My Voice Counts

Economic prosperity: Today's need!

2011-04-29T22:04:00.000-07:00

We all need to rethink about the new constitution writing process and what propaganda our politicians are putting up to hide their incompetencies in that very context (of course at which, they do a great job).

No doubt we need the new constitution, it is the need of the hour. It is again also important to establish longterm peace in our country... However, our politicians seem to be ignorant about the fact that people need to earn their living even during the transition period as well. People cannot survive only by waiting for the new constitution or talking about it; politics that does not deliver cannot serve food on the plate. People need to carry out their economic activities for their survival.

As Jestha 14 is approaching, political parties are now trying to exhibit their power (once again, for the nth time, a banda was coerced on Nepali people on 27th April, 2011 and we are hearing about series of bandas to come) where they themselves are demanding things from each other totally oblivious to the fact that they are the ones responsible. So, before pointing their fingers at others, it would be worth looking at themselves and standing up to their incompetencies. As citizens, we should be very careful about such kind of misleading activities and propagandist activities from the politicians. So, we need to put our effort to discourage any kind of bandas to start with and to make Nepal a place where every citizen can earn their living by choosing the profession and businesses under the law.

नयाँ संबिधान, सबैले गरी खान पाउने नेपाल को निर्माण!

GARI KHANA DEU!!!

Pro activism

2008-09-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

Do we all envision of better Nepal? A big question!! Who is going to make real New Nepal? The obvious answers we get from general people would be, “The Government”. Though they are right to some extent but not hundred percent. Every individual from all the sectors should contribute o make our country developed and progressive one. But, unfortunately we are always looking towards government, we want it to be active and carry out developmental activities. There is no doubt that the government being the primary responsible agency to make country developed however one should not forget that citizens are also equally responsible towards their nation.

If we really want to see changed and developed Nepal first we need to become pro active and start thinking on possible ways that we can contribute from our side to make Nepal really New looking. Yatra, a youth led organization has now started working with youth encouraging pro activism in social issues. Yatra defines pro activism as not looking towards any body to solve your problem or towards making your place beautiful rather being self motivated to change or improve it. Youth themselves should vision their future and should work towards achieving it. They should not wait any one else to make their vision achieved. In the initial phase Yatra is working on making youth understand their responsibilities. They are reminded for the small things that they can do to make their place beautiful. Now we need to be creative and prove that Nepalese are capable of making New Nepal.

Similarly different organizations have started doing several pro active works to make New Nepal. We all know Kathmandu valley has been facing different kind of pollution, visual pollution is one of the pollutions that we are facing and the issue is not taken into the consideration at all. Kathmandu valley is loosing its aesthetic value due to the Advertisement boards (hoarding boards) placed without planning and with no control. However, one organization has started to use billboard for giving social message at the heart of Kathmandu, their work is really very appreciable. By the means of creative art they are giving social messages using billboards. Usually billboards are used for the commercial purpose, but this time and I think first time ever in Nepal the concept has been implemented where the commercial place and tools are used for giving the social message. While walking down the street from Singhdurbar to Putalisadak chowk one can observe many commercial billboard, on the same street, these days we can observe one billboard giving different message. I suggest my readers to visit the place and find the different billboard and send your suggestion and feedback to mailto:lasanaa07@20gmail.com and if you want to find more details about this initiation please check http://www.differentvoices.org/.

Our voice always counts… so give your different opinion and ideas that can be useful and be pro active, don’t wait others to solve your problems.

P.S. Photosource www.differentvoices.org

Reducing Food Crisis..

2008-07-26T22:16:00.000-07:00

These days, especially developing countries are facing food shortage. I am sure that economic experts, government and other stakeholders are doing their homework, for solving out this current problem. From my point of view every citizen should also now take initiation to get rid of famine. What I believe is that efforts of every individual can help to minimize the current shortage. Based on my everyday observation here I am going to mention some points that how our culture is responsible to promote scarcity.

Every Thursday and Saturday I go to temples for peace and tranquility of mind. What I observe is that especially Hindu throw grains at the temple, I know that is a part of our culture and we have been practicing this from the centuries. Similarly, we use maximum grains to worship the statue of Deity which is not either edible or useful in any sense. One thing that we always forget now is that during our forefathers’ periods there were enough food supply and less population. But now the situation is entirely different as the world’s population is increasing day by day. And we in the name of culture we are exploiting everything enhancing the food scarcity without realizing the reality even for a moment. Is it necessary to worship Gods with grain, can’t we think of other alternatives?

Similarly, we have a habit of wasting foods. In my office all the staffs take lunch together. I am always disappointed by their attitude of throwing foods. They are educated and are working in the social sector however one can easily find them wasting foods almost everyday. They take food more than and ultimately come up with leftovers. Is it necessary to take food more than we eat, can’t we control ourselves?

Likewise what I believe that we even need to change our regular food habit. We, Nepalese people eat maximum rice because there used to be enough production within the country then. However, now these days Nepal has to import rice and in this situation we should think about other alternatives which are nutritious and abundant in the country. Or may be we can also start skipping dinner as done by People of Thailand to minimize food crisis…yes at least we who lives in city, or who are suffering from obesity can do this. I believe such kinds of behavior will no doubt contribute towards solving the issue.

PS: Posted in http://niraj.instablogs.com on July 16, 2008

New Words To Learn English Alphabet for Beginners

2008-07-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday while I was busy on my own work I suddenly heard my niece chanting aloud. Then I came to know that she was trying to memorize something. Whatever she was trying to remember was quite interesting. I found that she and her friends in grade three are trying to make new way of remembering English alphabet which was based on our current political condition.

