Nepal After Four Years!
It’s been a month since my arrival to this beautiful nation of Nepal. Even though it’s my ‘OWN’ nation, many things have been changed. When I came to Nepal for my summer break two years ago, I was terrified to see how things work in this country. I couldn’t understand why the streets were so unorganized. I didn’t understand why there is lack of drinking water in a nation known for its abundant water resources, second after Brazil in the World. At that time, I was depressed and didn’t want to return to Nepal.
Four months ago, as we started packing and preparing for Nepal, I protested. I didn’t want to come back to this troubled nation. Strikes everyday (according to local news), oil prices so high, Nepal bandh so often and only 4 hours of electricity! Well, I didn’t have any choice, did I? Having to return to this country, I grumped at every opportunity and tried influencing my parents’ decision to return back to Nepal. Even during my exams I continuously insisted on staying back in Dhaka.Honeslty speaking, the day before I left Dhaka, I was trying to influence my parents’ decision. However he was determined and also did not have choice and we HAD to move!
On 3rd June, 2009, I arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport with my family. As soon as we came out of the green channel, my mom went to her dad. My dad was busy with someone who came to pick us up.However; I was busy noticing the change around me. The airport had changed! Now they have a CCTV camera inside so that people waiting outside can see their people coming through the airport passage. Not just that, we found better trolleys for our luggage and more taxis to make traveling easier. I also noticed another significant change: there were more English speaking guides to help foreign tourists.
I’ve been writing for the past 10 minutes without actually knowing why! Well I wanted to express some ideas about my country, and I wanted my friends to know what my country is like.Well, I’ll be honest: Nepal has changed! Four years ago, when I left this nation, it was not as developed.Today,I see more buildings, better roadways, taller buildings, more modern people and moreover a changed nation. However, by change, I don’t mean only the good part. There are a lot of negative sides that we can ignore such as growing number of cars; we have more traffic, more pollution and less greener inside the city. Noise and cacophony of the city nearly killed me. I could not understand why they honk all the time. I also failed to notice trees or other plants on the sideways of the streets in Kathmandu. What a pity sight for a capital of the naturally blessed country of Nepal.
Another important point that I have noticed in Nepal is the number of private schools that I found on the every nook and corner of the city. Yes, today we find schools after every two blocks and each school has a foreign name (my school for example!).The good part about these schools is that most of them provide Cambridge A’ Levels which means higher quality. This shows a better prospect for most talented students to go abroad and avail international education.
Banking is another important development in Nepal. Most banks today try to lure customers offering high interest rates and we can find banks on every other block. Most people invest in Banks and dream to live lavished life. Another use of banks is the buying of houses. Now days you have to pay only 30% while buying a house and the rest 70% will be provided by the bank. No wonder so many housing colonies are developing! As people get rich, better houses are being built and huge apartments are being developed.
Finally, Nepal is not the same as it used to be four years ago. Things have changed and it has changed for better. I didn’t expect Nepal to be so developed after just four years. However I don’t want to mislead my foreign friends by saying that Nepal is now completely developed! It’s a developing nation and development takes place slowly. If you visit Nepal, you are sure to receive first class treatment and trust me, you’ll have more than two weeks to enjoy! To my Nepali brothers and sisters who live abroad, I want to say: come back to your nation once you complete your mission anywhere in the world. I know this nation isn’t developed. However it’s for people like you and me to develop this nation. We can’t depend on our useless, illiterate and old leaders. It’s for the youth to change this country and WE are the youth! I urge all my friends to come back ONCE and see what has happened in all these years. There’s a lot of scope for improvement and we can create international name for ourselves by bringing change in the country that is dear to you and me. Remember one thing my friends: someone will have to bring the change, someone! Why not YOU be that someone?
Just a sincere thanks!
Dear friends,
As I pack and get ready to go on another venture to my homeland Nepal, I have mixed fillings in my mind: one way, I’ll miss my dear friends in Dhaka who’ve been awesome whereas on other I’m excited about the fact that I’ll make new friends in Kathmandu. However there are some things that I may not find anywhere else: the rows of rickshaw pullers, the nerve cracking traffic jams, the coaching classes, the misthi doi, the hilsha fishes, Chicken Biriyani (you know how much I gobble it in one sitting) and, above all, friendly Bangladeshis who welcomed us so warmly. I know I’ll get traffic jams and all other things in other places including my country too; however, the specialty this place holds is innumerable! It’s not just the place; it’s the people and the environment which helped a person like me to settle down with ease.
When I first arrived in Bangladesh on July 31, 2005, I had some unknown apprehension. In Nepal, most people have a different view of Bangladesh as being it a poor, disaster prone and moreover a troubled nation (this is due to ill projection of media of all developing countries). When my plane landed in Dhaka on July 31, the day I was born 11 years ago, we were worried whether our place will be like one of those slums that you see in pictures and news clips in the TV all the time. However, as I drove through the Uttara area, I was surprised – tall buildings, latest cars and excellent roads. ‘Is this Bangladesh?’ – This was my first thought and how wrong I was!
