One Nepali babu loves Rani. so they marry very soon. Rani says-"she Nepali people and she love Nepali babu".
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Rani Loves Nepali Babu
One Nepali babu loves Rani. so they marry very soon. Rani says-"she Nepali people and she love Nepali babu".
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Janamorcha enforces Far West banda
KATHMANDU, JAN 05 - Life was affected in the Far Western region on Tuesday due to banda enforced by Rastriya Janamorcha Party (RJP) against federalism.
RJP activists staged demonstrations in the headquarters of all nine districts, including Baitadi, Dadeldhura, Kanchanpur, Kailali and Doti against the federal structure stipulated in the Interim Constitution. Transportation, marketplaces and academic institutions remained closed due to the strike. Party supporters from rural areas had congregated in the headquarters of nine districts to participate in protests.
The underwhelming idiots
KATHMANDU, JAN 05 - Take an engineering genius who thinks students should be ‘educated’ and not taught, a neurotic dean who believes his 32 years of experience in teaching leaves nothing for him to learn, and an inspiring story of ‘fighting against the system’, and you get 3 Idiots, a supposed-adaptation of the book Five Point Someone that is going to leave expectant moviegoers underwhelmed.3 Idiots begins much the same way Five Point Someone does: by showing the ragging that goes on at even India’s most prestigious colleges. The protagonist, Aamir Khan in the movie, enters by defeating the abusers and standing up for fellow new students. Rancho (Aamir Khan), Farhan (R Mahadevan), and Raju (Sharman Joshi) are new students at the elite Imperial College of Engineering, among the 200 chosen from the 400,000 applicants. While Farhan and Raju intend to spend the four years in college like everyone else, Rancho plans to do things differently. He is an antithesis to the bookish knowledge-driven system, and argues, rather unsuccessfully with his dean, that the college should teach more practical knowledge to the students.
Then follows the rather lengthy Harry Potter-esque exploits by Raju and his friends: taunting the faculty without regards to the consequence, asking questions which would be easily answered in real life, but stump the professors in the movie and win cheers from classmates, and stealing exam papers from the Dean’s office. Despite some interesting sub-plots and story arcs, anyone who has watched the Munnabhai films or read Five Point Someone is going to be disappointed by the antics, and feel that justice has not been done to the book. Several scenes are straight out of the book, even though director Raj Kumar Hirani claims only five percent of the film is based on the book and refuses to give credit to its author, Chetan Bhagat. The three main characters in the film are indistinguishable from the book’s main protagonists, and other major characters — including the dean — clearly been derived from the book
Fortunately, the cast has done a commendable job of bringing an otherwise mediocre story to life. Boman Irani, named Virus by his students, is eerily convincing as an experienced teacher who, after bringing out generations of students, is convinced that he is rarely wrong. Mahadevan, and Joshi very accurately portray the friends of Rancho, a genius who tops his exams without studying. Aamir Khan, though, needs to look for more challenging and diverse roles, and quit taking a role just because it gives him the opportunity to become the ‘cool dude’.
The combination of Khan, and Rajkumar Hirani of Munnabhai fame, should have produced a historical film. Add to that the story of Bhagat’s bestselling novel, and the film should have been a trend-setter, creating new genre by itself, paving way for experimentation, and encouraging more movie adaptation of books in Bollywood. Something has gone wrong, because 3 Idiots is irritatingly moralising, and has a jaded story and plot worthy only of Ekta Kapoor. Despite all this, the film must be given credit for being inspirational and it does have fantastic songs and music. The biggest loser in all this is Bhagat himself, who has not only not been given credit, but also has lost any possibility of creating a true film adaptation of his novel.
Despite its weaknesses, the film has sold well, breaking several records, thanks to Hirani’s and Khan’s past records, and the presence of actors like Irani, Mahadevan, and Kareena Kapoor. Khan and Hirani, though, have squandered their reputation, and moviegoers are bound to think more than once before watching their upcoming works. This film shows when given enough time and money, even Aamir Khan can lose his ‘cool’ image—he would do well if he tried to entertain more, rather than force-feed unsubtle social messages. The characters in the film turn out not to be idiots after all, but looking at the mess they have created in the process, Khan and Hirani could very well be.
Tax holiday over for former king Gyanendra
KATHMANDU, JAN 05 - The government has rejected former king Gyanendra Shah’s plea for tax waiver on his personal and family property, including utility bills. A meeting of the Cabinet committee on bills on Tuesday decided to ask the former king to clear all outstanding dues since being deposed after the Constituent Assembly election in 2008. As per the latest decision, he will also have to pay electricity, telephone and water bills.
“Now he is a common citizen and will have to pay all taxes as other citizens,” said Minister for Law and Justice Prem Bahadur Singh. The former king had written to the Finance Ministry in August 2009 requesting tax waiver. He had also sought details of unpaid taxes and bills after the country turned into a republic.
According to sources, outstanding dues and tax liabilities will cost the former monarch a whopping Rs. 200 million. Before the republic, the then palace had enjoyed a complete tax holiday. The former king was interested in paying taxes after Nepal turned into a republic. “The decision brings him and his family under the tax net. He has to pay taxes and related liabilities after May, 8, 2008. The government will collect taxes and tariffs as he has become a common citizen,” said Singh.
The meeting also endorsed the bill related to arbitration that mostly encourages reconciliation between two parties in a single case.
As the government has motivated people to opt for mediation rather than go to higher courts if a case involving them does not receive the desired verdict. Though the programme was launched across the country, a proper law was lacking.
According to Minister Singh, a writ petition can be lodged in all 75 district courts following the bill’s endorsement
“Now he is a common citizen and will have to pay all taxes as other citizens,” said Minister for Law and Justice Prem Bahadur Singh. The former king had written to the Finance Ministry in August 2009 requesting tax waiver. He had also sought details of unpaid taxes and bills after the country turned into a republic.
According to sources, outstanding dues and tax liabilities will cost the former monarch a whopping Rs. 200 million. Before the republic, the then palace had enjoyed a complete tax holiday. The former king was interested in paying taxes after Nepal turned into a republic. “The decision brings him and his family under the tax net. He has to pay taxes and related liabilities after May, 8, 2008. The government will collect taxes and tariffs as he has become a common citizen,” said Singh.
The meeting also endorsed the bill related to arbitration that mostly encourages reconciliation between two parties in a single case.
As the government has motivated people to opt for mediation rather than go to higher courts if a case involving them does not receive the desired verdict. Though the programme was launched across the country, a proper law was lacking.
