Please do not disturb

 It is not that I hate concerts. I enjoy them a lot. I remember the time of my school days when I never used to miss any concert in Biratnagar. I used to travel 40 km just to see 1974AD band members and Robin Tamang live. Not only then, I still enjoy them a lot. The entrance of Bryan Adams and MLTR with the cheap excuse was wholeheartedly welcomed by my heart, and I know that when such international artists come here, there has to be a grand lightning system, sound system and stage.
But at a point it dissatisfies me. It is understandable that the organisers have struggled a lot to bring international artists to Nepal, but why are they really ignoring the life of other normal citizens? Did anyone ever think what must have been going on in the minds of the patients at Bir Hospital while the concert was being held? Did it occur to anyone that they must have been disturbed? When the sound of the concert at Dasharath Stadium could be heard all the way to Putali Sadak and Old Baneshwor, no one can deny the fact that the patients nearby must have got disturbed.
There are various complaints when neighbours turn up the volume of their music systems, but why don’t they care about such issues during concerts? Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of international music, and I understand the necessity of loud music at any concert. The louder the music, the more the fun. But there can be other alternatives like seeking another appropriate place. Such open places may not be available for grand concerts, but they must not create trouble in normal living lives as well.
Places a bit far from the centre of town, like Bhaktapur or Dhulikhel or around Kirtipur or around Kakani, where there will be comparatively less disturbance, can be preferred. There used to appear questions when concerts were organised at the Jawalakhel ground for animal’s rights, now this indeed is amazing regarding why the concerned department becomes silent when it is for human rights. The entrance of such international celebrities is a positive thing for Nepal, and more such events must be organised. But let that not disturb the other world. I really get frustrated when there is a marriage party going on near my house, and I am sick because of the sounds. Anyone can imagine what a difficult time the patients and their relatives at nearby hospitals must be going through with the ear-shattering music. Let the concert be enjoyed by the participants, and let it not trouble others. Happy listening.

Published in The Kathmandu Post under Post Platform on December 19.2012

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School Phobia

   ‘Please mom! I don’t want to go school’. Are you familiar to these types of cries? Or is it that your child says ‘Mom! I am not well’ at the time of putting uniform? There may be various excuses that a child makes before going to school. It’s never wise thing to scold or threaten them at such time. It becomes a responsibility to figure out why? This can be a warning to all the parents regarding the obstacle for the bright future of the child.
            Your child may not like the environment of school because of the bullying problem. Because it sounds stupid reason, your child might not be trying to explain regarding it. Anyone can imagine regarding it. Will a matured person as well remain satisfied if he is being teased by his boss, other members in the office? So this can be one of the reasons why child hates school. If it is the main thing, parents need to take necessary initiative as well, that maybe either by changing the school or talking to the administration. Other reason might be that the friends of your child don’t belong to his or her category. Their topics of talk, interest don’t match. This will create loneliness for your child. This problem can be easily figured out through minor initiative. All parents need to watch is if their child has got friends or not. It can be depicted through phone calls that your child receives or through the team sporty act. It can also be that the child has been lagged behind in studies and it is difficult for him to catch it. Jus consider, if your child don’t know how to a hand over the course where he is today is that he needs to do simplification. It’s much obvious that the child will be empty minded at such case. And he will not be able to understand simplification, no matter how hard he try. This will certainly create trouble at the time of his class works and homework’s and is much more likely for the child to have negative vision of teacher. This corrupts teacher-student relation. For a medium class family, if the child is admitted in hi Fi School, the child may have the feeling that he is not as smart as others. ‘All other comes school in their car, and I have to go on foot’. This sort of feeling as well can create trouble in those young minds. From the broad vision, the environment of the school, friend’s circle, stress given by school on studies can be the basic reasons why a child hates school. I remember my sister who always used to cry before going to school. Later when the school was changed, the problem erased and she improved her studies as well.
                     One major problem regarding the education system in Nepal is that we focus only on theoretical knowledge which keeps us behind when we have to compete with the external world. There definitely exists some entertaining ways to teach children how to learn. Various games are there, It will be a good idea for sure if we teach “A for Apple “and give them apple to eat. But the system we undergo is we explain A for apple and compel them to mug up. Even at secondary level, the course has been designed in such a way that student have to mug up the life cycle of fern, but I wonder in how many places it is exactly shown. So implementing practical side is one best way. It’s common thing for any teacher not to notice one particular student out of the mass. But this can create a problem. Proper distribution of students in class and proper notice to each and every student is required. A teacher should be full friendly with students. Ah! I remember my school, where teacher used to check our vest and if its not of white color, they used to punish. All of us used to hate teacher. What’s wrong with the vest inside that we wear? Okay, checking nail, handkerchief is considerable but what is wrong with the vest? School should never implement such stupid rules. Pressures simply burden students. Schools should never give pressures to the students. Homework, class work should never create pressure on them.  Why cannot you think of changing the school if your children totally hates the life within the school? Maybe new environment is what your child wants, with new identity and that could let him to forget his old identification.

                   Two parties, school and parents are equally responsible for giving birth to the problem of school phobia in the students. A mutual understanding among a child, teacher and parents is necessary to drag the assents of nation in a correct and right path.

Published in The Rising Nepal on Friday Supplement on November 23.12

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Living Alone

Those people who are living alone get enough time for everything, they get time to feel that they have not talked to their dad and mom. Or they get time to think that it has been a long they have not visited their aunt's home. This time can never be gained when you don't live alone...cell phone, internet has made living much easier. Research also shows that those who live alone go out more. Hence, living alone will never let you be in isolation anyways, rather it fosters your development.
You read novels, spend time for books, you learn to cook, you learn how to wash clothes and utensils when you live alone...You get the confidence to live in any part of the world. Life may or may not give you this opportunity for you to live alone, but if you get it, taste it. In this modern technological era, you will never be feeling lonely and bored to live alone. Once you get habituated you feel irritated in a crowd. I can say this because I have been living alone in Kathmandu alone and I am happy.--


Published in The Himalayan Times dated Nov 12.2012

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Living Alone

Living Alone

After reading the Sociology textbook of my course written by CN Shankar Rao, reading to the notes provided by my Sociology teacher and listening to his lecture, I came to the conclusion that living alone is the best way to be social. The thoughts in fact contradict with those from the entire sociology book of course. 

Man is a social animal, and needs a society to live. Yes, he cannot live in isolation. Man cannot live alone at the top of Everest even if he has got sufficient amount of oxygen with him. But, I probably would not be wrong to express the idea that man gradually prefers to live in isolation, away from family, politics, tradition and religion. To prove this the data from The New York Times shows that American cities like Denver, San Francisco forty percent of the house has single member in it, and the data gets increased when we view of Washington. Paris, popularly known as love city, consists almost half of entire house with single member in it. It is understandable that their religion promotes such individualism, and our culture teaches us to live in the family. They are living in the culture that teaches them to live their father’s home as soon as they cross their age limit and we are of the culture that teaches us to be together with our parents throughout the entire life. However, we can see that there are conflicts in our tradition more than theirs in such case.