After settling down, I got into BIT and this is the place that changed my life forever. This is the place where I got to do all those things that most people only dream of. In the first few days, I had a bit of trouble with the language but as time gone by; I learned it and got acclimatized with the environment (which was extremely hot for a kid from high Himalaya!).Soon I made new friends and my first friend was Samin Yasar – the shy guy who loved talking about football and who analyzes a football game better than any other professional. He is a die hard Arsenal fan and so was I and that’s when we started wasting hours talking about football and Arsenal. All we talked about was football, football and football!
After my first year, which seemed quite long, remaining 3 years went so fast that I couldn’t realize that my stay in Dhaka has come to an end and I have to say farewell to all my dear friends!
I made more friends, not just from BIT, but from other schools like Green Herald, Aga Khan, Scholastica and Mastermind. Soon Bangladesh became fun and I started enjoying every bit of it. At first, I hated the coaching but soon it was fun! I actually longed to go to the classes and I enjoyed every bit of it. I made closer friends which includes Protim, Rieman, Magfur(who never really thought I was his friend!),Rian and many more. These people meant something to me and it’s not just me – also my parents! Yes, my parents know so much about these people and every time I bring them home (for momo, cricket and what not), I see a glimpse of happiness on faces of my parents.
I know, for most people who don’t know me, this note is really boring. So I want to say something that has a macro impact. I must thank a few groups or person from different walks of life in Dhaka for their contributions to my educational growth and extra-curricula activities:
The Debating Community of Dhaka – BDC – it’s a family where everyone is welcomed with open hands and a novice like me is embraced like a brother!People like Salman sir,Sohab bhai,Mabroor bhai,Tanvir bhai,Rishad bhai and Raihan bhai have been so helpful to me and have helped me in learning more about the art of debating.I’d also like to thank my partners Sudipta,Protim,Rieman,Saif and Mubarrat.Mubarrat ofcourse helped me a lot in the pre-worlds and got us into the Quarter finals even though no one really expected that from us.He’s an awesome debater and I wish him all the best for the Worlds!:D
International Schools in Dhaka – BIT, AKS, Scholastica, Mastermind, Greenherald, Sun Beams, NSD, Play Pen, AISD and ISD. These schools have done a great deal of work in educating Bangladeshis and taking them to a higher level from which students usually go to top universities abroad. I got opportunity to be associated with these wonderful schools in one way or another during my stay and learned a lot.
Ms. Lubna Chowdhary – I know she’ll never read this, but I’d really love to see her to. She has done something that very few people manage to do – turn ordinary teenagers like me into good human beings. Yes, she’s strict, she’s rude at times and she can get on your nerve at times. However, what she teaches is not taught in any other institution in the world. That is why I think she is a true educationist. And it’s not my opinion only; it’s the opinion of all most all BITians.
Teachers – Shazia miss,Ashraful sir, Ashraf sir, Salam Sir, Ashfaq sir, Akhtar Sir, Nauseen Miss, SKS,Forid Sir,Nigar miss,Mabuba miss,Mamuda miss,Shegufta miss,Feroza miss,Mizan sir,Anis Sir,Irshad sir and Shajeda miss. I know the list will go on like this if I start remembering all teachers. However these are some special teachers that I want to thank for everything that they’ve done in upbringing me last four years.
Seniors – Most seniors from BIT won’t recognize me, so I won’t start with the list. However I want to thank people like Reedwan bhai, Nabil, Faiza, Salman, Injamam bhai, Fahad, Anika and Marjuk.I have looked on to them for inspiration and will always respect them.
Juniors – Well, I guess most juniors know me. I won’t make a list here because almost all of them are close friends. However I would like to mention Sudipta and Saif who’ve been extremely helpful and helped me in many of my projects and achievements. I must also thank all other friends in grade 8 and 9.
Some other precious friends – here I want to thank some friends who aren’t my school mates, teachers or relatives. These are people that I came across during different events. This includes friends from Green Herald, 1 Degree Initiative, AKS (you know who that is!) and Scholastica.I can’t forget to thank other people like Faria and Saad who I’ve known for a short time,but who’ve done so much and helped me in every stage during my stay in Dhaka.
I’d also like to specially thank Sabhanaz Rashid Diya who is an inspiration for me in any field (except sports!).What she has done in her 21 year life is impossible for me to achieve in 50 years!
Finally, my stay in Dhaka was one of enjoyment, learning and gaining experience. I enjoyed every bit of it and its all because of you guys! I am going back with lots of memories that I will cherish forever wherever I go or live. I grew up into a teenager in Bangladesh and that is unforgettable. While welcoming you all for a visit to Nepal, I do not say good bye but say that I will see you soon!
(I’m not tagging anyone in this note because there are too many people to tag.)
THANK YOU VERY MUCH from the bottom of my heart! 
My speech!
