Nepali Times - Digital Himalaya

16 Pages·2011·4.77 MB·English

by  Himalmedia Private Limited

#545 18 - 24 March 2011 16 pages Rs 30
MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA
HOLI WATER
WATER WEEK? A
long wait at the
communal taps in
Nakabahil, Patan,
Thursday.
2 EDITORIAL
18 - 24 MARCH 2011 #545
Q
UAKING
Of late, global events have resonated strongly in
Nepal. The uprisings in the Middle East reminded
some of our recent past; the earthquake in Japan
would have reminded others of a possible future. Both
kinds of upheavals, human and natural, also had a more
direct bearing on members of the Nepali diaspora who
live and work in these places, and their worried families.
There are plenty of Nepalis still stranded in Libya and
Japan, but our government has done little to assuage
their anxiety. Granted, Japan’s Nepalis may still be better
off where they are. But hundreds live in fear of their lives
in Libya. Despite a cabinet decision to repatriate them
at the earliest, Libya’s Nepalis are largely dependent on
the goodwill of other states to get home before they are
caught in the crossfi re.
Instead, the government appears to be focused on
implementing measures that attract a lot of attention
but mostly inconvenience the public that does live here.
The decisions to outlaw digitally printed number plates
and banknotes with likenesses of the Shah kings were
both necessary, perhaps, but the hasty implementation
betrayed the fact that this state is an adhocracy. The
tragedy is that even when the correct decisions are
taken, their implementation is bungled. Allowing both the media itself, obsessed as it is with the twists and turns of So you’d expect a lot of coverage when Japan
digital plates and kingly notes to be printed upto this Nepali politics, only rouses itself to indulge in sensationalism was hit by all three. The problem lies in how the
point, then suddenly demanding they be withdrawn from that sells. Reduced to covering Khagendra Thapa Magar’s media covered the disaster. We don’t yet know what
circulation immediately only invites more problems. How public appearances, the media hit the jackpot in its coverage the ultimate consequences of the nuclear accident at
will the majority of Nepalis, who can’t just hop down to the of the events in Japan. And in this respect, it followed the Fukushima will be. What we do know is that thousands
neighbourhood bank to exchange what has been deemed lead of media outlets across the world. of Japanese people have perished in the earthquake
illegal tender, conduct transactions in the meantime? Earthquakes are big. There’s something fundamental that triggered these events. Where is the concern for
The decision to revoke the withdrawal only confi rms the about the earth shaking that grabs the attention of all, even these victims when media outlets are busy fuelling panic
muddled thinking of those expected to have the clearest when it happens regularly. Tsunamis are bigger. Complete about radiation clouds? Unless they are grounded in
vision for Nepal. with terrifying visuals of giant waves rushing through coastal reliable sources, sensational coverage does not help; it
If the state does not take adequate measures to cities, they remind us that this earth we live on is an island. stoops to the level of those who send out text messages
ensure its citizens are made aware in good time of But nuclear disasters are the biggest fi sh of all: going all the warning people thousands of miles away from Japan to
changes that directly affect them – through the media way back to the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, they stay indoors. A word to the wise: don’t believe everything
– then the media must take the lead the best it can. Alas, constitute the apogee of human technology gone wrong. you read.
ON THE WEB
www.nepalitimes.com
HIGHWAY TO HOPE great job pointing it out (‘(Don’t) keep the such scenarios unfolding in Nepal (‘Re- not simply build a museum to house
Very inspiring as well as enlightening change’, Paavan Mathema, #544). Also, engagement’, Prashant Jha, #544). The them? Better and cheaper, and more
(‘Road to prosperity’, Kunda Dixit, we need to discuss what the next steps are changes in leadership in Lainchaur which honest.
#544). I had no idea that the means to rectify the situation such as: a stronger are soon to come and the invitation of (cid:122) You cannot preserve culture. Culture
by which roads are constructed enforcement of rule of law with retailers, Bhattarai to India were all preliminary is either dynamic and alive or dead.
can result in such different a public feedback forum/platform (say a steps to set up how things can be Only artifacts can be preserved.
economics. Indeed, a road is not just phone number that collects and publishes infl uenced in Nepal again. A country such Therefore it is only natural that people
a road if built correctly. information from the public on which as India with its diplomatic and military who have loads of money should be
hange businesses engage in such practices). leverage in Nepal cannot be confused the ones interested to keep them
Manish about the current situation. I am sure in good condition. This is much the
(cid:122) As a Bhojpure I think I have a there was a contingency plan in place. same as the family which has fallen
right to ask a few questions – why (cid:122) Would a business take a candy if you I think by now India must have a set of on hard times and wishes to sell
was Bhojpur completely neglected by were short a rupee? I think the answer plugs that they can pull based on what some antiques that have been left
successive Panchayati governments is no, so why let businesses cheat you the issue is. If I were so concerned with rotting in the attic in order to buy the
and subsequently by Congress/UML openly? security, I would have such policy tools to new car/luxuryholiday/prada shoes or
governments for so long? Why didn’t Bipaswi hand. So let’s see how India’s presence whatever.
it deserve to be connected to rest unfolds here. (cid:122) Indigenous culture?? This is just
of the country? Why this prejudice (cid:122) We do not know the value of money. Saroj something for the tourist sales talk.
against the district of Ganesh Rasik, Last time I was in Nepal, I made it a point Glad you have fallen for it.
