INSIDE General Katuwal: Biding Adieu Maoist Politics: Leadership Tussle Economy: New MoJJi!QEYPolicy Social Jnclusion -·- \

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, al:lj SPOTLIGHTNEWSMAGAZINE

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(Cover Photo V.S. Niketan) 8

NEWSNOTES 2

MAOIST PARTY: On Top Tussle 5

GURKHA JUSTICE CAMPAIGN: Now On The Home Turf 6

The Power Mantra 7

NRB GOVERNOR ROW: Musical Chair 14 • ARMY CHIEF: In Supreme Confidence 4 REVIEW: S. Nihal Singh 15

SOCIAL INCLUSION 16

MIREST-NEPAL: Supporting the Constitution Building Process 20

CULTURE: A Little Bit of France 23

ART: Inspired by Nagarkot 24

Editor and Publisher : Keshab Poudel, Guest Writer: Sharmini Wijeskera, Correspondent: Saroj Dahal, Pradipti Bhatta Marketing Manager: Madan Raj Poudel, Tel: 9841320517, Photographer : Sandesh Manandhar Cover Design/Layout : Hari Krishna Eastakoti Editorial Office : Tel: 98510 79535 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Office: Kamal Pokhari, Thir Born Marg, House No. 559/144 (Opposite to Himal Hospital} Printers : Pioneer Offset Printers (P.) Ltd., Dillibazar, Kathmandu. Ph: 4415687 CDO Regd. No. 148/063/64

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE ! Aug. 01-2009 j 1 NEWSNOTES Vice President Row

The Supreme Court nullified the oath or office and secrecy of Vice President Paramananda Jha, ---""·"'· saying that the oath taken in Hindi \\as unconstitutional. Drawing much contro' ers) and street L..._-=-~.t..A.:..IIJ protests, Jha had taken the oath in Hindi on July 23, 2008. President Dr Ram Baran Yadav had read the oath in Nepali but Jha translated it into II indi and pronounced it in llindi, prompting advocate Bal Krishna Neupane to move the Supreme Court to nullify the oath-taking. "The oath of the vice president in Hindi has been nullified as it was aga inst Article 36 (I) (2) and Appendix I (A) and the spirit of the lnterim Constitution 2007," Chi ef Justice Min Bahadur Rayamajhee and Justice Bala Yeti Airlines Donates According to a Yeti A irline Ram KC said in the verdict on Friday. The court Money to Four Social press release, the airlines has donated a total of Rs. 37,32,784 also cited the example ofA merican President Barack Organizations to Tewa, Occed, Maiti Nepal, Obama who was re-administered the oath of office to donate the order of a few words of the Yeti Airlines decided Nepal Leprosy Relief, Nepal after he misspoke oath. The court, however, did not explicitly said Rs. 4 per flight ticket to four social Glaucoma Eye Clinic (Tilganga) whether Jha should take a fresh oath in Nepali, organjzations involved in various and Sewa Ken'dra Leprosy. saying that it was not legally appropriate to order social works. Under its corporate "Besides these, Yeti Airlines' Yeti someone to take a fresh oath as the law does not social responsibility program, biggest socio-economic of Rs. compel anyone to take oath. In the 14-page verdict, Airlines handed the cheque contribution is the accessibility it 2, 84, 442 to each of the four the court, however, said, "It is necessary to make provides to various remote areas l and social organizations as per its the oath of the vice president constitutiona like Bajhang, Simikot, Manang, ofoath commitment. The total amount of controversy-free by beginning [freshJ process Rukum, Dolpo, Bajura, Rara, as provisioned by the Interim Constitution." The donation is Rs. 11 , 37,768. Lukla, Phaplu, Rumjatar, etc. Yeti court in its verdict expressed doubts whether its The organizations inc lude Airlines Domestic is the o nl y verdict will be respected and said: "This court is Helpless C hildre n W e lfare means of transportation to some confident that the vice president will take the oath Mission, ltabari, which supports of these very remote areas in as per the constitution." The court has indirectly the rehabilitation or helpless and Nepal," said Pradeep Bikt·am suggested the vice president that he could resign if orphaned children of Nepal by Shah, Director, Sales and he does not want to take the oath as per the providing li velihood and Marketing Department, Yeti constitution . "One can quit the post by not taking education; Sewa Kendra Leprosy Airlines Domestic Pvt. Ltd. the constitutionall y and legally mandatory oath," Relief, Kathmandu, which treats Shah also announced the plan the court said. Meanwhile, vice President Jha has leprosy affected people in to open up service to other remote expressed his displeasure over the Supreme Court hospita ls and government areas of Nepal such as verdict saying the judgment was biased and leprosarium. Syangboche, Jiri, Langtang, predictable. The judge-turned vice president said, The other two organizations Dhorpatan, and Kalikot. "ft is an unwelcome verdict. The justices assumed are Spinal lnjury Rehabilitation Japanese Embassy Donates that a non-Nepali speaking person cannot be Centre, Sangha, which provides president and vice-president of Nepal." Jha said that Grant to NGO care and training to spinal chord the verdict involved conflict interest as ChiefJustice The Embassy of Japan has injury patients and helps them to Min Bahadur Rayamajhee was a member of the decided to extend a grant of US D obtain physical, mental, social Judicial Council that formed a committee to probe 48,542, equivalent to and economic independence; and a controversial order passed by Jha in 2006. Then a approximately Rs. 3,738,219, to Women for Human Rights, temporary justic-e at the apex court, Jha was then Nepal Humanitarian Help Kathmandu, which works to demoted for the flawed order releasing an alleged Organization in order to uplift the social and economic dn1 g smuggler. "Presence of Rayamajhee on the implement the Project for Micro status of single women (widows) bench in volved conflict of interest," Jha said. Irrigation and Clean Drinking in Nepal. NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE~ Aug. 01-20091 2 NEWSNOTES Honorary Consuls & Consul Generals elect The 3rd AGM of Honorary Consuls & Consul Generals (I ICC- "\lepal) held on 23rd July' 09 unanimously elected Mr. 13inay Man Shrestha as the Dean of HCC- Nepal. Mr. Shrestha is Honorary Consul General of Brazil. Similarly Mr. Rajendra K. Khctan has been elected as Vice Dean of !-ICC­ Nepal. Mr. Khetan represents Portugal as llonorary Consul. The 26 member I-ICC- Nepal meets every year on 23rd July on its annual day. The AGM Thanked for the contribution of out going Dean Dr Vijaya Gajanand Yaidhya - Honorary Consul General Ph ilippines. Water in Tanahun District under the Bandipur YDC, Tanahun District. Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Ch ile, Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human During the s igning ceremony, Cyprus, Greece.llungary, Iceland, Italy. Security Projects (GG P) Scheme of the Japarese ambassador, Mizuno expressed Lithuania. Luxembourg. Maldives, Government of Japan in Japan's Fiscal his hope that this project will provide Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Year 2009. not only drinking water but also income The Netherland s, New Zealand , A grant contract was signed and generation through the installation of Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, exchanged between Ambassador of micro inigation and a fish pond. This Spain, Sweden. Switzerland, Turkey & Japan Tatsuo Miuno and Ram Chandra project area is believed to have potential Ukraine are represented in epa! by Kaphle, Chairperson of the Nepal because of its location on the highway Honorary Consulate.• Humanitarian Help Organization between Kathmandu and Pokhara. (NHHO). According to press release of Japanese Embassy, access to safe drinking water is a basic necessity of life and plays an important rol e in enhancing human health. llowever. safe • drinking water has remained out of reach for many people living in 1\epal. The project aims to solve the water problem by in troducing water from a spring in the hills and building a reservoir and distribution system. The outcome of this plan is water not only for drinking, but also for agricu lture and fish farming as well. The grant will be uliliLcd for the construction of the intake, the water reservoir tank. the fish pond. the distribution pipes. and essential equipment for running the facility. This will provide drinking water to 400 households and irrigation water to O\ cr Minister of Constituent Assembly, Parliamentary affairs and Culture Dr. Minendra Rijal Lunching program Standup, 30 hectors of fam1 land in Gurungtal, Campaign Take Action, End Poverty Now Organized by United Nations Millennium

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE ! Aug. 01-2009! 3 army chiefKatawal was restored by the President in the afternoon. The move to get rid ofKatawal four months before he was due to retire instead led to the ousting of Prachanda after barely nine months at Baluwatar. As Katawal's natural retirement approached. calculatedly-fueled speculations abounded regarding "the ambition" of the most controversial chief of the Nepali army. The series of meetings he held with people from a cross section of society at Shashi Bhavan were viewed as part of "a mischievous design," what some saw as the lobbying for extension of his tenure. Bcf<>re such dri llings, however. the army chief had assured the supreme commander that he had no ulterior motives other than an honorable exit. In long meetings with his savior at Shital Niwas. Katawal discussed his future after retirement. He was concerned about a graceful exit and also personal safety. What failed to be mentioned was General Katawal: Bidding Adieu his perceived misadventure, although it grabbed headlines and rims of ARMY CHIEF newspaper columns for reasons best known to the spin doctors. In Supreme Confidence lf there were still any misgivings, Katawal sought to put them to rest last Contrary to calculatedly-fueled speculations, the commander is said to Monday when he took his deputy and have taken his savior into confidence about his future. "successor" Chhatra Man Singh Gurung, to President Yadav. Despite being discredited, By SUSIDL SHARMA especiall y over hi s role in the pst, Katawal has been credited with leading rT rmy chief Rookmangud Before the presidential palace sta the Nepali army in the institution's Katawal has been a frequent could express their surprise, Katawal present most difficult non-war days: the an A guest at the residence of introduced his deputy, Chhatra M transition of the Himalayan kingdom to President Dr. Ram Baran Singh Gurung, to the President. a republi c. Yadav ever since the medical "He is going to succeed me next According to sources. the supreme doctor assumed the ceremonial role last month," said the four-star general. " I commander of the Nepali army would year. will go on a month-long customary feel "betrayed" if commander Katawal Normally, Katawal went alone to leave before I retire next month." took back his words and chose to go his visit the supreme commander of the Post-May 3 this year, the Nepali own way. Nepali army. Those visits fueled all army commander, Rookmangud Asked an analyst, "Can there be a kinds of speculations in the past Katawal, owed his continuation in his better quali fied person than President months. Bhadrakali office to the supreme Yadav to make a judgment about the On July 27, Katawal's entry into the commander, President Yadav. man he rescued only three months President's office was notably different. Sacked by prime minister Pushpa ago?"• He was not alone. Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' before noon,

