Two years in twelve inches of snow and intense humidity for three months in the beautiful town of St.Cloud Minnesota, it was time to touch base with my home country Nepal. My Father has his ancestral roots from Bhojpur a village in Nepal, but as for me I have always been from the capital, although I do remember the times when we used to go back to our village home to celebrate the festival of Dashain. As Nepal Airlines gradually descended towards the Tribhuvan International airport I had an emotional rarity because I would be meeting with the rest of my family after two long years.
I was happy and content to see that Nepal was taking necessary steps for incoming tourists and nationals to protect them from the H1N1 global epidemic scare. What I was dissatisfied with was the extent of dust, pollution, and the major population increase. My ride back home and I could see from my car the amount of masked men and women amidst the burning summer heat with their respective busy lives working tirelessly just to put food on the table. Nepal for certain has become expensive its as though another America, at least there you earn but pay less for food although bills are they, you tend to scrape through if you have two jobs or are in a highly paid profession. I really don’t know how people manage to live in Kathmandu, which is a major question that I would like to find a concrete answer to. People who fall in the lower and upper middle class obviously will survive against all odds, but what about the poor, the ones who have stalls, laborers, and the one’s who are below the poverty level? I don’t see any concrete welfare program because the government is really busy in its own set of bureaucracy and trying to maintain its faltering position against the opposition. The anticipated drafting of the constitution seems unlikely to be fulfilled in the set date.
I have taken the opportunity to travel around although it has been only two days and most readers may feel that I am jumping into uncertain conclusions for which they aren’t any base, but I am only trying to put down in simple words what mine eyes have seen in these past three days. I remember those days when I used to spend time with my friends in ndy’s a modest café and bakery in Mahabouddha, those were the days when a couple hundred was enough to feed the four of us. The other day I happened to be there with my brother and just for the two of us it was more than what I anticipated. I do know that we are in a bad recession and alongside it we are facing inflation, prices are sky-rocketing yet I still find people pushing through and living with it. It is time for us now to realize what our individual responsibilities are, are we here only to blame the government for every little issue that we have in our daily lives or to make a change within ourselves and apply that to our lives so that the society can change as a whole. I had gone to swim at Hardik a relatively nice place to swim and met a kid probably around 9 years of age, his name was Lobsang. He was serving food and working earning at a tender age when he ought to be schooling and educating himself. Towards the end of the day after I was done, I ended up giving him a personal tip. My cousins were there and we moved out, I was sitting on the front seat while my cousin was driving the car, we were stuck in a traffic jam near the Durbar Marg area because of the high volume of traffic, my windows were rolled mid-way and I was involved in a conversation with my cousin. I heard a knock at my window and saw this boy similar to the age of Lobsang who apparently was drugged I could sense that looking into his eyes, he faltered in his speech but he signaled he wanted money to buy something to eat, I looked at him with intensity, but finally decided that my following action was going to be for the better. I rolled up my windows and looked straight after which he moved on to another car behind us. Didn’t I do the right thing? Where there is one working hard trying to earn, the other has the habit of begging, had I given him money which I did have in plenty, I would have spoilt his habit and somehow hurt my own consciousness. Therefore, it is now for you all to decide, where crime is increasing day by day, frustrations are rising because of the prices and the faltering economy, where is the change that we are looking for? The answer lies in your deed, are you a responsible citizen.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
NC statute committee proposes multi-post leadership
A risky tale and yet another risky task to draw new referendums for a party which for long has been run by progeny. This undue effort should be applauded because that will definitely bring some new faces to light. Nepali Congress having the history of no other party in Nepal for bringing in the true spirit of democracy towards the face of Nepal has never been the same. Internal divisions and various factions have caused differences within party lines and have become internally crippled. There is no dearth of leaders and young faces, but when will these people be given their fair chance of representing the government. Nepali Congress has always been a family run affair where there is no chance for middle class educated able bodied people to represent, the only chance for this to happen would be to limit the tenure of the President and all the other related posts of the party. I would support Krishna Sitaula for his genuine efforts to draft this proposed change to the party constitution.
