spot guaranteed for the host nation. The 32 2014 FIFA World Cup, Brazil teams are then drawn into eight different groups with four squads in each. In the Trivia group stage, the teams compete within Brazil is hosting the tournament for their group, each playing against the other the second time and it will be held three. Each win gives the team three points; in 12 cities around the country. The a draw equals one point while there are no Maracana Stadium in Brazil had a points for a loss. After playing three games record attendance of 199,854 for each, the top two teams with the highest the Brazil vs. Uruguay match points qualify for the knockout phase. in the World Cup final on 16 16 teams will qualify from the group stage June, 1950. Today, the overall for the knockout stage, where the winner capacity in the stadium is of one group will play against the runner- far lower at 74,689. Fuleco up of another. From here, the World Cup the Armadillo is the official will progress to the quarterfinals, then the mascot of the 2014 FIFA semi-finals and, eventually, the finals on 13 World Cup and the official July in Rio De Janeiro. If the winners are not match ball is the Adidas decided during the designated 90 minutes, Brazuca, made by FIFA the game will go into extra time. If the score partner and FIFA World remains the same for the added 30 minutes, Cup Official Match Ball Model: Bina Subba Jersey: Planet Sports, the game will be decided by a tiebreaker in supplier since 1970, Adidas. Kathmandu Mall

the form of a penalty shoot-out. On the Cover: Prop Courtesy: Looniva Stationary, Lagankhel

Kickstart//Events 8

Where Can I go watch FIFA? The next best thing to watching a World Cup match in a stadium is watching a World Cup match in a bar with a raucous crowd. FR!DAY brings to you a list of happening places where the World Cup fever will be at its highest. Out & Nepal House, Baluwatar Sports Bar FC, Jhamsikhel Contact: 9803573260 Contact: 0984-9302118 Preliminary to main games with a large screen as well as a projector Arena Sports Lounge, Thamel 01-4700283 About Namlo Garden Restaurant Contact: 9851103087 De gaa Restro Lounge Kumaripati, Lalitpur Moksh, Jhamsikhel Contact: 015008679 Contact: 5528362 Preliminary matches (that start from The Factory MUSIC & PARTIES 10 p.m) and the main games Thamel, 014701185

Hippies Night World CUP Schedule: WEEK 1 Date: 13 June, Friday, Time: 7 p.m to 2 a.m (Nepali TIme) Venue: Blue Galaxy Discotheque, Hotel Yak and Yeti Brazil Vs Croatia Argentina Vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (For more information, go to Page. 4) 1:45 AM, 13 June 2014 3:45 AM, 16 June 2014

Spain Vs Netherlands Germany Vs Portugal WOMEN IN CONCERT 00:45 AM, 14 June 2014 9:45 PM, 16 June 2014 Date: 18 June, Time: 6:00 pm Venue: Trisara, Lazimpat (Invitation only) Colombia Vs Greece Belgium Vs Algeria For Invitation: 9804074964 / 9803098020 9:45 PM, 14 June 2014 9:45 PM, 17 June 2014 (For more information, go to Page. 4) England Vs Italy Russia Vs South Korea MTV Wet & Wild Event 3:45 AM, 15 June 2014 3:45 AM, 18 June 2014 Date: 21 June (Saturday), Venue: Trisara, Lazimpat Contact: 977 9818 218 336 ( Netra Basnet) Cote D’Ivoire Vs Japan Colombia Vs Cote D’Ivoire Dress Code: Denims, Ticket Price: Rs 1000 6:45 AM, 15 June 2014 9:45 PM, 19 June 2014

Calling all party lovers, this is one event you should not miss. DJ Akansha Popli, the winner of MTV Splitsvilla Season 5 and one of India’s hottest DJs, is in town for MTV Wet & Wild. Groove to her beats, with awesome EDM, house, and a little bit of Hollywood. What better way to celebrate World Music Day?!

live wire

Moksh Tamarind Restro and Bar Location: Naxal Contact: 4414395 Every Tuesday Thursday(12 June), Sunday(15 Rohit John Chhetri June) and Monday (16 June) Time: 7pm onwards Live piano by Sunil Singh 8 Degrees Location: Jhamsikhel Wednesday: 18 June Friday 13 May MISCELLANEOUS Contact: 5528362 Prayash (band) Loadshedding (band) Saturday: 14 June Time: 7:00pm onwards Supersonic (band) Himalayan Pizza and Newa club Location: Jhamsikhel Time: 7:00pm to 10:00pm Contact: 5543740 Flea Market Books Thursday: 12 June Location: Jhamsikhel Date: 14 June (Saturday), Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Others (jazz and contemporary Contact: 5522626 Venue: Alliance française of Kathmandu vocal quartet) Manny’s Eateries Friday: 13 June Every Friday The Alliance française of Kathmandu is putting together a Ninaad (eastern fusion) Jazz Upstairs Shabnam Gurung & flea market where second hand books can be bought and sold Saturday: 14 June Wednesday: 18 June Dinesh Neupane at the cheapest prices. Visit Alliance française in Teku on What the funk!! (funky party Monsix (Gypsy Jazz) (Soft Hidustani and Saturday 14 June from 10 am to 4 pm for children’s books, music) Time: 7:00pm onwards Nepali music along with art books, fiction, comics, and many more. Time: 7:00pm to 10:00pm Location: Lazimpat ghazals) Location: Thamel (next to Hotel Contact: 4416983 Time: 6:45pm to Manang) 10:30pm Kathmandu Kora Contact: 9849196991 (Jacko) Madhusala Location: Ekantakuna Date: 18 &19 July, Every Friday till Wednesday Contact: 015536919 Time: Jul 18 at 6:15pm to Jul 19 at 4:15am Embassy Restro & Bar Uday & Manila Sotang live with Venue: Patan Dhoka (Starting Point) Thursday: 12 June Jeewan Kalapremi and Nava Ratna Bourbon Lounge Registration:http://kathmandukora.net/2m4pyutar/ Salsa by Riyaz Shrestha (band) Friday: 6 June Friday: 13 June Time: 7:15-11:30 pm Soultease The Kathmandu Kora Cycling Challenge 2014 will start from Unplugged show by Prayash (band) Location: Durbar Marg Tuesday: 10 June the third Saturday of July with riders undertaking a personal Every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Contact: 4223613 Sign (Sonam and Sunny) challenge of 50 km, 75 km and 100 km around Kathmandu Piano night by Pema Wednesday: 11 June Valley. In each of the editions of the Kora Challenge, riders Saturday: 14 June Tamas Laya Ladies night with have pledged to raise money for a cause. Nearly 3.5 million Live acoustic show by Dharmendra Wednesday: 18 June Accoustix rupees have been collected in the past editions, and this Sewan and Bittu Open Night with Jovan Time: 7:30pm onwards year’s pledge is even bigger - the campaign aims to raise two Time: 6:30pm onwards Friday: 13 June (Naxal) Location: Lal Durbar million to build an eco- designed birthing facility in Pyutar, Location: Lazimpat Accoustix Marg South Lalitpur. Contact: 4424040 Time: 7:00-10:00pm Contact: 4441703 9 Food Outdoors

LIVE BBQ ROPAIN THE RICE PLANTING FESTIVAL Date: 13 June (Every Friday), Time: 6:00 pm onwards Date: 28 and 29 June, Time: 6:30pm - 10:00pm in UTC+05:45 Venue: Nepal House, Baluwatar, Contact: 9803573260 Ticket Price: 1950/- Adults 1000/- Children below 10 yrs. Free for children below 5 yrs. Tickets available at : http://www.eventbrite.com/e/ropain-the-rice-planting-festival-2014- Nepal House might just be establishing its niche in the restaurant tickets-11536751735 and eatery market but the cuisines they serve definitely have already established relishing memory on people’s taste buds. From coming If you want to have fun by connecting with nature, the Ropain Rice Planting Festival Friday, Nepal House will be hosting a live BBQ set every weekend. is just the event for you. Rice, the staple meal of the country, is planted every summer You may just walk in, no entry fee hassle and lay back to relax at the as the rain sets in the valley. The Ropain Festival is being organized this year at soothing ambience of the Restaurant. Drinks that go along the smoked, Bajrabarahi, Lalitpur in the southern outskirts of the valley. Celebrate the rain showers sophisticated meat are also available at the eatery which makes the this summer by celebrating ropain (along with sumptuous Newari dishes!). Friday evening visit even better.

Experience Thailand Date: 18 & 19 June, Time: 7pm onwards, Contact: 4221711 Venue: Poolside Garden, Hotel de L› Annapurna, Durbar Marg

Foodies, get ready to excite your taste buds with exotic food from Thailand! Celebration of Thailand, hosted by Hotel de L’ Annapurna on 18 and 19 June, will feature exquisite culinary creations by famous Thai chefs, and exotic Thai fashion accompanied by Thai music. The event will also present The Nepal-Thai Fashion Show that will have outfits by popular Thai designers and four Nepali designers, as well as a performance by a famous Thai band. The event also includes a cooking class facilitated by a renowned Thai chef on 19 June. The event is organized by Royal Thai Embassy and Nepal-Thailand Co-operation Society in alliance with Hotel de L’ Annapurna. Photo Courtesy Nabin Baral

2nd Teacher Futsal Cup 2014 Corporate Futsal Date: 20 & 21 June, Date: 7 June to 28 June, Time: Various Time: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Venue: Futsal Arena, Bouddha, Venue: Dhuku Futsal Hub, Maharajgunj, Contact: 9841564647 Contact: +977 1 4266716 (Umesh Adhikari) The 2nd Corporate League Futsal, orga- nized by Project A studios, a research Study Plus Pvt. Ltd brings to you the 2nd based advertising agency will kick-off on 7 Teacher’s Futsal Cup 2014. All proceeds June with twenty-four teams representing from the event will be donated to Socially various organizations, from banks to insur- Professional Group, a youth group working ance companies, media houses, telecoms, to provide educational materials to needy ISPs, etc. The squads are arranged into students in the rural areas of Nepal. This eight groups of three each, two of which year’s tournament will have 8-8 minute will be advancing to the round of sixteen, games following the league cum knockout then starting the knockout stage. This format with 24 teams competing for the year’s proceeds will go directly towards ad- title. Teams are selected on a first-come- dressing a noble cause. According to the first serve basis. The winning squad will organizers, the motive behind the tourna- receive a trophy and cash prize worth Rs. ment is to “make corporate houses aware 30,000 and Rs. 15,000 respectively. of their Corporate Social Responsibility.”