who has probably written more to ask for change from taxi drivers. When PROPPING UP CULTURE jange
patriotic songs than anybody else? they would reluctantly hand me the change, Interesting piece. As usual for articles of
Why did Bhojpur have to wait for the I would hand it back, which surprised most this sort the most interesting questions
UK to start building roads there? of them. It was not because I did not want are left in the air (‘Whose heritage is it
Despite this, I am delighted to to tip them that I asked for change but to anyway?’, Marit Bakke, #544):
read that villages in Bhojpur are make them realise that it is their duty and (cid:122) How is it that our ancestors, who Weekly Internet Poll # 545
being connected with roads and my right to get the change back. I also were less numerous, had less
Q. What does Nepal need most now?
people are benefi tting in so many made it a point to carry change around. All technology and were generally less
ways. I trust there will be many of this is to say that we as customers need well off than we are, were able to Total votes: 1,942
following Laxmi’s and Bibas’ steps. to be smart about our money. It all starts create these things but that we are
RAP is a total success. Thank you for with us, because they are doing business not?
yet another positive story – this time and if they can squeeze the extra paisa out (cid:122) We are already abandoning the
from my own district! of the customers why wouldn’t they? cultural basis and philosophy
R Rai Krisha that produced these things. Is it
worthwhile to preserve these artifacts
CONSUMER RIGHTS CHANGE IN COURSE? when we have abandoned the roots
Loved the new article. Unaccounted I think the article was interesting, but I that produced them? No problems
Weekly Internet Poll # 546. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com
for change may seem trivial but on an seriously doubt Prashant’s assumption with preserving them as historical
Q. Should ‘kingly notes’ have been ousted?
aggregate level it is substantial so a that Indian intelligence had not thought of and artistic curiosities. But then why
Publisher: Kunda Dixit | Editor: Rabi Thapa
Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Chief Operating Offi cer: Sunim Tamang | Hattiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu
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Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com
OP-ED 3
18 - 24 MARCH 2011 #545
Dysfunction, Inc.
– the state, businesses, and unions. year runs out.
They encourage conflict at times, for This deeply distorted, ad hoc,
instance by encouraging unions to and corrupt political-economic
push aggressively for pay hikes, or system has become normalised. It is
when government tries to squeeze these distortions and illicit networks
government agencies and parties particular businesses. But they step that make it stable; otherwise there
PLAIN SPEAKING make life miserable for them by in to prevent these battles from would be greater anarchy. Imagine if
using draconian laws despite inviting crossing a certain threshold because politicians and businesses were not
Prashant Jha
them to invest in the first place, and their interests are also tied to the collaborating in myriad ways; imagine
seek to extract benefits relentlessly. private sector. if the rule of law was indeed strictly
Labour is unhappy with pay in times Capitalists fund their election implemented – which politician
Among the multiple battles that of soaring inflation, and periodic campaigns, party jamborees, and or private company would escape
play out every day in Nepali outbursts through strikes and lockouts personal expenses. There is a unscathed and what would the
politics – between individuals, are fueled by unions. Capitalists relentless stream of requests from implications on the national economy
parties, identities, ideologies – few say it is precisely these tactics that politicians to big companies to be; imagine if there weren’t informal
are as critical to our future as the affects their bottom line even more provide jobs to their constituents. Key mechanisms and mediators to resolve
relationship between state and adversely, diluting their capacity to business leaders have links spreading capital labour disputes outside of
capital, and capital and labour. create and spread wealth. across party lines, and play an active tribunals. This is no justification of
Several incidents in the past few Add it up and it is indeed a mess, behind-the-scenes role in stitching how things are, merely an attempt to
weeks reflect how Nepali capitalism with direct negative consequences on alliances together. Many political show how the system hasn’t broken
and the broader political society in revenue, employment, growth, social leaders, including Maoists and UML down despite the weak fundamentals.
which it operates are struggling to stalwarts who are pushing for greater If lawmakers try to alter the
find the right equilibrium. control of private capital, have balance too drastically in favour of the
Corrupt politicians
Bankers are unhappy with invested their unaccounted for wealth state, there is a danger that business
central bank regulations. Lawmakers grease the cogs of our in industries and the service sector, confidence will be further shaken
are unhappy with how banks are using other businessmen as frontmen. and we will inherit the worst features
dysfunctional political-
owned and run, and would like Corruption undermines rules, but of the license permit raj killing the
to redirect the economy, both in economic system also mitigates conflict. Businessmen entrepreneurial energy that Nepal
terms of nomenclature and policies. buy over key labour leaders in witnessed post-1990. But the private
Businesses complain that the state exchange for stopping protests. sector, which remains dependent on
does not deliver on its part of the harmony, and political stability. Ministers strike deals with new government in multiple ways, would
bargain by providing infrastructure, How does such a dysfunctional investors and go easy on rules or do well to recognise the new political
electricity, security and stability, system – laced with all the non-payment of loans by businesses realities, wherein a large section of the
yet expects productive investment. ingredients of conflict – manage to to state institutions. In the districts, political class is uneasy about ‘neo-
Government complains that most sustain itself at all? government budgets drive local liberalism’, and prepare accordingly.
businesses cheat on tax returns, Counter intuitive as it may sound, economic activity across sectors, and For now though, the balance of
engage in illegal practices, and it endures because of politicians and politicians distribute funds to their power indicates that neither the
undermine rules, making tighter corruption. favoured contractors in return for a state or the capital is powerful or
control necessary. Political leaders are the only cut – as we will witness in the coming developed enough to dominate the
Ministries point out how foreign ones who have a stake in and months as money trickles down other. The uneasy accommodation
investors use external influence influence over the three elements that from the centre and the pressure to will continue, till a systemic crisis
to bend rules. Investors say constitute our economic structure spend increases before the fiscal breaks the compact.