But even the sociology explains that more than social, man is a biological animal. Gone are the days when people feel lonely, bore and anxiety in living alone. Living alone provides self realization and personal control. And the more weighty part, living alone provides you freedom. You can masturbate whenever you want or can stay nude if there are lots of troubles within your mind. You can sleep in what so ever bed you want, and no one is going to complain you if your room gets messed up. No one will be there scold you for your dirty bed sheets either. You can eat whatever you want; you can cook it of your own or can go out and have it in a mess. This can be one major reason why youths fly abroad in the name of education. I don’t want you to broke up with your husband and wife and go for single life, but just want you to change your perception for those friends, family members or relatives who stay alone. You may think living alone is living in isolation, but the research had already shown that people who live alone are more social than those who live with a group. Because those peoples who are living alone get enough time for everything, they get time to feel that they have not talked to their dad and mom. Or they get time to think that it has been a long they have not visited to their aunt’s home. This time can never be gained when you don’t live alone. Technologies like cell phone, internet has made the living much easier. Research also shows that those people who live alone goes out more. Hence, living alone will never let you be in isolation anyways, rather fosters your development. You read novels, spend time for books, you learn to cook, you learn how to wash clothes and utensils when you live alone. It is not because it is a compulsion, but you prefer doing it considering it personal control phenomena.  You get the confidence to live in any part of the world.

Life may or may not give you this opportunity for you to live alone, but if you get it, make a taste of it. In this modern technological era, you will never be feeling lonely and bore to live alone. Once you get habituated you feel irritate to live in crowd, you feel the morning tea talk or the evening dinner talk is pure waste of time. I can say this because I have been living alone in Kathmandu alone and I am happy. It indeed is hard to live as there is scarcity of gas in the capital, there is loadshedding that appears as huge hindrance in my daily living, but still I am satisfied. I now have the confidence that I can go and study Masters in any part of the world by staying alone. I am not feeling lonely. I cook of my own, I wash clothes and utensils, I clean rooms and still I get enough time to be social.

Published in Folio

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Shallow Syllabi

Shallow Syllabi

I don’t remember the exact date since when I have been solving these two equations. Maybe since grade six or must be seven. It has been more than seven years and I am still into this. Solving x + y + z = 8 and x + y – z = 6. Oh! How long should I go for this? The simple method to Gassian Elimination method, and now there is simple method. No matter what so ever the method be, the answer is x = 5; y = 2; z = 1. The question appears what is the use of diving into every sea just to check if you are able to swim perfectly or not? You don’t have to get into every seas to check if you can swim perfectly or not, small river will be more than enough for your justifications.

It is not my criticism against the education system of our country, but an open dissatisfaction for the syllabus designer. I remember my teacher calling them 'intellectual criminal' who does crime by making wrong selection of course of studies. It is much more likely for any board to choose highly educated people to prepare the course of studies, and hence the old professors get to design the syllabus who tries to escape from the burden by choosing the topics without any proper understanding, survey and inhale the wage without any effort. Sitting in a group, in some star hotels, and maybe with some alcohols, they design the syllabus that the students have to go through entire year. This results as a trouble for students and the teachers are likely to get frustrated. These huge professors never need to teach so they are really less worried about teaching pedagogy, teaching materials and as a result we need to study Law of variable proportion both in plus two and bachelor! It is definitely not a huge issue to collect educated
professionals to publish books for any publication and then publish it. So, as per the syllabus designed, publication house prints the book that will easily get into practice. Publication house stays in profit, those peoples who are included as writer gains fame and some royalty too. But it is the students who need to suffer. There are no answers to questions like why Nepalese lack good English pronunciation? Matured English tone? Why do we pop out car-ee-er instead of carr-ia? It is all because of these intellectual criminal who possess no any such responsibility towards students and therefore despite the fact there exists good students, they can't compete in international level. The education trend has been more theoretical than practical which makes the trend continue and above that we lack proper syllabus. The student of Bachelor can’t answer why the price of gold goes high when the value of dollar fluctuates even if they had studied economics. Instead all the unnecessary laws are known to them, and who is to be blamed here? Definitely intellectual criminals! We have been studying stories and poems since our early days in English, and the trend is yet on and still we don’t have the ability of speaking and writing in proper English!

At the time when the political influence has been creating various hindrances, the act made by these intellectual criminals for few amount has been contributing a lot in spoiling the education system in Nepal. It is really disappointing that we still need to follow the traditional ways of learning through the heavy bags and note books. It is again disappointing that we lack proper syllabus. Yes, there has to be some professional and experts to design the syllabus, but let those professionals and experts be trustworthy enough. Let they actually think of the student’s benefit, think of globalized world and then pick up their pen to design the syllabus. Now, appointing the number of Learning Horus simply seems the calculation done to give out the total final number of learning hours in the end, because where the syllabus gets completed in two learning hours they have kept it ten and that which requires ten, they have kept it three. Yes, it is you who need to design syllabus,, but please refer to the international courses, and select those lessons that are really useful to the students. Learning what is Psychology is not all we learn in Psychology, there has to be some benefits that the students could feel after learning the text book! After completing the educational time and understanding entire syllabus. If not, there is no use of making it. The price of gold goes up when the value of dollar falls down. How many economics studying students can explain the reason? Maybe old theories are important, but they need to teach with the basis of understanding today’s necessity as well. What is the use of learning entire flow charts, algorithm and program for computer engineer if he doesn't know how to format computer or repair it when damaged? A student who studied Sociology throughout the year, will get confused if is asked what Sociology deals all about. He struggles to say few line, and concludes up. Unless he turns able to explain, sociology is the subject that teaches the ongoing trend in society, and motivates us to move as per the changing trend. He must be able to show that he has social ideas after all.

Honestly, we have to struggle to hear news from CNN or BBC. Many of us fail to catch their words first time! We still need subtitle to watch English movie, and still we feel proud upon our English because we know how to write a letter, and how to write an essay. We knew the summary of some poems and stories, and because of that we even got good scores in examinations! It is high time we need to be alert about the syllabus designed for our studies. 

Published in The Rising Nepal's Friday Supplement dated October 5, 2012

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Biratnagar by bus

Dashain has been providing a reason for meeting people who have remained ignored for a year. Mothers expect their sons to come back home, and so they come back! No matter where you are, Dashain always encourages you to return home and meet your family members. When somebody asks you when you are returning home, Dashain will probably be the answer. They say that more than 60 percent of the people living in the capital come from outside the Kathmandu valley. The capital has been the place that provides job, good education and so on. Living in a centralised country, it is not surprising to hear that people from all over gather in Kathmandu. And they want to return home for Dashain.
There are basically two ways of travelling in Nepal. We don’t have water ways or railways. This limits us to airways and roadways. Flying is the best way to travel, but it’s for the big shots. Ticket prices go up by 75 percent during this season. Also, you need connections to get an air ticket. So you better buy your tickets early or they will be sold out. I am a student, and I have to go back to my hometown Biratnagar for the festival. For me, the roadway turns out to be effective, hence I prefer this easy and cheap means of travel. However, it’s not that it lacks side effects. It’s irritating to travel during this time. First, they don’t care about your identity card. You purchase the ticket or you don’t, it doesn’t matter to the bus companies. They are going to get plenty of passengers willing to pay the full fare.

That’s not all! They trouble the passengers during the journey by cramming as many passengers as they can.
The roof will be occupied and even the aisle in the bus will be occupied. You must call yourself lucky if you only manage to get fresh air. Pickpockets and thieves are another source of trouble. They show you a picture of a new bus while selling the ticket, and then bring the oldest local bus claiming that the new bus has broken down! When we make payment for the service, why don’t we get good service? I blame the concerned authorities for ignoring this aspect. Let the bus company charge Rs 50 more, but they must give the best service to the satisfaction of their passengers.
If the bus lines provide this kind of honest service, their tickets will be sold well in advance; plus they will receive goodwill. And despite the fact that we are well aware of the prevailing trend, why do we hesitate to make early bookings? At least at the same price we will be receiving good seats. And when we are dissatisfied with a certain bus company, let’s ignore the company the next time so that they feel and realise their mistake. Have a safe journey!