Pool BBQ EXCLUSIVE FRIDAY RETREAT Date: 14 June (Every Saturday), Time: 11:00 am onwards Date: 13 June (Friday), Time: 2:30 (pick up point at Sorakhutte) Venue: Hotel Annapurna, Durbarmarg, Contact: 4221711 Contact: 9801136111, [email protected] Summer is here and so is the season of swimming. Keeping that in mind, Borderlands Eco Adventure Resort offers a peaceful and serene rafting event every Friday, Hotel Annapurna recently unveiled its large new pool that will be playing a retreat for those who want to get away from the hassles of modern day life. The package host to a barbecue every Saturday. Special meal packages will be made helps you find your own space, to read a book, indulge in fun activities, and quench your every week exclusively for the event. thirst for adventure.

#metadata Date: 6 June-19 June ART & THEATER Venue: Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Koseli School’s “Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai with AFK DRAMA WORKSHOP Revisited Anupam Kher” Date: 13 May to 18 June (Every Wednesday) Date: 11 July (Friday), Time: 5:00 pm Time: 10 a.m to 1 p.m Subash Thebe, Venue: Army Officer’s Club, Bhadrakali Venue: Alliance française of Kathmandu artist-in-residence Ticket Price: 5,000/- Golden tickets (main event Entry fee: Rs 100, Contact: 014241163 at the Kathmandu + entry to the after party) Contemporary Arts 3000/- Silver tickets (main event + entry to the Alliance française is organizing its second drama Centre, has put together after party) workshop that will take place every Wednesday a new exhibition at 1,500/- Bronze tickets (main event) from 10 am to 1 pm for six weeks from 13 May Siddhartha Art Gallery. Contact: 9801034345, 9801074430, to 18 June! At the workshop, participants will Titled #metadata, the 9801037873, [email protected] create an original performance piece and a public paintings reflect the presentation for a special event at Alliance française. artist’s latest theme Koseli School Nepal presents Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta The ability to speak French is not necessary and i.e. the observation and Hai with Anupam Kher [Live in Nepal]. Kuch Bhi beginners and non-beginners alike are welcome. criticism of western Ho Sakta Hai has received acclaim from millions mainstream media, of people around the world, and will also be aired Compulsory registrations [limited to 15 participants] along with a few gestural illustrations that were inspired by on Colors TV soon. Proceeds from the show will go For further information please contact: general.afk@ music. Thebe works on canvas, steel, mirror, and readymade towards educating the children of Koseli School. gmail.com frames. The exhibition also includes video installations. Clockwise from bottom: Yogesh Roy, Radi Ahmed Chowdhury, Vishal Agrawal, Manisha Shrestha, Zunica Prasai.

Zep-fans Rejoice! 7 June, Purple Haze Following the recent success of the Pink Floyd tribute concert, PS Oscar Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. organized yet another tribute show, this time to Led Zeppelin. The band paying homage to the rock legends was Custard Pie (named after a Led Zep song) who got together just for the show. The event started at 4pm and saw a massive crowd made up predominantly of youngsters. It got even better when the audience started singing along with the band. Although this was Custard Pie’s first show, all the members belong to well- known bands of their own. The Pie played a host of Led Zep hits, including Whole Lotta Love and the crowd favorite Stairway To Heaven. Dibesh Schwarzkopf Rolls Out Mulmi of Cobweb, local legends in their own 5 June, Everest Hotel right, handled the sound engineering throughout Nepal Overseas Marketing Pvt. Ltd, the official marketer the show. and distributor of Schwarzkopf Professional beauty Clockwise: Jeewan Lama, Birat Basnet, products in Nepal, recently launched Schwarzkopf Swopnil, Dibesh Mulmi Professional’s range of beauty products in the Nepali market. Schwarzkopf Professional is a world renowned company in the arena of hairdressing. Besides the launch, threre was a special training session from world famous beautician Roland Abi Karam to the saloon owners and hair stylist present at the launch. Roland Abi Karam is also the regional technical advisor MEA of Schwarzkopf Professional.

Clockwise: Roland Abi Karam, Pawan Agrawal, Bina Subba, Bashana Hall of Frame Timilsina, Dolly Singh

City’s Son Is Here 8 June, Thames College beyond that and, at some point, start Samrat Upadhyay, the author of Arresting God in Kathmandu reading serious literature. You also have to and Professor of Creative Writing at Indiana University, work hard at your craft. Sit down and write was in Kathmandu for a writing program titled Writer in the – there is no other way about it”. After a World: Cultural Space and Displacement. Speaking during a reading from Upadhyay’s next, The City Son Clockwise: Sanjeev Dahal, Robert lecture and seminar organized by La.Lit, a literary magazine, to release in Nepal in a few months, the Hirschfield, Tia Clark, Alexander Upadhyay stated “You have to read, read a lot. Reading seminar concluded with a short workshop Weinstein, Britt Ashley Chetan Bhagat and Paulo Coelho won’t do. You have to go on non-fiction, fiction,and poetry. “I have come here to give my shubha kamana to the Tuborg tuborg pulls off a new cap team.” 6 June, Hotel Radisson

Tuborg, the world famous beer company, has a large number of loyal supporters and this was evident on the evening of 6 June. Amidst a gala event attended by partners, dealers, wholesalers, and retailers of Gorkha Brewery, the new international redesigned Tuborg bottle was unveiled. The new bottle features an innovative pull-off cap, which is convenient because it requires no opener. To add to that, the new cap is also tamper proof, impossible to replicate or adulterate. After the bottle was unveiled by the Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director of Gorkha Brewery, the program moved on with eye catching B-Boying performances, dance numbers, and a live performance by Deepak Bajracharya. The guests present also got to enjoy a special song performance by Madan Krishna Shrestha who was cheered the loudest by his friend and the Clockwise from bottom: Basundhara Bhusal, Madan Krishna Shrestha, other half of the MaHa Jodi, Hari Bansha Acharya. The green lights Hari Bamsha Acharya, Kiran KC and Shiva Hari Paudel, Surendra and the white balloons set the mood just right for the unveiling of Silwal, Malvika Subba and Sanjay Gupta the new award winning bottle design.

Controversial and Observational new updates by 6 June, Siddhartha Art Gallery Karbonn An exhibition of paintings by Subash Thebe 4 June, Hotel Radisson was opened and attended by distinguished Karbonn Mobiles announced members of the art community, along Paras Khadka, the captain of the with art enthusiasts, the media, close Nepali Cricket team, as their brand friends, and family. His Excellency Andy ambassador, and also launched two Sparks, the British Ambassador to Nepal, new models, the S1 Plus and A92. inaugurated the program, which was Shashin Devsare, Executive Director, sponsored by the Nepal British Society Jaina Marketing and Associates, (celebrating 200 years of Nepal-Britain Karbonn Mobiles, added, “ Karbonn is relations and the 50th anniversary of the known for its association with cricket Nepal Britain Society), and featured some with the Indian Premier League. thought provoking paintings, divided into Seeing his able leadership and the representations, abstract, and recent team’s performance in international themes. matches, we thought he was the best choice to represent our brand.” Clockwise: Sangita Thapa, Tiffany Singh, His Excellency Mr. Andy Sparks, Subash Clockwise from bottom: Vandita Singh, Thebe Mahesh Chandra, Manish Rajbhandari Kickstart//Week That Was 12

