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Saptari Killings was purely Human Rights Violation by the state

Rayznews reported " On March 5th four United Democratic Madhesi Front cadets have been killed in a firing by Police trying to dis...

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Political Adaptation and its brief account in Nepal


It brings me to smile, when I think about Nepal’s politics and the kind of mentality that we Nepalese people have towards surfacing or addressing our political expectation. Politics the so called expectation of people certainly highlights a proper system to address the issues of public interest that should be flexible and selfish toward the social welfare. Now let’s talk about Nepal’s elite parties, Nepali congress or UML or any other party why are all in the same league, why don’t they have a standing regarding political responsibility toward people’s aspiration. All of them they say they are working for the public but why they cannot come to a common point in the name of a country is something always makes me think. Why none of the political parties are ideal to define their political practices or why they are in question of morale and ethics ….? What about the constitution? what about giving public a standard of life. These are the utmost priorities of the public sentiment that are broadly being neglected.
Now looking at the other side of the corner we have the Maoist, from the day of the Maoist revolt to their commitment of joining the main stream politics, it seems negligible in proportionate of the decisions and agreements, they made. Their establishment and struggle has been testimonial to the mentality that revolted against the past practice of politics that was more inclined to Power sharing, Nepotism, corruption, Favoritism, manipulation etc. Their contribution has been limited to the pending situation of being the largest party of the constitution assembly and to prioritize their importance in showcasing there power and politics. Their ideology evolved from people’s aspirations where today it’s limited to their party and their people. Their struggle and existence highlights the sacrifices of thousands who willing gave their lives for their country but today it’s more like the other way round where the definitions their ideologies are changing.

I strongly believed in people and their ideologies. I always stood by the fact that none of the parties stand in Nepal is wrong in fact their leadership and their visions might have been wrong but not the party itself. Political parties are the free way of people’s voice that keeps public know and change accordingly to fulfill and direct the social welfare in regards to full social obligation as defined and needed.

Reality is the growing popularity stunts and media attention of Nepal’s politics is infested with a new adaptation and mutation of a new popularity contest that has certainly taken Nepal’s politics to new a newer heights.

One thing I always thought about was the so called out of proportion blow out publicity that has adapted Nepal’s politics. For instant Dr Baburam Bhattrai using the mustang car designed and contributed by the Golcha group of industry. He was an instant HERO as soon as the news came out. May be people were sick and tired of monotonous image of the show off attitude of politicians but it certainly brought him to news and he certainly enjoyed the popularity but for what is my question. Reality is Golcha Group is enlisted as one of the VAT defaulters of the country. A question that says may be we are hurrying too much in giving him a Hero image, without doing anything.

Myrepublica one of the foremost newspapers reports, " The Baburam Bhattarai-led government, which earned popularity for introducing austerity measures, will now have to spend approximately 4.5 million rupees every month on salary, allowances, hospitality expenses, quarter and security of the 46-member cabinet -- the second largest in the political history of the country."

Similarly, Ekantipur reports, "Prime Minsiter Baburam Bhattarai made a surprise visit and inspection of the hotel and restaurants in Muglin of Chitwan today. During the inspection, he checked kitchen and toilets of the hotels. After inspection, he directed the owners to put the price list and to pay the attention on cleanliness of hotel and hygienic service for the customers."

Another example is the Prime Minister talking on phone to the normal public live in the nationwide national TV station Nepal Television. It’s a good initiation for a Prime Minister’s side to know his people and their problems but why publicize, it publically? It’s done in so much out of proportion way and for what?

He is there to work not to en-cash popularity. After all may be he is also another politician who believes in making thing work from his own way but his position certainly gives the power and responsibility to be credible then to en-cash his own popularity. The question is where did we lack or what are we searching for? We outcaste the king, we declared the country as secular state, we have better laws and regulation from exploitation to racialism and still we have no political stability, still there are issue that hinders the life of a normal layman. I believe our country is facing the problem due to bad politics practices or wrong political adaptation. It is a question to all where we need to do a reality check to search for answers as in future you will be asked the question by your coming generation , then and there I believe we all need to have an answer to say we believe in this…………………………………

Monday, November 7, 2011

US Lawmaker Threatens Nepal government to ease on the Tibetan refugee issue


Kathmandu Nepal: In a recent out cry of struggle of the Tibetan refugee issue, Nepal’s government has been threatened by a US lawmaker to strip Nepal off its share of US aid, unless it permits refugees fleeing Chinese rule in Tibet to transit through the country, states the Agence France Presse (AFP) on Thursday .

Representative Frank Wolf, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee that determines US funding, said he would try to block funding to Nepal unless it grants exit visas to Tibetans who seek refuge in the United States. We're not just going to cut them, we're going to zero them out," said Wolf, a Republican from Virginia and outspoken critic of China. "If they're not willing to do it, then they don't share our values and if they don't share our values, we do not want to share our dollars," he told a congressional hearing on Tibet. Wolf said he would propose the aid cutoff if Nepal's record does not improve by the time the United States looks at foreign aid funding next year.

The report further highlights Representative Frank Wolf, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee that determines US funding, said he would try to block funding to Nepal unless it grants exit visas to Tibetans who seek refuge in the United States. According to sources the US Agency for International Development poured in $57.7 million for Nepal in the 2010 fiscal year.

In the past few years Nepal has been pretty fixed upon Tibetan refugees issue and has been strict in focusing more towards illegal migration process. Nepal has been the main route for exile for the Tibetans who having been rebelling against the Chinese government over Tibet who believe in the autonomous and free Tibet concept. The cases of illegal migration has been an immense issue where at times Tibetan refugees have been arrested with fake documents and fake passport with legal VISA and support from the US embassy. The controversy has not only challenged the US government’s role in refugees issue but it also shows the local interference that US embassy does at times of helping these illegal immigrants.