Statement delivered by Mr. Abhinav Khanal, Coordinator of 1DI, Nepal on July 25, 2009 at the event marking the 1˚ of Volunteerism at the Rato Bangala School, Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur, Nepal
Chief Guest Mr.Pukar Malla,
Respected Principals and teachers
All participants, Volunteers and fellow members of 1DI
Ladies and Gentlemen
Let me begin my expressing our deep appreciation on your gracious presence in this event of ours which has been aptly entitled “1˚ of Volunteerism”. As the Head of Executive Committee of 1˚ Initiative-Nepal I wish to give you a short introduction on 1˚ Initiative and our aims, goals and our dreams. Founded in the early 2006, 1DI has been active since in different projects involving youths, especially the ones at high school level. 1DI has its name coming after the meaning that “1˚ can change the state of a substance from solid to liquid; 1˚ is what it takes to revolutionize one’s mind”.
Due to its continued success in Dhaka for almost four years, after doing about 21 projects engaging enthusiastic youths, 1˚ Initiative has decided to open a branch in Kathmandu.Therefore, I’ve been chosen as the coordinator for Kathmandu branch. Honestly speaking, the start was shaky and it was difficult for me to make contacts here. Especially as this is a nation where only connections work, I did face a host of problems in developing real connections. However, after a few days of meeting with my previously made net- friends from Dhaka, we managed to form a team of eight young and energetic people. For the past one month, we kept on working on this project with full determination and dedication.
For six months, from July 2009 to January 2010, we plan to carry out six various community related projects that will involve youths. These projects will basically be in the field of education, climate change, sanitation and health. We do projects in small scale, because we believe, “small steps count”. We think small changes can bring about larger change in the long run. If we bring 360 small 1˚ changes, we believe we can CHANGE this nation.
Now let me briefly talk about change. Well, change has been the BUZZWORD in today’s world, especially after the election of Barrack Hussien Obama as the President of the United States. As most of young people of the world today who have been inspired by Mr. Obama, I too became a fan of his ideas and CHANGE is something that really got me into being his FAN. So what’s change? Well, change is the difference in the state of something from previous condition. Therefore change can be ‘good’ as well as ‘bad’. For the past two decades we’ve been promised change in this nation by our leaders. Every time, we’ve hoped for some real change and every time we’ve been disappointed. I think its time for some real change. And change doesn’t come by promising to make ‘Nepal into Switzerland or Singapore’. I think change comes from an individual. People like you and me can bring change; it’s just the mindset that we need to change.
Finally, I think it’s high time, youths work for their nation on their own. This is the era of Change when we can actually make a difference. This is the time for us to become Heros, heroes who will be remembered in the future as people who brought about meaningful change in their society. For burning issues to be tackled at the moment what we need is hard work and dedication and we ourselves have to work on it; not wait for our seniors to work on it!
As I end the speech, I’d like to thank Global Changemakers, organizations like Yatra and YES for their help and support. I would also like to thank 1DI Nepal team for their perseverance and hard work. Before concluding my speech I wish to quote Mahatma Gandhi who has reminded us that we ourselves should “be the change we want to see in our country!”
Thank you and Nepal ra Nepali ko Jaya Hos!
Results – a reality that has to exist?
This year I got the result of my O’ Levels and honestly speaking, I was very disappointed with the way I performed. However, one thing I learned from this result was that whatever I do; my parents and friends love me. Had I received amazing grades, I’d be loved the same way as they love me today. At the end of the day, it’s not always about Educational results. Rather it’s about the result that I produce in life and the moments when I make my parents proud. I try making my parents proud and at moments I have. When I went to Japan 20 years after my father went there, I did realize the proud smile in my father’s face. When I became the first person in the family to go to Singapore, I did see the pride in the face of my relatives. These are moments that I really preserve.
Talking about results, I have to talk about a reality that does exist. When I finished my exams on 21st of May, I gave a sigh of relief. I felt as if I am free from the study web. For 2 months, I got myself involved in various activities and spent times enjoying with friends and family. I was so free of stress until 3 days before the result.Yes,that was the time when I got to know that the reality was just a few days later. I was scared, to be honest. I knew what I’d done and I would get what I deserved. On the day of the result, I was really busy. From the morning, I kept myself busy so that I wouldn’t have to feel scared. I reached home at around 4:10 pm when the results were already announced. I tried checking my results but the site wasn’t opening. At 5:30 pm, damn!!The results are out and I did terrible! When I saw my grades, I was alone in my room. I had no reaction what so ever. A little moment later, my parents came and congratulated me on passing my O’ levels. I didn’t see the disappointment that I expected and that made me relieved.Now,if I was in the place of any young boy who is expected to do so much, I’d probably suicide ,but I know that its not the end of the world and I’ll continue to fight,what so ever.