According to Minister Singh, a writ petition can be lodged in all 75 district courts following the bill’s endorsement
The old man and the Nobel
The historical developments of the past few weeks, it seems to me, have been arising out of serendipity. Among the important events were the Maoist decision to end the obstruction of the Constituent Assembly (CA) proceedings, and the decision of Nepali Congress (NC) to prepare a five-page-long resume of the party president, the 86-year old Girija Prasad Koirala alias Girijababu, following the Cabinet decision to recommend his name for Nobel Peace Prize. The NC central body must have constituted a committee of people whose political understanding is good and who can write well because that resume was being prepared for international consumption. As a student of textual pragmatics I got mighty interested in this minuscule project of the grand old democratic party. The first page of the resume, apparently, will mention birth dates, etc while the remaining four pages will describe the grand narrative of Girijababu’s epic battle to establish democracy in this land. What a project! Tears could have come to my eyes after reading this news. But I controlled my emotions.
But soon, a feeling of shock overtook my ecstasy. I was surprised that this grand old party should make it appear as though writing resume of their octogenarian leader was their first historical engagement. Questions coursed through my mind. Why hadn’t the NC or Girijababu’s family circle ever drafted a resume of this man for so long? Does the party think ‘five pages’ will be enough to write the grand history of this man? Did they have to wake up only after a jumbo size coalition Cabinet passed the noble resolution of Nobel Peace Prize for Girijababu? I spoke to some senior NC leaders about it. One somewhat inebriated leader said that this was a routine affair. In that response, I got no hint of Girijababu’s epic battle appearing anywhere in the resume. I secretly wished I had gone to Prachanda instead, asked him if he would mind writing the resume of Girijababu in ‘five pages,’ and read his spontaneous response. I have the following reasons for my interest in Girijababu’s resume.
Spontaneity or compulsions aside, the decision of NC top-brass is important for a few reasons. Their total endorsement of the Cabinet’s decision is interesting. This decision must have given the NC CWC an occasion to think of this old man with a modicum of respect after a season of discontent. The CWC, it seems to me, almost despises Girijababu for the peccadillo of making his daughter Sujata Koirala the deputy prime minister. She is an interesting lady who works without much plan and without commitments and ideologies. She creates small storms that easily pass over the political landscape without ripping off the roofs of hamlets. Her recent statement against the country going federal is an interesting dramatic burlesque.
The discontent of NC top-brass with Girijababu goes deeper. First, as the famous Bertrand Russell would say, it is the lust for power. The position taken by Sujata, it later appeared, was coveted by some seniors. When the country needed much more serious discussions about resolving deadlocks and making the constitution, the NC spent its salacious energy on Sujata. They also coined a Freudian Sanskrit terminology putrimoha (too much love for daughter) to critique Girijababu. The male-dominated party leaders glibly used sexist and politically incorrect language.
Secondly, the ‘winter of discontent’ opens up other caveats. Girijababu’s candid conversations with Prachanda show statesmanship. Every time he meets Prachanda it seems the political impasse moves a few inches closer to solution. The recent series of meetings between Prachanda and Girijababu made NC CWC suspicious and angry. The lessons of history cannot be learned by confusing its characters. A frank assessment of the history of past four years shows that Girijababu and Prachanda played crucial roles in the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement on Nov. 21, 2006. Other leaders played important roles, too. But these two politicians, as the recent discontents within their respective parties retroactively show, must have struggled hard to convince party comrades.
The Cabinet decision to nominate Grijababu is a symbolic act of recognition. My questions to NC are: By accepting the Cabinet decision, have you accepted the historical fact that Girijababu and Prachanda had played very important parts in the peace process? Did the peace process this old man made possible result solely form NC policies or was it the result of the colossal success achieved in bringing one of the strongest guerrilla forces in the world out of the jungle to the conference table and then to the parliament? If you accept the latter, why grill Girijababu every time he meets Maoist leaders to broker peace? What would be the content of the grand four pages in your resume? Why has NC written nothing about this man’s long struggle for freedom and democracy so far? Why did you have to wait for the decision of an uneasy Cabinet to recognise Girijababu’s contribution in the twilight of history to write a few pages about his long history of struggles and successes?
Clearly, by nominating Girijababu for Nobel Peace Prize, the political alliance running the government has brought to the fore the contradictions of their understanding of history. They reject the very basis of Girijababu’s success in bringing peace but accept that he played the most crucial role in this process. NC leaders are openly expressing their ambivalence and their misreading of history and harshly critique Girijababu for bringing the Maoists in. That is a very naïve reading of history. Girijababu did not bring the Maoists in. It was an agreement between powerful forces in the country; Girijababu understood that correctly and tried hard to bring the warring parties together. Prachanda and his comrades recognise Girijababu’s contribution better than NC stalwarts, according to my understanding. I asked some Maoist leaders, would they rather nominate Prachanda for Nobel? They said recognising Girijababu’s contribution would be akin to honouring Prachanda’s contribution. And they were happy. I guess that is a more correct reading of history.
A few more questions are in order. Why does the Cabinet make it the responsibility of the NC to draft a resume of Girijababu? Is the nomination of NC president for the prize yet another gesture of coalition politics rather than a call of the nation? Otherwise, why could not the Cabinet request historians like Triratna Manandhar and Pratyoush Onta to write a short booklet about Girijababu’s role in history highlighting why he deserves this honour instead of throwing it to the court of discontented NC leaders who are analysing Girijababu’s psychological complexes more than his political achievements?
Your first step is correct, but what lessons you have learned from Girijababu’s epic battle is what matters more.
But soon, a feeling of shock overtook my ecstasy. I was surprised that this grand old party should make it appear as though writing resume of their octogenarian leader was their first historical engagement. Questions coursed through my mind. Why hadn’t the NC or Girijababu’s family circle ever drafted a resume of this man for so long? Does the party think ‘five pages’ will be enough to write the grand history of this man? Did they have to wake up only after a jumbo size coalition Cabinet passed the noble resolution of Nobel Peace Prize for Girijababu? I spoke to some senior NC leaders about it. One somewhat inebriated leader said that this was a routine affair. In that response, I got no hint of Girijababu’s epic battle appearing anywhere in the resume. I secretly wished I had gone to Prachanda instead, asked him if he would mind writing the resume of Girijababu in ‘five pages,’ and read his spontaneous response. I have the following reasons for my interest in Girijababu’s resume.
