#722 29 August - 4 September 2014 20 pages Rs 50

HUM GURUNG

MISSING ANOTHER DEADLINE Mist-ical Dolpa The UCPN(M) threatens to delay the constitution if it is not allowed to lead a parallel government hile the rest of Nepal suffered massive landslides and floods this month, in the trans-Himalayan rain shadow the country’s THE DEADLINE Wlargest and most remote district remained in splendid BY DAMAKANT JAYSHI isolation. Dolpa’s jewel is Phoksundo (above) a lapis lazuli-coloured lake, Nepal’s deepest and second-biggest. The district is the last two among Nepal’s 75 that doesn’t yet have a road connection. Noted PAGE 4 conservationist Hum Gurung travelled to Shey Phoksundo National Park recently to study the region’s spiritual tradition of protecting WATCHING nature, and examine how the sanctuary may be affected by a new road MISS GREEN that will connect Dolpa to the rest of Nepal. THE WATCHDOG The CIAA’s recent sting operations go The World Wildlife Fund appoints after small fry Miss Nepal Subin Limbu as its nepalitimes.com Young Conservation Ambassador. See photo gallery LEGALESE PAGE 16-17 BY BINITA DAHAL PAGE 7 2 EDITORIAL 29 AUGUST - 4 SEPTEMBER 2014 #722 DISASTROUS MANAGEMENT e call them ‘natural disasters’: earthquakes, floods, warning, but are not all that unexpected. The last three landslides. Yet, earthquakes don’t kill people, Nepal is woefully unprepared for calamities issues of this paper have flood stories on page 1 (below). unsafe buildings do. Our ancestors instinctively which are made even more deadly because of In 2008, the government, after much prodding from knewW not to live along river banks, settlements were located bad planning and poor response a consortium of donors, set up a Central Disaster Relief along ridges. Countries exposed to seismic and tsunami risk, Committee under the Home Ministry which drew up a like Japan, have detailed prevention and rescue plans in ‘conceptual framework’ for response management. The place. Most disasters may be natural, but the casualties are lack of hazard mapping, the non-enforcement of zoning and focus has been to decentralise disaster preparedness and largely manmade. building codes. relief to the district level. The aftermath of the Bhote Kosi In 2010, two earthquakes struck the Americas. The Let’s start calling them ‘unnatural disasters’ because landslide showed that decentralised response do work one in Haiti killed more than 300,000 people, but a much most of the damage is preventable. The Kosi embankment well. The Sindhupalchok district administration organised greater earthquake in Chile a few months later killed less did not breach by itself in 2008, quarrying of the boulders on rescue, relief and rehabilitation of survivors. First response than 600 people. The Chileans were better prepared, had the levee had weakened it. This was repeated on the Kamala is always by local communities, and the lesson learnt from stricter building codes and had trained rescue teams. Nepal this month. The Siraha bridge did not just collapse, it was the landslide was to further strengthen local capacity to has Chile-like earthquakes and Haiti-like preparedness and caused by illegal sand-mining upstream. The highest death deal with calamity. The Nepal Army acted promptly, but by rescue planning. toll in the mid-west on the night of 12 August was among being slow to accept an offer of help from Chinese engineers The Himalayan arc is the planet’s highest and youngest people recently resettled along riverbanks. Indiscriminate with experience in unblocking a river after the Yunnan mountain range, and it is still rising. The bedrock is on mining of river beds along the Seti, Trisuli, Narayani and the earthquake on 3 August, may have unnecessarily prolonged the move with the top soil clinging precariously to steep Tarai rivers increases water velocity, making even a normal the crisis. slopes. The mountains act as a rain barrier, too, giving the river run amok. The flashflood in the mid-west showed that central Himalayan foothills some of the heaviest precipitation rates However, there are extreme weather events or disaster management and coordination is still woefully in the world. In this naturally unstable terrain is situated catastrophic once-in-a-lifetime floods that happen without inadequate. Three weeks later, relief hasn't reached many the most-densely populated country in the villages,vi as Naresh Newar's report on page 19 world. Now, add to this mix a prolonged prove.pr state of flux in which criminalised A disproportionate number of the politicians recklessly resettle people for deadde and displaced in both disasters were vote banks and plunder natural resources womenwo and children. This is a result of male and you have a recipe for manmade human outmigration,ou but it carries a valuable lesson catastrophes. forfo future disaster planning: that the most Nepal’s location makes natural vulnerablevu segment of our society will be calamities a given. We have to learn to live evenev more vulnerable in future disasters. with them occurring at regular intervals, we should not be taken by surprise when nepalitimes.com they happen. Yet, when they do we blame  Interactive map of fl oods and god ('daibi prakop') even though most of landslides this monsoon. the casualties are a result of bad planning, 8-14 AUGUST 2014 15-21 AUGUST 2014 22-28 AUGUST 2014

YOUR SAY www.nepalitimes.com

‘F’ WORD were able to translate the theories of in India and other countries with NEW AIRLINES Federalism (Nepali style) reminds federalism by decentralising political full blown ethnic struggles, I am Great news (‘Expanding air links’, WHAT’S TRENDING me of the Balkan states (‘Reckless power from the centre to local and most concerned that federalism has #721) and I wish both new airlines federifi cation’, Editorial, #721). regional governance. But with all the become the ‘F’ word that few have well. But it is sad to see how Nepal We are ensuring long term corruption, criminals and mediocrity understood. Politicians are pushing Airlines has been used by politicians confl ict. No wonder India balked among top leaders, federalism is the envelope to see how far they can as their private property and driven into at it - especially with its own states doomed to fail here. go so when the country implodes, they the gutter. NA should be fl ying all over based on language model. Just Nirmal can douse the same fi re they ignited. the world, instead foreign airlines are ‘including’ minorities is not going to Let’s fi rst enfranchise the taking away the hard earned money of change society. Ensure education The slogan of federalism which millions who are stateless, provide our workers abroad. for all. That is the only way to was used to recruit foot soldiers now education to everyone, and allow Bikas Thapa emancipation. has a life of its own and the Maoist them an opportunity to earn their own BIKRAM RAI Namah leaders have exploited it to the core livelihood. That would the greatest Given the uncertainty all around, Most liked on Facebook for their own personal gains (‘Federal achievement for Nepal in the coming I wonder what exactly the investors Participants attempt to break the The struggle for federalism may fundamentalism’, Bihari Krishna decades. see in this constricted Nepali aviation Guinness World Record for the largest human be misguided to the development Shrestha, #721). N market with too many players to bring national fl ag at Tundikhel on Saturday. in the opposite direction and make Incompetent NC and UML along in a 50 seater jet to start with. We had the society regressive. with other parties have been complicit to We’ll have to be content if the Cosmic with 100 seat F-100 in the past, Most shared on Facebook Anil Karki remain relevant in Nepali politics, while new statute incorporates federalism, and banks and leasing companies are Wanted: Prime Minister (1) by Ass our international ‘friends’ have been only identity and inclusion in its preamble: still counting their losses. Most popular on Twitter Sobering analysis from an too happy to stoke the fi re. We must Nepal shall be a multi-ethnic, multi- Armugam Conquering the world by authoritative academic who knows pare down the giant assembly, task lingual, multi-religious, multi-cultural, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita Nepal very well (‘Federalism for a sub-group to draft the constitution, sovereign, secular, inclusive, federal D DEFICIENCY while the parliament focuses on making Most visited online page the sake of it’, David Seddon, democratic republican state. There Doctors now prescribe Vitamin D3 to Marriages made in Facebook by #721). I used to read and re-read laws and keeping government of the shall be fi ve provinces and their patients living in not so hot countries, Merilin Piipuu Nepal in Crisis in my student day in check. Only then will we have nomenclature shall be determined which is to be taken every 3 months of Most commented days, and almost everything an inclusive constitution and form of by the majority of each province interval to help improve metabolism to Federalism for the sake of it Seddon predicted in the book government which decentralises power assembly, and no effort shall cope with osteoporosis, a bone disease by David Seddon has come true. None of the to the grassroots without dividing be spared to institutionalise the that affl icts especially the old ('Vitamin problems he pointed out have people along ethnic lines. Let’s bring federal setup. Predictably, there’ll D Defi ciency,' Dhanvantari, #721). It been resolved. But, as Seddon back elected local governments and be opposition to the new statute. has become a must for every health writes, pushing federalism as a ensure services reach the grassroots. Radical ethnic outfi ts will describe it conscious person. Weekly Internet Poll #722 solution to exclusion in Nepal is like Investments in education, infrastructure, as tokenism. Rightwing forces will call Whatever a medicine that is worse than the economic development, law and order it a ploy to fragment the nation. But if . Q. Which should not be compromised? ASS disease. and reform of the Nepali bureaucracy we don’t incorporate inclusion, we are Total votes: 247 Harald are long overdue. doomed. This is the craziest, most hilarious Prithvi Raj AK thing I have ever read (‘Wanted: Prime Whenever I read opinion Minister (1)’, Ass, #721). Of all the pieces on federalism in Nepali The 21st century will see the DEKENDRA THAPA politicians we have on offer, I think Assji newspapers, the writers sound like growth of alternate metropolitan regions Every crime committed during civil should apply for the job. know-it-alls. Many nations went for across Nepal (‘Inclusion by any other war should be investigated and those Donkey for PM federal system to defuse political, name,’ Anurag Acharya, #721). With who perpetuated them should be Weekly Internet Poll #723 economic and social unrest, but heterogeneous urban centers, the entire jailed. (‘Justice under threat,’ Tufan You made my day, Ass. You are a To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com today they are functioning relatively federal model that Anuragji postulates Neupane, #721) great satirist. Carry on, we love it. well. Why? These countries will fall fl at on its face. Having lived Hurray W Q. Is the government taking enough precautions to prevent an Ebola outbreak?

