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| Bhunte | Posted
on 28-Sep-03 04:01 AM
Hey friends, here are my few observations about Kathmandu during my brief stay there. It is a comparision against what it was nearly a decade ago. There are both goods and bads. Please add on as you read through. It will be easier for one to assess where we are now. thx 1. Too many people, autos (mainly maruti cars/cabs), motorcycles. Everyone seems to be in hurry. 2. Too difficult to cross major avenues like darbarmarg, putalisadak, baneswar, newroad, etc. 3. High inflation--everything is expensive in relative terms as the the price is almost like in US. A 20 minute local call costs one about $0.50. 4. Older autos, buses gradually phased out and replaced by newer one 5. Convenient bus and cab services 6. Too many internet cafes and STD/ISD shops 7. Footpaths have worsened too much due to wear and tears but no repairs--probably due to too much pedestrianian's pressure on footpaths. So many holes on side and link street. One may hardly see black tops in these streets. 8. Streets looks like as if i am walking in a tunnel. It is because people have made high fenced walls due to security concerns. 9. Streets are terribel after 8pm due to lack of street light and no people walking there. 10. No safe drinking water, no safe streets. 11. Air pollution due to aging autos seems to have decreased, but sound pollution is terrible. You may soon get deaf due to the noises in the street. 12. High unemployment 13. Dramatic decline of tourists--one can hardly see tourists in thamel and basantapur area 14. Chowk chowk ma military haru 15. The crowd in embassies suggest everyone trying to get out of the country. 16. Foods are adultrated--easily caught up with gastro-intestinal disease in 2 weeks or so. 17. Many nursing homes, engineering colleges, medical colleges, 12 class schools, DVLottery application centers,etc 18. Lack of accountability in political system 19. Frequent julus/mass meetings but participation rate is low and it has been a part of daily life 20. Freedom of speech Please continue from here if you realized something different there. thx |
| oys_chill | Posted
on 28-Sep-03 08:56 AM
Mr. Bhunte, Allow me to say this: for a person who's so adept in selling negative views about Nepal and its cities, I am not surprised at your another mockery of Kathmandu. Perhaps, Bhunte jyu, you should ask the citizens there in kathmandu, who have lived there life throughout and ask them to compare the life ten years ago and now. Of course, a lot of things have worsened. But then, a lot of things have improved. Nepal is not a first world country. It is not even a third world country. Third world countries have enough potential to bounce back. Our greatest resource, intelligent youths like yourself, are busy idolizing kathmandu to be a tourist destination rather than your home. Isn't it so easy to find faults living abroad and making impossible policies that could change Nepal rather than being part of its everyday life? Oh well! of course, your observations, and your freedom to note what you want. The biggest thing I see studying abroad about Nepal is the resilience in our society. Even in the most precarious of times, when their life are most acutely affected; people still have faith and go around doing their daily chores, and celebrate the festivals. Yes, many are losing their faith, but there are still some who have hope--least they can do is hope, and most live inside that hope and keep their daily lives intact. Iti. |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 28-Sep-03 05:18 PM
Dear Mr/Ms/Mrs. Oys_Chill, What's happening there in Nepal in the recent past decade will be a chilling memory to all in Nepalese history. History will never forgive the wrong doers there. Unfortunately, I can smell that you are in a way admiring the wrong doers by concealing the truth in that part of the world; praising the pains and plights of the people there; and promoting people to continue to make mistakes again and again. But, I am not like the Neero of ancient Rome who have the gut to watch the burning city. And, neither I am the type of 'janta' who priase the legendary naked king marching in the street with his fabulous cloths. Having said that in general, I am not selling negative views about the situation there. My suggestion for you to criticize yourself. And you will see improvements from there. Indeed I met to people of different walks of life there (you will be surprised to learn whom i met there but i'm not going to write that here) and talk about the situation now and then. But, the response was overwhelmingly negative. The lives of people haven't imporved there. The stinky toilets are still in situ in the corners of Ranipokhari and Tundikhel. You can still see people peeing on the fences of Ratnapark. Oys said: >>>>>Of course, a lot of things have worsened. But then, a lot of things have improved. Nepal is not a first world country. It is not even a third world country. Third world countries have enough potential to bounce back. <<<<<<< You already have agreed that a lot of things have worsened. But, where do you see signs of improvements? If i have missed any, the purpose of the thread is to enlist them all so far possible. ha ha ha... Nepal is not even a thirld world country re??? say it again, please! Nepal is not even a thirld world country re??? Can anyone here help Oys and take a small quiz. thanks. Yes, thirld world country bounces sharply when things are in order. But we are not yet there. Oys further said: >>>>>>.... Even in the most precarious of times, when their life are most acutely affected; people still have faith and go around doing their daily chores, and celebrate the festivals. Yes, many are losing their faith, but there are still some who have hope--...<<<<<<<<< Celebrate festivals??? My dear, festivals are on the verge of extinction. People outside ktm no longer celebrate many festivals in public due to current situation in the country. My dear Oys, come to Sajha after 50 years with this thread to discuss about where our cultures and festivals will be in the next half century. Sorry for my pessimism. But I am optimistic as well. |
