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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In favor of Public Property

In favor of Public Property

Private and Public properties obviously have major differences. The feelings we possess amplify those differences. Private property suggests that the owner is a person and public property gives the idea that it is under Government's ownership.

We think twice before spitting within the compound of Kathmandu Mall, just because it is private establishment and we don’t hesitate to throw all the waste from our pocket and bag in Ratnapark, as it is public. It is true that private property is carefully managed by the owner giving the worker’s salary
of their own and keeping them under his personal observation. The case is totally different when it comes to public property.

But has anyone given serious thought that those public property is for us, from us? We all have entire credit for it. The name 'Public'-'Property itself is self explainatory'.

We are public and all those property belong to us. Now there definitely should not raise any question about ‘how’ because we are tax payers and it is tax all those properties are erected with. It is not necessary for you to go tax office to get the feeling of tax payment. You pay tax at the time of purchasing your laptop, cell phone or any other thing. How you ignore the bitter fact that you pay more than cent percent tax while purchasing vehicles? So we all are tax payers, and therefore our money has been there in construction of public establishment. We give salary to every Government officers, we feed those CA members. It is through our tax, president get to drink tea every morning. So, every single individual is the owner of public property. Every single individual has the rights towards it. Oh! Come on, every phone call or SMS you make sucks tax from you, then why don’t we make proper utilization of our tax?

Every corrupted leader is under our tax. Never hesitate for it, think they are enjoying on your enemy's tax and your tax is utilized for constructive works. Be positive and give a thought weather to take of
public (that is your) property or not. When you pay for the construction of park, why you again damage it? Every speck cement of Air Bridge in the capital is procured with your tax, so why do you make it dirty? The walls around Bir Hospital is constructed form your tax, and why don’t you mind to pee there? If it was your wall, would you even spit there? Do you think you don’t get to break the walls of public property when you want? If so, give a think, would you broke a wall of your house without any reasons?

The difference between public and private can be clearly noticed if any one of your relative owns the white number plated vehicle. The treatment for the vehicle completely differs with that of private. I don’t want you to go and paint the walls of Central Zoo, but at least you can treat it equally as you do it to QFX Cinemas. Why are you careless when you are at Patan Durbar Square, and worried if even your shoes make the carpet dirty at City Center?

From one vision, there is a weakness of Government as well, because they fail to make the Public Property qualitative and fail for its maintenance like in abroad countries, because the high school result every year shows how weak Government owned Public Schools are. However, the citizens need to be equally conscious regarding the two aspects. A student in any Government College are much more careless than that of Private about the norms within the campus area. I can tell this, because I have been student of both Private and Governmental institution.

It is just the feeling that creates the difference and discrimination between private and public property. Having acquired the slight knowledge of Psychology, I can say that the hidden payment is the root cause why this feeling appears within us. If we would pay the tax included in any goods or service, that would be such a painful thing, and would make us realize that they belong to us. If we employee some worker on our house, his daily work would bother us only because we pay him directly. But since the CA members, although are receiving their salary from us, we give a damn, just because we pay them indirectly.

Remember the amount you spend on SMS for tax, telephone bills, and electricity bills and come out with proper conclusion. You probably have sent hundreds of SMS to your friend, now analyze yourself regarding how much you actually are spending for the pitching the road, for painting the walls of Bir Hospital, or for cleanliness of the Rani Pokhari. Only if entire citizens learn to respect public property, development would be easy for those who really want to do something in the country. Let us not create any discrimination between Garden of Dreams and Shivapuri forest, just for the sake of ownership. Why has the feeling towards the Royal Palace changed as soon as it became the part of Nepal Government? More than private, we actually have to respect the public properties, because public properties are actually ours, and it belongs to us more than any privately owned property. It is a request to have positive feelings towards public property and let the country prosper quickly.

