खोलो फर्कियो है, साथी हो!

बाह्र वर्षपछि खोलो पनि फर्किन्छ भने जस्तो, ठ्याक्कै १२ वर्ष अघि सन 2008 मा शुरु गरेको यो मेरो ब्लग विश्व प्रेस स्वतन्त्रता दिवसको मौका पारेर पुनर्जिवित गरेको छु। उसबेला रहर थियो भने यसबेला वाध्यता! आउंदा दिनमा वाध्यताहरुका बिस्त्रित नालिबेली यिनै पानाहरुमा व्यक्त गर्दै जानेछु। समग्रमा, अब म यीनै पानाहरुमा, आफूले गरेका 'स्वतन्त्र काम' र अन्यत्रतिर भए/गरेका कामहरुको लिंक हाल्दै रहनेछु। राहुको रन्को देखी, र अन्त्यमा राहुसम्म, अनि हाइकुदेखि कथा, कविता, तस्वीर, भिडियो, अडियो, नियात्रा, अन्तर्वाता, आदि सबैको एउटै श्रोत हुनेछ यो ब्लग। यो काममा मलाई हुटहुटी लगाउने आत्मिय मित्रहरु सहित वैचारिक पालेहरुलाई धन्यवाद!

नेपालकै गौरवका वारेमा मति बिगार्नु त अति हुन्छ

नेपालकै गौरवका वारेमा मति बिगार्नु त अति हुन्छ, साथि हो!
मेरी श्रीमती मैले भनेका सबै कुरामा चुप्प लागेर सहमत बस्न सक्दिन किनभने हामि 'चुप्प लागेर बस्दैमा समस्याको समाधान हुन्छ' भन्ने कुरामा रत्तिभर विस्वास गर्दैनौ. हामि कुरो केलाउँछौं, राम्रो-नराम्रो, ठिक-बेठिक खुट्याउने प्रयास गर्छौं र जे ठिक हो, जसले ठिक भनेको हो त्यसैमा सहमत हुन्छौं. हामि यस्ता कुराहरु समाज, देश, परिवार, आफन्त अथवा जे सुकैका बारेमा पनि गर्छौं. हाम्रो घरको यो दैनिकीमा हाम्रा छोरा-छोरी समेत संलग्न हुन्छन. हामीलाई विश्वास छ यहि प्रथाबाट हाम्रो परिवारका सदस्यहरु, आफन्त र मित्रहरु माझ संवाद र सम्बन्ध प्रगाढ भएको छ.
केहि दिन अघि एकजना पारिवारिक मित्रका घरमा एक 'भारतीय महिलाको प्रवचन' सुन्ने क्रममा मैले हातै उठाएर, आफुलाई परिचय गराएरै चित्त नबुझेको कुरामा केहि भन्ने प्रयास गरें. आशुतोष महाराजकि अनुयायी यी महिलाले "बुद्ध मध्य-भारतमा माता योगमायाको गर्भबाट जन्मेको" भने पछी मलाई लाग्यो 'मैले यस विषयमा यहि ठाउँमा यिनको भ्रम निवारण नगर्ने हो भने मैले मेरो देश, धर्म र सत्य प्रति अन्याय गरेको ठहर्नेछ किनभने यी महिला आफु एक्लै नभएर एउटा सम्प्रदयाकै प्रतिनिधित्व गर्छिन र यिन्लाई सहि कुराको बोध नगराउने हो भने यिनी हरेक ठाउँमा गएर यसैगरि प्रवचन गरिरहने छिन् र उनका अनुयायीहरु "जो माताजी बोलति हैं वो सब सच् है" भनेर भ्रमको खेति गर्नमा तल्लिन हुने छन्.'
झन्डै १०० जति नेपालीहरुको भेलामा मेरो प्रश्नको खुला समर्थन गर्ने जम्मा एकजना मेरा साथि थिए. मैले यसो भिडलाई नियालेर हेरें -- धेरैलाई चित्त बुझेको थिएन तर माताजिको तथाकथित सत्यलाई खुलेरै प्रतिवाद गर्ने जमर्को कसैले गरेनन. धेरैको अनुहारमा मेराप्रतिको भावना प्रस्ट देखिन्थ्यो: 'यो मान्छेलाई किन बाठो बन्नु परेको होला, खुरुक्क खाएर हिडेको भए भै हाल्थ्यो नि.'
भात ख्वाएर आफ्नो प्रशंसा सुन्न चाहने अथवा मैले डाकेका ठाउँमा चुप्प लागेर बसोस् भन्ने मनसायले मलाई कसैले निम्तो गर्छ भने म त्यस्तालाई असल साथीको परिधिमा राख्न सक्दिन, यो मेरो कमजोरी हो. तर म मेरा असल साथीहरुसंग 'मेरो कमजोरीहरु तिमीहरुले नदेखाई दिए अरु कसले देखाई दिन्छ' भन्ने गर्छु र त्यो नै असल साथीको सच्चा धर्म पनि हो.
प्रसङ्ग ती भारतीय महिलाको थियो. मैले भर्खरै सुनें, उनका केहि अन्ध-अनुयायीहरु मिलेर "बुद्ध मध्य-भारतमा माता योगमायाको गर्भबाटै जन्मेको" प्रमाण जुटाएर नेपालीहरुलाई देखाउन लागेका छन अरे.
नेपालकै गौरवका वारेमा नेपाली भएर मति बिगार्नु त अति हुन्छ, साथि हो! तपाईहरु कुरो उठाएर छुच्चो बन्न नखोज्नु भएको हो भने मलाई केहि भन्नु छैन. सबैले मैलेजस्तै गर्नु पर्छ भन्ने जरुरि छैन. तर मेरो अनुनय के हो भने यदि कसैले त्यो हिम्मत गर्छ भने त्यस व्यक्तिलाई नराम्रो दृष्टिले नहेरी दिनुस्. आयोजकले चित्त दुखाउनुको अर्थ म राम्रोसंग बुझ्न सक्छु र 'यो कुरा पछी/एक्लै गरेको भए पनि हुन्थ्यो' भन्ने भावनाको म समर्थन नगरे पनि कदर गर्छु. उनको सदासय आफ्नो घरको कार्यक्रम विवाद रहित बनाउनु मात्र हो.