Though they have not completed all, I found it so interesting that I couldn't stop posting in my blog. Hope you will also contribute to make new methodology of learning English alphabet in new Nepal.

"A" for Andolan
"B" for Bandh
"C" for Chakkajam
"D" for Dhungahanahan
"E" for Eetaa hanahan
"F" for Fight
"G" for Ghoos
"H" for Hadtal
“I” for ………..?

What could be other?

It is not the matter of joke or laughing stuff but it is a very serious matter. It is important that the concern authorities should take serious consideration on the issue and declare school as peace zone, other wise the impacts of poor child psychology might destroy everything in long run that nobody can even predict

Living at Threshold …….

2008-07-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

In the recent years I have learnt many things which helped me to grow professionally. My travel to different places inside and outside the country provided me insight of life. As I am working in youth issues since the commencement of my career, I want to explore more and want to do something for betterment of young people.

Comparing the demands of youth from two different thresholds of 21st century I have tried to write few words, I would like to thank Youth Telecenter for publishing my write up in the e-notice board.

“In the year 2008 when youth of Japan were talking about world tour, young people o f Karnali, for the first time got a chance to travel in a vehicle on June 2, 2008.”

Since 2003, I am fortunate with several exposure opportunities to travel nationally and abroad from my home town. I went Japan twice, visited Malaysia and Sri Lanka for once as my professional visits in last three years and visited India for three times for my personal work. At this span of life I have visited to twenty five districts of Nepal some of which were very remote and lost. More

Leaving a Paid Job to realize A Dream

2008-07-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received many acknowledgements from my friends. The reason was to resign from my paid job…no salaries from August 2008.

From the year 2000 to 2007, I was never jobless but was never paid. During those periods I volunteered in few developmental organizations gaining experiences in the social sector. On May 2007, one reputed organization offered me a job which I accepted. I was very happy to get that job and for a year I was quite satisfied with my job. I got opportunities to grow professionally; travel to very remote part of Nepal and my earning was also not bad (for a single person like me). Still, there are many opportunities at the organization which I am going to leave from 31 July 2008.

However, in recent days I was in a dilemma and was frequently asking myself about my dreams and work that I really wanted to do in my life? Or are there other kinds of jobs that fascinate me more? I questioned about my interests, my passion, for visions which I have more dedication, enthusiasm, and energy for creation. There were queries in my mind like, is it possible? Or do I have a dedicated team? Well, frankly I was knocked with these questions after I read the book “Leaving Microsoft to change the World” by Mr. John Wood. (Should I thank Mr. Wood?)

After questioning myself for a long time, finally I got answer. I decided to quit my current job.I am still not sure that if this was a right action? Rather I am aware that it is a big challenging question for my whole life. I was aware, that these days it is very difficult to get job especially for people like me who is a man from the capital of the country and belongs to Brahmin caste (so called high caste group). These days’ organizations are focusing on inclusion, gender and representation, so there is almost no space for man like me (you can easily find 10:3 female and male ration in some of the leading organization. Is that a gender balance?). Another most probable disqualifying factor for me not getting new job is that I don’t have relatives at high level position (it is a must to get a decent job). I am sure that it will be very hard for me to find similar job. But for this moment my insight and intuition tells me that I have chosen the right decision no matter what may happen in the future.

The reason for leaving this job is my dream, my vision and the most my satisfaction and happiness. One of the reasons for me leaving the current job is that I want to focus in life. I have tried many things in last few years, now I realized that I was not being focused on what I was/am doing. My interest and work are two different thresholds. I felt that I want to move on to one edge but was never following the right path. These days I am confused on what I was doing. During my working days some times I felt so unproductive and was sticking on the same job. I questioned myself, why am I so obligated to this particular job? Why I am simply killing my days working on what I am not made for rather than fulfilling my dreams and achieving my vision. So what is the reason of being here and occupying this space?

That day I listed pros and cons of leaving this job. First I listed the things that I wanted to do in my life, my interest and where I want to be in rest of the life. My result showed that current job will not help me to achieve my dreams and vision.

During the time I was planning to leave the job, many questions came into my mind, some of them were too ridiculous but practical as well such as, as I was planning of getting married in a year or a so and when I quit this paying job, I will not be earning and not sure how much time will it take me to start earning myself. So will the girl’s parents ready to give their daughter to the man who doesn’t earn? Several similar questions came into my mind, but I answered myself that this is not the right time to answer those questions. If I really work hard, I am confident that I will earn that will help me to survive and support my family. I don’t want luxury life; I simply want to be happy and satisfied throughout my life.

In the recent years in my professional life I have tried few things, in some of the matters I consider myself successful. I don’t compare my success with others’; I know there are many people of my age who have done far better than me, have achieved more. But I am happy with my progress but not satisfied because I don’t forget my reality and my background. Whatever I am today, I know, I am more than what I deserve. Now I have decided that I will be more progressive, I will do whatever my mind suggest me to do, more than that I will do the work that I enjoy most.

Now I will try to be focus, and I will continue with my own organization Yatra. Now I will accomplish those dreams set by myself and my friends for our organization. I know my organization might not pay me at this moment, but I also believe that the money will be the last constraint. There is a saying “If you are really passionate towards your work, don’t think about money; keep on doing your duty”. I believe this…

I assume there are only very few persons who left their job to fulfill their dreams, now I am in the list and I am very happy for that. I don’t know my decision is right or wrong, and this is not the appropriate time to find the answer. My performance and outcomes in the upcoming days will give the answer to my decision, and I am confident the answer will be positive.

Now I am again a volunteer, and I am ready to volunteer in the cost of fulfilling my dreams. The last thing I can predict for me is that I will never have to be jobless, never…

Salute to Mr. John Wood

2008-07-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

My interest and mood often changes from time to time. Some times I get lost into musical world and sometimes I crazily drop everything for my work. Every now and then my priorities are changed however my interests remains same. Though I manage to fulfill my hobbies and interest but it follows like a chain, one following the other and some times simultaneously.