| oys_chill | Posted
on 28-Sep-03 06:24 PM
I want to know Mr. Bhunte, WHERE WILL YOU BE IN NEXT 50 years? Will you continue to inject venoms of filth and atrocities to people who are all aware of the problems? Will it be your sole effort to remove every Nepali from the country and inhibit any back flow?Will you continue your stardom of ridiculing our own society in public forums ,blaming every politician, king and the maoists for every god damn problem that exists! yes, of course, u r the only satya harischandra that remains in this world today, who can pull our country from the black pot of hell right? Yes, you are the sole savior to make Nepal blossom to switzerland overnight, without any efficient manpower. That must be your oustanding thesis to get your doctorate eh? WELL DONE! I am nor pro king, nor pro maoist, nor i lean to any political party. The scenario that nepal faces just didn't rise from the so called culprits u have blamed. We are all partlly responsible for it. Yes, ALL OF US. Think about it, we too have been part of the racial injustice that lingers, the part of the oppression that existed. OH no! how could you be part of it? you must have been ABROAD, unscathed by filth we all grew up in. and now u go back and suddenly you see all the disgusting things in the capital? oh no! they never existed before. Leaving this topic aside, I believe the purpose of your thread was focused on KATHMANDU A DECADE LATER...and not the whole country? or am i having dyslexia? yes, you can go on to list other million other negative things about kathmandu and I will continue to protest that there are good things about my birthplace too, which a brain drained NEPALI TOURIST WON'T SEE. If you are too good for Kathmandu Mr. Bhunte, Well, noone's forcing you to return and label the filths u see there. Stay away. Its better for you and for us. Yes, Kathmandu will continue to degrade, for we have wonderful intellectuals like you who'll continue to only see the problem and bark out the solutions here. OH YES, Nepal is NOT EVEN A third world country. If you have kept upto date with recent social theories, perhaps you wouldn't be laughing at yourself. Yes, third world countries are china and india today who have enough resources to bounce back. There are even fifth world countries.....shall i quiz you now, mr. omniscient? oh of course, u don't have time, u r too busy saving Nepalis from the atrocities committed in Nepal daily. I beg for pardon! Reread the topic of your posting bhunte bru, perhaps, that will help clear some things :), or you can go on with your "my ox's still 12 dollars" arguments:) In peace! |
| ashu | Posted
on 28-Sep-03 06:43 PM
Oys-Chill, Anonymous postings can be deceiving. If you only knew Bhunte's particular background or if you meet him in person and do guff-suff with him, you'd have nothing but admiration and respect for him and for his love for Nepal. From what I can see, Bhunte is just trying to start a discussion and not a jhagada. Just my thoughts, hai. oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| SITARA | Posted
on 28-Sep-03 06:45 PM
Bhunte ji: Yes, the facts hurts, as it has hurt many! Sadly, and heavy-heartedly I made similar observations after trying futilely to remain in my initial "honeymoon" phase of homecoming. But, coming from a social science background , my training did not allow me to ignore the glaring psychocological lull of many youth suffering from unemplyment. FEAR of both RNA and the Maoists, is still a major underlying factor playing in people's psyche. |
| oys_chill | Posted
on 28-Sep-03 06:49 PM
yah and i am just pouring out my opinions as compelled by his tone :) agree with you, online voices are always deceiving. :) and sometimes its better they remain anonymous. sorry if i was offensive ;) that's It from this thread. Hw dherai cha kya ;) chow! |
| SITARA | Posted
on 28-Sep-03 06:51 PM
facts hurt* ********************************************* Ashu, I wish I had met you when I had been back home. Actually, I did meet a few US returnees and interviewed them. It was really an exceptional experience talking to them about their hopes, aspirations, and experiences; actually, an eyeopener. Well, maybe next summer, I will have the pleasure of meeting you. |
| sankaa | Posted
on 28-Sep-03 08:18 PM
Guys , my biggest fear that holds me from returning back to Nepal is not Maoists,or RNA or poverty or whatever whatever things that Bhunte has listed above. My one and only fear is people like you guys (everyone who has written here in this thread , besides Oys and Ashu ji). You guys think that everyone in Nepal is a losers and you guys have hit the jack pot? bravo bravo.. well, i don't have any problems on what you think but do not try to persuade us or try to give us complex that we are any inferior than you just because we have a hope to go back to Nepal or are already in Nepal. well!, we all have different values in our lives. For bhunte ji, pointing draw backs on living in Nepal and thinking that he has been saved might be a great living value to hold on to. For sitara ji, doing research on depressed and culturally brain washed -frustrated -Mtv culutred-Nepali youths, who think America's streets are paved with gold might be a valuable thing to do.I wonder if she has done any research on homeless, teen age mom, white trash, hate crime vitimed and illegal people who have been made slaves with the "generous laws" here in the USA. She can start out from DC. However, there are lots of people out there who think living in Nepal would still be the valuable thing to do. So , i do not understand why some people are trying to put a tag of stupidy or having a low life to Nepal returnees' forehead. Forgive me if you did not like my concern. |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 28-Sep-03 09:36 PM