A question of legality has been raised against the US government and it s role regarding the foreign policy and its operation in the third world country.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Climate change problem and its ground reality in Nepal


Climate change has been a topic of discussion since past few years, its relevancy and awareness has spread with the confusion among the different stake holders regarding its work methodology and its practices. With high priority and concern, large amount of international funds has been poured-in in regards to the climate change activities and campaigns where the awareness spread in the field has not only created a trend of awareness but to a level has created a confusion among the different entities to work together for the cause. The basic entities in the field of climate change in Nepal have been working individually in regards to their sectors and work practices. In Nepal the work entities have been basically divided in these categories
1. Donor
2. Line agencies
3. The government4. Local organization
5. Consumer

The different categories of organization work at different levels of action and awareness strategy where the government and line agencies work in policy and strategy level. The government role is immense in respect to the services that it provides through its different organizations but due to lack of infrastructure and mobility in the rural areas the human resources are limited within the urban area where the rural people lack the services which they are in dire need of. The Donor organization works in providing funds and receiving the feedbacks only. Local organization works in collaboration of the line agencies and government in following the strategies in action. At consumer level they work toward the adaptation and adaptability of the problem where lack of coordination and planning has been hindering the prospect of investment and research.

Especially in a country like Nepal where the education rate is very low, People know that changes are happening and they are adapting to it but they lack the technical knowhow of what, where and how?
Looking at the scenario and economic condition of Nepal and its pollution rates, Nepal stand nowhere to talk about its contribution in Green house gases emission rates but consequently it faces a huge price of global warming and climate change in retrospect to its adaptability and consequences.


The world Wild Life Nepal in its website says, “Communities in the target area are facing the natural hazards such as landslides, earthquakes and forest fires. Serious drought, temperature increases, and flash flooding are causing serious detrimental impacts on community livelihoods – causing food insecurity; lack of access to freshwater for irrigation and household needs; soil erosion; damage to infrastructure (including irrigation systems, land, property and roads); increase in pests and diseases, and changes to ecosystems (including NTFPs). These hazards are in part as a result of non-climate drivers (such as land use changes, unsustainable use of natural resources, governance, tourism) but are exacerbated by climatic variability. Communities in the target area do not have adequate access to information on climate data and local planning structures (including Village Development Committee Plans, and Buffer Zone Management Plans) have not taken into account risks as a result of climate change. WWF will play a crucial role in working with communities to ensure risks to ecosystem integrity (and therefore ecosystem services) are minimized; thereby building on existing or developing new relationships with other NGOs, private sector organizations, government agencies or research institutions to ensure all vulnerabilities facing people and the natural environment are addressed.”

Climate change has been an effective sector of funding where different Non government organizations are mushrooming in. According to a report from the Centre District Office there are thousands of organizations registered or that have the work capability to work in the field of climate change. Though different NGOs are operational but most of them are limited within bring funds and lack real operational skills where the government lack of monitoring mechanism has boosted their confidence.

Like such Saurav Dhakal, British Council International Climate Champion 2010/11 recently shared his experience of the ground reality of the climate change and its adaptation problems that he encountered during his visit to far rural villages of Dailekh and Terahthum. He shared some key points in his study report of “Adaptation learning highways” which are given below.

Community perception on climate change:

  • Delay and reduced snowfall
  • Delay in erratic rainfall
  • Prolonged dry spells
  • Water stress
  • Increased pest incident
  • Early maturing of crops and new crop opportunities

Dhakal further highlighted the issues and gaps of climate change in following key points.

  • Lack of mechanism or existing mechanism is not actively functioning to discuss on farmers problem and technical backstopping on problem
  • Lack of technical backstopping for farmers to solve the problem in field level from line agencies. Most of the technical service providers agencies are centered in district headquarters
  • Less information on adaptation of farming techniques and seed methodology
  • Less knowledge on responsibilities of line agencies toward farmers
  • Lack of effective information flow system
  • Lack of introduction of new technology in adaptation of farming techniques
  • Lack of effective human resource in the field

He said, “People in rural parts of Nepal they majorly lack knowledge sharing and most importantly they are unaware of the resources that are available to reduces the effective of climate change. It’s a worrying situation especially in rural villages where prominent changes are happening and people have no idea of what’s happening. The awareness program of line agencies has reached places but they are inconclusive way limited to center and cities where people in rural areas are confused. The government needs to collaborate in a proper mechanism in dealing with such scenario where the gaps in between the line agencies, and the people should be overcome. The ultimate goal is to provide relief to the public where a reality check needs to be done from all sides and proper efforts have to be done in dealing with the situation.”


Ministry of Environment (MoE) in its portal states, “The Government of Nepal, Ministry of Environment (MoE) has received support from the Embassy of Denmark in Nepal to implement climate change activities. The MoE prepared, through this support, the status report while participating the 15th session of the Conference of the Parties to UNFCCC and 5th session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties (CMP) to the KP. In addition, this funding was also used to prepare and publish the Status of Climate Change in Nepal. The MoE has felt an urgent need for preparing Strategy for Climate Change Strategy and Framework for Climate Change Fund from this support within the broader framework of the Climate Change Policy, 2011. This strategy is expected to streamline all climate change activities in Nepal and include negotiation approaches and will contribute to future climate change negotiations as well. Similarly, the framework for climate change fund will provide a basis to channelize funding on climate change activities received from different sources in the country. The Ministry of Environment intends to prepare the Climate Change Strategy and Framework for Climate Change Fund by procuring consulting services. The key output of this study will be the final reports on: (i) Climate Change Strategy; and (ii) Framework for Climate Change Fund.”

With stakeholders of climate change being more focused in managing the funds and other operational issues climate change industry in Nepal has been a booming industry. The reality of the rural villages and lack of effective human resource in addressing the issue has evolved as a serious problem. Lack of monitoring from the government side and effective mechanism to upgrade the human resource and to outreach the people seems to be the problem at large. Climate change in Nepal has been an issue of concern to all where lack of coordination among the stakeholder hiders the process of awareness and adaptation.

Further climate change strategy and adaptation perspective can be gained from the following link
http://www.scribd.com/doc/24367688/Research-Paper-Nepal-s-Position-Paper-for-the-en-Negotiations-COP15-by-Shreedeep-Rayamajhi

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Nepal lies in dilemma of power tussle between China and USA


Kathmandu August 1, 2011: A Tibetan woman refugee was arrested here in Nepal while trying to obtain a fake Nepali passport. The 22-year-old woman who is suspected to be a refugee living in Bangalore, was arrested red handed when she tried to obtain a Nepali passport in the name of Chhintal Tamang. The Nepal police also arrested 3 Nepali citizens, Bhakta Bahadur Tamang, K.P. Thapaliya and Devendra Neupane as her accomplish.