औपचारिक कार्यक्रमको समाप्ति पछी म ति माताजीको समिप गएँ र बिस्तारो पाराले भनें, तपाइंले बुद्धको जन्म परा-पूर्व कालको भारत वर्षमा भएको थियो भनेको भए केहि हदसम्म मान्न सकिन्थ्यो होला तर मध्य-भारतमा भन्नु भयो. कमसेकम म त यो मान्दिन र नेपालीहरुले पनि यो कुरो मान्ने छैनन्. माताजिलाई मेरो कुरोले चित्त बुझ्यो. हाम्रो सुलह भयो. उनीसंग कुरो गर्दैगर्दा अर्को भारतीय मान्छे बिचैमा बिथोल्दै बोल्यो: "देखो, विकिपिडिया में भी वही लिखा है."
'विकिपिडियामा तँ जस्ता मुर्खहरुले पनि आफुले चाहेको लेख्न पाउने सुविधा हुन्छ. तर तैंले यो देखाएर धर्म, इतिहास र एउटा स्वतन्त्र राष्ट्रको प्रतिष्ठामै धक्का लाग्ने कुरो गर्नु उचित छैन' भनेर मैले ठाडो जवाफ दिए पछी त्यो मनुष्य चुप लाग्यो. अहिले प्रमाण जुटाएर नेपालीहरुलाई देखाई दिन्छु भन्ने पनि यही मान्छे र यसका आसेपासेहरु होलान.
अब हामि नेपालीहरुमा भर पर्छ त्यस्ताको अनाप-सनाप सुनेर बस्ने हो कि त्यस्तालाई जवाफ दिने हो. खोज्दै जादाँ मैले त विकिपिडियामा पनि धेरै ठाउँमा लुम्बिनीलाई नै बुद्धको जन्मस्थल लेखेको देखें. UNESCO lists Lumbini, Nepal as a world heritage site and birthplace of Gautama Buddha.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_बुद्ध
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumbini
साथि हो, म बोक्रे राष्ट्रवादको पनि विरोधमा छु जहाँ राष्ट्रियताको नाममा झुठको खेति गरेर आफ्नो दूनो सोझ्याउने काम हुन्छ/गरिन्छ. मेरालागि दौरा सुरुवाल र ढाका टोपी लगाएर आफु/आफन्त सपार्ने अनि नेपाल बिगार्ने कुरो गर्ने स्वनामधन्य राष्ट्रवादी भन्दा त्यस्तो आडम्बर नगरी सहि अर्थमा नेपालको हीत सोच्ने/गर्ने विदेशी मान्छे नै उत्तम लाग्छ.
जहाँसम्म भ्रमको खेतीको कुरो छ, हामीले भारतीयहरुलाई जित्न गार्हो पर्छ किनभने उनीहरुको मीडियाको संजाल हाम्रोभन्दा धेरै पुरानो, गहन मात्रै होइन अन्तररास्ट्रिय स्तरमै प्रख्यात छ तर तेसो छ भन्दैमा हामीले नेपाली हुनुको धर्म बिर्सेर जसले जे भने पनि चुप्प लागेर बस्न पनि त नमिल्ला. यस्तो अवसरमा हामीले भर पर्नु पर्ने आधार हो: पुरातात्विक प्रमाणहरु र सबैले मानेका UNO/UNESCO जस्ता प्रभावशाली विश्व-संस्थाहरु अनि सर्व-सम्मानित इतिहास र यसका विश्लेषकहरु.
माताजिलाई मान्ने आफ्नै समुदायका/नेपाली दाजु-भाई/दिदि-बैनीहरुसंग सादर अनुरोध: "तपाईहरु कसलाई मान्नु हुन्छ र क-कसलाई आफ्नो घरमा निम्तो गर्नु हुन्छ, त्यो तपाईका नितान्त व्यक्तिगत चाहना/स्वतन्त्रताका विषय हुन् तर आफ्नो राष्ट्र, गौरव, गरिमाका वारेमा कसैले अनर्गल/मिथ्या कुरा गर्दै गर्दा सहेर वा चुप्प लागेर बसियो भने, हामीले हाम्रा संततिहरुसंग उनीहरु साँचो/सहि बाटोमा हिडून भन्ने अपेक्षा कसरि गर्न सकिएला. 'किताबमा जे लेखेको छ उनले त्यही भन्ने त हो नि' सोचेर चुप्प लाग्ने बानि बस्यो भने आफु नै लड़ियेला भन्ने डर हुन्छ. जहाँसम्म गुरु मान्ने कुरो छ, मलाई त मेरी झन्डै ९० वर्ष पुगेकी स्कुलनै नगएकी अबुझ/अज्ञान आमाले सिकाएको, हिन्दुत्वले परिपूर्ण मन्त्र "गुरुर ब्रह्मा, गुरुर विष्णु, गुरुर देवो महेश्वर" भन्दा उत्तम अरु केहि लाग्दैन.
अन्त्यमा, मेरो सविनय अनुरोध: मैले यहाँ व्यक्त गरेको भावना माताजी, उनको संस्था, उनका गुरु वा उनका भक्तजन/समर्थकहरु बिरुद्धको प्रलाप अथवा अभियान होइन. कृपया यसलाई अन्यथा नलिनु होला.