THIS WEEK
Wagle convicted
The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the decision of the
Special Court to convict former minister and Nepali Congress
leader Chiranjibi Wagle on corruption charges. It announced an
18-month jail sentence along with a penalty of Rs 20.3 million,
though in 2004 the Special Court had handed down a 30-
month jail term and a fi ne of Rs 40 million. The Commission for
Investigation of the Abuse of Authority brought Wagle to court in
2002, accusing him of amassing property by misusing his authority
as a minister. An expert group’s fi ndings, quoted in the verdict,
stated that Wagle had accumulated Rs 34.32 million between
1991 and 2002, when he assumed seven ministerial offi ces. Only
Rs 14 million was deemed to have clear legal sources. Wagle is
the fi rst senior political leader and minister to have been convicted
of corruption since the restoration of democracy.
Anandi Devi dies
Anandi Devi Singh,
Patron of Nepal
Sadbhawana
Party (Anandi
Devi), passed
away in Rajbiraj
on Sunday. She
was 76 years old.
Singh is the widow
of the founding
President of Nepal
Sadbhawana Party,
Gajendra Narayan
Singh. Following the
demise of her husband, she became the President of the Party
and then its patron.
Super YCL
The Maoists formally unveiled the ‘People’s Volunteers Bureau’
on Tuesday, which aims to mobilise 500,000 youths. Standing
Committee member and Bureau coordinator Netra Bikram Chand
said, “The motive behind setting up the Bureau is not to support
the party’s strategy of a people’s revolt, as some outsiders have
implied.” The party claims that the Bureau will work for peace,
the new constitution, development works and public security.
According to Chand, the Bureau will also be mobilised to rebuild
physical infrastructure destroyed during the confl ict.
4 AVIATION
18 - 24 MARCH 2011 #545
Grounded too long
To plot the trajectory of the this month, someone actually stole
downfall of Nepal Airlines, you the Fly Away Kit that always has to
GUEST COLUMN
have to go back to the 1990 be on board a 757.
Vijay Lama pro-democracy movement. People Nepal’s fl agship, which once
power may have been good for the had four jets and 11 Twin Otters,
country, but it spelt disaster for the now has just two 757s and three
airline. The two main political parties airworthy Twin Otters, and even
of the time competed to milk the these are grounded most of the
cash cow until it ran dry. time. The four million Nepalis who
Let’s unshackle Nepali Congress was in work in India, the Gulf, Malaysia,
power for longer, so it had more Korea and Japan have to use the
our national time for mischief. Corruption, airlines of other countries to come
mismanagement and interference home. While Qatar Airways has 21
airline from destroyed a once proud airline that fl ights a week between Kathmandu
was known for its viable international and Doha, Nepal Airlines can barely
the clutches of service that subsidised domestic air manage two to service the half a
travel. million Nepalis who live in Qatar.
politicians once The list of scandals is long, KUNDA DIXIT Nepal Airlines would be viable if it
but three stand out: the Lauda Air did nothing else but just fl ew Nepali
and for all lease, the Dhamija scam, and the politicians, when they couldn’t were heftier. workers back and forth. But because
unfortunate sale of two perfectly pocket kickbacks from infl ated Today, the pickings have the airline was never allowed to grow
good fully depreciated 727s that we purchase prices, started skimming become so slim and the greed and respond to that demand, Nepali
hear are still fl ying in South Africa. off the over-invoiced hourly lease so insatiable that politicians and passengers have to pay premium
UML learnt from NC and tried to rate of jets. Obsolete aircraft their appointees in the airline try to tariffs to foreign airlines. Most of the
get kickbacks on later aircraft deals like 737-100s were leased just cheat even on engine maintenance money our workers save through
as well. It got to a point where because the payoffs to politicians contracts and other purchases. Just their blood and sweat doesn’t even
stay here with a Nepali airline. What
could be more tragic than that?
Every time the airline has tried to
add aircraft to respond to passenger
demand, vultures have moved in to
scuttle the deal. The current debacle
over the Airbus purchase is a case
in point. The Europeans removed
middlemen, and offered a package
deal on a 330 and 320 for 16 per
cent off the rack price. What did
we do? We hauled the CEO off to
jail for transferring Airbus Industrie
an advance for the two jets as per
contract.
If the deal had gone through,
Nepal Airlines would by now be
fl ying 320s on our India and Thailand
routes, and the 330 for the Gulf,
Malaysia and Japan. It would have
been a big boost to NTY 2011. But
we bungled it, and even if we decide
to revive the deal now it will cost us
Rs 2 billion more, not counting the
opportunity cost.
To be sure, it is not just the
politicians to blame. Nepal Airlines
management has allowed itself
to be manipulated and divided by
political factions in government. The
internal polarisation in the airline
today refl ects the country’s political
polarisation.
Look at how the private domestic
airlines in Nepal have grown and
prospered and see what we could
do if the politicians left us alone. We
need a CEO who is not the puppet of
the minister of the moment.
