Supreme Parties
It was very frustrating to read the news that seven parties are working as if the unelected bunch of members of parliament are supreme power and they have every right to decide country's major issues on their own. Their recent decision to declare Nepal as a republic from parliament not only devalues the right of people to choose their own destiny but also shows their autocratic attitudes. If they work like this, people will unseat them from power as they did in the past against autocratic King Gyanendra. The leaders of seven parties must realize that people have power to overthrow them.
Devendra Bista
Kalimati
Serious Subject
Your cover story Changing Climate: Mixed Bag for Agriculture ( December 28, 2007-January 03, 2008) was very interesting to read. Of course, there is still a need to do a lot of research to deal with this subject matter. Although the story is incomplete, it has brought the main issue like agriculture in the context of climate change. Spotlight needs to cover such issues frequently since it is going to be major issue in the coming days.
Dayananda Shrestha
Via e-mail
Changing Effect
Climate change is going to affect Nepal 's overall system and agriculture sector is one of the important sectors which will badly suffer in coming days. In a country like Nepal which is geographically more vulnerable, the climate change will have definite effect on its overall agriculture status. In recent years, some very abnormal situation appeared in many mountain regions. For instance, farmers in high Himalayas can now grow tomato and other such products which one could not imagine few decades ago. Recent experiences have shown that the rise in temperature will also bring changes in the traditional crops like maize and rice. The time has come for the government of Nepal to do something.
Subas Giri
Kupondole, Lalitpur
Basic Sector
As country predominantly depends on agriculture and large number of its population relies on it for their livelihood, the climate change is inevitable to affect overall performance of the national economy. Agriculture production determines the Gross Domestic Product. Any implication of global warming will have long term effect on Nepal 's economy. The time has come now to look at it. I agree with your view that the time has come for the Nepalese authorities to find out and employ adaptive measures to mitigate the effects.
Nita Lama
Brussels , Belgium Via-email
Chinese View
It was very interesting to read the interview of Chinese scholar professor Ciwang Junmei. Chinese scholar has clearly said that his country wants to see Nepal as a peaceful, stable and prosperous neighbor. Although similar statements are coming from Nepal 's southern neighbor also, Nepalese have yet to live in a stable and peaceful condition. I hope Asia 's two juggernauts India and China will pursue policy to bring stability and prosperity in Nepal in real sense. Nepal 's long running political instability will have bad implications to both the neighbors.
Namgyal Lama
Bouddha
Northern Tilt
Spotlight has a reputation of being a moderate magazine with balanced views on its policies regarding Nepal 's foreign relations. However, it seems to be heading towards anti-Indian tilt. Instead of blaming Nepal 's close neighbor, it can pursue friendly suggestion to India so that it can be compelled to change its stand. If you write more anti-Indian point of view, your magazine will lose its liberal position. I hope Spotlight will maintain its tradition as an independent magazine.
Arbinda Thakur
Janakpurdham Via-email