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE ! Aug. 01-20091 4 NATIONAL Besides, it was Baburam who floated the idea of collective leadership ten years ago But the fact that Prakash holds his own forte is testimony to his inlluence. despite opposition from veteran former party colleague, Amik Sherchan. By the time this story goes to print, the leadership issue might have been settled. But insiders say, the personal egos and ambition are less likely to go away. Said one, "the tussle will resurface in the general convention." The date of the convention has not been finalised yet. Probably it will take place in a year's time before the deadline of' making the country's new constitution . The convention will set the stage Prachanda : In Power Struggle • for an outfit in which even chairman MAOIST PARTY Prachanda could be required to bring in all his acumen to stay at the top. He has been criticized by opponents and supporters alike in the party. On Top Tussle Critics accuse him of leading the party towards a revisionist path of As the former rebels decide to replace Prachanda's unitary leadership parliamentary system of governance. with a collective mechanism, division in the party deepens His supporters are not happy over his sudden resignation from the By SARO.J DAHAL government two months ago. Either way. he has been seen as a failure. As the party goes for coll ective he central committee meeting But given that he lacks the leadership, Prachanda's supremacy will of the unified Maoist charisma to lead the party. the real fight come to an end. Communist party has gone on is between Baburam Bhattarai and T That could weaken his position in and on and on. Narayan Kaji Shrestha 'Prakash'. They the general convention. And that is Several days after it are vying for the senior position among what his subordinates vying for the began, it shows no sign of ending. the other vice chairman positions. Deepening ideological di!Tcrcnces newly created positions are preparing • apart, serious rift has surfaced in the themselves for. • selection of the leadership. The ex-rebels have decided to The proposed party positions and introduce multi-positions in the party. tbe leaders likely to fill them: To date, the party boss Prachanda, holds Chairman: Prachaoda the only position - that of the chairman. Senior vice chairman: Mohan There is no immediate threat to Vaidya 'Kiran' Prachanda. but as the party prepares for the first general convention in two First Vice chairaman: Narayan decades. many have begun to nurse the Kaji Shrestha 'Prakash' ambition of leading the party. Second Vice chairman: Baburam They know that the first step Dr. Bhattarai : Row over position Bhattarai towards realizing the ambition is to grab the proposed new positions. Baburam was one of the founders General Secretary: Ram Bahadur There is no debate on the choice of of the party. Logically, be should find Thapa •Badal' the senior 'ice chairman. The veteran no competitor in Prakash who joined Secretary: C.P.Gajurel, Post ideologue Mohan Vaidya 'Kira11' is the only last year after his party merged Bahadur Bogati, Amik Sberchan natural number two. with the Maoist party. NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE! Aug. 01-20091 5 NATIONAL GURKHA JUSTICE CAMPAIGN Now On The Home Turf

After the British government~<; decision to accept petitions from all ex­ Gurkhas to settle in the UK, major Gurkha organisations are launching campaigns in Nepal to garner broader support

By BHAGIRATH YOGI in London

arely two months after the we will meet top ~government omcials, lumle : With cause British government's decision leaders of major political parties and B to allow all cx-13ritish Gmkhas members of civil society and media to allow all Gurkha veterans the right to to apply for settlement in the mobilise moral support for our on-going reside in the UK. Thanks to the high- UK, major Gurkha campaign,"saidDewan,talkingtoreporters profile campaign led by Joanna Lumley organisations seem to be showcasing their at the Tnbhuvan International Airport and her colleagues, there was such a strength in the home turf. "Due to our continuous lobbying, huge support in favom of Gurkhas that Gurkha Army Ex-Servicemen's over 90 British MPs from major even some ruling party members crossed Organisation (GAESO) was busy political parties have already supported the Ooor and voted in favour of the receiving noted British actress, Joanna our demands signing an Early Day opposition proposal when the motion Lumley, who has been in the forefront Motion (EDM) which remains open and was put on vote on April 27, this year. of the Gurk11a Justice Campaign and signatures continue. Some ofdlem have MPs voted by 267 to 246 fortheLib Dem members of her team. Joanna was given even written personal letters to the motion with the Tories and 27 Labour ecstatic reception as she arrived at the Prime Minjster and Secretary of State, rebels backing it. ln less than a month, Tribhuvan International Airport on July in supportofourdemands," said Dewan the British government was forced to 26. Hundreds of Gurkha veterans and adding, "While we have won many make an announcement facilitating their families put marigold garlands battles on the equality front we now look Gurkhas' mass settlement into UK. and sacred silk scarves around her neck. forward to win the war remaining Gurkha activists like Gyan Raj Rai A day later, she met President and Prime positive that the British government who have been campaigning for equal Minister and was feted by Chairman of will re-affirm its commitment to justice rights to all Gurkhas, however, say the Constituent Assembly, Subash and equality for all ex-Gurkhas." many Gurkllas won't be able to benefit Nemwang, at a public ceremony. Reports said up to 36,000 Gurkha from the latest British announcement. " l am very happy to come to my veterans would benefit from the British Rai, who has recently returned to his home-Nepal," said the 63-year-old government's recent announcement that new home in Reading, UK, after a three­ actress, who was born in Kashmir, will allow all ex-Gurkllas who retired wcek-longtriptodifferentpartsofNepal, where her f~1ther was an otneer with the prior to 1997 to apply for indefi nite said many Gurkhas are already in their British Army. "I would not have been leave to remain in the UK. Gurkhas, old age and don't have enough money born if a Gurkha veteran had not saved who retired after 1997- when the to start a new life in the UK. "Moreover, my father in the Second World War" Gurkha regiment of the British Army their pension is so low they can't afford she added emotionally. ' moved to UK from Hong Kong- were themselves and their dependants even if While a section of Gurkha allowed to settle in UK as per the British they move to UK. That's why we have community is busy celebrating government's decision in 2004. been pressing for equal pension and "victory," other Gurk11a organisations In a landmark verdict on 30 benefits as well as compensation to all insist that the campaign is far from over. September 2008, Justice Blake, a High Gurklla veterans," he added. "The Gurkha Justice Campaign is not Court Justice in London, announced A Gurkha memorial right outside over. We will continue to press the that the 1 July 1997 cut off date was the British Defense Ministry in central British government for equal pension "unfair and illegal." He also asked the London reads, "Never had the country and benefits forex-Gurklla soldiers and Home Office, the British Home more faithful friends than you." As officers vis a vis their British Ministry, to come up with a new Gurkha leaders insist that their counterparts," said Major (Retd.) immigration policy for the Gurkhas by campaign is not over, the British Tikendra Dal Dewan, chairman of the the end of the year. government is likely to be subjected to British Gurkha Wei fare Society As the British government could not more pressure from its own public and (BGWS). meet the deadline, Liberal Democratic political leaders to set its record straight A delegation led by Major Dewan party- the third largest party in the vis a vis legendary Gurkhas who have arrived in Kathmandu on July 25 on a British House of Commons-tabled a been fighting for the British crown and two-week-long visit. "During our trip motion calling upon the government to the country for the last 200 years.•

NEW SPOTUGHT NEWSMAGAZINE ! Aug. 01-20091 6 NATIONAL The Power Mantra Former prime minister Surya Bahadur Thapa was lucky to have the As the possibility of another longest audience of the baba-one and political turmoil emerges as a bot topic a halfhours. in Kathmandu's cocktail circuits, an Thapa, incidentally, is the only India-based Nepali baba has gotten Nepali leader who to date retains the down to "warding off the evil" by way trust of the Nehru-Gandru family, said of his mantra for revival of the world 's a source. only Hindu nation of not long ago. He is due to dash offto Delhi soon The baba saw the ri se of the for important consultations. So is phoenix in the economist politician, Dr. another former prime minister Deuba, Man Mohan Singh, long before his who is still smarting under the shock Catho lic party boss sacrificed prime­ of defeat a s leader of the N C Kali baba: How powerful ? ministership for him. parliamentary party. The man predicted the exit ofP.Y. reaching implications in the current -By SUSHIL SHARMA • Narsimha Rao, Singh's former boss, volatile poli tical transition. and later, the tragic end of his political With career. Best Compliments The baba today has access to two From of the most powerful leaders of the most powerful South Asian nation - V.S. NIKETAN COLLEGE Man Mohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi. [Under the Management of V.S. Education Foundation] Phone: 4482715/4495073, Fax: 977-1-4478379 This same man is in Kathmandu, E-mail: [email protected]/ Website: www.vsniketan.edu.np busy receiving leaders of all hues and colours in audience. Former prime Features: ministers Lokendra Bahadur Chand, • Ranked as the leading, reputed and biggest institution. Surya Bahadur Thapa a nd Sher Bahadur Dcuba have been his visitors. • Dedicated, friendly and highly qualified teaching faculty. He is a lso reported to have met • A good deal of facilities with modernized college buildings. ousted king Gyanendra. • Outstanding academic performance with excellent Board Re­ A host of other poli tical sult. heavyweights have nocked to the baba's tempora ry ashram tn • Standard and world class education at affordable fee struc- Kathmandu to seck his audience and ture. blessings. • A planned programme of teaching and assessment. His mission, according to a • Regular reports and interaction on students progress. prominent leader, is to revive Nepal as the world's only llindu nation. • Ongoing commitment to provide quality education. • Healthy atmosphere with high degree of discipline. The move, if it becomes a reality, • Comprehensive career counseling throughout the time in col­ would reverse a major change that was lege. enforced after the advent of the republic - the declaration of Nepal as a secular nation. Note: For more information, please contact the And it is certain to have far school/college office.