Published in The Kathmandu Post on Oct 3, 2012

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Marriage

Is marriage a private affair? My teacher asked the class before teaching the lesson “Marriage is a private affair“ by Chinua Achebe. A few guys said from the back, “Yes it is!“ I shouted “Nah! It is not. How can it be a private affair? What is there so private in marriage? If you talk about the talks among the couple, sharing of ideas or the key of the safe...yes it is! They are the private stuffs for obvious reasons.
But beside that? Are you talking about the sexual stuffs? “Oh...Come on! Every couple will have it,“ I claimed.
Marriage is a social relation where the couple needs to be accepted by the family and society. If not...why is there a gathering at the marriage ceremony? Why has the system of printing cards existed? Living with a girl far from the society in isolation is not a marriage for me...Marriage no way can be limited to husband and wife.
Parents, in laws and even the children come which never lets marriage be private.

Published under Blog Surf at The Himalayan Times dated 24th September 2012

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An opportunity for Growth

Sociologist Mary Parker Follet has said, “Social progress is like individual progress; we become spiritually more and more developed as our conflicts rise to higher levels.” An organ-isation has a separate society within it and is thus inseparable from conflict. Managers spend around one-fifth of their time handling conflicts within the organisation. Traditionally, conflict was always viewed as harmful. However, the new school of thought encourages managers to see conflict as an opportunity rather than something unpleasant, disturbing and irritating in the organisation. Conflict is destructive only if it is not managed properly.
Conflict promotes innovation within the organisation. It is through conflict that new ideas emerge. Every individual has different style of thinking; conflict provides the platform to express their feelings against the ongoing system. An organisation that tries to avoid conflict avoids change. However, conflicts should be carefully analysed. While destructive conflict is best avoided, managers should solve the constructive conflict through group discussions.

Published in The Himalayan Times; Perspective Section

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Teaching is not easy

Teaching is not easy

They enter into the class, take an attendance. This will consume five minutes of theirs. Then they open up their note diary, and start reading. The students will have no options than to write what the teacher says. After reading each line, they translate the line into Nepali, which they claim ‘explanation’.  Now, their task is over, and they get out of their class.
One day, while observing carefully, I found that is the real task of teacher today. I don’t know if I am with maximum such teachers or if there are maximum such teachers. This made me feel that even I can take class of not just my level, but even my senior level right now. All you need to do is prepare a note, enter into the class, read the note and fill your pocket! What a simple job! And, if student fails, credit goes to the student himself, and if he passes with wonderful marks, credited will be the teacher!

Are teachers really the one who gets nowhere in their life and end up being a teacher? Else, the case would not have been seen probably because, for alternative of every faculty, there is teaching profession.  No matter if you are studying MD or you are studying law, you can always end up being a teacher someday.

A teacher has to be innovating and updated regularly. Every day, before entering into the class, he must have some idea about the topic that he is going to speak that day. He needs to get updated if there are any new updates around, for that he should be regularly looking into Internet, and then let the students note down those points which are not available in their book. Providing notes is really a silly way of earning money. I would rather name that cheating to the profession. Okay, maybe their notes are important. If so, they can provide hand outs to the student. I openly chalne~ge such teachers to provide hand outs of their notes, and explain with their mouth for at least half of their class. Completion of syllabus should not be the ultimate aim of the teacher; rather he should be able to inject the clear picture in the mind of student.
Struggle for teaching theory is seen quite often in any academic institutions considering it to be comparatively easy. But, more than numerical subjects, theoretical subjects are challenging in real. Ricardian theory probably was criticized decades back, but how is it seen today? An economics teacher must be able to get the ideas about the new updates and inform student on the basis of present analysis as well. A marketing teacher must be able to create the framework of ‘Buyer’s behavior’ into the mind of student with his explanation instead of gifting those unwanted notes. If the teacher has the ability to explain in wonderful way, notes can be created by the students at the very moment. Notes of an apple would be no use for a child when he sees Apple in real. Because, after seeing the fruit in real, he can explain it himself. This concept has to be injected within the mind of teachers.

I don’t grant teachers any right to claim student ‘irregular’ in class. Why are they irregular? That is the question that any teacher must deal with. Let Anil Shah take a class, will any students bunk the class? When the class becomes useless, students prefer not staying in the class than sitting an hour listening to some pointless thing in the class. Instead of feeling their weakness, they rather blame students. Or maybe they have felt, that could be the reason for the growing ‘Internal marks’ trend is seen these days in various faculties.

Not always are teachers right. They need to learn this, because, a wise writer collects good points for writing an academic book from other writers, internet and answer sheet of students. There are cases, when a student can make a logical point in any issue. Teacher may be guided by the limitation of book to claim ‘Color is intellectual property’, but a student is always free to surf net and make fun of the teacher for such stupid claims!

Teaching really is a challenging job. Because you could not be a successful doctor, you may probably enter into teaching job. But, please make sure you work with your full efficiency to satisfy students. And I don’t think there would be any harm if concerned authorities ban ‘Notes providing system’ in any academic institutions. You are a successful teacher only when all the students of your class praise you after your class!

I would never be a teacher doing same clerical job of providing notes from my laminated diary and consuming the entire time of the class and in the end leaving all the students to make a back biting of me! I would rather stay unemployed.

Published in The Rising Nepal's Friday Supplement of Aug 17, 2012.

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Be different!

Be different!

As soon as you realize that there are thousands of youths like you, who are seeking for their job, your pessimism inside you will make you feel that you are not liable for job anyways. Every year thousands of students become doctors, engineers and earn degrees in business why should any firm choose you? Sooner or later, the question strikes into you and you feel that you are no different than any other. You start cursing yourself, and even if you get into some place through recommendations, you will not be satisfied as you won’t be able to lie to yourself.  Even lions fail to get food themselves. It has to run faster than deer in order to have the dinner. What you need to do is develop a sense of competency from within. You need to prove to yourself and show that you are different from others in some way. How do you do this? Here are some tips to get you started.

 1.    IT knowledge
Information technology has been acting as basic tool, which any organization looks today for besides your qualification degree. An employer will certainly choose one with MBA plus good IT knowledge.

 2.    Extra languages
Everyone can speak Nepali, English and a little Hindi. You can prove yourself different by learning a new language that will be useful to you such as Chinese or German, both of which will ensure you have an edge over other competitors. Don’t hesitate its cheap and totally worth it to learn a language.

3.    Trainings
Everyone from your field will be well equipped with the course knowledge. You need to show that you are different from that bunch, even in the academic field by attending various trainings, seminars and workshops that are beyond your course book. A business student can go for Arthalya and a journalism student can attend photography training to enhance their capabilities.

4.    Communication skill
A good communication skill is the need of today’s time. Just by studying in English medium school, you can no way claim that you have got a good communication skill in English. You need separate presentation ability.  You need separate presentation ability. Most of us are unable to express our entire feelings in terms of words. Practice discussing with your friends on any issue that could make you stand out with a strong identity.

5.    Focus for Good CV
Everyone has got their resumes when they apply for job, but you need to focus from right now regarding how to make a resume that would attract an organization towards you. Stay prepared and conscious of opportunities to upgrade your resume.

6.    Stay Updated
You need to prove to your boss that you are aware about the environment. What you read in your academic course was designed ages ago, and it may or may not be relevant today. If you are applying for any financial institution, knowledge about current dollar rate would be more important for you than the importance of Principles of Management. Your old academic course should not limit you.

7.    Social factors
Anil Shah will certainly not give you job if you have added him in your Facebook, and your status updates are mostly pessimistic. Get media savvy and put up a good social image. In the digital age, it’s easy to create and maintain certain virtual image. Learn how to and keep at it.