Spontaneity or compulsions aside, the decision of NC top-brass is important for a few reasons. Their total endorsement of the Cabinet’s decision is interesting. This decision must have given the NC CWC an occasion to think of this old man with a modicum of respect after a season of discontent. The CWC, it seems to me, almost despises Girijababu for the peccadillo of making his daughter Sujata Koirala the deputy prime minister. She is an interesting lady who works without much plan and without commitments and ideologies. She creates small storms that easily pass over the political landscape without ripping off the roofs of hamlets. Her recent statement against the country going federal is an interesting dramatic burlesque.
The discontent of NC top-brass with Girijababu goes deeper. First, as the famous Bertrand Russell would say, it is the lust for power. The position taken by Sujata, it later appeared, was coveted by some seniors. When the country needed much more serious discussions about resolving deadlocks and making the constitution, the NC spent its salacious energy on Sujata. They also coined a Freudian Sanskrit terminology putrimoha (too much love for daughter) to critique Girijababu. The male-dominated party leaders glibly used sexist and politically incorrect language.
Secondly, the ‘winter of discontent’ opens up other caveats. Girijababu’s candid conversations with Prachanda show statesmanship. Every time he meets Prachanda it seems the political impasse moves a few inches closer to solution. The recent series of meetings between Prachanda and Girijababu made NC CWC suspicious and angry. The lessons of history cannot be learned by confusing its characters. A frank assessment of the history of past four years shows that Girijababu and Prachanda played crucial roles in the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement on Nov. 21, 2006. Other leaders played important roles, too. But these two politicians, as the recent discontents within their respective parties retroactively show, must have struggled hard to convince party comrades.
The Cabinet decision to nominate Grijababu is a symbolic act of recognition. My questions to NC are: By accepting the Cabinet decision, have you accepted the historical fact that Girijababu and Prachanda had played very important parts in the peace process? Did the peace process this old man made possible result solely form NC policies or was it the result of the colossal success achieved in bringing one of the strongest guerrilla forces in the world out of the jungle to the conference table and then to the parliament? If you accept the latter, why grill Girijababu every time he meets Maoist leaders to broker peace? What would be the content of the grand four pages in your resume? Why has NC written nothing about this man’s long struggle for freedom and democracy so far? Why did you have to wait for the decision of an uneasy Cabinet to recognise Girijababu’s contribution in the twilight of history to write a few pages about his long history of struggles and successes?
Clearly, by nominating Girijababu for Nobel Peace Prize, the political alliance running the government has brought to the fore the contradictions of their understanding of history. They reject the very basis of Girijababu’s success in bringing peace but accept that he played the most crucial role in this process. NC leaders are openly expressing their ambivalence and their misreading of history and harshly critique Girijababu for bringing the Maoists in. That is a very naïve reading of history. Girijababu did not bring the Maoists in. It was an agreement between powerful forces in the country; Girijababu understood that correctly and tried hard to bring the warring parties together. Prachanda and his comrades recognise Girijababu’s contribution better than NC stalwarts, according to my understanding. I asked some Maoist leaders, would they rather nominate Prachanda for Nobel? They said recognising Girijababu’s contribution would be akin to honouring Prachanda’s contribution. And they were happy. I guess that is a more correct reading of history.
A few more questions are in order. Why does the Cabinet make it the responsibility of the NC to draft a resume of Girijababu? Is the nomination of NC president for the prize yet another gesture of coalition politics rather than a call of the nation? Otherwise, why could not the Cabinet request historians like Triratna Manandhar and Pratyoush Onta to write a short booklet about Girijababu’s role in history highlighting why he deserves this honour instead of throwing it to the court of discontented NC leaders who are analysing Girijababu’s psychological complexes more than his political achievements?
Your first step is correct, but what lessons you have learned from Girijababu’s epic battle is what matters more.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Industrial Policy, IEA, FITTA to be amended
KATHMANDU, Dec 30 - The government is reviewing the Industrial Policy-1992 and also amending the Industrial Enterprise Act (IEA) and Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) to ensure WTO compatibility in the policy framework and make investment climate friendlier.
"A team constituted recently to review the policy, has started preparatory works," said Govinda Prasad Kusum, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. The joint Act of IEA and FITTA would be amended as soon as the policy review is completed, he added.
The amended policy, among others, would address issues like industrial security and Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which were not incorporated in the existing policy. It would also pledge new incentives for the foreign investors to boost the foreign direct investment (FDI).
The changes in incentives for the foreign investors is being worked on as per the demand of the private sector that has been advocating that previously committed incentives were being nullified by the Acts enforced later and existing incentives were not adequate to attract FDI.
"The policy reviewing team will work in co-ordination with Finance Ministry while making arrangements for new incentives," he said.
The amended policy is likely to make the government responsible for providing industrial security. However, the private sector would be asked to contribute to the process, mainly in financing the security force.
"Detailed provisions on the matter, however, will be devised through a separate industrial security work-plan that the MoICS will develop in co-ordination with Defence and Home Ministries later," they added.
The policy would also contain guidelines for establishing Special Economic Zones. "However, we feel that separate SEZ Act will be required to devise strategies and incentives related to it," said Kusum.
Although establishing the SEZ in various parts of the country has been integral part of the government programmes, there is no specific policy and legal framework on it.
"Our thrust while preparing the policy will be on streamlining the FDI in the SEZ logistically and we also will focus on diverting the major chunk of the FDI to export-oriented sectors," said officials.
The amended policy would also propose for declaring ‘industrial zones’ in every urban centre to systematise the set up of industrial centres. "It will also deal with broader investment concerns of Non-resident Nepalis (NRNs) like guaranteeing their investments, although detailed provisions on the matter will be addressed through a separate NRN Act," said Kusum.
Also, the amended policy would lay emphasis on institution building and defining regulatory functions of government agencies along with their promotional activities. It would also define hydropower as an industry in the context of FDI coming to the sector and Nepal’s impending accession to World Trade Organisation (WTO).
"The policy will clearly prioritise the industrial sectors on the basis of their competitive potential and impact on the national economy," said the official.
"A team constituted recently to review the policy, has started preparatory works," said Govinda Prasad Kusum, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. The joint Act of IEA and FITTA would be amended as soon as the policy review is completed, he added.
The amended policy, among others, would address issues like industrial security and Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which were not incorporated in the existing policy. It would also pledge new incentives for the foreign investors to boost the foreign direct investment (FDI).