NEW SPOTUGHT NEWSMAGAZINE ! Aug. 01-20091 7 COVER STORY HIGHER SECONDARY EDUCATION

• OICe

In terms of monthly bills, 10+ 2 education costs far more than its counterpart Proficiency Certificate Level (PCL) of Tribhuwan University (TU). Yet the ...,. choice of an overwhelming number of high school graduates is 10+2. Since the opening of education to private investment and the introduction of 10+2 as higher secondary level in 1991, these institutions have grown in number by leaps and bounds. The competition has gotten so stiff that they need a sustained promotional campaign to lure students. This year, however, their prospects are better because the biggest pie is up for grab. Out of the 256,489 graduates, the highest number of students getting past School Leaving Certificate (SLC) exams in a year, more than 200,000 are expected to join class-11, rather than the old PCL. In the midst of reigning anarchy, disorder and frustration in the country, the + 2 's have at least something to cheer for. By KESRAB POUDEL f advertisements in daily as the results of the School Leaving Although the Tribhuwan University newspapers, FM radio stations Certificate (SLC) exams were out. (TU) still runs tbe old Proficiency and television channels indicate The colourful ads stand as a Certificate Level (PCL), providing a I anything, it is this: 10+2 schools testimony that Nepal has not lost all massive subsidy for students, the are major providers of higher hopes, despite reigning uncertainties in programme is gradually losing its education in Nepal. They economy, politics and law and order. relevance in both local and international promise quality teaching and According to the Higher Secondary contexts. stimulating learning environment for Education Board (HSEB), more than 72 "The higher secondary system has students eager to pursue studies beyond per cent of this year's SLC graduates transformed the whole education high school. have joined grade II classes. The board scenario in Nepal, offering the most The higher secondary schools expects the figure, that is, the share of competitive and quality education to started their promotional campaign to student intake for + 2 schools, wi II reach students," says Dr. Tirtha Khaniya, a attract students a month ago, as soon as high as 80 per cent. NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE! Aug. 01-20091 8 COVER STORY

10+2 School: Quality over Quantity

member of the National Planning I 0~2 education is that it solely relies The higher secondary level of Commission and the former vice on private investments. Even in the education assumes great significance chairman of HSEB ( 1996-2000). "Over rural areas, local communities have because it is here that students, alter ten 90 per cent of MBBS, engineering, been supporting the 10 12," says D r. years of gene ral education, diversify business and management graduates K.baniya. towards their chosen areas or future today are the products of the higher Nepali Congress leader Joshi has a specialisation. At this level. students are secondary system. The I 0+2 has been reason to be happy despite the many ups supposed to be developing independent a catalyst in all this transformation." and downs he saw in his political life. thinking. T he present state of education is not T he decisions he t ook fo urteen years "They are better p laced to exerc ise a result of a sudden decision. It took ago as the education minister, a choice in terms of the course they want more • than a decade for things to really convincing politicians and bureaucrats to pursue. keeping in view their needs, change. on the merits of the system, have not interests, capabilities and aptitudes, Many people may have forgotten the been futile. which would enable them to cope witb parti cula r individual who pushed for these " My coll eagues tr ied to prevent me the challenges of the f uture. They may, changes in higher education system. fr om opening up education to the therefore, choose either specialized Govinda Raj Joshi. the education minister private sector," Joshi recalls. "Some academic courses or job-oriented between 1991 and 1995, introduced even accused me of selling education vocational courses. For a majority of drastic changes in the education sector, and weakening our party's hold among students, the higher secondary stage including the 10+2 schools. He proposed the youth at the university." may be the end of their fo rmal education a n umber of amendments in the existing In the beginn ing, there were only leading to the world of work," say acts, which ultimately took the 10+2 to two dozens of higher secondary schools experts. the present shape. in the country and they were mostly Although most schools are K.haniya, Dr. as the vice chairman unknown. concentrated in urban areas and district of the hig h e r secondary board, T he number of 10-12 schools now headquarters, the l0+2 institutions are imp lemented the p lans in making the stands at 2000, according to HSEB. reaching to the remote parts of Nepal higher education sector competitive and " It will increase this year," says too. HSEB has been making efTorts to attractive for high school graduates. Minister for Education Ramchandra take the I 0+ 2 education to the doorsteps "One of the important aspects of the Kusbaba. of the rural people.

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE' Aug. 01-20091 9 COVER STORY 'All parents want quality and competitive education'

Dr. BABU RAM POKHAREL, founder principal of V.S :-Jiketan College is well known for his comribution to the field of education. Pokharel spoke to New Spotlight on \ arious issues regarding the status of education: How do you look at the growth of 10 +2 education? All parents want to give qttality and competitive education to their children. The I 0+2 system has already proved that it can deliver quality in education. Parents, therefore, prefer h igher secondary education for their sons a nd daughters. Uttam Sanjel (left), Bhawana Tamang and Kamala Dhungel (Right) Common ca use for Samata School

"Although we introduced I 0 t-2 principal of Global College of with an aim to provide rural populations Management. "Half of our higher with access to higher secondary secondarygraduatesstudyBBAandCA education, this is yet to happen in in Nepakand the rest go for higher se\ era I pans of the country." Dr. education in America, Australia and Khaniya says. ·'Tt is time to give a fresh Europe." push to take 10+2 schools to the remote Two processes, phasing-in and phasing-out, are running in parallel as Parts." Is not it expensive? The government initiated the regardsprovidingtheintermediatelevel Ofcourse.itis.Butprivatesectoris process towards launching of the higher education in the country. In a way, the where all parents find quality education obtained d secondary system far back in 1989 by P lus Two education can be for their children. Parents want to spen introducing the II ighcr Secondary from University campuses and from their hard earned money tor quality. Education Act. higher secondary schools, w ith two They see the 10+2 schools promise "Preparations took almost 3 years separate curricula, despite the similarity quali ty education. and in 1992, some 38 higher secondary in their goal. llow do you look at the HSEB? schoolscameintoexistcncc.TheEighth "Tired by petty politics in TU's Unlike T ri bhuwan Unive rs ity's F ive-Year Plan had env isaged 1 25 colleges, students and parents p refer traditional m ethod of e ducation. 10+2 higher secondary schools by 1997. private 10+2 co ll eges since there is no has very competitive curric ulum Today the number of higher secondary room for politics in these institut ions. matched with international standards. schools is l 018 (mathi 2000 chha). Classes run here with fewer from curriculum to physical After the introduction of higher interruptionsthaninTUcolleges,"says env ironment, hi gher secondary secondary education, several exercises Krishna Kanta Parajuli, principal of education is very competitive. This new were carried out to make this sub-sector Canvas International College. "Our lorm of school education is popular all more quality-oriented and more unified college offers science, management and over South Asia and other parts of the say experts. humanities at grades II and 12." world. One of the interesting trends of the The quantitative growth of higher How do you describe t be present I 0-2 education is that an overwhelming secondary schools has been impressive. state of higher secondary education? numbers of students prefer science and But the quality gap between the private \1ore than 400,000 students management. This is contributing to the and public schools is growing and time appeared in SLC. Out of this 250,000 increase in the number of engineering, has come to introduce mitigation students passed out and there are still medical and management colleges in measures to end the discrepancy. 80,000 students waiting for the private sector. "HSEB is now mak ing efforts to end supplementary exams. After a ll results "Our I 0-12 produces the best this discrepancy," says the vice come out. the number will increase management students. We are the fi rst chairman of HSEB. further. About 300,000 students will be cho ice amo ng a ll the students in After its success in prov idi ng entering the higher education. This is management," says Narabahadur Bista, quality education and p rod uci ng pretty good. • '------NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE I Aug. 01-2009 110 COVER STORY Everybody Wants Quality St. Xavier Row 'This is middle path behveen Education Operation Destruction two extremes'

