Every morning the day in Kathmandu begins at 4, 5 am. The parents make a good deal of efforts waking up their children from slumber to gear up for the schools and colleges. Some kids crying louder bothering their neighbor and adamant to get up. The teenagers, the college goers have even tougher time getting up as early as 5 and get prepared. It is curious that the girls manage to get wonderfully dressed with amazing make ups so early.
The streets are already full of activity at early morning. There is circular motion of college goers moving here and there at every direction with diverse colors uniforms. Mask clad girls can be seen stepping ahead enigmatically protecting themselves from the dust and feel carefree inside undisclosed identity. Some girls are sticking to their lean boyfriends in fancy modified bikes riding at the speed of 70 km per hour. So it is not strange to witness mishaps early in the morning due to over-speeding of bikes.
The sweepers already ‘finish up’ their duties early by the dawn. The morning walkers seem targeting different directions revitalizing their energy passing through the circle of dust. The porters are already gathered at chowks hope get employment of moving the merchandise. The rag pickers are already surrounding the garbage piles. Slowly the street is thickening up by the vehicular movement and passersby. Entire city remains busy, dusty, congested, crowded throughout the day. The congestion is more awful at evenings. It is hard to differentiate between the pavement and road because both the places are used by the commuters and vehicles together. People look hurrying up to their destinations. The ears get deafening blows due to biker’s honking searching for the road ahead as if they are in the great emergency.
The night life begins with the engagements to star hotels to cafes to dance bars to dohari bars to discos. Mostly they are jampacked with the young crowd. Various recreations & enjoyments are obtainable at different places according to the class & choice of people. This saga remains until late night. Another segment of the netizens is ready to wake up for the following day when some are yet to finish up the day. So the city never gets rest rumbling with the crowd everyday & night while humbly furnishing all the good and ugly demands of the citizens without getting any act of care & compassion return. It simply obtains the trademark of polluted, dirty, filthy city by the people who everyday simply contaminate the streets, rivers & the entire environment.
Monday, December 21, 2009
The Dynamics of Climate Change
The power politics of today’s uni-polar world is gradually taking a shift due to an alarming issue of Global Warming & Climate Change. The world so far had never realized such situation will knock us in such spontaneous manner. A decade ago this matter was not the primary concern of many developed countries who has played a pivotal part in contributing green-house gases. The Global Warming is a prize due to their avid consumption of resources as a ‘ripple effect’. The posterior consequences never got true retrospection from their side and continued to carry on advancing their heavily resource-consuming mega infrastructures and consuming resources to create energy (coal, petroleum to generate electricity) & so on. Nevertheless, they have set the conventional slogan of ‘big and beautiful’.
However, in recent years, the Global Warming & climate-change phenomenon has reoriented the development definition. The dilemma between massive consumption of resources for creating mega-structures or building small, green and environment friendly structures is lingering both the developed as well as developing world. Country to country may have their own set of limitations to their path but the issue once again rejuvenated developed and underdeveloped world to come together in a platform because Global Warming is no more a problem of a particular country or an area. It is praiseworthy that even the hostile states are also joining each other’s drive to fight out for this collective cause. To jumpstart is imperative now due to visible & disastrous impact of Climate Change that can be noticed from alarming rise in the sea level of some countries or Graying of ice-covered lands of the green land and the North Pole or the snow-capped Himalayas. This debacle has encouraged indulging in serious discussions & cooperation worldwide.
Many countries are already involved in exchanging ideas & technologies. Developed countries are also forced to divulge their expensive green-technologies to poor countries which otherwise have a handsome value in the commodity market because they know if they don’t share they themselves may devoid of scarce natural resources- drinkable water, irrigation more particularly inundation of their own coastal land due to rise in sea-level. It is pitiful that powerful and highly developed countries commitments at environment summits duly go uncomplied and show indifference towards cutting their carbon emission who often try to escape by injecting token economic packages into developing countries in the name of plantation, awareness & environment protection programs. Global Warming can never be overcome without strong compliance & resilience from developed countries side. They shouldn’t escape from their responsibilities shouldering the burden to the underdeveloped countries.
Developing countries’ untapped natural resources are now into the ‘eagle eyes’ of developed countries. At this juncture, developing countries should move very cautiously and cash the situation and bargain for own set of economic interests simultaneously serving for the collective benefit. Dominant countries poised to capture such resources by manipulation or enticement or by taking advantage of unstable situation. We can never rule out that Nepal can’t be the victim of that fiasco due to our unstable situation, divisive politics & lack of national unity. Nepal, being rich in natural resources-forests, glaciers, lakes, rivers should move vigilantly ahead without compromising its future national interests keeping the internal conflicts at bay. The Global Warming can prove to be ‘the blessing in disguise’ if we are able to tap the situation. Otherwise, Global Warming will certainly wipe us out but we will immediately debarred from our own valuable natural resources. However, if we move responsibly time will be in our favor which can engender our sustainable & prosperous future and also can contribute to overcome the Global Warming & Climate Change.