The changes in incentives for the foreign investors is being worked on as per the demand of the private sector that has been advocating that previously committed incentives were being nullified by the Acts enforced later and existing incentives were not adequate to attract FDI.
"The policy reviewing team will work in co-ordination with Finance Ministry while making arrangements for new incentives," he said.
The amended policy is likely to make the government responsible for providing industrial security. However, the private sector would be asked to contribute to the process, mainly in financing the security force.
"Detailed provisions on the matter, however, will be devised through a separate industrial security work-plan that the MoICS will develop in co-ordination with Defence and Home Ministries later," they added.
The policy would also contain guidelines for establishing Special Economic Zones. "However, we feel that separate SEZ Act will be required to devise strategies and incentives related to it," said Kusum.
Although establishing the SEZ in various parts of the country has been integral part of the government programmes, there is no specific policy and legal framework on it.
"Our thrust while preparing the policy will be on streamlining the FDI in the SEZ logistically and we also will focus on diverting the major chunk of the FDI to export-oriented sectors," said officials.
The amended policy would also propose for declaring ‘industrial zones’ in every urban centre to systematise the set up of industrial centres. "It will also deal with broader investment concerns of Non-resident Nepalis (NRNs) like guaranteeing their investments, although detailed provisions on the matter will be addressed through a separate NRN Act," said Kusum.
Also, the amended policy would lay emphasis on institution building and defining regulatory functions of government agencies along with their promotional activities. It would also define hydropower as an industry in the context of FDI coming to the sector and Nepal’s impending accession to World Trade Organisation (WTO).
"The policy will clearly prioritise the industrial sectors on the basis of their competitive potential and impact on the national economy," said the official.
First +2 level school a boon for locals at Abukhaireni
ABUKHAIRENI, Dec 30 - Previously many students of this region were compelled to go to other cities of the country for higher level education after finishing school. The students of Abukhaireni have been relieved of this problem after +2 education was started in Ramshah Secondary School in Abukhaireni with the efforts of the guardians of the local students here.
"This school has now become a good example of the +2 level of education in the whole district compared to other private schools having this level of education", says Rishi K.C, the chairman of this high school.
The school, which was started with the initiation of just three students, now has more than 200 students, highest among any other high school in the district. The +2 level was introduced in this school three years ago with the financial assistance of Rs. 4,00,000 contributed by Drinking Water Consumers Committee of this district and Rs. 3,00,000 collected from among the local guardians of this region. As per stipulations of the District Education Office any school wishing to start the +2 level of education must make a deposit of 7,00,000.
It is learnt that +2 classes are being conducted during the morning while secondary level education during the afternoon. Eight separate teachers have been employed to teach the +2 students alone, and the tuition fees collected from these students go to pay the salary of these teachers. The money collected from admission fees has been utilised in the construction of two new buildings with four and six rooms respectively. Education, humanities, and management streams of education are being provided at this higher secondary school presently.
It is learnt that the students of this region are very happy to get this education without having to leave their home district. Not only local students, but students from as far as, Chyangli, Manakamana, Deurali, Dhuwakot in Gorkha, and Mugling in Chitwan have been coming to this school for higher education.
Initially Rs. 25,000 charged from the students as admission fee has now been reduced to Rs. 15,000. "During the initial stages the management was in dire need to put the school into motion, and now that it is in motion and the condition of the school has improved, we can charge less as admission fees", says K.C.
The students have even been demanding that concerned authorities should start the Bachelor’s level of education in this school so that they can be free from the hassle of going to the main cities such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, and others for graduate level studies. It is learnt that more than tuition fees the cost of food and lodging is very high in these cities.
"This school has now become a good example of the +2 level of education in the whole district compared to other private schools having this level of education", says Rishi K.C, the chairman of this high school.
The school, which was started with the initiation of just three students, now has more than 200 students, highest among any other high school in the district. The +2 level was introduced in this school three years ago with the financial assistance of Rs. 4,00,000 contributed by Drinking Water Consumers Committee of this district and Rs. 3,00,000 collected from among the local guardians of this region. As per stipulations of the District Education Office any school wishing to start the +2 level of education must make a deposit of 7,00,000.
It is learnt that +2 classes are being conducted during the morning while secondary level education during the afternoon. Eight separate teachers have been employed to teach the +2 students alone, and the tuition fees collected from these students go to pay the salary of these teachers. The money collected from admission fees has been utilised in the construction of two new buildings with four and six rooms respectively. Education, humanities, and management streams of education are being provided at this higher secondary school presently.
It is learnt that the students of this region are very happy to get this education without having to leave their home district. Not only local students, but students from as far as, Chyangli, Manakamana, Deurali, Dhuwakot in Gorkha, and Mugling in Chitwan have been coming to this school for higher education.
Initially Rs. 25,000 charged from the students as admission fee has now been reduced to Rs. 15,000. "During the initial stages the management was in dire need to put the school into motion, and now that it is in motion and the condition of the school has improved, we can charge less as admission fees", says K.C.
The students have even been demanding that concerned authorities should start the Bachelor’s level of education in this school so that they can be free from the hassle of going to the main cities such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, and others for graduate level studies. It is learnt that more than tuition fees the cost of food and lodging is very high in these cities.
Police rescue minor girls
SUNSARI, Dec 30 - Police rescued two girls, Binda Panta and Sanubaba Panta of Bharaul-3, from the Shreepur section of the Mahendra Highway last Sunday. They are students of the local Mahendra Lower Secondary School, according to the sisters.
Upon interrogation, the sisters informed that their father had deserted the family last year and that they had been searching for their mother who was missing from the house for three days. The police handed over the sisters to the Biratnagar branch of CWIN yesterday evening, according to a police source.
Upon interrogation, the sisters informed that their father had deserted the family last year and that they had been searching for their mother who was missing from the house for three days. The police handed over the sisters to the Biratnagar branch of CWIN yesterday evening, according to a police source.
Poaching reduces Red Panda popuation
BAGLUNG, Dec 30 - The poaching of the rare species of panda called Red Panda from the Dhorpatan wildlife conservation has intensified in the last few years. This was revealed when employees of this conservation park found a Red Panda caught in a trap set by poachers who smuggle these wild species which feed on bamboo leaves.
It is learnt that every year, employees of this wildlife conservation office have been deployed to make rounds of the jungle starting from mid-November to mid-January. During this year’s trip too, like that of last year they found a red panda caught inside a trap set by poachers.According to Dhan Bahadur Adai, field officer, 33 such traps were located inside the conservation area this year, while a year ago, 53 had been recovered from this region alone. The Department of National Park and Wildlife prohibits on the poaching of the red panda.