At a time when all private schools If a man is committed to do KRISHNA KANTAPARAJULI is are looking up to good days ahead, something, he or she can do it. This is the principal of Caravan Nepal's premier educational what UTTAM SANJEL, principle of International College. institution. the St. Xavier College. is Samata Shiksha N iketan Secondary Established by facing the most difficult situation in School, has shown in the last one professional teachers, its five-decade-long history. It is decade. Sanjel's Samata School started Caravan In ternational having to deal with strikes by with 12 children of carpet laborers, tax i College is offering quali ty teachers, who are threatening to close drivers and other such workers. It is education to students. Excerpts: down the school if its management now offering education to over 17,000 children. Sanjcl spoke Wby do students prefer 10+2? refuses to reinstate teachers fired on to New Spotlight on his vision of education: Naturally, everybody wants quality charge of 'iolating discipline. education in peaceful environment and Under the pressure of a Teachers' Union, a Maoist higher secondary schools are providing affiliated teachers' association, th is to them. St. Xavier had to close several times in the past. Is not it ex pensive? St. Xavier is a renowned I don't think it is expensive. The academic institution which has fees are reasonable and affordable • to all. played an important role in As all the I 0+2 schools are under the modernizing Nepal's educational private management, it is naturall y a system. little bit expensive. Of course, TU's Never in its five decades, St. Proficiency Certificate Level is much 'Xavier school faced this kind of crisis What is your education? 1 have clear vision of education. My cheaper or vi rtually free but nobody as it always succeeded to put politics aim is to provide education on the basis likes to go there. One of the interesting at bay. of equity, not equality. That means things is that I 0+2 is completely under Over the last few months, education at a fee of Rs. I 00 for all the private or community ownership. however, teachers are trying to classes and to all sn1dents. My objective There are virtual ly no investments from disrupt the school almost every day. is to help orphans and hapless children government sides. Providing quality education at a by providing rood, s helter and education. What arc other attractions'? reasonably low cost. St. Xavier has made a great contribution to support Who arc your target groups? Higher secondary schools provide Nepal's education as the country My target groups are those who are education in peaceful environment. left out from embarked on the path of boarding schools and who Private schools don't compromise on don't want to go to government schoo modernization. ls. quali ty. We hardly stop classes and there You can say thi s is the middle path This is a time when Nepal's is uo student poli tics at all. between two extremes. institutions, almost all of them. are How do you plan to As there is growing sustain the disparities, facing threats of some kind or the middle path? bow do you mitigate it? other in the transitional period. Most It wil l be sustained through the Yes ofcourse. there is a certain level of the th reats come in the name of contributions made by various persons. of disparity but schools are gradually trade unions. Given this situation. I am receiving support from different moving from urban to rural areas. One one cannot rule out the possibility personalities. Recently, N irvan Chaudhari, son of r of the problems in rural areas is that that some operation is going on to e nowned industrialist Binod Kumar Chaudhari, there is lack destroy St. Xavier. o f opportunities for agreed to provide support to bui ld a teachers. One has to depend upon only As a symbol of modernizing school in Nawalparasi. one school. :--Jepal's education system. St. Xavier What type of students do you How about your coUege? should be saved from any assault have? from any quarter. For this. all Our college has 500 plus students sides Most of the students arc from would do well to think twice before backward and low income fa milies. I in three fac ulties of science, humanities hurting an institution that has played am try ing lo support the wishes of those and management. Our aim is to provide an important role in the nation's parents who want to see their children quality education. • education.• having quality education in their own ex ense.• competent students, 10+ 2 has enthused I front. While anarchy and disorder are Ispheres of li fc, a major question before the Nepali society in at least this one continuing to find a foothold in all HSEB is how to sustain the success.•

L.______NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE I Aug. 01-2009 1 11 INTERVIEW ''Rhetoric and Jargon do not change society''

-RAJENDRA KUMAR KHETAN

Renowned industrialist and Constituent Assembly (CA) Business communities still feel some kind of member RAJ E~DRA KU_\lAR KHET~'I is a frank. open threat. They have not felt fully secure yet. Forget and do'' rHo-earth young man. A member of the Legislature the businessman. the common people cannot feel Pari iament, an honorary consu I ofPortugal and the ' ice dean secure nO\\. As a businessman. I can afford to hire ofthe Honorary Consular Corp (HCC-Nepal). Khetan likes guards for my personal protection. But what about to look at problems in their contexts. He talked to KESHAB the general public? We need to talk about the POUDEL on a wide range of issues covering economy to common people, not the businessmen. law and constitution making and law and order at the fourth floor of order problem is not only the problem of business the Khetan Group headquarters at llattisar. Excerpts of communities but also that of the conm1on people. th e half-an-hour interview: What do you say of the recent government As a ('A member and an industrialist, how do you action against hoarder s of essential look at NepHI 's economic sector, especially in the present commodities'! fluid political situal'ion'? T his is a good step. But the government should Wel l, the country has been passing tlu·ough a very critica l make sure it is under the rule of law. Industries ti me. The industrial sector is not an exception. As people Labor organizations have been lobbying for are not have been fac ing several problems including deteriorating special articles in the new constitution to protect er~'on ·nrr law and order. food crisis, high market price, diarrhea and their rights. How do you look at it? 111 P J' 0 so on, it is not justifiable for us to talk about economic Nobody is against the need to protect the labor well due to problems alone. rights and enshrine them in the constitution. There • several Don't you think economic issues are important? is a need to provide social protection to workers. reasons Of course. they are. But you cannot look at them in As for ca lling indefinite strikes for a long time, l d isolation. If the overall situation im~roves, the economic protestors need to reconsider their approach of 1 10 re a e sector wi II perform better. Economic development is related putting pressure on the government Ofcourse, they law and to creation of employment opportunity. which is a very have their rights and we cannot prevent them. r think order and scnsiti,·e issue. As such. it is an issue ofnational importance. the time has come now to link employment with labor Ho" are industries performing now? productivity. We need to pay the workers their . . Industries are not performing well due to several reasons minimum salary by ensuring their right but labor dtsputes. related to law and order and labor disputes. Because of these organizations need to respect their duty too. Because of problems, we are unable to maximize revenue, employment How do you think should the problems of these opportunities and productivity. We want to increase labors and industrialists be solved? rob/ems productivity by establishing more industries as well as There is a consensus that the problems of labor P . ' creating more job opportunities but the situation is hosti le needs to be addressed. No industrialist is against we are for these developments. this. Nobody is against the labor rights, social unable to What is y our impression of the law and order wei fare and setting a rn inirnum salary. maximize situation? Despite all these commitments, labors often e Rveryone knows that the law and order situation is shut down the industries. How do you look at this? rev n u.e, worsenrng. d. ay b y day. J ust an hour 1 ago, was attcn d.m g tI 1 e It is the right of labors to call strikes but they employment meeting of State Affairs Committee of Legislature a lso have certain responsibilities towards the opportunities Parliament where all the members posed this question to industry where they work. Although they can shut and Prime M inister Madhav Kumar Nepal and the Home down the industries. they have to keep in mind that the same industry feeds them and their fam ilies. d t . 'ty Minister. pro uc lVI • What do you say about their response? At a time when numbers of strikes are I found Prime Minister cpal is committed to restoring increasing and investors feel unsafe, what are the law and order in the society by according it a priority. The ways out to end the growing industrial unrest? I lome Minister appears to hold similar views. Nobody can justify shutting down the industry Will they bring a bout the change? because industries offer job opportunity. If labors It is very difficult to improve the security siruation when shout down the industry, it will also affect the the institutions entrusted with the task of delivering law revenue collection. This is against industrialization and order are so much politicized. There is a feeling in the and in favor of foreign dependency. Shutting down agencies involved in law order that they don't have to do the industry and creating disturbance will have long­ anything. The Prime Minister or the Home Minister cannot running implications for the country's overall do anything without the support from institutions created to development. Creating a disturbance in the maintain law and order. They need to change. But then industries also encourages the import of products everything depends upon the will of the government. from third party countries. It is often reported that business communities are Do you have any suggestions to improve the under threat. Has there been any improvement in the situation? situation? We need to build a system, which integrates

L______NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE I Aug. 01-2009112 INTERVIEW

producti vity with industry. Ifwe in crease productivity, Do you sec any possibility of foreign investment we can in crease employment opportun ities. coming? Productivity is also related to the improvement of In the present day context, don"t talk about foreign quality manpower. Strikes and lockouts are creating in vestment. Even Ncpnlese are not ready to invest. People problems. This trend needs to be discouraged. We are investing only in those sectors where there are immediate are opposed to the idea of holding general strikes remms. People find banking and real estate are where there a nd padlocking industries because th is wil l is no risk and the promise of returns is high. It is unfortunate discourage investors. to say that people are losing their faith on industrial sector How do you evaluate the recent budget'? WilJ and employment oriented areas, which also generate revenues. It is not it address the problems faced by the co untry? lfyou see the pattern of investment. you can find high growth The budget has not addressed necessary speci lie problems ofbanking sector with lackluster performance in the industrial h faced by industrial sector but it has made efforts to sector. t at one reach out to each and evety level of people and society. Since you are a CA member, how much time do you This is a positive aspect budget of the budget. This is a large thing CA should spend on economic agenda? budget. should We must not forget that this is not a parliament like that ls the size of bud get enough to address the of the past but this is a constitution making body. We spend bring problems? all very nomjnal time for Legislature Parliament. Out of ten necessary l am concerned about its implementation. We thematic commiuees, I am a member of the Committee on h have to be careful to ensure what it will have delivered Division of Natural Resources. Financial Powers and C anges. at the end of the fiscal year. There is nothing to Revenue. In the commillee, we do discuss economic issues. reassure that the budget will su pport the process of Because most us are members from the economic sector, we industrialization as well as increase the productivity have been trying to ensure economic prospects to be furthered of the country. hy the new constitution. But the finance minister has been saying that Do you think the new constitution will solve all the this budget will provide relief to the people? problems? lt is not necessary that one budget should b ring I don't think so. Making a new constitution is not enough all necessary changes. What I am more concerned to solve the problems. Until we settle the problems of social about is the law and order situation, trade union inclusion and economic empowerment, Nepal will continue problems and decline of productivity. These issues to face several problems in the future. Our priority shou ld be are not related to the budget. Since the budget is just to make 'epa! prosperous, stable and strong. Simply writing an annual program, one cannot expect too much from some rhetorical and political jargons will not change society. it. What we need to focus is good governance, which What is important is the commitment to abide by the document will increase productivity. and implement it. • '------NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE I Aug. 01-2009113 ECONOMY NRB GOVERNOR ROW has stated that the budget aim of 5.5 percent growth rate can be attained. It notes that the macro-economic Musical Chair indicators a re healthy. "Although the trade deficit w idened, the overall Moments after Deependra Bahadur Chltetri presented the monetary policy, balance of payments (BOP) posted a he got sacked as the central bank~ governor. Th e NRB musical chair threatens ongoing efforts to tame skyrocketing inflation. surplus of Rs. 43.1 billion in the first ten months of 2008/09 compared to a s urplus of Rs. 19.9 billion in the By SANJ AYA DHAKAL previous year.'· The migrant workers' remittances eependra Bahadur Chhetri implement its monetary policy. also have increased significantly by had a premonition that he was "Even if I am not there, the policy 55.5 per cent to Rs. 169.2 billion in D gelling the axe even as he read will be implemented because it has been the first ten months of 2008/09 out the 27-page monetary approved by the whole team Lncluding the compared to a growth of35.5 per cent policy at a packed hall in the board and the deputy governors," Chhetri in the previous yeaJ. This has increased Bankers' Club of Nepal Rastra Bank had said after his speech at the club. despi te fears that the global economic (NRB) at Thapathali on Friday, July the But it is easier said than done. c ri sis would severely hurt this sector. 24'h. "There arc always possibilities of The accumulation of gross foreign '·r will fully implement the policy, instability in such an atmosphere. The exchange reserves has reached Rs. that is to say, if I remain in the chair," 283.4 billion in the ftrst ten months of he said at the start of his presentation 2008/09. This level of reserves is oflhe document which primarily aimed sufficient to cover merchandise imports at controlling inflation. of 12.4 months and merchandise and No sooner had he finished his services imports of 10.1 months. speech, his hunch over the chair came Despite the rosy data, the monetary true. A cabinet meeting in Singha policy has adopted 'cautious and tight' Durbar reinstated Bijaya ath Bhattarai stance amid high inflationary pressure to the post ofNRB governor. Bhattarai and low growth scenario.• had been suspended following a lawsuit on embezzlement charges filed against him by the Commission for LUMLEY IN NEPAL Investigation of Abuse of Authority qui ck changes in the leadership are (CIAA). bound to hamper the policy stability," The most famous face in the The Supreme C ourt recently said a member of the NRB board. struggle of Gurkhas, the 'Absolutely • absolved him of those charges - after The signjficance of the monetary Fabulous' British actress visits Nepal. two long years. policy has increased with the urgent At a mass reception in her honor Chhetri 's sudden exit, and hi s need to arrest the spiraling rate of organized by the Gurkha veterans on subsequent filing of a writ petition at inflation. July 27, actress Joanna Lumley termed the apex court against the cabinet The last one year saw the average Nepal as her home. decision, have cast a pall of shadow rate of inflation rise to 13 per cent. The "l am very happy that I have come over the central bank. new monetary policy aims to bring it home:· said the 63-year-old 'Absolutely Just as dramatic was Bhattarai's re­ down by half within the next year. Fabulous' star after being felicitated by entry as governor. He had to run from But the central bank cannot attain hundreds of British Gurkhas and their pillar to post, appealing for justice for the aim unless the supply situation is family members. two years to make a clean comeback. normalized. The bandhs and strikes She was also welcomed by Constituent Policy Confusion affecting free flow of goods have been Assembly chairman Subhas Nemwang. The sudden turn ofeven ts revolving proving to be a death-knell to the eiTorts who ~>aid Nepal was her 'Maiti,' the chair at N RB might around the top to contain inflation. maternal home. affect the central bank's capability to fn the monetary policy, the NRB

