Mardi Gras '08

Happy Vijaya Dashami !! :)

Student Woes

A Nepali student was killed in a shootout recently, http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2007/aug/aug28/news08.php.
Have heard about students getting shot at or getting in a serious car accident couple of times.

On a leave

Off to Dhangadhi ( a days journey by bus, far west corner of Nepal) for some time, and because of other reasons seems will not be able to post much. :(

Im Happy Today.

Put forth your voice through Television !!!

As i had mentioned earlier in my post about the new youth-friendly political show on Kantipur Television. Here, are the details about how you can be part of the show and make your voice and voices of youth heard throughout the country। (Participation is limited to people living in Nepal only). I dont know how well this program will do. There is still some hesitant attitude towards politics mainly in Youth. If this program can help in making Youth (people in general) more politically aware that will be the most important step. After that, if it can generate curiosity regarding politics among people and polish its image then more kudos for that. lets see, what happens. Will update on it more (only if it is interesting and worth watching, नत्र भने म पनी का हेर्छु र !! Malvika Subba and the guest celebrities should'nt be the only attraction. )
p.s. was able to post this because of the new auto recovery feature of blogspot. had written all this yesterday and my comp crashed. धन्यबाद बल्गसप्ट !!!

Iraq War: (Mission Accomplished?) Just not yet...

Some days back, while waiting to watch the The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on CNN, i happened to catch a riveting CNN special called, "On Assignment: Month of Mayhem". The show is a documentary by Michael Holmes telling his account and stories when he was assigned to cover the Iraq War for a month from January 9. On arriving there in 10 minutes he would do a special report of an ongoing battle on the streets. That really, tells what the whole thing is about.
"The situation in Iraq is starting to get better", that's what is being said nowadays. But the condition is still far from positive. The statistics till now are very much disturbing. With an average of 2000 people being killed every month,the picture is yet from being rosy. And among all the fighting that is already taking place in the country, instances of Sectarian violence does not help at all. The war was not supposed to last this long or inflict damages of this magnitude both to the country and the people fighting for it. It seems everyone is involved in this war now, someway or the other.
"On Assignment: Month of Mayhem", showed the war from the perspective of the reporters working in really morbid condition just to give us some idea what is really happening there. And what we see is far from pleasing. I could tell of all the horrific details that has now become a daily part of the Iraqis. Tortured and mutilated bodies thrown in the streets have become normal and grieving widows and family members identifying the sometimes unrecognizable cadavers is the truth every Iraqi hopes they dont have to be a part of. It may sound macabre of all the details but thats the undeniable truth. The only thing that we could actually do is understand the seriousness of the situation and raise our voices against the atrocities. With body counts rising every day, the people there are getting something they never bargained for.
While i was mentioning the gruesome situation in Iraq, a friend of mine could not take it anymore and remarked that, "sometimes indifference is happiness". I just wonder, how much of that statement holds true?? Is ignorance really bliss ?

Hangover Sucks...

Yes, its true…..hangover sucks…and im not just talking about the getting-stone-cold-drunk-one-night-and-the-next-day-someone’s pounding-your-head kind of hangover, but hangover in a more general case. If you are kind of not getting where im heading, well the story so far is. Last three days was kind of a major blast or something like that, maybe due to the fact that it was my birthday. Yes, I am implying that I celebrated three days of birthday. How? You ask. Well, one of the perks of being a Nepali is that you get to celebrate everything more than the rest of the world. We have more than 1 New Year which is celebrated at full blast. And we don’t miss out on celebrating as much as we can. Although im not a big fan of celebrating birthday and such; I find it very trivial and overrated. But still due to unforeseen circumstances I celebrated my birthday according to the Gregorian Calendar (May 9), Bikram Sambat(Nepali Calendar)(May 10) and some religious calendar which I have no idea of (May 11). I know that might sound a bit stupid, over the top but what can I say. As said by some hip hop guy, “Don’t hate the playa, hate the game.”

So, the party started at different places with different people at a different time but it all came down to yesterday and today morning being the time everything finally ended (whew!). If I start to write about every detail it will get a bit long so ill try to make it short and to the point. Full details maybe next time. I have to thank the guys and gals of YTC for throwing the bit of surprise (I mean it, I was surprised, really bhaneko…..not shocked or very surprised but still taken aback). The company was nice even though most of the people got drenched in the rain (eventually, including me).Also I must mention that the Psycho was par excellenceJ. All in all it was a great time. Dhanyabad, Thank You and Vielen Herzlichen Dank!!!

