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Kathmandu Wednesday September 13, 2000 Bhadra 28, 2057.
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New governor's press
photo
This is in response to Surya Raj Acharya's
letter (TKP, September 4, 2000) about the recently published photograph of the newly
appointed governor of Nepal Rastra Bank receiving greetings from relatives.
Although this is not a lottery win, there
is nothing wrong if someone intimately greets one on his or her success by "hugging
and kissing". Such a way of greeting, though not a normal practice in Nepalese
society, can become popular, slowly, even as a cultural manifestation among the new
generations. Moreover, it is an expression of emotional state that is always culture free.
To me, it is often unethical to question one's feelings and search for rationale behind
certain emotional actions. As far as Kantipur Publication's choice of the photograph for
publication is concerned, there should have been some reason, if not so emotional ones,
which can be understood by going back to how it kept reporting the news on the drama of
the appointment of the governor a few months go. Considering the credibility and
legitimacy it has earned so far, there remains very small room to undermine its
journalism. The publications has well maintained its track records by uncovering various
issues through both news stories and press photos.
However, Mr Acharya's observation is very
much appreciable when he writes that being appointed to some public office on the basis of
professional credentials is nothing more than exchanging one's professional service with
some monetary and executive benefits under some contract. Of course, there is no need for
being jubilant to the extent of winning a-million-dollar lottery .Nor is it necessary for
someone to really protest when he is or has to be ousted simply on the grounds of
controversial performance records.
In any case, the new governor cannot be a
subject of public criticism simply on the basis of what photograph has been chosen and
published by newspapers. What is important is to wait for his deeds.
Dr Dinesh Pant
Naya Bazar, Kathmandu |
