Beautiful Flower amid the Thorns: JHAMAK KUMARI

"Now I proved myself that life is a beautiful flower of creation. But, don't know if my life is so or not!" begins 'JEEVAN: KAANDA KI PHOOL' [LIFE: WHETHER A THORN OR A FLOWER], a widely acclaimed book in Nepali literature these days. It is anthology of autobiographical essays by Jhamak K Ghimire, who is born with 'cerebral palsy' in 1980 in Dhankuta, Nepal.

All the essays reflect her struggle with physical disability in order to live with optimism and express her thoughts ands emotions through written words.

To general readers, the anthology appeals their senses with vivid descriptions of her attempts to outweigh situation of not being able to speak, walk and move hands. In a surprising contrast to her physical conditions, her mind and heart are so active that have always been producing powerful thoughts and emotions.  Adding up to her inborn disabilities, the family and the society further offered physical and psychological tortures. She was always trying to 'do something' defying boundaries set by her physique and consequent socio-cultural commands. So, her activities would always agitate her family members and society, which in turn led her to encounter more immediate hardships.

In the initial phase of her life, she was experiencing a "thorny" life, when people in her contact - including her parents - wished her to meet death, in order to escape potential hardships of life. However, she faced all these attacks so bravely that society later turned to appraise her and her works. She began to learn read and write letters with direct and indirect support from her sister, though her parents were against it.  She used to scribble the letters on earth or stone with bamboo-bricks, coal or mere bare toes; resulting physical pain and bleeding at one side, and shouts from parents at the same time. She had to cry long and protest hard in order to make her parents buy pen and papers to her for the first time.

As soon as she began to write with her left foot, the surrounding perceived it as a miracle. As a result, people began to visit her to satisfy their curiosity on how she could communicate without speaking.

As she had creative thoughts and emotions right from her early days, writing ability enabled her to express them to other people. So, she started writing poems, articles and drawing pictures; after she got sufficient vocabularies and writing rules from the literatures she went through.

With the support of many helping hands, she later expanded her horizons to be a columnist for a widely popular national daily. This further enabled her to establish and strengthen her recognition. So far, she has written nine whole books, in different genres: poetry, stories, essays and articles. Consequently, she has received tens of awards and prizes for the words she expresses.

Her experiences during the armed conflict and movements for democracy are more painful. Primarily, her humanitarian heart was tortured by news of attacks, wars and killings. Further, members of war-involved parties would carry out searches to her place and possessions to see if she to is involved in "suspicious activities". On the other hand, some people would perceive her appeals for freedom and democracy through writing as political agenda of some specific parties. However, there is no stopping Jhamak- she continued to write whatever she felt and thought.

Now, Jhamak has already written a lot. But, she is still writing, for she says "Pen connects me with the world. Living without a pen might be possible, but not easy and natural at all."   She will be walking the same path, because she believes, "No more life for only self. I have to live for others. How long I live, I will live for my society, my nation and my world."

Virtual Wishes of Happy Birthday

"Happy Birthday to you, wishing more fun, success and progress in the coming year!" I wrote on her Facebook wall, just after I signed in my account before leaving for my college. Unexpectedly I met her that afternoon when I was on the way to Baneshwor. We shared 'Hello', 'How are you?', 'I'm fine' and 'Ba-Bye' to each other and continued to own journeys. When I signed in my Facebook that night, I got the notification that she had commented on my post. I found that she had written 'Thank you!' for my post. I gave a 'like' to that!

This real incident on a particular day of last week urged me to think some aspects of growing "fb"-culture. Facebook is popularly known as social network/media. But, do we ever examine its un/sociability?

Facebook has been overwhelmingly popular among internet-literates in Nepal and in other parts of the world. Being all-time active and updated on Facebook has become a matter of prestige for many youths among their friend circles.  It has been indeed helpful to connect ourselves with long-lost friends and far-flied relatives. Facebook is really a useful book on which you can find many useful and interesting faces.