Publisher and Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit Associate Editor: Tsering Dolker Gurung | Online Producer: Ayesha Shakya | Design: Kiran Maharjan Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5005601-08 Fax: +977-1-5005518 Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorials: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscriptions: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Nepali Times on Facebook Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com 29 AUGUST - 4 SEPTEMBER 2014 #722 OPINION 3 Instead of federalism

ast week I argued against (whose members would be federalism (‘Federalism themselves democratically Lfor the sake of it’, #721) elected to the DDC) elected a suggesting that it was a bad representative to a national House response to legitimate concerns of Representatives, they might – (particularly among those who or might not (that would be their feel that the status quo gives too prerogative as representatives much power to what is already a rather than mandated delegates) dominant group in the political – decide to form regional blocs to system) to ensure that the new argue the case for their region. Nepal had a system of democracy They may feel impelled to do that accepted the will of the this according to whether they majority while defending and come from the hills or from the indeed promoting the interests of Tarai, whether they come from minority groups. the Far-West, the Mid-West or the East, or according to any other of a number of possible cross- cutting alliances and associations. They may form blocs or alliances according to the predominant caste or ethnic group in their GUEST COLUMN district, but they may unite on David Seddon entirely different bases altogether. This, however, would give an I am a democrat, and a additional democratic set of socialist, and recognise those voices, from the local DDCs to feelings of marginalisation add to the voices in the National and lack of real ‘voice’ among Assembly. disadvantaged groups. The If it is sincerely felt that problem with federalism is that Nepal needs a new mechanism it will not give voice, let alone to recognise the distinctive power, to the truly disadvantaged characteristics of particular and marginalised, but only to regions, there are already five so- those who claim to speak in called ‘development regions', on their name and who are among the basis of which comparisons the relatively better off, better are often made: the Far-West, educated and least disadvantaged Mid-West, the West, the Centre, and marginalised of the groups and the East. In the 1970s and whom they claim to represent. 1980s these were regarded as the basis for development, ideally with major roads linking the It is not too late to mountains, hills and Tarai in each and highways linking them reconsider the all from west to east. They could again be positive alternatives recognised as a valid framework, not for federalisation but for a to federalism coherent unified national effort to reduce the inequalities between In the name of caste and them. They could also be linked ethnic marginalisation, the rich in a renewed and comprehensive and powerful will claim the right effort to promote both to a state of ‘their’ own. There development and national unity, will be no voice, let alone power, while at the same time, separately for women, dalits, religious recognising the diversity of minorities, the disabled and other Nepal’s economy and society. social groups, nor even for the The very urgent need to promote poor and disadvantaged among positive or affirmative action to the Janjati and the Madhesis, improve the situation of people in the new federal states -- just living in disadvantaged regions, more relatively well-off men from as well as those disadvantaged by privileged backgrounds gaining class, gender, caste or ethnicity, more power and wealth from their religion or other cultural features, new positions. age and/or disability could also An alternative might be be addressed. to consider in more detail the There are so many alternatives proposal, which it seems Pushpa to consider as ways to transform Kamal Dahal of the UCPN(M) the status quo and give those now favours, for proportional who are disadvantaged and representation. This could be marginalised a voice and the sole system of political real power. Why waste time representation, offering an on ‘federalism’, whose real alternative to the first-past-the- advantages have never been post system, or else it could be explained by their advocates and combined with first-past-the- which has become a ‘sacred cow’ post, as it was in the elections -- if the use of this term is not too to the singularly broad and offensive -- in public discourse, representative first Constituent simply because it was ‘adopted’ Assembly. with virtually no prior or This would favour smaller subsequent discussion at the first parties and help reduce the dismal Constituent Assembly in 2008. dominance of the three main It is not too late to reconsider parties, whose leaders at present the positive alternatives to seem to feel they can ignore the federalism. other parties, dissent from public opinion, and make policy virtually David Seddon is author of on their own terms. Nepal in Crisis: Growth and Another option is to look to the Stagnation in the Periphery districts (elected DDCs) to provide and The Struggle for Basic Needs the basis for an elected second in Nepal, Nepal - A State of house, if such is considered of Poverty, and co-author of value. If each District Council The People’s War. 4 OPINION 29 AUGUST - 4 SEPTEMBER 2014 #722 Watching Missing another deadline Pushpa Kamal Dahal is threatening to delay the constitution the watchdog if he is not allowed to head a parallel government n recent months, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Ihas started taking its transparency watchdog role seriously, and gone on a detention spree. Operatives have carried out sting operations and caught officials in flagrante as they accepted bribes. Among those caught red-handed recently have been the Joint Secretary of the Higher Secondary Education Board, officials of National Investigation Authority, the vice chancellor of Mid- Western University and 14 other officials who are now in custody while investigations are underway. With the campaign of arrests, suspensions and filing LEGALESE corruption Binita Dahal charges in the Special Court, CIAA has not been this active since the appointment of Chief Commissioner Lok Man Singh Karki last year. When he was recommended for CIAA chief, many legal eagles and civil society activists had criticised the decision of the Chief Justice-led Interim Election Government to appoint him. They compared the appointment to getting a fox to guard the chicken coop because of Karki’s alleged involvement in graft for which he was investigated by the very agency he was nominated to head. He was also faulted for his role in the crackdown on pro-democracy protestors in April 2006 under the Gyanendra regime. Despite the opposition, Karki’s appointment was endorsed last year by President Ram Baran Yadav for a tenure of six years. BIKRAM RAI