Among few of my interests, these days I am fond of reading and writing however, actually reading and writing are not of my primary interest. Though, usually I don’t have time to read but get carried away with my friends’ suggestions which enforce me to jumble up with few books. And if I ever happen to read, I prefer motivational books rather than any fiction books or detective solving a murder-suicidal case story. Motivational books inspire and fascinate me to read and even sometimes urge me to write.

These days I am going through Nepali version of “Leaving Microsoft to Change the World” which is known as “Microsoft dekhi Bahundada samma”. The author of the book is Mr. John Wood, founder of Room to Read and Mr. Khagendra Sangrula translated it in Nepali. In the recent years I have gone through similar kinds of inspirational and motivational books like How to Change the World, Monk who sold his Ferrari and few book on social entrepreneurship also. The knowledge provided by these books helped me to explore and figure out to some extent the meaning of life…….particularly my own life.

I would also like to thank Mr. Wood for writing such an inspiring book as the book is very encouraging and inspiring people to contribute to bring change to better humankind in all the society. I found hopes for being daring, innovative after this book. The story of John Wood realized me that I have already chose a thread in my life which attempts to change myself, society and the whole world. The organization that I have established with my friends in 2004, Yatra has already sparkled the light to make change. That’s why after reading the book, my passion for social work again waked up thus I am planning to do something really meaningful that I always wanted to do for my society.

Though, I am confused on making difference in the society from my individual effort. But at this moment I really want to make contribution to the Room to Read. During the time while I was thinking on how I can contribute to Room To Read, I went to website of the book where I found various direct and indirect ways that one can contribute. I was happy to know that I have already started contributing to Room To Read, immediately after purchasing the book. However, I don’t want to stop contributing myself in Mr. Wood’s initiation. To support this noble initiation I am searching for the most viable way to support, still I am not convinced. I am pretty sure that in long run I will certainly contribute significantly but what for now? How can I make contribution that will satisfy myself and support in this noble cause of educating millions of children.

I know that I am not in any position to support Mr. Wood initiation significantly; however, I can do few things to contribute further. As suggested by Mr. Wood in his website, I decided to write about the book in my blog and also to circulate this book among my friends and relatives, I also decided to buy another book in the English version (which I have just bought). I am sure all these small contributions are not going to give any big impacts, but will satisfy me. I was again thinking of any other possible way to support this campaign and an answer came into my mind. If I ever happen to travel in the project site of Room to Read, yes, I can monitor their libraries and schools and report Room to Read or can post case studies in my blog. I know I don’t have any authority to monitor their projects but I suppose that such kind of monitoring will make people more accountable.

I convinced myself that all of these activities can be done voluntarily which will satisfy me as well as support the campaign initiated by Room to Read.

I wish all the success to Room to Read.

Mr. John Wood is the founder of Room to Read. Mr. Wood left Microsoft to do social work at the age of 35 by helping establishing libraries and schools in the remote part of the Nepal, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and other third world countries.

What is good at Kathmandu Valley?

2008-07-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

In workshop organized on the occasion of World Environment Day 2006 by Yatra, Ms. Renchin Yonzon, a social architect, asked participant to write three things that they find good and bad about the environment of Kathmandu Valley. Participant wrote three bad things in no time, however, in the context of good, entire participants were finding hard time to answer. Every one was asking each other but Ms. Yonzon strictly restricted participants to ask. Though, I was the organizer of the workshop but I was also not the exceptional.

Since, that workshop I am in search of good aspects of the Kathmandu valley. In that workshop we were supposed to talk about environment only however, these days I am not restricted to see from environmental perspective only. So, I am in the search of every other good thing in Kathmandu valley. And sometimes, as I don’t see any good thing, I consider myself as a pessimist who sees darkness everywhere, which I am not and I feel very bad about it. Sometimes I question myself, are there few things left that are really good at Kathmandu valley? I answer myself, certainly yes. There are still many things left which are very exceptional and unique and pride of Kathmandu (I expect answers from readers).

For example, in few days back I was very happy to see the duty performed by the lady traffic police at Thapathali-Kupondol junction. This junction is one of the places where most of the time lady traffic police are on the duty, according to my own observation. Though people those who are walking and driving don’t often enjoy following traffic rules, the traffic police are working really very hard to make them to follow the rules. I spent in an average of one minute at that particular junction every day on the way to my office. So, I everyday get opportunity to be the spectator of one of the very few positive aspects of the Kathmandu valley and at other side I also see attitude of many uncivilized people. I salute women police officer for their performance, also in a real difficult situation. I would like to thank them because they helped me to get an answer on the good aspects of Kathmandu valley.

P.S Dear readers you are requested to put your views on the good and positive aspect of Kathmandu Valley.

Future of Stray Animals at Kathmandu

2008-06-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

" I am innocent, my owner left me in the busy street... I didn't know where to go? I didn't know who was going to take care of me?" - June 2, 2008

"I died on the street, still no body cared" - June 19, 2008

No Petrol!!! Is there any solution?

2008-06-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

Who is going to talk about these issues? Where are so called civil society leaders?

Per Bottle NRS 150.oo only

No Petrol, sleeping while waiting

Our Past, present and can be our future, we need to think very seriously. Youth should be more serious. We need to take action.

Civil Society in Nepal

2008-06-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

Mainly three actors are categorized as responsible agencies for nation building viz. state, market and civil society. Currently, in Nepal the State is very weak due to the unstable political changes which are rapid and unavoidable creating the anomalous situation all over the country. In fact, it will take time to come to the normal situation, which is quite explicable.