Ashu, thanks for your kind words. I was just surfacing the idea of growing urban poverty, and Kathmandu and like cities are increasingly gripped with it. Urban poverty is very serious one when we already have one. Sitara, Yes, it hurts a lot. Kyarnu ra khukuri ko chot achhano lai matra tha hunchha re. And, i was not romanticizing the pains and griefs there. Oys, I am not offended at all. I can easily understand the sentiment there about Nepal and Nepal. Moreover, this small guy is still learing. Your input is greatly appreciated. We are here for the imporvement of the lives of people there wherever we are. |
| CN | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 12:45 AM
While this reading thread for the first time. I wanted to add one more point to Bhunte's list. "One too many smart asses NRN (non resident nepalese) like yourself." But thinking twice, what he said is very true. But you can not ignore the fact that now more and more Nepali, residing in Nepal, are more informative and ready for changes for the betterment of the country. Few but applaudable frame work has been initiated. Such as Bishnumati, Bagmati link road, Highway way from Dhulikhel to Bardibas, New Highway to Hetauda through Pharping, NTC Mobile service and of course US return Harvard Educated Mr. Ashu's contribution through Aadhar. 10 years ago MaitigharChowk used to look ugly, not anymore (though most part of the valley still looks ugly). What I am trying to say is there are changes for better or worse. Yes, many are without much plans but atleast now they are planning. BTW,sorry about that "wise ass" Comment, Just had to get it out of my system because of instant aggression. |
| SITARA | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 03:56 AM
Sankaa ji: I was not aware, we were discussing DC. Am I allowed to stay within the context of the thread title? As for knowing DC, sire, I have been working with inner city kids and their parents for a looooooooooong time. And no, the "culture of mental poverty" handed down from days of slaverly is NOT something I read in the history books. "You guys think that everyone in Nepal is a losers and you guys have hit the jack pot? bravo bravo.. well, i don't have any problems on what you think but do not try to persuade us or try to give us complex that we are any inferior than you just because we have a hope to go back to Nepal or are already in Nepal." Sankaa Is this a wishful thinking or just onother of your enraged assumption/s?! Have we hit the jackpot? NOT yet, but it does make me feel thankful when I am able to send money home (however little) to support my family. As for returning to Nepal, what would you know about my plans for the future, that you have assumed I may not???? So, you ARE afraid of returning to Nepal, because of people like us, who dare to have opinions that don't match yours????!!!! My sympathies, sire, may you find more constructive reasons that don't need to be justified! |
| isolated freak | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 04:16 AM
Oys bhai, K ho... dherai deen pachi sankeko jasto cha ni? |
| RBaral | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 05:39 AM
All concerns, except the followings, are age old. >>5. Convenient bus and cab services >>6. Too many internet cafes and STD/ISD shops >>9. Streets are terribel after 8pm due to lack of street light and no people walking >>there. >>13. Dramatic decline of tourists--one can hardly see tourists in thamel and >>basantapur area >>14. Chowk chowk ma military haru >>15. The crowd in embassies suggest everyone trying to get out of the country. >>17. Many nursing homes, engineering colleges, medical colleges, 12 class schools, >>DVLottery application centers,etc Things change with time. What do you say about the followings? 1. No video centers, as there used to be around 2040 2. No crowd on Cinema theaters 3. Several Departmental stores (all over Kathmandu) 4. Youths playing Cricket (as opposed to Football on good old times) 5. You rarely witness residents of Asan and Bagbazar throwing trashes out from their windows 6. Fitness centers 7. Traffic lights and one way streets List goes on. |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 05:46 AM
CN: thx. Yes, the mobile phone service (the voice quality poor) is now there along with link roads u mentioned are some positives. Further to add my points above: 1. Houses South to Ranipokhari demolished from the point of vew of historie aesthetics/conservations. However, now demolished area is like gaucharan. Some beautification is needed. The environmental lawyer who litigated to demolish the bldgs was with me few weeks ago with me, and have suggested the next step to beautify the area. Let's see. 2. There are no Sarki dai haru around New York's Peepal Bot. So no boot polishing, no Golche sarki dai there. Instead, I found the lot filled with motorbikes. I thought those motorbikes were for rent, but I came to know later that that was the paid parking lot. 3. No tarkari bazar in Asan. 4. No vehicular movement in Basantapur durbar square area. Only few Ricsaw pullers. 5. Late Narayan Gopal's statue at Maharajganj-ringroad |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 05:57 AM
RBaral: Agreed that some of the changes have dynamic element there. Yes, no trash throwing in Ashan because of privatization of garbage collectoions seems effective to much extent Yes, as u noted Dept stores/fitness centers and Traffic light/one way traffic.... |
| dautari | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 09:00 AM
Bhunte jee: did you observe these facts: * Hollywood blockbusters at revamped Jai Nepal Cinema. * Too many radio stations (FM) .. but none without any standard format (each stations plays anything it can get its hands on) * A lot of Cable TV providers and ISPs. * At least five Nepali TV channels. (KTV, Channel Nepal, Nepal One, Image Metro besides NTV) * No neelo sajha bus. * Too many brands of taiyari chow chow. * a feeling of lack of security among the city dwellers * "Mulya Ek Samaan Anek" (Rs.99 stores) on every street. * Too many "dohori saanjh" restaurants replacing "ghazal" restaurants, "dance" restaurants and "cabin" restaurants * A large number of Chinese motorcycles * Speaking of chinese - did you notice chinese hawkers on the streets ? Whatever you do don't go and get into a discussion with the chinese hawkers as the most Nepalese do with "madhise" people ... the chinese hawkers really have a very short fuse. Just a few observations ... to add to Bhunte jee's list. |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 03:05 PM