Soaltee Crowne Plaza Celebrates World Environment Day Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza, June 4 -5 Week That Was On the occasion of World Environment Day, Soaltee Crowne Plaza organized various programs, such as the cleaning of the Bishnumati periphery and the planting of trees at Lakha Tirtha Temple. On 4 June, Soaltee Crowne Plaza joined hands with the government, master-toasters along with the municipality and local community, to clean the periphery of Tankeshwor Bridge till Dallu on the festive occasion of Sithi Nakkha, also known as “cleaning day.” Lazimpat, June 4 On the morning of 5 June, a rally consisting of about 100 hotel staffs proceeded from Shangri-La Toast Masters (STM) organized their 46th meeting under Soaltee to Lakha Tirtha Temple spreading awareness about the importance of trees and the theme of “Allegiance” at the meeting hall of Embassy Restaurant keeping the city surroundings green and clean. After reaching the temple, they planted in Lazimpat. The motive of the meet was to share and enhance the trees and cleaned the temple premises. The hotel also participated in the Save Bagmati communication skills of the participants who came from all walks of Campaign for four continuous Saturdays during the month of May and, in addition, life, although a majority were established businesspeople. donated equipment to the project as well. Recently, with the hotel’s initiation, the street walls from Soaltee Mode to the hotel premises were also painted. “The committee started off with only a handful of members, but today, we have twenty-three members who meet on a regular basis and work on new issues and topics that have proven to be quite effective,” said Moon Pradhan, a prominent member of STM. hotel annapurna for the environment Durbar Marg, June 5-7 On the occasion of World Environment Day, Hotel de L’ Annapurna organized a blood donation program, like they have been doing every year since 1993. The hotel has even been provided with a blood bank certificate for their effort. Similarly, every year, they have also been collaborating with Red Cross for an art competition for children in order to create awareness and to help the kids understand the importance of the environment. The themes for the competition were “Your Dream World/ Your Favorite Weather” (5-8 years), “Effects of Environmental Pollution” (9-12 years), and “Your Effort for Environmental Conservation” (13-16 years). The winners from the 5-8 age group were Slogan Rijal, Aadesh Khanal, and Prashna Tamang respectively. Likewise, from the group of children aged between 8-12 years old, the winners were Princess Gurung, Jenish Maharjan, and Prabesh Neupane respectively. Finally, in the last category of children aged between 13-16 years old, the winners were let’s Conquer Heart Disease! Crystal Rijal, Baby Gurung, and Anisha Gurung respectively. Durbar Marg, June 6 At a press meet on 6 June, Hotel de Jayanti Shah, has been providing L’ Annapurna, the Cardiac Society financial and medical support to Nepal, and Jayanti Trust, informed patients suffering from cardiac ailments the media about the 11th cardiac in rural areas. The main purpose of conference, themed Conquering Heart the conference is to promote research, Disease in the Himalayan Region, that interaction, and cooperation with the is to take place from 13 to 14 June at international community regarding the Hotel de L’ Annapurna. The Cardiac prevention and cure of cardiovascular Society of Nepal has been organizing diseases in the country, as well as to the conference on an annual basis increase the medical knowledge of and this year, the society, along with cardiologists in Nepal. “Promoting Jayanti Foundation, are expecting research is important because we lack 150 doctors from abroad and Nepal to data regarding the number of young attend. 14 reputed cardiologists from people suffering from heart ailments, SAARC countries have been invited which is important if we are to tackle to the event. Jayanti Memorial Trust, the problem”, said Dr. Yadav Bhatta, established in the memory of Princess Vice-President of Cardiac Society Nepal. Ancient Art, Ancient Earth Nepal Art Council, June 5 D.A.O. Lalitpur Regd. No.77-066/67 In connection with World connection with the environment ECS Media Pvt. Ltd, Kupondole, Lalitpur, Nepal. 5011571. Environment Day, the exhibition as well. The focus is on the five No. 225 19 June 2014 Inter-Linkage Between Art & major elements,” said Sagar Publisher: ECS MEDIA Pvt. Ltd. The Smarter Entertainment Weekly Editor: Sunil Raj Shrestha Sub-Editor: Sujan G.Amatya Director, Editorial & Marketing: Nripendra Karmacharya Environment, features works SJB Rana, Vice President of Copy Editor: Vishal rai Sr. Manager, Editorial & Marketing: SUDEEP SHAKYA by around 100 artists. The Nepal Art Council. The guests Editorial Manager: utsav shakya Editorial Co-ordinator: ASTHA JOSHI showcase, conceived by Nepal Legal Advisor: Hira Regmi In-house writers: girish subedi of honor shared their thoughts Design Executive: Sunil Maharjan Art Council in partnership with and support for the exhibit, while Assistant Design Executive: Rabi Maharjan, Samir Raj Tamrakar the BP Koirala (Nepal-India) students from Marvellous English Design Assistants: Narayan Maharjan, Sudip Maharjan Color Separation & Printed at: Manager, Photography: Dash B. Maharjan Foundation, focuses on two art Boarding School, Maitidevi, WordScape The Printer Pvt. Ltd. Assistant Manager, Photography: Hari Maharjan Bhaisepati, Lalitpur Photographers: Prajwal maharjan, Rabindra Prajapati, forms: Mithila, which originated sang the Earth Anthem during 5590306, 5591112 Umesh basnet, Yogendra Maharjan, Amar Rai, Distributor: Kasthamandap in a territory now divided by the assembly. The inauguration niraj maharjan, Ashmin maharjan Distribution Pvt. Ltd. 424.7241 the India-Nepal border, and concluded with a ribbon-cutting Business Development Head: Angiras Manandhar Paubha, from the Kathmandu Disclaimer Assistant Manager, Business Development: Sachin Tamrakar and lamp-lighting ceremony Details of the event listings are accurate as per information received before the date the Sr. Executive, Business Development: nirbheek subedi Valley. Mithila and Paubha art at the front door of Nepal Art weekly goes for printing. Fr!day is not responsible for any changes. Ad Enquiries: [email protected] Columnists are entitled to their own views and opinions. They do not necessarily Sr. Executive, Production & Distribution: Bikram shrestha both incorporate aspects of the Council. reflect the views and opinions of ECS Media and the organizaton cannot be held liable Subscription & Distribution Coordinator: Sujan shrestha “five elements” of air, sky, fire, The Inter-Linkage Between Art & for the same. Readers are encouraged to write to us at [email protected] Official Digital Marketing Partner - ADS MARKET PVT. LTD [4218069] www.facebook.com/fridayweekly earth, and water. “The works Environment will be on display at Our sister publications derive their inspiration from the Nepal Art Council until 15 June scriptures, but there is a close 2014. 13

Going Green! Lalitpur, June 7 With global temperatures and sea open slope. Around 20 of the levels on the rise, every little bit locals from the community guided we do towards saving our planet bazaar the volunteers. Besides planting will count in the long run. The trees, they also attended to the Standard Chartered Bank has plants that they had previously Gorkarna Forest Resort wins TripAdvisor Award Again certainly been doing its bit, a planted in the surrounding area. Gokarna Forest Resort has received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award few hundred trees at a time. On The planted trees will be looked 2014 for the third time in a row. The award, which honours excellence in hospitality, Saturday, more than 120 of the after by the local community forest is given to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on bank’s employees participated in a authorities. Despite scratches, TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. plantation program near Bishankhu thorns, and quite a few leeches, After the achievement, Rosin Sapkota, Business Development Manager of Gokarna Narayan Temple to celebrate a the participants did their best and Forest Resort, said: “Winning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is a true source belated World Environment day. seemed happy to have participated. of pride for the entire team at Gokarna Forest Resort and we’d like to thank all of our The plantation started at 9 in the “The most important thing for guests who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor.” Gokarna Forest Resort morning and lasted for around greenery is tree plantation”, is situated on 740 acres of property with 100 rooms, three restaurants, a bar, a golf two hours. The bank collaborated reiterated Bhawana Gurung, from course, spa, gymnasium, and pool. with the local community forest Standard Chartered Bank, as the to plant around 200 trees in an event concluded.

16th edition of Word Warriors Nepal Harihar Bhawan, June 7 Word Warriors Nepal organized, Word Warriors Live, their sixteenth live poetry session on 7 June at Edushala with Samrat Upadhyaya. A total of 33 poets performed in front of an audience that seemed to be submerged in an ever-growing enthusiasm. Many of the poets were performing for the first time. The majority of the poems were in Nepali but there wasn’t a scarcity of English poems either. Samrat Upadhyaya’s latest book, Buddha’s Orphans, was Hyundai to Brazil awarded to the best performer at the On 28 April, Laxmi Intercontinental also offering cash discounts of up to Rs end of the session as a surprise gift. Pvt. Ltd, the sole distributor of Hyundai 500000 and Samsung LED televisions vehicles for Nepal, launched their FIFA sized up to 55” as sure shot prizes on World Cup 2014 scheme, titled Journey the purchase of Hyundai vehicles. to Brazil FIFA World Cup 2014, where Hyundai’s partnership with FIFA encourage the Little Talents four lucky winners will get a chance to began in 1999 and is set to run until Kamalpokhari, June 6 win an all-paid trip to Brazil to watch 2022. The multinational conglomerate Children should always be included orchestras, gymnastics, the final match of the tournament. The has successfully supported major encouraged to explore their natural guitar, and dance forms such as winners will be selected through a lucky events such as the FIFA World Cup in talents, and that is exactly what flamenco, ballet, contemporary, draw from the pool of customers who Korea-Japan (2002), Germany (2006) happened at the Russian Culture and free style. All the performances purchase Hyundai vehicles under the and South Africa (2010), as well as Centre on Friday. On the occasion were by the students of Sushila scheme. other competitions such as the FIFA of International Children’s Day, a Arts Academy, most of whom had In addition, Laxmi Intercontinental is Confederations Cup. special program was organized by been granted scholarships by Tata Sushila Arts Academy to showcase Motors. The night ended with an the talents of their students. The incredible flamenco performance fresh as spring show included performances by by their dance instructor Maradee As part of its Spring Summer 2014 collection, Springwood, a leading youth apparel children as young as three, many de Guzman and her two students. brand owned by Surya Nepal Pvt. Ltd., recently unleashed a whole new stock of t-shirts, of whom danced very well despite “Little kids have a hard time formal and casual shirts, casual trousers, and denims. their age. The event started with performing vocal. It’s only as they a flamenco performance by their get older that they start doing well. The new collection comes in fresh summer colors and is targeted towards people who youngest dancers and continued We need to encourage them”, said want their clothes to reflect their personality. Springwood’s latest styles will ensure that with vocals and traditional Nepali Almoda Uprety, Vocal coach at one stays cool all summer. The t-shirts are based on themes such as music, sports, dances. The other performances Sushila Arts Academy. culture and heritage, nature and environment, and humor.