According to the Government of Nepal, Tibetans entering Nepal after 1989 do not have permission to stay as legal refugees within Nepal, nor does the law protect their human rights. However, the principle of non-refoulement, laid out in 1954 in the UN-Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, provides in Article 33(1) that:"No Contracting State shall expel or return ('refouler') a refugee in any manner whatsoever to the frontiers of territories where his life or freedom would be threatened on account of his race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion."

The arrest came in action within weeks of Nepal’s Central Investigation Bureau arrest of two minors at Tribhuvan International Airport while trying to leave the country with fake Nepali passports under valid US Visa. The under aged Tibetan kids 15-year-old Jayang Tenzin, and his sister, Tsering Lhamo, 12, were arrested while trying to board a Qatar Airways flight to Turkey with other members of their family who have been living in the US under the status of Tibetan refugees.

With China trying to use its bilateral relationship and USA trying to be more flexible towards the refugee issue of Tibet, Nepal is stranded with no option except to pretend accordingly to both the sides. From the past activism practices to the recent arrest shows Nepal’s position and lack of clarity. Nepal seems to be sandwiched between the giant powers with no standing on the issue, more or less China putting ban and USA being more flexible toward the Tibetan asylum cases , Nepal has been a ground reality for the Tibetans who have been suffering from both ways.

Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Speak Up !!!!!!!!!!!!!!




Voices search new meanings and definitions. Just have to understand yourself. CHANGE comes at the stake of one's dedication and sacrifice where an individual initiates the spark of change and suffer the consequences but the change is for the world ...........


Rays Production @ 2011 Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

A letter to the Editor

Dear all,

I'm a normal Nepali, a Social activist and writer/reporter. Today I encountered a news which completely made me re-think where our country’s journalism is moving. I believe kantipur being the foremost and pioneering has more responsibility in its sustainability than others where it’s losing its hope. It use to be people's voice and use to lead peoples aspirations in words of change but I guess moving on with commercialism, it has lost its vitality and core values . Previously Kantipur use to be known for its News validity and precision but these days Kantipur is known for its reporters and how they put up their stories. It has become a high reporters/ writers based Newspaper which certainly looks into personal writers opinions rather than any research or reality. This mail basically encompasses my feeling toward a journalist's role and his practices. This mail is regarding Aashish Luitel's article published in the Kantipur daily dated July 27, 2011 about facebook activism which is attached with this mail. I believe everyone has their opinion and we should respect them at all times. PRESS FREEDOM is not a question at any times, but when it deals with social issues even writers and reporters have to be careful about the impacts and roles. A writer in view of his publication’s popularity cannot go about writing anything to hurt people sentiment without facts and information. It is his priority to understand and portray the diplomacy of the information to its use and validity. His persistence in being non bias towards the issue should be his priority. The way Mr Luitel portrays his opinion towards such an important issue seems very irrelevant and questionable. I believe questioning other integrity and giving people your own personal facebook information ( Facebook profile address) certainly points his intentions toward the larger picture of his cheap popularity stunt. If that is the case then I'm sorry to say this but people would lose credibility over the news and news making process.

I would just like to ask the editors these questions where are we moving?Is this journalism that you guys want to pass on to the coming generation? Are moving on the right track ?Manipulation, media power play, Corruption and cheap popularity stunts is this morally acceptable…………… I believe with great power, comes great responsibilities which is being missed by Mr. Luitel. I doubt his credibility and I challenge his skepticism of his definition in regards to journalism. I say this is yellow journalism not press freedom to write against a social movement that too on the basis of rumors with no proofs is a question of integrity. I believe being a writer/ reporter from a prestigious publication and writing something on a social issue that too without any research based on rumors and slashing an image of a movement created and dedicated for the people is a question that points fingers his and your integrity not ours. I would just like to ask the editorial team how could they have approve such a personal opinionated piece that slashes public sentiment. The facebook movement has not only been an eyes opener to thousands of Nepali facebook users but it has brought into light the true spirit of patriotism. Just think where wore we moving a year back. Young people use to say, I hate politics, politics is shit and its nonsense. From this movement at least we have got the feeling of My Country my responsibility, Young people are at least talking and showing their interest that's credibility sir. We know we might bring not bring an instant change but we know we are satisfied at least we are changing the mentality of youth. We are very sure that It’s our country, and we made it garbage and we are trying to clean it so please do join in to know the reality. "Kantipur Publication specially the Kantipur use to be one of the best news publication in Nepal but its credibility is degrading not due to competition but due to its weak editorial Team who don't even cross verify its reporters stories. I guess the Writers and Reporters are more important than the quality of news & its impact ...."MY COUNTRY MY RESPONSIBILITY, MY NEPAL MY PRIDE

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Mass Rally for Awarness




The Facebook youth activism group “Come on Youth Stand Up” organized a protest rally against the current situation of political deadlock and no constitution situation here in Nepal. The rally started from Basantapur Durba square at 8:00 AM in the morning towards Birendra International Convention Center(BICC) the current official work station of the Constitution Assembly Members (CAM) . Hundred of youth’s voiced and protested slogans like NO WORK NO PAY and expressed their aggravation and frustration towards the pending constitution process. Most of the youths were seen carrying the national flag where from past few months they have been very consistent in organizing various protest programs at different locations.

One of the participant said, “The politicians of Nepal are completely irresponsible. Our main objective is to make them realize that we are watching them. People have given them, 3 months of extension for constitution making process not for other things. It’s their foremost priority to complete the constitution and bring it out in fulfilling people’s aspirations. They are getting paid for making the constitution and if they cannot then they have no rights to occupied the position and get paid for doing nothing from people’s tax paid money. Our rally is all about making Nepal responsible.”
“ We are not affiliated to any political part. We are a loose group citizen movement where we serve our objective that address peoples’ voice. If the politicians and CA members don’t address us, we will be back time to tell them and make them realize that they are the servant of this counties not the owners.”

Friday, July 22, 2011

SoFA right or wrong?