A strategic change is required in the Nepali Congress to rise from the rest of the political parties. We need to see a change in the manifesto of the party and its various statutes regarding policies towards Monarchy and Communism. Leadership opportunities should be outlined in a way in which there will be no more progeny or the existence of nepotism. Internship opportunities should be opened for students who are interested in serving the party along national and local lines; we should discourage active student involvement in politics and should stop using students as a political tool. We should think of a way to serve the poor and needy in the far flung villages where people are suffering of misery, then certainly we can hope to see some change and see our party rise.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Govt employees demand pay hike
I would term this as a legitimate demand made forward by the Government Employees considering their plight to the downcast global economy. What Nepal requires is efficient leadership which I’m sorry to state cannot be provided by a loser in the CA polls such as Nepal himself. Bureaucracy has weakened our system to a great extent and yet the people fail to realize the ways in which it is totally hampering living conditions of middle class citizens not to mention the poor in the villages who don’t have food on their table. There are certain safety measures that may be taken but I know for sure that it won’t materialize because of the amount of corruption from the bottom serf to high ranking officials representing the government.
The government should meet with the requirements of Government employees and raise their salaries in equal increments at par to sustain oneself in current dire straits. The Government should cut down jobless ministries where perks and allowances are over utilized and wasted. Currently there are 32 Ministers which is entirely unnecessary. Run the numbers for yourselves friends, stipends, salaries, free housing, cars and security for 32 people, some of which have nothing to do. Are we truly living in a democratic society where people have certain rights and lifestyles that they want? Absolutely not! We are in a ridiculous situation where too many cooks are spoiling the broth. I strongly urge the current government to meet the demands of the employees because they deserve it, not all government employees are corrupt, and even if they are it is none of their fault because it is what the system has taught them to be. For those honest employees their salaries are not enough to meet the rising costs of food, education, clothes and other necessities required for a decent life.
The government should meet with the requirements of Government employees and raise their salaries in equal increments at par to sustain oneself in current dire straits. The Government should cut down jobless ministries where perks and allowances are over utilized and wasted. Currently there are 32 Ministers which is entirely unnecessary. Run the numbers for yourselves friends, stipends, salaries, free housing, cars and security for 32 people, some of which have nothing to do. Are we truly living in a democratic society where people have certain rights and lifestyles that they want? Absolutely not! We are in a ridiculous situation where too many cooks are spoiling the broth. I strongly urge the current government to meet the demands of the employees because they deserve it, not all government employees are corrupt, and even if they are it is none of their fault because it is what the system has taught them to be. For those honest employees their salaries are not enough to meet the rising costs of food, education, clothes and other necessities required for a decent life.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Ex-King Gyanendra 'anguished' by deteriorating situation
Appealing and yet inadequate, that is the current expression, a silence broken from the old palace of Nagarjun. In the light of disturbing political events the royalists also have cast their views on the ongoing high and dry drama between the political parties, but not a single one has the answer to the question, when is this going to stop? For the records under Gyanendra Shah Nepal was certainly not well of, insurgency and armed destruction increased and scores of people lost their lives, they shed their lives for basically nothing.
Citizens of Nepal, when will you learn to be more responsible and accept reality the way it is. Nepal cannot afford to have a King living in all luxury while they are poorer citizens draining their blood in the villages just to meet bare necessities. We need to lessen the bureaucracy that we currently have and provide immediate relief measures to the villages and terai region which is obvious at this point, is famished. Are we going to bring back aristocracy in exchange for blood and toil of commoners? I guess not, that would be a misfortunate exchange. So citizens do realize your responsibilities and think for it yourself as to what is right.
Citizens of Nepal, when will you learn to be more responsible and accept reality the way it is. Nepal cannot afford to have a King living in all luxury while they are poorer citizens draining their blood in the villages just to meet bare necessities. We need to lessen the bureaucracy that we currently have and provide immediate relief measures to the villages and terai region which is obvious at this point, is famished. Are we going to bring back aristocracy in exchange for blood and toil of commoners? I guess not, that would be a misfortunate exchange. So citizens do realize your responsibilities and think for it yourself as to what is right.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Book Review: Hachette Book Group
The Secret Speech: Tom Rob Smith
Russia was certainly in turmoil after the death of Stalin and the end of his heinous dictatorship that meted atrocities to the entire Russian population. From the Gulags to the MGB everything is covered from head to tail with no stone unturned that is Tom Rob Smith in his wonderful story about a family on the verge of a collapse due to the uncertain political situation. Strong and family loving characters like Lazar and Anisya and the children they have adopted. The Secret Speech does not only give us the ride to the reality of living in such a ruthless era it also discusses family values and personal appreciation, most importantly a Father’s love for her daughter even though adopted.