L------NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE I Aug. 01-2009 114 ______J REVIEW Improving ties with Nepal: Need to understand the complexities By S. Nihal Singh With Nepal embroiled in the tunnoil historical wrongs and Indian moves that the Nepali contention that transit for a of making a post-monarchical system have adverse ly impinged on Kathmandu. land-locked country was a matter of right. work. India's shadow over the country has In the first category is the war with British epal's tremendous hydro-electrical grown, rather rhan diminished. Indeed, India in 1814-18 leading to the Sigauli potential and projects have been another there are so many layers in the complex treaty under which epal believes it lost source of friction. with Kathmandu relations between the two countries that a third of its land although some of the beiic\'ing that New Delhi discourages that they are never far from the politica l land in the Tcrai was restored to it, thanks others' investment and takes more than it debate that has raged in Nepa l over the to Kathmandu's help in the 1857 Mutiny. gives Nepal. decades. as it is raging now. commemorated in India as the First War Many of these problems can be Ia id In a brilliant recent study of India­ of Indepcnde nce. In the second section, the at the door of mutual distrust: there is, Nepal relations. a Nepali journalist with author places '\ehru's action in engaging indeed. a belief in Nepal that it does not wide international exposure* has made a with King Mahendra and his party-less know the secret nature of agreements that path-break ing exam in ation of the polity after the Indian debacle in the border might have been arrived at by ew Delhi complexities. misunderstandings. ''ar with China, hurting the cpali with the Ranas, the Palace, mainstream prejudices and conflicting and merging Congress more than it helped the Palace. politicians or the Maoists. lt is, of course, interests of the two countries. Despite the Upadhya·s contention is that anti- no secret that india was the midwife who provocative title, Sanjay Upadhya's is an delivered the Seven Party Alliance houest and un bl inki ng v iew, with blame ~t: The Raj Lives - India in agreement w ith the Maoists bringing them apportioned on both sides although India into the mainstream some 10 years after • Nepal by Sanjay Upadhya; they as the weightier party bears more of it. took to the jungles to try to wrest Upadhya's story ends with the Vitasta Publishing Private power. The Nepalis tend to give an Indian security twist to this agreement. \llaoists being brought into the Ltd, New Delhi; mainstream and the waning fortunes of pp 334. It is to the credit of the United Progressive Alliance King Gyancndra on the eve of the I nd i a~ sentiments expressed from time to Government in its lirst term that New monarchy being abolished. It is a blow­ time arc more complex than they appear. Delhi "as more straightforward in presenting by-blow account of how the monarchy, They arc on occasion man ifestati ons of its views on India-Nepal problems and perspectives. interwoven with local politicians and the nationalism: at other times there are This has been appreciated although suspicions, seemingly overbearing Indian presence, specific grievances. The author believes shared by the author, remain over whether it has tried to cope with its own authoritarian that India's unfriendly neighbors using is for real. Thoughtful Nepalis understand ambitions and promote the country's Nepal as a conduit for anti-Indian that cw Delhi has vital security interests interests by its own light. activities. most dramatically mani fest.cd in in what happens in Nepal. At the same time, The o lder generat the Indian plane hijacking, is not ion of Nepali because Sino-Indian rivalry has given Kathmandu leaders, of course, Nepal's rulers want to harm Tndia were participants in the but due greater room for manoeuvre. Being Indian independence move to their lack of will in situatio ment. Many o f ns of pol itical landlocked by Ind ia for the most part, a them stud instability ied in Indian universities, sought and deficienc ies in broadening of its relations with Beijing, as infrastructure refuge in India during inclement political and equipment. with Pakistan and Bangladesh. is a policy ti mes at home. A nd even the Nepal i The China factor in India-Nepal shared by most Nepalis. ~ · monarch has. on occasion, sheltered in the relations is bound to remain a constant and An overall reordering of relations neighboring country awaiting more was traditionally employed by the Ranas between Nepal and India must await the propitious times. Upadhya finds it ironic as well as kings and politicians developing resolution 0 f the present stalemate that, given these links, India continues to a dynamism of its own after the Sino­ between the main political parties and the view cpal with the mindset of the Raj. Indian border war. Prime Minister Koirala Maoists. In Kathmandu, there is distrust Yet Upadhya does not shy away from had pleaded for China's membership in of Indian intentions whereas for ew Delhi the truth that no one can rule Nepal without SAARC, the South Asian Association for there are red lines epa I should not cross. Given reaching an accom modation with New Regioual Cooperation, King Birendra had the disparities between the two countries, a Delhi. Nor docs he quibble over India's toured his Zone of Peace proposal, and the measure of resentment and defensiveness on the part legitimate security interests in Nepal. And first visit abroad of Prachanda as Prime of epalis is u nders ta ndab le. The p roblem in highlighting the persistent demand for Minister before his resignation was to is accentuated by the intimacy and religious the revision of the 1950 treaty, be plainly Beijing, rather than New Delhi. and cultural affinities of the two peoples states the problem ofretain ing its beneficial Tbe author believes that the o nus is who share an open border. Quarre ls aspects while making it acceptable to on Nepal to define the 1950 treaty in the between cousins are proverbially fierce Nepalis' opinion. Despite the secret totality of the relationship. But disputes letters and di mcult to resolve. Upadhya has made exchanged at the time revea over the demarcati on ofthe border, in Uttar led a decade hi~ contribution by speaking his mind and later. it remains a unique Pradesh in particular, remain document. an irritant. pointing a way towards a more In seeking Differences over to explain Nepal to India trade and transit hannonious relationship.• and the world, the author distinguishes agreements have also bee n a perennial This article app eared in Tile Tribune, between what his countrymen view as feature, with New Delhi finally accepting July 14, 2009 '------NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE I Aug. 01-2009115 SOCIAL INCLUSION Inclusion of Dalits in the Nepali State By: Yam Bahadur Kisan1

Introduction The term Dalit is considered amended and a ew as an identil)', uni ty and power of a low caste Muluki Ain (1963) was populace group in contemporary world. issued. Although the Ancient llindu sociel)' referred to Dalits as Muluki Ain of 1963 put an whereby t h ~: fi fth varna, adwij, anlyajyajya, end to practices A.1hprishya and ati-Sudras. lo the Gandhian purification was required, ir to caste peri or ( 1900-1960) they were labeled as did not put Constitution of Nepal 1962 declared traditional practices in temples discriminatory (2007) launched the Dalit Enlistment and Nepal a IIi ndu country and once again, Nepal places will not be considered undermini ng the Development Program. The Cons tituent was ruled according to laws d ictated by practices' th us Assembly Member Election Act, 2007, 'Aanusmriti. Later Muluki Ain of 1854 was