These species of pandas, which are considered very rare in the world, has been reported from Langtang, Sagarmatha, Kanchunjunga, Makalu and Dhorpatan region of the country. After the shifting of the conservation office to district headquarters, the data of the office showed sudden rise in poaching and smuggling of this rare animal species, contends the head of this office, Subansha Prasad Chaudhary.
The office was shifted after the Maoists destroyed the office in 2001. The employees of the office point out that it is not possible to patrol inside the conservation area and provide security without the help of the security personnel.
However, Prem Narayan Sharma, the Chief District Officer (CDO), says that they will arrange security for the patrolling purpose upon demand from the conservation office.
It is learnt that at times even deer get caught in the traps set for the red pandas. Red pandas are killed mostly for its skin and fur, which are used in the manufacture of luxury materials.
This wildlife conservation area stretches over 1,325 square kilometres of forest region in Baglung, Myagdi and Rukum. It is learnt that this conservation region has been divided into four blocks, and certain parts of it have been made open for hunting.
Some of the people have been hunting in the conservation region without official permission of the office. According to Chaudhary, just two years back lakhs of rupees used to be collected as revenue from the conservation region.
According to the field officer Dhan Bahadur, even the birds called Chir is on the verge of extinction, as sightings of these species of birds has fallen drastically. Red Panda and Chir have been regarded as the most important species of this region.
It is learnt that every year, employees of this wildlife conservation office have been deployed to make rounds of the jungle starting from mid-November to mid-January. During this year’s trip too, like that of last year they found a red panda caught inside a trap set by poachers.According to Dhan Bahadur Adai, field officer, 33 such traps were located inside the conservation area this year, while a year ago, 53 had been recovered from this region alone. The Department of National Park and Wildlife prohibits on the poaching of the red panda.
These species of pandas, which are considered very rare in the world, has been reported from Langtang, Sagarmatha, Kanchunjunga, Makalu and Dhorpatan region of the country. After the shifting of the conservation office to district headquarters, the data of the office showed sudden rise in poaching and smuggling of this rare animal species, contends the head of this office, Subansha Prasad Chaudhary.
The office was shifted after the Maoists destroyed the office in 2001. The employees of the office point out that it is not possible to patrol inside the conservation area and provide security without the help of the security personnel.
However, Prem Narayan Sharma, the Chief District Officer (CDO), says that they will arrange security for the patrolling purpose upon demand from the conservation office.
It is learnt that at times even deer get caught in the traps set for the red pandas. Red pandas are killed mostly for its skin and fur, which are used in the manufacture of luxury materials.
This wildlife conservation area stretches over 1,325 square kilometres of forest region in Baglung, Myagdi and Rukum. It is learnt that this conservation region has been divided into four blocks, and certain parts of it have been made open for hunting.
Some of the people have been hunting in the conservation region without official permission of the office. According to Chaudhary, just two years back lakhs of rupees used to be collected as revenue from the conservation region.
According to the field officer Dhan Bahadur, even the birds called Chir is on the verge of extinction, as sightings of these species of birds has fallen drastically. Red Panda and Chir have been regarded as the most important species of this region.
Son and mother turn husband and wife
SINDHULI, Dec 30 - Oedipus, an imaginary story of a husband-and-wife between a son and a mother comes out true in ward No-2 of Ambote VDC in Sindhuli district.
Forty-year-old Hasta Bahadur Damai and his 45-year-old step mother Kanchhi Damai have become true characters of the oedipus story.
Hasta Bahadur’s father had married for the second time after his first wife died. Likewise, both Hasta Bahadur and his step mother are widower and widow.The two widower and widow confessed to the villagers of their relationship and told them that they wouldn’t live separately from one another. The villagers expelled them from the village. Local intellectuals here believe that such incidents could invite anomalies in the society.
Forty-year-old Hasta Bahadur Damai and his 45-year-old step mother Kanchhi Damai have become true characters of the oedipus story.
Hasta Bahadur’s father had married for the second time after his first wife died. Likewise, both Hasta Bahadur and his step mother are widower and widow.The two widower and widow confessed to the villagers of their relationship and told them that they wouldn’t live separately from one another. The villagers expelled them from the village. Local intellectuals here believe that such incidents could invite anomalies in the society.
Maoists loot industrial bank in Chitwan
KATHMANDU, Dec 30 - A group of armed-Maoists today looted around Rs 1,50,000 in cash and other valuables from the main banking office of Narayani Industrial Development Bank at Ratnanagar in Chitwan. Bank manager Birendra Shrestha said that 17 Maoists, including two women, robbed the bank taking all the bank staff under control at gunpoint. The rebels made off with cash, jewels and computers within five minutes.
Meanwhile, a report from Dharan said that Maoist rebels have demanded Rs. 300,000 as ransom from the families for the release of their near and dear ones who are in Maoist captivity for the last two months.
The rebels had captured Suraj Lama, Binod Tamang, Binod Rai, Ranjan Rai, Abinash Rai and Deepak Tamang on charges of killing 62-year-old Padam Bahadur Rai about two months ago. Dhana Shobha Lama, mother of Suraj, said the Maoists had made several phone calls to her demanding Rs 50,000 in cash if she wanted to see her son released from their captivity.
Meanwhile, in Gulmi, the rebels have severely beaten up six cadres of the Peoples Front Nepal in Gwagha VDC.
In Dang, security officials handed two motorcycles seized from a Maoist hideout over to the family members of those killed by the rebels amidst a function held today in Ghorahi, the district headquarters.
The rebels had seized the motorcycles belonging to teacher Shri Hrasha Subedi of Manpur and Keshav Pun of Tribhuvan Municipality after both of them were shot dead about three months ago. The security forces recovered the bikes while carrying out a search operation at Simaltara Village of Rampur VDC.
Another report from Khotang said that two persons - Roman Karki and Bharat Khatri, both of the Chisapani VDC - have disappeared after the Maoists charged them with passing wrong information to the army against three civilians, including a teacher, who were later shot dead by the army. Teacher Hari Parasad Bhattarai and his two close relatives, Durga Koirala and Dakmani Koirala, in Chisapani were killed by the security forces three weeks ago on charges of being the Maoists. In a news bulletin aired by Maoist-run mobile FM radio, the rebels had warned of taking severe action against the accused if they failed to turn up before the Maoist court within a period of one month.