रत्न गुमाउँदाको वेदना

हाम्रा परम मित्र रत्न पोख्रेलको आसामयिक् निधनका कारण हामी ठुलो पीडामा परेका छौं। रत्नजी उन्को नाम जस्तै चरित्र र व्यबहार दुबैमा अमूल्य रत्न तुल्य थिए। कलिफोर्निआको नेपाली समाजले उन्को कमी सदा महसूश गर्नेछ।
हामी सबै दिबंगत आत्माको चीर शान्तिका लागि परमेश्वरसँग प्रार्थना गर्दछौं र पोख्रेल परिवारप्रती समवेदना प्रकट गर्दछौं।
"जीवनको घाम कहिले डुब्छ कसैले भन्न नसक्ने रहेछ" थाहा पाएरै भये पनि हामी बाचुन्जेल सबैमा रत्न जस्तै प्रभाव पारेर जीवन जिउन सिकौँ।

-रवि अधिकारी

Prashant Tamang, Nepali Aamako Chhoro, Speaks His Heart

No one rocked the entertainment world the way Prashant Tamang rocked. Nepal, India and the South Asian communities all over the world, came to its feet when he won title of Indian Idol-III. The humble son of a Nepali mother from Darjeeling hill, at some point, was termed as a unifier and goodwill ambassador between India and Nepal. His ethnic origin, however, was also a matter of controversy for some critics in India, especially when Nepalis all over the world poured their resource and strength for Prashant’s victory. He, however, gives credit to his karma for the sudden fame. Prashant was in San Francisco Bay area recently for a concert. In a one-on-one interview with Ravi Adhikari, the humble and plain-speaking singer spoke right from the core of his heart, about being a Nepali of Indian origin, the fame, politics and many more. Following is the excerpts of the interview:

You were a junior police officer in Kolkata, are you still working with the state of West Bengal or …?
No, I’ve not left my job yet. I just completed a 6-month leave and it has been extended for another 6 months. This will go on until I complete my works (related to Indian Idol).