Domestic private airlines pay
Rs 600,000 per month to a captain,
but the allowances and salary of
a jet captain on NAC is barely Rs
130,000. Experienced NAC captains
are now fl ying for foreign carriers
and earning $10,000 a month. The
crew exodus is now so serious that
even if the airline buys new planes,
there will be no one to fl y them.
People ask me why I still stick
with Nepal Airlines. I reply that I will
only quit when it is fl ying high again,
or when it has to close down.
When I joined Nepal Airlines
in 1988 I made a silent promise to
myself that I would proudly wear my
uniform and fl y my country’s fl ag
around the world. There are many
motivated staff like me in Nepal
Airlines: pilots, fl ight attendants,
managers, ground staff. And that is
what gives me hope for the future of
Nepal Airlines.
Vijay Lama has been fl ying Twin
Otters and Boeing 757s for Nepal
Airlines for the last 24 years.
BUSINESS 5
18 - 24 MARCH 2011 #545
Business talk accepted by Nabil ATMs and POS network. Nabil has
also opened its 47th branch in Gorkha.
Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, Ex-President of FNCCI,
led an 11-member business delegation to the 25th
Hi-tech
Confederation of Asia Pacifi c Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (CACCI) Conference in Istanbul, Turkey. Teletalk, distributor of Spice Mobile
The conference was attended by more than 400 phone, has launched the Android
delegates from 27 Asia-Pacifi c countries. Shrestha was 2.2 based touch phone, Mi-310. The
nominated as one of the three executive committee phone is equipped with wi-fi , AGPS
members. and GPS. The screen has a resolution
of 320 x 480 pixels and comes with a
Milky deal 2MP camera.
Bank of Kathmandu (BOK) and Dairy Development
Keeping time
Corporation (DDC) have signed an agreement whereby
BOK will grant loans to cooperatives recommended by Him Electronics has opened the fi rst exclusive Timex
outlet, The Time Factory, in Civil Mall, Sundhara. The
store showcases international watch brands under the
Timex Group. Timex was launched in Nepal a year
ago.

New ride
CG Automobile, the sole authorised distributor of TVS
motorbikes, has introduced Wego, a two-wheeler
scooter. The 4-stroke 110cc scooter has wide tyres
to enhance balance. Available in black, white, brown
and gold, Wego is priced at Rs 149,838.
Healing hands
DDC. Three-year loans will be granted for the purchase
of livestock, dairy equipment and the establishment of Hotel Shangri-La, Kathmandu, has opened Spa By
dairy chilling plants. Healing Hands on its premises in Lazimpat. Operated
by Malaysian spa professional Donald Cha, the spa
All new offers traditional therapies. It also provides parlour
services, nail art, yoga, meditation, massage therapy,
Nabil has launched China Union Pay (CUP), a bank body treatments, shirodhara, facial treatments and
card association similar to VISA. The card will be hand/foot treatments.
HIMAL
KHABARPATRIKA
15-29 March 2011
COVER
Economic Transition
Liquidity tensions
Transcript of Himalmedia
interaction with bankers and
Nepal Rastra Bank Governor
Yubaraj Khatiwada
EDITORIAL
Government should inspire
economic confi dence
PROFILE
Tributes to KP Bhattarai
Purshottam Dahal: The road
ahead for Nepali Congress
Dipkumar Upadhayay:
Memorable Kishunji
CK Lal: A radical
Nepali Congress
REPORTS
Lessons from Japan for Nepal
The politics of media in
the Madhes
www.himalkhabar.com
6 BUSINESS
18 - 24 MARCH 2011 #545
Student
discount,
please!
As tudent identity card is a highly valued asset
in Nepal. So much so that even those who
haven’t stepped into a classroom for years bribe
the local photocopy guy into attesting one for them.
Flash your student ID and the microbus conductor is
compelled to charge you less, you get to see the zoo
animals for cheap, and get discounted entry at many
shows and exhibitions.
Things are set to get even better for students here.
With the introduction of the International Student
Identity Card (ISIC), held by over 4.5 million in 120
countries, Nepali students will now be able to extend
discounts received to participating restaurants,
clothing outlets, and bookstores.
Zen Nepal introduces
the International
Student Identity Card
Zen Nepal Tours and Travels, which introduced
ISIC to Nepal, is upbeat about its prospects. “We
thought it was a great opportunity to help students
access more services,” says Mitali Ghosh, manager
of Zen Nepal. The card is issued only to full-time
students, aged above 12, at a cost of US$22. It is valid
for a year and can be reissued at any ISIC provider
around the world. In operation since January, Zen
Nepal has already issued 125 ISICs.
A majority of the clients that visit Zen Nepal’s
office for the new card are those who have been
accepted into foreign universities. “Most issue this
card for the discounts it provides on airfares,” explains
Ghosh. “But there are even more benefits once they
arrive at their destination.” Worldwide, 41,000
merchants accept ISIC.
Bhumi Puri, who has been marketing the ISIC card
in Nepal, asserts that the card is not just for those
about to leave the country. Zen Nepal has involved
150 local merchants in the ISIC discount program,
and expects the number to reach 200 by the end of the
month. “Students living here can avail themselves of
7-25 per cent discounts at participating stores,” says
Puri. “And we have carefully selected businesses that
are appropriate for students.”
It’s a win-win situation for the businesses too
because it opens them to a pool of Nepalis who
otherwise might not be able to afford their products
as well as foreign students with ISIC cards who may
visit Nepal.