For Man’s Best Friend Kamaladi, June 7 rox bar grabs world cup Rox Bar at Hyatt Regency will be screening all the matches of the 2014 FIFA World Nepal Kennel Club recently celebrated its 41st anniversary at Sabha Griha Cup for the duration of the tournament. The bar, which can accommodate up to 126 in Kamaladi. With Prospective Future for Dogs in Nepal as the event’s people at a time, will show the games on a big projector screen. theme, the chief guest at the function was Jai Narayan Singh who talked While watching the matches, patrons can also take advantage of the specially designed about how Nepal was lagging behind in dog welfare and how important it food and beverage menu focusing on the World Cup. In addition, social media updates is for an individual to ask themselves questions such as “Why do I need a can be shared via Rox’s free WiFi service. dog?” “What can I expect from it?” “If I do adopt a dog as a pet, what are There is no entry fee, and the venue has a designated smoking area. The huge parking the things that I should know to take care of my dogs properly?” before area means there won’t be parking woes and the lack of power cuts means patrons adoption. Singh also talked about how people should be aware about the won’t miss out on crucial moments of the game. So hurry up and book a spot now to time and funds needed to take care of dogs. Nepal Kennel Club, established make sure you don’t miss a second of the action. in 1973, aims to protect pure breed dogs and ensure the welfare of dogs of all breeds. It is also the sole authority in Nepal dealing with canine matters. Kickstart//Partylines 14

“This year has been very Partylines good to me.” Chitter - chatter Heard at Events – Paras Khadhka, reminiscing, during the launch of Karbonn S1 and A92, at Hotel Radisson.

“He was definitely the best choice to represent our brand.” - Shashin Devsare, Executive Director, Jaina Marketing and Associates, Karbonn Mobiles, on Paras Khadka being chosen as the brand ambassador for Karbonn Mobiles at Hotel Radisson.

“We need the media to spread awareness. People are not even aware that they can simply take a pill to control their blood pressure. ” Shreejana Rana, Vice Chairperson, Jayanti Memorial Trust, informing the attendees at Hotel de L' Annapurna, about the 11th Cardiac Conference to take place from June 13 - 14.

“24 crores! That’s how much the canine business in Nepal is worth. We can definitely contribute to dog welfare.” - Suresh Shah, Director, Nepal Kennel Club, at the 41st anniversary of Nepal Kennel Club at Sabha Griha.

“I have gone through the book five times already. When your other half is writing a book, you live every moment with it.” - Charlie Burrell (Isabella Tree's husband), on Tree’s recently launched book: The Living Goddess. Charlie Burrell

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The Smarter Entertainment Weekly EVERY THURSDAY Issue 225 | 19 June 2014 enterta! nment

Good AT BEING If it wasn’t for Sunil Thapa, the Nepali film industry would probably have had to wait a while longer for another “original bad guy” to come along. Years after redefining the role of a villain, Thapa still has a slew of new releases on the horizon, an indicator that the veteran actor’s career is far from flagging. Bijaya Adhikari Entertainment//Feature 16

is heavy voice spouts but also those playing positive roles.” He’s been a acting for over forty years if it wasn’t bad-bad boy! sentences that are Arpan Thapa, a budding actor and Highlights of Sunil for his passion for what he does. precisely enunciated to now the director of the upcoming film Thapa’s career: “People enter this field hoping they’ll generate angst. A broad Mukhauta, says, “There is an intensity get lucky overnight,” says Thapa. Ek Duje Ke Liye chin that complements in Sunil Thapa’s look that cannot be (1981) as Librarian “Yes, technically, film-making has his diction adds acertain duplicated. It was for this very reason that His part might have become easy but that doesn’t mean intensity to his appearance. He he was chosen for the character of Mr. D been small, but the you’re investing in a money-making Hclinches his jaw every-so-often, his in Mukhauta. In fact, the film revolves success of the film machine. If your heart and head isn’t kickstarted Thapa’s persona’s trademark. His eyes pierce around him. Thapa’s professional approach career. He portrayed into it, then film-making gives you through the skin, and his shoulders to acting and the intensity he installs in his a negative character neither fame nor fortune”. move as though he is about to characters has made him who he is today”. in the film. Actress Nisha Adhikari, who too pounce on an unsuspecting victim. It has been more than two decades since Chino (1991) as is an integral part of Mukhauta, has a With his 5’11” build, he appears Sunil Thapa portrayed Ratey Kainla, the Ratey Kainla lot of praise for Thapa, although she ready to take on anyone physically, quintessential Nepali villain, in Chino, one Ratey Kainla equals doesn’t share too many scenes with the and come out of it with a villainous of the most successful Nepali films ever, Sunil Thapa. Sunil actor. “He has the aura of a star,” she Thapa equals Ratey laugh ringing. He is Sunil Thapa, the alongside Bhuwan KC, Shiva Shrestha, and Kainla. Enough said! says. “You can feel his presence even Nepali film industry’s original bad Kristi Mainali, among others. What was it after the shoot is over.” Thuldai (1999) guy, and he’s good at being bad! that shaped Sunil Thapa into Ratey Kainla Another highlight of Sunil Thapa may be better known “Sunil Thapa’s character, Ratey then? Sunil Thapa’s career as the “bad guy” but he is a fun-loving Kainla, from Tulsi Ghimire’s Chino “I guess I always had it in me,” says the is Thuldai where person at heart. His contemporaries, is to the Nepali film industry what veteran himself. “I do accredit destiny to he plays the chief and people who have known him for antagonist. Directed Gabbar Singh is to Bollywood,” be a part of it, though. I didn’t have any by Dayaram Dahal, a long time, remember only his lively says senior film journalist and film kind of formal training in acting, but I this film cemented personality and zeal for partying. director Subrat Acharya, who has did feel that the character of Ratey Kainla Sunil Thapa’s status “Things don’t need to be heavy or followed Sunil Thapa’s career since its was made for me. I do understand that in the industry as diplomatic all the time,” he says. “You THE bad guy. inception in the 1981 Bollywood hit discipline and dedication play a huge role need to understand that fun begins Ek Duje Ke Liye. “Thapa has virtually for a person to be shaped into a character Aago (2000) with you. When life gives you a pinch With Narayan shaped the image of a villain for that transcends generations.” Puri’s Aago, Sunil of salt, gulp it down with Tequila!” Nepali films. In the process, he has Thapa, who just turned 57, believes that Thapa expanded his It’s probably for this very reason that inspired not just negative characters he couldn’t have stayed this focused on horizons in acting. he can be found hanging out at Reef While Nepali films Restaurant and Bar regularly these transitioned into the new millennia with days! newer technologies Thapa is also an excellent cook who and educated often invites friends over for dinner. filmmakers, Thapa He happens to be religious as well, stood proud and resilient. and holds a deep faith in God. But, ultimately, the actor is all about hard work. “Acting should be as rigorous as your prayers to God. You cannot blame the budget for mediocrity,” he says. “We have seen Nepali films do well even with dirt-cheap budgets. It’s diligence and hard work that matters when it comes to producing a good film.” Thapa, who does films both in Nepal and in India, claims to not care about a film’s budget. “All I care about is the film and my character,” he states. God Lives in the Himalayas (2009) The veteran actor’s next Bollywood Sunil Thapa served role will be painting him in a different both as the line hue altogether. Sunil Thapa is involved producer and actor in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next film in this film by Sanjay Srinivas. Mary Kom, a biopic on the Indian boxer, with Priyanka Chopra playing Mukhauta (2014) as the titular role. Set to be released Mr. D One of the most in October this year, Thapa will be awaited films of playing the character of her coach. 2014, Mukhauta Sunil Thapa entered films with Breaking Bad features Sunil Thapa one of the most successful Bollywood Sunil Thapa’s tips on shedding the good as the big menacing boy image. drug lord. The film flicks of 1981, Ek Duje Ke Liye, starring Tip 1: You must have a heavy and revolves around South superstar Kamal Haasan and intimidating voice. If you sound like an Thapa’s character, as Rati Agnihotri in the lead roles, and alley cat, chances are you will not be taken director Arpan Thapa has been continually doing Bollywood puts it. seriously as a bad boy. films ever since. Why still opt for Tip 2: Most importantly, your acting should Mary Kom (2014) as Nepali films then? “I feel at home here. be convincing. You might not be the gunda- Coach Thapa plays the I feel warm, I feel complete,” he states of-the-tole in real life but you have to be matter-of-factly. expressive enough to assure the viewers coach to the titular that you are as bad as it gets. Bijaya Adhikari is a character of the So what’s next for the veteran actor? screenplay writer, ad boxer being played “I want to step into Hollywood,” says Tip 3: Physique is yet another factor. It’s maker, and lyricist. He is by Priyanka Chopra. hard to imagine a timid and lean person as a national award winning “You might even call Thapa. “I want to don a daura suruwal a goon. I know it’s stereotypical, but hulking copywriter and an avid me the ‘hero’ of the during the Oscars and I want to go up figures do have their moments on screen. film aficionado. film,” he says. on stage and proudly say, ‘Jai Nepal!’ READ EVERY THURSDAY

The Smarter Entertainment Weekly Entertainment//Buzzmaker 18 The Samrat on Nepali Literature Samrat Upadhyay is the first Nepali writer to be published in the West. From his first book, Arresting God in Kathmandu, to his latest novel, Buddha’s Orphans, he has depicted the life of people living in Nepal, and Kathmandu in particular. Fr!day caught up with Upadhyay to know about his thoughts on the changing scenario of Nepali literature. Shuvechchhya Pradhan