How much are you enjoying your life in Mumbai, the entertainment capital of India?
So far, Mumbai so good to me. In fact, I don’t get much to live in Mumbai. We keep moving all over (India and outside India) for the shows.

You came from a small village in Darjeeling Hill, then to Kolkata, next to big Indian cities and now all over the world. How are you coping with the sudden changes?
I like to call this karma. I had never thought that I would work in a big place like Kolkata. I came here, slowly got to understand the things and was adjusted. This was a kind of hands-on training to me on city life. After this, I came to Mumbai for the auditions of Indian Idol and you all know what happened afterward.

All of sudden you got noticed by billions of people in India and all over the world. Has this name and fame changed the typical Prashant Tamang, the one you love to call yourself, Nepali Aamako Chhoro (son of a Nepali mother)?
Till now, I’ve not felt anything like that. If I tell you frankly, it will not happen – I’ll not change myself -- even in the future. The reason for that is, I’ve come to this place after a hard struggle. It was not an easy ride to be on the place where I’m today. I never felt that I’m on the top of the world. It all happened because of love and blessings from everyone. They still love me and bless me, thus the things are going well.
I don’t think anything has changed, except for learning the new things I’ve never exposed to, meeting with new people, doing the work I’ve never done before, going to the places I’ve never gone. If you call all this a change, I also admit this is a change. I’m so happy with what is happening.

What was on the top of your list that you would do after winning Indian Idol contest?
I didn’t have any plan as such. I used to perform on stages even while working with the Kolkata police. Yes, I had a wish ‘whether I’ll get chance to perform on a bigger stage and crowd.’ I used to have dreams of performing in front of huge crowd. The first and foremost, that dream has been fulfilled by winning Indian Idol.

Let’s change the topic a bit. If you won’t mind I would like to remind you that you’re an Indian of Nepali origin. But at the time when you won Indian Idol as a “Nepali” I think there was a sentiment among “Indians” that you were posing as if you were a Nepali from Nepal…
I’ve a different opinion on this issue. Nepalis don’t belong to Nepal alone. It’s a ‘Jati,’ (ethnicity). They are settled all over the world. Whether in Nepal or in India, they’re very much proud of their heritage. I think there is nothing wrong in taking pride in one’s race or ethnic background. Do you think, those who live in New York or in India, don’t have right to call themselves a Nepali. And those who live in Nepal should not say they that they are the Nepali not others. We all are Nepalis living in different parts of the world. We have same blood. We have same tongue.

What about the rumor that your sheer affection to Nepal and Nepali is pushing you toward settling down in Nepal for good?
I don’t have any plan right now. But let me tell you one thing if my karma makes me migrate into Nepal, I’m ready for it. I will have no regret. But till now I don’t know where will I settle down in future. But even if I wanted, I don’t think somebody will tell me that I cannot settle down in Nepal. Right now, I’m focusing mostly on building my career, which has been just started.

What stage of career you’re in right now?
I’m in the very first step. From here, I need to work very very hard, so that I could earn a much bigger name in (film/music) industry.

After winning Idol title, last year you released Dhanyavad, an album of Hindi/Nepali songs. Anything significant happened after this?
After dhanyabad, I have done playback singing in Nepali film. I’ve just finished recording the 2nd Nepali album, which will be released sometime in the end of September. I’ve more projects in my hand and right now I’m focusing mostly in playback singing.

With experience you have so far of Mumbai and mainstream Hindi (Indian) entertainment industry, do you think you have a future here?
More than future, I’m concentrating in putting up hard work to get established. And hard work alone doesn’t work. The success also depends on luck. The Indian entertainment industry is very much competitive. There are several reality shows in a number of TV channels and talented singers are emerging from all these shows. To me success is a mix bag of hard work and luck.