However, in recent years, the Global Warming & climate-change phenomenon has reoriented the development definition. The dilemma between massive consumption of resources for creating mega-structures or building small, green and environment friendly structures is lingering both the developed as well as developing world. Country to country may have their own set of limitations to their path but the issue once again rejuvenated developed and underdeveloped world to come together in a platform because Global Warming is no more a problem of a particular country or an area. It is praiseworthy that even the hostile states are also joining each other’s drive to fight out for this collective cause. To jumpstart is imperative now due to visible & disastrous impact of Climate Change that can be noticed from alarming rise in the sea level of some countries or Graying of ice-covered lands of the green land and the North Pole or the snow-capped Himalayas. This debacle has encouraged indulging in serious discussions & cooperation worldwide.
Many countries are already involved in exchanging ideas & technologies. Developed countries are also forced to divulge their expensive green-technologies to poor countries which otherwise have a handsome value in the commodity market because they know if they don’t share they themselves may devoid of scarce natural resources- drinkable water, irrigation more particularly inundation of their own coastal land due to rise in sea-level. It is pitiful that powerful and highly developed countries commitments at environment summits duly go uncomplied and show indifference towards cutting their carbon emission who often try to escape by injecting token economic packages into developing countries in the name of plantation, awareness & environment protection programs. Global Warming can never be overcome without strong compliance & resilience from developed countries side. They shouldn’t escape from their responsibilities shouldering the burden to the underdeveloped countries.
Developing countries’ untapped natural resources are now into the ‘eagle eyes’ of developed countries. At this juncture, developing countries should move very cautiously and cash the situation and bargain for own set of economic interests simultaneously serving for the collective benefit. Dominant countries poised to capture such resources by manipulation or enticement or by taking advantage of unstable situation. We can never rule out that Nepal can’t be the victim of that fiasco due to our unstable situation, divisive politics & lack of national unity. Nepal, being rich in natural resources-forests, glaciers, lakes, rivers should move vigilantly ahead without compromising its future national interests keeping the internal conflicts at bay. The Global Warming can prove to be ‘the blessing in disguise’ if we are able to tap the situation. Otherwise, Global Warming will certainly wipe us out but we will immediately debarred from our own valuable natural resources. However, if we move responsibly time will be in our favor which can engender our sustainable & prosperous future and also can contribute to overcome the Global Warming & Climate Change.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Ill Effects of Journalism in Nepal
Journalism is one of the most crucial arbitrators in overall functioning of the country. It has influence from governance to development, environment to social & economic aspects. That why it is regarded one of the pillars of democracy. Journalism in
Today in
Journalism has yet to become mature & professional in
Yet in another aspect, we lack professionalism while dealing with the foreign dignitaries. For example, journalists often put queries with such visitors and diplomats in interviews or press conferences such as – how do you evaluate the relationship between the two political parties! What do you think will be the solution to our political problem? Or what will be your role to solve the crisis! And so on. Such kinds of questions unnecessarily undermine our capability and dignity while surrendering to foreigner's guidance in our own trivial issues. Journalists should speak the language of citizens shouldn’t make the people humiliated or undermine our dignity. This is how the dependent culture is all sought accepting the domination of foreigners.
Every day politicians are busy in media clubs for interviews, & conferences. They repeat their statements hundreds of times which at all are not fruitful. Party leaders blame each other and always make threatening & provocative statements about political situation. They don’t give breakthrough of the crisis but terrify the public with bad predictions. The platform becomes a place to blame, provocation instead of becoming a friendly interaction for a solution. The speeches of politicians are not good for anybody else. They don’t speak the truth but what benefits them and their parties. Medias also entertain them very highly give space to their statement which doesn’t carry any value. Media should now judge the relevance of such clubs & events and entertain only those which carry a high importance. Medias should demonstrate the professionalism presenting the truth which can make their esteem high and show the responsibility at the transitional time of the country.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
LEARNING FROM SOUTH KOREA'S PROGRESS by Kamal Khanal
The fundamental twist and turmoil in global politics and ideology led to divide Korea into two occupation zones at the end of 1945, with the United States administering the southern half of the peninsula and the Soviet Union taking over the north dividing Korea exactly into two parts in 38th parallel. Now these separate nations have diametrically opposed political, economic, and social systems in the post-independence period.
The population of 48,508,972 (July 2008 est) South Korea is smaller than Nepal in geographical size. However, exceptionally productive workforce guided by sound government policies with disciplined work culture guided South Korea to shine in less than half of the century. This led to extraordinary economic growth from mere GDP of 3.3 billion dollars in 1962 to 957 billion dollars in 2007. Per capita income of a Korean reached $27,647 (IMF) in 2008 which slightly slowed down now due to economic recession worldwide. S Korea had a rapid economic growth averaged more than 8 percent per year. It had a massive transformation for twenty some years from the 60s to 80s. Earlier South Korean society was under feudalistic culture similar to Nepal with unequal distribution of wealth and land. As a part of modernization in the fifties, South Korea started the land reform program. The land reform retained the institution of private property confiscating and redistributing land held by the Japanese colonialists. Koreans with large landholdings were also obliged to divest most of their land. A new class of independent, family proprietorship was created.