But, let's discuss about my introductory incident. What difference would be there if I didn't have Facebook account; or if Facebook didn't have birthday reminding application? If I had remembered her birthday, I would call/send SMS to her wishing something good, and she would reply me 'Thanks!' But, if I hadn't remembered the date, the day would go so and so as other days. Simple!

But,  had I known the date and really met her face-to-face, I would surely said Happy Birthday in front of her face as well.

There might be hundreds of friends on your Facebook. Probably about a quarter may be unknown to you (so is the case for me!). Another fourth might be covered by some sort of known-by-all celebrities from many sectors of your interest and they don't really interact with you. The remaining half might be your people (including close and distant friends, family members, relatives, teachers and even some friends and families of your friends). And, interestingly you will be reminded of everyone's birthday. During the last ten days, there was no any day without any birthday notification, on my "fb" profile. To my surprise, April 1 was seven persons' birthday. (I guess some of them have purposively cited the date as to make us April Fool!).

And, I am habituated to wish them all happy birthday, no matter whether or how much I know to them. Thus, I feel same if it was my school time best friend or any celebrity writer, who is on my "fb" friend list. After all, I post the same message to everyone. Thus, Facebook birthday reminder has somehow been something like a wallpaper of my room that I observe everyday "taken for granted" and I use that everyday without knowing that I am using it.

To much surprise, some of the friends comment, "Thanks, but this is my LEGAL birthday, and my ACTUAL birthday is on x day of the y month." Or, some claim that the date was their actual birthday; however they will celebrate the legal one. There are many people who remind us that the "fb" birthday is according to solar calendar, but they celebrate according to lunar calendar (TITHI system). We can't calculate the number of persons who haven't mentioned their actual date of birth. Let's not spend much time to talk about those people who just mention any day of the year as their birthday just because there is the space to keep it.

In this way, virtual birthday wishes are taken for granted by many of its senders and receivers. They know that is there. They know it is to remind one about his/her nears' and dears' birthdays. And, they express wishes with decorative metaphors. But, the irony teases you when you happen to forget the matter that today was her birthday even after you meet her by face!

Birthdays were the occasions that would provide you the opportunity to celebrate the past success and enjoy the future dreams, with your family and friends. There were times when you would be so happy to hear 'Happy Birthday' from someone. This would be a matter of curiosity for your closed ones to plan together a celebration and offer you a surprise gift. It would be a memorable time for you when you would pay all bills of your friends at college canteen and the friends would immediately sing "Happy Birthday to you" for you. But thanks to Facebook that makes you alone, but with mere virtual birthday wishes without meanings, and words without expressions.

Let me claim again that Facebook has offered us fantastic service to connect ourselves with our world. It is nicer that it reminds us of some important dates for some people, who are important for us. The application is really helpful to celebrate those significant times with good spirits of prayers and wishes. But, do we actually take it so? Have we been able enough to enjoy all the benefits of such applications? To be more precise, has the birthday reminder really reminded you for the real birthday wishes and celebrations? Or, are they only wallpaper where you look everyday but don't care of its colours and composition?

Gorkha - Pokhara - Ghandruk

Intro

I don't want to begin this travelogue in the way I began my previous one. [LAMJUNG YAATRA: JEEVAN KO HINDAAI; you can find it, if you wish, on http://pyakdiwa.blogspot.com/2010/08/blog-post.html] That was a different context and this is totally happened in different context with different purposes.

So, this was tour with my classmates.  It was a completely recreational tour; however the college had named it "academic"! In between, I want to call it a recreational-cum-academic tour.

Obvious- most youths are fond of travelling with friends. Some of my classmates were demanding to organize a tour program since our first year class began. When we began the third (last!) year of Bachelors level, the voices got more intensified. Consequently, much with pressures by students, the college decided to organize a four-day tour to us, from 12 to 15 March, 2011. The destinations were Gorkha, Ghandruk and Pokhara.