There’s a lot of energy in English Teaching suits me well – I love interacting Translation is very hard and extremely writing in Nepal these days, with Prawin with people and passing on the skills I’ve time consuming, which is why my works Adhikari’s The Vanishing Act being a fine learnt to my class. I usually write for three haven’t been translated into Nepali. The example. La.Lit, a literary magazine, is also to four hours a day and teaching is a good people who approached them couldn’t do doing an excellent job. way to get out of fiction. Teaching actually a good job and when I translated one of refreshes me and helps me with my work my own short stories, it took me such a In 2013, we were at a local school where as an author. long time that I started asking myself: “Do a boy shared his Nepali poem. I then I want to spend time and creative energy translated it into English for my students. My stories are based in Kathmandu translating or do I want to spend that Samrat’s Upcoming That’s one of the best parts of coming back, because this is the setting I am most Book time and energy writing original work in holding workshops and seminars, and familiar with. There is enough material English?” visiting government schools. It’s exciting. here for several stories and I don’t think Samrat Upadhyay’s upcoming novel, The writing about other places would prove City Son, is about When I begin a story, it always starts One of the main issues faced by Nepal’s anything. Some of my stories feature the a scorned wife’s with images and characters. Originally literature field is that writers, who don’t have Kathmandu I remember, while some have lifelong obsession The City Son was supposed to be about a good grasp of English, want to write in the the new Kathmandu. to gain revenge a Nepali man in Cleveland but then his against her husband language because they think it has a wider for his infidelity, past became more important and that audience. There are plenty of good stories I never felt like I was representing Nepal with devastating brought the shift in the plot. that would have been better off in Nepali. despite being the first Nepali writer to be consequences for his published in the West. I would not have illegitimate son. Like Nepalis living in the US often ask most of his other The other issue with young writers, not ended up writing if I had been concerned books, it also deals me why I don’t write about the Nepali only in Nepal but also in the United States, about such issues. with taboo subjects. diaspora, but I think stories about is that they don’t read enough. They are into people living in Nepal are much more commercial writers such as Dan Brown interesting. instead of classical and contemporary literary authors. I learnt a lot by reading When I’m in the US, I do a lot of writing Rohinton Mistri when I was young. while sitting at Starbucks. I don’t need to concentrate excessively; I am okay with We grow up with no tradition of revision. writing in a group. We believe in letting all the ideas come out at once without going through them again. Subjects usually come up in the process But in my case, I do multiple revisions. of writing. “Your subject chooses you,” Most of the writers I know also do the same. they say, and that’s what always happens to me. I am interested in family dynamics I think we need more communities and the affect politics has on individuals. of writers in Nepal. There should be workshops where works are submitted for My playlist differs a lot. I go back and critique. We need to start building writerly forth in my musical taste. I watch lots exchanges, discussions, literary talks, and of rock music videos on YouTube, such literature festivals. as those of the Eagles. I used to listen to gazals but now it’s more western music I felt isolated when I was in Nepal. I like Led Zeppelin. While working on wanted to be in the company of writers, Buddha’s Orphans, I listened to which is why I went back to the US. Bijaya Vaidya a lot.

Unless you are a bestselling author, it’s I wanted to be an actor hard for a writer to survive on writing when I was young. I was alone. In the US, writers at least have a actually involved in the stable income to rely on, which is not the first English language theatre case in Nepal. group in Nepal. I also dreamt of going to Bombay. At some point, I want to join a I constantly challenge myself with my community theatre group in the US. work. It’s a source of pride for me. I hope it’s something that my readers realize as well. I don’t like reading my books after they have been published. That’s a dangerous I taught in Nepal before I moved back thing to do. Each book has a moment to the US, and I know that teachers aren’t and with each book you improve. I given the same respect here. There are no don’t go back at all. I only read books on writing programs available in Nepal either. reading tours.

Entertainment//Sports 20 OpenTheaters As the World Cup takes center stage for an entire month, here’s another way of enjoying those exhilarating matches, and it doesn’t involve your TV remote. Prabal Man Dhaubhadel

The sporting phenomenon that we’ve all been waiting for is finally upon us and it kicks off *drumroll* tonight! Yes, the In what will be the wait is over and all eyes will be on Brazil, biggest World Cup its newly built Arena Corinthians in São Paulo to be precise, as the 2014 FIFA screening in Nepal so World Cup commences with hosts and far, fans will be greeted potential favorites Brazil squaring off by a mammoth 20 X 30 against a sound Croatian squad. The clash is expected to bring together millions of feet projection with audio spectators from all over the world - in support from ISS. front of TV sets, at mass screenings, over the Internet, and even around a radio. While most of these distribution forms focus on the individual, mass screenings But when you can’t book a ticket, you’ll have to make do with are few in number but cater to hundreds lively company and bigger screens than those at home,” says or even thousands. They are eventful, Suraj Shrestha, an avid football fan from New Road. “You’ll lively, thematic, and seldom sour. If you’re find not just youngsters but quite a diverse mix of young and planning on abandoning your couch for old men as well as girls rooting for their favorite teams or just the entirety of the World Cup this year, enjoying a good game of football,” he adds. Small pockets of the you might find a few places where you’ll city, gullies, and chowks become open theaters where the most fit right in. momentous games are broadcast live. Besides these local efforts, Mass screenings have always been restaurants and, of course, sports bars get busy during the the best option for those unable to make season, adding in a few (more) screens and optimizing space for it to the stadium. “In the stadium, you the large crowds. aren’t just watching the game; you feel “It should be no different this time around, and if it does, its intensity and live every emotion. you can only expect it to get bigger,” declares Nirwachan 21

Karki, the founder of DnG Events, the team responsible for World Cup screenings at Basantapur Dabali. Passionate football fans wishing to view the games amongst a live, happening crowd should come to Basantapur, he says. In what will be the biggest World Cup screening in Nepal so far, fans will be greeted by a mammoth 20 X 30 feet projection with audio support from ISS. “In terms of technology, we are trying to offer the best available to us,” continues Karki. “Backup power, which is imperative, is well taken care of thanks to our collaboration and partnership with local authorities, clubs and voluntary organizations. The entire venue will also be well lit.” Sponsored by NTC and managed by DnG, Destiny Events and Sarathi Nepal, the Basantapur screening is on a large scale and involves a highly qualified management team. FIFA COMMUNITY SCREENING Karki affirms the pinpoint 22

accuracy of every detail - from volunteer mobilization, crowd control, security personnel, parking and mobility, space management, water supply, snacks, pre- match analysis, entertainment trivia, and precautionary riot control. “We want the crowd to celebrate football,” says Karki. “We want the fans to develop a sense of camaraderie.” Karki, who was involved in the screening at Pako during the last World Cup, has put in a lot of effort to take the event to new heights. Under NTC’s promotional campaign, attendees can Photo Courtesy: Manoj Neupane expect NTC merchandise giveaways as well as pre-match and half time trivia sessions. Despite inadequate promotions, the organizers are still expecting a crowd of around 5000 for the inaugural match. The broadcasting is slated to be unabridged from the quarterfinal stage , as every match will be screened live irrespective of timings. However, for the group stages, only the matches that start at 9.45pm NST are expected to be featured. As part of NTC’s promotional campaign, Durbar Marg is another potential venue while the final is expected to be screened at Bhrikuti Mandap. Similarly, Carlsberg, a beer that has been associated with football since the 1970s, has come up with a theme of its own in honor of the extravaganza - “That World Class Feeling.” Over 300 outlets tied up with Carlsberg in the Valley will be celebrating the World Cup. “We already have schemes such as Predict and Win going on,” says Rojan Amatya, Manager of Brand Marketing at Gorkha Breweries, the local partners of the Danish beer brand. “Amongst the hundreds of outlets we cater to, we will extend support to those who come up with offers. Logistically, looking at the time factor, we expect a huge hindrance but we will celebrate this season of football like we always have,” he adds. In the past, we have seen several crowded areas of the city such as New Road, Sankata, Ason and Baneshwor abuzz with live screenings at a local level. Multiplexes have also catered to several hundreds by featuring selected matches. But now, with large scale open screenings added to the basket of “Ways to watch the World Cup,” it depends on your desire, as well as the feasibility, on whether you’ll be holding onto your television remotes or cheering you team with hundreds of others in an open theater. 23 Entertainment//Timeoff

Chef’s Recommendation Embassy Favorite Breakfast Affagato Coffee

You Ought to Know: Good Morning! • Embassy also has a coffee kiosk that serves fresh brewed Illy. Because a brilliant day always begins with a splendid • They also arrange takeaway breakfasts, which includes a patty, two muffins, one croissant, and a pastry, along with coffee of breakfast, Embassy Restaurant and Bar is here to your choice. make sure you have a good day, every day. • Embassy also features a special lunch menu from 11 am to 3 pm. They also deliver lunch on order in and around the vicinity. Akriti Shilpakar Happy Hour: 4 pm to 7 pm Contact: 4424040