Published in The New Paper, March 11, 2012

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Traveller’s tales

Traveller’s tales

WE had gone sightseeing at a tourist spot, Ghandruk of Kaski. I am sure that you have heard of it. Perfect place, perfect environment; still, something was missing. It was hospitality, despite it being tourism year which obviously applied to both domestic and international tourists. For the first time in my life, I felt subordinated just for being a domestic tourist. Everything was fine before we reached our hotel, But after seeing our room, we felt uneasy because it could accommodate only three people while it was meant for six people. We accepted it considering that hotels might be expensive in such a place. Later, when we asked for some hot water, the hotel owner told us that it was our “bad fate” that we were domestic guests, and we felt very small. It was because we demanded hot water for free as we had paid for dinner, breakfast and lodging; and they started expressing their dissatisfaction. At first, we thought that the particular hotel owner was stingy or it could be that the tourism year had brought certain frustration among them. But by morning we got the idea that every hotel there was of the same type. They respected foreigners and dominated domestic travellers. The worst part was when they threatened us after dinner that if we did anything wrong in the hotel, they would bring the local boys to take care of us. I have visited various other tourist places, but the night there was the scariest one. We had no complaints about the expensive food, lodging or anything because the place itself was so difficult that it had to be expensive, but we were really dissatisfied by the hospitality there. We were upset by their biased behaviour towards domestic and international tourists. We were shocked to know that no one outside of Ghandruk was allowed to buy land in Ghandruk. They had to use the mule of Ghandruk itself. Okay, that was not our issue as we were certainly not there to buy land, but at least they should have realized how the place’s image would be affected by their behaviour towards domestic tourists. When we talked to other relatives about the place, we found the same dissatisfaction among them. I wonder how they managed to handle the entire tourism year, and what sort of feeling domestic tourists had gathered from there. They would compare us with international tourists every time we said something. “If it had been foreigners, they would have paid us a thousand for this.” “If it had been foreigners, they would not have woken up this late.” And so forth. Their wor
ds made me feel that tourists meant only international travellers with large pockets. I tell you, Ghandruk is a wonderful place; but I would never recommend it to you considering their hospitality.

PUBLISHED IN THE KATHMANDU POST, POST PLATFORM MARCH 9, 2012

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Who are Beggars?

Who are Beggars?

The word begs means asking humbly (food or money) as charity; and beggars are the persons who live by begging.

Since early days there has been the system of begging from Rishi Munis till the day. We get a feeling of satisfaction when we give them some small part of their earning. Today the imaginary pictures of beggars around temple come to our mind when we try to remember them, but have we ever noticed who really deserve the word beggars? We simply give away the money on anyone who comes near us. But let’s make an analysis even those who are physically fit, sit and beg and those who are lame also beg. Those small children beg and also those old women beg. From a normal view, all of them are beggar but who really deserves for the title?

Do we still get the satisfaction after giving them few coins out of our pocket? For the lame ones, we get but for those children maybe not because our five rupees will not make their life. There are lots of Government institutes which provide free education; but no one dares to talk to them about it. We simply go for temporary satisfaction and for those physically fit beggars? Maybe we are promoting their laziness and motivating not to do the job and keep begging. It would be wise to drop coins for those really beggars who really cant see, unable to walk and are creeping, whose hands are gone off and who really cant do anything in their life.

However we can discover a new system of begging in the capital these days. It was few months back when my friend and I, we were walking and a physically active guy with all smart dress came to ask and claimed that his sister was in hospital and he really needs money and made a request to give him three hundred with his crying face. It was my friend who managed it in fifty. We could not believe that he was speaking truth and nor were we satisfied by lending him the money. Same thing happened weeks back when the Hindi speaking lady came to me when I was on my way to college and showed a dirty laminated document and said she really was in need of money. Ah! I was in hurry and couldn’t not read it, all the people around were staring at me. She was asking for hundred and I managed for twenty claiming I am just student and the case got over. Same dissatisfaction rose within me and I could not believe that she really was in trouble. Week back two guys came and threatening my friend asked for the money A guy asked first asked me the way to Bhaktapur from Putalisadak, I suggested him to take a bus, because it is kind of far. He then said, he don’t have money for that and he is new to Kathmandu. His English speaking lines time and again made me feel that he seriously need it. With some sympathy, I gave him twenty rupees, and I was satisfied. Month later same guy caught my friend, and did the same thing claiming he is from Illam. Now, when I asked entire detail, I concluded that it was same him. Let me again include another style of begging, popular in those tourism area. On our way to Ghandruk, we found small children asking money from very beginning to the end of the trekking route. On our return, since we had time, we asked to one of the children and found that it is their parents who teach them to beg.

This sort of trend not only troubles the true beggars but develops wrong system of earning money. It would turn best if Government makes an attempt to recognize true beggar and hand them true certificate. It would turn fruitful if Government takes initiative to make true reorganization of who really require money so that donors can get the satisfaction after making the donation. Although Hitler used to opine that, beggars should be killed if the country has to prosper, that can be something against humanity, although certain truth can be noted in his lines. But, the growing trend of begging and not working with whole heart shows that the increment of lazy peoples, whose aim is nothing but simply to beg is increasing gradually. I am not against the beggar, nor do I want the donor to be against them. But, it is just that a fit and fine man, sitting in some torn dress, and expanding the hands is not the way to be beggar in my view. Those who really cannot do anything are the ones who are liable for the task. I really get negative feelings when I drop my coins in their plate, seeing that they are fine. Unemployment can be one reason, I do agree. But, their living style shows that they really don’t want to work, but just beg. On my visit to Pasupati, time and again I see a group who sings sitting at beggar’s line. I find that they are physically unable for anything. Yes, they need our support, and they are not demanding anything for free. They have been impressing us through their songs. That can motivate us to hand some money to them, but not those physically strong people. Let us make true recognition of beggars and help those who are actually in need.