We were altogether twenty- 15 students, two teachers, a tour operator/guide and two transportation staffs. Though our class has currently 16 students, Neetu was not there due to some contemporary health problems. From college side, we had respected principal Chandra Dhakal and coordinator Khum Sharma. Tour operator Arjun Regmi was so funny and friendly that we treated him as a friend. And, two bus staffs were also equally contributing for success of our program.

Leaving Kathmandu - to Gorkha

And, we left Kathmandu… and crossed Dhading, Chitwan and Tanahun districts. At 12.15 am, we were at lower part of historical Gorkha Durbaar area. The teachers pointed toward the top of the hill and waved byes to us with Arjun Dai to visit Gorkha Durbaar. Hight of the hill was somehow challenging for some of us, but we all were curious to observe Durbaar of our nation-builder! So, though in dissimilar paces, all of us climbed up the hill. It took average of 45 minutes to reach Durbaar and Gorakhkali Mandir premises. From the top, the surrounding greeneries and residential places seemed much beautiful. Our friend could not miss this opportunity to capture themselves amid that natural beauty into their camera.

 On the way to Pokhara

It was already 2.30 pm when we were down at Gorkha Bazaar. Now, the bus turned back and followed the same path of 24km up to Aabukhaireni of Tanahun. Now, we turned west to reach the Lake City - Pokhara - which remains synonym of tourism for Nepali economy.

We stopped at Damauli to have few snacks. (The snacks were accompanied with some dissatisfaction! You'll know, go on….) Finally, at about 5.45 pm, we took off the bus and entered Hotel Khukuri, Lakeside, where we were to stay.

Coincidently it was Saturday - and it was fortunate for us. We just knew that Lakeside would celebrate street festivals on Saturdays of this year to mark Nepal Tourism Year, 2011. We too came out on streets. Most of the friends chose cycling to pass the evening. Few of us preferred enjoying internet at cyber and just strolling on the streets.  

On the way to Ghandruk

For the second day (13 March), our plan was to trek to Ghandruk, a Gurung community at some height of North Kaski. After breakfast we took the bus to reach Nayapul, from where we were set to walk on foot - uphill! After some friends prepared themselves with hats, sticks and dry foods; we began walking. We stopped at Birethanti at the bank of Modi River for the lunch. After lunch, we began to trudge up the hill at 11 am.

For the first hour, the route was quite easier. It was straight and quite wide. But as we crossed the Syauli Bazaar, you didn't have shortcuts or any options available - except to stamp up the stone-paved steps, with little residential and market area around. But, we had to pass loose-dense jungles where monkeys live. (Later, Khum sir used the reference of these monkeys to make his joke spicier! Though we didn't see any tiger there, believing a teen-aged muleteer, he made guff that evening that he saw a tiger. He presented me as a witness; I too stated that I saw it, though I had not. In reality, no one of us knew whether there was tiger or not, neither we tried to confirm it.)

At Ghandruk

At 3 pm, some fastest of us reached at our destination - Ghandruk.  However, our group was so scattered that it took almost two hours to get all of our friends there. When we were all together, we had little snacks. (Again it too had some aggressions. You'll know, go on…) The we spent the evening walking around the village which was famous for developing economy through tourism, at the same time preserving its natural and cultural heritage. Some friends even dressed in Gurung costumes and pictured it. Later, we gathered together at our hotel premises to enjoy songs and dances of our multitalented friends with Madal and claps.

The next morning, after a cup of tea, we spent time observing the mountains (Himalayas) from a closer distance. Mountains, including Annapurna and Machhapuchhre/Fishtail are seen as if they are some meters away from us. At the time of sunshine, we took many photographs amid background of those Himalayas. Then some of us visited Gurung Museum there. After breakfast, we moved to step down - back to Birethanti, Nayapul and then Pokhara.