While writing all the good stuff I forgot about what I was actually writing about. I had a very bad day today. Nearly got in a very big bike accident was nearly caught by the cops (didn’t know there was a one way, my bad). And not everybody remembered my birthday ( No, im not talking about her YTC folks), but still its cool, not a big deal. Just feeling a bit tired (right word?) after everything. I guess you cant have good times all the time. You enjoy some and then you’ll not enjoy some. But I enjoyed everything when I had the chance so will face this thing head on. I guess ill take a nap now. Ok, dann ein letztes mal fuer mich, Alles Gute zum Geburstag!!! Zwanzig jahre von spaß, nächstes mal!

Tatastha Tarka: नयाँ नेपाल.... नयाँ आवाज

Just came back from a group discussion regarding the launch of a new program that will be aired in Kantipur Television soon enough. The program titled Tatastha tarka:Naya Nepal...Naya Awaz will cater mostly to the youth and its objective will be Engaging Youth in peace Process Issues Through TV Talk process in Nepal.
Being part of the Youth community myself, i can clearly say that Politics does not really interests me as much as other things mostly because its very hard to understand. Forget about Youth even the so called "grown up people" have a hard time gripping Nepali politics. From what was discussed at today's agenda, the program not only aims to give youth(and everyone else) knowledge on various political issues but its will also provide a platform for youth having interest in politics and overall development of the country to speak their mind and talk on behalf of a whole demographic of people.
For its current 25 episode run, it will emphasize more on the Constituent Assembly(CA), since its the major talk of the town right now and many people(including me) still have very little or no clue as to what it really is.
There are some political shows presently airing on various Nepali channels but i guess this is the first attempt at incorporating youth at this level. It sounds really nice and if it delivers as to what it promises then it will of course do some good. Also, talking about the show itself it will be half an hour long, every Sunday at 9 pm on Kantipur Television. The show will comprise of two hosts, two political/constitutional/election experts, two celebrities and two youths who will be chosen through a prior essay competition every week. The hosts are Mr. Jay Nishaant and Ms. Malvika Subba.
So, look out for this program in coming weeks. For those wanting to find out about the political situation here in terms of youth, i think this program will serve its purpose. I think its time youth should be more politically aware if not politically active. Although, the latter would be best. Only after we comprehend the situation can we strive to make a change for the better.

Top 100 education related blogs!!

Published on Wednesday 20th of December, 2006
This link looks useful for those students like me........So check some of these out and you may find something useful.......im just learning how to handle the first year of college.........100 top education related blogs

World Press Freedom Day

So today is World Press Freedom Day...like all the ".isms" around, its hard remembering all the Days. There's most probably 365 similar Days or even more. But since blogging has become an influential press tool and since i blog and respect press freedom and i just found out about it watching the news and since i have nothing else to write (not that i dont consider this important, its important all right!!!) i dedicate this post to all the people in the world working towards creating a knowledge based society full of serious news and some light stuff along the way with other stuffs for everybody.
Unfortunately, as i found out, Nepal ranks about 7th in the list of countries with least degree of press freedom(might be some old data). The ranking created by Reporters Without Borders is based on surveys about direct attacks on journalists and the media as well as other indirect sources of pressure against the free press. I guess, the last time when this issue was raised to its height was during the royal takeover and the Janaandolan periods where i believe blogging was taken up widely for letting the people know the real truth. Not knowing the full extent of this issue i cannot comment much about it. But, from what i do know, Nepali journalism has still a long way to go before it reaches its maximum potential and that too without any hindrances that would prevent truthful and hard edged journalism.
With the various conflicts in the Middle East region, Journalist have become most prone to attacks and dangers in the recent years. Various kidnappings and even executions take place almost everyday. Right now the fate of BBC journalist Allan Johnston is still unknown for such a long time. The killing of Daniel Pearl some years back was a huge blow to Journalism and clearly showed the risks scribes are facing. The press has a huge value in our everyday lives. Although today is just another Days in our calendar, we should all work together for better press liberties and rights. Even though you may not be a journalist or even close to working in the line, it would be very nice of you to just acknowledge their works and responsibilities and maybe even help in any way possible.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights indicates: "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers"
More about Press Freedom or Journalism