A military coup was led by Major General Park Chung-Hee in 1961. During his regime, South Korea began to take a more confident role in international relations & the economy grew rapidly. The Park regime used the foreign aid from Japan and the United States and provided loans to export businesses. It supported the construction of Pohang Iron and Steel Company (POSCO) steel mill, which became one of the world's largest steel mill at later period. Park Chung Hee has been credited with the industrialization of South Korea through export-led growth, but also criticized for his authoritarian way of ruling the country. He was named "one of the top 100 Asians of the 20th Century" by Time Magazine.
The early South Korean economic plans emphasized the development of agriculture and infrastructure, at later period, it shifted to construction, light industry, electronics, and heavy and chemical industries. An export-driven economy developed. Incentives for exports included a reduction of income taxes for exporters, tariff exemptions for raw materials imported for export production, business tax exemptions etc. Public enterprises of 1960s concentrated in the areas of electrification, banking, communications, and manufacturing. By 1990s those enterprises were already efficient revenue-producing units. Privatization in S Korea began in the 80s, many government backed firms opened to the market to private parties, but the government remained the principal stockholder in each company such as in Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and Pohang Iron and Steel Company (POSCO).
Foreign credit dependency of 60s to finance development decreased due to increased liberalization and internationalization. In the 1990s South Korea had greater reliance on domestic sources. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, South Korea was one of the first among developing nations in opening to the world trade. In 1960, country was one of the poorest spots on the planet. Today, South Koreans enjoy an immensely prosperous lifestyle compared to their parents and grand parents. Liberalization & openness helped to prevent the resources getting trapped in aging industries and to tap large
foreign markets for its emerging industries. The result, Korea is now a thirteenth largest economy worldwide, serving an example of a free market economy with little protectionism.
The successive Five-Year Economic Development Plan started in 1962 laid a foundation for industrialization from subsistence agriculture to modern manufacturing and export trade. Some of the aspects of country’s progress have been restructuring the chaebol- based system (family business associations), promotion of village-based industries, flexibility in the labor market, liberalization of the domestic market & promotion of foreign investment.
In 1973 Iron and steel works as well as Petro-chemicals were constructed. POSCO now is a symbol of national pride. With the strong Korean shipbuilding and automobile industry dependent on POSCO for steel, it has been seen as the bedrock of Korea's industrial development over the past 40 years. Construction of nuclear power plants beginning in 1978 helped to become self-reliant in energy. Giant conglomerates like Hyundai, Doosan heavy industries, Dawoo, Samsung, LG, SK were the dominant enterprises which led drastic economic growth of the country. The Samsung brand overtook Japanese rival Sony in 2005, and became top 21st global brand in 2008. It is also the leader in construction, finance, chemical, retail and entertainment field. Samsung Group accounts for more than 20% of South Korea's total exports, its revenue as large as some countries' GDP.
"Miracle on the Han River" is a phrase used to describe the period of rapid economic growth in South Korea from the 1961 to 1997 Asian financial crisis. In particular, this phrase refers to the economic growth of Seoul, through which the Han River flows. From the ashes of "The Korean War" Koreans change their work culture & adopted extreme hard labor & prepared to do any Dirty, Difficult and Dangerous (3D) works to make today's shining Korea.
Negative effects of Progress: Korean people “faster and faster" motto, a slogan used by them in promoting industrialization has caused environmental degradation. Whereas, prosperity has caused social and generational gap in the society resulting differences in way of thinking among different generations often leading to distorted relationships & family disintegration. Nextly, the widening political, economic & social gap between South and North Korea is regarded a big obstruction in two countries future unification.
The Japanese occupation in the peninsula had many negative implications and still the Korean remember those days with unforgettable nightmare. Korean War also devastated their countries which energize them to change their work culture. Under Army rule Suppressions of sparking rebellions also led thousands of deaths. These were great upheavals. We can learn a lot from South Korean history. The bottom line is, we should be earnest and hardworking for our collective progress. The government has the pivotal role to play in this path. South Korea had a great leap forward within half a decade of time but with enormous hardships & dedication. We should learn & adopt Korean's development models in our country too. 1
kamal_kh@hotmail.com
The population of 48,508,972 (July 2008 est) South Korea is smaller than Nepal in geographical size. However, exceptionally productive workforce guided by sound government policies with disciplined work culture guided South Korea to shine in less than half of the century. This led to extraordinary economic growth from mere GDP of 3.3 billion dollars in 1962 to 957 billion dollars in 2007. Per capita income of a Korean reached $27,647 (IMF) in 2008 which slightly slowed down now due to economic recession worldwide. S Korea had a rapid economic growth averaged more than 8 percent per year. It had a massive transformation for twenty some years from the 60s to 80s. Earlier South Korean society was under feudalistic culture similar to Nepal with unequal distribution of wealth and land. As a part of modernization in the fifties, South Korea started the land reform program. The land reform retained the institution of private property confiscating and redistributing land held by the Japanese colonialists. Koreans with large landholdings were also obliged to divest most of their land. A new class of independent, family proprietorship was created.
A military coup was led by Major General Park Chung-Hee in 1961. During his regime, South Korea began to take a more confident role in international relations & the economy grew rapidly. The Park regime used the foreign aid from Japan and the United States and provided loans to export businesses. It supported the construction of Pohang Iron and Steel Company (POSCO) steel mill, which became one of the world's largest steel mill at later period. Park Chung Hee has been credited with the industrialization of South Korea through export-led growth, but also criticized for his authoritarian way of ruling the country. He was named "one of the top 100 Asians of the 20th Century" by Time Magazine.