In Nepal, due to lack of strong governance the state of impunity is increasing day by day with the poor functioning or absence of the social security system as well as no control towards inflation. Thus, in such situation where the market itself is weak there arises no question of investing personal property for establishing new industries or other business.

Civil society with their forms, features and function opened to broader extent than any I/NGOs has an active and imperative role in the social transformation. In Nepal, though civil society most of the time perform as watch dogs seldom raise voices for people. In the current context of Nepal civil society should have seen presenting strongly and strategically pro people however they are limiting their roles for power and money which might make them hyperactive towards political issues.

Majority of the civil society in the country are party aligned and are very political rather than social. In other words, we can say that the political parties are leading the social and civil department of the political parties through the civil society. Currently, in the political debate about the position of the President of Nepal, some of the major parties proposed names from civil society actors as future President. This can be understood as the clever alliance between the people of Civil society and political leaders. Rather than working for people are so called visionary leaders from Civil society are again showing their greed for power, position and politics. Not a single civil society has yet remarked on shortage of fuel or outcry pro people against implications of inflation where each day prices of commodities prices are increasing like nothing. Similarly, no civil society is against garbage and litters at the street at the Kathmandu valley, does any one agitated against the Municipality to take responsibility? No, when it comes to the matter of position and politics they are ready at the street and collect money for supporting livelihood of ex-king but have they ever fund raised or just provided their expertise to control traffics or air pollution?

In Nepal, civil society leaders are generally very familiar faces yet they are trusted by general citizen for advocating for their rights. However, the general mass should also be able to asses their representative rather than blindly following their so called civil leaders who doesn't have ethics and moral. They are not raising their voice when issues are affecting daily life of the citizen. In this background we can conclude that civil society in Nepal is not yet visionary and strategic rather are politicized and popularized. To be very specific they are not representing citizens rather are representatives of political parties. We all agree that Civil society should raise voices on the political issues which should favor for people but they should not limit their role as political agents but should open up being critical, essential and real change makers!

Now it is a high time for the emergence of new groups who really represent the citizen not the political parties’ agents.

Author: Niraj Khanal
Editor: Deepti Khakurel

Blogging again...

2008-06-15T23:55:00.000-07:00

Dear all, I am back to blogging after a year. As Nepal moved through the great political turn over, I personally feel that every Nepalese should express their feelings and provide inputs to the policy makers to revive the nation. At the same time I believe all of us are equally capable of giving valuable suggestions or at least a feedback on nation's issues. During informal discussions with my friends, colleagues and relatives, generally I find them very critical on their views and some of their thoughts and ideas are very creative and unique. Though having better ideas, we don't open up easily rather suppress our feelings without the knowledge of such places where we can/should share our feelings.

To all those who shared wonderful feelings with me, I suggested them to write article and publish it to newspaper. However, most of us are not used to writing despite of the fact that how good attempter we are when it comes to giving speech. This is because we never try to write. I also don’t enjoying writing but writing is the only means through which our thoughts become visible and aspirations to others. I have suggested some of my friends and colleague to start blogging, though I myself was not doing since a year. Now from today onwards I have started to blog, I will express myself, I don’t know whether I am right or wrong. And I look forward for all of yours critical comments and suggestion on my writing and thoughts.

Start blogging because all of ours voice counts.

Arms Trade Treaty

2007-05-13T21:49:00.000-07:00

There are around 639 million small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the world today. Eight million more are produced every year. Without strict control, such weapons will continue to fuel violent conflict, state repression, crime, and domestic abuse. Unless governments act to stop the spread of arms, more lives will be lost, more human rights violations will take place, and more people will be denied the chance to escape poverty.

The international Arms Trade is out of control! There is as yet no coordinated mechanism or global criteria to be used in a harmonized fashion and applied equally to all arms exporters and importers.

Since 2003, the control arms Campaign has been calling for a global, legally binding Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). This treaty must prevent international arms transfers if the weapons are likely to be used to commit atrocities.

While there are global treaties that regulate chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, there is no global treaty to regulate conventional weapons – the weapons most commonly used in armed violence. In December 2006, 153 governments voted at the United Nations to start work on developing such a treaty.

During 2007, the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, is asking all governments to submit their views on the contents of the treaty. This is a critical step.

Alongside this official consultation, the Control Arms campaign is running a parallel People's Consultation on the Arms Trade Treaty. People all around the world are urging their governments to promote an effective treaty that will protect them from armed violence.

Nepal's Position
Nepal has taken part in different international arena, related to SALW, though presence has not been that significant. Nepal was absent during the polling on ATT at UN General Assembly on 12 October 2006. 153 states voted to adopt the Resolution Towards an Arms Trade Treaty. However, its presence in different workshop and the commitment made has shown some positive signals. Now its time for Nepal to take part in the control arms campaign and should also work thoroughly in the ATT process. In Nepal South Asia Small Arm-Network Nepal (SASA-Net) is lobbying government in this regard. SASA-Net in near future is organizing people's consultation at various level in Nepal.

