BOOK REVIEW: Voices of the Century

Speeches That Changed the World is a collection of some important speeches made by significant players of the twentieth-century world politics (though few speakers don't belong to the political domain). Compiled and edited by an Australian history teacher Alan J Whiticker and published by Jaico Publishing House in India in 2010, the book has 43 speeches covering a span of 104 years (1901-2004). The book talks about diverse issues from war to peace, from socialism to the Holocaust, from nuclear weapons to pacifism, and from women rights to AIDS-related discrimination. Considering the geography, time span and themes it covers, the book is a credible document of major ups and downs in the world politics in the twentieth century.  

English Medium Education: An Individual and National Need

From www.ekantipur.com

On a day in my twelfth grade, my English teacher was marking my test papers in front of me. Suddenly he asked me if I came from a government school. I said, "Yes, I am from Nepali medium." Then he commented, "If your parents had enrolled you in an English medium school…" He didn't complete the sentence, but looked at my face directly and seriously. My face turned very serious and quite shy. This comment had such an impression on me that I am still thinking what if my parents had enrolled me in an English medium school.

Mero Sansar: The Sansar for Millions

I don't remember when I visited Mero Sansar  for the first time. But what I remember is after that day, I have been visiting the blog site everyday whenever I have an access to the Internet. Mero Sansar (to translate literally, "My World") has been the third site that I visit most nowadays (the first two being my Facebook and Gmail accounts).  Mero Sansar presents interesting information in an entertaining way; that is what has made the site one of the popular Nepali webs to be visited by thousands of people every day.  

Difficulties as Inspirations for Improvement

photo from http://voxy.com/blog/

Despite the fact that I used to score the highest in my class, I was weak in English among my mates up to class 8. In class 9, I realised that I need to work hard on this subject for better SLC result. I worked hard and improved satisfactorily, which ultimately gave me a score of 82 in English in SLC exam. This mark convinced me that I am not weaker than other English school students in this subject. But I was proved wrong when I stepped into my +2 classroom.

Then I Realised What It Means to Be a Vegetarian

Photo by Rubina Shreshth

I had spent a week with very difficult yet exciting and interesting experiences in Kolki, a rural village of Lamjung district last year. I was there to facilitate five-day training on life skills to members of local child clubs on invitation by a local NGO. Interestingly the trip became so memorable because of cross-cultural experiences I went through, rather than what I did there as a part of my formal purpose. It also made me learn some important life skills practically, which I was supposed to teach there.

The Journey of Joy: Pokhara with NDI

To Begin With

Passage of time makes memories dim. If I don't write it now, I can't write as brightly as I remember now.

Dozens of days are already passed since I returned from Pokhara. It is already late to write about it. I have to write it because of two main reasons. Firstly I have unexpressed voluntary promise that I will record important experiences of my life. Secondly, I have expressed my wish to write about this journey with some of my friends.

Intro

Three months back, an informal club of participants of debate trainings named Nepal Debate Initiative (NDI) was formed by Alliance for Social Dialogue (ASD). ASD is the organization which had provided debate training for us. On 15 and 16 November (28 and 29 Kartik), NDI had organized an alumni meeting among available participants of debate workshops and trainings, organized in different points of time. We were in Pokhara from 14 to 17 November for that reason.

Many of the elements have made this journey joyful and memorable. You can't get it enough unless you will follow every details of the journey!

Dasain Diary

This Dasain gave me the break, more importantly than other things. I was so busy before beginning of Dasain - my daily schedule was prefixed with some works related to myself, study, career, family and my other obligations. Besides, I was unable to hang out with my friends as each of them was so busy with their own schedules.

I will explain what I did during this break time.

Day I-III

Ghatasthapana is religiously the first day of Dasain. I too began Dasain of this year on Ghatasthapana with a short, and unplanned visit to Osho Tapoban, a well-known meditation centre in the outskirt of Kathmandu Valley. We were not there for meditation, but for fun. Ironically, that place was not for fun! However we enjoyed a lot - observing waterfalls and Osho Samadhi and seeking information about Meditation Courses - at the same time having delicious snacks from a vegetarian restaurant there. We then came back walking on feet more than an hour to Balaju.

Next day, I accompanied one of my dearest for his Dasain shopping. It was partially a Dasain shopping, but something more than that.  We went through many shopping centres, did "window shopping" from many and shopped from few. The day ended with snacks at a "deliciously named" restaurant. The food was also delicious, as my friend remembers.

On the third day, I accompanied my two other friends for their shopping. But it was not as joyful as yesterday's. Something was really missing there- we didn't have enough time!

Day IV-IX

Dasain had not finished yet. What to do on other days, since all friends are going to celebrate it with their own families. I don't play cards. I had a complete leisure time. I took this too positively- promising I don't do any other things for him or her. Rather, I decided to stay at home. Consequently, I got opportunity to help my sisters and mother at kitchen and for other domestic works. My "Kanchhi Didi" is very thankful to me these days! I am too very happy that I learnt many skills which are equally important fro my life.