The early South Korean economic plans emphasized the development of agriculture and infrastructure, at later period, it shifted to construction, light industry, electronics, and heavy and chemical industries. An export-driven economy developed. Incentives for exports included a reduction of income taxes for exporters, tariff exemptions for raw materials imported for export production, business tax exemptions etc. Public enterprises of 1960s concentrated in the areas of electrification, banking, communications, and manufacturing. By 1990s those enterprises were already efficient revenue-producing units. Privatization in S Korea began in the 80s, many government backed firms opened to the market to private parties, but the government remained the principal stockholder in each company such as in Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and Pohang Iron and Steel Company (POSCO).
Foreign credit dependency of 60s to finance development decreased due to increased liberalization and internationalization. In the 1990s South Korea had greater reliance on domestic sources. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, South Korea was one of the first among developing nations in opening to the world trade. In 1960, country was one of the poorest spots on the planet. Today, South Koreans enjoy an immensely prosperous lifestyle compared to their parents and grand parents. Liberalization & openness helped to prevent the resources getting trapped in aging industries and to tap large
foreign markets for its emerging industries. The result, Korea is now a thirteenth largest economy worldwide, serving an example of a free market economy with little protectionism.
The successive Five-Year Economic Development Plan started in 1962 laid a foundation for industrialization from subsistence agriculture to modern manufacturing and export trade. Some of the aspects of country’s progress have been restructuring the chaebol- based system (family business associations), promotion of village-based industries, flexibility in the labor market, liberalization of the domestic market & promotion of foreign investment.
In 1973 Iron and steel works as well as Petro-chemicals were constructed. POSCO now is a symbol of national pride. With the strong Korean shipbuilding and automobile industry dependent on POSCO for steel, it has been seen as the bedrock of Korea's industrial development over the past 40 years. Construction of nuclear power plants beginning in 1978 helped to become self-reliant in energy. Giant conglomerates like Hyundai, Doosan heavy industries, Dawoo, Samsung, LG, SK were the dominant enterprises which led drastic economic growth of the country. The Samsung brand overtook Japanese rival Sony in 2005, and became top 21st global brand in 2008. It is also the leader in construction, finance, chemical, retail and entertainment field. Samsung Group accounts for more than 20% of South Korea's total exports, its revenue as large as some countries' GDP.
"Miracle on the Han River" is a phrase used to describe the period of rapid economic growth in South Korea from the 1961 to 1997 Asian financial crisis. In particular, this phrase refers to the economic growth of Seoul, through which the Han River flows. From the ashes of "The Korean War" Koreans change their work culture & adopted extreme hard labor & prepared to do any Dirty, Difficult and Dangerous (3D) works to make today's shining Korea.
Negative effects of Progress: Korean people “faster and faster" motto, a slogan used by them in promoting industrialization has caused environmental degradation. Whereas, prosperity has caused social and generational gap in the society resulting differences in way of thinking among different generations often leading to distorted relationships & family disintegration. Nextly, the widening political, economic & social gap between South and North Korea is regarded a big obstruction in two countries future unification.
The Japanese occupation in the peninsula had many negative implications and still the Korean remember those days with unforgettable nightmare. Korean War also devastated their countries which energize them to change their work culture. Under Army rule Suppressions of sparking rebellions also led thousands of deaths. These were great upheavals. We can learn a lot from South Korean history. The bottom line is, we should be earnest and hardworking for our collective progress. The government has the pivotal role to play in this path. South Korea had a great leap forward within half a decade of time but with enormous hardships & dedication. We should learn & adopt Korean's development models in our country too. 1
kamal_kh@hotmail.com
Monday, July 27, 2009
EXCESS OF RACKLESSNESS
There is a serious distress of citizens towards the apathy of political parties. The parties in power are now indulged in weapon business whereas the opposition Maoists are busy in criticizing it. Finally who are back in the business of obstruction of the CA proceedings. CA is here not only for political discussions, but has the prerogative to function as a legislative body and execute other decisions too. Parties don’t have the priority to the agendas as food security, drought, Monsoon or health. It is indeed a shame that no one pays attention to other crucial affairs. Why the state has no concern over the medicine- deprived, poor and sick citizens burning with the misery of Diarrhea and Cholera outbreak in Jajarkot and Rukum? Does any central political leader have the courage to go with the medical supplies there? If the Maoists have the guts, obstruct the CA for this crucial matter! In any country, such issues get a center stage and the state has the obligation to set aside the main political agendas and take immediate measures to tackle it.
Why don’t the politicians or the political parties realize that majority of citizens either don’t understand or fed up with the wedged politics. They have new ray of hope in new republic Nepal. Many citizens now simply struggle for basic necessities- Food, Shelter, proper healthcare etc. What government and CA members who are elected by those disadvantaged people intended to do? Are they going to do politics sitting above the piles of corpses of innocent, hungry, and deprived people of Jajarkot and Rukum?
Why don’t the politicians or the political parties realize that majority of citizens either don’t understand or fed up with the wedged politics. They have new ray of hope in new republic Nepal. Many citizens now simply struggle for basic necessities- Food, Shelter, proper healthcare etc. What government and CA members who are elected by those disadvantaged people intended to do? Are they going to do politics sitting above the piles of corpses of innocent, hungry, and deprived people of Jajarkot and Rukum?