It is the responsibility of the citizen to urge government to take part in the ATT process and raise their concern towards ATT. Urge government to remind Ban Ki-moon that an Arms Trade Treaty must:

Stop arms transfers that will be used for serious violations of human rights of international humanitarian law
Stop arms transfers that would undermine sustainable development
Stop arms transfers that will weaken regional security.

source

www.controlarms.org

"लौन अब केहि त गरौ"

2007-05-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

म एउटी शिक्षित केटी मेरा मनमा भित्र देखि नै सधै मैले केही राम्रो काम गर्नु पर्दछ भन्ने विभिन्न किसिमका सोचहरू आई नै रहन्थे तरपनि मैले के गर्ने र गर्न सक्छु भन्ने कुरा मा म कहिले पनि स्थिर रहिन ।दिउँसो कोठामा एक्लै बस्दा यस्तो गर्नुपर्छ उस्तो गर्नुपर्छ भन्ने अनेकौंकल्पनाहरू सिर्जना गर्दथें र बेलुका श्रीमान् अफिसबाट ति सबै कुराहरू ध्यानपूर्वक सुनिदिनु हुन्थ्यो र मेरो मनमा हौसला जगाई सुझावहरू दिनु हुन्थ्यो ।जसले गर्दा मलाई केही सामाजिक कार्य गर्न प्रति उत्साहित गरायो ।

हामी र्दुइ श्रीमान् श्रीमतीले एउटा माटोको खुत्रुके किनेका थियौं, जसमाहामीसँग यदि रुपैयाँका सिक्काहरू जम्मा भयो की त्यसैमा सधै खसाल्नेगर्दथ्यौं । हामीले एक दिन त्यो खुत्रुकेमा जम्मा भएको पैसाले कोही गरिवकोछोरा छोरीलाई पर्ढाई खर्च दिने निर्णय गर्‍यौं तर कसलाई दिने त्यो भनेनिर्णर्य गर्न सकिरहेका थिएनौं ।

एक दिन मेरो श्रीमान् कामको शिलशिलामा बाँके जिल्ला समशेरगञ्जगाविसमा जाँदा एउटी मुक्त कमैया, आफ्नो भन्ने सम्पत्तिको नाउँमा केहीनभएकी महिलाले आफ्नो दुइवटी छोरीहरूलाई पढाउने साह्रै रहर भएकोतर भर्ना खर्च रु। १५० पनि आफ्नो साथा नभएकोले सहायताको लागिसवैसँग अनुरोध गरिरहेकी कुरा थाहा पाएर, हामीले त्यहि महिलाकाछोराछोरीहरूलाई पढ्नको लागि आफूले सक्दो सहायता गर्ने निर्णयगर्‍यौं ।

नेक काममे देर किस बात की- भन्ने सोच राखेर हामी बैशाख ११ गतेसारा नेपालीहरू लोकतन्त्र दिवस मनाई रहेका बेलामा, नेपालगञ्जकोबैशाख महिनाको मध्य घाममा दिनको ठिक ११ बजे तिर हामी दुइ रहाम्रो २० महिने छोरालाई साथमा लिएर कोहलपूर तर्फप्रस्थान गर्‍यौं ।कोहलपूरमा पुग्दा हामीलाई उनी बस्ने ठाउँ पत्ता लगाउन केही समयलाग्यो । हामी उनको ठाउँ खोजीकै शिलशिलामा कोहलपूर नजिकैएउटा ठाउँ जहाँ मुक्त कमैयाहरू विस्थापित भएर वस्ती बसालेको स्थानमापुग्यौं । जहाँ थुप्रै झुपडीहरू देखिन्थे, त्यही झुपडीहरूको माझबाट बल्लतल्ल हामीले ती महिला -फूलवती चौधरी को बस्ने ठाउँ पत्ता लगायौं रउनलाई भेट्न गयौ । त्यहाँ पुग्दा उनले हामीलाई आफ्नो सानो झुपडीभित्र डोरीको खटियामा बस्न अनुरोध गरिन् । बाहिर मध्य घाम त्यसैलेहामी पनि भित्रै बस्यौं र उनीसँग कुराकानी गर्न थाल्यौं ।

हुन पनि त्यहाँ पुगेर उनीहरूको अवस्था देख्दा, कुराहरू सुन्दा मन मैचस्सा घोचेरा आयो । कस्तो दुखित अवस्था, सम्झँदा नै मन कट्क्क हुन्छ ।कुराकानीको दौरानमा उनी भन्दै थिन्- 'सर मैले आफूले पढ्न नपाएर आजयस्तो दुःख पाएको हुँदा छोरा छोरीले मैले जस्तो दुःख नपाउन् भनेर स्कुलमापढाउन खोजी रहेको छु तर स्कुलले निःशुल्क शिक्षा भने पनि भर्ना शुल्क रु. १५० लिने रहेछ र ड्रेस पनि हाल्नु पर्ने रहेछ ।'

उनी भन्दै थिईन - 'म जस्तोले कहाँबाट दुइवटी छारीलाई भर्ना गर्न रु. ३००।- लेराउने, श्रीमान् सिकर्मीको काम गर्नु हुन्छ, विरामी हुनु भएकोलेकाममा जान सक्नु भएको थिएन, तीन दिन देखि भोको पेट छ, अलिकतिचामल थियो बिहान छोराछोरीलाई माड बनाएर खुवाएँ, मैले कहाँ स्कुलपढाउने पैसा ल्याउने, जहाँ जो भेट्यो सहायताको लागि भन्दै हिड्छु ।'

दुइवटी छोरी र एउटा काखे बालक च्यापेर एउटी आईमाईले आफ्नो लाचारविवस्ताहरू पोख्दा मन भित्र भक्कानो फुट्ला झै भयो । म पनि एउटी आमाआफ्नो सन्तानले त्यति बेला दुध खान एक घण्टा मात्र ढिला हुँदा छट्पटाइरहेको थियो भने तीन बच्चाकी आमालाई आफ्नो सन्तानहरूलाई एक छाकखुवाउन पनि धौ धौ हुँदाको अवस्था कस्तो हुँदो हो, त्यो वास्तविकता हामीजस्ता सुखसयल भोगीहरूले सायद कहिले पनि बुझ्न सकदैनौ होला। उनीहरूकोगरिवी कहाली लाग्दो थियो । चारै तिर देशमा लोकतन्त्रको खुशीयाली मनाईरहेको अवस्थामा उनीहरूलाई के हो लोकतन्त्र केही थाहा थिएन, केवल थाहा थियो त पेटको भोकतन्त्र, गरिवीवको लाचारतन्त्र ।