This routine (Don't take it as an organized "routine". I used "routine" because I didn't find any better word to keep here!) continued till the day of Maha Navami, a day before Tika of Bada Dasain.

Day X-XII

Next there days were totally spent for receiving Tika-Jamara and blessings from elder members of family. I need not explain it. You might clearly know how we receive Tika-Jamara and blessings.

Day XIII

I did the hardest physical labour ever in my life.  Let's not reveal what the job actually was to all you here. Something should be kept in secret! Because of that hardest labour, my hand was aching, forced me to cry "aiyaa…aiyaa" till the midnight.

Day XIV

The day was birthday of one of my friends - who is actually a day older than me! He invited me to attend his birthday party. Accompanied by two other friends, I attended the party. Though I was the only vegetarian there, I enjoyed it.

Day XV

It is my birthday today, according to Solar Calendar. In my family, birthday according to Solar Calendar is not as important as birthday according to Lunar Calendar ("Tithi" is more important than "Miti") So, the family don't have any special program for me. I got Happy Birthday Wishes  on Facebook, through SMS and phone calls.  I don't have any special celebration for the day, because I haven't  planned anything. I didn't get enough time for planning (lets say!). [Though I had a plan and tried to do something, it got failed. Don't ask me what was that. I would surely share you what it was if it had worked!] So, I am here at home - enjoying alone.

Good bye Dasain! Meet you next year!  

Cultivating dreams

"The teachers cultivate mere dreams". I said to one of my pessimist friends in order to sympathize him, who was in trouble for not getting proper job, whereas his teacher had ensured him for it.

Later, I realized that I misused the phrase "cultivation of dreams" as a negative one.  I had mistaken myself by thinking that dream cultivation is something which is mere promise. But, later I myself realized that dream cultivation is not merely wishing better for future and doing nothing, it is dedication, commitment and concrete plan for what you are going to be in future.

We need to cultivate our dreams in fact, before we go to the actions. We need to know the path proper, to reach our destination. We need to have strategic steps to achieve our goals and ambitions. And, dream is what it makes us possible to map the path and plan for strategies.  Our dreams can help us greatly make them possible in our real life.

As many people say, "human mind is soul source of every action." I mean, our every behavior is (and should be) guided by our thoughts. And, if we have clear thoughts of what we are going to do it, we need not be confuse when we go to actions. The clarity is helpful to achieve something better.

Therefore, cultivating dreams is always good. However, one must not forget that "Vision without action is an empty dream; action without vision is passing time." We need to attempt our best to achieve that dream once we see it. Otherwise, it would turn into just an "empty dream" (or "daydream").

Lets dream high. And, lets other inspire to dream high.

Banda Blogging

"What matters that I am open, if the nation is closed?" I kept it Facebook status, with much laziness. Really, I am frustrated in this Banda.

Do you know why? At first, it is so longer. If today was not Banda, I would be in rush for the whole day in studies and some little of bigger works. But now, you know what I am doing. I have not crossed the gate of my home for last few days.  Where to go? Why to go? What to do? Whom to meet? How to go? So, I stay at home the whole day. Sometimes I read, sometimes I watch TV, sometimes I enjoy Facebook, sometimes I do some pending personal works, I can do whatever I wish. If I feel bored to do anything, I just nap for some minutes.

Despite such plenty of time available to me, I haven't written on blogs. I don't know exactly why I am not willing to write. What to write on? Nothing is there except the Banda. What to write about Banda? Everyone I have met is saying that Banda is irritating, I hate it. Do I need to repeat that again in my blogs? I think no. Really, who can be there to enjoy Banda except the organizers and their blind followers? And so, the people have begun to retaliate them.

But wait, this Banda is not the longest one in our history. The fresh 2006 April movement was three times longer than it. However, the great difference lies between these two. Then, the general people were protestors, today only the cadres of the party are protesting. Then, they demanded the change in state system and laws, today they demand change in prime minister! (How shameful, does this demand deserve such movement?) Then, the organizer was parties' alliance, today it is the single party. Though, the organizer claims it to be 'Janaandolan' (People's Movement), certainly it is not; because its organizer and participants don't represent whole and general people as the past Janaandolans did.

Yes, protests are democracy-guaranteed rights. But, it is not for democracy, I feel so. I had a chat with one respectable personality, who has greater political acquaintance than me.  He at first said, "Let is be. It's matter of democracy. They have rights to do so." The, I asked, "Do you think will democracy be stronger than today, it the Aandolan gets success?" He replied, "How can that be Bhai! Rather, it might be more vulnerable."

I am praying to get rid of it soon. Yesterday, I again kept a new Facebook status, "Does anyone know anything when will this Banda end?" So far, no has replied anything. I am, still waiting any reply for that question.