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Conflict Transformation through Art & Sports
Since the civilization, human being has surpassed through several trials & tribulations and coped up with tremendous sufferings until it reached at this stage. During the pre-historic period human being was engaged in consistent struggle for its survival resulting gruesome carnages and fatalities in battles between different clans and groups. Waging corporal war was the only breakthrough for finding out a resolution and victory then. This sequel continued for a long period. With the time, wisdom & insights, the cost of war, devastation and suffering were begun to get realized. Political, social, cultural institutions & structures were begun to flourish & helped in bringing social harmony, peace & tranquility among the people. Arts and Sports played an influential role in shifting the peoples' war-mentality. They also worked as a powerful medium to transform the destructive force or negative energy within human who came into existence through war-spirit. Arts worked as an important medium to liquefy their destructive temperament and changing their inner self. It helped in minimizing their resentment, hatred and enmity. Art is still practiced as a perceptible medium to gain spiritual, physical, mental & emotional healing, wellbeing and happiness even today.
At the era when the world was under the shadow of great confrontation & war, Sports began to flourish as a crucial deterrent to such violent conflicts. The enemy states also accepted to take part in sports activities. In this way the enmity of two party got channelized into sports and seeked victory in the positive way. History has revealed that even in battles, sports used to be a decisive option against bloody confrontation to decide the winner.
Currently, Sports has become the life-blood of modern society throughout the world. Olympics, World cup & other international, national & local sports events have played an invisible role towards transforming the conflict-spirit of mankind. We can witness how even key political events get overshadowed at the time of Arts & Sports events like Olympics, world cup, Musical events & programs even in Nepal!
If Arts and Sports are universally accepted factors to minimize the conflict why can't we practice it in Nepal? They can certainly play a buffer role and help prevent Nepali youths & students from adopting conflict-culture. It is very awful that people are forced to believe "muscle power" as an ultimate power and solution for survival. People are hopeless, empty-minded and frustrated with the ongoing scenario of the country which lures them to indulge in anti-social activities, for a little gain. Human mind is similar to the "ocean waves" and the sensations are in rising and falling pattern. So people's wrong & negative sensations are obvious but they needed to be given a positive direction. We many Nepali are compel to become the "party cadre' at an early youth at the school level. We have Student Unions in schools but sadly no Arts Societies, Sport clubs like in other countries. This discrepancy has affected students in their growth and prevented to think beyond the horizon of rotten politics. Here, it is never meant that young leaders should not be encouraged but the time of political schooling is wrong.
At the present phase, the country can't generate sufficient employment and other opportunities to its people. The resources are seriously in short supply and political consensus is too shallow. In order to prevent & redirect the youth from indulging in the web of violent politics & conflict, why can't we promote different types of Arts & Sports Schools, Stadiums and also intensify & expand sports activities and opportunities? Government as well as other stakeholders jointly can take lead in setting up such Clubs, Societies and develop the existing ones at the local and national level. This could be the best way to hold huge idle youths who get an alternative business, otherwise indulged in Violent Strikes, Blockades, Bandh, and Vandalism. By their participation in arts & sport activities they would attain spiritual, physical and mental enlightenment prompting them to go beyond the horizon of our "rotten politics' and have an opportunity to transform themselves. So future of the youths who are the agent of change & the building blocks of development would be secure at least temporarily so the country too gets a smooth passage ahead.q
At the era when the world was under the shadow of great confrontation & war, Sports began to flourish as a crucial deterrent to such violent conflicts. The enemy states also accepted to take part in sports activities. In this way the enmity of two party got channelized into sports and seeked victory in the positive way. History has revealed that even in battles, sports used to be a decisive option against bloody confrontation to decide the winner.
Currently, Sports has become the life-blood of modern society throughout the world. Olympics, World cup & other international, national & local sports events have played an invisible role towards transforming the conflict-spirit of mankind. We can witness how even key political events get overshadowed at the time of Arts & Sports events like Olympics, world cup, Musical events & programs even in Nepal!
If Arts and Sports are universally accepted factors to minimize the conflict why can't we practice it in Nepal? They can certainly play a buffer role and help prevent Nepali youths & students from adopting conflict-culture. It is very awful that people are forced to believe "muscle power" as an ultimate power and solution for survival. People are hopeless, empty-minded and frustrated with the ongoing scenario of the country which lures them to indulge in anti-social activities, for a little gain. Human mind is similar to the "ocean waves" and the sensations are in rising and falling pattern. So people's wrong & negative sensations are obvious but they needed to be given a positive direction. We many Nepali are compel to become the "party cadre' at an early youth at the school level. We have Student Unions in schools but sadly no Arts Societies, Sport clubs like in other countries. This discrepancy has affected students in their growth and prevented to think beyond the horizon of rotten politics. Here, it is never meant that young leaders should not be encouraged but the time of political schooling is wrong.