For the same price, non-students can apply for a
youth card for similar benefits, and teachers can also
sign up for a special International Teacher Identity
Card.
zennepal.com
LIFE TIMES 7

18 - 24 MARCH 2011 #545
Aghori, 2000
The Aghori sub-sect
of Shaivas most
closely resembles
one of the earliest
organised groups of
Hindu ascetics, the
Kapalikas or ‘bearers
of skulls’. Like the
modern-day Aghori,
Kapalikas worshipped
the terrifying
manifestation of
Shiva, Bhairab,
and were known
to perform human
sacrifi ce. Though
these extreme
practices have
evolved into symbolic
acts today, the Aghori
still use human
skulls, as seen here.
By drinking out of a
skullcup (kapala) the
sadhu partakes of the
deceased’s life-force.
Sadhu Friendship, 2002
Mundane motives often mix with spiritual
aspirations when a person decides to join the
brotherhood of sadhus. These young sadhus
may have done so to be adventurous, or
simply to be practical, with few other options
if they were orphaned or impoverished.
Sadhvi, 2000
Though the vast majority of
sadhus are men, women too
renounce the worldly life for
spiritual practice. Sadhvis,
like the Vishnu devotee in
this portrait, typically enter
the ascetic life when they are
BODY LANGUAGE
older, usually widowed or
still unmarried. Not all sects
accept women, while a few
are composed entirely of
sadhvis.
ALL PICS: THOMAS L KELLY
THOMAS L. KELLY Volatile and unpredictable as that speak volumes. A sadhu’s body is
they are, spontaneous photography a map of the Hindu universe, for the
of sadhus can be dangerous. You body is a microcosm of the cosmos.
Sadhus are an enigma to me, living can easily be trampled or attacked if As a photographer, I try to be as
the mystery of ancient questions you immerse yourself in a naga baba invisible as possible. Yet for sadhus,
that have no answers. Tricksters, procession after a mass Kumbha Mela it is their very outlandish visibility,
derelicts, madmen, charlatans, bathing. There’s no such thing as the powerful symbols of the divine
wanderers, mystics and yogis, their achieving photographic acceptance they paint on their bodies, which help
boldly painted bodies confront us with within the Sadhu mandala. For me, them not to become invisible, but to
the essential questions at the heart of photographing at ritual time is always transcend self. Disturbing, annoying,
existence. Like walking mysteries the most dynamic and fluid. Once inspiring, exasperating, irrational,
of the human soul, for me, sadhus rapport has been established, a camera wise and powerful, sadhus are a living
provoke the question, who am I? is tolerated, often with a sense of lila question that people have forgotten
In my adopted home of Kathmandu, or maya, play and illusion. to ask.
some sadhus survive primarily My initial inexplicable attraction
off alms from tourists allowed to to the Sadhu world was mostly Thomas Kelly came to Nepal as Peace
photograph them, considered a form visual. As a photographer, I loved Corps Volunteer in 1978 and has lived
of darshan. They are a spectacle how they allowed their bodies to here ever since. These photos are part
Textual Tilaka, 2002 and love to play their assigned role become symbols of the sacred from of the exhibition ‘Body Language: The
in the illusion or drama of society. walking around naked to remind us Yogis of India and Nepal’, currently
While some sadhus value a more energetic Sadhus have formally abandoned of our naked selves, to wearing ash to showing at the Rubin Museum of Art,
and impressionistic approach to tilaka, others conventional time; their world is remind us what are bodies become, New York.
value precision and complexity in their body dense with its own complex politics, to dreadlocks to remind us of our
art, such as this Vaisnavite ascetic, who has social hierarchy, taboos and customs, natural wild natures devoid of social www.rmanyc.org
written sacred text across his face. often making access challenging. convention. Their bodies are texts www.ThomasKellyPhotos.com
8 LIFE TIMES
18 - 24 MARCH 2011 #545
EVENTS 31 May 2011, fi nal submission
deadline (for fi lms made after April
2010): 31 June 2011, Film Southasia
Secretariat, Patan Dhoka, 5552141,
www.fi lmsouthasia.org,
fsa@fi lmsoutasia.org
Artists in the city — Urbanization
and Urban Culture, presented
by Social Science Baha and the Bronco Billy, offers Tex-Mex and
Interactive Mapping and Archiving Indian dishes. They make their
Project. 20 March, 5.30pm, Patan own corn tortillas, which get a
Museum (book launch, music and big thumbs-up. Pulchok opposite
theatre), 21-22 March, 9am to 7pm, Namaste Supermarket
Basantapur Darbar Square
Chobi Mela VI: International (3 installation art pieces), 23-31 New Orleans, offers a wide variety
Festival of Photography, selection March, 4.30pm, Nepal Art Council of western dishes that are
of works showcased at the Chobi (theatre, art exhibition, documen- scrumptious yet healthy. We got
festival in Dhaka this year. 18 to 19 tary) hooked on the rosemary chicken
March, 6pm to 7.30pm, Bakery Cafe, and hamburgers. Jhamel, 5522708
Sundhara
MUSIC
Waffl es promotion at The Lounge