After viewing 'KHARIKO GHERO'

Today I viewed the drama, 'KHARIKO GHERO', a translated Nepali drama at Gurukul Theatre.

I found the drama seriously meaningful as well as extremely entertaining. The play offers both understanding and pleasure in greater degree.

For me, the themes of the play were about motherhood, courage, love and justice. Geeta, a servant in the King's palace, is the real Hero of the play. She saves and bring sup Manohar, the prince who was approached by the army men with for some conspiracy. The basic plot is all about her struggles to hide and protect Manohar and herself from army men of the force. Akkal Bahadur, is the secondly most important character, who appears only in the second half of the play. With many weakness and stupidities, though, he has proved himself a good judge at the end of the play. He is corrupt regarding economic matters, abuses people (especially women) with harsh words. He is unknown to any legal provision; neither has he wanted to know them. He thinks   himself a full court and makes verdicts according to his own random instincts. Yet, his final verdict - regarding whom the child should be given - seems absolutely just and appropriate.

The drama ends with a melodious song with a greater message, "Vehicle - of who drives, child - of who brings up, land - of who ploughs…" This is straightforward, plain but appropriate and objective formula of justice, as presented in the play.

In many scenes, audiences can not stop their laughter, especially in the actions and dialogues of King's brother, Geeta's husband and mother-in-law, Akkal Bahadur and some army men.

However, the drama contains some such dialogues and scenes, which can be found "semi-obscene" for family environment in Nepali society. The army men's treatment over Geeta, Geeta's husband's bath scene and army men's general use of verbal and bahavioural codes to refer sexual matters can be found indigestive to some Nepali people. On the other hand, the drama has shown the Queen "unlike mother", who is far more concerned with make-ups and apparels, than her own child.

The drama is more than two hours and 10 minutes long with a 10-minute interval. The drama begins after 5:30pm, therefore ends at nearly 8pm. The organizer should realize that many people who are eager to enjoy the performance, have not become able to attend it, because of this time factor. If it would begin quite earlier of it would be quite shorter, more people would get chance to enjoy it.

Hope and fear

Today, at a same venue, I met two journalists – of two different journalistic backgrounds.

The one was the man, who had run a weekly paper for twelve years, from Birtamod, Jhapa. Another was the man, who had just begun a fortnightly paper some months ago, but couldn't continue it after two issues because of various reasons. obviously, one was so veteran who had already experienced seven years since he left twelve-year long journey in journalism. Another was one, who had just initiated the journey; or let's say he has not begun to walk yet.

However, there were some commonalities between them. Both opined that journalism in Nepal can't be professional unless they are backed up by some specific political parties. The veteran opined that his paper would not be closed if he was ready to become "Jhole Patrakar" of a party. The youth opined that he couldn't continue his paper well, because his team aimed to do "independent journalism".

Though they were pessimist about political influence on media, they both agreed on growing strength of media in Nepal. The veteran told that Kantipur began some years after his paper, but now the paper rules the state! He further told his experience of visiting Delhi for some training on journalism with today's well-known journalists.

So, as a student of journalism, today I got optimist as well as pessimist views about my would-be career from experienced persons. I experience hope and fear simultaneously.  This will help, I believe, to guide me in future.

Inspirations and Ideals

"Which woman is the best inspiration for you?"
In a program organized to celebrate soon-to-come International Women's Day, I face such question.Surely, it is an interesting question, though I couldn't find the answer easier. The focused participants of the program were some school girls, most of them mentioned their mothers or teachers as their inspirations.
I thought for some minutes: Don't I have inspiration from any woman? Or can't or don't I want to acknowledge them? Answers of both questions are "NO" to me. But, why can't I tell them who is my inspiration?

Still I am zeroing in on it. Now, I have some ideas.
No person (I unconsciously wrote here "man" first, but deleted and placed "person" for inclusive language) is perfect. To be ideal is to be perfect, so no person is ideal for me. As many people opine that human beings are made-up of unique mixture of intelligence and stupidity. When I think of any seemingly ideal person, first I want to mention him/her as an inspiration and ideal. Later, however, I remember the ugly truth of human life that no one is faultless. So, I so far haven't mentioned anyone as my single or specific source of inspiration.
It doesn't mean that I don't have any inspirations. Yes, I do have many, and today's m living is guided and influenced by many people. They all are inspiration for me, but they are not solely inspirations. Their motivation to me is only partial. If I just mention names of 2-3 person, it would be injustice for others, I think so.
However, you might argue that among many, there can be some top priorities . Yes, there can be. My weakness appears here. I haven't (tried to) set my priority-list of top inspirations. I am now thinking to do it. When I'll do, I surely share with you, if you don't hesitate to know it!

But, I am feeling sorry to those schoolgirls, who didn't find my answers. I was supposed to be able to answer it, by I couldn't. I apologize with  you, my lovely sisters!