At the present phase, the country can't generate sufficient employment and other opportunities to its people. The resources are seriously in short supply and political consensus is too shallow. In order to prevent & redirect the youth from indulging in the web of violent politics & conflict, why can't we promote different types of Arts & Sports Schools, Stadiums and also intensify & expand sports activities and opportunities? Government as well as other stakeholders jointly can take lead in setting up such Clubs, Societies and develop the existing ones at the local and national level. This could be the best way to hold huge idle youths who get an alternative business, otherwise indulged in Violent Strikes, Blockades, Bandh, and Vandalism. By their participation in arts & sport activities they would attain spiritual, physical and mental enlightenment prompting them to go beyond the horizon of our "rotten politics' and have an opportunity to transform themselves. So future of the youths who are the agent of change & the building blocks of development would be secure at least temporarily so the country too gets a smooth passage ahead.q
Friday, July 10, 2009
Using the Power of Media
Media has become a fundamental tool & perceptible medium of expressing freedom in today's communication and information-savvy age. Right-to-information is perceived as the right of every human being and a foundation of democracy. Nepal has huge transformation in information technology prompting several forms of Medias and advanced communication systems setting up. Many parts of the country are now connected with one or the other form of media. Quick & timely information transmission has helped the citizens in several political, social & economic matters.
However, now-a-days media & clubs get flooded with politicians and politics who use those platforms for their political achievement. Their war of words, provocation, reprimand bring up counter-productive reactions and lead to conflict with the opponents. Though their remarks make no considerable impact at the higher level, two party cadres at low level may indulge in scuffle get further polarized against each other. Politicians while in media, all the time replicate their old words & speeches and use the podium to create terror & havoc uttering irresponsibly the terms like revolt, strike, burn, threaten of disintegration etc. So the discussion doesn't bestow with any constructive & worthy conclusion but further break apart the people's hope & optimism instead. Our long wait for consensus get further broken time and again.
Time now is to question what degree of priority should be given to which side (positive or negative) of politics? Journalists always chase the politicians. Televisions always puff-up the news in trivial political matters bringing chaos & frightening people. Media also become too personal sometimes and talk about politicians' dresses & their general activities rather the uncovering their good qualities. We citizens are also always curious to see & listen spicy type of news which is often unproductive. We like to see politicians' populist comments & who seek the public attention most of the time. Media should now stop over narrating "this leader said this and that leader said that" brand of comments.
Why don’t the media now shift the focus in other issues than politics? There are so many social, economic issues to be uncovered. We can talk of tourism, nature's beauty, entertainment, sports which can engender positive energy to the people. The repeated & stereotype broadcast of same static political scenario, same politicians, and same news & views may bring further dissatisfaction to our politics. There is a pool of subjects & talents in other fields. We can utilize them in this transformation.
However, now-a-days media & clubs get flooded with politicians and politics who use those platforms for their political achievement. Their war of words, provocation, reprimand bring up counter-productive reactions and lead to conflict with the opponents. Though their remarks make no considerable impact at the higher level, two party cadres at low level may indulge in scuffle get further polarized against each other. Politicians while in media, all the time replicate their old words & speeches and use the podium to create terror & havoc uttering irresponsibly the terms like revolt, strike, burn, threaten of disintegration etc. So the discussion doesn't bestow with any constructive & worthy conclusion but further break apart the people's hope & optimism instead. Our long wait for consensus get further broken time and again.
Time now is to question what degree of priority should be given to which side (positive or negative) of politics? Journalists always chase the politicians. Televisions always puff-up the news in trivial political matters bringing chaos & frightening people. Media also become too personal sometimes and talk about politicians' dresses & their general activities rather the uncovering their good qualities. We citizens are also always curious to see & listen spicy type of news which is often unproductive. We like to see politicians' populist comments & who seek the public attention most of the time. Media should now stop over narrating "this leader said this and that leader said that" brand of comments.
Why don’t the media now shift the focus in other issues than politics? There are so many social, economic issues to be uncovered. We can talk of tourism, nature's beauty, entertainment, sports which can engender positive energy to the people. The repeated & stereotype broadcast of same static political scenario, same politicians, and same news & views may bring further dissatisfaction to our politics. There is a pool of subjects & talents in other fields. We can utilize them in this transformation.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Small Initiatives
Every country, either developed or developing, undergoes substantial migration towards their capital city and our case is also not an exception. But maintaining capital city’s outlook is equally of high significance. It should animate an example of cleanliness, civil security, and superior quality of facilities, infrastructures and sense of strong presence of the government is vital.
However, we see the grim picture if we see the development of other countries. The constructural infrastructure projects are virtually non-existent in the capital today. For more than half a century hardly any new roads are constructed. Hardly any reconstruction or renovation projects have been noticed in the main city streets for decades. It’s a big surprise that why authorities are in such a defunct state! Why every aspects of development are influenced by political mayhem. Public are trapped in heavy traffic jams for hours everyday. The situation is too critical due to narrow, filthy and congested roads. Unregulated constructions, parking have further intensified the congestion of roads. Why the authorities don’t take initiatives such as construction of underground parking bays? Government can at least build an environment so the private players & investors can come!
New & big road extension projects may be unviable due to high economic cost but authorities are not concerned even repairing/renovating tiny, dusty, filthy roads and cross- roads. However, they are always ready to attain international conferences related with the subject like environment, urban management etc. Why authorities are in such a deep slumber? Is it due to lack of knowledge, skill, will or something else?