Did you get any offer in Bollywood films?
I’m very much busy with the shows (because of the contract with Sony, the producer of Indian Idol). I’ve to travel a lot.

Do you think you’re getting fair treatment from mainstream Indian media and entertainment industry?
Like many others, I used to think the same way many people think, that I would not get a fair chance but it turned out to be wrong. In India, I’m receiving a very nice response from every where. Everyone recognizes me and respects me. I’m very lucky that way.

What did you earn and learn after climbing to the ladder of fame?
When ever you talk about earning, the first thing goes to your mind is money. To me money is immaterial. No matter how much you have, it may diminish anytime. The first and foremost thing for me is, earning ijjat, respect. And the kind of ijjat I’ve earned in such a short span, very few people can do it. My luck was in my favor, thus the entire world blessed me with respect. This is the biggest earning I have.
In learning, by regularly hanging out with celebrities in Mumbai, I learned how I need to live/function like them. Thus far, the things are going perfectly.

I heard you call Nepal, Mero Sapanako Desh, a country of my dream. Nepal has been going through a lot of painful experiences for past several years. How do you feel as a Nepali, who has nothing to do with politics in Nepal?
The very first thing I want to tell you is, I’ve never thought that I’m from outside Nepal. I’ve been there in my childhood. I have very little memory of this trip. While growing up, I wanted to go but could not go because of my own situation. Now, I’ve been to USA, UK, Hong Kong, Japan, UAE, Australia, but let me tell you, I find myself the most happy in Nepal. I’m definitely not happy with what Nepal and Nepalis have been through. I don’t feel good at all.

Among several other things, the radical change in Nepal has also made Nepalis question whether their identity itself is in crisis. How do you look at these developments? If you point out at one element that could hold Nepalis together, what would be that and why?
The first and foremost thing is, every Nepali has to have one heart. We need to have unity among Nepalis. For example, I was not thinking that I would win Indian Idol contest. My family also had a similar feelings. But when everyone got united and determined that I should win the title, I won it. A Nepali won the title.

How soon we should expect you hitting mainstream?
I’m working very hard and doing everything possible. Everyone loves me, supports me and offers blessings. All this will definitely take me somewhere in a big place.

(Published in The Indian Express)

Rangzen Means Freedom To Tibetans

(Olympics In China, Anti-Oppression Demo In San Francisco)
By: Ravi Adhikari

SAN FRANCISCO – Coinciding with the official opening of the Beijing Olympics on 8/8/08, about 300 Tibetan protesters held 2 separate vigils. This was, however, only the beginning of a series of protests they plan to hold till 24th, the last day of the games.
Clad in traditional colorful Tibetan dress, most of the protesters consisted of refugees and their young siblings from cities such as Dharmasala, New Delhi, Banglore, Kathmandu, and several US cities, were holding anti-China/Olympic plaques and chanting slogans featuring their plight.
In the morning, they crossed the Golden Gate Bridge without any obstacle from authorities and gathered in front of the Consulate General of China, for the second phase of protest in the afternoon. The pedestrians and drivers encouraged protesters either by joining them or honking the horn.
According to Tsering Gyurmey, General Secretary of Tibet Association of Northern California (TANC), the 2-week vigil, named as Tem Tibet, was an outcome of unity among Tibetan organization such as TANC, Tibet Youth Congress (TYC), San Francisco Regional Tibet Congress, Students for Free Tibet (SFT) and Committee of 100 for Tibet.
“The response has been overwhelming so far,” Gyurmey, told this reporter in an interview near Chinese Consulate. “Not only Tibetans, as you see here, hundreds of people are supporting us for our peaceful struggle against oppression by China.”
Some of the popular slogans at the rally were: Olympic in China, torture in Tibet; China out of Tibet now; United Nations! we want justice and Long live Dalai Lama. But the environment was charged with the most popular slogan of Rangzen! Rangzen, meaning freedom.
The protesters, however, accused San Francisco Mayor, Gavin Newsom, of blindly supporting China and ignoring the plight of Tibetans. They were referring to the mayor’s April 9 decision to welcome Olympic torch to the city, the only US city to do so.
"San Francisco has always stood for freedom and human rights, especially when it comes to Tibetans" said Diki Renzen of Palo Alto. “This mayor made us very sad.”
But Newsom's spokesman, Nathan Ballard was quoted by Associated Press as saying: "It's important to remember that the Olympic spirit is one of international harmony and goodwill, and it transcends politics.”
Tibetan exiles around the world used the day to protest against China's hosting of the summer Olympics not only in the bay area. Exiles demonstrated in New Delhi and Kathmandu. In Dharmsala, hundreds of Tibetans started a six-month march to their homeland.
“We’re very said that Nepali authorities took extreme measures to suppress the peaceful protesters in Kathmandu,” Tenzin Dasang, a representative of TYC, who was another leading protester at the San Francisco gathering, expressed his displeasure. “With China-supporter Maoists in majority – and power – I fear Tibetans will have tough time in Nepal ...India is far better that way.”
In June, 20 members of Team Tibet, including TYC and SFT activists, drove all the way to the University of Oregon at Eugene, to attend the US Olympic Team track and field trials. They made an appeal to the athletes that while in Beijing they should stand up for Tibet.
The events included a peaceful protest and rally at a park at the University of Oregon, and handing out good luck packages to the athletes that included a letter of appeal to help Tibet.
When asked about the timing of the protest, Gyurmey, who was born in Laddakh (Jammu & Kashmir state) and raised in New Delhi, admitted saying ‘since focus of the world was toward Beijing Olympics, this was the proper time to tell the world what is going on in Tibet and show the true color of China.’
According to a rough estimate there are 2000 Tibetans settled in the Bay area. Other than San Francisco, they are planning to do candle light vigils, cycling, photo exhibition, and speaking in major cities such as Berkley, Palo Alto, Oakland, San Jose, Richmond and San Mateo.