9.    Other factors
There are other various factors that have to be considered. A good personality, a friendly demeanor and respect towards elders is equally important. You must be able to control your emotions. Emotions greatly influence your entire character. So, stay alert about all these factors as well.

Published in Teenz Magazine of ECS Media, Issue 19, August 2012 Issue Page:33.

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Entertaining dreams

Imagine a proper traffic system where vehicles follow all the traffic rules. As mentioned in a documentary. Iimagine Tribhuwan International Airport that is truly international in facilities. Imagine the World Cup being held at the Dasharath Stadium and Nepal kissing the cup.What’s wrong in imagining? Let’s imagine Nepal winning both the World Cup football and cricket. Let’s imagine Kaka, Drogba, Rooney all excited to play from Mahendra Police Club, and Bob Dylan, GNR and Iron Maiden struggling to feature with our Nepalese artists. Imagine a road properly0pitched with undergroujd metros. Imagine a free education system and foreign students appearing for the examination held by a Nepal board to qualify for a seat to study at Tri Chandra and Shanker Dev Campuses? Imagine all the resources of Nepal being utilised in such a way that there is a shortage of labourers in the country and they need to be brought from abroad...Ah! You have imagined a lot, now ask yourself: Can all this happen?

Published Under Blog Surf on The Himalayan Times dated 20 August 2012

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Hospital's Hospitality

Hospital's Hospitality

The attraction of a career in medicine can be seen in the excitement of parents who want their sons or daughters to study to be a doctor or nurse after they pass plus two. I have no complaints with that, but I seriously think that they need to have an extra subject of human relations in their biology course. I feel that way because this service sector has been failing to fulfil its human responsibility.
When your wife is having a baby and you admit her to a hospital, they carry out the delivery process in a smooth manner. But they do not act as good human beings. First, the hospitals, no matter how big they are, lack facilities for the relatives and friends who come with the patient. They do not have a space to lie down and close their eyes. Furthermore, the way the nurses act creates nothing but frustration. They speak in such a rude voice as if we need to pay for their every word. Are nurses taught to have attitude? I sometimes wonder.
Again, instead of providing service, hospitals are more interested in getting your money. When a family member of yours needs to have an operation, they first ask you to deposit money. This shows how money becomes more important than a patient’s life. In foreign countries, you don’t have to take a leave of absence from your office to stay at the hospital with the patient. They will send the patient back home after a full recovery. And they will send the bill after a month with the due date two months later.
Isn’t this kind of service possible in Nepal? I don’t simply blame the hospitals and their staff. The government, too, has failed to do anything to ensure that Nepalis get better service. If your wife is pregnant, how many weeks off should she take from her job? How many weeks off should you take? The answer varies, and this lack of a fixed policy is a government weakness.
Nobody likes going to a hospital. And when one enters the unfamiliar environment of a hospital, the irritation shown by the hospital staff, instead of good hospitality, makes both the patient and the accompanying family members feel worse. Why don’t they charge extra and provide some friendly hospitality? What is there to be irritated about when a husband asks a nurse why his child has been taken away from the mother soon after birth? The nurse can say politely that the newborn baby has to be given a check-up instead of snapping, “Ask the doctor.”

Published in The Kathmandu Post under Post Platform dated 18 July 2012

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Investment Year: Wrong Time and Wrong Image

Investment Year: Wrong Time and Wrong Image

Investment is the task of lending or depositing money with the hope of future gain. Although there exists a risk in Investment, any investment made with wise decision undertaking wise research is less likely to betray, and this is why Investment’s charm has never gone down in any era of economic world.

Declaration of Investment Year 2012-2013 was a laudable step taken by the Government anyways. After all, Nepal seriously requires a huge investment to catch up the speed of development.  Though Nepal has got huge resources, lack of proper utilization has been keeping the country far from where it was actually meant to be. So, Nepal requires investors for climbing higher on the ladder of process for sure. Until and unless a strong and dedicated investors come to Nepal promising proper utilization of natural resources here, neither are these resources going to be ever utilized, nor will the country ever move forward.

Yes, Nepal had to be better developed than Bhutan at this time. But, let us note the fact that Nepal has its Per Capita Income of 653 US$, and that of Bhutan of 2121 US$ as stated by International Monetary Fund of the report 2010-2011.  Let us not forget the entire investments British made during their rule in India, that helped them attain high growth rate. This sheds light on how the neighboring country has been progressing at such a fast pace and shows where we actually are. Let us not forget the another fact that Nepal has been called as the second richest country when it comes to Water resources, which makes it clear that Bhutan certainly has less quantity of water resources than Nepal. But, welcoming foreign investment, making proper utilization of same water resources, the country has not only removed the word ‘load shedding’ but has been producing enough water resources to supply to the nearby countries as well. Although Nepal had to be popular when it comes to Mountains or Buddhism, but the way Bhutan has been expressing it to the third world, they are really building the good image than Nepal, and has been maintaining it properly. It is understandable that Nepal has been under political insurgencies, but how long are we going to respect this excuse?

The Investment Year clearly symbolizes that the investments will be safe and secure.  Investor means both foreign as well as domestic of course. Now, the bitter reality again is, when the domestic investors themselves hesitate to make an investment, “How can the country welcome Foreign Investors?” is an important question. If I have huge sum of money, I would certainly not go and invest in Pakistan at this time, because of the future insecurity. No matter even if Pakistan calls for some grand Investment Year.
Now, there is not much difference between Pakistan and Nepal. Investing in Pakistan is risky because of US factor and investing in Nepal is risky because of Internal conflict within Nepal. A wise Investor would rather move towards Bangladesh or Bhutan with his fund. There won’t be much difference for them at all. So, who should be seeking for Investors? Should we stay idle claiming we have enough resources or should we welcome these investors?

There were continuous strikes a month ago. An Indian truck was destroyed at the time of importing goods. The entire industries were shut down in Terai for such a long time, and above all, the load shedding problem. So, why would an Indian investor want to invest in Nepal? Business does not depend on friendship; all it focuses on is lawful profit. If I was to spend, I would certainly not invest in any country like that, where my investment itself is in such a huge risk.

So, who should be responsible for welcoming Investments? Obviously, the Government who declared Investment Year without any  question must be responsible for it. How many Investments has the country welcomed so far? As far as I have found out, Nepal has not been able to answer even those who are excited in investing here. Business has to be quick, but the delay in answering itself is negative symptom.
No, don’t be wrong, I am not against declaration of ‘Investment year’, the idea is really great. But, I am criticizing the timing that they made the announcement. When each and every individual living in Nepal is aware about the fact that there has been a Political disturbance which is likely to continue in near future as well, how wise was it to make such important announcement? Even if every thing is likely to go fine, the year 2012 seems completely instable for Nepal from any Political vision. Hence, hesitations for investment are not a big thing anyway.

Only after political stability had been maintained in the country, their declarations would turn out to be fruitful one. I say, it was a hurried decision, a decision made without any serious research. No, declaration of Investment Year is not a wrong concept, but when it comes to such decision making thing, there certainly has to be a definite planning and organizing. Next Government has entire right to declare the year 2013 as ‘Sports Year’, yes that is kind of necessary for the country for sure, after all only such decision can uplift the country’s sports. But, how wise would it be to declare next year ‘Sports Year’? A careful analysis is must of course.