Small street-expansion and widening projects support the traffic to be lot smoother. For that we can utilize the space above the sewer-line at both the sides of road can add huge space hence increase the road size. For any such successful initiatives, first of all, the government should bring out plans then it can invite the private players & ask for public support. The desire for positive change is important but authorities are too rigid to have even such dreams. The public also do not expect the government to fulfill their gigantic expectations at this transitional period but desire at least such small initiatives. The tasks of drafting new constitution as well as fulfillment of people’s long-awaited aspirations should go parallel. People can not tolerate if both of their hands are empty at last.
However, we see the grim picture if we see the development of other countries. The constructural infrastructure projects are virtually non-existent in the capital today. For more than half a century hardly any new roads are constructed. Hardly any reconstruction or renovation projects have been noticed in the main city streets for decades. It’s a big surprise that why authorities are in such a defunct state! Why every aspects of development are influenced by political mayhem. Public are trapped in heavy traffic jams for hours everyday. The situation is too critical due to narrow, filthy and congested roads. Unregulated constructions, parking have further intensified the congestion of roads. Why the authorities don’t take initiatives such as construction of underground parking bays? Government can at least build an environment so the private players & investors can come!
New & big road extension projects may be unviable due to high economic cost but authorities are not concerned even repairing/renovating tiny, dusty, filthy roads and cross- roads. However, they are always ready to attain international conferences related with the subject like environment, urban management etc. Why authorities are in such a deep slumber? Is it due to lack of knowledge, skill, will or something else?
Small street-expansion and widening projects support the traffic to be lot smoother. For that we can utilize the space above the sewer-line at both the sides of road can add huge space hence increase the road size. For any such successful initiatives, first of all, the government should bring out plans then it can invite the private players & ask for public support. The desire for positive change is important but authorities are too rigid to have even such dreams. The public also do not expect the government to fulfill their gigantic expectations at this transitional period but desire at least such small initiatives. The tasks of drafting new constitution as well as fulfillment of people’s long-awaited aspirations should go parallel. People can not tolerate if both of their hands are empty at last.
On going Political Stalemate
The present state of affairs shows our country is getting tied with the incessant web of complexities guided by the erratic politics and inefficient governance. One of the root causes of this state-of-affair is due backlash and untrustworthiness between the government and the people. It is happening since a long long span of time. Every time the government fails to show up the positive changes to the people hence, always fail to win the trust of the people as well.
Deeply-rooted party-based and faith-based politics & inclination towards political party is deeply rooted in Nepali political culture. The neutral & nationalist feeling is absent in every political scenario. Though non-believers in ideology based politics is ever increasing, they have nothing in their hand & not so strong as yet. One setback is, the loyalty in the political party in power is crucial to obtain a powerful position. While, good policies of the parties in power are also often protested and ill-treated by the opposition parties fearing it may win the trust of the people and gain extra political mileage.
The historic opportunity of Nepali to draft New Constitution is challenged by several obstacles. Political parties indulgence in dirty power game to reach the throne often dismantle the government one after another. Procuring the citizen’s basic necessities, Militant tendencies in political parties, armed-violence & unpractical demands of the Terai-based parties, individualistic & self-centered attitude of people, muscle-power base politics, citizen’s apathy towards rules and regulations, blockades and their gruesome demands, violent protests, killings etc are the serious issues to address today.
It is very shameful that political parties often talk about ‘new Nepal’ and ‘inclusiveness’ and do nothing. Maoist leaders are conventionally in favor of the People’s Republic though they express commitment in multiparty democracy too. Congress, UML & other parties’ demand democratic republic. Some of the pro-king parties are again trying to reinstate the king. So the web of all these conflicting ideologies is dissuading the country to stability & prosperity.
Formulating new and inclusive constitution is a long-awaited agenda & expected to address especially the under-privileged & backward people. They are desperate to ensure the equal footage and rights in the state mechanism. Present situation is a big joke while parties propagate ‘New Nepal’ and ‘New Constitution’. The ongoing political stalemate shows state of hopelessness on drafting a new constitution & the country’s future.
However, the serious question is, can we let those wait till the new constitution formation who can’t afford two meals a day? Can we afford to make new constitution ignoring day to day crisis? Do citizens afford wait & see the “new constitution” in such insecure state? Do citizens believe the constitution will ensure the freedom of expression when the people and journalist are getting brutally murdered while simply trying to uncover the social injustices & discriminations? Will the new constitution ensure the fear-free movement of the citizen from one place to another? Will streets be protest free? These are the serious issues.
Though, transitional governments have scores of responsibilities and take the peace process ahead, it should simultaneously ensure the presence of the government compel all to comply with the rule of law. Government should be accountable to the citizens and while making themselves accountable to self good governance is equally important. Government should establish a mechanism ensuring the people endowed with the basic services. Only then we can ensure the smooth path towards New and Prosperous Nepal.
Deeply-rooted party-based and faith-based politics & inclination towards political party is deeply rooted in Nepali political culture. The neutral & nationalist feeling is absent in every political scenario. Though non-believers in ideology based politics is ever increasing, they have nothing in their hand & not so strong as yet. One setback is, the loyalty in the political party in power is crucial to obtain a powerful position. While, good policies of the parties in power are also often protested and ill-treated by the opposition parties fearing it may win the trust of the people and gain extra political mileage.