SoFA right or wrong?

Wiki defines, Status of Forces Agreement (SoFA) as, “SoFA does not constitute a security arrangement; it establishes the rights and privileges of foreign personnel present in a host country in support of the larger security arrangement, there are details to it.” The United States (US) trying to get SoFA here in Nepal certainly triggers the bell. What is their vested interest for SoF Agreement here in Nepal? The question strikes. May be they want to help or maybe they are thinking of a counter strategy for China and India or may be they want to make Nepal as one of their base or may be the unknown. The strategy of US against its allies has been very phenomenal and dynamic. Their strategies and practices have been well seen with the measures that they take at the times of need which shows they are very clerical. US has big powers and big powers calls for big measures which certainly needs to be worked and understood. More or less with the financial assistance and support that Nepal Government is receiving from different US agencies will to the level pressure the Nepalese authorities to be more flexible toward the agreement but on what cost and measures should be on our teams and conditions. The question that raises is why should we give rights for a foreign army to move freely in Nepal that is the question that impedes me and my sense of patriotism.

I believe any country getting down in establishing itself to give technical mobility powers to the alien forces is a question of its weakness. Moreover, understanding it in a normal way to give authority or power for alien security forces to move freely in other country’s territory is not just a question of the host countries sovereignty but is also question of the measures that should be taken in and against at times of need. SoFA has both pros and cons. Pro’s will be well defined but what about the con’s like for example in Iraqi with the SoFA there was a sister agreement done which gave the forces certainly feasibilities where the secondary agreement is still not made public. We can understand the US policies toward terrorism but what I cannot understand is the power and control mechanism they have. But in Nepal which is relatively a small country which is currently going at the verge of political chaos, the SoFA certainly triggers a red light. SoFA was previously introduced during the king’s regime where it was turned down but after the Current Chief of the Army visit to the US. The SoFA issue has again came into lime light. The issue is currently being researched in the Home ministry where it will be forwarded to the related military secretariat for the necessary research and understanding.

The real reason lies behind the door where the US and its administrators have the answers. We can’t just speculate about what can happen and what can be done? But it certainly highlights the questions that came out from wiki leaks and further obliterates the situation saying WHY NEPAL?

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Hami Sabai Nepali



VOICES OF NEPALI ~~~An art performance~~~~
It's the voices of Nepali youth trying to portrait the current situation and need of time. Nepal has seen radical changes in its past were leaders and political manifestos which have tolled the list where in reality it lacked in adaptation. The youth of Nepal wants a RESPONSIBLE NEPAL. They want to work their way out in their own country, they don't want go aboard and slug their time, money and energy. They want to live here and work for their country. The need of today is to understand the aspirations of youth which certainly shows some light, lets work together in uniting Nepal.

Rays Production @ 2011 Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Volunteer in Action


Wiki defines volunteering as, ““In general terms, volunteering is the practice of people working on behalf of others or a particular cause without payment for their time and services. Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity, intended to promote good or improve human quality of life, but people also volunteer for their own skill development, to meet others, to make contacts for possible employment, to have fun, and a variety of other reasons that could be considered self-serving.Volunteering takes many forms and is performed by a wide range of people. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work in”

More or less the definitions depend on the understanding and objective of the project/program but the role of a Volunteer in action is always important to the cause or issue of its adaptability and action-ability. Whether it’s management of resources or rendering services, or any control mechanism, Volunteers have to be smart and flexible in fulfilling the objective of the cause. It’s important for him/her to know, study and research the goals prior joining the program so that in an inevitable situation the volunteer can easily address the issues effectively and efficiently. One should always remember that while entering into volunteering, the volunteer should take things in consideration of his volunteering process.


Stage 1
Before Volunteering
à Research and Study à Phase Personal Skills

Stage 2
During Volunteering
à Action and Adaptability à Interpersonal

Stage 3
After Volunteering

à

Skills Analysis and Interpretation

à

Cognitive thinking


The conditions or stages mentioned above are the process where the volunteer has to be clear about how, when and what. After getting all the relevant information in feeding it inside his brain and then he has to react in and against the situation with adapting to the cognitive process.

More often Patience, knowledge of the topic or goal, resourceful and tactfulness are also seen as appreciating charters which can help as an operational strategies. The role and jobs of the volunteer may differ from time, place and value but his objective remains the same that is service to help others which should be the top most priority. Down below I have listed some of the basic common key point in operation of volunteers in action which needs to be realized and worked on.

Communication: Communication is always two sides. It should be followed by precise and effective answers. A volunteer in action should be limited in words and focus more towards his action. His work criteria definitions should be more toward listening than to exchanging words or fighting.

Alertness:
Alertness is a key player in a volunteer’s job responsibility as it helps him/her to adapt to the scenes and scenarios. The job of a volunteer is to facilitate and help others with in the different means to avoid the inevitable situation in and against the activities. He/she should keep track of all the happenings and how it can affect the objective of the program.

Promptness: Volunteers in action are the representative of the programs and organizations. Their periphery is not limited to the action defined but to the level of acting against the situation. They have to be sharp and instant for things happening around and their reaction toward the entities available.

Courteous and politeness: The nature of human beings highlights their sense of communication and how they do it. Their ways of communication plays a crucial role in determining the situation where the mode of communication defines the pros and cons of their objectives. So politeness and courteousness certainly proves to be an asset to a volunteer in action to deal in any kind of situation.

Cooperation: Being a volunteer in action certainly demands the need of being flexible and cooperative towards the issue of concern in every possible way of understanding the situation and time. Cooperation certainly entails the definition of being available to the feasibility of addressing and bonding the gaps of communication and adaptation.

Clarity and consideration: Like said above the meaningful representation for volunteer in action is characterized by the clarity of the main objectives and goals. At times of need or situation it’s his roles and duty to address all these while maintain the level of communication and situation at it best.

Volunteer in action represent the people who believe in making thing happening on contrary of avoiding situation. His/her practice must not be limited to the definition rather it should be adaptable in action in real times of need.

Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

DJ-ying in Nepal adapts the Nepali way

Amidst controversies and bad image of drugs and alcohol, DJ-ying in Nepal has always been in headlines countering and defending itself; years have passed with hundreds and thousand going in and out but it never saw a change. With DJs either getting into sex tape scandals or drugs addiction issue, DJ-ying in Nepal has seen its ups and downs, but with the changing time people have also started to accept this field of glamour and music with a new attitude. These days with the booming tourism and hotel industry, DJ-ying in Nepal is also grooming its way getting popular in Nepalese society where more or less new generations are getting interested.

It may sound absurd but previously when a DJ used to be considered as someone with tattoos, attitude and a drugs abuser but these days a DJ is respected as a professional where he stand for his professionalism and creativity.

Now getting down to the modern definition, DJ is acronym for Disk Jockey (DJ) who mixes, scratches and makes creative sounds from the disk but to its adaptation DJ-ying has more of its own dynamics where there are different aspects related to it. A DJ in a club is like a manager who controls and manages the club. It is his duty to manage the systems and to make the people enjoy in groove. Likewise, coming from that definition, DJ-ying in Nepal has been preexisting here from past one decade. With a very orthodox and limited thinking, this field has prolonged with a narrow definition and limited image and today it has out casted the prejudices with a slap of proving itself as a creative and professional field promising a prominent career like any other.


Moving its way from the limited discotheques to the modern definition of celebration, today DJ-ying has been a part of daily lifestyle in Nepal. What clubs, what marriages and what corporate occasions everywhere DJs are seen scratching and mixing sounds making people move around their beats. Moreover, it seems that the people of 21st century are more happier and want to celebrate their occasions in a more extravagant and musical way.


Looking at it from a different angle it also has evolved as a career for many aspiring young artists who believe in doing something in this field. Though few go through rigorous training and studies but most learn it in a sequential apprentice way of learning by doing method. Each individual is trained on one on one basis by their preexisting professional. The training are easily available at a cost of NRS 12,000 to 20,000 (USD 250 approximately) depending upon the level and skills of the candidates interest. The overall equipment of the DJ-ying costs from NRS 100,000 to NRS 300,000 which are easily available in the market.


DJ Saakar a leading DJ, who has worked in this field for more than 8 years says, “It’s a creative and entrainment field where a DJ is a king of celebration. It’s up to him to make the event happening and enjoyable. He should be extravagant in every possible way to make the crowd feel and believe to live their life in a more exhilarating way. DJ-ying is not just of being cool and showing off attitude, in-fact it’s about concentration and hard work, where a dedicated DJ keeps on practicing his skills and researching about the new developments in the music industry and equipments. It may look easy from outside but it’s very hard. On contrary if you compare it with any other professions, DJ-ying is a tough job as you have to constantly prove yourself in your family and society which has an orthodox and monotonous thinking about you and your career, so it’s a hell of a tough job which is not easy.”

Regarding clubbing, he said, “The scope of clubbing and DJ-ying is growing with peoples changing lifestyle. If we could just address their needs, then we can surely see it as a good revenue generation field . But the authorities are too limited and it creates problems at times as we don’t have proper rule and regulation here. They just bring the security issue in front and things go lame. Reality is we are a small country where we are doing an effort to develop. We have so many problems and further the authorities make it difficult to even work here. The way should have been the opposite and they should facilitate us, this field has tremendous potential, we can do so much but in reality it works the way around. I want to do something for this field and my major hindrance is not just the orthodox thinking but lame attitude of authorities towards this field. I have thought of opening an association which would help monitor and maintain the standards of club DJs and further more I’m also planning to go to schools and colleges with DJ-ying as extra curriculum activity. We are further working in talking with the other stake holders, we need to unite from all sides and work together.”


“These days it’s very easy to learn and to find the equipment, people of this generation are very fortunate as everything is available but during our days, we had to import the equipments and most importantly good trainers were also scarce. A lot of situations and conditions were there and you had to face the negative image of this field but now things have changed, which is really important,” added he.


Conditioning its own prospect, these days a lot of DJ-ying competitions are happening where the numbers of participants are also overwhelming. These DJ-ying competitions number are not a question but the quality of human resources that coming out are and getting in lime light most of theses competition and their winners certainly get themselves into controversies, which has further drained the image.
What’s the use when there are no standards and quality is a question that I made to one of the organizer of a DJ-ying competition – “Kings of DJ- March 05, 2011” Little Star Shrestha said, “Basically it’s all about giving people a plat form. We have given them a means to show their talents, now it’s upon them to work their way. We can’t be there all the time and take care of them, it’s upon them to work it and make this profession clean and practical. We are just here to show them the path the rest is in their own hands.”


Nepal being a small country has limited opportunity of investment, the big giants’ like china and India further makes it difficult for its industrial development where there are very limited opportunities which certainly affects its development. But significantly Nepal’s tourism industry holds a major part in its GDP which is phenomenal. These days a lot of Nepal’s DJs have also been seen working abroad in foreign countries where they are creating their own name and fame, it is just a trend but significantly it’s making an impact.


Ravi Sharma a Social Scientist said, “Any creative field should not be limited within the idea of ignorance. DJ-ying was considered as a stigma of the western world but it was mostly due to the shadows of drugs and alcohol but its changing and people have started to accept it in a normally way. Apart from that DJ-ying is part of music which cannot be defined and like said earlier creativity has no limitation. Till the time it soothes ears, it’s feasible and it goes well. Its normal tendency for people to migrate where there are better opportunities. If there is a possibility of making this field better and has a potential possibility the government and the concerned department should do a research about it.”


Sharing his experience Sharma added, “Even I have danced to the beats of a DJ in a recent wedding where it was phenomenal. The way they mix the rhythms and melodies are simply awesome. I enjoyed every bit of it and I still have a hangover. I would love to dance to the tunes again.”


Breaking the league, creative fields like this has certainly created a new scope and horizon for such fields where alternately it has also broken the orthodox thinking of limiting secured professions as Doctors, Scientist, Managers and Engineers as a prominent career choice. As comparing it to any other professional an average monthly income of a good professional DJ is ranged from NRS 30,000 to 60,000(USD 450 to 850) which is lucrative.