I don’t know why I am writing this. However, I know that results are something that we cannot escape and even when we grow old, we will be scared of a result – result of dying! To all my friends out there, who are scared of results – take a chill pill! Enjoy your time because the result will come out one day and it’s only about that ONE day. There is no need to spend 2 months worrying about what your results will be, what your mistakes were and what could have been better! There is no use regretting your action – regretting will NOT change anything!You can always learn from your mistakes and thats the most important point.
I know I’ve to get many more results and I’m ready for all those results! To all my friends expecting more results, learn to take it easy – after all, there’s always a second chance and even if you didn’t do well, your parents are proud of you, and that is what really matters!
Clash of Religions and Festivals?
Festivals are synonymous with human civilization: Festivals spreading color; festivals sharing love by giving flowers; festivals where people give and get money, gifts and blessings; and festivals where you fast for 30 long days, before finally celebrating brotherhood. Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains and even atheists have festivals. Somehow all religions have similar festivals and though their names are different, they all have the same inherent meaning as can be illustrate by people celebrating Eid and Diwali at the same time with the same fervor and flavor. The main idea of celebrating the festivals is to share love and brotherhood among people.
In my only 16 years of life, I have been fortunate enough to visit many countries and I have lived in a Hindu country (now declared a secular), a Muslim country and a Buddhist country. While visiting these countries I was lucky enough to learn about these nations and their religion and culture. I was accepted with open hands by Muslims in Eid; I was always welcome to celebrate Buddha Jayanti with friends and never failed to have an exciting Christmas. Every year we have special preparations for all of these wonderful festivals even though I personally do not belong to any of the above religion. I enjoy these festivals not because I live with people from these religions; I enjoy them because they are what signifies my life:When I leave a country,its not the textbook stuff that matters,its the culture which I learn from that country which matters. Whenever I go to a Hindu household, I know I have to bend down to take the blessings, whenever I go to a Muslim’s house, I know I have to say ‘Salaam alaikum’ and whenever I go to a Christian’s house, I know I have to say ‘Good Day’. These aren’t fixed rules, which I have to follow; these are customs that I feel I must follow in order to signal to my hosts that I cherish and respect their customs, religions, sentiments and emotions.
It is my belief that many people today have lost the values in their lives. In one of my articles I mentioned how we are losing the value of language. That might not be a proven fact, of course, and I myself might not follow the guideline of which I speak, but culture is something that I have, am and want to follow. The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary defines Culture as a day or period of the year when people stop working to celebrate a special event, often a religious one. Well, I don’t know how true this definition is but I know it is according to what happens today. Are customs just about a holiday? We have been at the verge of losing the value of culture and this is something that is harmful to future generations. We eagerly await vacations on the occasions of Eid or Diwali, but do we ever think of their importance? We want that holiday so that we can get a break from our day-to-day hectic lives and go for a vacation abroad. Friends, if this is our state of mind about the festivals, just imagine what it will be like for our children!
Just as I was pondering on writing this article, something very interesting popped up in my mind: most of the festival names are quite similar in name too. These names are different from the religion of its derivative and though the way of celebration differs, the basic meaning of the festival remains the same. So, just imagine God’s play! We should be learning one valuable lesson from this: God wants to see us live together peacefully. I am not saying we should have the same festival, what I am saying is that we must enjoy each others’ festival. Why not go to a Muslim’s place and wish him ‘Eid Mubarak’ during Eid festival? Why not go to a Hindu’s place and convey him ‘Happy Diwali’? Why treat religion different from yours as inferior? After all, we were HUMANS before we became Hindus, Muslims or Christians! Every morning, I wake up hearing ‘Azan’ -the call for prayers for Muslim devotees. I know that many people (non-Muslims) can’t understand this as a CULTURE. Hindus have a culture of putting ‘Tika’ on their forehead after prayers but I know many people express their irritation over it and make a fuss. Again I say: IT’S A CULTURE!!
Finally, clash between religions have been going on for ages and will go on for many more years to come if we, the young people, do not bother to understand the value of other religions and learn to respect their values and ethos. The world may come to an end if we start clashing over such matters; it will not last as long as we expect it to. Religion is something which we need to respect, be it ours or someone else’s! We usually look down at religions different from ours and then try to make a link between that particular religion and terrorists who work to defame the very foundation of the meaning of the religion. A terrorist is not a MUSLIM, HINDU, CHRISTIAN or BUDDHIST or of any religious sect. A terrorist doesn’t have a religion and that implies to every terrorist. Even if Osama Bin Laden says he prays five times a day or even 50 times a day for that matter, he remains a TERRORIST until he gives up violence and killing of innocent people in the name of ‘Jihad’. He is using a particular religion to kill innocent people and defame the Islam – the religion of peace. Calling yourself a Muslim/ Hindu and killing innocent people is called fanaticism and most of us today forget that! When a few Muslims attack the Taj Mahal, we tend to brand all Muslims as terrorists and when some Hindus blow up the Jame Masjid, we regard all Hindus as terrorists. We need to change our mindset at this point and look at the issue at hand in a very differently light. Forty Fourth American President Barrack Obama has promised to bring ‘Change’ in the international order. I don’t know what kind of ‘change’ he will bring, but I do pray to God that he succeeds in removing barriers created in the name of religion and let common people live freely, without the fear of dark fanaticism and terrorism! Let the world be free from ‘Clash of Civilizations!’