The historic opportunity of Nepali to draft New Constitution is challenged by several obstacles. Political parties indulgence in dirty power game to reach the throne often dismantle the government one after another. Procuring the citizen’s basic necessities, Militant tendencies in political parties, armed-violence & unpractical demands of the Terai-based parties, individualistic & self-centered attitude of people, muscle-power base politics, citizen’s apathy towards rules and regulations, blockades and their gruesome demands, violent protests, killings etc are the serious issues to address today.
It is very shameful that political parties often talk about ‘new Nepal’ and ‘inclusiveness’ and do nothing. Maoist leaders are conventionally in favor of the People’s Republic though they express commitment in multiparty democracy too. Congress, UML & other parties’ demand democratic republic. Some of the pro-king parties are again trying to reinstate the king. So the web of all these conflicting ideologies is dissuading the country to stability & prosperity.
Formulating new and inclusive constitution is a long-awaited agenda & expected to address especially the under-privileged & backward people. They are desperate to ensure the equal footage and rights in the state mechanism. Present situation is a big joke while parties propagate ‘New Nepal’ and ‘New Constitution’. The ongoing political stalemate shows state of hopelessness on drafting a new constitution & the country’s future.
However, the serious question is, can we let those wait till the new constitution formation who can’t afford two meals a day? Can we afford to make new constitution ignoring day to day crisis? Do citizens afford wait & see the “new constitution” in such insecure state? Do citizens believe the constitution will ensure the freedom of expression when the people and journalist are getting brutally murdered while simply trying to uncover the social injustices & discriminations? Will the new constitution ensure the fear-free movement of the citizen from one place to another? Will streets be protest free? These are the serious issues.
Though, transitional governments have scores of responsibilities and take the peace process ahead, it should simultaneously ensure the presence of the government compel all to comply with the rule of law. Government should be accountable to the citizens and while making themselves accountable to self good governance is equally important. Government should establish a mechanism ensuring the people endowed with the basic services. Only then we can ensure the smooth path towards New and Prosperous Nepal.
Realizing small but important changes
The country is in the dire circumstances with the crisis looming all over and the citizens have hardly any respite from any angles. Governments after governments have changed and now political system has changed, but the citizens have hardly felt the government’s concern for them.
The new government has been repeatedly assuring the public that they will make the citizens feel the changes in the coming days but it hasn’t taken place as yet. Government may be busy in bringing out the ordinances in order to address the grievances from different angles. But, implementing them is also a serious challenge today.
Therefore, now parallel attention for constitution making as well as construction & development is vital because the standstill in reconstruction would be disastrous because constitution-making will take a longer period and crisis need to be tackled with urgency.
Every country, whether its developed or underdeveloped face the massive migration to the big cities and mostly the capital city. Outs case is also no exception. Governments and municipalities need to strictly enforce the rule, regulations and equally concerned to the management of the city. Physical, constructural infrastructure is the most important and visible factors/ways to gain the support of the citizens and can serve as a life-saving drug to the crisis stricken citizens. Widening the roads, cross- roads, management of pavement, concretizing and working on environment are of tremendous urgency today. Public has been curious where do the allocated fund goes because we very rarely see such activities until today. There are many places where if the authorities acted to broaden the roads and streets, the traffic would be smooth and hassle free. It should act upon constructing underground and above ground parking areas jointly with the private-public partnership. It can generate the revenue from that initiative.
First of all the government should act because it has the implementing capacity and resources and then ask for the public support. The desire for change is essential and only then the dream task to make that desire a reality comes later. The public doesn’t want the government to fulfill the unjustified and big desires now at least in this period. They desire the small and one day those small initiatives with multiply into the bigger ones.
The new government has been repeatedly assuring the public that they will make the citizens feel the changes in the coming days but it hasn’t taken place as yet. Government may be busy in bringing out the ordinances in order to address the grievances from different angles. But, implementing them is also a serious challenge today.
Therefore, now parallel attention for constitution making as well as construction & development is vital because the standstill in reconstruction would be disastrous because constitution-making will take a longer period and crisis need to be tackled with urgency.
Every country, whether its developed or underdeveloped face the massive migration to the big cities and mostly the capital city. Outs case is also no exception. Governments and municipalities need to strictly enforce the rule, regulations and equally concerned to the management of the city. Physical, constructural infrastructure is the most important and visible factors/ways to gain the support of the citizens and can serve as a life-saving drug to the crisis stricken citizens. Widening the roads, cross- roads, management of pavement, concretizing and working on environment are of tremendous urgency today. Public has been curious where do the allocated fund goes because we very rarely see such activities until today. There are many places where if the authorities acted to broaden the roads and streets, the traffic would be smooth and hassle free. It should act upon constructing underground and above ground parking areas jointly with the private-public partnership. It can generate the revenue from that initiative.
First of all the government should act because it has the implementing capacity and resources and then ask for the public support. The desire for change is essential and only then the dream task to make that desire a reality comes later. The public doesn’t want the government to fulfill the unjustified and big desires now at least in this period. They desire the small and one day those small initiatives with multiply into the bigger ones.
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