Right Spirit
I really enjoyed reading the exclusive interview of president Dr. Ram Baran Yadav. In his interview, Dr. Yadav clearly said that whether one lives in Himal, Madhes or Pahad, we all are Nepalis (July 25-31, 2008). Taking his own stand against divisive politics, Dr. Yadav has shown his guts to speak in favor of unity of Nepal. We need to encourage leaders like Dr. Yadav in the country so that the growing gulf between various communities and regional factions can be filled. Nepali Congress has rightly taken a decision to push Dr. Yadav as the first president of Nepal. I hope Dr. Yadav will perform his duty as the first president of Nepal excellently.
Nirmala Lama
Via Email
Leader of Nepal
I don't know whether president Dr. Ram Baran Yadav will be able to hold his current stand or not. However, he has shown guts to speak the truth. At a time when everyone is trying to prove himself as a leader of certain community and region, Dr. Yadav, who has popular backing in terai, has revealed that he wants to be a leader of Nepal. Having started his political career as a medical attendant of Nepali Congress leader B.P. Koirala, Yadav has also learned political culture from him. Nepalese political leaders must learn the way shown by Yadav.
Mahendra Raya
Via Email
No To Division
You have rightly pointed out that the victory of Dr. Ram Baran Yadav as the first president of Nepal clearly indicated that there is no role for divisive politics (July 25-31). Everyone knows that Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-linguistic country and no community has absolute majority, so there is no option other than to live together. Despite someone's efforts to create the trouble encouraging secessionist slogans, overwhelming majority of Nepali's are in favor of unified and strong Nepal. The country needs unity among all the political forces and ethnic groups to survive as an independent nation. I agree with you that victory of Dr. Ram Baran Yadav is a victory of Nepal's diversity.
Karan Limbu
Via Email
Filling The Gap
In recent years, there has been a growing divisive trend in Madhes as three terai-based regional parties have been demanding a single Madhes Pradesh. However, the election of two leaders from Madhes as president and vice president provide an opportunity for reconciliation between various ethnic groups. I agree with you that the election will be helpful to fill the gap created between Pahadis and Madhesi community as overwhelming number of Pahadi community chose two Madhesis to lead the country. There is need to have a statesman to fill the gap between Madhesis and Pahadis. I hope that newly elected president will do so. By nominating Dr. Ram Baran Yadav as a president, Nepali Congress leadership have also shown maturity. I hope other political parties also follow the practice set by Nepali Congress.
Subodha Rayamajhi
Via-email
One Sided Picture
The story on private higher secondary school is biased and one sided ((Ten plus Two Education: Competing for Quality July 18-24). It is completely false that private schools are helping to upgrade the quality of education. Instead of contributing to make education for all, they are just trying to dilute the cause of education. In education sector, private higher secondary schools and colleges have been creating all kinds of bad precedents turning education into a business. News magazine like Spotlight should consider all sides before producing such stories.
Anil Prajapati
Bhaktapur via-email
Private Quality
At a time when all the government schools and colleges are politicized, the private higher secondary schools have become alternative institutions to impart quality education. However, nobody is speaking about such contributions of private sector. Instead, some extremists are trying to discredit private sector education institutions. It is an understandable fact that the political leaders want more students in government school as young students can easily be recruited as political activists. So far the students studying at private schools and colleges are concerned, political parties don't have any access there. As long as the government continues to run schools, it is impossible to improve the quality of education. Private sector investment is the only way out.
Rohit Shah
Dubai, via email