ive months to go. That’s going back to the 15 May, 2012 high-level political committee Despite the CIAA’s recent sting operations, the self-imposed deadline agreement between the NC, the for himself. This would be an the agency is charged with going after small Fthe parties have set UML, the UCPN (M) and the extra-constitutional umbrella this week to deliver the new former Madhesi Morcha. That body that would effectively fry or waging political witch-hunts constitution. There are other agreement had proposed 11 multi- serve as a parallel government, sub-deadlines before 22 January identity states, including five in and continue where it left 2015. The parties have to reach an the Tarai and left the naming of off during the tenure of Karki hit the ground running, investigating corruption agreement on the disagreements the provinces to state legislatures. the unelected technocratic and directing government agencies to expedite pending by the first week of September, It had also proposed a mixed government last year. Dahal has appointments. However, the CIAA’s actions have also been and the first draft of the model of governance: a directly threatened to bring the House to criticised for being arbitrary, ad hoc, restricted to catching only statute is to be readied by mid- elected president and a House- a standstill if the NC and UML the small fish, or reeking of political vendetta. October to get the people’s elected prime minister as well as don’t agree. And if that happens, The high profile arrests have also spooked civil servants, feedback. a mixed electoral system. we can kiss a timely constitution who are now reluctant to take major decisions for fear of being Bhattarai would like to goodbye. scapegoated. The tendency to detain alleged culprits under forget that it was he, as prime Dahal and Bhattarai the full glare of the media, and the presumption of guilt until minister, and his party with its conveniently ignore the fact that proven innocent has negatively impacted governance and service Madhesi coalition partner, who the November 2013 election delivery by government agencies. opposed that very same proposal. was actually a referendum on The legal procedures being followed are also questionable: Twelve days later, the CA was federalism. Those supporting when the CIAA files a case against anyone in the Special Court, THE DEADLINE dissolved by Bhattarai after multiple states, states carved on the accused are immediately suspended from their jobs. This Damakant Jayshi rejecting every single alternative the basis of ethnicity, and a single results in defamation of officials, some of whom may have proposed by the NC and the Madhes province were routed been arrested without evidence, who are innocent, or who The political parties were UML. That ensured he continued in the polls. Top UCPN (M), the are ultimately acquitted by the court. In most cases, the damage serial violators of the earlier to be the prime minister and Madhes-based and Janjati parties is already done, because of the trial by media. timetable before the last the prospect of Mohan Baidya- lost, or barely scraped through. The CIAA has repeatedly admitted that it lacks the Constituent Assembly (CA). By led CPN-Maoist supporting an Stunned by the sheer scale of the personnel to investigate all petitions that are filed. Many who the looks of it, CA2 is on a similar NC-UML no-confidence motion defeat, sympathetic analysts split are arrested haven’t yet had a case filed against them. Such trajectory. Except for settling against him never materialised. hairs about “public opinion” and delays are inexcusable, especially if the accused may actually be some minor issues, the Assembly Had that agreement been “mandate”. innocent or framed. The CIAA must either file cases and begin is yet to find a breakthrough honoured, we would have had a What next? Some bruised prosecution in the courts, or it shouldn’t arrest people: after all, on issues that ultimately led constitution by now and a jumbo egos need to massaged, including justice delayed is justice denied. to the failure of the last one: 11-state federal republic. those of Madhes-based party Transparency International, the global corruption watchdog, state restructuring, system Why this change of heart? leaders, else they have the says political parties top the list of the corrupt among a dozen of governance, judiciary and Bhattarai, as is his wont, does capacity to derail any progress. institutions in Nepal. The bureaucracy, police, legislature/ electoral system. not care to explain. His running But there is a difference between parliament, the judiciary, the private sector, military, educational The biggest hurdle was, and feud with party Chairman Pushpa appeasement and meaningful institutions, non-governmental organisations, medical and health still is, state restructuring aka Kamal Dahal, may have forced accommodation. services are all below politicians on the corruption hall of fame. federalism. The parties have stuck him to now say that he is in The Constitution’s validity is An even more serious charge against the CIAA is that it is to their positions. The NC and favour of a deal that he had so guaranteed if there is consensus only going after selected small fry, while the big fish in the the CPN-UML want no more than vehemently opposed and killed. over its contents or at least Transparency International list seem immune to prosecution. five or seven provinces at the Dahal, out of power, and likely to major acceptability. The reality None of the top political leaders are being investigated, and the most, the UCPN (Maoist) want to be out of any leadership role that is that the final draft will be former politicians who have been arrested and sentenced tend go for double that number. The oversees far-reaching agreements a compromise that will leave to be from the NC or Madhesi parties. This has made the CIAA Madhes-based parties are batting or breakthroughs, would gladly everyone dissatisfied. open to charges of waging a political witch-hunt. for a single east-to-west Madhes torpedo any deal unless he has a Let the Constituent Assembly As long as top political leaders, senior bureaucrats, Nepal Pradesh in the Tarai, but may role in it. do its work without any Police, judiciary and Nepal Army personnel are out of bounds, settle for at the most, two. Given his impressive record diktat from outside. It has enough the CIAA’s attempts to clean up Nepal’s governance system will Baburam Bhattarai, who for sabotage, Dahal would in-built mechanisms to find lack credibility. heads the Political Dialogue and repeat the feat even by force of compromises and consensus, and @binitadahal Consensus Committee – the all- habit. It is not for nothing that if they can’t find either, follow important body in the second of late he has been insisting on the Interim Constitution. assembly – has now suggested a permanent leadership of a @damakant 29 AUGUST - 4 SEPTEMBER 2014 #722 BUSINESS 5 Moving with the eyeballs BIZ BRIEFS Qatar Airways honours top partners ike the rest of the media, Qatar Airways the advertising industry As Indian readers migrate to digital platforms, awarded four of Lis also confronted by the the advertising industry struggles to adjust its top travel trade challenge of the migration of partners at the eyeballs away from print and airline’s Agents screen to the Internet. Award Night held Because advertising is the last week in the lifeblood of newspapers and capital. The night’s helps sustain journalism, the era top honour, the Platinum award, went to Osho World Travel. Yeti Travels, Ace of direct e-retail, social network ““AdvertisingAdvertising Express Travel Services and President Travel and Tours were the other winners. marketing, and native advertising is still about Qatar Ambassador Ahmed Jasem Al Hamar presented the award to the have presented challenges to the is still about winners. Seventeen other travel agencies were given certifi cate of appreciation. whole media industry. Not only ideas, the is the volume of advertising in traditional media going down challenge is to Farmer friendly internationally, but advertisers improve the Bank of Kathmandu and NIMBUS have now do not necessarily have signed an agreement to launch ‘BOK to rely on advertisers to reach quality of our Kissan Credit Card Scheme’ targeted consumers anymore. ideas.ideas.”” towards small scale farmers. The scheme “We have to hold on to the hopes to provide small scale farmers easy fundamentals of marketing, but -Colvyn Harris, CEO of access to credit facilities which can be also focus on end-to-end brand J W Thomson South Asia used to purchase agricultural products at experience right up to delivery NIMBUS Krishi Kendra. and concluding the sale,” says Colvyn Harris (pic), CEO of J W Festive offer Thomson South Asia based in Mahindra Two Wheelers has Mumbai. announced its Dasain-Tihar scheme ‘Dui A Federation of Indian KUNDA DIXIT Duna Chaar’, under which customers Chambers of Commerce and will get cash discounts ranging from Rs Nepal, talked about the changing telecom, two-wheeler, FMCG or Industry (FICCI) projection 5,000 to Rs 100,000 while buying of Mahindra bikes. The bumper prize is a landscape in advertising that real estate clients, but brand recall shows that while print and Mahindra Bolero. The off er is valid until 30 October. tv advertising India-wide is will affect journalism: paid is falling. Harris often gives a test expected to grow by 15 per cent stories, native advertising, and in which he asks clients to tell between 2011–2016, digital treaties. him what was the front page ad Card union advertising in all platforms will With treaties, the media gets in that morning’s Times of India. Himalayan Bank together with grow by 30 per cent. free shares in a startup and pays Most can’t. UnionPay International, a Clients of ad agencies are back in planted stories in the “In the old way of advertising subsidiary of China UnionPay, also trying to ‘disintermediarise’ paper, masquerading as news. there is overkill and wastage,” has launched the HBL UnionPay and deal directly with customers Harris explains how it works: he says, “the new way is to International Prepaid card. The by paying for views on social “It is a barter, the currency is seamlessly be a part of the bank will now issue UnionPay networking sites or negotiate paper, goods and services are public’s conversation without branded USD prepaid cards to with publishers on sponsored exchanged.” The lines between interrupting them.” customers travelling to China and other countries. content. news and advertising gets Which is why JWT has bought Advertising companies like blurred, and newspapers have to into digital companies which JWT have tried to innovate and learn to do this without hurting specialise in connecting clients devise solutions to keep up their credibility, he adds. directly with customers through margins. And their acquisition The fundamental principles social media. of stakes in Hungama Digital of advertising, however, has Increasing numbers of Nepali Services, Social Wavelength and not changed, Harris says: “It is companies are now advertising Encompass is an indication that still about ideas, the challenge through Facebook and Google, they expect an upheaval. is to improve the quality of our and this trend is expected to pick Harris knows the region ideas.” up. However, for Nepal a lot will well, having served in JWT Sri There is still growth in depend on investment picking up. Lanka and on a recent visit to traditional media advertising by Kunda Dixit 6 NATION 29 AUGUST - 4 SEPTEMBER 2014 #722

A backlash against expensive and invasive healthcare sends patients to the traditional ayurvedic healers of Kathmandu PICS: SONIA AWALE The return of the baidyas

SONIA AWALE doses, her stomach pain is gone. which is why there has been no Misdiagnosis at private THE HEALING TOUCH: Nirtha Kumari With the rapid spread of decline in the number of patients clinics is common, and patients Shakya (above, left) is one of few female hospitals and modern medicine who come here,” says Yogendra are prescribed costly medicines baidyas and her family have been aya Thapa had been in Nepal over the past 50 years, Raj Baidya, 51, who comes from which are sometimes the wrong ayurvedic healers for five generations. At suffering stomach pains one would have thought that a long line of traditional healers treatment. The drugs are also 77, she is busier than ever. Rup Krishna Mfor five years. The baidyas would have become and runs the Siddhi Ayurveda very strong, and have serious Shrestha (above, right) has his own 65-year-old roamed between extinct. Yet, these traditional Ausadhalaya in Sankhamul. side-effects that complicate the ayurvedic pharmacy in Patan. His daughter private clinics and hospitals in healers who diagnose and treat Ratna Shri Shrestha concurs. original ailment. Many patients is a dentist. Patan, and spent a fortune on common ailments like gout, She helps her husband, Birendra, visiting baidyas say they have prescriptions. When the pain ulcers, jaundice or asthma with whose father and grandfather were been given the runaround by persisted, she visited her friendly herb-based potions are more all baidyas. “Most of our patients doctors in private hospitals and neighbourhood baidya who popular than ever. used to be the elderly, but now we clinics, and come there as a last unmarried at 77 and is continuing gave her a dark brown powder “Allopathic treatment is also see younger people coming to resort. her ancestral profession of mixing wrapped in paper. Now, after two expensive, and it has side effects consult us,” says Ratna Shri. Besides this, patients with ayurvedic potions that her family jaundice and other diseases for has been doing for at least five which modern medicine has no generations. Shakya is busier than real cure, also come to ayurvedic ever, as demand grows. clinics for traditional herbal The Singha Darbar formulas. A baidya treatment Baidyakhana announces tenders is slower, but the herbs work every year for the supply of in harmony with the body, raw material such as asuro, detoxifying it and restoring the salaipatti, harro barro aala, immune system and the patient’s jatamasi, saragandha, charieto, own healing mechanism. ashogandha, jwano, tulsi, neem, “There is a growing backlash bark of pomegranate, sukumel, etc. against modern medicine in the The Nepal Himalaya is a treasure cities,” says Rishi Raj Regmi house of medicinal plants used at the state-run Singha Darbar in both ayurvedic and Tibetan Baidyakhana, whose interior medicine, and Regmi at the centre has a pungent-sweet aroma believes that cultivating some of from a multitude of herbs these herbs instead of harvesting stacked on wooden shelves. The them from the wild would be Baidyakhana had been steadily more sustainable, and also provide losing its relevance, but in the livelihoods to more people. past decade has become a busy Piyush Bajracharya, 62, place again. says the tradition of ayurvedic Rup Krishna Shrestha, 54, medicine is inextricably linked to was one of the first to start a Hindu and Buddhist practices that pharmacy solely for ayurvedic have co-evolved in Kathmandu medicines in Patan. He owns the Valley. Baidyas mainly come Dekha Herbal Factory, stocks from the Shakya, Baidya and herbs, grinds and mixes his own Bajracharya families, and combine medications. In most baidya Hindu Ayurveda knowledge with families the younger generation Buddha’s teachings about holistic has not completely abandoned the mind-body healing. medical profession. Rup Krishna’s Ayurvedic remedies seem daughter, for example, is a to work best with diseases like dentist. Yogendra Raj Bajracharya jaundice and stomach ailments, is 51, and his family has balanced and it is not just the old who trust modern and traditional: his older traditional treatment. Twenty- son is doing an MBBS while nine-year old Madan Dangol was his younger son is pursuing a taking modern medicine for his bachelors degree in ayurvedic ailment, but his condition never medicine. improved. In old days, baidyas were also He says: “I went to all the astrologers and shamans. Dip hospitals but never got better. Bharat Bajracharya’s grandfather Everyone told me to visit the was the legendary Bhindyo baidya, and I have been coming Guruju of Patan, and at 38 is here for two months. I am feeling carrying on the grand tradition much betternow, and am going to of his ancestors along with continue this treatment.” four other brothers, who are all baidyas. Among the women baidyas nepalitimes.com of Patan, the most respected is  Medicine Man, #679  Watch video interview Nirtha Kumari Shakya, who is It's only a month to go for Dasain, believe it or not, and the monsoon is just getting started. The trend this past decade is that the monsoon is starting KATHMANDU late and ending late, and this being an El Nino year meteorologists expect more localised extreme rainfall events in the coming month. The soil is saturated, so heavy rainfall will trigger landlsides. Expect the night thunderstorms with rain to continue into the weekend, with the sky clearing up in the day time. FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 28° 28° 28° #722 29 August - 4 September 2014 17° 17° 17°