stablished only six months ago, Embassy Restaurant and Bar has Eundoubtedly been able to create its own group of loyal customers, one that keeps growing every day. Part of the credit goes to its relaxed ambience, which instantly makes you want to partake in a lazy brunch sitting in one of the garden gazebos. But the vibe would have added up to nothing without its brilliant partnership with food. Ever since the restaurant’s inception, Embassy has been diligently plating up delicious lunch and dinner meals day in and day out. Less than three weeks ago, they added breakfast to their services as well. The quiet, relaxed, and easygoing ambience works fantastically for the first meal of bacon, sautéed mushroom, and a tall glass the day. At 8:00 am, when the breakfast of juice. The breakfast menu also includes service begins, the sun isn’t cruel and the a section of healthy cereals and fruits. A air is cool enough in the open garden, egg heavier breakfast like the ones we had making even something as humble as tea of your comes with a cup of tea or filter coffee but and toast seem luxurious. The parade of choice, two pieces if you want a different coffee variant such trays filled with soft eggs, toasty breads, of toast with butter and jam, hash brown as a Cappuccino, you will have to pay warm cups of tea, beautiful bundles of potato, and a fine choice of bacon or separately. crispy bacon, a healthy dose of muesli, sausages. We chose omelette for eggs and gorgeous potatoes doesn’t stop till and bacon for our dose of protein. Many 11. And if you wish to order the breakfast think that eggs are the simplest things menu even as late as the afternoon, the to make, but it is the simple that can go eatery will oblige. terribly wrong. The omelette on our plate In our case, the order was placed almost was nothing but the best: creamy, soft, at lunchtime. The Egg Florentine and English and as fluffy as a cloud. It was, without a breakfast made it to our table, along with doubt, the hero of the dish. The pork had coffee. The former is a pyramid ensemble enough crispiness in it to make it a well- of wilted spinach, poached eggs, and a big cooked bacon. All of the served dishes spoonful of hollandaise sauce served on a were delicious, but if I had to point out toast, alongside a generous serving of hash one little thing I was dissatisfied with, it brown potatos. A perfectly poached egg would be the small portions. Other than ought to break open and give way to a river “We believe that that, it was the perfect start to a good day. of glistening gold, and the kitchen staff at the customer is king Assortments of various side orders Embassy didn’t disappoint. The yolk was which is why we are also available to go with your main want to give them order. As an option, you can also create runny and as it spread over the spinach and only the best. It was, soaked the crispy toast, each bite became perhaps, for this very your own breakfast by bringing together heavenly. The hollandaise sauce was creamy reason that we took the various side orders, without having to and had just enough of a lemony kick to a while to gather the choose from a concrete set. For example, confidence to cater you could order cheese and tomato bring the best out of each element on the breakfast to our dish. guests.” - Kishore omelette to go with two pieces of toast, The English breakfast consists of an Pradhan, Owner. accompanied by luscious baked beans, Entertainment//Getaway 24 Escape to a Monastery It is no longer only a frisson of piety or a spiritual crisis that brings people to the doorsteps of places of worship. Increasingly, it is the lack of quiet places and the yearning for escape from blaring horns and booming music that has people arriving in the isolated locations and green spaces of temples and monasteries. Kapil Bisht

ith their peaceful in the old days to allay their fears Must Haves Panauti atmosphere and greenery, of wild animals that inhabited the • Birds in the forests Nestled in a small valley west of Namo on the way to the the Kathmandu Valley’s forests around the monastery. monastery and the Buddha is the medieval town of Panauti. sacred places have become Today the remaining patches of scenery from the Existing as though in a time warp, havens for the city’s that forest inspire calm rather than hilltop make binoculars this town is where the sights already Wopen-space-deprived dwellers, and Namo fear. The quiet, languid environment an essential item. lost or on the wane in Kathmandu are Buddha is one destination that attracts of the monastery and the warmth • If you’re walking still part of everyday life. The temples the religious-minded, seekers of solitude, and friendliness of its resident monks or cycling to Namo and residential squares are the most Buddha, take a bottle as well as aficionados of scenic places. make Namo Buddha a refuge for of sunscreen. attractive places in Panauti. Whether you walk, cycle, or drive (the people from the cities. Row after writer’s recommended mode of traveling row of hills, some of them terraced • Take a good flashlight Patlekhet’s Organic Farms if you plan to stay the are in that order) to Namo Buddha, the and dotted with tiny houses, stretch night in or around It’s easy to want more of the rustic life way to it is a gradual build up to the scenic away into the distance. Mountains Namo Buddha. after a visit to Namo Buddha. Head east climax that is the Namo Buddha area. rise behind them to complete the • Insect repellent on the highway from the point where Walking to Namo Buddha, mandala-like landscape. It is easy ointment and leech the road to Namo Buddha branches off. for me, is the best way to get there to fall into reveries gazing at scenes repellent (during There, in the Patlekhet VDC, you can for several reasons. First, the pace of like these from the monastery’s high monsoon) are find several organic farms producing necessary. walking, as opposed to that of a car or perch. “Cheeese!” shout an excited things from fresh vegetables to honey. bus, synchronizes best with the landscape, group of students posing for a photo Some of them even have homestay which changes gradually from pine nearby, and you are shaken out of facilities. Everything Organic Nursery forest to quaint villages to ridges offering your moment of bliss. (www.everythingorganicnursery.com) panoramic views of the mountains. and Hasera Farm (www.organichasera. Second, by walking you are more likely to In and Around Namo Buddha org) are worth a visit. spot the small, often hand-written signs in Old Stupa The Circuit front of the many wood and adobe houses, In the excitement to get to the If you are a walk Dhulikhel fanatic or a cycling announcing the availability of delicacies top of the Namo Buddha hill it is enthusiast constantly For those who wish for all the amenities such as yogurt, organic honey, and fresh easy to miss the small stupa at the on the lookout for of city life after a day in the countryside, fruits. Lastly and most importantly, northwestern corner of the hill’s off-road routes, there Dhulikhel, with its resorts and hotels, walking to Namo Buddha is doing it the foot. The old stupa, whitewashed is a road/trail that is a tempting destination. Dhulikhel goes up from Panauti pilgrim’s way. It also lets you get a feel of and ringed by a circle of lamps, and reaches Lakuri Village Resort (www.dhulikhelvr.com. what people in the days before the road usually has a small group of assorted Bhanjyang on the np) is located away from the bustling would have felt like passing through forests individuals – old pilgrims, cleaners, Valley rim (14 kms town and has spectacular views from to get to this sacred place. The name tourists and children – going around from the Ring Road) its rooms. The nearby Langtang View before descending ‘Namo Buddha,’ mythology tells us, comes it. Its location offers no views of the to Lamatar, a village Resort (www.langtangviewresort.com. from “Namo Buddhaya” (“I take refuge in surrounding areas, but its seclusion 9 kms southeast of np) is a cheaper option that almost the Buddha”) a mantra pilgrims chanted makes it the ideal place to rest. Gwarko. matches the views. 25

Special Things to Remember Namo Buddha is a sacred place, so dress appropriately. Don’t be too boisterous within the monastery premises; there could be a prayer service taking place next door. There is public transportation to Namo Buddha, but do not take this for granted if you plan to return the same day. It’s always a good idea to check with bus or micro drivers when the last public vehicle leaves. If you do miss the last ride out, walk to the highway, where you might be able to catch a lift to Dhulikhel. There aren’t many shops in between the highway and Namo Buddha, so carry enough water and snacks.

To Get There Buses leave frequently from Banepa and Dhulikhel. From Dhulikhel head southeast on the B.P. Highway. Continue on the highway for approximately 9 kms before turning right at a crossroads near a pine grove. There will be a hoarding to indicate the road to Namo Buddha. If you want to go to Patelkhet, head straight (east) for another three kilometers.

Where to Stay The Namo Buddha monastery, officially known as Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, also has a guesthouse. It is very popular, so make advance bookings. You can also request to eat your meals with the resident monks—an opportunity that the guesthouse can arrange. For reservations at the monastery guesthouse and other information go to www. namobuddha.org. The Namo Buddha Resort combines the comfort of a resort with the quaintness of a farm (www. namobuddharesort.com). Entertainment//Canvas Conversation 26 THE ARTIST, The Stories Behind… TRANSNATIONAL Marisa Sarnoff

Surendra Lawoti is a Nepal-born, An artist I spoke totold me that all his Canada-based photographer and paintings are sold abroad.I found it professor whose work, This Country Is quite sad in a way - he creates his work Yours, was on display at the Nepal Art here, he exhibits them here, but he can’t Council in Babar Mahal until 1 June. sell his illustrations here. It’s the same Focusing on the underrepresentation with photography. We are trying to of six minority groups in Nepal - make photography more accessible. women, Adibasi Janajatis, Dalits, “Say cheese!” or, not Madhesis, Nepal’s gay/lesbian/bisexual/ A lot of these people want to be transgender/intersex community, and photographed behind their desks, religious minorities - the work was but I don’t want the pictures to be timed to coincide with the ups and too didactic. I don’t want “clenched- downs of the Constituent Assembly. fist”type portraits. I want them to In addition to the photographs, the exhibit a personal feeling, to show exhibition also featured a video display the human traits these people have, of local poets reading works that to display a connection between addressedthe issues of representation, the person being photographed and agency, and politics. Taking his “The image has to portray some of the agency of who they myself. The image has to portray who inspiration from a Nepal in transition, are and what they represent. In the beginning, I didn’t they are and what they represent. I’m Lawoti says he wants to “make sure know what the portraits should’ve looked like, and it took paying tribute to these people, so I me a while to get there. I’m paying tribute to these people, so I these people are recognized.” Keep wanted them to be iconic in some way. wanted the photographs to have a personal vibe and not be overtly reading for an inside look at his process didactic. I wanted them to be iconic in some ways. I was thinking of I was thinking of sculptures in the and thoughts on this work-in-progress. sculptures in the light, color, and photographic space.” light, color, and photographic space. The heart can have many homes Live global, think local Nepal has always been my heart. I My work has always been about was born here, I was raised here, and being in the diaspora, as seen from I graduated high school here. Now, the perspective ofa Nepali person in home is Canada. When I landed in North America. Lately, I’ve also been Toronto, it just felt like home. Still, I thinking about transnationalism and have always been connected to Nepal, transnational identity. I live in Canada, even though I’ve lived in the US and and I’m occupied there, but, at the Canada for 19 years. same time, I’m also very engaged here. A country’s transition, an artist’s work in progress I started the work in 2012, after the first Constituent Assemblywas dissolved. When I started entertaining the idea of doing a project here, I was thinking a lot about transformation - the “I am a part of the faculty at Ontario College of Modern transformations that have beentaking Design. One of my colleagues told me that in the Hindu place here in the last 25 years. I also tradition when somebody dies, they cover the body of the deceased with a white cloth. I thought that would make an thought about landscape. In fact, interesting interpretation. This photo [of an empty CA hall, with seats “landscape” and “transformation” were covered in white cloth] was taken after the CA was dissolved and the words that were stuck in my there was a vacuum for about a year, when there was no talk about head. As I started on my work, the election yet.” I gained an interest in social and political transformations. Later, I decided to focus on the six minority groups during the constitution writing process, which happens to be the timeline of this project.

