NC elections in Dhankuta

Dhankuta, Nov 29 (RSS):  Manohar Narayan Shrestha has been elected president of Nepali Congress Dhankuta district committee by securing 95 votes during the district convention that concluded on Tuesday.

His nearest rival Hari Kumar Rai polled 80 votes.

Likewise, the convention elected Mahendra Shrestha, Shiva Rai and Ramgopal Limbu NC general committee members from Dhankuta constituency-1, and Ajit Narayan Singh Thapa, Arjun Thapa and Sharan Kumar Rai from constituency-2.

Ayurveda suffers in obscurity

Kathmandu, Nov 29 (RSS):  Priceless literature about Ayurveda scattered in the nooks and corners of the country are still unable to come to light, it is believed.

Unpublished books and literary works describing the Ayurveda treatment methodology as well as naturotherapy might have been shelved a way somewhere and have to be searched out and brought into use for the well-being of the general public.

"Chandra Nighantu" is one such book that draws upon almost all aspects of Ayurveda.

This is a complete compedium on the names and usage of herbs and their benefits, along with drawings. The volume which does not mention the name of its author or designer is believed to have been penned during the regime of Rana Prime Minister Chandra Shamsher since the nomenclature used indicates this, a senior ayurved doctor says.

This hand-written book of immense value has now been kept at the Singhdurbar Baidyakhana Development Committee. The book gives details on over 800 herbs found in nepal as well as about some 200 minerals and animal organs with medicinal properties along with their usefulness.

This is a unique, colourful work inscribed in Sanskrit, Nepali and Newari and divided into10 parts dealing with the formulae, usage and advantages of different herbs

According to a souvenir publication issued on the occasion of Dhanwantari day, 2057, the book has 1,918 pages with colourful drawings of 1,089 herbs, animal organs and minerals.

The book covers 993 varieties of herbs with drawings. Of the colourful drawings, 736 are full page while 353 drawings are included in126 pages.

With details furnished on the usefulness of herbs that have yet to be applied in treatment, the book is a source of Ayurveda treatment methodology practiced since time immemorial.

Lothsalla and Gobresalla, which people say may prove to be a remedy for cancer, and other herbs of high value which are in huge demand in european countries such as Yarchagumba have been described at length along with their applicability in curing various ailments.

Such a valuable and ancient book believed to have been prepared after clinical trials and research done over a long time is undoubtedly a good introduction to Ayruveda and its further advancement. It will be of great help for the general public in acquainting itself with the usefulness of herbs if this book is brought out in a simple and convenient manner and translated into Nepali as well as English.

A 15-member committee had been constituted under the chairmanship of Singhdurbar Baidyakhana Development Committee chairman Dr. Krishna Kanta Adhikari to undertake a study and recommend suitable proposals concerning the book.

The committee suggested publication of the book and formation of an expert team under the chairmanship of professor at the Ayurveda Campus Nardevi and managing director of the Singhadurbar Baidyakhana Dr. Chardra Raj Sapkota to carry out extensive study and research into the book.

Commenting on the publication and applicability of the book, managing director Sapkota says, "the book constitutes a prime base for Ayurved treatment. The health sector in the country can derive a stream of benefits from this book which gives clues to Nepal’s traditional treatment methodology. That’s why we are working on how the nation can gain through this invaluable book."

"We are bringing out this book for the benefit of the general public as well as in the greater interest of the country", he adds.

The World Health Organisation has also shown interest in the publication of the book. Experts are of the opinion that HMG should take initiative to bring it out and to derive maximum benefits from it.

When WHO is appealing to all countries of the world to adopt traditional and Ayurved treatment since allopathy alone cannot become affordable for all starta of people in the world, an outright need has been felt for preserving such invaluable and ancient assets which have remained unexploited and deriving maximum benefit from their use.

More avenues for ties: Jestrab

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Nov. 29: Ivan Jestrab, Ambassador of Czech Republic to India and Nepal, today said that there are many avenues of bilateral cooperation between Czech Republic and Nepal.

Talking to The Rising Nepal, Ambassador Jestrab, who is currently in Nepal to officially open the Kathmandu-based Honorary Consulate Office of Czech Republic, said the opening of the Consulate in Nepal will help create a more favourable environment to consolidate economic and social cooperation between the two landlocked countries.

Czech Envoy Jestrab further said that with the opening up of the Honorary Consulate office of the Czech Republic in Nepal, Czech investors would be greatly facilitated to seek more avenues to invest in the various sectors in Nepal. He said that with the adoption of liberalised economic policy by his country, the state carries out its role only as a regulatory body in the economic activities in Czech Republic while the private sector has become the main engine to drive the Czech economy.

Recalling the support extended by Czech Republic to Nepal in the education field, he said that many Nepalese students have received scholarships to study in his country.