MISS (GREEN) NEPAL ELVIN L SHRESTHA

hile many would expect a Miss training sessions the most as that is when Nepal to be a celebrity too the transition takes place,” she added. Wswamped with appointments Last month, Subin was appointed to sit down for a long conversation and Young Conservation Ambassador by too diplomatic to give candid responses, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Nepal. She will Miss Nepal 2014 Subin Limbu turned out be involved with the WWF’s Education to be relaxed, frank and open. Conservation program which works to The 23-year old native of Dharan is create awareness on protection of flora articulate, grounded and refreshingly and fauna and sustainable development. genuine. Even when she speaks about her She will also be engaged in The Generation goals to work for the betterment of the Green, an ambitious, five-year campaign education sector, there is little of the pre- that mentors Nepali youth. rehearsed beauty pageant answer tone in “Since young people make up a her voice. She sounds like she means it. very large part of Nepal’s population, they have a major role to play in conservation,” says Subin. As part of The Generation Green project, 50 well-known mentors are assigned to different youth groups who can join the campaign after pledging to support the values of the green initiative. “All of us have heard about global warming, globalisation and environment deterioration, I now want to see the impact first hand and disseminate that knowledge to the youth,” she says. Subin is currently busy with preparations for the Miss World pageant to be held in London on “Participating in Miss Nepal was 14 December. The contest requires something that had been on my mind ever every contestant to select a project for its since I came to Kathmandu,” says Subin, ‘beauty with a purpose’ segment. Former who came here in 2009 to go to college. Miss Nepal Ishani Shrestha had won in the “But, it wasn’t until this year that I felt same category for her dental health camp completely ready.” project in rural Nepal. However, this is not the first time When asked what her project is and if that Subin has won a crown. In 2010, she she thinks she can bring the international was named the first runner up in Miss title home, Subin doesn’t want to reveal it. Mongol, a competition that she believes “You will know once the announcement is helped her while preparing for Miss Nepal. made,” she says coyly, “but it is related to “During both the pageants, I enjoyed the education.”

PICS: BIKRAM RAI 8 EVENTS DINING Caste system, A lecture by Dr Dinesh Prasain and Red Carpet, Dhan Kumari Sunar on Nepal's caste Look down at the busy and happening system. Darbar Marg while dining at a lavish, 29 August, 9.30 am, Shanker Hotel, cozy place that serves delightful cuisines. Lajimpat Darbar Marg Festive Bhadra, Noyoz, Celebrate an array of festivals in this This tiny little joint serves food that month of Bhadra: Tij, Ganesh Chaturthi, tastes like your mother's home-cooking. Rishi Panchami, Indra Jatra, Bal diwas Bhatbhateni La Casita De Boudhanath, Enjoy a host of Mediterranean cuisine Bollywood Night, Maya Devi Village Restaurant, with a breathtaking view of the Boudhanath Stupa. Boudha a Bollywood themed fundraiser with Enjoy a BLT sandwich with fresh fruit, Bollywood setting and music. muesli and yoghurt while enjoying Rs 2500, September 13, 7 pm, the sunrise. Lanhua, Soaltee Crowne Plaza Kathmandu Pokhara, 9806647917, The best of Chinese cuisine at great prices. Jumping Frog, Charya Nritya, mayadevivillage.com Lakeside, Pokhara A mask, puppet and musical play about Experience Kathmandu’s version of the love story of a frog. dance meditation under the tutelage 22 August to 21 September, 5.15 pm, of Prajwal Ratna Vanjracharya Mike's Mandala Theatre, Anamnagar, (01)4249761 and immerse yourself in nature, consciousness and compassion. breakfast, Rs 1,600, 1 to 14 September, 12.15pm, Now also in Pokhara: huge inneradventuretravel.com breakfasts and an endless supply of coff ee amidst a lush garden Vo’ye, Media workshop, setting, popular among tourists Celebrate Indra Jatra with a grand Join Anup Ghimire in a retouching and and locals alike. Lakeside Newari feast image enhancement workshop. Rs 1250, 9 September, 5.30pm, Jyatha, Rs 3500, 1 to 10 September, 11am to 1pm, Thamel Sattya, Jawalakhel Indra Jatra, Revel in an exhilarating evening of traditional dances, music and Newari Newa film cuisine on Indra Jatra. Rs 2800, 8 September, 6.30pm, festival, The Dwarika’s Hotel, Battisputali, support local fi lmmakers, (01)4479488, [email protected] skip the mall, and come enjoy an open-air fi lm Art conversation, screening every evening Visual Artist Sujan Chitrakar will be talking for a week. Alfresco, about Mural Arts. 6 to 12 September, Janabahal, Degaa Resto Lounge. For homemade pasta and other lip- 29 August, 4.30pm, Taragaon Museum, Kathmandu for mouth-watering Newari and Indian smacking delights. Boudha, (01)4481786 cuisine. Kumaripati Soaltee Crowne Plaza, (01)4273999 29 AUGUST - 4 SEPTEMBER 2014 #722 9 MUSIC GETAWAYS Rock of Ages, Shangri-La Village Resort, A series of energetic tributes to rock for the best view of the Annapurna legends like Van Halen, Nirvana and range and great services Tool by bands like The Maze, Newaz Monsoon Madness Package and Quinterval 2 nights/3 days for Rs 5555 per person on 30 August, 1pm to 6pm, Purple Haze Rock Bar, twin sharing basis Thamel Until 30 September, 4412999/4410051 Under-ground Gig, Where anyone can perform to keep rock alive. Rs 150, 30 August, 1 to 6 pm, Rhapshady Hall, Kumaripati Roots night, Step up to the futuristic tunes and yet, go ol’ school Jamaican Style Music for relief, 19 September, 7pm onwards, a fundraiser for the fl ood survivors with Places Restaurant & Bar, Thamel performances by Mukti and Revival, Temple Tree Cobweb, Albatross, 1974 AD and more. The great Duo, Rs 250, 6 September, 1 pm, Moksh, A fundraising show for fl ood survivors, Resort and Spa, Jhamsikhel performed by Alon and Brittany a peaceful place to stay, complete with Rs 200, 30 August, Zibro Restro & Bar, Thamel a swimming pool, massage parlour, and sauna, it’ll be hard to leave Gopalaya, House Day, once you go in. Gaurighat, Lakeside, A repertoire of Gopal Yonjan’s musical A gig show with live performances by (61)465819 works performed by singers like Uday bands like The Last Source, Edwardian, Sotang, Reema Gurung Hoda, Manoj Raj False Autopsy and Banika Pradhan. Rs 250, 30 August, 3pm onwards, Barahi Jungle Lodge, 30 August, 4.30 to 7pm, Army Offi cer’s Club House of Music, Thamel An eco-jungle lodge in Chitwan directly overlooks the Chitwan National Park, spa, boutique guest room, individual and two-in-one private villas, including Keeping it a suite with a private swimming pool. Andrauli, West Chitwan, classic, www.barahijunglelodge.com Painting exhibition of classical music, color and art by artist Neydo Monastery, Sapna Poudel Maharjan, along with its guest house, Neydo is home with a lineup of classical music to many signifi cant religious sites of performances. the great siddhas. Leave your troubles 6 to 12 September, 10 am to 5pm, behind and book a room. Nepal Art Council, Babarmahal Pharping, Kathmandu www.neydohotel.com