Lives and Faces, pictures from from 12.30pm to 4.00pm every day,
the Maoist insurgency in India by Vegetarian Buffet at The Cafe
Mustafa Quraishi. 17 March to 17 Absolute Live Music, by Rashmi & every Tuesday from 6.30pm, and
April, 11am to 4pm, closed on Kitcha Band every Friday and Arabian Nights at The Cafe every
Tuesdays, Shanti Sangrahalaya, performances by Shabnam & Friday from 6.30pm at Hyatt
Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya, Patan Cannabiz Band every Wednesday. Regency, Boudha, 4491234,
Dhoka, 5549948 7.30pm onwards, Absolute Bar, 4489362
Hotel Narayani Complex,
Mithila Cosmos: New Narratives, Pulchok, Lalitpur, 5521408, 1905 Restaurant, feast on roasted
an exhibition of Mithila paintings by 5549504, [email protected] delights within this converted
SC Suman. Till 5 April, Siddhartha aristocratic residence. Walled
Art gallery, Babar Mahal Revisited, Ke-sang in acoustic guitar and ambience and green surroundings
4218048 vocals. Every Saturday, 7pm make it an oasis within the city,
onwards, New Orleans Coffee Shop Kantipath, 4215068
Garden, 5522708 for reservations
Station BBQ, don the chef’s hat,
Sunday Jazz Brunch, enjoy a make your own BBQ. Jhamsikhel,
relaxing Sunday in The Terrace at 5522083
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu with
barbeque and live jazz music by In- Aqua Java Zing, soar high on a low
ner Groove. 12pm to 3.30pm, Hyatt budget, buy one cocktail, get one
Regency, Boudha, 4491234, free, buy two hookahs, get one free,
4489362 only during happy hours from 2pm
to 6pm. Ganesh Man Singh Road,
DINING Thamel
Screening of Once, directed by
John Carney. 19 March, 4pm,
Docskool, Kathmandu Academy,
Mahendra Bhawan premises, Naxal,
4471104
Retrospective, 1970 to 2011,
selected works by Birendra
Pratap Singh. Till 24 March, Chai
Chai Gallery and Cafe, Pulchok,
9808580436, 5528258
Rato Ghar Documentaries and
Film Show, screening of Aakrant
(based on the Maoist confl ict in
Nepal) followed by a brief talk on Forever Café, specialising in a GETAWAYS
the fi lm. 20 March, 4pm, Rato Ghar, variety of steaks and stroganoffs, the
Ravi Bhawan, 984172009, café offers carnivorous affairs you’ll
[email protected], Rs 10 for not forget. Thamel, 470078 Charikot Panorama Resort,
students, Rs 20 for others enjoy mountain views and local
Milk Coffee ‘n Cocktail Cafe, culture at the historic town of
coffee house during the day and Charikot. Special packages on
a cozy lounge serving cocktails at offer. Charikot, Dolakha, 5529463,
night, try their yarchagumba and [email protected]
molecular cocktails along with the
famous Starbucks. Woodland Com- Overnight Package at The
plex, Durbar Marg Dwarika’s Himalayan
Shangri-La Village Resort, for
local residents, package includes
accommodation in Himalayan
sfd ;fgf] 7'nf] eGg] x'“b}g . kl;gfsf] s'g}
room, dinner and breakfast.
/ª / hft klg x'“b}g . sfd u/]/ vfg nhfpg' Dhulikhel, Rs 4,000 (Single), Rs
5,700 (Double). The package
klg x'“b}g . rf]/]/, 9f“6]/, 5n]/, n'6]/ vfg rates are subject to a 10% Service
charge. For more information/res-
kf] nhfpg'k5{ . hf] hxf“ /x]/ h'g sfd u5{ pm
ervations call 4479488 Dwarika’s
To;}df /dfpg'k5{ uf}/a ug'{k5{ / ;dlk{t Hotel, Sales & Marketing Depart-
Watercolour paintings of unique ment.
eP/ ug{'k5{ . sfd g} zlQm xf], elQm xf] /
and exquisite orchids, by
Hemlata Pradhan. 17 March to Happy Holi at Shivapuri Heights
d'lQm xf] . sfdsf] OHht u/f}+,
1 May, Serindia Gallery, O.P. Cottage, Holi celebration,
kl;gfsf] ;Ddfg u/f}+ . Garden, Soi Charoenkrung 36, delicious Nepali and western food
Charoenkrung Road, Bangkok, 02 Splash Bar and Grill, continental and a spectacular full moon view.
2386410, serindiagallery@gmailcom and Mongolian BBQ. Till March 19 March, at the edge of Shivapuri
end, every Wednesday and Friday, National Park, Rs 1,800 per
g]kfn ;/sf/
Call for entries for Film Southasia, 5.30pm to 9.30pm, Radisson Hotel, person, half price for children and
;"rgf tyf ;~rf/ dGqfno a festival of South Asian Lazimpat, 4411818, Rs 1,500 nett overnight package for Rs 2,500
;"rgf ljefu documentaries. 29 September to 2 per person, includes BBQ platter, and Rs 3,500, 98510122455,
October, early submission deadline: snacks and a bottle of San Miguel [email protected]
LIFE TIMES 9
18 - 24 MARCH 2011 #545
Nepali films in...Toronto
SURENDRA LAWOTI Krishna Gaudel, an accountant
who lives in downtown Toronto, said of
Kesang Tseten’s In Search of the Riyal:
“In many ways I felt the story parallelled
The Second Toronto Nepali Film my own migratory experience.” The fi lm
Festival took place on 12 March documents the exploited lives of Nepali
this year, and drew over 300 migrant workers in Qatar and won one of
fi lm lovers from the Greater Toronto the Audience Choice Awards. Sherpas:
Area. Nine Nepali fi lms were screened, The True Heroes of Mount Everest
comprising documentaries, shorts and won the other audience award. Boyan
experimental fi lms. Jimmy Ghimire, Mihaloyv, a Bulgarian student, wondered
a Nepali realtor based in the Toronto why it was that “the western climbers
suburb of Mississauga, said, “The pay $60,000 but the Sherpas only get
program had a good mix; some fi lms $5,000?”