Where art meets reality My work is the intersection of social issues, politics, and image making. The photographs may bein a loose documentary-style but there is also a convergence with art photography. Who’s buying? The photography market is still on the I still have a little difficulty articulating this picture. Visually, margins in Nepal. Collectors appreciate it seems like a very good image to end this exhibition. it, but I’m not sure who they are It’s the relationship between the two worlds I live in – the exactly. I think a lot of them are expats. world outside the window, and the world inside. It speaks of transnationalism very subtly, beautifully, and poetically. Issue 225 | 19 June 2014 th nk

Simon Thorsen Per Mollehoj The Global Language Called Music Over the years, we have seen several international musicians come to Nepal looking to expand their musical careers. FR!DAY explores a few of those names and their stories, while examining the Nepali music scene from their lenses. Gunvald Hagen Samyam Shrestha

Daniel Gibone, Monsif Mzibri and Hari Maharjan. Daniel Linden Think//Feature 28

Katie Mckay eing a musician is about met like-minded artists and eventually exploring, experimenting, started collaborating with them. Along experiencing, and with Kishor Gurung, Linden is one of the expressing. And although organizers of the Kathmandu International the profession can be Classical Guitar Festival. He is also one termed “adventurous” in part of the Krishnarpan Duo, a flute and itsB own way, it’s not a very lucrative one guitar project that also features Sunil (unless you are a huge rock star). Since Pariyar. “In terms of the love for music, I the situation in Nepal is even graver, I do not see a difference between Nepalis was taken aback when I learnt about and foreigners. I have learned a lot from the growing number of international Nepal and I’m continuing to do so,” he musicians who have come to the country, says. temporarily in most cases, to pursue a Linden feels that Nepal can and should musical career. move away from its overemphasis on Quite a few of these foreign musicians “fusion,” or the overuse of the word. “I have had stints at Kathmandu Jazz don’t mean to underestimate the value of Conservatory (KJC). Juan Ortiz, originally combining genres,” he explains. “What from Spain, was a part of the faculty at I mean is that in other parts of the KJC, as well as a member of the popular world, the merging of genres happens she established Sushila Arts Academy, reggae group Joint Family Internationale, less self-consciously.” Linden believes which promotes holistic education through before he left Nepal last month. In Spain, that musicians have reached a level of music, dance, theater, and art. Koirala is he played with a funk band The Cherry sophistication where blending sounds also working with Nepali musicians such Boppers, who toured Europe a multiple doesn’t have to be a deliberate attempt. “I as Almoda Uprety and Shreeti Pradhan. times, and recorded four CDs and a live don’t think it’s productive to have such a “Being a musician in Nepal is very DVD. “When I was living in Madrid, I constant obsession with ‘east versus west’, challenging,” says Koirala. “One needs played with a drummer called Antonio but I’m not asking musicians to reject to be one’s own a producer, networker, ‘Pax’, who taught at KJC a few years ago. what is purely Nepali either,” he continues. composer, and songwriter as well. On top His experience piqued my interest, and “The more time that passes with so many of that, most musicians have to work other after my last job ended, I came here to different influences existing simultaneously jobs to sustain themselves. Only the most volunteer,” shares Ortiz, who confesses in Nepal, the more freely and creatively the dedicated and passionate make it.” that he didn’t know much about the Nepali music scene will grow, and at a constantly Coming from a musical family, Koirala music scene prior to his arrival. “I think increasing level of quality.” shares that the general tendency in Russia the musical platform here is getting better. Mayo Shimonishi, a former piano is to ensure that children are exposed to Venues that host performances every week teacher at KJC, also notable for being music from an early age. “Every family are increasing, and that, in turn, is making a member of the alternative rock band has a piano, guitar, or a violin in the the city more alive.” Jindabaad, stayed in Nepal for five years house. It is more of a culture there. The According to Ortiz, music is a non- before leaving the country last month. “I majority of music schools are owned by the lucrative profession not just in Nepal, but came here as a tourist in 2008 and saw government and are very affordable,” she also all over the world. “Of course, it totally great potential in the music industry, says. Koirala, who was amazed to see the depends on where you are, what kind of which is why I decided to move in,” she talent and the inclination towards music in music you play, and how famous you are. shares. Shimonishi, like Ortiz and Lindel, Nepali people, feels that the music culture If my ambition was just money, I wouldn’t agrees that the Nepali music scene has seen in Nepal is yet to flourish as the focus here have been a musician,” he says, adding, a growth over the last few years. “But,” she is on academics rather than on a holistic “One of the differences between Spain and adds, “I don’t think Nepal has developed approach. Nepal is that in Spain, there is a general the proper environment for musicians Katie Mackay from England, who love for music but not much respect for to be trained professionally, apart from arrived in March, agrees with the others musicians. In Nepal, I get a different Eastern classical music, yet, which makes in saying that there is just as much passion feeling. I believe people here look upon our it difficult for people to build a career in for music and musical talent here as it occupation as valuable, and I think that’s music.” is elsewhere. Mackay has played with why the music scene will grow faster.” Yulia Koirala from Russia, who was bands around the globe, and in Nepal, the Like Ortiz, Daniel Linden too came to born and brought up in Kazakhstan, came trumpet player has so far collaborated with Nepal to volunteer as a music teacher. He to Nepal three years ago after marrying artists such as Joint Family Internationale, then kept returning. In the process, Linden a Nepali. With the support of her family, Newaz, and DJ Kichaa, among others, for live shows. While doing so, she has also seen the wrath of the authorities first hand. “I have been to a number of events where the music had to be stopped prematurely due to police pressure,” she says. Mackay The more time that passes also rues the fact that most international with so many different artists do not include Nepal on their tour itinerary. When asked about her reasons influences existing for choosing Nepal to pursue a musical simultaneously in Nepal, the career, Mackay reveals that her grounds more freely and creatively were more than just musical: “I came here because it’s a country I have wanted the music scene will to explore for a long time. I was offered grow, and at a constantly interesting volunteer opportunities in a few organizations, and, of course, the trumpet increasing level of quality. - accompanies me wherever I go!” Daniel Linden The stories and the outlook of these artists may differ, but what they share is their admiration for Nepal, their love for Juan Ortiz music, and their involvement in being a part of the positive change in the Nepali music scene.

Think//Issues That Matter 30 Making The Grade The age old norm of rating our young ones has seldom been debated. However, recent changes in society and the youth demanding to be heard have forced the powers that be to make changes. But where does the average Nepali student, carrying a heavy bag and waiting at the bus stop, stand in all of this? Abhishek Mishra

f we look at Nepal from a historical perspective, the strides taken in what can only be described as the post-modern era of the establishment of free education, have been quite an achievement. It was only 41 years ago that the New Education System was established and from then on, through the decades, The world is full of contradictions; the Similarly, with education, the whole concept Ithe quality of high school education acclaimed inventor Thomas Edison dropped of grading tries to encourage the student to in particular has seen its fair share of out of school after only three months and keep studies close by to achieve a certain changes and reforms. The advocacy for was home schooled by his mother. Benjamin potential.” Mandal, though, also concedes free education has seen a surge over the Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of that the grading system should be the years and is still a matter of contention. the United States, left school at the age of 10 means and not the goal of a student. “Some It was only in November 2013 that the to help his family in the printing business. students are so dogged in their approach to Government’s decision to re-enforce free Britain’s self-made billionaire Sir Richard studies that they just want to achieve higher education at basic levels (Grade I to VIII) Branson, the man behind Virgin Mobile grades, without stopping to learn in the drew flack from various public schools. and Virgin Atlantic, suffered from dyslexia process. Often times, it can be perceived as However, it is not just at the basic levels and quit school at the age of 16. Closer to just a race for the First Division.” where the problems fester. home, Binod Chaudhary, the chairman of When schools require a certain The tried and tested evaluation Chaudhary Groups, abandoned his studies amendment, a bulk of the responsibility system in our country has seen little at the age of 18 to pursue a life of business. naturally falls on the head of the institution change over time. This perpetual system These names may be anomalies but what - the Principal. “Testing and evaluation has always been: they do, more than anything, is remind in formal education focuses only on a People who attended school in Nepal society that education may not be the be-all- definite scope,” says Upendra Khatiwada, probably know these by heart. Ingrained end-all to success. former principal of D.A.V. Sushil Kedia within the minds of the young are these Studies, and subsequent high grades, Vishwa Bharati. “The measures of testing bullet points to success. Teachers resort do give you an edge in the way our society and evaluation should never be confused to any means to make students achieve functions. Suman Mandal, a teacher at with anything that grades human abilities, these goals, while parents do their best Rato Bangla School, and a teacher-trainer talent, skills, and innovation of thoughts to encourage their children to enter involved in various training programmes and action. In fact, there is no definite the top brackets. Those who achieve a in and outside the valley, explains: “It is all Division I yard stick that can measure human talent.” Division I or distinction receive higher about continuous evaluation. The whole with Distinction - Khatiwada believes that the evaluation 80% or higher recommendations, are looked upon point of having class tests and giving system adopted by Nepal’s schools is still Division I more glowingly by potential colleges, students homework is to instil within them 60% or higher very primitive and rigid and does not and, subsequently, are in a better the importance of work-rate and discipline. Division II address many learning abilities. “The lack position to secure well-paid jobs. While By no means is there any substitute to 45% or higher of resources, rigidity of the system, and it isn’t always this rosy, most of them do discipline. Even if a student drops out Division III motivation level of the stake holders have go on to do very good for themselves. and pursues a career in music, he will still 32% or higher proven to be a hinderance,” he says. But what of those who fail to rise higher have to hone his skills, practise every day Fail And it is not just a conundrum that is than the the lower divisions? and work at it to become a top musician. less than 32% limited to our geographical boundaries.