Did your paper arrive on time this morning? If not, call our 5005601-07 CUSTOMER Ext. 243 CARE Himalmedia Pvt. Ltd. Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur 10 WHOSE ART IS Shiva temple in Purohitghat, overlooking Bhaisighat. This is the same structure, dating from 1883, praised so wholeheartedly by art historians for the extraordinary design of its windows. By any standards, the Purohitghat sattal would qualify as RABI THAPA heritage worthy of preservation. Yet Toussaint and Spag saw fit to distract from this remarkable his May, Seb Toussaint window frame by framing it in and Spag of Outside technicolor cartoons. Why? Krew visited the According to Toussaint, he Bhaisighat slum on the was approached by the sadhu banks of the Bagmati who looks after the temple. atT Teku and asked residents to According to the Nepal Children’s choose words to be painted in Art Museum (which facilitated their neighbourhood of ragged Toussaint and Spag’s stay here), brick, banged-up wooden planks the locals welcomed the change. and corrugated tin. Toussaint was The sadhu, meanwhile, admits he he sattal at Purohitghat by the Bagmati river is located on in Nepal with Share the Word, asked for the home improvements a long stretch of stepped embankment that did not start to the project he has been taking not just because it looked nice, but be architecturally articulated before the 1790s. The sattal to urban settlements around the because after years of asking the world. Many locals allowed him authorities to restore the sagging, at Purohitghat was one of the smaller endowments, but to spruce up the walls of their dilapidated façade, he wanted to probably the most fascinating one. The baluster columns ramshackle settlements with such grab their attention. and the cusped arches of the arcade follow early 19th century uplifting words as ‘Welcome’ It took a while, but he has T prototypes, but the fi rst fl oor windows went beyond the scope of and ‘Dhanyabad’, and some even everyone’s attention now. When joined in the fun. photos of Toussaint’s handiwork carved window frames … The frames of the side openings add to At some point, Toussaint appeared on nepalnews.com the stunning design, contributing to a move that culminates in the decided to make an exception last Sunday, Nepali social media fl ower motifs that crown the central opening. In a playful manner, to his unwritten rule of not imploded with indignation. curled appendages frame the entire window, fl ush with the wall. painting temples and churches. Sujan Chitrakar of KU Art+Design He wrapped up the project by spoke for many when he praised Architecture of the Newars, Volume III, Niels Gutschow spray-painting the façade of Toussaint on Facebook for his the sattal of the 19th century work in the community but 29 AUGUST - 4 SEPTEMBER 2014 #722 11

lambasted him for cultural cannot have exclusive say insensitivity and a lack of foresight over the treatment of a public in painting the sattal: monument, a distinct part of our "The Shiva Temple, though not heritage and one that predates on the World Heritage Site List, Bhaisighat by at least a century? has something to contribute to At an animated discussion the remarkable cultural heritage at the City Museum Kathmandu and legacy of Nepal. Any kind of on Monday, Sujan Chitrakar and intruding and defacing it would Sangeeta Thapa warned that if S IT ANYWAY? be overlooking history of the individual artists did not exercise place and hurting sentiments due care, they could face a of my people. You have given backlash from extremist elements wrong message to people and and the state. The artists present, you will defame the entire artist including Dishebh Shrestha and community. There are many Aditya Aryal, agreed they would emerging Nepali artists who see never consider painting over hope in the streets and street a temple as they ‘knew their art. Your 'one wrong' move can limits’; it was crucial however for severely sabotage their dreams." visiting artists to consult with Other commentators defended local artists. Karl Knapp and Taka Toussaint’s aesthetic and his Otsu pointed out the difficulties collaborative work with the in containing such art forms as otherwise neglected Bhaisighat graffiti. What if newer artists community, and privileged their did not possess the requisite right to determine the development ‘common sense’? The consensus of their surroundings. They also was that a negative act should wondered why it had taken so be transmuted into something long for anyone to notice the positive: research was needed to supposedly sacrilegious act – find a way to restore the façade of surely that suggested a broader the sattal, to be documented in a national apathy towards heritage? way to raise awareness about the The subtext of the outrage, they nature of cultural heritage, our implied, was elitist hostility attitudes towards it, and the role towards the idea that slum-dwellers of public art. should be able to claim national When the story broke on heritage as their own and, in doing social media Monday morning, so, dispose of it as they saw fit. several people responded to my For his part, Toussaint expressed frenetic posts with a shocked surprise at the delayed reaction, ‘Yikes!’ If indeed the sight of so unlike the instantaneous Toussaint’s work offended so delight of the local community. He many, one can only hope that maintained that he was glad that a it was an eye-opener in the best debate was taking place. possible way. The message is Yet neither belated awareness clear: if we wait for others to take nor the fact of Purohitghat’s care of what we claim as our own, neglect can justify Toussaint’s act. we should not be surprised if And surely a single community they do just that. BIKRAM RAI 12

series is set, looms large as the two heroes Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey roam around and witness America TV’s biggest stars unravel. More please. When Season 1 of Orange t this year’s Emmy Awards after five successful seasons. is the new black was released (which honour the best Thankfully, there is no end in last year to much fanfare and AAmerican prime-time shows) sight for Game of Thrones, the HBO adulation, many doubted if - all the usual suspects shored up series that has made the English its creators had it in them to well-deserved plaudits. We look of yore cool again and given last longer than a year. To our back (with a bias for drama and weddings a bad name. Last season, pleasure, we were proved wrong. comedy) at last year in American we saw Tyrion, Arya and all the Season 2 turned out to be funnier television and anticipate what other sorry underdogs get the and more engaging. While the might be worth waiting for in the better of their circumstances, while first season introduced us to life next 12 months. queen superior and moral compass inside prison, Season 2 steps No one was surprised Daenerys faced uncountable up from being more than just when Breaking Bad pipped ethical dilemmas that beset rulers. a guide to prison life: we are every other show to the coveted The bad guys may have lost this treated to intruiguing character HAPPENINGS ‘Outstanding Drama Series’ round, but they’ll be back next development as more back-stories are revealed through flashbacks. Orange is here to stay, because just before the Emmys its makers announced there would indeed be Season 3. After watching her husband make a mess out of his time in power (corruption, sex, the usual stuff), it falls to Alicia Florrick (Julianna Marguilles) to take charge of things in The Good Wife. For 13 years, she’d been a good housewife (hence the name) but will now happily go back award. For the last five years year with more conspiracy and to being a lawyer to make ends we have been empathising with deceit. In the meantime, winter meet. Infidelity may have been ANANDA RAM DANGOL its unsympathetic hero/villain is coming, so better start reading tough to digest, but it also implies ALL TALK: Baburam Bhattarai chairs a meeting of the CA Dialogue Committee at Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a George RR Martin’s magnum opus reciprocation for Alicia. So far Singha Darbar on Monday. chemistry professor who, after and continue the guess game: who she has trod carefully through being diagnosed with cancer, really is Jon Snow’s mother? a minefield of money, scandal, makes meth to support his family. The detective genre has and sex. But, now on a quest to In White’s mundane existence we been done to death, but True replicate her ex-husband’s career, see ourselves and long to ‘break Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto can Alicia dodge all the bullets? bad’ when he is compelled to go heads a revival with his slow, rogue. The only downer – our tacit cinematic and intensely detailed nepalitimes.com approval of drug-making will likely production. The post-Katrina  Trailer end this year as the series ended landscape of Lousiana, where the

BIKRAM RAI CHILD LIKE: Qatar’s Ambassador to Nepal Ahmad Jasim Mohammed Ali Al Hamar plays with a child during the Qatar Airways Agents Awards Night held last week in Kathmandu.

BIKRAM RAI SOLO ACT: Indian actor Anupam Kher talks about his play Kuch bhi ho sakta hai at a press conference in Kathmandu.

BUCKET FULL: Students in Kathmandu on Wednesday ready buckets with food and other essentials for delivery to families affected by floods in mid- western Nepal. 29 AUGUST - 4 SEPTEMBER 2014 #722 13 Nepal art special nternational Gallerie, the award-winning wider public.” Mumbai-based bi-annual art magazine’s The discussion on Tuesday at the I special issue dedicated to Nepal was Himalayan Bank Auditorium was organised by launched in Kathmandu on Wednesday. Editor the BP Koirala Foundation and the Siddartha and Publisher Bina Sarkar Ellias (pic) was on Art Foundation, which is trying to build the hand for the launch as well as a discussion capacity of Nepali writers to review art, and program attended by Nepali to encourage better design artists, writers, musicians and and visual material. “We the media and moderated by are very happy to have Kunda Dixit. Bina Sarkar Ellias here, and “I was really inspired by the it is a great recognition vibrant art scene in Nepal on and promotion for Nepali a previous visit and decided art that that International to do a Nepal special,” Ellias Gallerie has dedicated a said, “it is true what they say special edition to Nepal,” that countries in ferment and said Sangita Thapa, political transition seem to director and curator at witness a burst of creativity. Siddartha Art Foundation. Certainly, we see that happening The Nepal edition has with Nepal’s art, music, theatre a painting by Ang Tsherin and literature.” Sherpa on the cover, and profiles artists The bi-annual International Gallerie including Asha Dangol, Ashmita Ranjit, has done country specials on Burma, Italy Erina Tamrakar, Hitman Gurung, Jupiter and Central Asia, among others and also Pradhan, Kiran Manandhar, Lok Chitrakar, published on thematic issues like ‘Rain’ and Manish Harijan, Ragini Upadhyaya Grela, ‘Conflict’. “We have tried to be a platform to as well as painter-cartoonist Durga Baral. look at universal socio-political and cultural Also featured are photographers Nayantara

BIKRAM RAI issues interpreted through the arts and ideas,” Gurung Kakshapati, Laxmi Ngakhushi, Uma Ellias explained, “but I have always tried to Bista and musicians Ani Choying Drolma and ensure that the arts are also accessible to the Salil Subedi.