Dautari, thanks and Yes they arebut didnt encounter Chinese hawkers..... Further to add above: 1. Many finance companies, easy access to loans for consumptions 2. Bank saving interst rate declined dramatically well below 5% (Muddati khata rate used to be as high as 14%) 3. Local newspapers in Colorful prints 4. Overhead bridges at major crossings around Ratnapark/tundikhel 5. Real estate development spurring (housing development by a company and selling individual apt unit) 6. I didn't notice village vendors of local roosters (kukhuras) in bamboo 'tokari' in front of Bir Hospital 7. Sajha blg next to army hospital is sliced away 8. Gas wala tempo/microbus 9. A big red bldg complex in Chabel-baudha area (Hotel??) |
| sankaa | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 03:53 PM
sitara ji, I already said what i wanted to say up there. My belief is , if my mom is poor and we were having problems cuz of the poverty in our house, then if my luck turns around sometimes , i wouldn't call her poor, begger, talk about how she couldn't feed me , how she used to wear torn clothes, how she was suffereing from diseases and how she did dis and dat to survive, infront of the world and tell people how sorry i am to born from that mom and at the same time add couple lines like , oh I get frustrated, oh i wish it was like that at the end to make it sound like I am concerned. I belive that if our moda is suffereing then we should rather help her out than telling her problems to the world and just yap yap yaping about it. Think Nepal as your mom, and you should. Good thing you're helping out those innecer citykids. Do something for Nepal like that too... if you havn'et done anything yet.. cuz Nepal needs you no less than those inner city kids; there are lots of street children and childerens wokring in carpet factories too. with all the respect to you and your beautiful picture, Sankaa Bahadur...... haha.... |
| ashu | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 05:22 PM
Sitara wrote: >>>Ashu, I wish I had met you when I had been back home Well, unless my plans change for something even better, I'll be here in our maatri.bhoomi till the summer of 2005. If you happen to come for a visit before that, sure, let's meet and do guff-suff over a sumptuous Thakali meal. If not, well, we will surely meet in DC or Boston or NYC someday. The world remains a small place :-) **************** Dautari, now that I know who you are, it's a pleasant surprise to find you here on Sajha. In Kathmandu, I was wondering where you were these days. Anyway, now that you are here, I hope you'll contribute your ideas, experiences and observations especially on matters related to the Nepali arts/music/film and communication scenes -- areas that lie within your expertise. On another note, I meet Bacchu Kailash Dai once in a while for dinner and guff-suff, and, and it's too bad that he does not want to sing anymore. ********************************* Interesting thread. oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| Echoes | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 05:53 PM
Namaste! With due respect to all, I personally see nothing offensive in either Bhunte's original posting and Sitara's remarks. To the best of my comprehension, none of their postings is advocating for or against going back to Nepal, which, as someone mentioned on a different thread, a matter of personal choice. However, nothing can be further from the truth. Kathmandu DOES have problems, and I don't understand why they should not be discussed on a forum like this. I personally find it very disappointing that some of the posters feel offended to talk about those, and react in a manner that is clearly directed towards discouraging the freedom of expression, in addition to attacking the posters personally. To me, that is only undemocratic and irresponsible behavior. Let us end the hypocrisy. Kathmandu (and Nepal) has serious problems as much as it is beautiful. Nevertheless, that does not and should not mean that everybody should abandon Kathmandu or those who are abroad should not return. But it is also not true that you cannot help Kathmandu (or Nepal) because you don't live there. But please put an end to inappropriately hurting those who participate to share their views here. |
| SITARA | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 06:51 PM
Sankaa ji: Well, what can I say, I refuse to argue with off-tangent logic! :) As for kids in US, we are all human beings...I don't discriminate. Some of my beloved students have to be identified for their "problems" (speech, cognitive challenges, ADD, sequential memory lapse...etc.) before help can be given to them. Much as I would like to close my eyes and say " Everything is OK, functional, beautiful", I know, I would be doing all a dis-service to be in denial of glaring facts. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Echoes ji: Very objective observations; unfortunately, many do take offence and take a defensive stance. But the more defensive one gets at things unwarranted, the more the observer wonders at the reasons behind it. A psychological query is: Are "we" convincing our readers or "ourselves"!!!! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ashu: Thakali food it is then! But yes, we shall meet. :) |
| sankaa | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 07:10 PM
surezz sitar ji, you certainly deserve a medal for all your hard work and talents in here. |
| VincentBodega | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 07:36 PM