This book is a must read for political science majors who are studying Russian politics. Not only does it give you the political structure of how the Secret Speech of Nikita Khrushchev was distributed amongst the masses, it also shows the brutality of the Stalin regime including destruction of the great Church of Sancta Sophia. It was immensely helpful for me to analyze certain aspects of Russian social life during that era. The Secret Speech is an emotional yet personal characterization of certain classes of people in the Russian society strongly affected after the death of Stalin.
Russia was certainly in turmoil after the death of Stalin and the end of his heinous dictatorship that meted atrocities to the entire Russian population. From the Gulags to the MGB everything is covered from head to tail with no stone unturned that is Tom Rob Smith in his wonderful story about a family on the verge of a collapse due to the uncertain political situation. Strong and family loving characters like Lazar and Anisya and the children they have adopted. The Secret Speech does not only give us the ride to the reality of living in such a ruthless era it also discusses family values and personal appreciation, most importantly a Father’s love for her daughter even though adopted.
This book is a must read for political science majors who are studying Russian politics. Not only does it give you the political structure of how the Secret Speech of Nikita Khrushchev was distributed amongst the masses, it also shows the brutality of the Stalin regime including destruction of the great Church of Sancta Sophia. It was immensely helpful for me to analyze certain aspects of Russian social life during that era. The Secret Speech is an emotional yet personal characterization of certain classes of people in the Russian society strongly affected after the death of Stalin.
NSU cadres demonstrate against alleged shooting
Student Politics in Nepal has taken yet another gruesome turn. After a shooting incident of an NSU Cadre, the students of the NSU have all the right to be heated up and protest against this ghastly act. Yet responsibility within students should arise within oneself, being a political science student I would love to enter active politics, I have stopped myself because I am rational and I want to fully educate myself, are you students doing the same? You are being misled by rapists who are literally raping our country from the degree of development that it deserves. How long will this charade last? Killing each other is easy; working together is something that is to be learnt and will take time. Students in Nepal currently have little or no future, and all because of dirty politics played in the centre. We have a government which is not approved by the people; the ones who are rightful owners are terrorists who terrorized our country for 11 whole years with thousands of deaths. When are we going to realize our personal responsibility and behave according to the aspirations of a true human being? Time is running out and later it may be worse, that what it is now.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Words of Wisdom Finally Spoken.
Currently to end the political turmoil necessity has surely taken a vouch even though from a cornerstone. Dr.Bhattarai has asked the citizens to be aware of the army rule that the current government under PM Nepal is planning to execute. This may be a statement blown out of all proportions on one despotic stance to generate support once again swindling the uneducated. How long are we supposed to tolerate this drama and pretend as though nothing is happening and everything is left for time to decide while politicians continue their dull craftsmanship. Colleges are disrupted and so is social life whether you are living in the cities or the villages. At a point when the economy is down in the gutters with increasing bureaucracy from the current system of government our country is certainly in loose ends. Therefore my people, to teach the people of Nepal what hard work really can provide, and to make them realize the importance of a true social life I would well say that I resolutely support the plan of an Army Rule.
We have to support this rule for the fact that it will cut down bureaucracy to a great extent. Jobless ministries will be scrapped out; it will automatically bring an end to the atrocities and intimidations from communist forces such as the Young Communist League. Government work could be made more effective and the army rule will ensure strengthening of national defense forces. All in all the people will be in a safer environment and people will be able to run business as usual without disruption. Imagine the amount of resources that would be saved from reckless politicians. It is time citizens to make a decision, we have seen naked faces of the attitude and intentions of Prachanda, and we have seen what a Maoist government can really bring to the people. Our decision will not only affect us but will be a trademark for our future generation. We need active support for the good work that the people are doing and turn harsh on those who have not been able to perform and are a hindrance to the society. The words of wisdom have finally been spoken and I feel it is time for a rule that would bring a permanent change, enemies of the state are scared and they should be, because people who lie and sway innocent masses into murder and burglary are terrorists who have no right to live. I just hope that the citizens of Nepal know what they want and act accordingly.