or those looking to brunch their Saturdays away amidst Flush green surroundings, the Bar-Be-Que Brunch Bazaar at the Gokarna Forest Resort might just be the place for you. Every Saturday for the whole of August, the resort known for its pristine environ and beautiful golf course, has been preparing a lavish buffet of Hyderabadi and Panjabi cuisine. Take a chance this Saturday before the month Bourdain once famously said good ends, and sample what’s on offer food and good eating were all between 12 to 2.30pm. about taking risks. Risk missing From Macchi Amritsari to this out out at your own loss. crowd favourite tandoori chicken, Ayesha Shakya visitors are spoilt for choices at this meat-dominant fare. The How to get there: The gorgeous spread is truly a celebration Gokarna Forest Resort is a 10km for the carnivorous. The chef’s drive from Kathmandu’s airport recommendations have a lot of and is located inside the Gokarna mutton dishes - Kunna Ghost, Forest Reserve in Thali. Rara Ghost and Mutton Chapli Kebabs to name a few. Amidst Rs 2499 (adult), Rs 1799 (child) all the finger-licking good Indian PICS: SARTHAK KARKI with swimming, Rs 1999 (a), cuisine, it was next to impossible Rs 1299 (c) without. to set aside a favourite. Apart from the buffet, the BBQ bazaar also has a separate Gokarna’s BBQ Bazaar barbeque stall that prepares typical Punjabi kebabs. It was dishes. A handful of subtle and a scrumptious variety of as joyful watching the mouth selections that balanced the desserts, it is easy to spend your watering meat being grilled on the mishmash of flavours like entire time sampling everything hot skewer as it was eating them. Makkai Tikka, Palak Wadi and on offer. But, do take the time For those seeking a change Paneer Kadai stood out. to venture around this gorgeous in taste, the Mongolian barbeque And for those who need property and well, if the appetite comprising of noodles, rice, to have a little bit of Nepali builds up, there’s always more on vegetables and, of course, in their diet, there’s also a the table. chicken, lamb or seafood is worth Newari counter, which serves Along with the buffet, guests a sample. the popular set Samay Baji. can enjoy a swim and take a Vegetarians, fret not. The With a delightful swing at golf. Take your kids buffet also has a smaller, yet assortment of salads, along too. delicious, selection of vegetarian traditional Panjabi dishes Acclaimed chef Anthony 14 29 AUGUST - 4 SEPTEMBER 2014 #722

It is traditionally said the focus of treatment should not be on eliminating pain but rather improving quality of life through multifaceted exercise programs that include aerobics, strength training, Aches and pains and relaxation techniqes like yoga and Tai Chi. Drug therapy is available for ita, a 38-year-old Nepali bank teller, diagnose, and often become a source of fibromyalgia, but drugs like ibuprofen came to her doctor’s office with impatience. The patients then leave the generally have no role. Sdiffuse pain throughout the body, doctor’s office with a handful of vitamins Importantly, antidepressants like saying she had difficulty concentrating and paracetamol. amitriptyline which can also double up since the last three months. She said she However the problem Sita presents is as pain and sleep medicines have shown was also irritable, easily fatigued, and common throughout the world, and is also some efficacy. In medicine it is important was becoming insomniac. The pain was regularly seen in Nepal. In medical school to avoid unnecessary drugs as it is to difficult to localise but was not relieved we were unaware about what is now called identify effective ones. Many doctors by taking Ibuprofen. Sita admitted she fibromyalgia. will not know about fibromyalgia, and had a long history of being anxious about Up to 5-10 per cent of visitors to a due to the diffuse aches and pain, may the smallest things. On examination she general practitioner are fibromyalgia prescribe painkillers, which are most patients. It is not confined to any particular useful when fibromyalgia is triggered by geographical region, ethnicity or climate. So a long-standing disease like rheumatoid it is possible to come across many patients arthritis. like Sita whether in the Tarai, Kathmandu or Fibromyalgia is so common that the mountains. although it was required to demonstrate DHANVANTARI Patients like Sita will do the usual pain on palpation at 11 to 18 tender Buddha Basnyat, MD rounds of different doctors without really pre-determined points (back of neck, being properly diagnosed. In the past, we arm, hip, etc), this was abandoned in would strongly consider sending them to the updated criteria by the American had generalised pain when the muscles the “bone” doctor (orthopedic surgeon) College of Rheumatology because of her neck, back, arms and legs were due to the extensive aches and pains. But sleep and abnormal pain perception. strict application of threshold of pain pressed. Laboratory tests, which included the orthopedic surgeon who is very adept Unfortunately, there is no specific blood led to under-diagnosis of this common a complete blood count, thyroid, liver, and at fixing broken bones would find the vague test for this and diagnosis of fibromyalgia condition. Although general internists kidney function tests showed everything aches and pains a real challenge to treat. remains limited to patients’ history and should be able to help patients with else was completely normal. The mechanism of the disease is unclear, physical examination. Basic blood tests are fibromyalgia, rheumatologists like Patients with non-localised aches but it occurs in a skewed 9:1 female-to-male only done to rule out other diseases which Buddhi Paudyal from Patan Hospital are and pains are difficult for the doctor to ratio, and it is associated with disturbed may present in a similar fashion. the specialists in this field.

GIZMO by YANTRICK

as the speakers automatically show on your device’s Bluetooth pairing list. For devices that do not support Bluetooth, connection via a traditional auxiliary cable (included in package) is available. As with all Beats products, the sound is bass-heavy, so the Pill is at its best when pumping out hip-hop, electronic and all bass-heavy tracks. The true test of a device like this is at the loudest volumes - the Pill XL passes with flying colours for the impressive BEAT THAT sound it generates with only the tiniest hints of distortion. Equally impressive wo years ago Beats forayed into the Beats Pill XL. Unlike its predecessor, Connections: eentirely made of black glossy plastic, is its battery life - up to 15 hours of the already competitive portable, the XL may not fi t into the side of your BLUETOOTH aand contains rest of the controls continuous use on a full charge. Twireless speakers market by launch bag, but it successfully overcomes many Power Source: aand ports. Priced at almost Rs 40,000, the Pill ing its Pill wireless speaker. While the of the loopholes that the original had. BATTERY POWER Power, volume controls and battery XL doesn’t come cheap, particularly speaker was (as expected) appreciated Like every other Beats products, Battery Type: iindicator LEDs are on the right, with a when weighed against cheaper options. by brand loyalists for its small size, the XL is well-designed. A metallic grille RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM-ION ppair of 3.5mm input/output sockets, a But for an audiophile and a purist like easy pairing, and speedy rhythm, critics houses its four speakers, while Beats’ Height: 10.4 cm/4.1 in. UUSB socket and a Bluetooth LED light Yantrick, this is sound investment. weren’t impressed with its thin and iconic logo, that acts as a combination Width: 33.8 cm/13.3 in. oover on the left. Another Beats logo at weak sound, and termed the product of Play/Pause Track and Call Answer/ Weight: 3.3 lb./1.5 kg tthe back marks the NFC area used for Yantrick’s Verdict: Better than more ‘style than substance’. End button (a built-in microphone gives Length: 10.4 cm/4.1 in. ppairing NFC-enabled devices. all its competitors, the Pill In March 2014, the company the XL speakerphone functionality), Pairing the XL with Bluetooth- XL is tailor-made for a large released the Pill’s supersized version- sits on the front. The rear of the Pill is eenabled devices is quick and painless, repertoire. 29 AUGUST - 4 SEPTEMBER 2014 #722 REAL BEAUTY 15

imilar to oily skin, WHAT IS Sacne-prone skin is the result of excess YOUR SKIN sebum in the follicles of your face, which causes TYPE? the clogs to pore and BEFOREBEFORE CCHOOSINGHOOSO ING SSKINKIN cause pimples. Search CCAREARE PROPRODUCTS,DUCTS, IT IS for cleansers that IMPORTANT TOTO KNOW WHAT contain four per cent ACNE SKINSKIN TYPETYPE YOUYOU ARE benzoyl peroxide. PRONE

ormal skin is the Nmost preferred skin type. Not too oily or not too dry, those NORMAL with normal skin have minimal enlarged pores and look radiant and healthy most of the time. Choose cleansers containing antioxidants, hydroxy acid, botanical anti- flammatory agents and retinol. OILY ily skin is the eople with dry skin Oresult of overactive sebaceousebbaceous Pshould use cleaners glands that produce too much sebum DRY with rich moisturising or natural oil. While this skin type properties. Cleansers is prone to acne, it is less prone to should contain antioxidants, anti- wrinkling. Cleansers with the same inflammatory agents and barrier-repair ingredients as normal skin can be moisturising ingredients which helps used but avoid products containing prevent dryness. Liquid or foaming natural or synthetic oils, perfumes, or cleansers are also great as they don’t additives. remove natural oil. CLEANSE, TONE, MOISTURISE SENSITIVE ensisitve skin reacts quickly to products of impurities the skin collects during their 20s, and this is because ooff the Sthat contain harsh ingredients. Use the day, and given the pollution in difference in lifestyle.ifestyle. But because cleansers with mild, natural ingredients like the city, it would be sinful if you didn’t ‘anti-ageing’ creamsams for all aagege ggroupsroups aloe, cucumber, anti-flammatory agents and pending time outdoors in the summer cleanse your skin morning and night. are widely availableable todatoday,y, the choice antioxidants in lower concentrations. Avoid is great but when you do so without But be careful not to wash your face has become muchch eaeasier.sier. alcohol-based products. Staking the necessary care of your skin, with a soap. Doing so will leave the A common misconceptionmisconception about it can lead to lasting damages. Sun burn, sun skin dry and tight. Use a deep cleansing moisturising is that ppeopleeople with oiloilyy tan and dryness are some of the problems face wash that not just moisturises your skin can skip thisis step. TThishis is totatotallylly that will trouble you when you forget to skin but also breaks into the tan to let misfounded. If youyou count on nature put on your sun screen before soaking up fresh cells emerge, hence ensuring to moisturise yourur skin, the bodybody will the sun. radiant skin. produce too much naturalatural oioil,l, wwhichhich cclogslogs In my previous columns, I have written The next important step is to use a the pores and resultss in blemishes. Use a about different homemade remedies to toner. The toner restores the skin’s natural light lotion over cream.m. cure sun burn. This one will thus focus on pH balance, which is distorted after a wash. following a daily beauty regimen that will Toners also help exfoliate the skin. help you with common skin problems faced Summer heat and humidity, with strong during summer. UV rays, are also main causes for ageing One of the most common skin skin. Moisturising your skin day problems people have this season and night with the right cream will is skin dryness. As the summer tan go a long way in maintaining skin’s wears out, the skin loses its glow and youthful glow. Choose a cream that ends up looking dull. has ‘anti-ageing’ quality and use it Cleansing is one of the easiest generously over your face, neck and and most effective ways to restore hands. Many in their 20s may wonder the lost radiance, and should be why they need to use ‘anti-ageing’ SNEH RANA IS A an essential part of your skin care creams, but this depends more on PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UPKE-UP routine. Cleansing helps remove not skin quality than age. Some people in ARTIST BASED IN KATHMANDU.THMANDU. just makeup but also the large amount their 30s have better skin than those in 16 NATION 29 AUGUST - 4 SEPTEMBER 2014 #722