The costly journey

The way to Ghandruk and Ghandruk were so costly. At Syauli Bazaar, Red Bull Rs 90, Glucose Powder Rs 50, Mineral Water Rs 45 and so on. It was on the way - some two hours on foot down from Ghandruk. It is because all the materials were taken there by mules. There was no any sign of transportation except that. You can just imagine how much costly the materials would be there at exact Ghandruk.

That cost was only for Nepalis. Foreigners had to pay more than us for everything.

The day of bad luck!

As the way during getting up, we were scattered when we were on the way to down. But, I was in the first group in moving up, while in the last one to get down. At Kinche, on the way, we- me, Josina, Dawa, Gaurav and Ved - stopped to have tea. We were at verandah of the shop. Josina was at another side, whereas Dawa, Gaurav and Ved asked me to take a snap. They became ready to pose depending themselves on wooden railings of the verandah. Before I was about to click, the railings suddenly uprooted. Oh God!! All of them bravely controlled themselves! Thanks God, nothing happened!!

Down, we saw Sujan, Radha and Anita playing in Modi River and taking photographs. As Josina desired, and we didn't have any hurry; we too went on the bank and began photo sessions. They from water were asking to join them. Suddenly, Sujan happened to cut his foot with stone or lead there. The environment suddenly took u-turn, and everyone was quite nervous and emotional. Thanks to Dawa, who had means for first aid. Then, Gaurav, Dawa and Kiran one after another carried him to reach Birethanti - from where you can get taxi and motorway. Then, he was taken to Nayapul by taxi and given further treatments there.

Later, Dawa connected the two events to prove the day to be the day of bad luck. I too felt so.

Due to so and so reasons, we spent about equal time to come down as to go up.  After lunch at Nayapul we headed off to Pokhara at 2.30 pm. Bad luck was still following us- the bus stopped as some of its parts didn't function properly. Witihn half an hour, the bus staffs maintained the but to move. And we reached Hotel Khukuri, Pokhara at 4.45 pm.

The remaining evening was spent tasting some of the food stations and gift shops in search of souvenirs to bring home back.

At Pokhara

The fourth morning - only morning! - was for Pokhara. After a cup of tea, we were in haste to visit "the heart of the Lake City" - Phewa Lake. At about 7.15 am, we entered into a boat to cross the lake to reach Taal Barahi Temple, which remains on island of the lake. We devoted our faith to the holy Goddess and begged for her kind blessings. Obviously, we didn't return without taking some photos.

Getting back to beach, now our next destination was Davis Fall (Paatale Chhango). Our visit to this place went so fast that didn't last for more than half an hour. Nevertheless, we didn't have to do anything there except amazing ourselves on mystery of nature to create such a beautiful (but equally dangerous!) place.

Cave experience

Our bags were already packed off and we already had breakfast. But yet, we had to visit few tourist spots there. Due to lack of time, we had to choose only one among many attractions available. Finally between Mahendra Cave and Bat Cave, we chose the latter - Bat Cave (Chamere Gufa). On the way there, we visited famous Bindyabaasini temple too. 

Ultimately, our choice was proved to be right as later they said the Bat Cave is more adventurous than the Mahendra. Passing through cave was the first experience for all of us except Arjun Dai. [Our teachers had not gone there. Josina and Radha too were not there, as they were accompanying Sujan at bus!] The cave inside was completely dark; we needed to take torch with us. We felt water dropping everywhere.  The way was easier, except the darkness, until we reached to the last point. But at last, we had to cross so narrow and somehow quite vertical way of some ten meters to find the way out. We couldn't - probably - step up those steps and return to the entrance point; if Arjun Dai was not there to suggest where to stamp our steps and how to bend our body.

Sorry to say that I don't have any photographs (as my other friends have) of coming out of the cave because I was the first person of my group to get that success ands no one was outside to capture me into their camera. Finally, all of us got success and felt much brave that "we did the adventure!" [Probably, Gaurav can best act these words with his famous I-did-it-gesture!]

Now, we didn't have any time - back to Kathmandu. 