Meanwhile, a report from Dharan said that Maoist rebels have demanded Rs. 300,000 as ransom from the families for the release of their near and dear ones who are in Maoist captivity for the last two months.
The rebels had captured Suraj Lama, Binod Tamang, Binod Rai, Ranjan Rai, Abinash Rai and Deepak Tamang on charges of killing 62-year-old Padam Bahadur Rai about two months ago. Dhana Shobha Lama, mother of Suraj, said the Maoists had made several phone calls to her demanding Rs 50,000 in cash if she wanted to see her son released from their captivity.
Meanwhile, in Gulmi, the rebels have severely beaten up six cadres of the Peoples Front Nepal in Gwagha VDC.
In Dang, security officials handed two motorcycles seized from a Maoist hideout over to the family members of those killed by the rebels amidst a function held today in Ghorahi, the district headquarters.
The rebels had seized the motorcycles belonging to teacher Shri Hrasha Subedi of Manpur and Keshav Pun of Tribhuvan Municipality after both of them were shot dead about three months ago. The security forces recovered the bikes while carrying out a search operation at Simaltara Village of Rampur VDC.
Another report from Khotang said that two persons - Roman Karki and Bharat Khatri, both of the Chisapani VDC - have disappeared after the Maoists charged them with passing wrong information to the army against three civilians, including a teacher, who were later shot dead by the army. Teacher Hari Parasad Bhattarai and his two close relatives, Durga Koirala and Dakmani Koirala, in Chisapani were killed by the security forces three weeks ago on charges of being the Maoists. In a news bulletin aired by Maoist-run mobile FM radio, the rebels had warned of taking severe action against the accused if they failed to turn up before the Maoist court within a period of one month.
NPI panel formed
KATHMANDU, Dec 30 - The fourth general assembly of the Nepal Press Institute (NPI) concluded today after electing a new working committee.
P. Kharel, Durga Nath Sharma, Shova Gautam, Gokul Pokharel, Dhruba Hari Adhikari, Pushkar Lal Shrestha, Tirtha Koirala, Rajendra Dahal and Lal Deusa Rai have been elected to the nine-member working committee.
There is a provision for the nomination of office-bearers of the working committee from among the elected members.
Addressing the general assembly prior to holding the election, chairman of the institute Gokul Pokharel said it has become necessary to move the institute ahead more vigorously in line with the growing opportunities and challenges in the journalism sector.
He added that the institute has bought its own office building for its regional media resources centres in Biratnagar and Nepalgunj and was thinking of building its own office at the centre also.
Press institute's general secretary Bharat Datta Koirala, presenting the progress report, said the institute is making efforts for making journalism training activities in Nepal more effective and competitive with the cooperation of various national and international agencies.
Treasurer Rajendra Dahal said the institute received Rs 21,670,000 from DANIDA and Rs 4,671,000 from other agencies for conducting its various programmes in 2003.
P. Kharel, Durga Nath Sharma, Shova Gautam, Gokul Pokharel, Dhruba Hari Adhikari, Pushkar Lal Shrestha, Tirtha Koirala, Rajendra Dahal and Lal Deusa Rai have been elected to the nine-member working committee.
There is a provision for the nomination of office-bearers of the working committee from among the elected members.
Addressing the general assembly prior to holding the election, chairman of the institute Gokul Pokharel said it has become necessary to move the institute ahead more vigorously in line with the growing opportunities and challenges in the journalism sector.
He added that the institute has bought its own office building for its regional media resources centres in Biratnagar and Nepalgunj and was thinking of building its own office at the centre also.
Press institute's general secretary Bharat Datta Koirala, presenting the progress report, said the institute is making efforts for making journalism training activities in Nepal more effective and competitive with the cooperation of various national and international agencies.
Treasurer Rajendra Dahal said the institute received Rs 21,670,000 from DANIDA and Rs 4,671,000 from other agencies for conducting its various programmes in 2003.
Tailoring-cum-adult education programme for army widows
KATHMANDU, Dec 30 - The death of Bhogendra Bahadur Limbu in Mangalsen, Achham, when the Maoist rebels overran the military barracks, not only took away Dil Kumari Limbu’s soul mate but also the only breadwinner of her family.Dil Kumari is not an exception in facing such an inconsolable grief. With the armed struggle going on in the country, there are many others who are in a similar plight.
To make Dil Kumari and others self-reliant, the Army Wives Association (AWA) initiated the sewing training-cum-adult education programme.
Wives of ex-army personnel are contacted through district divisions and those interested are brought to Kathmandu for the training.
Trainees are facilitated with the basics including accommodation, meals, entertainment, and health check-ups during the 3-month-long training.
If the trainees have children below school-going age, they are allowed to bring one child with them during the training period. All the requirements of the child are met, including weekly visit by a paediatrician. They even have childcare facilities while the mothers are in class.
"If they have more than one child or in case of school-going children, they have to make provisions for them on their own at home or wherever convenient," said Sharmila Rana, treasurer of AWA. She added, "Due to the lack of space and expenses, we cannot permit more than one child per person."
Founded nearly a year before with the concept of Kamala Thapa, president of AWA, the training centre, constructed in a former kitchen of the Chhaunni Barracks has already produced two batches and is currently training the third group.
Presently, 27 army-widows, including Dil Kumari, are receiving training at Chhaunni. Professionals from Namuna Institute of Fashion Technology are training them.
"The training has given me hope. Previously, I used to feel helpless but now I think I can do something for my children and myself," said Sabitri Karki who hailed from Nuwkot. "After the completion of the course, I plan to open a small tailoring shop of my own back home."
Likewise, Ganga Adhikari who heard about the training from her two friends namely Dilmaya and Pratima plans to join them after the training. Her friends who also received the training from the centre are running small tailoring establishment of their own.
The cost for this good cause is solely met by what comes as donations from generous contributors. "Pakistan Embassy is one of our major donors," said Himali Chand, Member Secretary of AWA.
According to Chand, the wife of the Ambassador of Pakistan donated Rs. 300,000. Similarly, Madam Musaraff, wife of president of Pakistan, made a contribution of U.S. $ 5,000.
"We not only provide training, but also give them a sewing machine and NRs 5000 so that their skill doesn’t go waste," said Chand. She further said, "Donations are pouring in as we are going in an authentic way. But we still need more for furthering this project in a smooth manner. "Other remarkable works of AWA include Bijeswori School opened for the girl-children of lower ranking personnel, who otherwise are excluded from education opportunity. According to an AWA member, "The school currently caters to day-scholars only. We
are planning it into a residential school soon so that even those from remote areas are benefited."