मैले भर्खरै मात्र लेखक विश्वरमण न्यौपानेको 'किन?' भन्ने पुस्तक अध्ययनगर्ने मौका पाएको थिएँ । जसमा उहाँले नेपाली चेलीहरू किन वेश्याबृती जस्तोकुलतमा फसिरहेको छन् त भन्ने खोजमूलक लेख ती चेलीहरूको बारेमा लेख्नुभएको थियो । सो किताव अध्ययन गर्दा मलाई लाग्यो । गरिवी भन्ने कुरात्यस्तो चिज रहेछ जस्ले गर्दा मानिसले आफ्नो पहिचान, अस्थित्व रइज्जतलाई समेत विर्सन तयार हुनु पर्ने रहेछ र जसले गर्दा हाम्रा चेलीहरूघृणित कार्यमा फसि रहेका छन् । यदि हामीले कसैलाई अलिकति आफ्नोसक्दो सहयोग गर्न सकेमा उनीहरूलाई त्यस्तो नरकिय जीवन जीउन वाध्यहुन पर्दैन ।

'शिक्षा नै सुखमय जीवन सुभारम्भ हो ।' भन्ने सोचाईले हामीले ती दुइ दिदिबहिनी सुस्मिता चौधरी र अस्मिता चौधरीलाई स्कुल भर्ना गर्न र गरिसकेपछि लाग्ने खर्च दियौं र आफूले सक्ने बेला सम्म उनीहरूलाई पढार्ई दिन्छौभनि, बेला बेलामा फेरी आउने बाचा पनि गर्‍यौं । ती भोका पेटका बच्चाहरूले एक टुक्रा सूकेकेi रोटी टोकी रहेको देख्दा मन नै भारि भयो र केही पैसा पनि फूलवती चौधरीलाई दियौं । आज हाम्रो देशमा सरकारले ती कमैयाहरूलाई मुक्तगरिदिए ता पनि उनीहरू को उचित व्यवस्थापन नगरिदिनाले सुस्मिता र अस्मिताजस्ता कयौं वालवालिकाहरू शिक्षाको अवसरवाट वञ्चित हुनु परिरहेको छ ।त्यसैले अव सरकारको मात्र मुख नताकि हामी सवै मिलि"लौन अब केहि त गरौ" ।

By: Sona Poudyal

Bikers' Group

2007-04-29T18:30:00.000-07:00

These days, in the name of transaction phase, people are disturbing our normal life. Every now and then there is bandh, we don’t know who calls for bandh and what is the reason behind? We find it frustrating always. After a year nothing has changed , since the arrival of so called Loktrantra.

Don’t you feel that our daily life is guided by others? Yesterday (28 April 2007), it was a driver, who made holiday a bad day. If we keep on staying in silence, some other will definitely lead us. Now it’s time to raise our voice, because “our voice counts”.

To raise our voice against irrational activities going around, we have decided to form a group, may be its Bikers group (please suggest). We have planned to form such group where bike holders become a member and express their solidarity against the irrational activities.
Why bikers’ group?

Who will raise voice, if your bike gets lost? (It widely come in news that police department itself is engaged in the bike theft, so who will support you?)
By some nonsense reason Oil Corporation fails to supply enough petrol, who is raising voice against mischief?

These are the very simple suppressions that bike holders are facing and going to face in the future. So, we should start doing something that changes the existing scenario. Being young and having strong feeling inside that we can bring changes, we would like to form a group and act against those illogical activities.

Please feel free to put your suggestions and comments. This is very initial phase, we need to get organized, cogent and work together for the betterment.

Life is like riding bike

2007-04-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

Life is like riding a bike, the speed will be constant until and unless some other vehicles overtake. Suddenly the speed will begin to change (especially when old or lower cc bike overtakes and in case of boys when girls’ bike overtakes), in desire of winning the race. While you don’t want to slow down because of your egostic speed during that moment and you will miss the entire beauty around.

During our life span also, there are so many opportunities which come across. Being human, we have unlimited desires, and we want to grab every single opportunity; we want to become successful. We want to lead every moment, which may not be possible every time. Unknowingly, our life moves in such a speed where we don’t want to put brake. During that speed we miss all the pleasure, love, satisfaction. Our life will be vulnerable, and might suffer from accidents.

So, I suggest my friends to control your speed of life and bike, control yourself. Follow the steps, don’t jump, and keep on doing your jobs sincerely, one day you will reach your destiny. You will be a successful person spiritually, mentally, physically and no doubt professionally.

Democracy Day 2007

2007-04-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

April 24, 2007 (Baisak 11), marked as a “Loktantra Diwas” (democracy day). The day when political parties won the battle and take over the executive power from the king, last year.

Forgiving all the mess political parties did in past; citizens were ready to give them a second chance. Therefore, they significantly took part in the 19 days agitation. But now, seems all the expectations of the general citizens are going to vain.

Personally I felt current Loktantra is only for the eight party alliances and for strong group/alliances. There is no democracy for the individuals. Unless, a person is affiliated with some strong alliances or groups, he/she cannot practice democracy. Is this is a Loktantra we wanted?

We didn’t celebrate Loktantra Diwas this year, because we felt, presently, there is no democracy for the individuals. This is not the Loktantra we wanted. This is simply a Partytantra.

This is a modern autocracy, ruled by some groups and parties. There is no democracy for the individuals, where they can enjoy their rights, freedom, where there is a strong law and order.

