Rothenbuhler stresses institutional reform

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Nov.13: Development of a country is more than economic growth, said outgoing World Bank Country Director of Nepal Hans Rothenbuhler at a farewell reception with the press here today.

He pointed out the weak institutions in the country that need to be strengthened for sound development efforts and results. "It all depends on how much have we reform our institutions that implement the ideas and policies."

Rothenbuhler answered several questions of journalists and shared his experiences while working in the country for the last three years. He was appointed the World Bank Country Director for Nepal in 1997. In December 1998, he presented the World Bank’s new Country Assistance Strategy for Nepal to the Board of Directors of the World Bank Group.

"The strategy singles out poor governance and weak institutions as key bottlenecks to Nepal’s development," said Rajib Upadhya, the Bank’s Senior External Affairs Specialist, during his opening remarks in the farewell reception. "And, for the first time, it ties World Bank assistance to performance and progress in overcoming institutional bottlenecks."

With his tenure over in Nepal, Rothenbuhler is retiring from his job at the World Bank. The new country director of the bank is expected to be appointed within a few weeks’ time.

Buddha’s teachings help promote peace: Dangol

Kathmandu, Nov. 13 (RSS): Minister of State for Health Tirtharam Dangol says Lord Gautam Buddha’s message of peace and compassion helps promote world peace.

Addressing the first anniversary function of the Sulakshyan Kirti Vihar at Chovar on Saturday, Minister of State Dangol underlined the need to spread Lord Buddha’s message of tolerance, compassion and non-violence at the people’s level "as these would help promote peace among nations".

On the occasion, ambassador of Thailand to Nepal Powthep Vanachinda observed that Lord Buddha’s message helped dispel ignorance.

Ambassador of Myanmar to Nepal Tin Win said the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Nepal, was one of the four great places of pilgrimage for the Buddhists.

In a message send for the occasion, Sri Lankan Ambassador Ms Pamela J. Deen noted that Lord Buddha’s teachings would continue to be relevant to the entire mankind for many years to come.

At the programme presided over by Buddhist nun Dr. Anoja, Bhikshu Gyan Purnima Mahasthabir, Sister Dhammawati, chief editor of the "Sugat Sandesh" magazine Kedar Shakya and others spoke on the importance of the Buddha’s teachings in the present times.

Novel on women’s problems released

Nepalgunj, Nov. 13 (RSS): A social novel entitled "Buhari" or Sister-in-law written by Mrs. Luna Chaulagain, 35, a neo-literate of the remote district of Jumla in the Mid-Western Region, was released here today.

A host of participants at a programme organised by the Centre for Women’s Development (CWD), Banke at Khajura of Bageshwori VDC to release the novel said that as in most cases women are exploited by none others but women themselves should understand each other’s problems and situation, and act accordingly.

The novel published with the assistance of MS-Nepal, USAID and peace corps was jointly released by Bageshwori VDC vice chairman Khadga Bahadur Kami and author Mrs. Luna Chaulagain.

On the occasion, Bageshwori VDC vice chairman Khadga Bahadur Kami said we should play an exemplary role by ending women’s exploitation at our own homes.

Social worker Satyabati Verma related the sufferings and hardship she has experienced as a woman and stressed the need for women to struggle for their rights and well-being without expecting someone else to do the same for them.

Litterateur Pramod Pradhan said as women have proved themselves equally capable of expressing their pains and sufferings through various literary genres, entry of women into the literary field holds great importance.

Writer of the novel Mrs Chaulagain called on women to continue their struggle for getting rid of existing exploitation and suppression stressing that women should not tolerate any forms of exploitation and suppression as the more they tolerate the more they will be suppressed and exploited.

MS-Nepal development worker working with CWD Miss Mona Jensen and Peace Corps volunteer Miss Elisa expressed the view that empowerment of women calls for greater awareness among women.

A host of other speakers shed light on the need of women awareness and the importance of the novel in raising the awareness level of women.

CWD chairperson Mrs Jamuna Bhatta presided.