(Published in The Indian Express)

Mini Olympics Arrive In San Francisco

By: Ravi Adhikari

The Olympic – a kind of – came a little early in San Francisco, which was the site of the 42nd International Children's Games. On July 11, 1200 kid athletes ages 12-15, representing 84 cities of the world thronged Kezar Stadium for colorful inaugural ceremony.
From South Asian nations, New Delhi, Vadodara (Baroda) and Lahore had their delegation to the games, which included tennis, golf, soccer, volleyball, swimming, track and field, table tennis and basketball.
Endorsed by the International Olympic Committee and designed to promote peace and friendship around the world through sports, the event is dubbed as mini-Olympics.
The event was held between July 10 and 14 with competition at Golden Gate Park, USF, Kezar Stadium and Pavilion and Harding Park.
There were, however, a very few mention-worthy performance by the desi teams. Babar Ali of Lahore won Silver medal in Boys Long Jump. In Girl’s Golf tournament Gauri Monga and Kasvi Malik of New Dehli were able to go preliminary round. The same was the fate of another golfer from New Delhi, Arjun Monga.
Adorned in Cream and Black jodhpuris, the teams from New Delhi and Baroda, however, won the hearts of people from around the world. Participants from Scotland, China, Hong Kong and Ireland were seen jostling to get photographed with Indian teams. Mark, an Irish player said he was surprised to find out that the color of Irish and Indian flags – green, orange and white – match.
“More than winning and losing, this event is about giving children an exposure in international level at very early age,” Himanshu Chaturvedi, the chief official of New Delhi, told this reporter during interview at Kezar Stadium. “We admire the kids and their parents who self-financed their trip.”
Chaturvedi was of opinion that Indian government needs to do urgently in order to encourage the child athletes. His views were directed toward financial support to the participants.
“It’s pitiful that this game has already been held more than 42 times around the world, the Indian government doesn’t want to know about it, Shiv Kumar Sen, the head delegate of Baroda, expressed his dissent. “For our government, there is only one sport team that is cricket, and the fact is they have not won any significant tournament in recent memory.”
If one forgets about the performance of desi teams in this event, one thing can se said with surety – the kids were having heck of a time. Close to the main stage, two members of Lahore team drew attention of the crowd with their folk swirl-dance, following the beat of English pop music.
Aayush Patel, 12, probably the youngest athlete from Baroda, was seen alone doing something near the ‘Olympic’ torch. He was, indeed, exchanging mementoes with his international colleagues.
“I’m British by birth, studying in Baroda and frequently come to New Jersey and Pennsylvania to visit my relatives,” the wonder boy mesmerized this writer with his level of confidence and people skills. “I like making new friends. That’s why I’m in San Francisco.”
The 43rd International Children's Games is scheduled in Scotland in 2011. The city of Lanarkshire won its bid to host the game in 2011.