DJ Jazzy Joe a reputed Indian DJ on tour of Nepal said, “DJ-ying is all about expressing yourself in the form of music, the only way a DJ can be called good is the way he can entertain the crowd. It’s an art form that’s very normal like any other field. This field also has its pros and cons, but due to the stigma of Drugs and alcohol, its image is getting affected where people tend to see DJ’s with a different perspective but now times are changing. DJs are also getting recognized where society is accepting them for what they do.”

“DJ-ying is a field related to music, and music is positive, it’s the field of making others happy and spreading joy. If you have an attitude and you are stiff then you cannot perform well, it’s all about being yourself and making people feel the happiness, so a DJ needs to be positive and happy all the time,” added he.

Talking about Standardization he said, “It’s a must in this field but standardization should not affect the interest of the young aspiring artists, it should be entailed in a proper way where quality must be its priority not quantity. This career choice certainly comes with fun but loads of options, like said it’s upon the rider to make sure the journey goes well.”


Controversies raging of DJs having bad images to their sex tapes, DJs of Nepal have not been able to meet up to the standards though Nepalese have accepted them but with the controversies coming up at times it seems they have to work on their moral and ethics. The question here is not about who does what or what can be done to stop it , the question here is about morale and ethic whether our society is able to accept it or not. May be it’s a personal or professional question but how can a single person’s act be responsible for staining the image of the entire field? This question certainly affects this field and further dilutes the prospect of the coming up aspiring artist who look up to their elders. Now it’s upon the DJs to make themselves credible and responsibly, so that the coming generation and their field could look up to them.

May be it’s a standardization issue may be it’s not but it certainly holds key to the future prospect of this field.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Shivaratri- The Weed Day celebrated here in Nepal

Kathmandu March 02: The festival of Shivaratri was celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal among the devotees, followers, yogis, and sadhus here at Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu Nepal. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims from all over the world came to this temple just to pay their homage to lord Shiva where lines were seen from a day before. Traffic around Pashupatinath area was completely halted due to the devotee’s number.

Looking at the popularity of the Temple, the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) had made arrangements of tickets for directly entering the temple without any hassle by
paying NRS 1000 which was proven to be very fruitful especially for old aged people and Hindu tourists.

According to beliefs, it is said that devotees who mediate and voice the name of lord Shiva on this day would be freed from all sins. Most of the devotees were seen fasting all day where
they visited the near Shiva temple to break their fast. It is also believed that this is the night when Lord Shiva performed his Tandava Nritya that is

the source of creation, preservation and dissolution.
Another excitement that attracted youngsters and teenagers was on this particular day it is allowed to smoke hashish or Marijuana for gurus and yogis, which is considered as one of the prized possession of lord Shiva. With this trend, Pashupatinath area also attracts thousands of teenagers where these illicit drugs are sold and bought openly on this day.

Ramesh Shrestha, a teenager at Pashupatinath area said, “Lord Shiva loves marijuana that’s one of his favorites, so we all come here to celebrate this for him. We are his devotees and we are bound to follow him; we want to make him happy.”

Pashupatinath area was not only seen smoked and buzzed with intoxication but hundreds of medical camps and ambulances were also seen treating and catering thousands of people for their hallucination and injuries.

Ravi Sharma, a social scientist said, “It’s a very harsh aspect of our culture where things are manipulated accordingly. Certainly it’s happening due to lack of monitoring and surveillances. The uses of these illicit drugs are just for the yogis and sadhus but irrelevantly they are sold to teenagers and it’s open for all. It has evolved as a negative trend in our society where people are grasping it into the culture which is highly questionable. Necessary steps need to be taken by authorities before it’s too late.”

Looking at the growing trend of using illicit drugs, this year a high number of police personnel were seen in and around the Pashupatinath abode. According to sources almost 4000 security personnel wore deployed in plain and formal clothes to curb the trade and use.

The Ex-Monarch Gyanendra Shah and his consort Komal Shah were also seen in the Temple where after paying their homage, they headed towards Guheshwori Temple. Likewise, celebrating the enthusiasm an Indian dance group compromising various dancers including Santnu Chakraborty a renowned bharatnatyam dancer performed and the enigmatic and exaggerating Shiva Tandav at the abode.

For watching the full procession, you can see it through this given link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RXb6uaKKQE

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Why did biography.org de-listed buddha from Indian Great Leaders



It was really sad to see that Biography.org in its list of biography of Indian Great Leaders had listed Buddha, Siddhartha Gautam being an Indian. The whole Biography of Buddha was conscripted making him an Indian leader with supremacy and bigger words.
Most of the references were taken from the local  websites without international research. I was so surprised to see that such a reputed organization making such mistake in view of limited research and communication. It was clearly  written that Buddha was born in India. To my surprise there has been no proof found regarding the boundaries of  the so called Bhart Barsha or there has not been any technical or geographical studies done. In-fact Nepal was create 200 years ago but it existed in the form of many states scattered and spread. There are documentation of Yalabar the first king of Kirats being acknoweldge in the Mabharata as the king who had came to fight from the kingdom of HIMKHANDA 

There are still proofs that sikkim and other state of India which were part of the great Nepal period during the  British India Company are today in India but there is no technical paper of research that proves buddha was born in India.

The truth about where buddha was born can be answered only by him, as there was no documentation in terms of geography. It has been identified and certified that the place where Buddha was born is currently in Nepal by the UNESCO in its website and excavation are still happening in and around the area.

It is clearly said and documented that Asoka the Great king left his country in  search of Buddha and came to Nepal and erected the Asoka pillar.         

Now getting back to the topic, I wrote back to biography.org with the links of UNESCO  reference stating why they listed   Gautam Buddha was born in India. Within a couple of days they changed the title and remove buddha from the list of   Indian Great Leaders

https://www.biography.com/people/groups/indian

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Don't Say I hate Politics, Say I hate Politician( The SPARK of CHANGE )

Whether it’s Nepali Congress or UML or the Maoist party, there is not a single politician or leader who could be respected or worth getting the respect. All of them, they are so limited and bounded by their selfish motives and games that they forget they are the servants of public. More or less, they indulge themselves to luxury of cars and securities with the hard earned money of tax payers and citizens disgracing their oath of serving public.