To make Dil Kumari and others self-reliant, the Army Wives Association (AWA) initiated the sewing training-cum-adult education programme.
Wives of ex-army personnel are contacted through district divisions and those interested are brought to Kathmandu for the training.
Trainees are facilitated with the basics including accommodation, meals, entertainment, and health check-ups during the 3-month-long training.
If the trainees have children below school-going age, they are allowed to bring one child with them during the training period. All the requirements of the child are met, including weekly visit by a paediatrician. They even have childcare facilities while the mothers are in class.
"If they have more than one child or in case of school-going children, they have to make provisions for them on their own at home or wherever convenient," said Sharmila Rana, treasurer of AWA. She added, "Due to the lack of space and expenses, we cannot permit more than one child per person."
Founded nearly a year before with the concept of Kamala Thapa, president of AWA, the training centre, constructed in a former kitchen of the Chhaunni Barracks has already produced two batches and is currently training the third group.
Presently, 27 army-widows, including Dil Kumari, are receiving training at Chhaunni. Professionals from Namuna Institute of Fashion Technology are training them.
"The training has given me hope. Previously, I used to feel helpless but now I think I can do something for my children and myself," said Sabitri Karki who hailed from Nuwkot. "After the completion of the course, I plan to open a small tailoring shop of my own back home."
Likewise, Ganga Adhikari who heard about the training from her two friends namely Dilmaya and Pratima plans to join them after the training. Her friends who also received the training from the centre are running small tailoring establishment of their own.
The cost for this good cause is solely met by what comes as donations from generous contributors. "Pakistan Embassy is one of our major donors," said Himali Chand, Member Secretary of AWA.
According to Chand, the wife of the Ambassador of Pakistan donated Rs. 300,000. Similarly, Madam Musaraff, wife of president of Pakistan, made a contribution of U.S. $ 5,000.
"We not only provide training, but also give them a sewing machine and NRs 5000 so that their skill doesn’t go waste," said Chand. She further said, "Donations are pouring in as we are going in an authentic way. But we still need more for furthering this project in a smooth manner. "Other remarkable works of AWA include Bijeswori School opened for the girl-children of lower ranking personnel, who otherwise are excluded from education opportunity. According to an AWA member, "The school currently caters to day-scholars only. We
are planning it into a residential school soon so that even those from remote areas are benefited."
Philatelic exhibition on mountains held
KATHMANDU, Dec 30 - An exhibition of stamps bearing the images of Nepali mountains related to people and places was held at the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square this morning.
Along with the first of its kind exhibit, renowned photojournalists who have done much for the cause of promoting mountain tourism in Nepal through their photographs too were felicitated.
Ang Chhiring Sherpa, president of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and deputy-chairperson of the World Mountaineering Federation, who was the chief guest on the occasion, awarded tokens of appreciation, certificates and shawls to the photojournalists.
Those awarded on the occasion are famous Nepali names working for the country’s national publications, such as Min Bajracharya of Nepali Times, Bhim Gurung and Rajesh Dhungana of Gorkhapatra, Chandraman Maharjan of Rajdhani, Sagar Shrestha of Spacetime and Sundar Shrestha of Nepal Samacharpatra.NMA president Sherpa lauded excellent works these journalists have done by taking breathtaking shots of the Himalayas which had helped the tourism industry attract more visitors to the country every year.
The awards function was followed by a stamp exhibition. In the historic setting of the Durbar Square, freelance heritage photographer Padmasagar Kakshyapati displayed her huge collection of stamps to the assembled enthusiasts and mediapersons.
Stamps dating back 50 years and bearing images of scenic mountain views, historical figures and famous places were displayed in postcard-size paper which were blow-ups of the original stamps exhibited beside them.
The mountains depicted ranged from the world-famous to unheard of peaks. Everest, the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhre, Api, Pumori, Amadablam, Lhotse, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Cholatse, Nayan, Ganesh Himal, Langtang-Lirung Cho-Oyu, Nilgiri, Jugal Himal, Nuptse, Jannu, Pabil, Tukuche and Kanchanjunga and other gigantic peaks had been captured in their full glory in the stamps.
Along with these colossal mountains, there were also images of national personalities. Among them were the late King Mahendra, Nepal’s first elected prime minister Bishewshwor Prasad Koirala, King Birendra, the first Nepali woman Everest summiteer Pasang Lhamu Sherpa and celebrated mountaineer Babu Chhiri Sherpa too were featured in the exotic stamps galore of the avid collector Kakshyapati.The picturesque tea gardens of Ilam with Kanchanjunga looming over them, images of rare creatures such as the Lynx, Great Himalayan Berbet and Snow Leopard, the Tsho-Rolpa and Tilicho lakes, the exquisite Rara National Park, the Sagarmatha satellite-earth station too were depicted on the stamps collection.
The stamps exhibit was a daylong affair, attracting hundreds of stamp collectors, mountaineers, tourists and inquisitive passers-by.
Along with the first of its kind exhibit, renowned photojournalists who have done much for the cause of promoting mountain tourism in Nepal through their photographs too were felicitated.
Ang Chhiring Sherpa, president of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and deputy-chairperson of the World Mountaineering Federation, who was the chief guest on the occasion, awarded tokens of appreciation, certificates and shawls to the photojournalists.
Those awarded on the occasion are famous Nepali names working for the country’s national publications, such as Min Bajracharya of Nepali Times, Bhim Gurung and Rajesh Dhungana of Gorkhapatra, Chandraman Maharjan of Rajdhani, Sagar Shrestha of Spacetime and Sundar Shrestha of Nepal Samacharpatra.NMA president Sherpa lauded excellent works these journalists have done by taking breathtaking shots of the Himalayas which had helped the tourism industry attract more visitors to the country every year.
The awards function was followed by a stamp exhibition. In the historic setting of the Durbar Square, freelance heritage photographer Padmasagar Kakshyapati displayed her huge collection of stamps to the assembled enthusiasts and mediapersons.
Stamps dating back 50 years and bearing images of scenic mountain views, historical figures and famous places were displayed in postcard-size paper which were blow-ups of the original stamps exhibited beside them.
The mountains depicted ranged from the world-famous to unheard of peaks. Everest, the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhre, Api, Pumori, Amadablam, Lhotse, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Cholatse, Nayan, Ganesh Himal, Langtang-Lirung Cho-Oyu, Nilgiri, Jugal Himal, Nuptse, Jannu, Pabil, Tukuche and Kanchanjunga and other gigantic peaks had been captured in their full glory in the stamps.