Things happen for some good cause. I have believed this statement for long time, at least it helps to build the positive attitude among the individuals. Now, when the Government has already declared the year as Investment Year, there is nothing we can do to postpone it. But there has to be some one to play smart roles for welcoming the investments from domestic as well as international investors. There has to be guarantee of their investment, and treaties like BIPPA should be entertained to assure them. But, let that treaty not be worthless like the BIPPA with India. First, the Government has to ensure the smooth operation of existing industries and organizations of the country. And only when the feeling appears that Nepal is safe place for Investment, foreign investors would peep into here. Seti Project has been troubled by the peoples there itself, now how can any foreign investors make up their mind in such situations?

2012-2013 both has been called as the Investment Year. One forth of this Investment clearly seems to be wasted, Let the other quarters be fruitful!

PUBLISHED IN THE RISING NEPAL, FRIDAY SUPPLEMENT DATED JUNE 29, 2012 PAGE II

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Birthday

When you lose anything, you turn upset, you feel sad, and disappointed! Even if you lose a thousand bucks you get sad and disappointed. I probably am not wrong, but there is one thing in this amazing world, when you lose it, you rather tend to be happy! It indeed is nothing but your age! It is your birthday. You feel happy when it is your birthday. You probably feel like a prince or princess during the day! But why don’t you even realize that you have lost an year of your life, and the end is coming soon. If you have a hundred bucks in your purse, do you feel happy when you gradually lose all of them? If not, why are you so excited about your birthday? ‘Happy Birthday’. So you were born today! What is there to be so happy about? And why is there celebration? I don’t have any criticisms for such celebration, call it an anniversary. You need to struggle to keep something alive to celebrate your anniversary! Maintaining happy and healthy relations for twenty years will show your struggle...



Published in The Himalayan Times, under Blog Surf dated 1st June 2012

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Constitution Drafting: Dark Sides

Constitution Drafting: Dark Sides
Less than a fortnight from now, we should have a new constitution. The thing that had to be accomplished two years earlier, finally ending up, and, it has to be happy ending for all. I don’t blame any single leader thereby for the delay in the constitution making; rather blames should be turned to  ourselves for giving a damn to their buffoonery and supporting their delays. Why would a farmer want to cut his hen that gives him a golden egg every day? Only if by delaying, they would gain regular salary, who among entire 601 wants to complete it before time and keep their source of income in danger. Thanks to honorable Supreme Court, everything seems to be possible now!
Better late than never! It the nonsense talks of another extension is shunned and the never ending spell of non decisive talks is wrapped up, we must be getting a new constitution. Should that happen, we will welcome a brand new day for sure.
There, however are some dark sides of the exercises that are taking place among the parties, and inside the CA. The decision of not sending the draft constitution out for public perusal will never let that figure out, and the citizens will have to accept it whether it is satisfactory or not. Will there be any personal benefit for citizens? Will they feel happy for getting out into the street during the Peoples Movement II after seeing the constitution or will they regret for their walks that they made at that time by getting out into the street? The answer will be displayed soon.
What will be the use of this constitution if the citizens don’t get to feel it? A farmer working in his farm in some remote part of Makwanpur says, ‘Khai babu, ke bhanam, hami garib lai sambidhan aye pani ke, na aye pani ke?’ (Oh dear, what to say, there is no effect for we poor whether there be any constitution or not!) This will show the clear failure of constitution and 601 costly peoples who had been making so much ado about nothing for last four years. Until and unless every single individual gets to feel it, any constitution will not be credited with the name of successful constitution.
Protests from various groups, burning of constitutions or even a day strike need to be expected at these times, because it is never possible to satisfy entire people of the country through the document.
However we need not to forget the worst part among all, the dark side of Peoples Movement I back in 2046 that gave birth to terrorism, and kept the country ten years backward. Those ten years of loss is less likely to get recovered. The dissatisfaction within the then constitution was the main cause of ten years of internal conflict, which the world viewed with the vision of terrorism. Mashal, the party went through split and finally took the shape of Mao’s follower under the name of Maoist. It was all the product and outcome of the dissatisfaction of the then constitution. Now, will the present new constitution be able to satisfy entire citizens? Or, will it again give birth to new terrorism? Even if it does, the present constitution maker will have to be responsible for it, and they certainly cannot skip making some silly excuses thereby. The recent bomb blast in Janakpur killing peoples can be viewed as the beginning point of next terrorism from those suspicious eyes.
Another possibility of the negative outcome of this constitution can be a huge protest against the border design. Strike in the Far West is already a symptom for this, or the recent strike affecting capital as well as other parts of Nepal can be taken as next burning issue for it. Demand of Birgunj to be capital of a state in Terai is next burning issue. No matter what sort of border division is made, the ultimate result is likely to end up in dissatisfaction. So, when dissatisfied, they can drop down into the streets seeking for some new demands. ‘Call Mechi a separate state’, ‘Call Mahakali a separate state!’, can be the examples of these demands. New People’s Movement like Madesh Agitation can possibly take place. First reason for such agitation can be the dissatisfaction that took birth due to the discriminated federalism, and second, it is likely to take the peoples in the front into overnight power. Upendra Yadav would certainly be Chief Minister if he came up with the demand of new state in his region and got succeed. A new battle for the power within the state is likely to be followed. Nepal is the country where the protests and strikes are getting real common. Now, can the goods in transit in Birgunj reach its destiny from Charikot if the state around Birgunj is called for strike? There is only a highway, Mahendra Highway in the country. Now, the strike in one state is sure to affect the life of other. What has the concerned peoples thought regarding it is yet a mystery.
Cannot Nepal go through the case of Sudan where the declaration of constitution from one side will be rejected by the other with the change in power again? The rejection of the constitution designed by Numyari and Al Bashir can be repeated by the rejection of the constitution designed by Maoist or Congress or UML. The last hour so called unity although shows the reduction in this probability. But, that no way means that the constitution will be a success and the history of Sudan will not be repeated in Nepal.
A flux constitution would be nothing more than an apology for the constitution maker and regret for those citizens who elected them for the task. Nepal is not a developed country, and the loss of ten years has pushed the country far below that its original place. So, the development has to begin from zero level after getting divided. No, I am not a pessimistic, but in order to be a brazen, one has to view both the positive as well as the negative aspects. I was once told, if you want to be successful businessman, view the future from extreme negative point and gradually come down to the positive point. The case is not just within the business, but equally fits in this case as well.
Finally, we are about the have the written constitution as well; let that create peace and harmony in the society. Let that be for the betterment of the country and its people, let that satisfy everyone.


Published in The New Paper dated May 15, 2012

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Maintaining a diary

Healthy practice that gives you complete freedom that nothing else can give you is writing a diary. A diary can be a best friend that maintains your secrecy and keeps it with itself without any symptoms of betrayal. One can express every feeling into it and move on without any worry or fear. In a simple sense, a diary is the place where one maintains record of various events that take place in daily life...Maintaining a diary is a great way to keep track of your past and think about your future. Always be honest to your diary. You will lose the excitement if you start lying to your diary, and may be even regret;...One can get surprised to know that many people in the west used to ask their diaries to be buried with them after their death...If you feel you want, go ahead, purchase it, but make sure that your first diary is thinner one so that the excitement continues...and eventually you will discover that diary is becoming your best friend, silent confession and witness...my few month’s experience says this.

Appeared in The Himalayan Times under 'BLOG SURF dated 14th May 2012

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Create Favorable Environment!