In fact reality is Politician is such a respectable image where we confine our believes and aspirations, we trusts the leaders to play a crucial role in overall development of the country but till date we have just see them engaging themselves in corruption, power politics, commission rackets, favoritism, social discrimination, lobbing selfish motives, accumulating people money in foreign banks etc .

I bet there is no politician who would be respected from heart by any one. They disgrace the societal values of socialism where they take the oath of serving the nation but alternately support their individual party in strengthening their forces and power.
The problem here is not with the leaders, the problem here is with us the normal people, we select these leaders and when they get to power, they play and manipulate us in their desired ways but we keep our mouths shut. We just move to their rhythm where they treat us like nobody.

I say and believe every Nepali has the bloody right to ask each of these leaders about what they did and what they are planning to do coz it’s our Nation and we are the tax payers. As we pay taxes in everything from buying a chocolate to sewage to cold drinks, everything but still we are least bothered group. Moreover, the hard earned money completely goes in vain paying hefty salaries and comforting their luxury. It’s our responsibility to remind them of their mistakes where we lack.
We ignore e the fact that we pay taxes and it’s our RESPONSIBILTY to see what is happening and to validate their actions but we don’t have time. Likewise, we blame everything upon them which is completely erratic and irresponsible, as they are selected by us. We do protests; do blockades, Chaka Jam, Bandhas etc on useless things but regarding our politicians and their acts we keep silence making it limited within the voices of an unknown tables and chairs.

The fascinating part is we say politics is a dirty game, but it’s our garbage. Just by saying it’s bad or disgracing it, things won’t change. We have two choices either we keep our mouth shut and let the things that’s happening go on or do something about it in any way possible. It’s upon our efforts and we need to dig our hands into the garbage and clean it, because it our garbage and nobody else is coming to clean it we have to do it by ourselves.

We the young blood the so called generation-X needs a wake up call and say that yes we are determined not just to blame but to take charge. We have to take responsibilities in every possible way of being a good citizen and work our way in the system. It might take days or years, but change is supposed to happen and it will happen no matter what. We have the skills and courage and let’s unite to bring change.

This is not just a call for me, you or anyone, it’s a call for every Nepali who feels pride to say he or she is Nepali and if you care about it spread the awareness and save our nation. Let’s take the promise to bring change not just by words but by social awareness and by social change where our small effort counts and each individual matter to say that he or she is a part of this society and we can play a crucial role for the development of our country. Let’s make Nepal a better Nepal for the coming generation to be proud of where we can hold our heads high to say we brought the change.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Brain Drain

The word Brain drain, defines itself to showcase its meaning where it literally means migration of qualitative human resource to foreign nation abandoning their own. Moreover, contemplating its existence in a more negative way, it institutes our society and mentality within the limited concept. Depending on time, situation and resources available, the concept of brain drain can be dissected in different ways. I believe brain drain is an inevitable condition of human nature that is manifested strongly by human psychology. As it is said, “Humans with their ambitious nature have always been in search of the best. Their migration and their learning have always been subjected to change in the quest for betterment where they have migrated for many reasons which depend upon their feasibility and accessibility.”

Likewise, they have developed this technique from their survival age where it’s natural and instinctive to move to a feasible place where there is more comfort, resources and flexibility but looking at the modern trend of our country brain drain seems very arguable, but if we look at it as a trend of migration to the third country then it really takes our attention and should further be investigated for the prime causes. Looking at it from another perspective it may seem more palpable to define it within the scarcity, limited opportunity and possibilities but not as a trend to follow others.

For eg. Let’s look at the current trend, our education system especially in third world country, education is more theoretical and very orthodox and it has its layers where it lacks standardization and comparatively competition rules in for the people with high power and money. The best possibility is to go outside and to gain knowledge where your capacity and capability will both grow, so why not?

Brain drain in such scenario is admissible because you don’t have the resources and facilitates to grow. Here the question of intention arises, if for the growth and development the person can go but if the person goes after the trend of just going abroad then it’s wrong. I believe brain drain is not a problem but a situation that persist due to lack of the government miss management as when people are qualified and when they have no option except to migrate than its very instinctive to look for better opportunity. May be there might be a version to think at it from the large number of qualitative human resource that migrates abroad but putting this question to yourself what will you do if there is a similar condition, then you will have the answer as ground reality is always bitter.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Be-aware of who you add in Facebook

Facebook has certainly evolved as a new revolution in 21st century. What teenagers? or what adults? Everybody loves to be on Facebook. From organization’s details to games to wide varieties of applications, Facebook has everything creating a new addiction and opportunity of online social marketing. With easy accessibility and flexibility, Facebook certainly proves to be an effective medium of socializing and networking but on contrary with the open information and easy access, it tends to be very rigid for private and personal life. Adapting the different countries, the growing number seems very lucrative and exciting but it’s proving to be vulnerable to teenagers and new users who are unknowingly being manipulated and exploited. One thing that a user must understand is he/she should always control the privacy setting and be precise about the information that is being displayed or given out. As people displaying wrong or unwanted information can result in being manipulated and land up in inevitable situation.
Perhaps, it should also be considered that the company has made the platform user friendly for its effectiveness and has stored strong features in safeguarding the privacy issue but unknowingly people are getting manipulated and exploited due to their personal negligence which needs to be understood, studies and researched.

Likewise, for a new user it’s very hard to understand the setting where they neglected the importance of privacy setting and land themselves in trouble. More or less, the popularity of the Facebook has not only created a trend but has established itself as a culture. Facebook certainly proves to be an effective medium to express themselves in their desired way highlighting their emotions, feelings and expression in the most profound way.

Merits and demerits of Facebook

Merits:
  • An easy search to find new and old friends
  • Greater security and privacy setting for customers
  • Helps in easy communication, sharing and making new friends
  • Easy platform for getting to know people in a easy way
  • Helps to customize and express users in a proactive way
Demerits:
  • Open and easy accessible if privacy setting is not customized
  • Overcrowding and very irritating
  • Changes of photos and profile being misuse and misinterpreted
  • Weakening long distance relationship
  • Promotes wide-range of procrastination
  • Addiction
  • Possibility of stalking is very high
  • Acquaintances be labeled as friends
  • High possibility of sexual, physical and mental exploitation and abuse
Like such, with this trend, a new group of people have emerged who have been manipulating the means of online networking in their desired way. These groups specifically target new users who are very ignorant and flexible to their privacy setting.