Bus fun

From Kathmandu to Pokhara on the first day, no one, but we back-seaters were quite excited to sing and dance. The driver Dai would play varieties of songs - from "Campus padhna aaune, …. haammle aankha judhaune" type of Dohoris to "Kyaa daami bho" and item numbers of "Munni…". We would like some of them, and some used to be irritating to us. We passed the way with "average" fun - average dances and average songs.

For me personally, seeking fun in bus was a type of compulsion. Don't mind friends, but I felt alone and monotonous when you people spent whole hours talking to your seat-partner and only him/her. Probably, I am not of the nature to enjoy hours with a single friend, or I couldn't find such friends there. I had to - without any option - clap my hands and join the chorus.

The same happened when we were back to Pokhara from Nayapul. But this time, I felt quite easier with our versatile Radha. Seemingly to make injured Sujan feel well, he performed numerous jokes, caricatures and comedies.

At least me, and I guess all of us, were not known of the fact that Radha was so multitalented until we saw him on our journey back to Kathmandu. As usual, the songs were varied - but our Radha was not there to say "yes" or "no". Everything was "yes" for him this time - a big "YES" with spellbinding body movements and gestures. Thanks to his dances, I didn't get any chance to feel bored during whole six hours.   Anisha, Kiran and Anita too supported him frequently.

The negative side

I didn't want to write this part. But, now I feel that, it would be incomplete if I don't include this part. If you wish, you can skip reading it.

Remember that I have asked you to wait in the context of "little snacks" two times? …  Right from planning, small size of our class was the greatest problem for us to manage the package in a cost-effective way. The same factor disturbed us during the whole program. On the first day, on the way to Pokhara from Gorkha, we had felt too appetite, but our teachers and the tour operator were not ready to feed us. The said - no any schedules to have foods in between. You know why? - Not enough budgets.  Finally, they provided some stuffs- but not enough!

On the second day at Ghandruk, the same situation repeated. The principal was not with us, another teacher was silent and the tour operator spoke of same problem intensifying anger with hunger of some of our friends. It is shame to say - for both college administration and us - but, we have to say that most of us were not satisfied with food timing part of this tour program. If the budget and size factors were solely responsible for this problem, we could solve it discussing among us before the program begins. But, so sad…!

Our main destination happened to be Ghandruk- and we spent most time walking on foot. It is natural that no one has same walking pace. As the guiding seniors - who were supposed to take the "guardian role" - didn't tried, we were apparent scattered. This might have made some friends feel quite neglected from the college administration. Personally, I have asked Khum sir more than five times to wait for all and walk together with much fun. But each time he answered, "Tension liney kaa nahi, diney kaa hey yaaro! Let it be!"  So sad again…!

Now I am quite obsessed with the idea that if Khum sir had considered my idea at time, Sujan would not get the accident. Even after the accident, they did not care too much.

From students' side too, there were some problems. The first was some of us came to anger so fast when we had appetites. Shame to say again - some of us even called to Kathmandu to report the problem which we could solve ourselves there! We were badly affected by "groupism" dynamics- there were at least two groups within our team who would not accept easily to company another for anything. The last night some of us were quite late to arrive at hotel, which was obviously irresponsible.

But the college administration should always have been more responsible than us. And, they can not point out our weaknesses in order to hide theirs. No more to say…

After all, it was success!

However we did, we did it. In addition to get fun, observe and learnt about nature and culture, this gave us opportunity to get closer to each other and with the teachers. The teachers might have got similar benefits.

The journey was full of pleasures and pains, laughter and angers, and teasing and rivalry. After all, they all contributed together to make it a success. As we were repeatedly singing in bus on the way to Pokhara from Kathmandu, it was a "Kyaa daami bho" experience.

The four days spent together with college friends will be in our memory - as an unforgettable event happened amid youthful spirit.

22 March, 2011

Widening the way for …

She was only seven years old when she started the job, which she is still doing. But, the time has been changed so significant that it turned her to a trade union leader from a helpless domestic child labour.