Its Over.....At last

One sport i follow as much a i can is cricket, so with the end of its world cup have to write something about it.......
This year's cricket world cup was focused on many thing except the cricket itself. So, starting with the basics.....Australia won, AGAIN.I was hoping this time South Africa would take the accolades, but they could only do just so much. Also, was hoping on seeing Australia crumble up against some team at the world cup (nothing against the aussies though) but it seems that too is now 4 years away.
So, the 49 days tournament (are you kidding me?) has finally ended. The death of Bob Woolmer, will however, forever shroud this cup with utter sadness. And, to think about it his death may have come due to some bookies' loss shows how much filth has infiltrated this ones gentlemen game. Critics have slammed the ICC for organizing such a long tournament and that too in such not so good conditions. Although, the indies brought with it some excitement its preparation of the stadium, security and other important details wa overlooked to a greater extent.Also, due to the odd timing of the games telecast here in Nepal wasnt able to enjoy it fully as well.
The whole cup wasnt a waste at all. It did bring some form of refreshing touch. I particularly liked the bit where Herschelle Gibbs hit 6 sixes in 6 balls (the 1st and the money for the feat was donated to charity) but when Malinga of Srilanka nearly destroyed SA chances of winning their match by taking 4 wickets in 4 balls was also worth appreciating. Also, as usual the minnows at this cup made some waves. Also, Glenn McGrath with his impressive wicket haul of 25 wickets (man of the tournament) was also laudable, and his retirement at his peak is also something some cricketer must consider.With Bangladesh and Ireland beating India and Pakistan respectively and securing a place in the quarter 8 wasnt pleasing to many, but i think these two teams are among those that really need a reality check. Ireland also received International One-Day playing nation status, and with their debut they're not at the last but i think just ahead of Zimbabwe, of whom i wont even mention.
This world cup brought many changes, resignations, retirements and very unfortunately even a death. For what will this world cup be remembered is upto the fans to decide. Besides, the Aussies not many people may look back at this cup with some sort of fulfillment.
Next stop for the cup is on our own Asia. Dont know if i will be here to see the cup up close (im not dying, just may be in the states at the time) but till then there will be lots of changes in the tournament as well as the teams and hope the coming tournament brings joys, thrills, excitement and maybe a defeat for the Aussies as well (No hard feelings).Until next time, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Srilanka

SA bites the dust again...

So, after 4 years and with some hope of regaining the humiliation they had faced at the same stage, South Africa were again successful in losing to Australia in the semi final of the cricket world cup. Although this loss was not marginal and nail biting as before but still a good 7 wicket defeat and that too after only posting a total of 149 was enough to bring quite a bit of shame to them as well as the SA fans like me. I was hoping this time around they could change their luck .
Anyways, still we have Srilanka, our own asian nation standing up against the mighty Aussies........I guess its finally time that the Aussies loose their stranglehold they have in cricket that too in the worldcups........their undefeated spree is just too much for anyone to gobble(except the aussies and their fans of course). So , looking at Srilanka's performance in this world cup, they do have a chance of winning this thing for the second time and knocking (or even budging) the Aussies off of their peak this time around (nothing personal with the Aussies) . Im rootin for the Lankans .......GO LANKANS..........
On a personal note, the wedding at Summit's place was fun overall... everything went well if not as planned to some extent ... as usual its always fun with the guys....hehe..... Hope for a happy and prosperous marriage life for Karishma Didi....

Happy Loktantra Day

I was oblivious to the political situation in Nepal not so long, and i still dont consider myself fully literate in this matter. But nowadays i have made it a point to gain new ideas and thoughts on this matter as much as i can. Today, brought happiness in many people or at least that is what it seemed. Its been already one year since the king handed down all his powers unwillingly to be left as a commoner. There definitely have been changes, some sound positively good while other may not quite make an impact. The ongoing war being over was the cause of the major excitement. The decade long war had caused huge loss not only i the number of people killed but also its role in throwing off of the developing path.

Nepal now has almost freed itself of the obstacle that had been hindering its way in the path of development. The only thing now is that the politicians must deliver on the promise that they have made. Although, in the past that could not be banked upon, its time for them to change their course just like we did and come up with some productive and definitive work that will go along a long way.

There are still places in Nepal where roads are just being made and the first cars are rolling their way. Only some time back the sight of the people celebrating just because they got to see a vehicle in their life for the first time was really heart warming. Nepal with its extremities faces a difficult situation to balance the need of all its people. The city dwellers may be asking for something completely different some people in the rural areas arent even aware of.