Create Favorable Environment!
Only student knows how important exam is for him. Examination does not care if you are ill and could not appear in exam or if you met an accident. It gives damn if you have got jam on the way or if your ink gets completed. It even doesn't care if your relative is ill and therefore you are late in the examination hall; the allocated time will not be increased for any individual: No matter whatever the reasons might be.
It is therefore a kind of tradition to respect exam and get prepared physically as well as mentally before the examination begins. We get set beforehand and then appear in exam so that our ink won't betray us, or jams will not delay us. Every single second during exam is important for us. The allocated time definitely will not be increased if you could not attend question in time. Hence, students are all set conscious about their precious time during examinations. After all, it is through examination we get to move a step up in the long stair.
But how can any other people who are not appearing for exam understand that? There are various elements disturbing the smooth conducting procedure of examination and that has been unnoticed or probably ignored.
First of all it has to be clear, when the question paper allots the time of three hours for answering; it has to be complete three hours. Any one doesn't have any right to obstruct even single second during exam. But they do a lot of drama during examination. They try to show that they are accurate following the time, but they trouble by giving the attendance sheet to be filled during the time of examination.
Minor pin drop can disturb the student's conscious mind during that time. But, they take away at least a minute by compelling to sign in the attendance sheet with the necessity to write symbol number, name, answer sheet number etc. Yes! It has its own importance, and is necessary. But cannot they do it before the examination bell rings?
Again they come to check the admit card! Oh! Do the students look like terrorist, who has been in examination? Cannot they check the admit card before the examination begins? Now, they again appear with various notices time and again. Huh! Are we there to listen to their notices? Why can't they speak before or after the allocated time? Now, it's time for the stapler to get stitched. Next half minute in vein.
That is not it, the supervisor sometimes come and stare at the answer that the students are writing. No matter whether he is the student of any field, he sees the every single movement of hand of that particular student, without even having any sense that his staring act can make the student nervous. This sometimes even goes for five complete minutes. If I was the student, I would not be able to write in normal manner even if any supervisor peeped into my answer sheet for few second.
The students are again compelled to fear from strange faces that appear time and again. Maybe their evaluation is necessary, but they equally need to consider that their appearance diverts the mind of students. I know it is not yet possible to implement camera in examination hall like those in abroad, but still I really don’t feel it right way to hinder the concentration of students through various personnel’s visit.
And there's a surprising system as per my friend's voice in Dharan, BPKIHS entrance that even makes the examinee click the snap of you in various poses. When examination is scheduled for three hours, all these stuffs take three to five minutes, out of which a separate time is necessary for any bathroom or drinking water. Now does not this time count in case of any examination? Either the examinee has to separate five to ten minutes for all these stuffs else they don’t have to do all these stuffs during the examination time.
Only student knows importance of examination time. Yes, they have every right to punish if anything is wrong from student's side. Okay they can snatch paper and send student out if student acts going beyond the rule, but utilization of entire three hours is right for any student appearing in the examination. So, please don’t disturb students through any means. Either allot three hours and ten minutes, or perform entire tasks of formalities before or after three hours.
Leakage of question is another troubling issue in Nepal these days. Basically when it comes to HSEB, let us not forget the past records when HSEB re conducted the examination due to its weak part. Do the Education Board have enough right to capture more than necessary time in the name of re examination? And can they even imagine the burden that the student undergoes through such circumstances? A small shame would be enough to control the leakage of question. The corruption within HSEB can be well traced with the example that I saw years back.
A guy’s answer sheet was scratched, means he could no longer pass in that exam. He was then called by his respective college, where the teacher said him that there were other four students whose case was similar, and if five of them would be able to bribe eighty thousand, their result would be guaranteed. He paid the amount that he had to pay, and then his result was fine. The state of corruption within HSEB can be clearly visualized through this example.
Until and unless Examination Board is strict and fair enough, it would never encourage the students for hard effort from their side. Your few inside table money is exploiting the education trend and making the certificate value less.
Let there be strict and fair environment this time. Best Wishes for HSEB appearing Students, May you come up with colorful marks!
                               

PUBLISHED IN THE NEW PAPER DATED MAY 8 2012

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Choosing Disciplines

Choosing Disciplines

So, getting over SLC, are you waiting for result? The time seems precious; and you must be busy with your holidays  but are you determined what next to go up with?
Science is not only the stream to be opted for, and ours is not the old era where only Science is regarded as the discipline par excellence. With the change in time, there are other developing streams to go for as well, and they possess equally lucrative scope thereof. Science could be your interest, but maybe is there where your aim lies? Are you capable and willing to make a competitive move next to be doctor? Or it is fine if your aim is to be an engineer. That sounds okay if you wish to fly an air plane being a pilot. But what if you get scared touching a dead body? Or you don’t want to be an engineer and you fear with the heights? Should you still study Science? There definitely exists other scopes in other fields, like Agriculture, Pharmacy and IT for example that could be covered after getting into this stream, but when you really are not interested, or don’t find anything interesting in these jobs maybe it is the time to make decision that is wise can turn out to be fruitful in the long run. Mark that, you have to live your life with your decision made right now!

Management course place you in positions not behind anything else these days. It indeed is the fact that CEO of banks earns more than any one professional these days. A Chartered Account has been gaining equal priority as well. BBA program has been attracting a large chunk of student as a new and lucrative discipline of studies. Humanities, Arts, Laws cannot be criticized either. So, it is not only science the thing to be studied.
Search for your interest within you and make a decision regarding the decision. You can not be good Doctor if your aim is to be journalist. Rather, if you find your interest right now, you can at least make a wise decision to study humanies and go for mass communication after couple of years. This will make your studies again better as you are studying what your interest suggests you to study. Bridge course must have made you aware regarding how interesting the things that you are planning to study is. There might be family pressure around you, but be determined, it is your future, and you are responsible for yourself. No one will be there to support you if you become worst doctor tomorrow.
Keeping alternative for your future would be good idea, but you will be ignoring your psychological perspective again. You can choose Science as your stream right now, and by the time you reach the examination, you may feel that Science is not your cup of tea. You may then decide to change your stream and come down to management after plus two. But let me share an experience that I have noted.
Those who are into Management Stream from Science background, are usually frustrated and fed up with their studies. I don’t belong to that category though’, but maybe with their diversifying thoughts about aims, they have felt so. I am not sure anyway! Or they could sense that their bench mates of plus two will be holding the socially  best title ‘Doctor’ within few years, and they are here doing calculations of Accounts to make the Balance Sheet equal! I opted for Management Stream right after I cleared my intermediate education. I have friends who are here from Science background as well. Although they seemed active and in competitive mood in earlier days, and although they were able to gain good marks, their interest gradually lowered. Only few out of many who are from Science background could show genuine interest in the field of Management.

I am not criticizing any stream, but suggesting you - the SLC appeared ones - to make wise decision at this stage itself. I have seen people who were never interested in being Doctor changing their aim after gaining distinction marks in their SLC examination. A close friend of mine, who was determined not to touch Science book after the examination got over, was excited going for  Science as soon as he found that he was Distinction holder. However, he had to struggle to come out of plus two in the long run anyway.
 Everyone knows, and by this time even you know how SLC is conducted, and it should not be the mark sheet that determines your intellectual level. It is you who knows how capable you are, how hard working you are and how powerful your inner potential are.
 You still have got time. Analyze every stream, and then make a wise decision so that you can have wonderful future tomorrow. Do not get attracted by the huge buildings of Plus two or the female models of the prospects, be selective and choose the best college. Get into your desired stream. Make sure while satisfying the desire of your family, you won’t be losing your potential. Better identify your area of interest earlier. Can you imagine yourself enjoying at the managerial position of some company? Of some factory? If your answer is yes, get into the Management Stream. If you cant even think of touching an ill body, how can you be good doctor some day? It indeed is the high time for you to come up with proper decision through proper analysis.
 All the best for your result and your future!