MysticalMystical DolpaDolpa inin thethe mistmist One of Nepal’s last roadless districts seeks to protect its pristine remoteness

ALL PICS: HUM GURUNG

HUM GURUNG in Dolpa

hile the rest of Nepal suffered massive Wlandslides and floods, in the trans-Himalayan rain shadow the country’s largest and most remote district remained high and dry, in splendid isolation. Dolpa is one of the last two among Nepal’s 75 districts that doesn’t yet have a road connection. Although a new highway from Jajarkot is under scenic destinations in the world. sheep. construction, for now the only Eric Valli’s Oscar-nominated The National Park contains access is on foot or flying to Jufal documentary, Caravan, gave numerous monasteries and airport near the district capital of Dolpa added publicity. It is one of religious sites, many of which Dunai. For the rest of Nepal, the those last places on Earth that is have been renovated. Shey monsoon is the ‘off season’, but truly remote, where humans seem Gompa, the most famous one, was for Dolpa it is the peak time for to be able to survive only because established in the 11th century. trekking. of their deep spiritualism. Thashung Gompa located near The district is tucked away Along with its rugged tree- Phoksundo Lake was built 900 behind the Dhaulagiri range and less terrain, Dolpa’s jewel is years ago and has played a role in is topographically a part of the Phoksundo Lake, a lapis lazuli- conserving wildlife and preserving Tibetan Plateau. It has always coloured body of water, it is the proto-Buddhist Bonpo religion. remained cut off and secluded from Nepal’s deepest and second- Conservation in this 1,350 sq the rest of Nepal because of its largest lake. It was designated as a km trans-Himalayan national park inaccessibility. protected Ramsar site in 2007. is a challenging task due to its With the establishment of the The Park consists of trans- size and remoteness. and because Shey Phoksundo National Park Himalayan flora, fauna and three VDCs Phoksundo, Vijer and DOLPA DELIGHT: Trekkers camp at a site managed by locals with an out-of-this-world (SPNP) in 1984, Dolpa opened ecosystems supporting prime Saldang are located inside the view of Phoksundo Lake (top). up to limited tourism. As the habitats for rare and endangered core area. Nine other VDCs are in A pastel-coloured confl uence of Pugmoh and Chhawa from the trail to Phoksundo (right). largest and only trans-Himalayan species of plants and animals the buffer zone. These have given A woman walks on the trail near Dunai, the district capital of Dolpa and the under-construc- national park in Nepal, SPNP ranks including the elusive snow rise to conservation problems tion Jajarkot-Dolpa road has arrived in Lower Dolpa (above). among the most spectacular and leopard, musk deer and blue such as over-exploitation of 29 AUGUST - 4 SEPTEMBER 2014 #722 NATION 17

DOLPA

DUNAI

KATHMANDU natural resources includingncluding illicit harvesting of medicinalcinal plplantsants and illegal hunting. The governmentnt ppermittedermitted tthehe 660000 trekkers visited DolDolpapa last collection of yarsagumbagumba iinsidenside ththee yeyearar oonn spspecialecial pepermits,rmits, aandnd tthehe Park this year, aloowing thousands growing popularity of the region of people from surrounding has brought challenges and districts to over-run the Park opportunities as traditional and every spring. This year, SPNP modern worlds come together. collected over Rs 23 million in fees. The local communities Management and conservation of struggle to make a sustainable the precious caterpillar fungus, living while preserving and waste disposal have become their ancient heritage and critical issues. environment. Fortunately, there Remoteness, lack of effective is a culture of conservation park management, limited among the people of Nepal’s human resources and the arrival most pristine area. of the road may give rise to overexploitation and haphazard Hum Gurung, extraction of valuable park PhD, is with resources. the Himalayan Trekking tourism has become Sustainable Future popular in recent years and over Foundation. 18 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 29 AUGUST - 4 SEPTEMBER 2014 #722 Turning grief into hope

Gokarna Gautam in Nepal, 24-31 August

On 24 August 2010, an Agni Air flight bound for Lukla was returning to Kathmandu in poor weather with a technical malfunction. It crashed 30km south of Kathmandu in the village of Investing in investment Bastipur in Makwanpur district. Fourteen people on board were Interview with Radhesh Pant, CEO of investors want some sort of guarantee killed, including flight attendant Nepal Investment Board on Tough before taking the plunge. A major Sarah Sherpa. Talk, News24, 24 August obstacle is that we don’t have Her parents, aviation political consensus about these entrepreneur Dorji Tsering Sherpa projects. I don’t mean to say stability and Anju Sherpa made it to ROAD TO REMEMBER: The 6km road built (above) by Dorji automatically brings in money, Bastipur a few months later and Tsering Sherpa (left) and his SKY Memorial Foundation in memory Dil Bhusan Pathak: What is the but even during this transition we burst into tears when they saw of his daughter, Sarah, and others killed in the Agni Air crash Investment Board’s current could have stabilised policies. Now the crater where the Dornier fell in Makwanpur exactly four years ago this week. priority? that there is an elected government to the ground. Seeing the couple Dorji Tsering Sherpa at Bastipur’s school and stupa. Radhesh Pant: Nepal signed a lot with a majority in the house, everyone in such a state of grief, locals who of agreements and contracts in the feels we musn’t squander the had gathered around also started last 40 years, but nothing substantial opportunity. weeping. connecting Bastipur with tourists to the area and boost local happened. Our objective is to come The Sherpas were so touched Hattisunde where locals were income. up with a transparent process, Aren’t you afraid that by their emotion, they decided to ecstatic when the first jeep arrived After his wife passed away change the way the government signs politicians will never come to spend the money from their recently. last year, Dorji is even more these deals, and also compete with consensus because they want other countries who are looking for their cuts from these projects? daughter’s insurance and wedding Now, farm produce from the determined to continue the work similar investments. We feel we are For Nepal’s sake, we must stop talking budget on the development of area can be taken to market. “Our they started together. He says: “I close to achieving this. It takes a lot of like that because these ‘expenses’ Bastipur village. bananas, cucumber, mango and think of Sikharpur as my daughter time to fi nalise projects that cost more will also be added to project They started with the nearby pineapple won’t go to waste and wife’s home.” than $100 million in minute details. It costs. Second, we must realise the Bakiya Thakur Primary School, anymore,” says farmer Prem might look like we are doing nothing, companies that come to Nepal will not which the plane narrowly Bahadur Ghale. SKY Memorial Foundation: but I want to assure everyone that we be the best ones in the world. If you missed. The school was in a Says Dorji: “More than 9851018820, [email protected] are working hard behind the scenes. look back 40 years, you will see what dilapidated state, enrollment was infrastructure development, our www.facebook.com/ I mean. If we are to bring in the best, falling, and few children studied biggest achievement has been the SkyMemorialFoundation What would you say are your we must also be transparent. beyond Grade 5 since the middle change our work has brought in main accomplishments since school was a 45-minute walk away. the mindset of the villagers who the Board was set up? It is said the Board doesn’t The couple renovated the now seem positive and hopeful nepalitimes.com We have almost fi nalised the see eye-to-eye with the line school building, and started about the future.” Dorji is already  Immortal memorial, #566 Project Development Agreement for ministeries. True? working on upgrading it to a  Hotel Echo’s last moments, #518 planning ahead. He thinks a  For Nepali original hydropower development. We have Totally untrue. If we didn’t have their middle school, hiring teachers homestay program can bring drafted a nine-point principle to support, we wouldn’t be where we and paying for their salaries. ensure the PDA doesn’t go against are today. We are a new department The school now has 100 per Nepal’s interests. Third, we have in the government, so at fi rst people cent enrollment and students calculated risks against opportunities were a bit apprehensive about what have scholarships, and get free so that projects here are bankable, our actual work was. But these are stationery and uniforms. meaning investors can get loans to small problems and should not But there was a lot more to develop them. Fourth, we are trying distract from the fi nal goal: bringing be done. Dorji got in touch with to compete with other countries to in investments. It doesn’t matter who see how we can best attract investors. does this – the board, the ministry, families of other victims and set There are three or four projects or some other agency – but it has to up the Sky Memorial Foundation, which, if we sign agreements in happen. named after three young victims: Sarah, Kendra Fallon (US), the next 12 months, will be built “Haven’t eaten successfully in the next seven years. Have you been able to explain and Yuki Hayashi (Japan). The to politicians the kind of foundation now manages the in six days? Don’t Which are those? opportunities you see for development work in Bastipur and worry. We’ll form a There are fi ve hydropower projects: Nepal? its surroundings. Dorji says that committee this week. Upper Karnali, Arun III, West Seti, Yes, we have a political dialogue his 30-year career in aviation has You’ll get relief next Upper Marsyangdi, Tamakosi III that group that holds regular meetings earned him a lot of friends, who week.” are almost fi nal totalling 5,000 MW. A with senior leaders. Our politicians get have contributed in fundraising. project for waste-management is also a lot of information through various One of his Japanese friends underway. We have started studies sources, including people with vested helped build a health clinic in for a chemical fertiliser plant, which interests. We are too emotional and nearby Sikhapur in memory of his Durga Baral in will have a large impact on Nepal’s ideological about our resources and wife, which means local villagers Kantipur, 23 August