We want democracy not a modern form of autocracy.

Hike to Champadevi

2007-04-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

On 21st April we climbed the Champadevi, the second highest hill of Kathmandu valley, after Pholchowki. Most thrilling and rough hike I ever had. We were in the no-man’s-land, no specific trail. It was kind of finding your own way, no route……….. It was a gully, formed due to rain, where we walked, very fragile land. The Villagers were amazed to hear about the route we travelled. Our bad luck we couldn’t find the actual way, which was there, according to the villagers.

Pranab, one of our team members, was experienced hiker, so he did very appreciable job to find the routes. He made way for us. Thank you Pranab, without you we couldn’t have made it.

We experienced a great team work. Each one of us was helping other, pulling and pushing and counseling. We were all wounded, big rock crashed in my leg, even though I tolerated. Some had scratch on their checks, some on arms, legs,…….. Leech sucked liters of blood.

Though it was one of the hardest days of their life and every one with empty stomach, only a cup of tea inside, they were not complaining, I am so pleased with everyone, especially girls. We were supposed to have breakfast in the mid-way, but there were no enough space, so we didn’t have. We traveled whole way without having anything, brave us. Because of terror we forgot hunger.

In about three hours stiff walk, we reached the top, we enjoyed sooooo. I took one of the longest breaths of relief, of my entire life. Some times during climbing, I was almost hopeless. However, being a senior among the group members, I need to act strong and determined, I bear that responsibility.

After facing lots of struggle we reached our destination. There exists temple at the top of the hill. Though we find very pleasant environment, one thing disappointed us, pollution. Why we Nepalese are so undisciplined? Rubbish around the temple? So disgusting………. We worship god just to show others. People don’t even respect god, so what we can expect from them?

However, we were apart from general Nepalese because we didn’t left our waste there.

After all good and rough moment finally we had our lunch, on the top of the hill, amazing experience. After having food we returned to the base following good trails.

We faced another difficulty when we reached base. There was no local transportation due to strike. So we took lift a water tanker. We climbed the tanker, it was another exciting experience. Finally we were back without not much trouble and accident. Anything could have happened that day, god saved us, thank you god and thank you everyone.

Book enlightens

2007-04-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

I don’t usually read books, this is one of my weak points. Self realization is the first step for positive living, therefore I realized my weak point and started to improve it.

Finally I started reading... The last book I read was The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Mr. Robin Sharma. It took me almost one week to read that book, indeed very slow.

It was one of the best books I have ever read. I was so much inspired by his writing, that I gifted the book to my close friend. It was my pleasure to receive another book from the same writer as a gift, Family Wisdom. It was nice exchange of knowledge.

I have shared learning from the book with my friends, and enjoyed doing so. I guess this book is the Must read, especially to those, who really want to improve themselves.

Though I wanted to read books but wasn’t doing so. My close friend used to suggest me to do so, but I was ignoring a lot . Now I realized, that I didn’t get the book of my interest. Finally, I got the kind of book that I always like to read. I will be in the search for such books and start to improve myself from now onwards.

I gifted “Sooach” a Nepali book written by Mr. Karna Shakya, to my family on the occasion of New Year. The book is all about an idea to work for betterment of society and start from family. My mother has started reading it, I am so glad and I also want my father to read it.

We need to improve our thinking and behavior, if we really want to see the positive change in our society and country. Start reading and start improving yourself. I bet ...Book enlightens.

My Birthday & My Friends

2007-04-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

It was another one of the wonderful days of my life. My family and friends made my day very special. I really enjoyed those moment, cake cutting, expecting and receiving gifts from my dearest one. I am also happy for the every silly thing my friends did with me.

That day we laughed a lot. They did so many nonsense things, even though I was enjoying. They splashed cake into my face, scene that I always want to see in the movie. I was almost in the birthday dress and my friends were the designer; very creative friends indeed. Abyekta, Ujjwal, Dipesh were the designer, Dikesh and Abyekta were photographers Tej, Suraj and Bivek were the spectator. Whatever they did, it was for fun and to make day special and memorable. That day also I missed Anil and Sangeet. Years back they use to be designer.

I am desperately waiting for my friends’ birthday, coz I also want to be a birthday dress designer.

Thank you guys, for making my day special. Thank you everyone.

Happy New Year

2007-04-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year 2064

Today is a new year day and my birthday as well. I am so glad, so many of my friends called me to wish, so many emails. Thank you all.

Yesterday night we stayed at Ujjwal's house. I enjoyed a lot with my friends Bivek, Abyekta and Ujjwal . Though I missed some of my close friends yesterday Anil, Sangeet, Dikesh and Dipesh.

We went to Newroad at evening, but was too crowded, so we didn't stay too long there. We bought some snacks and drinks for night. We enjoyed eating and drinking and lots of talking. This time guys discussed on so many serious issues. We forgot to sing and dance. I missed. However, I enjoyed talking on seriuos issues.

Abyekta was funny as usual, Bivek, ambitious and Ujjwal, the same guy with new relation. Though everything is arranged, Ujjwal still feels shy to speak with his future wife. Condition of Bivek was poor, though he doesn't want to get married right now, but the situation is forcing him to, poor guy. Abyekta has passed his examination I am glad for him. He was struggling a bit in his studies. He is one of the successful person in his profession. He has his own school and performing well. Most of the Abyekta's friends are already married, they are filling some negative thoughts into his minds, about married life. But I am sure he is capable of making good decisions.

I enjoyed moments with my friends. I wish them all the best and success.

I wish all my family and friends a very Happy New Year.

Enjoy the coming years with success and joy.