~------NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE J Aug. 01-2009J16

_.,! ______SOCIAL INCLUSION Section 7(3) ensured proportional representation (PR) of Dalits (13%) in the election system. The Civil Service Act. 2007 has reserved nine percent seats for DalitS in the 45 perccm reservation that applies to all open recruitment. The Nepal Police Regulations 2007 and the Armed Police Regulation 2007 have reserved 15 percent scats for Dali ts from the 45 percent reservation that applies to all recruitment. Loopholes of Dalits Inclusion: While these are important steps toward creating an atmosphere for inclusion of DalitS, there still remain large gaps between the expressed commitmentS and actual practice inclusion. Dalits have been systematically and continuously excluded by the llindu state and state power although Nepal is declared a secul ar republic. As, Kshatriya hegemony s till exists io the Nepal Army, 13rahmin hegemony in educational institutions, ci vi I service and judicial service, and Brahmin­ stereotyped, prejudiced, and discriminatory. {IV) Establishment or inclusion of Dalit Kshatriya hegemony in Nepal pol ice, armed­ They still believe in the concept of the 'pure' agencies need to be compulsory to ensure police force, Foreign Service, political and 'impure' and 'superior' and 'inferior '. law enforcement. parties and civil service organizations. Dalits The ruling classes and castes (so-called (V) The government needs to adopt and arc not only at the bottom of epali social upper castes) perceive and believe that implement, or strengthen national legislation hierarchy but are also excluded from state Dalits lack qualification, ability, skills, and and administrative measures that expressly governance mechanisms. Dalits' knowledge and deny jobs, political and and speci fieally aim to end caste-based Representation in general state governance institutional leadership and even the discrimination and untouchability, whether is very low, in policy making levels it is existence of the Dali ts. direct or indirect, in all spheres of public almost zero and it is only symbolic i n the Recommendation: The restructuring of life. leadership in political parties and civil Nepal, to make its organs, structure, (Vl) The government needs to establish society. mechanism, institutions, agency and agents regular mon itoring of the acts of caste-based The constitutional and legal provisions more inclusive and Dalit-friendly is the first discrimination and untouchability in the are still insufficient for DalitS even though essential step towards effective inclusion. public and private spheres, including those the main cause ofDalit exclusion is the lack The government has to make special committed by law enforcement officials. of adequate laws, rules, regulations and lack provisions for Dalits in order to increase their (VII) The government, including its law of proper and effective enforcement representation in policy making and enforcement agencies, has to design and fully mechanisms. Existing laws related to DalitS implementation at all levels of society. This implement effective policies and programs have many loopholes (enforcement depends would require amending all the to prevent, detect and ensure accountability on the perception or mood or bias of law constitutional, legal, procedural provisions for misconduct by police officers aud other enforcement agents and agencies) compared that are now in place. The ex isting prejudices law enforcement personnel, especiall y those to other laws (in the sense of their wording perception, beliefs, altitudes and behaviors acts that res u It from caste-based and implementing mechanism). The legal also need to be changed. discrimination, and to prosecute perpetrators procedure is too lengthy and law The following recommendations are of such misconduct. • especially addressed to the enforcement agents and agencies lack the State: (VIII) The government needs to review sensitivity required to handle cases related (I) The government has to formulate and reform the existing judicial procedures to the Dalits. mandatory policies, provisions and laws for for eliminating caste-based discrimination. Political parties and civil society the inclusion of Dalits in all sectors and Similarly, institutional and structural organizations are somehow seemingly more levels of agencies, organs and mechanisms mechanisms of administrative and judicial sensitized about the material inclusion of of the state. systems need to be reviewed, revised and Dalits. They are quick to apply the concept (II) The government has to ensure updated. of social inclusion in a "cosmetic" focm appropriate, effective and equal access of (IX) The government needs to formulate (symbolic or head counting) than in its real Dalits to decision-making in a ll levels and Jaws against caste-based discrimination and form. sectors of th e state and society. For this untouchability and increase the punishment, Caste-based untouchability is stil l purpose the government has to make special make enforcement mandatory and include policies widespread and neo-racism (nco­ for special rights, proportionate compensation 111 the enforcement untouchability or indirect untouchability) is rights and reservation. mechanism. emerging through denial of capacity, skills, (I U) The government has to formulate and (X) The perceptions of law enforcement leadership, knowledge and existence of the fully implement effective policies and laws agents and agencies tOwards Dalits should Dalits. to include Dalits at all levels and sectors of be changed. The perception of the traditional ruling the decision-making process of political castes and classes towards Dalits is sti ll parties, civil society organizations and other I Mr. Kisan Is a re;earch fellow of Social Inclusion agencies. Research Fund (SI RF) for 2006. T11is article is based 011 I he IY!Search Sludy suppor1ed by S!RF '------NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE I Aug. 01-2009 117 SOCIAL INCLUSION 'Inclusion is now a common agenda'

- NARSINGH CHAUDHARY

commission NARSINGH CHAUDHARY, the Yes we do. The the policies and chairman of the Commission for analyzes whether various state agencies National Inclusion, and a leader of the programs of theoretical aspect of Terai-based Nepal Sadbhvana Party, is follow the it can recommend further an advocate for the cause ofMadhesis. inclusion, and measures. The During the last two decades, Chaudhary improvement s whether the spent most of his time working to commission also analyze theory will empower the voices of Madhesis. practices of social inclusion institutional structure Chaudhary spoke to New Spotlight on affect the current and advises the various issues. Excerpts: of government, to minimize Row was the Commisfllion government on measures established? · such efTects. inclusion The government established the To what extent is social in Nepal? National Inclusion Commission as per actuaJJy being practiced past, the situation l Sadbhavana, pioneered Nepal's Interim Constitution, 2063 and Compared to the party, Nepa is still much Tt established the cause for Nepal Governmen t's Policy and bas changed a lot. But there this agenda. A large number of Program for Fiscal Year 2065/ 66. One ·work to be done. inclusion. from the did the Constituent major aim oftbe commission is to work people are still excluded How Dalits and elections further the on the provisions of ensuring inclusion mainstream. Madhesis, Assembly out. ln this context, of inclusion'? and representation of all castes, Janjatis are still left agenda need for Nepal to the first time after the elections ethnicities, communities, areas and there is a compelling For to establish Assembly, the process of genders in the state agencies. demonstrate its commitment of Constituent l, multi­ is in place. In What arc its mandates? a multi-cultural, multi-socia political inclusion religious and multi­ to the first-past-the-post system The commission has been working Jjnguistic, multi addition This is especially members of the Constituent as per the terms of references made by ethnic federal state. to elect the country is in a proportional representation the government. One of the main true at a time when Assembly, the state and was introduced for a wider mandates of the commission is to the process of restructuring system the diversity of the population, including categorize the stale institutions and taking into consideration spectrum of excluded groups, to agencies where inclusion practices arc of its people. representatives noticed any c hange in their fair share in the assembly. needed, and to recommend the process Have you receive at inclusion a result, previously excluded groups by which to enhance such inclusion the way people look As fairly represented now. practices. It also has a role to advise today? arc the inclusion is the present composition the government on the parameters for When we demanded What 's mainstream in terms of inclusion? proportional inclusion of various of Madhesis in Nepal of CAin us betrayers and quite good. There are 33 per communities and areas. 1991, many labeled It is realized about31 per cent Other mandates'? separatists. Now people have cent women members, from cent Dalits and 34 per It also has a mandate to analyze, that our demand is not to secede Janjatis, 8 per the national monitor and evaluate the current laws, Nepal but to strengthen cent Madhesis. I am u think the new constitution rules, regulations and programs of unity through social diversity. Do yo the protest against be truly inclusive? inclusion in the state mainstream. We proud that we started will Yes. There is no way out other than can also recommend necessary exclusion. inclusion become a ll the excluded improvements and effective How did social to accommodate ? in the national implementation measures to the an agenda in Nepal communities is a political . Social inclusion is now the government. Social inclusion mainstream forth by the of all. • Do you have the mandate to agenda which was brought common agenda in 1996. Our analyze the policies and programs? armed conflict started Aug. 11s .______NEW sPoTLIGHT NEWsMAGAZINE 1 o1-2oo9

------·----~ SOCIAL INCLUSION Contemporary Status of Terai Dalits By Mohan Das Manadhar Rojan Bajracharya1