Oys_chill, Unlike your name, what the heck was that? :) So you love your country so much yeah? What the heck are you doing here? Spending your precious time and money in the foreign land? Let me answer that for you. You are getting EDUCATED right? Damn, this "education" has been panacea to everything these days. If you really think that being patriotic or even just going back to Nepal will alleviate the lives of the Nepalese, theres something we are not seeing eye to eye in. You want to develop Nepal, well let me be the first to tell you go do it. NOW!!! Your US education is not gonna do anything. Infact, I can tell you flat out that the classes you are taking and the stuff you are learning will never be used for the development of Nepal. I can even guess what you are studying if you give me three options. And yes I still believe Nepal will never be able to benefit from your learning. Lets face it. We are all (esp. the people who are in the States) kinda culprits to this mass killing of our Nation. We bailed out. Took the easy route out. I am fine with that. What I am not fine with is some idealistic jargon totally opposite of ones action. Sometimes people speak about what they WANT to be and in that they forget what they ACTUALLY are. Bhunte, I dont know what made you write what you wrote, but I would like to add one thing to the list # Nepali Rap will be better and bigger than B.I.G himself N-joy. --BV |
| SITARA | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 07:56 PM
Sankaa ji: What medal???????... for earning a living within your brand of "unpatriotic sentiments"? Hai hai, Sankaa ji, such animosity! :( |
| ashu | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 08:28 PM
Two good examples: Ever since Kanak Mani Dixit recovered from his spine-related injury in 2000-01 (he fell off a trekking trail and was found three days later, almost on the brink of death), he has been a champion of spinally injured people of Nepal. And when Kanak -- the numero uno Nepali Connector (to use a 'tipping point' jargon), or the man who knows everyone worth knowing on Planet Earth -- puts his mind to do something, incredibly stunning things happen -- attracting first-rate people to his cause, funding from afar and networks and the whole shebang. Thanks to Kanak's initiative, Spinal Injury Rahab Center at Jorpati has attracted a lot of attention, money, socialites and other supporters, and has even initiated inter-nation medical exchange programs. The Center has a Web page, and has recently produced a well-made documentary film. Somebody at the Center recently told me that there is this new sense of energy and vitality there at the Center these days. I think that's great. Though it would be unfair to give all the credit to Kanak alone, it'd be perfectly honest to say that Spinal Injury Center would surely not have attracted this much attention had it not been for Kanak's work. Lesson? One person with networks and drive can make a lot of difference in any area in Nepal. *************************** Likewise, for some years, I have been following the works of Mahendra "Honda" Shakya. Honda, the basketball aficiando, has single-handedly helped revive the Nepal Basketball Association (NeBA). Calm and cool, he has mediated among the usually warring Nepali sports officials, and has gotten them to work with one another by putting their differences aside. He has recruited first-rate people to staff the Basketball Association, and has pushed the Association to organize girls', men's and junior's basketball tournaments. Not many people know that there has been a proliferation of basketball courts in Kathmandu. Honda has also helped put together the Nepali National Team, and has convinced the Stadium people to allow using their court for practice and games. And, through this all, Honda is smart enough to keep his profile low and put his ego in check, and give all the credit to the appropriate HMG sports officials. Honda has also made contacts with Basketball Associations in others parts of South Asia. When I asked him what his dream for NeBA is, Honda -- who runs commercially successful restaurants, said, "I want to see Nepal as a basketball powerhouse in South Asia in five years." Lesson? Well, you already know it, don't you? oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| VincentBodega | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 09:55 PM
Ashuji, First this first, you said- "And when Kanak -- the numero uno Nepali Connector (to use a 'tipping point' jargon), or the man who knows everyone worth knowing on Planet Earth --" Well thats a pretty wanker of a statement there. He doesnt know me and for that reason he doesnt know if I a worthy person to be known or not...Law of commonsense!!! Anyways lets get to the meat of this topic. Making differences... Who did Kamal Mani Dixit make all this "difference" for? Someone who can pay big bills right??? and how many Nepalese fall in and out of the category. Heck, even I cant afford health care in Nepal, and I think I am pretty rich. So I will let you analyze the "difference" here. The same goes for Mr. NeBA. What is there that an average Nepali should be happy about in these two examples. Who cares if theres the tallest building in the capital if I people dont have shoes to walk in? Are we seeing eye to eye here? ******************************************** You really want to talk about developing Nepal? I know you are a smart guy , even Harvard told you so right? I thought you would figured this out. If you want to develop Nepal, go back to your roots and thats the ONLY place where you can even think about making a difference. One of the major mistakes in the history of Nepal was committed by Prithvi Narayan Shah when he thought that just by overtaking the rule from the Malla Kings he would be able to continue the prosperous regime that the Mallas had. He had no idea what kinda people he was dealing with or what kinda cultural setting he was trying to intervene in. And that intervention still exists. In my opinion he shouldve gone to Gorkha to rule from there. Look at Kathmandu then and now. Life was good then. The same can happen, if and only if people go back to their roots and start there. Well the aggressors might think that they have won over Newars and Kathmandu but they are not seeing the fact that its slipping away from them too and theres nothing they can do as it was never theirs. Now we are not even talking about the differences in Nepal and the US. Now its between kathmandu and Kakarvitta... shouldnt be that bad right? Can anyone of you whos making a fortune in the capital give that up and take the real path of developing the nation? Again I will let you do the "difference" here. So the lesson from my end of the story is "Can you diggit?" "Do you have it in you?" n-joy --BV |