were funny, some intense, and some The festival was also a world premiere
made you think.” for Vancouver-based Pradeep Kumar
The festival kicked off with The Last Sharma’s The Rat Hunters. After a day of
Race, a short fi ction feature fi lmed in intense viewing, then, the festival closed
the Manang Valley. As Anjan Chettry, a with a story-telling dance performance
TNFF director put it, “The fi lm was so by Kalimpong-born Deepali Lindbloom,
beautiful, just like a postcard.” David YouTube-like video proved to be a really funny, based on a Nepali journalist’s and an energetic dance performance by
Dunne, a Professor of Marketing at moving and profound fi lm.” There was plenty 15-month detention in Kathmandu’s Toronto’s very own Swechchaa Pokharel.
the University of Toronto, commented of praise for Forgive! Forget Not! as well, an Bhairabnath barracks. It was awarded the The author is the curator of the
on In Three Years: “What started as a experimental documentary by Pranay Limbu Jurors Choice Award. Toronto Nepali Film Festival.
Black Pepper
dinner, with some expensive The Charcoal Jalkapur
items that tempt then deter. Fish with lemongrass sauce
SOMEPLACE ELSE
Given that it was lunch, was generously presented,
I reluctantly ordered a and the white flesh was firm,
mocktail – a Tipsy Guava tasty, and offset perfectly
– and was impressed enough by the browned crunch of
For me, Jhamel arrived by the combo of unReal juice, the exterior. The buttery
not when St. Mary’s ginger slices and lemon to herbed veggies weren’t just lemony side – less would the consciously cool posters
Lane was overwhelmed want to dunk a shot of vodka an afterthought either, and have been more. on the walls – a three-hour
by the attack of the restobar into it (I didn’t). With some my only complaint would be The Grilled Pork Chops wifi session with Chris de
clones. It happened when trepidation, then, we tried the that the luridly yellow sauce, (with mash and mixed salad) Burgh, Cliff Richards and The
trendy Black Pepper Cafe & Bruschetta. while an interesting variation, didn’t disappoint either, Carpenters on loop just about
Pub opened shop just around The French bread on was a bit too much on the with a creamy apple sauce did my head in.
the corner from my phuphu’s which it was served could that lent the juicy, savoury http://blackpepper.com.np
dowdy residence, joining the hardly compete with Bu meat a sweetish tinge. The Nepali Kukur
lane hitherto dominated by Keba’s corn, olive measly portion of the Tom
local stalwarts Greenwich and buckwheat, Yum soup, on the other Head south from the Summit
and Summit. but the zucchini, hand, was tasty but had Hotel, pass Greenwich, then a
It’s clear Black Pepper tomato, capsicum, little in common with the junction, and Black Pepper is
is serious about the mushroom and fiery original. The overly on your right.
competition. There’s a onion toppings sweet and messy looking
nice open courtyard (with were superior. Flambe Crepe Suze de
retractable roof) framed What’s more, the Orange, too, didn’t quite
Space
with carved wooden pillars, Bruschetta was come together.
though you can choose accompanied by Black Pepper, like Bread ‘n water
loungier chairs or an inner a tartly dressed many of its compatriots, Service
sanctum if you don’t fancy salad mix, with mint, has a solid line in thalis,
Deal-icious
the sun. rocket, chives and momos, fried rice and the
Mains start from Rs 250 lettuce supplying a range like. Now all they need to Rep-eat?
for lunch and Rs 450 for of flavours and textures. do is match the music with
10 HAPPENINGS
18 - 24 MARCH 2011 #545
GUFFADI
get 3 police wallahs till he is 80!
And Kamal dai is not even our WEEKEND WEATHER
President sresident…he is ‘Bring
by NGAMINDRA DAHAL
Gau jau back Lord Vishnu or die’ movement
ko khiladi #1!
And we know Kamal dai will After over a week of sunny weather,
live till 80 or even 90 because the skies over the Himalaya have KKAATTHHMMAANNDDUU
he he is them national tennis started receiving fresh clouds from
advancing westerly fronts. On
champion pani…55+ haroo
Jhallu Baba...our Prime-Monster baroo... tyo paisa lay desh ko bato ma! I don’t know much about Thursday afternoon, the westerly
front had already reached the western
is busy all day…trying to make ghato baw-naam naw...hoinuh? Prachandey dai...I think he only
hills of Nepal with fl urries of snow and
them everyone happy! And Why not send our civil servants reads Mahabharat and plays ‘Ludo’
rain. Satellite pictures indicated the
now he has come up with a new to them rural areas as well and hola…and drinks like 7-8 pegs of front would reach eastern Nepal with FRI SAT SUN
‘idea’...if you received one mantra- make them work ni baroo...WFP ko them ‘Black Label’ stuff rey…! some rain-bearing moisture. Expect
laya then get one or two free as work for food bhanya jastai...send So SLC is here...Hamro windy, stormy afternoons, cloudy
well! our civil servants to Dolpa and only youngster haroo lai pani kya bore... days and a drop of temperature over
Barshaman Dai gets them pay their salaries when they come April fool’s day ma last exam kya! the weekend. 25-10 26-9 26-9
‘Youth & Sports’ portfolio…abuh back a year later, after building Last year, 64% managed to get
hamro youngsters haroo them schools, health posts and past the ‘Iron Gate’...hamro paala
lai ‘Peace & bato ghato kya! ma tuh...it was only 32% hehe...but
Reconstruction’ ma And now our dailies tyeti bela ahiley jasto 14 ghantey
pani involve garnaw report that more than load shedding pani thiye naw ni!
milcha ki! Ani tyo 3,000 personal security So...no batti = increase in passing
bela ko ‘Peace offi cers have been rate hola ni!
