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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...
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Everest Region and Human waste a problem
Climate change has been a global issue of talks especially in big conferences and seminars but when it comes to ground reality it always lacks its practicability in different areas of application. Climate change is an issue of development and growth which is hard to overcome. Like said that climate change issues have not only evolved as a big problem but it also threatens its victim with the by-products that are more alerting.
On contrary it also highlights as a powerful sector of investment and opportunities with dues of limited accessibility and contradiction. Reality is it has been a constant issue of talks for what must be done on the controversial side where nobody talks about it’s by products and its hard affects which is more or less important. To be specific especially for a country like Nepal with limited Green house gas emission rate of 0.11 per person per country which is anything and still the effects of climate change is clearly visible in Nepal. Blaming climate change as the main cause of problems if you look at Nepal’s situation it is very vivid to its practices of how, and what is happening here.
From the melting of the Glacier due to temperature rise in the Himalayan region to the farming externalities of pest, climate change has been an issue of attracting donor money with no end results. Sorting the techniques climate change not only initiates cons but it also has its pros with profitable applications which to some extent shadows in. Sidelining these issues these days a new issue has evolved in the Himalayan region. The current problem other than temperature rise in the Himalayan region is taking shape of immediate attention highlighting the lack of proper waste management. Though the government with its stipulated rules and regulation has created provision of liaison officer and checking waste management but more or less to its practicality the lack of moderation certainly is piling up the Everest region with waste that are visible and waste that not visible(human waste) .
Under the Mountaineering Rules and Regulation 2059, under section 15 sub head of Functions and Duties of a Mountain Guide, it is clearly stated To bring back the garbage that came out above the base camp while using any commodity to the base camp compulsorily similarly under .
Section 27 titled Classification and Management of Garbage defines following points:
(1)The garbage shall be classified for the purpose of garbage management used by the mountaineering expedition team as follows:
(a) Garbage which can be destroyed
(b) Garbage which can be recycled
(c) Garbage which his to be re imported
(2)The materials to be considered the garbage pursuant to sub rule (1) shall be as prescribed in Schedule –10.
Schedule 10
(Relating to sub rule (2) of Rule 27)
The materials to be considered as garbage
The following materials shall come under the following garbage:-
(a) Garbage which can be destroyed: Toilet paper, paper, cardboard, things made from bamboo, jute and cotton bag, decomposed food or dead body.
(b) Garbage which can be recycled: Tin, bottle, jar, plastic can, plastic shit, reusable gas cylinder, and plastic bag or gas container.
(c)Garbage which has to be re-imported: Used oxygen bottle, used battery, equipment to be used for climbing or personnel goods etc.
Surfacing the fact of the application and visibility few attempts have been made in bring back the visible waste but what about the bio hazardous ( Human Waste). Can you imagine your waste being frozen there for ages and still have the potentiality of being harmful for the environment? It’s like time stops where everything else is frozen. The effects of lack of waste management are visible.
During the summer season when the snow melts dead crops of mountaineers can be seen in unreachable areas lying abandon. Likewise with the threat of melting down of the glacier the lack of management of waste in the Everest region has significantly triggered the utmost need of managing the human waste there. Though limited efforts have been done with collecting human waste through the waste bags in the lower region of the Everest but a condition to rethink about the upper region certainly hinder to consider about the waste management process.
In a report of United Nation Environment Program, states “ Concentrated visitor activity in mountain areas generates significant amounts of both solid waste and wastewater, which can pollute water and soil through improper storage and disposal. Solid waste can build up from food and beverage consumption and the disposal of used packaging, supplies and equipment. Certain types of waste, including pharmaceuticals, personal products and cleaning products may contain dangerous chemicals that can harm local ecosystems, wildlife or people. Accidental or poorly managed discharges of oils and fuels from vehicles, vessels or equipment can be a significant source of water or soil pollution. Wastewater and sewage from facilities, water craft and animals, such as sled dogs and horses, can also easily pollute freshwater resources, particularly since human and other wastes and chemicals break down more slowly in alpine areas.”
Till date it is estimated that more than 1million people have reached the Everest region from the time of its first scale and their waste lies as a ticking time bomb frozen and waiting for the right time to be released with all its fury. It certainly can ruin the mountain environment and its surrounding ecosystem. Huge efforts are made to stop garbage and littering in Everest region but a less ignored area is the human waste which is certainly more threatening and being ignored. More specific policies are needed with better mechanisms to curb this problem or else Everest region will be yet another environmental disaster.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Supreme Court of Nepal has ordered to withheld – License to KILL
Kathmandu, November 13: The Supreme Court of Nepal has ordered the Government and the President not to take any action in the Murder case of Lawmaker Bal Krishna Dhungel until November 21 when the court is scheduled to decide whether to stay with or without the controversial recommendation. On Sunday the legal body with the growing pressure from the public and other national and international organization issued a statement ordering the president and the government not to act on the government recommendation to pardon Maoist lawmaker Bal Krishna Dhungel, a murder convict. The Supreme Court’s single bench of Justice Tahir Ali Ansari had convicted Dhungel for the first degree murder in 2010 with property attachment for the murder of Ujjan Shrestha in 2004.
The government of Nepal had recommended the pardon on political grounds where the Ujjan Shrestha case study shows no political affiliation with the case. Despite the huge protest from the public, national and international human rights groups, the Government of Nepal is still silent about the issue.
In a recent public statement issue by Prachanda, the Maoist supremo and a lawmaker, “The case of Bal Krishna is the case that was lobbied during the time of Madhav Kumar Nepal’s Government, but due to unavoidable circumstances it was neglected and currently the political parties are making an issue out of it which is completely irrelevant.”
In reply to this statement, Madhav Kumar Nepal Former Prime minister and a leader of the UML party said, “ We had not decide anything like this in fact the way Maoist leader are pulling the case seems very unpractical. If anyone is proven guilty then he or she must be brought by the book. Law of rule is equal to all if not then why do we need judicial system.”
The withheld situation came in action in midst of a deadlock situation of direct confrontation of the legal body and government of Nepal. With high controversies and protest from people, the President of Nepal was seen hesitant about the issue. For this, the court has ordered the lawyers of both sides to be present before the court November 21.
References: http://www.groundreport.com/Business/Justice-searches-new-meaning-in-Nepal-Politicians-/2942467
Shreedeep Rayamajhi
Friday, November 11, 2011
A Tibetan Monk ablaze himself in midst of self-immolation protests
Kathmandu, 11 November, 2011: It has been reported that a Tibetan monk set himself on fire in Baudha, a prominent Tibetan area of Katmandu on Thursday. A series of self-immolation protests has been in rise where around 11 Tibetans have set themselves ablaze this year in a China's southwestern Sichuan province.
After 1959, more than 20,000 Tibetan exiles are living in Nepal, after the uprising against of the Chinese rule in Tibet. Nepal has strictly prohibited demonstrations by Tibetan exiles and other facilitating activities.
According to the Reuterus, “The protestor, whose name is unknown, was a monk carrying a Tibetan flag and chanting Long live Tibet before setting his clothes alight”
Recently one of the US lawmakers 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,"
Shreedeep Rayamajhi https://www.rayZnews.com
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Political Adaptation and its brief account in Nepal
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."
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 .
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.”
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
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
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
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.
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
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