PUBLISHED IN THE NEW PAPER DATED 24TH APRIL 2012

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Changing We

Changing We
Greek Philosopher Herclitus has said that It is impossible for a man to step into the same river twice. It is because not just the water of river changes, to indicate the change of river; but even the person changes. He meant to say that the nature changes in every second. So does human. Hence, we can conclude up that change is the only unavoidable thing in this world! Change is present every where in the world because it is the Law of Nature. A child goes through various stages in his life, showing physical change. With his physical change, his way of thinking changes gradually. Demand for toys will change with demand for cell phone, bike and gradually freedom.
Nepal is not far from change, and Nepalese are not an inch backward in the matter of change. Last ten years has been the important and memorable phase of change. Change is generally analyzed from four factors: Political, Economical, Socio Cultural and Technological (PEST). And there has been massive change in all these factors. Life style of Nepal and Nepalese has changed drastically in a decade! There probably have been such change earlier as well, but no one can deny the fact of huge change in last ten years from 2056 to 2066.
Any Political eye can view the change of last decade. After the death of two kings in the decade, and removal of existing King, the belief of King as Supreme Power has gone by. Death of two kings turned out to be again the next mystery like that of Das Dhunga, and no one seems eager for it. Although Maoist made their step out of forest and that brought them to the power with huge expectations, they could not meet their expectations in both of the Government.  Emergence of People’s leadership showed the messy state of the country, and maybe the feeling of better to be one ruling lion than hundreds mewing cat took or is taking place. The Political Change was subject that took the headlines news in various International medias as well.
Economical change is next issue! The country has been earning huge revenue from the remittances, and it has been the strong fund generation source for the country.  When in school, we used to be taught that more than 80% of the people in Nepal are dependent on agriculture. This statement is completely wrong, as peoples are equally into service sectors these days. Lowering poverty rate is good thing for Nepal, however factors like corruption and improper management has been acting as the Economic hindrances in Nepal. One lion could fill stomach by a single zebra, but with the rise in number of cats ruling, there has been necessity of more zebras in the country, and hence the entire eco system is being affected. Annual budget sounds satisfactory, but the outcome seems completely negative. The deteriorating value of money everyday is creating a trouble. We don’t get Wai Wai in Rs 11 these days, and living in Kathmandu has been proving the expensive city!
Social Change is the change in social relationship. They represent the alterations that are seen in social structure. These change can be felt in today’s youths, where the trend of get together with a peg in their hand has been gaining space with the removal of social gatherings of old days. Practices of marriage has been changed in significant manner as the youths today focus on their career than their spouse. Although male dominance still exists in the society, but the respect towards female has been changed. System like Teknonymy kinship no longer prevails in the modern society, where female are really not allowed to take their husband’s name. Cultural change on the other hand shows the change in the cultural aspects of human behavior where there is the modification in existing cultural traits. The change in preference of folk songs has been replaced by the modern ones. Narayan Gopal is no longer the only one to rule music Industry. Youths today prefer music of Pink Floyd and music of Justin Biber! Food no way just mean dal, bhat and tarkari in today’s age. Any thing that can fulfill their hunger can be replaced with it, however dal bhat and tarkari are the compulsion for Nepalese stomach! But vuteko makai, dhido or bhuteko bhat are no more the 2 pm’s choice! That could be something like momo, chowmin, samosa etc. No more the youths wait for the fair of Dashain to enjoy. Internal tourism has been rapidly growing! And gone are the days when Nepalese need to be fan of Amitabh Bachhan, the impact of Hollywood and Kollywood has gained huge space in Nepalese culture as well! Else, a young girl studying in plus two would not die crazy for Korean gateup! Growth of media houses can be a reason for this!
Exactly like huge Political change, technological change has really gained space in Nepal. How many of you have noticed that Private bikes are now  in 50’s lot! This means there are five lakhs private two wheelers  in Bagmati itself. You don’t need to wait for Saturday to call someone at your home! You have talking machine in your cell phone itself, and you can call anywhere from anywhere! Social networking websites have been gaining huge popularity in Nepal, which shows Nepal is not lagging behind in IT sector either. You should not wait for a queue either to withdraw your money! ATM machines have been providing you any time service for this!
Change is necessary after all and change should lead towards progress. Progress does not have any definite measuring rod. Negative change is certainly not a good thing, but positive change that teaches towards environmental adaptation must be welcomed by everyone of us. It is the demand of time that brings change in our life. A child learning to use computer is a good thing, but when he sticks to any particular game that is worst thing. Hence, let us welcome and adopt the positive change, and reject and protest the negative change!
dwaipayan.regmi@gmail.com


Published in The New Paper on 100th issue of the paper April 9, 2012

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Fuel supply: A joker’s cry

Fuel supply: A joker’s cry
Reduction of load shedding this year is the task wherein the present Government can earn the best public approval, even more than the Mustang vehicle for me. Widening road, another attractive work,  can be something controversial. It went smooth as long as the task was one of ‘destruction’. After that I could not see any development. Unless constructed, widening of roads shall remain incomplete.
Roads at New Baneshwor or roads around Kupondole, construction could not catch the speed of destruction. But the most criticized part of this government is in creation of hindrances on smooth supply of petroleum products. The delay in decision making process has not only made the negative impression on Bhattarai-led Government, but has equally contributed in making negative image of Dr. Bhattarai. The charm that existed among youths for Bhattarai led Government by now seems to be completely negative. The increment in the price once again is yet another issue!
It is understandable that Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) determines the quotas to be exported to other countries. It also is understandable that petroleum products are scarce products. But that can never be excuse in today’s age, because at the time when all of our neighboring countries are not having any sort of troubles in management of the fuel supply management, it would be disgusting to hear that. Let other be kept far aside, we need not to forget that Indian Government is able to make smooth supply of petroleum products to such massive population again. Had there been problem between Nepal and India in any import and export equations, there probably would be scarcity of salts as well. But salt is easily available in Nepal. So making silly excuse cannot be accepted at all. Now, the Government explains it is in loss. If so, it needs to explain the expense of the profit it earned earlier through various means like heavy tax policy on import of vehicles.
It has always been matter of jealously to compare the vehicles prices from Nepal to others. Again, there can be a loss, but the indicated data showing increment in number of Pumps should not be forgotten either. Does not this show how Petrol Pumps are in profit and that Government is in loss? And how can that all be possible for the people employed in this sector to be in profit? Above all, Government needs to play the role of parents when it comes to caring for its citizens.
There can be various calculations that could show that citizens are paying more than required for the petroleum products and in spite of that, they are deprived of quality. Peoples living in Terai region, who sometimes go across the border and get their tanks filled with petrol’s realize the quality and the price there. The dual tax policy in petroleum products that again includes VAT is the most dissatisfying part in entire story. Yes, the kitchen’s utensils need not to be washed in many houses these days due to shortage of gas. Is this the Nepal that these peoples before Constitution Assembly showed the hope of? Or do they again need the order from the honorable Supreme Court to ensure smooth supply of petrol and gas in Nepal? And should the peoples rather expect from the Supreme Court to make decision instead of Government? Because  gradually, peoples are expecting from the orders from Court as the hopes from government are fading and there is no much ground for expecting anything positive from the current government.
Nepal is in transition phase and it requires time! The common answer of PM, while facing peoples, will no longer be digested. Frankly speaking, Nepalese people wants electricity, proper water supply and gas more than constitution right now. And if the Government cannot provide these three basic needs, it would be better for them to hand over these sectors to private ownership, or welcome private competitor remembering the wise thing done with NTC.
Now, for the recent shortage of Petroleum products, Dr. Bhattarai himself is responsible. Yes, he took the action and agreed to provide one third discount to the students. But how? And when? Where has the implementation of Red and Blue Gas Cylinder gone? Are they limited simply upon the talks? Or is the PM so busy in viewing oranges that he forgets the trouble citizens are facing here in capital.
 The question seems taking time. Every house has at least one student in it. That clearly means every house will be getting discounts on gas! Again, if Government decides to implement the action for only Government Colleges, there are other struggling students who are financially weak than Government colleges, and would be deprived of it. Let us not forget the fact that a manager of certain firm can be student studying MBS at public campus, and the son of poor family, who is having tough time in Kathmandu managing his financial budget can be the student of Private college. So what sort of initiation will learn PM take is yet to be seen.
 I have heard hotel owner expressing his problem to shut down his business just because of the shortage of cooking gas. His words expressing the willingness to pay thousand more for a cylinder, but failing to procure one in fact made me feel the sad situation of the country. The emergence of dual price policy for business purpose and house hold purpose was also brought as rumor with the name of Blue and Red cylinder. So what is to be done? Peoples require a quick reply. A hungry stomach will does not harp the rhetoric of Nationalism for sure! And personally, even I need a cylinder of gas!
I don’t think my gas will last for more than a month now, and I am scared what after then? I seriously want a cylinder of gas more than constitution what do you want, friends?
dwaipayan.regmi@gmail.com