Along with these colossal mountains, there were also images of national personalities. Among them were the late King Mahendra, Nepal’s first elected prime minister Bishewshwor Prasad Koirala, King Birendra, the first Nepali woman Everest summiteer Pasang Lhamu Sherpa and celebrated mountaineer Babu Chhiri Sherpa too were featured in the exotic stamps galore of the avid collector Kakshyapati.The picturesque tea gardens of Ilam with Kanchanjunga looming over them, images of rare creatures such as the Lynx, Great Himalayan Berbet and Snow Leopard, the Tsho-Rolpa and Tilicho lakes, the exquisite Rara National Park, the Sagarmatha satellite-earth station too were depicted on the stamps collection.
The stamps exhibit was a daylong affair, attracting hundreds of stamp collectors, mountaineers, tourists and inquisitive passers-by.
Book on freedom fighters released
KATHMANDU, Dec 30 - Mukunda Prasad Acharaya of Nepal Television (NTV) released a book entitled Nepal Ka Prajatantrik Andolan Ma Dui Shikhar Purus at a function organised here today by the Employees Union, stated an NTV press statement.
According to the statement, the book written by Jivan Nath Dhamala, programme producer of NTV, carries the information about the public hero Bishweshwor Prasad Koirala and senior leader of people’s movement -1990, Ganesh Man Singh.The book is divided into three parts and includes the life history of the personalities and their contribution to democracy.
According to the statement, the book written by Jivan Nath Dhamala, programme producer of NTV, carries the information about the public hero Bishweshwor Prasad Koirala and senior leader of people’s movement -1990, Ganesh Man Singh.The book is divided into three parts and includes the life history of the personalities and their contribution to democracy.
Age no bar when it comes to preserving tradition
KATHMANDU, Dec 30 - Shashank Tamu had all the more reason to come to Nepal this year. Having spent the entire good half of his life in Hong Kong, he was completely oblivious of the traditions and culture that his ancestors so proudly relished. But all this changed as he finally had the opportunity to dance to the tune of Sorathi today. "Only now, I do feel like belonging to a community", he said.
And Shashank was just one of the several hundred Gurungs who gathered at the premises of the Birendra International Convention Centre (BICC) in the capital today to live up to their identities. From all over the Kathmandu Valley and places as distant as Rumjatar and Pokhara, all these people had come to celebrate their much-coveted festival, Tamu Lhochhar.
Prior to the actual assemblage at the BICC, a parade of people, dressed in traditional Gurung attires had also walked all their way from Bhrikutimandap. This procession, which was led by a rickshaw carrying a monkey mannequin, included several performers and musicians playing indigenous Gurung instruments. It also carried the banners of several organisations that helped to organise the event.
While at the BICC itself, several stalls had been set up to cater the needs of the overwhelming turnouts. Interestingly, some of these stalls housed traditional Gurung priests - the Polcha, Zhabris and Lamas, where willing enthusiasts could, supposedly, get a glimpse of their future.
Lhochhar, which is celebrated at the last day of the lunar year, also marks the yearly changing of the animal signature that represents, foretells and predicts every incident of the year. As such, this Lhochhar has ushered in the year of the monkey and bid farewell to the year of the sheep. "The monkey’s years should be a time of peace and prosperity." said Chomba Tamu to The Kathmandu Post. One can only hope that he is right. In a short formal programme, organised prior to the actual celebration, Sekhar Tamu, the co-ordinator of the main organising committee, handed out prizes and certificates to the winners of the oratory, writing and sports competitions organised a day before. "The increasing interest of the youths in their culture is a positive step forward", he said.A horde of interesting cultural items, including the dhote, shipta and sorathi were also presented on the occasion. And making them even remarkable was the fact that some of the performers were well past their 60s. Age, it seemed was not a factor when it comes to preserving tradition.
At the end of the day, the most engaging and enjoyable programme, by far was the Dohari competition. Dohari, a uniquely Nepali style of singing usually involves two groups where each group takes a turn to tell something, almost anything to the other in prose. The group that fails to come up with an appropriate sonnet soon enough loses to the other.
And Shashank was just one of the several hundred Gurungs who gathered at the premises of the Birendra International Convention Centre (BICC) in the capital today to live up to their identities. From all over the Kathmandu Valley and places as distant as Rumjatar and Pokhara, all these people had come to celebrate their much-coveted festival, Tamu Lhochhar.
Prior to the actual assemblage at the BICC, a parade of people, dressed in traditional Gurung attires had also walked all their way from Bhrikutimandap. This procession, which was led by a rickshaw carrying a monkey mannequin, included several performers and musicians playing indigenous Gurung instruments. It also carried the banners of several organisations that helped to organise the event.
While at the BICC itself, several stalls had been set up to cater the needs of the overwhelming turnouts. Interestingly, some of these stalls housed traditional Gurung priests - the Polcha, Zhabris and Lamas, where willing enthusiasts could, supposedly, get a glimpse of their future.
Lhochhar, which is celebrated at the last day of the lunar year, also marks the yearly changing of the animal signature that represents, foretells and predicts every incident of the year. As such, this Lhochhar has ushered in the year of the monkey and bid farewell to the year of the sheep. "The monkey’s years should be a time of peace and prosperity." said Chomba Tamu to The Kathmandu Post. One can only hope that he is right. In a short formal programme, organised prior to the actual celebration, Sekhar Tamu, the co-ordinator of the main organising committee, handed out prizes and certificates to the winners of the oratory, writing and sports competitions organised a day before. "The increasing interest of the youths in their culture is a positive step forward", he said.A horde of interesting cultural items, including the dhote, shipta and sorathi were also presented on the occasion. And making them even remarkable was the fact that some of the performers were well past their 60s. Age, it seemed was not a factor when it comes to preserving tradition.
At the end of the day, the most engaging and enjoyable programme, by far was the Dohari competition. Dohari, a uniquely Nepali style of singing usually involves two groups where each group takes a turn to tell something, almost anything to the other in prose. The group that fails to come up with an appropriate sonnet soon enough loses to the other.
Capital has dirtiest air? WB denies saying so
KATHMANDU, Dec 30 - The World Bank Nepal Office today refuted a recent news report putting Kathmandu on the top of the 17 Asian cities with the dirtiest air, saying that the World Bank did not come up with any report like that, and that the fact was "misrepresented" by the press.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)