A young girl was exploited mentally in the same view. Recently she had joined Facebook, with all the glory, fame and most importantly her friend suggested her. She opened the account and had no clue about the privacy setting and the threats of Facebook. At first she uploaded all her pictures in her account and was adding and enjoying Facebook. Later one of her friends informed her about her a different account which had all her pictures. Someone had opened an account with a different name using all her pictures. “I could not believe it, I literally got scared out of it because we live in society and if something wrong happens or if the profile user uses it in a wrong ways, fingers will be pointed at me, and that’s what I don’t want,” said she.

“I have already reported Facebook administration about it and I’m waiting for their answer, I just hope they deleted that account” added she. Looking at the current scenario different countries like Syria, Iran, China, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan etc have banned the use of Facebook in their territory. The questions that these countries are putting forward are not just about the safety and exploitation but are raising the questions about morale and religious values of their community.

Similarly, in another incident, a male Nepali citizen living in Germany made friends with a Nepali Girl on Facebook. With her attractive profile and friendly nature they got close. At first she was very attractive and portrayed a vulnerable and innocent image. With time and days their relationship grew intimate and all this happened online on Facebook and MSN messenger. Every day they would talk for hours and then she started to show her true colors. Showing her poor financial condition she asked for financial support and the man believing her send her NRS 30,000 (USD 400) in two cash installments through the western union money transfer. Day after day she started demanding stuffs and things. Then looking at her condition the man again send her a laptop worth NRS 51,000 (USD 700), after getting hold of the laptop she not satisfied and she demanded an Apple Note Book, and luckily she returned the laptop in view of getting the desired one. Till now the man had no idea that she was a con and was after his money. After having an online relationship for 9 months then she hit the point where she demanded a scooter worth NRS 0.15 million (USD 2000). When the guy refused to pay the money for her scooter, she abandoned him.

“I was shocked to see such a thing, and I had no idea that people would do anything like this for money. I always believed in her and loved her unconditionally but she was a fraud. It doesn’t matter that much that I lost the money but the accusation part hurts me more than anything and I will never forgive her for that,” said the victim.

Just like that people all over the world have been financially, sexually and mentally been abused and exploited in desired ways due to their lack of ignorance. During the research we came to know that the girl also demanded money with other people who were there in her friends list. In the following the girls has used different names like Catchrains, Smily anne, Kali Maicha etc. From the past few months she has been changing her profile name and recently she deleted her profile from Facebook.

So the easy accessibility of opening and closing account with desired information is a huge threat and risk for people where it may seem simple but its consequence can be bitter.

Baburam Aryal, a Cyber law expert said, “Facebook itself is a platform of freedom of expression where its legality is arguable. Users should be aware of their rights and should be able to contain themselves with in the limitation and privacy setting. Cyber law permits the use of Facebook as a strong medium of freedom expression where people have the rights to express themselves in their desired way. Until and unless the act is used for deceiving or knowingly hampering others its defined legal.” “In both cases, the main thing that matters is whether both the parties had a mutual agreement or not, if any of the party had deceived the other party in framing by using fake name or identity then the question of legality arises and then it comes under tradition or cyber fraud which can be dissected accordingly. But if the exchange was done in mutual basis knowing the reality of both partners without faking any identity then it’s completely legal and nothing can be done.” Regarding the restriction of Facebook, Aryal added, “Facebook cannot be questioned or restricted in any way as it defines the legal frame work of freedom of expression, if there are conditions that highlights or challenges public interest only then it can be reviewed. Facebook itself defines its legality where it’s clearly written in law that the use and motive of the user can be questioned but not the platform. In fact the country can further collaborate with Facebook in securing the privacy for further creating better mechanism.”

In its recent edition, the guardian.co.uk quoted that “Social network sites risk infantilising the mid-21st century mind, leaving it characterised by short attention spans, sensationalism, inability to empathise and a shaky sense of identity, according to a leading neuroscientist.”

Facebook certainly has its dimensions and features. The most important thing for a user is to educated and understand the relative importance of being aware and trying to be safe. If the user himself is not aware of the fact of his existence and threats then nobody or no policy can save or help him. However, online frauds and exploitation are inevitable situation which cannot be stopped but in an underdeveloped country like ours where technology has been given the speed without any limitation and restriction, people are bound to suffer the consequences because of its mishandling where the government should give an eye. The question here is not about the manipulation but the question here is about what can be done and how it can be stopped where the government and the related department should play their role in raising awareness about the safe guarding the rights of the users and creating better mechanism and policies to curb the problems.

Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

A revolution for eyes sight and cataract patients


The Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology(TIO) has been proven to be a boon for the people of Nepal and South Asia. Everyday hundreds of people flock to this pristine institution to treat different malfunctioning and diseases related to eyes. On averagely more than 50 cataract patients are operated and are given new hope of vision and better life. The institute is pioneering itself as a research facility training international ophthalmologists in the revolutionary Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) technique.
Establish in the year 1994, the Ophthalmology is spread in 135,000 square feet in Gaushala, Kathmandu. TIO is a nonprofit, community based, non-government organization following the vision and mission of the Nepal Eye Program. With an aim to act as a model for treatment research and training center, it has proven to be an ideal model for Nepal. The Tilganga intraocular lens laboratory has produced around three million lenses where the cost of intraocular lens produced brought a revolution in the world of vision. The cost of the lens which use to be around USD 100, significantly reduced to just USD 3.5 giving hope to many poor cataract patients worldwide and specially in Asia. The lens produced here are rated top most quality after the US brand which certainly highlights its prospects.
As part of its regular event TIO has been conducting more than15 free health camps yearly across the country with more than 9,000 surgeries . It is estimated that on average 100 Cataract surgeries are performed each day during the health camps.
One of the major attraction is Dr Sanduk Ruit Medical Director of the institution. Dr Ruit, has received the famous Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2006 for introducing cheap sutureless technique to perform cataract surgery and manufacturing inexpensive high-quality intraocular lens.
He is an aspiring personality developing and mastering the SICS technique giving dreams and hopes to people to see and feel the world with a new perspective.
By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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