Introduction: Nepal is geographical groupsintheTeraiareMusahar,Chamar,Dom, diverse country with high hill Himalayan Tatma, Dusadh, Khatwe, Bamar, Dhobi, in North and Oat land called Terai in South. Cbidimar.Patharkatta!Kushwadiaand llalkhor. This diversity of country is also Poverty in Terai Madh esh: complemented by diversity in caste and Madheshi Dalits are the most ethnic groups. The traditional social and unrecognized community group ofcountry state structure or Nepal is based on which partially credits to poverty prevailed traditional Hindu caste hierarchal system in Terai that nurture Dalits discrimination which discriminates lower untouchable and made them voiceless. lCIMOD study caste group termed as Dalits and other suggests 9 out of 20 Tcrai districts arc non- llindu indigenous group. Furtfler, worst in terms of poverty and deprivation tension and violence which often lead to poverty and low human resource with wealth disparity, low education and displacement or isolation of the couple. development or th e country has nurtured poor health condition. The development The untouchability practices is more tile discrimination practices of country. H status of Terai districts namely - Saptari, severe to Madheshi Dalits than bill Dalits has been globally observed that there is Siraha, Dhanusba, Mahottari, Sarlahi, which credits to Terai 's high levels of correlation of social discrimination with Rautahat, Parsa, Bardiya and Kailali- are poverty, illiteracy, landlessness and low poverty and human resource development as poor as the remote mountain and hill levels of awareness and mobilization. and the most suppressed and their districts of Achham, Kalikot, Dailckh, Though landlessness is an issue of all grievance are rarely recognized by state Mugu, Bajhang, Humla, Jumla, Jajarkot, groups belonging to the harouwa - mechanism. The Terai Dalits are one of Baitadi and Rolpa. Where, the remote charouwa (Oppressive bonded agriculture such suppressed community of NepaL mountain and bill districts are poor due to labour in Siraha and Saptari, similar to Stylish Fact of Terai Madhesb: district's limited and/or minimal Kamaiyas) as well as Muslims and Terai, Madhesh and Madhesbi have development infrastructure and the Tcrai Janajatis, the landlessness situation of multiple connotations which here mean district are poor due to deficiency prevailed Madheshi Dalits is more severe and acute plain flat land of southern belt. It spreads in non-hill origin people ofTerai with most than that of other landless groups. from east to west with 20 districts covering suppressed being Tcrai Dalits. This poverty The social mobilization program is 23 percent of total land of Nepal. 1t is a characteristic of Terai where deficiencies dearth against discrimination and densely populated area of the country with persist in certain communities is one of the suppression of Terai Dalits. The socially 48.4 percent population of which 36.32 leading discourses of Madheshi Andolan mobilized Madheshi Dalit communities percent belongs to hi II origin and the which mostly affected nine poorest Terai exhibit the marked difference in level of remaining 63.31 percent belonging to districts, namely: Saptari, Siraha, awareness, confidence, activism and Non-Hill Origin orTerai origin. Non-bill Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, articulation skills which clearly reflect in the origin people have coll ective identity. They Parsa, Bardiya and Kailali. manner they present themselves in the public arc grouped into Hindu castes, Terai The suppression against Terai Dalils meetings. rn those mobilized communities, Adibasi Janajati and Muslim with andthei.rpoor socio-economiccondition young Dalit females stood up vehemently population share of 59, 27.5 and 13.2 has also been highlighted by the research to vindicate injustice. In contrast, the respectively. The cultural identity of plain studies supported by Social Inclusion communities without social mobilization Hindu Caste is closely associated with Research FUJ1d (SlRF). There are around support remains passive with an "Madheshi". Whereas the muslims and 17 studies supported by SJRF on Tcrai environment of aum of 'depressive gloom', Terai Adibasi Janajati do not prefer to Dalits which has highlighted on poor more so among women which the writers termed their cultural identity as economic condition and suppression have exclusively observed in Bara district. ·'Madheshi". Once in the past, Terai was against Dom, Mushahar, Halkhor and Conclusion: lt has been observed that huge forest and could not be reside due to Chamar caste group ofTerai Dalits. the Terai Dalits are the least recognized malaria. Now, it has acquired greater Madhesbi Dalit Deprivation: In the Dalits group of Nepal so they have economic importance as the clearing of contemporary world, certain remained poor. Further, poverty also forest provides opportunities for new untouchability- related boundaries are credits to their voiceless nature. The social shelters, agriculture, business and gradually wiping out while others continue mobilization programs encourage the commerce. Notwithstanding, Terai is also to remain intact. Younger Datil and non­ Terai Dalits to stand up for social justice. the resident of the largest Dalit groups in Dalit groups do not entertain food The research studies conducted by STRF Nepal whom arc technically termed as untouchability practices. I lowever, the and other agencies will be guiding "Terai Dalits". The National Dalit other barriers against Dalits still remain reference for government and other Commission has identified I 5 distinct intact, namely: participation in religious stakeholders to design social mobilization Terai Daltis' cultural groups but the rites and Dali t and non - Dal it inter caste programs. • er caste Population Census 2001 has only marriage. Specifica ll y, int Mr Manandhar is asst>ciated with Social inclusion identitied II groups. The major Dal it caste marriages continue to cause communal Researdr Fund and Mr. Bajracharya is a freelancer. ~______NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE I Aug. 01-2009!19 CONSTITUTION WATCH

