| Biswo |
Posted
on 18-Jul-01 12:03 AM
Reading borderline hope of CK Lal in the recent Nepali Times
article was a delight.Since Birgunj has fascinated me since
long, I found the article very engrossing , in addition to the
fact that it tries to portray the current status of one of our
entrepot. It is also significant in that it tells us what our
people in Birgunj are thinking/doing.
The small article not only updates us about the work of Bimal
Srivastava, but also tells us about the enterpreneurs and
an environment journalist who was awarded for his investigative
report on Sirsiya. Mr Srivastava is probably one of the longest
serving mayors of Nepal, and last time,when I went to Birgunj,
a resident told me he is "just a corrupt". But the article without
denying the fact tells us what he did in the city.Report on
Birgunj's new face was a refreshing experience from the filthy
portray of the city by Dr Dhruva Chandra Gautam in "Baadhi".
Birgunj was once known for Narayani Bangmaya Parishad and other
literary activities. In deed writers like Nirmohi Vyas, Keshav
Upadhyaya,Devendra Nepali Dr Gautam (& brothers) came from Birgunj
and vicinity.Singer Prakash Shrestha is also from Birgunj. Since
it has potential to become a business hub(is it already?), Birgunj
can generate revenue to continue with its own cultural traditions
authentically.Birgunj is a riddle,which most of the Nepal is
yet to understand.
Sadly, Birgunj is a young city, and is not that important from
the perspective of tourism also. Birgunj is beautiful because
of its own community, and its own innocent and laborious people.
For those who think Nepal is Kathmandu, and Kathmandu is Nepal,
this truth may sound far-fetching, but I am sure that Birgunj
and the vast number of technicians and entepreneurs that come
from the city and its vicinity has already had , and will continue
to have, significant impact on our national affairs.
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