We have to support this rule for the fact that it will cut down bureaucracy to a great extent. Jobless ministries will be scrapped out; it will automatically bring an end to the atrocities and intimidations from communist forces such as the Young Communist League. Government work could be made more effective and the army rule will ensure strengthening of national defense forces. All in all the people will be in a safer environment and people will be able to run business as usual without disruption. Imagine the amount of resources that would be saved from reckless politicians. It is time citizens to make a decision, we have seen naked faces of the attitude and intentions of Prachanda, and we have seen what a Maoist government can really bring to the people. Our decision will not only affect us but will be a trademark for our future generation. We need active support for the good work that the people are doing and turn harsh on those who have not been able to perform and are a hindrance to the society. The words of wisdom have finally been spoken and I feel it is time for a rule that would bring a permanent change, enemies of the state are scared and they should be, because people who lie and sway innocent masses into murder and burglary are terrorists who have no right to live. I just hope that the citizens of Nepal know what they want and act accordingly.
Friday, July 03, 2009
A Few Things To Ponder Upon in the Current Nepalese Government.
1. Nepal currently has a Prime Minister who lost the elections on both fronts, and yet without any democratic approval was given a position he never deserved.
2. Cabinet expansion is only hurting our economy, salaries, stipends, and bribe, how much more can a Minister make when there are villages in Nepal where people are suffering and toiling endlessly for even bare necessities.
3. There are certain Ministries created only to legitimize and further relations amongst parties. A few good examples of such jobless Ministries in Nepal are “Minister without Portfolio” and “Peace and Reconstruction Minister”. Can you imagine the amount needed to fund these two jobless ministries? They are ripping our country, not to mention reckless Deputy Prime Ministers, isn’t one enough?
4. Our Security Measure seem to suck, and they do big time. Instead of having a Police Force as a whole, they have gone out of their way dividing them into Police, and APF, one armed and the other is probably left to die with a stick on his hand. Police need to be given a certain degree of power and freedom to the point that they are acting on the aspirations of the society. Crime and violence seem never ending on a once peaceful country; we need to solidify our image in front of the international arena rather than to be declared a failed state sooner or later. Our most important aspect should be national defense, we have proved ourselves to be weak and timid, hence we see border encroachment from neighboring countries, and we see militants and terrorist organizations actively planning to start their base in our homeland.
5. A tiny little country like Nepal has over 20 political parties, and have you ever thought that a country nearly 40 times larger than Nepal has only two. Our system is no longer democratic, it is total anarchy. Lawmakers are illegitimate, the elections that were declared and termed historical was nothing but a scam. We have not been given the rights to fairly caste our vote, threats, personal intimidation and constant harassment towards the people from certain armed forces were decisive factors. When will the people realize that to be educated is an important aspect, and to be fickle minded and sway away on a piece of crap like the Communist Manifesto is never going to change and develop Nepal. Yea it will certainly develop “Nepal though”. So I feel it is time for us to decide what is best for us, is it to fight for the betterment of our social rights, or is it just to stand and watch pretending as though nothing is happening.
2. Cabinet expansion is only hurting our economy, salaries, stipends, and bribe, how much more can a Minister make when there are villages in Nepal where people are suffering and toiling endlessly for even bare necessities.
3. There are certain Ministries created only to legitimize and further relations amongst parties. A few good examples of such jobless Ministries in Nepal are “Minister without Portfolio” and “Peace and Reconstruction Minister”. Can you imagine the amount needed to fund these two jobless ministries? They are ripping our country, not to mention reckless Deputy Prime Ministers, isn’t one enough?
4. Our Security Measure seem to suck, and they do big time. Instead of having a Police Force as a whole, they have gone out of their way dividing them into Police, and APF, one armed and the other is probably left to die with a stick on his hand. Police need to be given a certain degree of power and freedom to the point that they are acting on the aspirations of the society. Crime and violence seem never ending on a once peaceful country; we need to solidify our image in front of the international arena rather than to be declared a failed state sooner or later. Our most important aspect should be national defense, we have proved ourselves to be weak and timid, hence we see border encroachment from neighboring countries, and we see militants and terrorist organizations actively planning to start their base in our homeland.
5. A tiny little country like Nepal has over 20 political parties, and have you ever thought that a country nearly 40 times larger than Nepal has only two. Our system is no longer democratic, it is total anarchy. Lawmakers are illegitimate, the elections that were declared and termed historical was nothing but a scam. We have not been given the rights to fairly caste our vote, threats, personal intimidation and constant harassment towards the people from certain armed forces were decisive factors. When will the people realize that to be educated is an important aspect, and to be fickle minded and sway away on a piece of crap like the Communist Manifesto is never going to change and develop Nepal. Yea it will certainly develop “Nepal though”. So I feel it is time for us to decide what is best for us, is it to fight for the betterment of our social rights, or is it just to stand and watch pretending as though nothing is happening.
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