in Terai MIREST Nepal in Constitution Making : Raising awarness tbe new constitution, emphatically says, MIREST-NEPAL '· "This time the communication outreach programs wi ll be playing key roles in Supporting the Constitution Building Process public opinion collection in efforts of base, has been new constitution for Nepal." M IREST-Nepal, a non-governmental organization with mass making the programs believe th at public supporting the constitution builtling process by organizing various Observers w ill ensure the at grass root level participation sustainabil ity and ownership of the constitution. But, the Fifth Amendment By A CORRESSPONOENT in the ca lendar of events by the building, Constituent Assembly recently has he non-inclusion of the peace and constitution l is m, arbitrarily reduced the time allotted for marginalized groups in the res tructuring the state, federa socio- CA public opinion collecti on by 66 political, social and right-based inclusion. and through percent. According to the latest CA T economic mainstream is a economic transformation and good calendar of events. the Constituent critical factor leading to mass sustainable development Assembly has cut short the 12 week disenc haJltment with the national governance. m, s lated from September 17, systematic Currently, Ml REST epa I has been progra polity and causing self or for constitution making 2009 to December I 0, 2009, exclusions. These segme nts of the supporting the open public collection of people's opinion on the Nepali society are in acute need of process by conducting radio oral first draft of the constitution, by eight knowledge s haring about eu rrent debates, women round-tables; well as, thematic weeks. democratization and constitution testimonies, as cipation of This has also raised doubts that the processes by g iving them ample di scussions with the parti making parties in the CA are not s policy-makers, experts and civil society major political opportunities to ventilate their feeling on the country. I t has in favor of intense public dialogues on state affairs. members across CA delegates constitutional matters fearing that it Media Initiative for Rights, E quity mobilized more than 50 leaders from various will minimize their role and influence and Social Transformation (MlREST and more than 75 in three months over the process. Nepal) is a non-governmental media political parties 2009 in which "Curtailing the political rights of the organization which has been engaged beginn ing May have sovereign people is not an option," says the constitution building approximately 75,000 people in suppotting Acharya, President of MlREST Nepal aims participated. Suresh process in Nepal. MIREST to Jha, President of the Nepal, "Maybe the time is right to bring positive change focusing its Dharmendra pa lese Journalists announce the extension of the deadline operation on twin-pillar policies - Federation of Ne the importance of for promulgating the new constitution democratization and development. This shedding lights 0 11 cators in drafting instead of sticking to it and infringing encompasses areas of functions such as media and communi NEWSMAGAziNE I Aug. 01-20 9 I 20 _ _ OTLIGHT L______NEW S CONSTITUTION WATCH upon the peoples' chances of writing their constitution." Acharya says, 'This phase in Nepali history is characterized by the eager ant1crpation for an inclusive constitution. Hence, all efforts towards constitution making, either by the state/ non-state players, or by domestic/ extemal actors, need to be sh·eam 1i ned in such a manner that the process becomes more and more participatory.'' Acharya, who is associated with the Nepalese media and communication sector for 29 years, emphatically urges, "Let's be more participative and unite the Nepalese people through social dialogues!" He add, "Making a constitution in the 21st century is a process that MIREST Nepal President requires ample discussions and Suresh Acharya: Talking on inclusion interactions amongst the masses to Poudel; and from the Personal Secretary with excellent make the constitution people-oriented, backstop support and to the President of Republic of Nepal facilitation." to generate deep understanding of and constitution lawyer Lalit Basnet to Besides, traveling during crucial issues and to instill the fee li ng the first the peoples' representative Ms. Sita and second Tharuhat movements of ownership of the constitution, but across Gurv.ng, a CA delegate. Nepal had also given MIREST still it has not been as participatory as RK Khambuwan, leader anticipated." of Nepal members an opportunity to Khambuwan Federal Front, an ethnic document the movement audio-visually. MIREST Nepal opposes all sorts of political outfit active in the eastern hills But, it has not always activities of the state that curtail been a smooth of Nepal, says, "Some organizations and sail ing. fundamental ri ghts of the people and individuals need to come forward to Its communication outreach underlines the need of media and team bridge the gap between CA delegates/ comprising 17 people were held communicators to play a major role in up at policy-makers and ethnic groups/ midnight in the middle of bringing the voices of the ordinary a jungle in leaders to resolve all issues concerning Kailali for more than people of rural areas to the Constituent an hour by an ethnic communities in Nepal before the Assembly. unidentified group without any reason. finalization of the new constitution." They were later released after they It also says there is an urgent need were Khambuwan is confident that, convinced that the team was for capacity building of social a media MlREST Nepal has the appropriate group. communicators at grassroots level in the blends of abilities to initiate a series of One of social communicators, context of a participatory constitution Ms direct dialogues between them citing the Yam Pokhrel of Kailali making process. During the submission claims, "Prior •• reason that CA delegates/policy-makers to the historic Constituent Assembly of the concept paper at the have less understanding of ethn ic election MTREST Nepal alone Constitutional Committee recently, was able issues; whereas, ethnic leaders/ to galvanize more than 555,000 most of the political parties presented in more representatives have not been able to than 190 public hearings and social their opinion without consulting their convince CA delegates/policy-makers dia logues held in 100 rural own party cadres and the ordinary villages of about their issues and rights. the country citizens. within a period of 14 "It has become very difficult to months. lt was the first media group Ml REST Nepal members and to carry-out initiatives at grassroots level conduct interactive TV sessions staffers are overwhelmed that a range at the because of frequent bandhs and remote out-flanked areas where of people have appreciated the works there blockades, but we have managed to keep were no national media or city-dwelling undertaken by it, from the Prime up with our calendar of events", says civil societies." Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal to Bir Gaurab Pudasaini, Executive Director An outcome of intensive grassroots Nemwang, the self-styled leader of of MIREST Nepal. communication outreach programs Limbuwan Liberation Front; from the held He adds, "MlREST Nepal has been in those remote villages was civil society leader and the President of that successful in managing social dialogues MTREST Nepal had been Nepal Bar Association Biswokanta able to come professionally in addition to bringing out with a Voters' Manifesto before Mainal i to the spokesperson of the the out constitutional issues relevant to CA election in April 2008. Constituent Assembly Mukund Sharma constitution making to public scrutiny Lars Peter Christensen, Program ~.,______NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE I Aug . 01-2009121 CONSTITUTION WATCH HIGHLIGHTS OF MJREST Nepal's communication outreach programs Strengthening Constitution Making by Mobilizing Voices of the Citizens ··· social dialogues to be conducted across Nepal. (January 2009-Septcmber 20 I 0) MIREST Round Table (September/October 2006 to August/September 20 I 0) Transformation Caucus (October 2006 to October 2009) covering live development regions Grassroots Intervention for Dialogue and Participation in Democratic Processes supported by DanidaHUGOU (May 2007 to July 2008) Field-based capacity building of social communicators (June 2007 onwards) Social dialogues on Right­ to-Information Development Perspective (June 2007-June 2009) MIREST Nepal Team in Mustang: Tough time Utero­ Public Awareness and such as computers, llex, dais, pod ium, constitutional issues. ft has been also ) Advocacy in Vaginal Prolapse (UVP tapes, 'topes, luggage, steel structures, conducting its institutional works such four districts publications, including a first-aid-kit as operation of web-site, publication of l's three programs public IEC materials such as brochures, Coordinator at DanidaHUGOU, who MTREST Nepa lic debate, women leanets, tool-kits etc., and launching e­ had graced the function to release the such as open pub radio oral bulletins and networking with relevant Voters' Manifesto had remarked that roundtable discussion and have stakeholders on programmatic issues, this might be the first instance that a testimonies via social mobilization stics or direct indi vidually a nd institutionally as well Voters' Manifesto was bei ng released as in-bui lt characteri general people on as formally and informally side-by-side. an innovative tool to educate the voters interface with the and present views of the ordinary PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED BY MEDIA INITIATIVE FOR M I REST Nepal's Voters' citizens. RIGHTS, EQUITY AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION ON JULY Manifesto has highlighted self­ 23, 2009 REGARDING THE ALTERATIO~ IN CA CALENDAR imposition of the election code-of­ OF EVENTS conduct by contes ting parties in Initiative for Rights, Equ ity and Social Transformation, MIRESTNepal elections and ways of making elections Media concerned by the news of the lillh amendment of the Constitution's more inclusive and participatory so that is gravely has resulted in the sudden cut back of 66% of the time allotted no voters are excluded from the process. Schedule, which patticipation in the constitution making process. M I REST Nepal has a s trong (()r people's Assembly has cut short the 12 week program. which was network of Partners-in-Change (P-in­ The Constituent September 17. 2009 to December 10. 2009, for collection of people's Cs) in all the districts of Nepal. A lot of slated from ion on the first draft of the constitution, by eight weeks. This has not only hard work goes into setting up the stage suggest blow to the participatory constitution making process but also raised and organizing the venue for the social dealt a credibility of the Constituent Asscmbl). dialogues' programs. Podiums, water­ questions O\er the Constituent Assembly has recently been accused of failing to incorporate proof tented roofs and over 100 kg. of The and views that had been collected from the ordinary citizens into online editing system and complete the suggestions papers of the constitutional committees. It is a proven fact that the sound-system have to be set up. A team the concept opinion collcchon program of CA did not even represent one percent of of technicians and experts are fully public during the first phase of opinion collection in January­ engaged throughout the open public the total population In view of this, MIREST Nepal urges the political parties and CA debate for its smooth operation. February. to listen to and respect the voices of the entire population. In additiOn, M I REST . epal carries 17-20 team members Initiative for Rights, Equity and Social Transformation, MrREST Nepal members in convoys of three vehicles Media the Constituent Assembly to revoke the decision to cut short the loaded with a 95 kg electric generator strongly calls on to opinion collection without jeopardizing the deadline for uninterrupted power supply. 12 weeks time allotted of the constitution. necessary equipment and accessories set for the drafting Aug. 01-2009122 ______NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE I L.._ EXPOSffiON audience gathered to watch the unique yet interesting movies. This event was held for the second time in the capital. The International Music Week was the mos t awaited event of the year. Although it was started fifteen years ago by A FK as a one day event, over the years, the days of the even have been increas ing and this year, it extended to a weeklongprogram and was organized in three different places. the Alliance Fran~aise de Kathmandu. Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory and Rastriya Nach Ghar. These seven days were different in their own way, focusing in different music forms. The first day included performers, Salil S ubedi and the Earth Beat Community. It also included performance by children from CULTURE orphanages. The second day was more focused on Nepalese music and included Nepalese Pop/Rock performers A Little Bit of France . The third day was a little di!Terent from the other days. lt was called l-11 P HOP Alliance Francaise has been making e.f{Drts to bring French culture in day and it included hip hop music, hip Kathmandu hop dance and graffiti. Unlike the third day, the fourth, fiflh and sixth days were By PRADIPTI BHATTA dedicated to Jazz music. Not only were the audience entertained with music, a short history of Jazz was also given to lot of people must have Film Festival and the International them. With the help of Kathmandu Jazz noticed an interesting Music Week. Conservatory, a lot of forthcoming A billboard at Maitighar. It's an ' Resolument Animes' was a festival musicians also got a chance to show adve rtisement that is of animated movies held from April 17- their musical talents. Marking the end different from others seen in 19. It was o rganized with the of the Music Festival was a concert by the Valley. This ad is of Alliance collaboration of MAYA Animation the French rock band, KWAK. This Fran~aise, an institution working to Academy and was the first of its kind. concert was also telecasted live by teach French language and promote A lot of animated movie fans got a Kantipur Television. Not only was the French culture in Nepal. chance to enjoy ani mated movies like hall at Rastriya Nach Ghar fully packed, Established in 1994, Alliance never before. A workshop was also a lot of music lovers enjoyed the event Fran yaise has been teaching French organized during this event which in their television sets. All of the language to many interested Nepalese helped interested learners know more audiences were satisfied with all the and over the years, it has organized about animation. performances in the Music Festival. many festivals related to music, art, film Similarly, on June 5, a one and a Other than these events, the other as well other social initiatives. Through half hour long film by Yann Arthus ones successfully organized by AFK this these various programs conducted, this Bertrand called 'Home' was premiered year are HIV1 AIDS Awareness institution has been able to provide a for the first time through Kantipur Program, 'The Horn of Shame'- an platfonn to many local talents as well. Television and in the premises of AFK artistic performance, Francophonie This year itself, up till July, they have itself This short film portraying the Week, a concert by a French Jazz Band already organized around 20 events relation between human beings and the 'Ozma', various book launches, and a related to various fields. envirionment proved to be a huge conference on ' Rain Harvesting Prabin Bikram Rana, the deputy success among the Nepali audience. System'. director of AFK gives details about the Likewise, the European Film As a whole, AFK has had a great events organized up till now. Festival held from June 13- \9 was success in promoting French language Although a lot of events have another grand success. The weeklong as well as French culture in the country. already been held, the main attraction festival included a total of ten movies They have satisfied a lot of people by of this year were the Festival of from France, Denmark, Finland, organizing free events and through Animated Movies, the projection of a Britain and Germany. It was held at the these events; AFK has also entertained short film titled ' Home', the European Army Auditorium and a total of 4000 music, art as well as film lovers. • L______NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE I Aug. 01-2009 123 ART

Nepali culture with sea-like stretches of color meant to imply Bangladesh. Similarly, Dangel's use of 12 faces in his "bird's eye view" lan dscapes signifies the di rrerent artists who worked together. Artists Rana and Bajracharya explain that the beauty and calmness of the Nagarkot environment had an infl uence on their current work. Both use vibrant colors in their landscapes, suggesting different times of day, moods and emotions. Bajracharya·s work include an introspective female figure that corresponds with the forms present in the paintings of the Bangladeshi artists. Six of these artists are women who draw inspiration from the female figure, and their Nagarkot creations continue this ART theme. Hints of Nepalese cultural influence are also present especially in Inspired by N agarkot Chakma's stupa and mountain landscape. Thirteen artists explore style and the natural beauty of Nepal Rendezvous-Nagakot Workshop" features a range of styles from figurative to abstract and a blend SHAR\IIJNI WIJESEKERA By of traditional and modern. Some of the

he Siddhartha Art Gallery, in Babar Mahal, is currently T hosting <~n exhibition entitled, "Nepal Rendezvous- Nargarkot Workshop," a show featuring the work of 13 contemporary artists from Bangladesh and Nepal. The artists participated in a three day workshop, living and working together in Nag<~rkot, ru1d the current exhibition is a culmination of this workshop. According to Siddhartha's curator Sangeeta Thapa, a small workshop like Nagarkol produces quality work "because of the intimacy and rapport that (artists) can build." Senior artists from Bangladesh and Nepal as well as junior artists from Nepal artists had a chance to explore culture and style together. The artists featured include Bajracharya, and Sunita Rani. paintings are more striking than others, Bangledeshis: Farida Zaman, Nasreen Elements suggesting cu ltura l yet each shows a unique voice in the Begum. Karak Chanpa Chakma, dialogue can be found in some of the process of cultural and artistic dialogue. Fareha Zeba, Naima Haque, Rebeka work on display. Nepalese artists Twenty eight paintings are currently Sultan Moly and Khalid Mahmood Baidya explains that his paintings. on display. The exhibition remains Mithu Farida; and epalis: Erina Ganesh I and Ganesh 11, combine the open until I Oth August, 2009. • Tamrakan, Sushi ha. Batsa Gopal ubiquitous Ganesh ligure important to Vaidya, Asha Dangel, Prami la '------NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE I Aug. 01-2009 124 TU Program +2 Program • BA • .Science • BBS • Manage_ment • Humanities

~i l t:ANVAS &, INTERNATIONAL t:OLLEGE Basundhara, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu Ph.: 01-4380304, 4354280 New Baneshwor Tel: 4782946 New Road Kalimati Lazimpat Te1:4253023 Tel :4276851 Tel:44175q6