I wish all my good relations continues in coming years. I look forward to make good friends and sustainable relations. I will try to improve myself. I want to make my life purposeful.

Lastly, thank you all for last year support and cooperation.

Mantra

2007-04-12T18:54:00.000-07:00

I am more than I appear to be, all the world’s strength and power rests inside me.- Mantra from The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari- By- Robin Sharma.

About my organization

2007-04-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

About YATRA

Yatra is a youth led and youth run non-governmental, not for profit making, social organization dedicated towards Education, Environment and Youth. Yatra is a volunteer based organization. Volunteers of Yatra are working for motivating other youth to become responsible citizen. Yatra is registered to Nepal Government (GON) and affiliated with Social Welfare Council Nepal on 2004. Yatra is founder member of Association of Youth Organizations Nepal (AYON). Yatra represents a Green Youth Ambassador for Nepal of World Youth Foundation (WYF), Melaka, Malaysia.

GPO Box: 8975, EPC 2388
Phone no: 977-016213227
Email: yatranepal@ntc.net.np

About Youth Telecenter

Youth Telecenter is a voluntary, non-profit, youth led forum of South Asia Partnership Nepal (SAP-N) supported by South Asia Partnership International (SAP-I) and Bellanet. The central hub of the telecenter is located in the premises of SAP-Falcha, Babarmahal, Kathmandu.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ORGANIZATION

To strengthen rural and urban youth partnership (RUYP) for education and employment opportunities.
To appropriate Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for youth communities.
To institutionalize model Youth Telecenter

Organization believes entire youth should have straight and uncomplicated access to essential and relevant information. The center was initiated as a youth forum since April 2005 and came to its full fledge being as Youth Telecenter (YTC) on March 2006. Since then the center has been conducting various information sharing activities that address the diverse needs of youth.

New month wish from my mother

2007-04-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

It was a first day of April, and named as April fool day. Early in the morning, I wasn’t even out of bed…… Actually I was checking my emails and planning for a day…. I forgot it is April first.

My mom always likes to make fun and I remember that she don’t usually forget, April first, though she is a perfect Nepali house wife, who doesn’t care about English date.

She fooled lots of people on this particular day, year back. These days she is not that active as she uses to be. This year I didn’t even think that she will make me fool, I am so surprised and happy as well.

She called; there is a friend of mine waiting outdoor. And I rushed, ha ha ha, there was no one, and she shouted APRIL FOOL. To become fool was a pleasure for me as I consider it as a very good wish for the new month.

It was a very good morning wish for me, from the person whom I love more than anything else.

Superiority complex

2007-04-01T19:30:00.000-07:00

I don’t know why a person feels so superior!!!!!! Why every professionals of each sector think that they no else can be better? I wonder why people don’t respect other’s profession. I don’t figure out why!!!!!!!!!!

From drivers to Doctors, Bank’s staff to Teachers, Journalist to Politician or Government officers; almost everyone behaves that they are the Messiah in their respective field. Why they think, without them nothing works around in the world?

Whenever we need help from other people of different profession, we don’t usually get good response from them. While going to bank to collect/deposit money , the staff there seems to lost their manners; no respect, no system, no greetings even no smile! Doctors in the hospital are the same! What to say about government office staffs, everyone knows. Why don’t they think, one day or the other they might need help from other as well?

Politician! Everyone knows them; they behave well at the time of election. Their manner tagged them as educated illiterate. Everyone knows politician, but what about others? Why do they think that they are only the superior?

We should acknowledge contribution of every sector in the society, should remember that, everyone’s job is making good contribution to the society; everyone has expertise in their respective field.

If we respect every others professions then only, together we can be prosperous.
Don’t feel superior, everyone is superior in their own field, respect other, there is no one who big and small based on their profession. The one of the reason behind underdevelopment of our nation is our ‘superior attitude’.

Load-shading is it really needed or just a game!

2007-03-31T08:19:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel like I am an educated illiterate. Every now and then so many messy things are happening around me and I am not responding!!!!!!! Though, I understand very little what is going around, but I feel I am right towards the truth. Despite of lack in data what my mind figures out matches the reality.
Let us talk about the politics in load shading! Once I got chance visit one hydro-electricity project. There were two turbines to generate the electricity; however, only one was functioning. I asked the engineer about the project, ‘why is it not working? Is the water insufficient or the technical problem?’ He replied “Mathi ko Aadesh”, i.e., order from the higher authority for not to run the turbine. I was so amazed, people are forced to live in dark due to load shading and the generator is not functional. What could be the reason behind? I wonder?
Politics to become rich; that is the answer I got when I discussed about the matters with different group of people. What I have heard is that high authority people are provided with commissions on the percentage basis if there comes some new projects.
By forcing citizens to live in dark, mafias are playing a game with us. They are somewhat successful to manipulate general people to make them ask for the new dams for the electricity. General people are so innocent that they don’t understand the politics and the game of the government mafia. To become rich they are demanding for new hydro-electricity project to overcome the existing load-shading. And they are searching for the big investor and the contractor who are ready to give good barbs.
If the policy makers and the leaders are fully committed to supply electricity to every house, why don’t they think and work for the micro hydro projects? These are the questions that are raised inside every heads with brains.

Wake up Kathmandu people!

2007-03-31T08:16:00.000-07:00

Every individual is talking about new/inclusive Nepal these days. People of every corner are expressing their opinion for the new Nepal. But, what is the vision we make for the Kathmandu, till now I have not noticed any such debate among Kathmanduties.
Where we want our Kathmandu to be? Is the existing Kathmandu is okay for us or we need to think and plan for the new Kathmandu. I guess this is the most appropriate time to talk about new Kathmandu. So let us have debate for new Kathmandu and plan for it, otherwise we might left behind.