PUBLISHED IN THE NEW PAPER

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Stitch in time

As soon as the intermediate level gets over, students get crowded over the institution with the hope of being doctor and engineer. It is normal for any student, basically from science background to lose one year on the name of various entrances, preparation etc. And I was shocked to know that on one particular institute; around seven thousand of them get admitted with the dream of white coat. When it comes to MBBS, there are around ten thousands who fight for it almost every time, when there are simply around two hundred seats every year. Will all of them be doctor? It sometimes make me wonder if doctor is only the thing to study after plus two, Studying MBBS in Nepal contains three broad paths. First one is you really need to be studious, to get into those hundreds out of thousands. Second one is you need to be a son or daughter of a big shot. Spending minimum of two million can definitely let you study MBBS let that be under Nepalese college affiliated to KU, TU or BPKIHS or abroad in China, India or Bangladesh. Third option is you need to have political source to get in. And the best part is you need not to be studious for entering through second and third way.
Now you are lucky if you can get into through any of these three ways. But if you think you really can’t, its worth for you to spend one year and money there for preparation. A friend of mine, who is preparing for MBBS itself explained that there will be a kind of fair as soon as plus two exam gets over on the institute. Taking around ten thousands from every student they earn in crores. I don’t want to hurt who are planning to be a doctor; but one basic thing you need to figure out is your capability. You definitely cannot judge yourself seeing your marks of SLC or Plus Two. You need to find out if you really can go
through it or not. Because only you, yourself know your potentiality. It is you who know how fairly you have earned the marks mentioned in your certificate, and no one beside you can recognize your capability. Study in Nepal is really one sided. Parents teach their child to say ‘Doctor’ when someone ask their five year old child about their aim. Is doctor only the field to study in Nepal? It’s high time that the
parents and students need to get serious on this particular topic. Because it’s going to determine their future. Another friend of mine, who is simply preparing for the entrance examination of MBBS studies
around twenty hours per day. I don’t know how much he should study when he gets admitted into it. I met another guy who completed his MBBS and is in search of job. All he is hoping is salary around salary
around seven thousand per month. When I was shocked, he explained he has not done his masters yet and is not accepted by the society. Oh My God! So one needs s to study for around eight years yet to be a doctor? One year for preparation, five for the bachelor and two for MD? And yet it’s not sure for him to earn because we look for experienced doctor. So a guy who did his plus two today requires still
twenty years to make a good earning. Thank God I rejected science earlier itself.

Why do parents only see MBBS for their children’s future? Are not there other fields? Anil Shah, probably is not there at his success by studying MBBS. There obviously exists various other fields as well. It is definitely good to try to be a doctor but probably the worst idea to send someone there who really is not interested into it. Other crowded study that I find is Chartered Accountancy. Being CA is another huge aim of students which needs really should be praised. But despite of knowing the open pass percentage, students take it as a free course. You can find number of CA students who rather get out with BBS degree forgetting CA! Pressure of girls on nursing seems equally competent. It is you who need to create scope if you think of your of scope in MBBS or CA. You have to be lucky to get a painted house, but normally we paint our house on our own. There is scope in everything if you are willing to search it. Aashis and Prasan shows the scope in Radio Jockeying, Ram Krishna Dhakal shows the scope in singing, Alok Nembang shows the scope in movies, so does Tulsi Ghimire.

I am not criticizing or trying to discourage students. But all I am wishing is to save their time. Stitch in time saves nine. Yes! If you identify your inner potentiality, figure out your inner desire and plan for it. You don’t need to be the student of management to make proper planning, decision making and do something good for your future. Let the another fact be clear that you wont be enjoying your studies unless you are deeply interested in it. Yes, you can study, for other’s sake but that no way gives you any interest in studies. You need to have interest in that particular subject in the beginning to love to course, to love the text books, and if you don’t have such interest, it is better for you to quit.

A guy dreaming to be journalist can study any other course, but he will certainly not enjoy it as he would have enjoyed in Journalism. Your one year loss can be normal, but don’t forget the fact that same one year will be so precious for you once you get into the job, or at the time of your retirement. Find your interest, measure your potentiality and then click onto your preference, don’t make decisions for others. It is you who has to live a life! Remember the fact that Messi could have studied business, but nothing could be better for him than football. Or if Taylor Swift could have played lawn tennis, but she may not be as good and popular if she had done it instead of singing. Every profession is good, all
we need is a respect! So, do save your precious time, because stitch in time saves nine!

{published in THE NEW PAPER}

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