(Published in The Indian Express)

How Far Can A Dollar Go?

By Ravi Adhikari

How much worth someone can have of a dollar in the United States? The question itself sounds like a practical joke. But a visionary, working in remote mountains of Nepal dreams of transforming the country into something beyond imagination with this meager amount.
“If you give me a dollar every month, I can assure you that ninety percent of Nepal will be connected by wireless technology in five years,” said Mahabir Pun, the winner of the Ramon Magasaysay Award in 2007, aka the Nobel Prize of Asia, in recognition of his community service.

The source of Pun’s dramatic optimism hails to Nepalis living outside Nepal, especially in the United States, Canada and European nations.
Since 2001, Pun has been on a quest to link rural villages in Nepal via WiFi network, and provide basic community services that leverage the network such as VoIP phone calls, tele-medicine, money transfer, tele-teaching, and local e-commerce.
“I want Wifi network in remote villages not for the sake of computing and fun related to it, but to provide basic facilities to thousands of human being living in that part of the world,” Pun made a heartfelt appeal while addressing a gathering of Nepali community in Bay Area on July 10. “I want to build a national broadband info highway using wireless technology.”
With his limited resources, his team of volunteers has already linked 20 rural villages, working with 7 schools in the area, and serving a population of 22,000.

Tech Talk At UC Berkley
Primarily to support the vision of Pun, the US chapter of Computer Association of Nepal (CAN-USA) organized a two-day US-Nepal Technology Development Conference on July 12 and 13, at UB Berkley.
A host of researchers, professionals, policy makers, technocrats, aid-organizations, industry leaders, and concerned citizens expressed their opinion to create technology based solutions for critical issues facing Nepal and other developing nations.
“We want to support such a noble cause every way we can,” said Bineet Sharma, president of CAN-USA, talking to this reporter. “Because of our own limitations, we cannot go to Nepal and work on the projects Mr. Pun is working. So, the best way is to help him from wherever we are.”
The keynote speaker of the Berkley conference was Aditya Jha, an ICT entrepreneur and social activist in Canada. Pun was one of the speakers. The other speakers were: Eric Brewer (Professor, UC Berkeley), Manohar Bhattarai (Member, High Level Commission on Information Technology, Nepal), Shiva Gautam (Assoc Professor, Harvard Medical School), David Zilberman (Professor, UC Berkeley), Jim Forster (Distinguished Engineer, Cisco Systems), Raka Ray (Assoc Professor, UC Berkeley) and Rifat Latifi (Professor, University of Arizona).
The seed of the conference was sowed in December 2007, during a talk by Pun. The conference was organized by Can-USA in conjunction with Department of South East Asian Studies at UC-Berkeley, which has generated a lot of interest in the bay area tech community to get involved in ICT sector development in Nepal.
“This is a great opportunity for CAN-USA to take a lead role in channeling this momentum into specific WiFi networking projects that showcase CAN-USA’s ability to make meaningful impact in ICT sector, specifically in rural areas,” said a news release.

Koirala Says No Indian Mediation In Nepal Terai

Sushil Koirala is the acting president of Nepali Congress (NC) party, which has always played a role of torch-bearer in every movement for democracy in past 60 years. A relative of NC founder, late BP Koirala, and current prime minister GP Koirala, he is known in Nepali politics as a devout nationalist. A close ally of India’s socialist leaders such as Jaya Prakash and Chandra Sekhar, Koirala’s views on Indo-Nepal relations, is considered authoritative. Ravi Adhikari had a candid interview with Koirala during his recent visit to San Francisco Bay Area, California. Excerpts:

Adhikari: Nepali Congress met with an insulting defeat during elections for Nepal’s Constituent Assembly, whereas underground communist guerillas’ Maoist party became victorious. Are you satisfied with the results?
Koirala: The world knows under what circumstances the elections were held. Maoists used all their tools of threatening, murder, intimidation and so on, thus the result went in their favor. Despite all this, Nepali Congress accepted the result. Now, it’s Maoists’ turn to show sincerity and responsibility.