This isn’t one of those ideological articles that I am used to writing. I have prepared this in about 15 minutes and this was a flow which was emotional. I don’t know if you agree with what I have said, but bear one thing in mind: my views will not’ change’!
Celebrating Holi (or Unholy) festival !
Every year as the spring arrives, I feel extremely happy. I know the previous sentence was ordinary, but the feel is extraordinary. March is the month of one of the most exciting and much awaited festivals in Hindu Religion known as Holi. The main emphasis of the festival is on the burning of the demon Goddess Holika in the holy fire. The origin of the Holi is attributed by some to the burning of demon Goddess like Holika, Holaka and Putana, who represent evil.
On the day of Holi, people come out in their neighborhood and exchange varieties of colors and splash water on each other. One fearsome weapon mostly used during the celebration is called ‘lola’ (water balloon) in Nepali. It is sometimes filled with color and other similar substances. Varieties of color could be seen on this day and the combination of different colors played at the festival take all the sorrow away and makes life even more colorful. Most children roam around the street targeting people, especially the ones who aren’t prepared or are getting ready for office. In a Holi day you don’t hold a position and everyone is equal. On this day, a peon is allowed to splash water on his boss (no wonder it’s so exciting!).The importance this festival holds is too large to express in a few words. It’s a day which lovers use to express their feelings, the ones who are angry can get back together and even strangers become friends. This festival is basically observed in Nepal, India and some parts of Bangladesh. It’s usually a public holiday and people enjoy it to the fullest.
But as it is my habit, I can’t stop myself from pointing the adverse effects which is evident on this day. First of all, people have lost its value.Today, we see people on the streets with motorbikes splashing dirty water on other people. Foreigners who enjoy this festival every time they visit one of these nations aren’t left alone. They enjoy this ritual of exchanging color and water between friends but they hate it when somebody unknown to them comes up and forces color on his/her face or try to molest her/him with ulterior motives. This is a culture which we must portray as decent and colorful, friendly and cordial in order to attract people, not to scare them away! Also, gangfights are getting very common on this day as if it is the right time to bring out all your anger and animosity. Drinking booze and taking drugs could not be synonyms of Holi; it only denigrates the significance of the day. This is the day when we must share brotherhood in the form of color, not blood!
Honestly speaking, I wait for holi two months before it comes. The day before the ‘holi’ day, I would be filling water in the balloons and preparing the colors. I celebrate this festival every year even though I am hardly in Nepal. I celebrated it in China, Saudi Arabia and now in Bangladesh. I remember celebrating Holi three years ago with my sister and two other uncles. I know it must sound dull to be celebrating Holi with three people. But trust me, it was fun! So friends don’t wait for someone to come and splash water on you; just go out there and start the show and help build a colorful world around us!
My Unwilling; yet Unforgettable Journey!
Veni, vidi, vici ( I came, I saw, I conquered !)
-Julies Caesar
The unwilling journey of mine to Sylhet, Shillong and Guhawati began on 25th March, 2009. My exams were knocking on the door and I was in no way ready to go for such a long trip from Dhaka by bus. After hours of heated discussion with my parents, I was finally convinced that this was a religious trip and held a significant importance on my life’s success. And, so began the journey which I will remember vividly for years to come. With a terrified mindset and mental pressure due to impending exams – I was not so sure if I would be able to appear in my exams which would start the next day of our return from Shillong.
The journey to Kamakhya Temple began when 30 Nepalese expatriates got together at the premises of the Embassy of Nepal to set out on this pilgrimage. First to arrive was Mr.Achyut Aryal and his family (as is his punctual habit!). Last to arrive was Mr.Rajiv Pradhan as he had to attend a meeting. Everyone gathered at Mr.Ramesh Khanal’s house and put all the luggages in the bus. Everyone seemed excited and the chief of the committee Mr.Guna Nidhi Paudyal was all set to coordinate things. As everyone got into a relatively small Coaster bus, we left the Embassy premises at 3 pm. The departure wasn’t as easy as we expected it to be as we had to push the bus to start its engine. As soon as we reached near American Embassy in Baridhara (which is about 200 meters only!), the uncles opened up the cans, drinking something that most Nepalese enjoy – alcohol. The aunties were busy with their regular talks of how cheap the sari was in Gaushia and how colorful its design is. The children too were busy with their regular school talks. After about 3 hours of drive, we took a tea-break at a restaurant at around 6:00 Pm. After 10-15 minutes of rest, we get in the coaster and get ready for the 3 hours drive to Sylhet.But as they say “A journey is never as easy as it seems”, the CIRDAP Coaster broke down at around 8:15 Pm with huge amount of smoke coming out from the engine. After about half an hour of panicking and cooling the engine, the coaster finally got running and we were on our way to Sylhet. At around 10:00 Pm, we reached Supreme Hotel which was supposed to be our host for the night. As soon as we reach there, everyone got his/her own room. After refreshments, we had a quick dinner and left for bed after a day full of exertion.