Published in The New Paper 3rd April 2012

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Believe it or not

Believe it or not

Despite being in the new scientific era, we still have various superstitious beliefs we follow knowingly or unknowingly. Science and technology and superstitious beliefs have always been acting like the north and south corners of a magnet. They try to meet but ultimately they end up pushing each other further away.

No matter how advanced we call ourselves, we follow these sorts of beliefs still. Take an example, we still think that something can go wrong if a black cat crosses our road, and the mind straightway becomes apprehensive. However, due to our work we have to keep on moving despite thinking so, despite the fear that still persists within the mind. There are various reasons that have been forwarded for these sorts of beliefs. For example, I remember my grand mother telling others not to sweep the floor when it is dark because the Goddess would also be swept out. I used to find it completely illogical those days, but today I understand it to be profound wisdom. There used to be no electricity

to illuminate the whole house during her days, and sweeping the wastes away could also take away with it things like money, or ornaments that might have fallen down on the floor. And, the sweeper would never find them in the swept away rubbish because of the darkness. That is to say, precaution is better though it has come up as superstitions. Aother example could be what instructs us not to pick your nose when you are answering the nature’s call, and this has scientific basis, as the germs could get into your nose. We are used to being told not to sleep in the evening because ghosts sleep at that time. The logic behind this could be, if we sleep at around five, we would probably wake at eleven or one, and it would hamper our normal sleeping pattern. We are not again allowed to move on specific days like Saturdays or at the end of the month. What could be the possible logic for this? I first wondered, and later realized that it can be the best excuse to keep their son or relatives one more day at home before they go out for some tasks. Hence, I conclude that there must be some logic for such beliefs. How did such beliefs come? Maybe a studious person first made thorough preparation for his exams, and had curd before giving his exams, and got good results. And, ever since, curd has received the credit. I thought, maybe I was wrong.

We still believe in such superstitious beliefs, and cannot avoid them completely since our ancestors had been handing them from genertion to generation. I don’t want you to stop believing in superstitions or follow them blindly, it is your personal choice.

Published in The Himalayan Times dated 26th March 2012

http://thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Believe+it+or+not&NewsID=325469

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BIPPA: a boon in jeopardy

BIPPA: a boon in jeopardy

There have been various criticisms and praises on going for in relation with Prime Minister Bhattarai's move of a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) with India signed between the two nations on October 21, 2011 during the PM’s visit to India. The criticisms in particular have kept the agreement in jeopardy, making it’s implementation uncertain. The implementation of the agreement is therefore not sure, and the Government which was so excited in signing the contract all of sudden is mum!

I am not associated with any party, nor am I influenced by any ideology. I am simply the student of Business. I therefore feel the BIPPA with India has to be welcomed by the business world. Why should we welcome this? I don't know what Congress has to say, nor do I care what UML explains, and I am no way associated with PM's party either. Nepal is located between two world's greatest markets, and when India shares open border, culture and same class of people, Nepal definitely can make a huge gain from this Agreement.

BIPPA brings the opportunity of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Nepal. Although introduced in 1992, the Maoists insurgency made the investors reluctant, and as a result Nepal could not get their favor. When will Nepal be able to bring such huge capitals, technology and management skills? At least, after welcoming them, it can get its possibility. The painful truth that the economy of Nepal is completely dependent with the remittances makes a clear indication that there are maximum peoples working abroad simply because of unemployment in Nepal. Bringing new investment will welcome new business firms in the country which again will be hel

ping the domestic unemployment problem to the country. People of Nepal will again get to use improved products at the cheap rate. If the manufacturer of Kurkure enters Nepal, Nepalese will get to use of it in the cheaper rate. They will not be compelled to pay forty rupees for the product of thirty two. Let us not forget the excitement shown by Reliance Company to enter into Nepal for business. So, as a consumer I would get qualitative goods at cheaper rate. From societal point of view, there would be employment opportunities. From financial eyes, the Government could collect huge amount of taxes and revenues. And finally, it would create a good image for other countries excited to enter Nepal for business. Maybe I would get a good post someday! A personal benefit though.

When India opens firms in Nepalese territory, they themselves will try to remove the hindrances that Nepalese are today facing in the carriage. Balance of Payment (BEP) will be increasing at this very time. As a whole, Industrial Development will gain a speed in the country.

This has to be clear that India would never come to this stage if British rule have had not been in India at those periods. It is through British's FDI in India; India made the development process easy and effective. Had not there been FDI from British Rule then, India would be in somewhat similar condition to Nepal. It is something foolish to curse our history for the bravery, but we still have the power for it. Nepal was more developed than India during the medieval period, and somewhat had the similar sort of condition during the period before Rana rule in Nepal and British rule in Nepal. The fact of development possibility in India due to FDI must not be ignored.

Parties agitating against the decision are not wrong either. There exists a possibility of loss of Sovereignty in Nepal, but when it is for India, the chances are comparatively low. Another disadvantage mentioned is Intense competition. Kurmure would have the worst time competing with Kurkure. Still, there are simply fewer domestic products that would go such stage.

High Dependency is the third point, but the agreement is for ten years. Nepal has already signed similar agreement with Finland and United Kingdom. The benefit has to be carefully analyzed. Resource outflows could act as disadvantage. As the vision for them is in the hydro power sector, Nepal must be able to make enough demand for itself of hydro power before making export in such cases. The worst part of agreement that has brought the entire controversies is due to the agreement made 'to pay the compensation if the firms shut down due to internal cause of Nepal.'

Nepal had to take certain bold step to welcome them ensuring the investors that the political disturbance would not trouble their investment, and through BIPPA, Bhattarai did it indicating that now even more than one half of Maoists are looking for good relation and trade relation with India which was against their principle earlier.

However, signing the agreement is not a conclusion in it. There are other important things to be noted. There has to be peaceful environment now, and Industrial sector must be declared a peace zone providing enough securities to them. Above and over that, the ongoing controversy of implementation is likely to create a huge negative image for them that would trouble for any such agreements later. Firm decision about creating positive vibes has to be taken by the present Government who inked the agreement itself. Bandas, chakkajams, load sheddings and political disturbance must be stopped immediately and let the industries conduct their activities in peaceful way, for the favorable environment, to ensure that Government will not be at loss as well else the commensuration would not be boom but curse.

Published in The New Paper, March 20, 2012

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