This time around, even a pessimistic person like me sees a gleam of hope , a hope that maybe things will be different. This time around the lives that were lost for freedom and development will not be forgotten and we will definitively strive for a better future. The future looks promising lets just hope we are not driven of course once again and we reach our destination swiftly and make this country of ours a much better place to live in. Jai Nepal.

Virginia Tech Massacre: RIP!

Some days ago another date that would be blacklisted in the international calendar forever, April 16 2007 the day of the Virginia Tech Massacre. Although, schhol shootings are not an isolated event in the US, but this time it created quite some buzz with the number of lives that was lost and the manner in which the lives were taken. The man who decided to play god, Cho Seung-hui, Korean born legal alien of Virginia, first killed two people and then after writing his reason for his acts in a 8 page long note, went on from one classroom to another just shooting anyone in his path, which left 30 dead and 16 in the hospital wounded.
There have been numerous accounts of school shootings, fatal and non-fatal, all around the world. But, the only country which has at least one fatal shooting each and every year is that of America. Maybe due to the leniency of Gun Control Laws or due to the popular gun culture that is portrayed there, the killings never seem to cease. The Columbine High School Massacre, started the media frenzy over high school shootouts, where 2 boys killed twelve students and a teacher, as well as wounded twenty-four others, before committing suicide themselves. That was the third biggest killings right after the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre and the 1966 University of Texas massacre.
Its always the same case over and over again, people citing their loneliness and the societies impact on them decide to become gun crazed maniacs. But, is that only the case? Media and general public have blamed movies, bands, music, and almost everything as the main cause of these kind of shootings. But whatever may be the case, its times like these, that people come close and help each other out in hard times. Heroes emerge out of the chaos and community further strenghtens in hard times. I hope there will be some silver lining to this tragedy and the people that lost their loved ones will find strength and hope in their loses. May this kind of remorseful tragedy never strike anywhere.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year 2064 to everyone Nepali or not. Am not sure when my Nepali year had started or how it had started but i can sure remember how this year started off and maybe next time i can figure out how quickly and just how my year (nepali year that is) went by.
This year around there were quite a number of people out on the streets and everywhere , it seemed this new year bash outdid most of the gregorian new year which is a nice thing to know. Nepali people recognizing their cultural and national values even if it is for the sake of just partying.
on a personal note, i had a blast as well. cant say everything was planned but still it all worked out fine in the end. I never had had any resolutions in any new year that i know. but, i guess its time for change now. so my new year resolutions for now is to bring about change. Change in the most vaguest of all senses, be it from the smaleest to major steps but positive change, i guess that will help. another resolution must be to blog more. and not just what i did today kind of blog but serious blogs.
So, the beginning of this year brought about some sadness and mostly happiness, now just have to see how the whole year shapes out to be.............

Das Ende von die Reise

So finally everything is back to normal (thats a drag) . The work aside, everything was more fun.

HOT pokhara !

so finally, all the programs have ended. On a safe and sound note everything is over. :)
Was here from Sunday and finally got time to see 1 or 2 places only. hope to see around more tomorrow. althought the company is less but the its still very much cool. missing a lot of people here, it would have been more fun with lots of people but still its a'ight!
cant be on the net in Pokhara for a long time, it would be a shame but some stuffs just have to be checked and managed so will further maybe elaborate or display later but i guess this'll do for now, catch u later.

Stupid Post

Had gone to a wedding of my aunt and had to wear a traditional dress, Daura Suruwal. Thankfully, i wasnt the only one wearing that stuff so didnt feel out of place, anyways, it was fun, found out many stuffs ( oi Nirey Im still shocked!!!!). all in all not so bad.
and if that does not interest you here are some photos of a place called Rasuwa, one of the many remote places of Nepal.

Trip to MANTHALI

Some time back was in Manthali (hilly part of Nepal). It was actually kind of official, was a volunteer and had to distribute clothes to the underprivileged students. Felt really good to see the smiles on the children's face when they received the clothes. Also, felt really good with the nice atmosphere and serenity.

Unfortunately, could not witness the snowfall that happened in the capital, Kathmandu, after 62 years. Incidentally, the snowfall happened on 14th February, all the lovebirds had a wonderful time (cant say the same for me:( ) in the nearby hills where snow was abundant. But still, the trip as a whole consolidated for the snow, it was a enjoyable yet fulfilling experience.
Here are some pictures of the trip, it is in HI5 album.

[Thanks Michaela for reminding me about this, had forgotten to write about it]