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The problems we face here are the ailments mothers and fathers come from when they holding back other developing countries chastise their young ones for slipping up in And it is not just a conundrum that is educationally as well. Even developed nations class. It is a point of view that arises from a face similar problems. Khatiwada, who now place of concern. limited to our geographical boundaries. resides in the United States, is of the opinion One solution for the much criticised The problems we face here are the that the education system in the U.S. is over system has been the introduction of the planned and deviates from its objectives. General Certificate of Education Advanced ailments holding back other developing So where does one go to look for Levels (commonly known as A Levels), countries educationally as well. a grading system that not only yields an academic qualification offered by accurate results, but also develops the educational bodies in the UK, in select at schools and colleges not as educational necessary skills of the students? “Good schools. The chief aim of A Levels is to institutes but as business houses. Schools schools exist everywhere,” shares an prepare students to be better focused around the Valley do face pressure from optimistic Khatiwada. “A school needs to on their careers, something that Suman regulatory bodies like the Private and be dedicated in implementing a grading Mandal agrees with. “As a former A Level Boarding School’s Organization, Nepal, but and evaluation system that focuses student, I can safely say that it was a great some of the stands the organization has on a student’s knowledge, confidence, learning curve for me as I could choose taken are debatable as well. However, there communication and hard work, rather the subjects according to my strengths is a general agreement that more schools than just being fixated on marks. Nepal has and unburden the load of the SLC,” he should be established in the country, but then a great opportunity to mould its system states. “Usually, students have to learn and again, the focus here is on profit and not on in order to harvest a generation of nation- process subjects that they probably won’t readying the next generation for their future. builders and intellectuals.” find useful when they are older, but an A The bigger picture, as it has always There is, however, one important Level student has the option of picking been, is that knowledge is power. Students dimension we haven’t considered yet. Indira subjects according to his or her interest.” themselves need to realize that parroting Joshi, housewife and a mother of two, Perhaps the answer to our problem is as stats in a book will do them no good if completes our insight and puts in place the simple as letting students decide on their they do not learn and implement the said final piece to this social puzzle. “No one future when they turn 16, albeit with knowledge in their future careers. The wants their child to struggle in life. Kids are, proper counselling. myriad of subjects available to students by nature, restless and easily distracted. It But sadly it is not just students around in high schools are for their disposal, is therefore our duty to be stern with them whom the education sector revolves. With so that they can choose where it is that and make them sit and study. If not us then the recent arrests that were made within their strengths lie. School life is a life of who? We make sure they get extra tuitions Purbanchal University, amidst allegations of dedication towards a craft (your books) for subjects that are difficult, we buy the financial irregularities, the much maligned and without dedication, a man goes best books so they can study all the material side of the educational sector was brought nowhere. This is personal empowerment, for the exams. All that we do is for the to the fore yet again. Among those arrested and in a culture that looks like it has future of our children.” It is hard to argue were the Vice Chancellor of PU as well as stagnated for the time being, personal with such a sentiment. After hearing this, the Exam Controller of the University. It is empowerment is all you have when one can clearly understand where it is that due to these factors that people have looked making the grade in the world around you. Theatre Review In the land of Umbugland Yukta Bajracharya f you have been longing for a good ethnic minority (costumed in traditional play, then Umbugland ko Muthbhed garb unlike the other four who are all in I(Encounter in Umbugland), currently suits), can never agree with each other. Each showing at Mandala Theatre in Anamnagar, wants to rule on his own. However, they will not disappoint. While it won’t blow do put their differences aside to announce your mind, it will certainly keep you the late king’s only heir, Princess Bijaya, entertained with relatable satire and mature as Umbugland’s next ruler in the hope of acting performances for its entirety (an controlling her. hour and 40 minutes). This arrangement works for a while. Originally written as Dambadwicha Princess Bijaya (played by Srijana Subba, capability of its cast to perform well. Mukabala by Indian playwright Vijay who does justice to both the extremes of the Everything else, like ill coordinated lighting Tendulkar, the play is produced by Actor’s childish princess and the later determined and sound transitions, which Umbugland Studio and directed by Aashant Sharma. queen) couldn’t care less about politics and isn’t short of, is forgivable. Umbugland ko It’s not difficult to figure out why the team is more concerned with playing ‘gulamchor’. Mutbhed is a fine display of exceptional chose this particular work. A political She is stubborn and knows how to get acting performances: from the lead lady satire, Encounter in Umbugland easily fits things done her way, and even after she Srijana Subba to the bunch of ministers to into the Nepali context what with its crafty matures from a princess to a queen, her the old helper (played by Sharmila Shah in politicians and their endless greed for strong will helps her keep her head high a cameo). The acting is unforced and in the power. during her constant squabbles with the element. However, the chorus, or narration, The plot revolves around the aftermath ministers. While Bijaya is portrayed in a could have been done better by the two pen of the sudden death of King Bichitrabirya more likeable light, she is not idealized The play is being bearers. The short appearance of the painter (Kamal Devkota), who ruled Umbugland either. Her eunuch attendant, Prannaryan staged at Mandala (Suraj Yadav) was a turn off as well. His Theatre every day for 60 years without showing any signs of (Pramod Agrahari) who helps Bijaya gain (except on Mondays) was a case of overacting and while that can giving up the throne or giving in to illness the maturity that is required in a country’s at 5:15 pm until 14 sometimes be used as a tool for humor, in and conspiracies. The king is portrayed as ruler, tells her, at one point, that she might June. Tickets are this case, it failed. a peculiar character, his actions leading not be very different from the ministers she priced at Rs 200, Rs Still, the play had enough aspects that 100 (students) and to a number of comic moments. His five is trying to save Umbugland from. Rs 500 (foreigners). worked and that’s why Umbugland ko ministers, including one representing an At the crux of every good play is the Mutbhed is recommended.

MOVIE Think//Fr!day Films REVIEW 34

but the director, in his mercy, spares us these uninteresting bits. If a young girl watched Miss Nepal and took away from it the hollowness Give This A Miss of pageants, I wouldn’t mind it. But the story, Surendra Tuladhar’s Miss Nepal seems to have corrected its perversity written by Nawal Nepal, is such a pretzel of just in time to get preachy – but that doesn’t rescue it from being pointlessness that it continuously baffles the absolutely incompetent. Anybody who decides to watch the film will viewer. For instance, take Sheela’s friend Pasha: a regret it. The elderly gentleman sitting next to me fidgeted for nearly Newar who is in love with Sheela, but is friend- an hour, repeatedly turned to his companion who was waiting to see zone and quietly suffers, watching a rich man’s himself onscreen, and finally fell asleep. There weren’t enough people son steal her away to auditions and photo sessions. When – after being crowned the first in the theater for the Bishwojyoti Cinema management to have an runner-up at Star Cosmetics Miss Nepal 2014 intermission in which to sell concessions. After ninety minutes in the – eight years into the future Sushila has started theater, there was only regret. and is operating a successful orphanage, Pasha comes to congratulate her: in a wheelchair! Prawin Adhikari Why? Oh, because he saw Sheela – before she reverted to being Sushila to rescue children from Miss Nepal is a social drama about The answer is deep and philosophical: jails – crossing the street, and in his excitement Sushila, a young girl, who wants to become You have to reach the sky! That is how you allowed a microbus to come between the object a star – not in the sense more prevalent in become a star! of his affection and his youthful body. That’s just the glamour world, but something closer That’s the most annoying thing about how shy romantics roll, I guess. to the celestial – and goes around asking Miss Nepal – it tries to preach and There is a polemic in the movie about what is different adults about the shortest cut to moralize with cheap sentiments, but it the right set of dreams for a young girl to harbor, being a star. Sushila’s father had always never dares actually examine its own and what aren’t, but it is also trite and moralistic wanted a son, so he throws out his wife assertions. Twice, the director gives us and tiresome. The dichotomy is between girls and daughter. Before leaving home, the easy formulas to remember: ‘Career is for who will uphold middleclass values of charity mother challenges the father: ‘I will make life, life is for others,’ and ‘There is no end and industry without asserting themselves as her a star someday!’ That is the impetus for because life is still active.’ One part of me Prawin Adhikari sexual or dominant individuals. The movie the narrative. wants to be dismissive, but another part writes fiction and seems to want to say that it is acceptable to screenplays, and At one point in the movie, it feels as wonders if there isn’t some wisdom to teaches. He is an emulate Anuradha Koirala, but not – say – if it is a commentary on the exploitative these circular formulas. Perhaps there is assistant editor Jharana Bajracharya. Presumably because in an nature of high-fashion. But, it isn’t – it some part eastern mysticism in this which with La.Lit, the industry where image is bought and sold, there shies away from that at which it shows cannot be parsed through logic or direct literary magazine, are opportunities for exploitation. Yeah, sure. accessible online a mirror. The sleaze that it wants to talk reasoning. Or, perhaps, it is all tosh and at www.lalitmag. But, the charity industry is just as insidious, and about is embodied by a bald ad agency piffle. com His collec- charity and the glamour industry are usually in executive with an atypically bare desk. He Sheela goes through the different stages tion of short sto- a tight embrace: this point is illustrated neatly menacingly asks if Sheela – Sushila after of a beauty pageant, although we only ries The Vanishing by the scene in which beauty queens go to the Act was published dropping her identity – will do the kinds see the choreography for the finale. There in March, 2014, Briddhashram at Pashupati. And so on. of ads he will bring to her. She even asks a must have been other grooming sessions, by Rupa Publica- Miss Nepal isn’t worth the onionskin paper on priest: What must I do to become a star? too, and a lot more intrigue and politics, tions. which Bishwojyoti still prints its tickets.