agriculture. The problem here is that investment opportunities. It is time to do not have to make a two-hour

even feasibility studies take at least get real. There is a defi nite defi cit of ride to Phaparbari to see a doctor. QUOTE OF THE WEEK a few years, construction comes trust, but we have been trying hard to Some money also went to “ much later. teach everyone what Nepal stands to reviving the local school, which Lots of ups and downs in India Nepal relations, gain from consensus. was on the verge of being shut Which investors have actually but at the moment it is up, up, up. It’s on a high. down. In consultation with the “ signed on the dotted line so villagers and with help from local far? nepalitimes.com Indian Ambassador Ranjit Rae speaking at the launch of CA member Indra Baniya, the There have been investments. But  Watch video of interview International Gallerie magazine, 27 August these projects are so costly that Foundation has just finished construction of a 6km road 29 AUGUST - 4 SEPTEMBER 2014 #722 NATION 19 The poorest hit hardest The true extent of human suffering from western Nepal floods is belatedly apparent

NARESH NEWAR HOMELESS: Mankumari Tharu and her in BANKE husband in their ruined home in Phattepur of Banke district.

omeless and landless, Mankumari Tharu (pic) says VDC member, Ram Naresh Hsobs silently as she relates Dubey. how the flood on the Rapti River INGOs are stepping in two weeks ago swept away her because the government has been home and farms in the village of overwhelmed. “We are starting Phattepur. a recovery program in Phattepur This is the first outsider very soon,” says Dhruba Debkota she has seen since that fateful of Save the Children. The Banke day; no disaster relief team, no CDO office says 10 per cent of government, no media has been the district’s farmlands have been here even though the village is submerged. just 30km east of Nepalganj. Some farmers can be seen “We have nothing left,” she fishing in the water where their says, gesturing feebly at the ruins paddy crops used to be. “This used of her home. “I just don’t know to be my farm but I can’t wait for how we can start our lives again.” government help,” says 42-year- The road to Phattepur was old Ram Chander Yadav, who washed away by the raging Rapti, was born on the day the last big and only motorcycles take the flood hit the village. risk to negotiate muddy side- NARESH NEWAR With the Rapti flowing over roads. The nearest relief camp is their farms, many villagers have a five hour walk away, but most don’t remember a deluge of this was no time to save our food store are completely destitute and left to moved into the forests along survivors are too exhausted from scale. When the local police station and valuables,” recalls 25-year- fend for themselves. the banks because they have lack of food, dehydration and got a warning call from Nepalganj old Bighani Chaudhary, a mother Trucks can only come up to nowhere else to go. Thrity-year-old rebuilding homes to make the at midnight on 14 August, they of two small children. She lost all Rapti Bridge, and relief will have Mankumari Tharu clutches her trek. set off the siren for so long that it her belongings, her crops and to be carried on foot the rest of the two-month old son in the shade of Phattepur’s inhabitants are broke down. It woke everyone up all she has left now is a damaged way. Over 3,500 families are in the forest with 10 other members mostly Tharu, the proud and self- and they climbed trees and stayed home. need of immediate food, water and of her family. sufficient indigenous people of atop roofs. When the flood didn’t The VDC is the only sign shelter in Phattepur. The She says: “We have relatives the Tarai who have learnt to live arrive, at daybreak the villagers of government presence, but ground water is polluted, and but they are also poor and we are with monsoon floods. In fact, they returned to their homes. But it, too, is overwhelmed by the there is a need for longer-term just a burden for them.” benefit from annual floods that suddenly at 9:30 AM, the water emergency. Six people were rehabilitation. replenish nutrients in their fertile started rising and engulfed their killed in Phattepur, and although “The Nepalganj office and aid nepalitimes.com farms. homes. this is much lower than the agencies are trying to help, but the See photo gallery and video But, even old-timers here “It happened so quickly, there devastation upstream, the victims roads have been washed away,” 20 BACK SIDE 29 AUGUST - 4 SEPTEMBER 2014 #722 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com

Disagreement on an agreement to agree to disagree on the location had been holding PAST PRESENT FUTURE up the decision for many weeks, raising fears More glad tidings of a further delay in the constitution-writing DIWAKAR CHETTRI timetable. “The agreement on the HLPC paves the s if the world wasn’t already Friday, saying it hadn’t fi nished distributing way for a consensus on contentious issues a depressing enough place, kickbacks and payoffs to crooks who never in the constitution,” said a high-level source Awe in the newspaper business got caught for last week’s pilferage and speaking through an oxygen mask. “We hope are determined to make you even adulteration. the rarifi ed atmosphere will expedite decision- more miserable by not allowing a “But not to worry, we’ll make up for making since some leaders will have stopped single day to go by without news of this lapse with a double digit increase breathing at some point.” genocides, terrorism, bat-borne viral next week,” a senior NOC offi cial assured epidemics out of Africa, melting reporters, adding that the price increase Nepal, India To ice-caps, floods, and people pouring was good news for those stealing diesel from tankers and those committing adultery Swap Prime Ministers ice water over their heads for no PRESS TRUST IN INDIA discernible reason. at the pumps because every increase represented a heftier profi t margin. But, too bad, that is the way the Consumers were also quick to see a As a further step in cementing the close age-old cookie crumbles. However, the good silver lining. “The price hike means I now ties and improving bilateral relations between news is that you consumers now have to hike to work, which must be good India and Nepal, the two countries have decided have the option of skipping these for my health,” said one motorcycle rider. to trade their prime ministers. off-putting news items, and turning An MoU to this effect was signed this straight to the back page to read about Nepal Has Failed week between the Trade Ministers of the two glad tidings and inspiring tales of countries, with offi cials describing it as “mutually the triumph of the human spirit. So, Successfully: Experts benefi cial barter agreement”. here are the main points in this News “Modiji is so popular in Nepal that he would Bulletin to uplift your sagging spirits: KATHMANDU (IRIN) - The Organisation of actually be elected if he stood for elections Failed States (OFS) has fi nally decided to there,” a MoEA spokesman said, “and taking grant permanent membership to Nepal in over as prime minister of India would wake up recognition of the country’s laudable efforts Mr Koirala.” in showing the rest of the world the way backward. Delegates from all countries that are proud to call themselves ‘failed’ are arriving in Kathmandu next week to take part in a three-day international seminar titled ‘How To Ruin Your Motherland in Five Easy Steps’. The conference is expected to formally approve Nepal’s accession to the Nepal Breaks Human OFS, which brings with it many benefi ts Flag Record such as donors pouring more good money FROM A NEWSPAPER OF RECORDS after bad. “This is indeed a great achievement, World’s Largest Ass Former prime minister, the Rt Hon Ma Ku we have snatched defeat from the jaws of Discovered in Nepal Nepal has entered the Guinness Book of victory,” said Prime Minister Jhusil Koirala. World Records by being the biggest human “But we can’t rest on our laurels, we must KATHMANDU (Animal Planet) – Among the fl ag in human history. Nepal performed the rest on our pillows and go back to sleep.” three news species of mammals discovered feat at Tundikhel on Saturday (pictured The conference is also expected to in Mustang this month is the world’s largest above) amidst a crowd of cheering pick Kathmandu as the venue for the soon donkey (pic, above), the National Trust for onlookers by climbing up a fl ag pole and to be set-up Research Institute for Failing Nature Conservation announced today. unfurling himself, while a helicopter hovered Spectacularly (RIFS), since it already hosts Besides new species of Steppe Polecat overhead for aerial shots of the event. the secretariat of its sister organisation, (Mustela evermanii) and the Tibetan Wolf (Canis “As a person whose country is his SAARC. lupus chanco) caught accidentally last week on namesake, I thought it was my pious duty camera traps for tracking snow leopards was to fl y the fl ag of a nation I am proud to call CPN(UML), NC, UCPN(M) the Nepali Ass (Equus nepalensis asinus). my own,” said the visibly exhausted, but OK HLCP The images proved beyond doubt exhilarated, ex-PM. SPY AGENCIES that Nepali asses are some of the biggest asses in the world, said zoologist Dr Robert No Oil Price Hike This Week KATHMANDU – The top leaders of the Schnell. “Donkeys BY OUR CRUDE REPORTER three main parties Thursday held a meeting, are usually small and their fi fth in as many days, and were able stocky but these asses Breaking from its usual tradition, Nepal Oily to break the deadlock on the High Level have stature, they are Corporation (NOC) failed to announce its Political Committee (HLPC) by deciding to humungous.” weekly increase in petroleum prices this locate it at Lobuje below Mt Everest. The Ass

CDO Regd No 194/056/57 Lalitpur, Central Region Postal Regd. No 09/066/67