Adhikari: The Maoists have said that they will use election only as a stepping stone, to achieve their ultimate goal of communism. Do you think they will accept multiparty democratic system?
Koirala: There is every reason to be suspicious in Maoists’ intentions, especially when we see the notorious activities of YCL (Young Communists’ League) hooligans. We Nepalis have made great sacrifices in anticipation of peace and sustainable democracy. If Maoists, as the largest party, doesn’t adhere to it’s promise to other political parties, it will be a disaster not only for the Maoists but for the entire nation. Nepal could go toward civil war.

Adhikari: With the election and the Maoists’ entrance into mainstream, people were anticipating that the violence would come to a halt but a new wave of violence has engulfed Terai region, aka Madhesh. Why?
Koirala: It’s very unfortunate to see that Nepali people are facing one after another dreadful political situation. I, once again, hold Maoists responsible for fanning the unwarranted issues of Madhesh. Also, Madhesh-based parties and their leaders should think seriously what they’re doing. For centuries, people from mountain and plains lived together as Nepalis. Among us, we never had the kind of issues that are being raised these days.

Adhikari: What about the theory that the Terai movement could lead the southern plain toward the separation from Nepal. How serious is the situation?
Koirala: I don’t see much weight in speculation that the Terai will go out of our hand in near future. But, if unrest and violence continues for unreasonable demands, Nepal may enter into a civil war.

Adhikari: But there are many who openly say that India and its spy agencies are playing a role in Terai…
Koirala: Based on my long understanding of India and its leaders, what I can tell you with certainty that India cannot be blamed for the divisive sentiments in Terai. However, there are certain criminal elements in Indian states bordering Nepal, who want to benefit by creating trouble in Madhesh.

Adhikari: Do you expect India’s mediation to resolve the issue?
Koirala: No. It’s our problem and we’ll handle it according to our national interest. We can resolve this ourselves. We, however, expect India to back up democratic forces and contain the criminal elements, especially in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. I think India understands that sustainable peace and strong democracy in Nepal will always be in her favor.

Adhikari: How do you foresee Nepal’s political future?
Koirala: I’m quite optimistic. Our political future depends on government of national unity. Nepali Congress wants such government for at least another 15 years. Also, political parties and their leaders should know what is in national interest.

(Published in the Indian Express)

'Ganatantra' At Golden Gate Park

SAN FRANCISCO: Nepalis living in different parts of Northern California (Nor-Cal) welcomed the transformation of their motherland from monarchy into a republic. To mark the occasion, they organized a community picnic at Golden Gate Park on July 6.

On May 28th, the first meeting of Nepal's newly elected Constituent Assembly in Kathmandu declared the country a federal democratic republic, which also said sayonara to the 240-year-old monarchy.

The program was a brainchild of a group of San Francisco taxi cabdrivers, including Ashok Gautam, Rabindra Rai, Sagar Koirala, Roshan Subba, Prithviraj Upreti, Ang Tshering and Ang Newang Sherpa, Santosh Lama and Puru Subedi.

“We’re very happy to see new political changes in Nepal,” said Gautam. “We hope this will bring stability in Nepal and end the bloodshed and conflict forever.” He was referring to the uprising by the Maoists communists guerillas that lasted almost 12 years, claimed thousands of lives and displaced another million people.

The celebration at Golden Gate Park from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. started with singing of Nepal’s new national anthem by about 300 participants, coming from Gilroy to Sacramento. The abundance of delicious ethnic Nepali foods -- Sel Roti, Tamako Tarkari, Mulako Achar, Khasiko Masu – reminded many of their mother’s recipe. Fun filled games with prizes, dancing and singing of folk songs were also included in the festivities.

“The thing I liked best about the whole celebration was there were no formalities and lengthy speeches,” said Biplop Upreti, a recent high school graduate from Michigan who moved to the Bay Area in June. “We youths love forums like this where we could enjoy our culture and understand it by sharing our experiences with others.”

According to a rough estimate, out of 7000 taxi drivers in the city of San Francisco, about 200 cabbies are of Nepali origin. With the overwhelming participation of the community in Republic-Day celebration picnic, the organizers are planning for yet another gathering of same magnitude.

“If we have this kind of program at least three or four times a year, it will definitely help us understand the richness of our ethnic background, religion, culture and origin as a Nepali,” said Rabindra Rai. “The more we understand each other, the more we start living in harmony in Nepal and outside Nepal.”

(Published in The Indian Express)