Born in 1985 November in Jhapa, eastern Terai of Nepal, Sonu Danuwar is now president of Nepal Independent Domestic Workers' Union (NIDWU), the first trade union of domestic workers in South Asia. She has struggled a lot to get rights for herself and for all people working as domestic helps like her. She was little girl when she began to raise voices against labour exploitation of child workers.  She is still on the same path, but the path has been wider and easier.

Her father sent her to work in a man's home at Dhulabaari when she was seven years old. The man had dealt with her father to appoint her as babysitter. "But I had to do everything there from dishes to clothes", she remembers. Though she had tried few times to escape from brutal beatings from the man, she would be forced to continue the job from her father and family.

After some months of her father's death, she left the work place and returned to home. But the poor economic condition didn't allow her to be there. Soon, an unknown person from Kathmandu took her to the capital. He placed her to his sister's house to support for domestic works.

After two years in 1998, she found a women class near her workplace and asked if she could join it. But, the lady there named Mamta Pandey took her into another type of class - Non Formal Education (NFE) for domestic child workers, organized by CWISH, a NGO working for domestic child workers. This very meet to Mamta Pandey was probably the most important incident in her life so far, which led her to movements for labour. She regularly attended the NFE classes and admitted to the nearby school after three years.

The NFE had already bid farewell to her. But, she with some other NFE-students continued to gather together weekly purposively "to enjoy" sharing pains and pleasures.  "This very RAMAILO SHUKRABAAR (Good Friday) later turned into Gharelu Baal Shramik Manch (Domestic Child Workers' Forum - DCWF), as we got training on child club management", she remembers the past. 

Yes, there were many obstacles for her to join the Ramailo Shukrabaar and DCWF. It was really difficult to manage time between her domestic works and gatherings and clubs. "I pretended, before the employers, to continue the NFE classes for the six months after its closure", she reveals the secret of her struggle. When the employers came to know her activities about forums and labour rights, they asked her not to go to anywhere. But she had a strong desire to protect herself and her friends. Her other friends also confronted many problems. "The employers used to increase the works if they knew that we have meeting or any function for the day. Moreover, our school teachers would suspect that child club will ruin the study." She used to try her best to convince them, "Once I took my employer AAMA to CWISH and showed what I am doing for. After that AAMA has been quite supportive for me". She suggests the workers themselves to convince their employers about their rights and responsibilities. "While asking for the rights, we should be equally cautious not to ignore our duties", she says. Her experience has taught that some promotional activities like inviting the employers on the club functions, publicly acknowledging their support for living of child workers, and publishing their interviews on the wall magazines and magazines of child clubs help them to cope with the obstacles from employers.    

After some years, they formed Gharelu Shramik Manch (Domestic Workers' Forum - DWF) to further struggle for decency and rights of domestic workers.

In 2006, General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GeFONT) in cooperation with CWISH and Committee for Asian Women (CAW) conducted six-month training on unionization and leadership for domestic workers connected to CWISH. It was with the purpose to form a trade union of domestic workers.  After the training, she had developed passion to "do something more". Consequently, the Nepal independent Domestic Workers' Union (NIDWU) got its existence in February, 2007 under the leadership of Danuwar.

And, what has she got after crossing these high walls? "For me, it gave me frequent chance to foreign visits", expresses happily recollecting the countries which she visited. "I have become international leader for domestic workers", she says. Now, Sonu is chairperson of Asian Domestic Workers' Network (ADWN) and joint-vice-chairperson of International Domestic Workers' Network (IDWN). But, is not great in correspondence with what her "class" has got. Now, there is no concrete law which defines domestic work as "work". "But, if some friend receives tortures and exploitations, we are there to fight for him/her", Danuwar ensures. For her, the greatest achievement is ILO's plan to issue Convention on Domestic Work. According to her, the convention will be issued in 2012.