| VincentBodega | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 10:01 PM
well a couple of typos... Instead of "First this first" it shouldve been first thing first... and I think I called the Kanak Mani Dixit, Kamal mani Dixit.. ooops... And one more question, since this is such an intriguing example, How many Kanak manis have to break different parts of their bodies before they make a difference by building a hospital. Thats a lot of breaking there and I will let you find the "difference" in this as well. |
| ashu | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 10:44 PM
VD, These mini-stories concerning basketball and spinal injuries are ONLY two of 10,000 more positive (to me, anyway) VIGNETTES of what is possible in Nepal in various areas. That's all. Since I am a die-hard believer of each person's doing sano, sano but positive work in his/her area of concern (whatever that area of concern might be!) in Nepal with the hope that all these diverse, disparate good efforts will all somehow add up to making better, positive results for all, I am -- by temperament and background -- drawn to such stories, and enjoy sharing them wth others. If you find that offensive, fine. I can live with it all right. Disclosure: I am involved with neither Spinal Injury Center nor with the NeBA, though I have known both Honda and Kanak for a number of years, and while I have publicly disagreed with them on some issues, I greatly appreciate their passion, their energy for what they do. oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| VincentBodega | Posted
on 29-Sep-03 11:00 PM
Ashuji, I am not offended by your examples. I am just trying to see where they fit in the general context of Nepal. I am not saying you are involved in these two events. How many among the "10000" stories really do justice to people who have to worry to about what they gonna eat the next day? I have few of my friends working or great stuff - I love these friends - but again their work is for the people who dont need their help. The poor and helpless are being left behind in this race we are in. Thats all I am trying to say. To be honest with you I dont even know where all these came about from the post I wrote for Mr. Oys. I want people to do what they say and not say what they wish they could do. The only major thing that I didnt agree with you was the first paragraph when you said he knows all the people whos worth knowing. I hate blasphemy, especially when its inflicted on the less fortunate. Thats all So again no offense, just trying to discuss this matter with one of the best writers I have seen. -- BV |
| oys_chill | Posted
on 30-Sep-03 04:35 AM
Well, had retired from this thread fair n square !! >>What the heck was that all about, huh vb jyu? Interesting question! Even I am wondering now ;). Sometimes, I let go of things without thinking. :) Vb jyu, yor rhetoric about patriotism and love for country FOR ME which I should follow is absolutely justifiable. I don't want to refute that. Its been a trend here in sajha to give easy advice to others :) no? I do that, you do that, and we all do that.The only thing that bothers me, if you have followed all the other threads here in sajha, well at least a lot of them, is this way of blaming others. I think that's an easy way out people take, either out of guilt, jealousy, or perhaps maddening anger. Whatever be the case, I care less. Nor have I asked anyone to go back to the country to alleviate the country, nor have I ever said I am gonna alleviate my country. All I was doing was for some people to see, who in resort with their US education which you have so nicely labeled, are apt in finding faults in Nepal, and the Nepalis alone (yes this includes the king, the maoists and the politicians!). And i was simply doing this from MY PERSPECTIVE. I agree it got a little personal which could have been avoided. Well, everyone is entitled to their opinions. Yes, but I do BELIEVE (not a fact that can be proven) that you can make a whole lot of difference by staying in Nepal than abroad. Whether I'll do that myself or not, is totally up to me :) thanx for your concerns! As for coming to US is concerned, yes, it was a fatal mistake. Blinded by my generation for the urge to see the west, I couldn't resist the wave then. I would go back right now u see, but my maami says "graduate nabhai aais bhane KHUTTA bhancdinchu" :P Feel free to rap like B.I.G on me :) |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 30-Sep-03 05:14 AM
oys, when did u start to become a maoist sympathisizer? hmm ...it is interesting...further, i never said anything to nepali king, but u r just implicating legendary kings to current nepal's kng. is that what u understood from my post??? sorry my dear again why u tie up american edu in this thread? u write as if u know me who exactly i am?? is ur opinions based on hearsay in chat room? |
| oys_chill | Posted
on 30-Sep-03 10:19 AM
bhunte, to put an end to this lets put it this way... Yes, I am extremely sorry for intervening in your noble opinions about Kathmandu. I absolutely should not have. I regret. Yes very very deeply. As for calling me a maoist sympathizer, a supporter of monarchy, or whatever you want to label.....i got few words of advice: None of your frigging business!!!! Oh yes! I know who you are. You are one gullible person, that's all i know for now, and vexing few other people personally has been your trademark shall i say (now u need evidence too? think about it!!) and protecting your stance of courteousness while doing all this. Shall I say BRAVO! phewwwww! Enough said in this thread. If you still got issues, we'll have to talk in another thread, or perhaps like u said in the chatroom, if u come persay with YOUR nick :) have a nice day! |