The next day on March 26, everyone got ready for the trip to Tamabil Border at around 6:30 Am. We took our breakfast as soon as possible and hop in the bus for an hour and half journey to Tamabil Border. At around 8:00 Am the CIRDAP bus stopped again leaving us stranded on the street. Children brought water from the surrounding village ponds and helped the old driver in cooling the bus. As the engine of the bus getting cooled down, most of us found some time for green scenery around us and the fresh air to breathe that lacks miserably in Dhaka city. At around 10:00 Am we arrive at Tamabil Border and wait for the immigration and customs formalities to be completed. Bangladeshi side was completed promptly and officials were very cordial to us.
On the Indian side of the immigration point at Dawaki border, the immigration officials arrived an hour late. After two hours of waiting and working (by the members of Nepali community themselves), we finally got a positive nod to go ahead from the officers and we left the Dawaki border point at exactly 12:00 Pm. After an amazing drive through the naturally magnificent hills of Meghalaya, we reach our hotel Lake View Inn at around 3 Pm. After refreshments, we had our quick and tasty lunch. After the lunch, we set out for sight seeing. First in our list was the Hill Top visit from where you could see whole Shillong city lying in front of your eyes-it’s a real treat for the eyes for such an amazing natural beauty within your grasp. Then after about 30 minutes drive from the Hill Top, we desperately wanted to visit the famous police bazaar in the centre of Shillong. The police bazaar was an amazing experience and reflected a bit of Nepalese culture in streets with everyone enjoying it. At around 8:30 Pm we took a tasty dinner at Hotel and children went to bed. Before going to bed, there was a small problem as Nabina aunty wasn’t feeling very well. But, all ended well as she took some medicine.
On the morning of 27th March, we got ready very early and left Shillong for Guwahati at 5:30 am. At 8:30 am we arrived at our main destination after a 3 hours’ journey –Kamakhya Temple. We held prayers and meditation for an hour and half. From the Kamakhya Temple we went to the Umananda temple which was located in the middle of the Bramhaputra River in an island. We crossed the river using a motor boat. All children enjoyed to be on the top of the boat just to feast their eyes with the beautiful sceneries around them as well as to get fresh air. After finishing the worshipping at the Umananda Temple followed by meditation, we left for a pure vegetarian restaurant for lunch. At the Maruti vegetarian restaurant, as expected most were hungry and started gobbling the food as soon as it arrived. The bus ride on the way to Shillong was amazing especially because all children showcased their talent by singing Nepal’s national anthem. This was a proud moment for all parents and this clearly reflected on their faces.
Prashanti, Parimal, Aashna, Aarambh, Leena, Aruna, Abhinav, Anil, Sarina and Shushant – all showcased their talents in various ways. Out of the above Prashanti, Aruna and Leena were outstanding, singing some amazing songs in mind-blowing voices. Overall it was an all children’ moment. At around 7:00 Pm we arrived at Lake View Inn. After short refreshment, some left for the Police Bazaar and shopping for souvenirs. All children stayed back to play some kinds of cards games and enjoy the day. At around 8:00 Pm everyone enjoyed the lovely dinner consisting of Tandoori Chicken which was a personal favorite for most people. The dinner was then treated with something that everyone loved- Ice Cream! After the dinner, music was started and with that the feet of Aruna, Sarina and Abhinav. They started grooving to the music played by the hotel DJ there. And then began a short session which the parents enjoyed the most- dancing. The ladies group was led by Mrs. Bina and Mrs.Sushmita.Soon, uncles started joining in and one commendable performance was by Mr. Kalyan Pandey. His amusing dance moves kept everyone on high heels throughout. The children kept their dancing constant and most seemed to be enjoying it. Most parents including Mrs.Nabina and Mrs. Sushmita seemed proud of their children and were busy taking snaps and videos. The dance session was enjoyed by all especially because they had such a hectic day to day schedule. For them to get some time without tension was simply great!
On the day of 28th March, everyone woke up at around 5:00 Am and got ready for the long journey back home in Dhaka. Most uncles go for a walk around just to enjoy the scenery and kiss this beautiful city a good bye. At 7:00 Am everyone had the American Breakfast bade this lovely host – Hotel Lake View Inn- farewell for the Dawaki Border. We arrived at the border at 10:15 am after an amazing ride through the mountains of Shillong and enjoyable music played in the bus. At 12:00 Pm we left the Dawaki border for Bangladesh and back to saying “Amar Bangladesh”. We had our sumptuous lunch served at the Hotel Supreme in Sylhet at 2:00 pm which was again very tasty!