She is still a domestic worker, with responsibilities from dishes to clothes. But, she has additional duties to serve the interest of all her friends. And, she believes she can make it well. "…because I have determination to work regularly. Regularity is what that made success for me."  Yes, there were many like her who were working as domestic helps, and there were many who attended the NFE classes. But, they couldn't continue the struggle. But, Sonu is still on the way.

Yet she feels that "many things are yet to do." She has a dream that every domestic worker will get identity, decency and all facilities that other professionals get as workers, including fixed leave and wages.   But when? "Wait until we get the ILO convention. After that there will be tangible and apparent changes. If you can't see the changes, we will make it", the confident leader tries to convince all workers hoping for good.  Best wishes, Sonu!

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!  

Don't you think so ...?

ACHEL begins a new campaign

Diwakar Pyakurel,

Kapan, 5 September

ACHEL Theatre Group based on Pashupati has made its debut for a new campaign of staging the same play in various places.

On 4 September, the group organized six shows of the drama 'KAHILE BANLAA ?' (When will it be?). The play was shown at Basantapur, Ratnapark, Chabahil, Gaushala, Jayabageshwori, and pashupati on the same date.

As said by Sanjita Parajuli of ACHEL Group, the drama links contemporary political situation of the nation with problems of a layman's family and its children. "No kerosene in the market, no sugar, neither petrol. Even if you can get them, the prices are on the sky. No water. No mobile connection. In two years of CA election, no constitution is made. They can't elect a PM in three months. Children are kidnapped from schools. They can't go to school due to Nepal Bandh and Chakka Jaam. This is what we have shown", says Ajit Aryal, director of the play.

The drama was directed by Ajit Aryal. The major performers were Samjhana Adhikari, Anish rai, Sanjita Parajuli and Aryal himself.

Abhinaya dwara Chetana ka Lahar haru- ACHEL (Waves of Awareness through Acting) is a theatre group established some three years back with initiation of local youths. It has been presenting short dramas in Pashupati area regularly and in special occasions.

Missing Husband

A woman went to police station to file a report for her missing husband. Woman: I lost my husband Inspector: What is his height  Woman: I never noticed  Inspector: Slim or healthy  Woman Not slim can be healthy  Inspector: Color of eyes  Woman: Never noticed  Inspector: Color of hair  Woman: Should be black  Inspector: What was he wearing  Woman: I don't remember exactly  Inspector: Was somebody with him ?????????  Woman: Yes my Labrador dog (Romeo), tied with a golden chain, height 30 inches, healthy, blue eyes, blackish brown hair, his left foot thumb nail is slightly broken, he never barks, wearing a golden belt studded with blue balls, he likes non veg food, we eat together, we jog together. The woman started crying Inspector: Let's search for the dog first!!!!!!! !!!!!!

Goal, goal and goal !

The world is desperately waiting for beginning of the World Cup now. In this context, I have posted some important and interesting information about World Cup history. I also have got something more, if time allows me, I will post that later.

Thanks to Badri Sir for information.

First Goal
The first World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930. Many believed American Bart McGee scored the first goal in the World Cup, against Belgium in the 40th minute. But a dispute erupted and FIFA, soccer's governing body, determined the first goal was scored by Frenchman Lucien Laurent in the 19th minute against Mexico on July 13, 1930.

First Red Card
The red and yellow card system was not introduced until the 1970 World Cup. The first player to receive a red card was Chile's Carlos Caszely in 1974 in a match against West Germany in the 67th minute.

Youngest Player
The youngest player to play in a World Cup match was Northern Ireland's Norman Whiteside against Yugoslavia in 1982. He was 17 years, 41 days old.

Largest Attendance
The highest attendance for one match was in the 1950 final. The official attendance was 199,854 for the match between Brazil and Uruguay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Top Scoring Team
Hungary scored 27 goals in the 1954 World Cup. Hungary made the finals that year but lost to West Germany 3-2.
Most Consecutive First-Round Eliminations
Scotland holds the record with eight: 1954, 1958, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990 and 1998.

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.