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!