| sankaa | Posted
on 30-Sep-03 10:36 AM
Sitara ji, awwww i was actually referring to some kinda aalu ko takma, for your talented arguments in sajha ;). And ..no, there is no such thing like animosity from my side. for earning a living within your brand of "unpatriotic sentiments"? unpatrotic to which country. I am patrotic to my country - Nepal.you is amerikan? good for you then, be patrotic to your countr. Don't say bad to my country. may be, i should've written "in jest" at the end to make you feel better. :( bye |
| intruder | Posted
on 30-Sep-03 10:58 AM
"Since I am a die-hard believer of each person's doing sano, sano but positive work in his/her area of concern (whatever that area of concern might be!) in Nepal with the hope that all these diverse, disparate good efforts will all somehow add up to making better, positive results..." Yes indeed. No matter how small or irrevelant it may look to some of us, it is, by far, a significant contribution by both Honda and Dixit. It is very unfortunate that instead of acknowledging their sheer effort, some of us question their motive. |
| VincentBodega | Posted
on 30-Sep-03 12:10 PM
"Yes indeed. No matter how small or irrevelant it may look to some of us, it is, by far, a significant contribution by both Honda and Dixit. It is very unfortunate that instead of acknowledging their sheer effort, some of us question their motive." It sounded as if this was hurled towards me. I will just say that I am contributing my share. The question remains what kinda contribution. Well lets just say that it touches people in the "gramin" level - a word that some of us have forgotten that still exists. |
| ashu | Posted
on 30-Sep-03 05:30 PM
VB wrote: "I am just trying to see where they fit in the general context of Nepal." I do NOT know what the "general context of Nepal" is. I doubt whether anyone else knows what it is either. The point is NOT to agonize over about the so-called general context of Nepal, and keep on doing one's good, positive work in one's own field of choosing, and learn to take satsifaction in that. **************** VB wrote: "How many among the "10000" stories really do justice to people who have to worry to about what they gonna eat the next day?" Maybe none. But so what? There is NO single answer to all of Nepal's problems. And no single person can solve all these problems. And even a single person can do only so much, up to a point. But ust because that person did not/could not solve the big problems, that does NOT negate or diminish that person's contributions in any way. My attitude is: Let people follow their passions and interests in Nepal, and let them do their good work in any area that they choose (whether it be academic research, village development, basketball tournaments, producing community theater, running debate competitions, working to raise money for the spinally injured, and so on and on). All these are worthy, laudable efforts, and we need more and more of them. And so, there are MILLION ways to help Nepal, and all those ways are valid. Just because one wasn't born in a village, or does not hang out with the poor all the time, or does not dress up in rags and stuff like that . . . . that does NOT mean that one is not doing anything worthy in Nepal. ********** VB wrote: "The poor and helpless are being left behind in this race we are in." Yes. But there are also many, many people in Nepal doing good work in that area. I myself have greatly enjoyed working with a group of former street kids in Kathmandu, assisting them to start their own for-profit business which -- I am happy to report -- is starting to make good money, straight from the market. These kids want to sharpen their business skills for now, and leverage those skills later to start small restaurants, retail outlets and so on. You can read the details at: "Recycled Lives", August 2003 issue of ECS magazine at www.ecs.com.np I don't know how working with former street kids fits in with "the general context of Nepal", and, quite frankly, I don't care. This work was my small effort, and I am happy about that, though I agree that much more remains to be done. oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| sankaa | Posted
on 30-Sep-03 05:40 PM
Ashu dai: I myself have greatly enjoyed working with a group of former street kids in Kathmandu, assisting them to start their own for-profit business which -- I am happy to report -- is starting to make good money, straight from the market. These kids want to sharpen their business skills for now, and leverage those skills later to start small restaurants, retail outlets and so on. ----> Great job Ashu dai. May god bless you. I praise dais like you and the work like that. I would like you meet you and help you out on things like if i could be any help once i return home in 4 months. with love and respect, Sankaa bhai |
| Neural | Posted
on 01-Oct-03 05:34 AM
In every thread, one can see argument - either A vs B or B vs C or so on..... Why not just express ur own opinion. KHUTTA PULLING Karyakram vaihaalne vanyaaa..... Oys Bro, >>>"I would go back right now u see, but my maami says "graduate nabhai aais bhane KHUTTA bhancdinchu" :P "<<<<< hehehe .... calm down.... hope this Dashain brings loads of happiness, joy, patience and strength in you. i'd be back to my matri-bhumi too. BTW when u r getting done with ur study? Gud Luck anyway (Y) |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 02-Oct-03 11:29 PM
Further to add in the list of Ktm a decade later, the attire of RNA people has completly changed like the one in the picture below: 
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| Bhunte | Posted
on 02-Oct-03 11:48 PM
Please read the above "....the attire of RNA people has completly changed like the one in the picture below: " as: the attire of some division of RNA of people has changed like the one in the picture below: P.s.: I am not sure if it is armed police force, but i also see the conventional attaire as well. Pls correct me... |