Corps’ jastai… deployed for them ex- And nowadays…everybody is
hamra yuva haroo mantris, sarkaari hakims getting them ‘distinction’…hamro
lai gau-ghar ma ani thekey-daar ruh byapari pala ma...fi rst division was like
2-3 mahina volunteer haroo lai pani rey! winning a gold medal in them
garney plan slan garney ki? So the state provides Olympics! The whole tole sole
College credit sredit pani pau- them thulo mancheys with them ma halla…’ye falano ko choro tuh
ney, gau ghar ko geet seet, dance police-wallahs for a certain period khatara…fi rst division haaney cha
sance pani siknay, ani yeso help of tyam rey! But then...our netas mora ley!’
selp ma pani garney ni...ki kaso? forget rey...and they keep them We still know Dr. BRB as
It’s good to be them civil government vehicles, guards and the ‘board fi rst’ wallah...even
servants in ‘New’ Nepal kyaaruh! what not…afnai bau ko sampati though he has a PhD…we don’t
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil jastai! care…SLC ma fi rst ayo...pugyo...
Aviation is coming out with this Rana Saa-shun dekhi ahiley Baburam could have quit school
so-called ‘new’ concept ...’leave ko Hawa Saa-shun ko sabai lai and it wouldn’t have mattered…he
tourism’…to promote domestic security ho ki kya ho? Yestai ho could hang around New Road all
tourism for them civil servants rey! bhaney baroo Bhimsen Thapa ko day and drink local twaat but folks
Hamro civil servants lai khalak dekhi Kalu Pandey ko naati would be like...’jay bhaye pani
motivation cha-hiyo bhaney lai pani guard shard diye hooncha board fi rst ho kya’... haha!
baroo…hami sabai milay-raw ek dui ni! Abuh yo jawana ma...kay ko
laat hanyo bhaney chahi thik thau When Obama walks out of the SLC…scrap it...siddhai 10+2 tiruh
ma aucha ki? I think Devi Prasad White House...he will get them 2 laagey bhaye naw bhanya! But I
Regmi should go on a ‘slapping secret service agents…tyo pani still have my SLC ko result in them
tour’ across the country! For each only for 10 years rey! Hamro desh golden frame srame…hahah…First
BIKRAM RAI
slap…we will donate Rs 1,000 ni ma chahi...Kamal Thapa will still Division…taan toon garey raw!
UPS-A-DAISY: Actress Karishma Manandhar at the opening of Panache,
a painting exhibition by Rishika Jalan at The Art Shop, Darbar Marg,
on Tuesday.
Free cancer treatment?
pro bono to poor patients with CML
DHANVANTARI in the developing world. In Nepal
today, there are over 500 patients with
Buddha Basnyat, MD
CML being treated with free Glivec. In
Kathmandu, Dr Gyan Kayastha helps run
the programme from Patan Hospital and
In 2001, Dr Mark Zimmerman, then director Bharatpur also has a similar set up.
of Patan Hospital, was left flabbergasted For the oncologist (cancer doctor),
when a patient of his insisted that free Glivec has become a poster boy in
treatment for his cancer was readily available. the treatment of cancer. Unlike many
Forty-year-old Krishna Prasad suffered from other cancer drugs that kill cells
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a form indiscriminately in the human body,
of blood cancer. Zimmerman was puzzled Glivec targets specific cells and genes.
because he knew the revolutionary drug The target in this case is the Philadelphia
Krishna named, Glivec (Imatinib), easily cost chromosome, which characterises and
MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA
helps diagnose CML. The
activity of this chromosome is MORNING HIGH: A group of street children take a morning stroll on
Wednesday in Darbar Marg.
detrimental to the body and
triggers among other things the
growth of a massive spleen.
The tremendous expense of
developing cancer drugs would
be worth it if the drugs cured
or even promised a lasting
remission of the disease. But
the vast majority of new cancer
drugs achieve very modest
results. Hence the excitement
when an anti-cancer drug
like Glivec is found to be so
exceptionally effective.
Unfortunately, as often
happens with drug therapy,
$30,000-40,000 per annum, and it needed to resistance to this wonder drug has
be taken year after year. And here Krishna developed, but thankfully new drugs to
was saying he was getting it for free. overcome this resistance are available. SANU MAHARJAN
Incredibly, what Krishna had discovered The good news is that the generous people CHECK THAT: The new Czech ambassador to Nepal, Miloslav Stasek,
through the internet was true. Novartis, who are supplying Glivec to patients in speaking at a reception on Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency. Stasek
a Swiss drug company working with the Nepal are committed to supplying these said the Czech republic was keen to explore investments in Nepal and to
Max Foundation, was providing this drug other drugs for free, too. cooperate on tourism.