After about 6 hours of microbus ride, which included the enjoyment of Hindi films, we finally arrived at the Embassy premises. After a sweet farewell by hugging and embracing each other with tears on their eyes, everyone led to his/her own way to their homes. It was heartening to see that with three days we had become a family-a bond developed so close that they did not want to separate so easily. It was a touching moment for me to see such fantastic scene at that time. I don’t know if this was the most perfect tour I ever had in my life. But I know something that this was the tour which helped me in making new friends, learn more about new places and enjoy a few days from the hectic schedules in Dhaka.
Something that everyone said at the end was: “Kamakhya Mata Ki; Jaya!!” ( Hail to Mother Kamakhya !)
March 30, 2009
Dhaka, Bangladesh
A Young Man’s Perception of Nepali Politics
It is getting apparent day by day that politics in Nepal is developing into a mixture of joke and ludicrousness. In my sixteen year’s life, I have seen some, if not a lot of Nepali politics. I have been alive enough to see one of the biggest party’s chief leaders celebrate his 80th birthday. I have seen the King being stripped of his 238 year old Crown by the people. I have also seen a dramatic rise of the Maoist Party to the helm of power. The journey of a ‘Maobadi’ rebel to the post of the Prime Minister of the country is quite amazing, isn’t it? I was wondering the other day: how come an unknown political outfit till a few years ago could secure the majority in the Constituent Assembly elections? Usually, as I sit in front of my T.V. watching news and documentaries about the contemporary politics of Nepal, I think: Is politics of Nepal turning into a joke or a matter of ridiculousness?
Two weeks ago, in an Economics class, my teacher was talking about communism and how it affects the rich ones. As he was finishing his lecture, he stopped by me and asked: Isn’t Nepal a communist country? As most of you would expect, I did get angry and furious at him for making such a silly comment (I am sure he knows that Nepal in not a communist country!)The same day in the evening, I was pondering on what he said: was it right for him to make a joke of my country? Then this thought came in my mind: if people of the country can make fun of their own nation, why not that self obsessed arrogant teacher of mine? Nepal is a democratic nation of the world where all kinds of parties are active in political transformation of the country. Yes, through the free and fair elections, communists have secured their victory but it does not mean that Nepal turned into a ‘communist’ state? This is simply underestimating Nepal’s political process.
I do not belong to any kind of political outfits as I have not reached to that age to decide about alignment to a particular politics. But, mind it; I am committed to freedom, justice and equality irrespective of race, religion and birth. I just want my country to be known for good causes rather than being ignored. For a decade or more, Nepal used to be known for the civil war, human rights violations and terrorism. Mere having the Mt. Everest or have Buddha born in our country (that too has been being claimed by a recent Bollywood movie in our neighboring country in South) we can not portray our country’s positive image to outside world. Alertness among young people is required at the moment so that people should not feel ashamed of calling themselves a ‘Nepali’!
So, who do we blame to? Do we blame political parties everything what is happening in Nepal today? No, we don’t blame such ‘useless’ people for destroying the reputation of our countries: we blame ourselves! We blame ourselves for choosing worthless leaders. After all, we are the ones who vote for these leaders and get them into the Parliament. I still don’t understand how people actually believe what these politicians say! I have heard many speeches (most recently being the Obama’s inaugural speech) and in most of them, the leader promises to improve the condition of people. But Nepalese politicians are different. They don’t go for improving the condition: they believe in changing the condition from where it is. They don’t promise us that the price of petrol will fall; they promise us that they will turn Nepal into Switzerland or Singapore! At this point, a famous quote comes in my mind :” first look at your height before going for the good mangoes” (in the mean time you can aim for the smaller and less tastier ones!)Most people in our country don’t have enough for a day’s meal and they aim to make this country a Switzerland! What a joke!
If I keep writing and complaining about these leaders, I know I will be someone similar to them. So, as I end, I want to say something simple: complaining is very easy, doing the same job would be tough. We always complain about our leaders for not doing enough, but if you sit in their chair for two minutes, you will understand everything: you will understand how difficult it is to rule a country with myriad problems. To get deeper understanding of the contemporary political development and prospect of Nepal and Nepali people, I simply ask you to find out the major problems of present day Nepali politics and if possible, find out their solutions so that we can return to order and prosperity, peace and development – my major concerns.
Terrorism: a cul-de-sac?
The Taj Mahal Hotel
Terror strikes the world again. It has been a regular phenomenon of our lives, not new anymore. It seems that terrorism never ends. This time India was the victim of major terror strike; twenty young hard core terrorists threatened the basic foundation of India for three long days.
One of the terrorists!
On the 26th of November, exactly a month before Christmas, terrorists attacked various parts of Mumbai including the world famous Taj Mahal Hotel, the Trident Oberoi Hotel, a train station and a couple of places. After continuous fighting for three days (approximately 60 hours), the commandos of the NSG (National Security Guard) of India were able to defeat the terrorists. En route India lost many precious soldiers and brave police officers. There is a need to mention the civil casualties because about 200 people died in the massacre. Someone lost his son, someone lost his wife, children and someone lost his father.