| dautari | Posted
on 03-Oct-03 09:19 AM
One major change in the military attire has been the way they wear their insignia or, in the Nepal Army lingo" - "the phooli". Especially in combat uniform the insignia is now worn on the top of the buttons on the chest instead of the regular position on the shoulders. |
| rajunpl | Posted
on 03-Oct-03 10:18 AM
Interesting. It's 2 years now I haven't been to nepal. I hardly see kathmandu besides nepalnews and welcomenepal.What's happening now in KTM seems important. I am wondering aftermath of war will it begins to develop from scratch or continue. In context of nepal..?? I am wondering whether it is (a) fugitive context, or (b) patriotic context. -saturated sur... |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 03-Oct-03 01:45 PM
To add in the list, I have following observations in government offices: 1. In major door entrances of government offices, one will signs written "Beware with Corrupts (Vrastachari dekhi sabadhan)" 2. You need to sign up at the office gate and wear visitor ID if you are a visitor the office due to security reason 3. Land revenue collection is done by VDCs. Earlier it used to be centralized in the Malpot adda. 4. Charkhal's malpot karyala is decentralized kramasa....... |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 03-Oct-03 01:58 PM
Please read # 1 as " .... one sees signs written "Beware with Corrupts (Vrastachari dekhi sabadhan)" |
| bhunte | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 06:39 PM
From another thread from Ashu: "....the idea of hourly wages is creeping in, especially in part-time teaching profession, where a class-period runs for about an hour or so. .....you'd be amazed, and even stunned at the hourly rates that some well-known lawyers in Nepal charge their donor-agency clients. Their rates are, to put it charitably, scandalously high (as though these were the partners at, say, Ropes & Gray), and, the thing is they get paid all right, without much fuss. :-) ....." Interesting.... |
| ujol sherchan | Posted
on 09-Oct-03 01:24 AM
Well one observation is the word you use to call your mother...I don't know when or how it started, but nowadays I hear the word 'mamu' being increasingly used. Aama has rarely been used among long-time residents of Kathmandu, Muma, Muwa, Mummy, were there all along...this was true even a decade ago. But can anybody explain me the popularity of the word 'mamu' for mother among the TV watching, mobile-toting, Internet-savvy youngsters of the Kathmandu valley, its origin and history ? Also the Rana language - the so-called 'Darbariya' language - is being increasingly used in middle class households. Democratisation of the elite language if you will. Ya here everything moves top-down. This is trickle-down democracy. The more democratic we become, the more we ape the once or current ruling or dominant elite.The more we change the more we stay the same. Amazing! Which leads me to conclude that democracy is the [unspoken] mass aspiration of the common people for aristocracy. Like my friend was in the habit of saying: 'I am just a poor, f**cking proletariat with aristocratic aspirations.' |
| saroj | Posted
on 09-Oct-03 06:47 AM
Ujol, I found your observation amusing yet it's reality. Is our nation so full of wanna be's? I too have noticed the post-democratic kathmandu, where so called middle class mimic the aristrocratic or elitist class in their spoken behavior at least in using the 'aisyosh, kaisyosh, padisyosh, hagisyosh, etc. etc.' form of the language. Saroj "sticking to aunush, khanush, padnush, hagnush" Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| ashu | Posted
on 09-Oct-03 07:40 AM
As a Kathmandu 'raithanay' (for the last four generations), who does NOT use "'aisyosh, kaisyosh . . . " at all, allow me to add that: Like Ujol, I too have noticed this sudden increase in the usage of such honorific phrases, often by the newly-rich class in Kathmandu. My highly INFORMAL sociological observation is that such phrases are used by recent (Bahun, Chettri, and a few Thakuri and even some Thakali) immigrants to Kathmandu Valley who have very done well financially, thanks, often, to their 'Nepali Congress' leanings. These folks are the new aristocrats in Kathmandu. On a larger note, as soon as some people finish building a house in Kathmandu, their whole family starts adopting such highfalutin language. Co-incidence? Don't know. oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| psychodreamer | Posted
on 09-Oct-03 10:53 AM
As far as i know "aaiyosh , gaiyosh .." or whatever is used mostly by thakuris...be it kathmanduites or be it thakuris from other parts of Nepal. People from bahun community started using it whoever had to deal with thakuris and chetris in their daily life. I might not be worng to say that this kind of language was predominantely used outside of valley, mostly in far western region because thats where we can find more native thakuris. So I have to kinda disagree with ashu in your observation : "My highly INFORMAL sociological observation is that such phrases are used by recent (Bahun, Chettri, and a few Thakuri and even some Thakali) immigrants to Kathmandu Valley who have very done well financially, thanks, often, to their 'Nepali Congress' leanings. " |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 09-Oct-03 05:58 PM
Further to add ktm a decade later.... Lot of Kathmandu people have access to computer, most of them are pentium. Surprised to know while there that a computer (386DX model) I sold to some organization there 7 yrs ago still running. I owned that 1993-96. Now the computer is worshipped like holy cow or car like this.....wish i was there in this Dashain ...at least i would have Puja for my laptops ....ehehe 
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| Bhunte | Posted
on 11-Oct-03 04:49 PM
A highly recommended thread to visit in the link below as it contains a poet by Marich about a Nepali's impression upon his return to home: - http://www.sajha.com/sajha/html/openthread.cfm?forum=2&threadID=12608 |