Twin towers
The attacks in Mumbai are not new to the world. In the past decade or so, hundreds of locations around the world have been attacked by terrorists killing more innocent people or destroying the monuments of faith. Terrorism never seems to end; everytime we think that the world is getting safer, some one or a group comes up and blows a place or two. This is done just to remind us of the fact:” Beware! World is not safe”. I don’t understand how come such people are not given a noble prize, after all the amount of “genius” they show in attacking a place is worth awarding, isn’t it?
Some recent activities that remind us of the “geniuses” of terrorists such as the Twin Tower attack, the London Metro attack, and the most recent one being the Mumbai attack. Finally, here’s my question: Do you think terrorism will ever end in this world or is it that we will have to wait for the world to blow up at once? Do you think there is any place in this world which is safe enough for us to live, or do we have to go to the Moon to live peacefully? Are we all in a cul-de-sac?
A brief history of Change:Barack Obama!
Well, he has done it,hasn’t he? Obama has created history! So I decided to get this piece on his life and and carrer and post it here so that people who aren’t sure about Obama can be clear. This is not something that I have written because I myself am not so clear about Obama’s early life. Hope this is useful to you all.Finally,’Change is what we need!’(Not just America).
EARLY YEARS
Barack Obama was born in Hawaii on August 4th, 1961. His father, Barack Obama Sr., was born and raised in a small village in Kenya, where he grew up herding goats with his own father, who was a domestic servant to the British.
Barack’s mother, Ann Dunham, grew up in small-town Kansas. Her father worked on oil rigs during the Depression, and then signed up for World War II after Pearl Harbor, where he marched across Europe in Patton’s army. Her mother went to work on a bomber assembly line, and after the war, they studied on the G.I. Bill, bought a house through the Federal Housing Program, and moved west to Hawaii.
It was there, at the University of Hawaii, where Barack’s parents met. His mother was a student there, and his father had won a scholarship that allowed him to leave Kenya and pursue his dreams in America.
Barack’s father eventually returned to Kenya, and Barack grew up with his mother in Hawaii, and for a few years in Indonesia. Later, he moved to New York, where he graduated from Columbia University in 1983.
The college years
Remembering the values of empathy and service that his mother taught him, Barack put law school and corporate life on hold after college and moved to Chicago in 1985, where he became a community organizer with a church-based group seeking to improve living conditions in poor neighborhoods plagued with crime and high unemployment.
The group had some success, but Barack had come to realize that in order to truly improve the lives of people in that community and other communities, it would take not just a change at the local level, but a change in our laws and in our politics.
He went on to earn his law degree from Harvard in 1991, where he became the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review. Soon after, he returned to Chicago to practice as a civil rights lawyer and teach constitutional law. Finally, his advocacy work led him to run for the Illinois State Senate, where he served for eight years. In 2004, he became the third African American since Reconstruction to be elected to the U.S. Senate.
POLITICAL CAREER
It has been the rich and varied experiences of Barack Obama’s life – growing up in different places with people who had differing ideas – that have animated his political journey. Amid the partisanship and bickering of today’s public debate, he still believes in the ability to unite people around a politics of purpose – a politics that puts solving the challenges of everyday Americans ahead of partisan calculation and political gain.
In the Illinois State Senate, this meant working with both Democrats and Republicans to help working families get ahead by creating programs like the state Earned Income Tax Credit, which in three years provided over $100 million in tax cuts to families across the state. He also pushed through an expansion of early childhood education, and after a number of inmates on death row were found innocent, Senator Obama worked with law enforcement officials to require the videotaping of interrogations and confessions in all capital cases.
In the U.S. Senate, he has focused on tackling the challenges of a globalized, 21st century world with fresh thinking and a politics that no longer settles for the lowest common denominator. His first law was passed with Republican Tom Coburn, a measure to rebuild trust in government by allowing every American to go online and see how and where every dime of their tax dollars is spent. He has also been the lead voice in championing ethics reform that would root out Jack Abramoff-style corruption in Congress.
As a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Senator Obama has fought to help Illinois veterans get the disability pay they were promised, while working to prepare the VA for the return of the thousands of veterans who will need care after Iraq and Afghanistan. Recognizing the terrorist threat posed by weapons of mass destruction, he traveled to Russia with Republican Dick Lugar to begin a new generation of non-proliferation efforts designed to find and secure deadly weapons around the world. And knowing the threat we face to our economy and our security from America’s addiction to oil, he’s working to bring auto companies, unions, farmers, businesses and politicians of both parties together to promote the greater use of alternative fuels and higher fuel standards in our cars.
Whether it’s the poverty exposed by Katrina, the genocide in Darfur, or the role of faith in our politics, Barack Obama continues to speak out on the issues that will define America in the 21st century. But above all his accomplishments and experiences, he is most proud and grateful for his family. His wife, Michelle, and his two daughters, Malia, 9, and Sasha, 6, live on Chicago’s South Side.
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