He also sees a good prospect of joint ventures in the tourism sector between the two countries since the Himalayan Kingdom is now linked with Western Europe by air. Having visited Nepal several times, he said he has found the country attractive due to its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. "I have really found Nepal an attractive country where there are many ancient monuments, palaces and buildings that reflect the lifestyle and culture of the previous centuries."

"Visiting some of the ancient sites of Kathmandu Valley gives one the feeling that he has gone back into Time in a time-machine", he said.

"As Nepal is becoming more and more popular among the people of Czech Republic, there exists the potential of joint ventures in the tourism sector between the two countries," he said.

As a member of the Council of Europe, the Czech Republic is keenly interested in seeing the solution to the Bhutanese refugee problem in Nepal, he said.

He was of the opinion that the refugee problem has emerged world-wide due to political and economic reasons.

Talking about South Asian Region, he observed that the region is gaining importance because of its high economic potentials.

Both Nepal and the Czech Republic, as compared to other countries, especially the industrialised ones, are small nations, he said. "Small nations like the Czech Republic and Nepal have to work in tandem in areas of mutal interests so that their voices could be heard in the international forums", Ambassador Jestrab said.

Reception hosted

Kathmandu, Nov 29 (RSS):  A reception was hosted here today to mark the establishment of the consulate of Czech Republic in Nepal.

Rajparishad Standing Committee Chairman Dr. Keshar Jung Rayamajhi, Minister for Foreign Affairs Chakra Prasad Bastola, Minister for Industry Commerce and Supplies Ramkrishna Tamrakar, former National Assembly chairman Beni Bahadur Karki, the heads of Nepal based foreign diplomatic missions and high ranking HMG officials were present at the reception.

Czech Republic’s resident ambassador to India Ivan Jestrab received the guests at the reception.

Sahana pleads for poll reforms

Siraha, Nov 29 (RSS): CPN-ML president Mrs Sahana Pradhan has said that elections in a proportionate manner are unlikely to be held unless there is reform in the present electoral system.

Mrs Pradhan, inaugurating the party’s sixth convention of Siraha district in Lahan today, called on the Maoists to renounce the politics of murder and violence and joint the national mainstream.

MP and party politburo member Sitanandan Raya remarked that the politics of violence and murder has succeeded no where in the world.

Many others also expressed their views at the function chaired by party’s Siraha district secretary Rajendra Chaudhary.

On the same occasion, Mrs Pradhan also honoured Krishna Prasad Adhikari, who contributed to the communist movement, by wrapping a shawl around him.

Litterateur, artistes feted

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Nov. 29: Kavivar Madhav Ghimire felicitated Dr Tara Nath Sharma, a senior litterateur, Kabita Ale, a folk song singer, Madan Dipwin, a musician and Milan Moktan, a film maker with honour of National Talent recognition at the function held by Purbeli Pariwar, Ilam in Kathmandu recently.

Noted musician Natikaji, Janakavi Keshari Dharma Raj Thapa and other litterateurs and artistes were presented at the function.

Additional rail service

Janakpurdham, Nov 29 (RSS): Janakpur railway service is to start a 24 hour service from today for the convenience of pilgrims coming here on the occasion of Sri Ramjanaki Bivahapanchami festival.

The rail service meant for Indian pilgrims coming from Jayanagar will continue till December 3.

The Janakpur Zonal Bus Entrepreneurs Association is also to lay on additional buses, for the convenience of pilgrims coming by road.

Similarly, 550 police personnel are to be assigned to ensure security for pilgrims from both within the country and from India.

Livestock development stressed

Lalitpur, Nov. 29 (RSS): Nepal Animal Science Association (NASA) organised a three-day fourth national conference on livestock, fishery and pasture land development here today.

The conference will extensively discuss ways to promote sustainable livestock development, utilize livestock and fishery in the country’s socio-economic development and promote livestock industry.

Inaugurating the conference, National Planning Commission vice-chairman Prithvi Raj Ligal said livestock and fishery development significantly contributes to poverty alleviation in the rural areas.

On the occasion, Mr Ligal presented letters of felicitations to Dr Heramba Bahadur Rajbhandari, Panna Lal Shrestha and Mrs Gita Keshari in recognition of their contribution to development of livestock in the country.

NASA president Dhalram Pradhan presided.

Tour for Senior citizens

Damak, Nov. 29 (RSS):  A tour program of l6 districts of the eastern region for senior citizens organised by the Man Mohan Memorial Foundation started here today.

Inaugurating the program, chairman of the Foundation and former minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari said senior citizens have played a significant role in the restoration of democracy and national development.

He said the See Nepal program for senior citizens was initiated last year with a view to giving continuity to the respect and regard shown towards them by former prime minister Man Mohan Adhikari.

The senior citizens started their tour with a bath in the holy mai river this morning.

Participating in the program meant for those over 55 are 84 senior citizens including 34 women.

The tour, which continues till December 4 will take in the Nepal India border bridge at Kakarbhitta, the Kanya Tea Estate, the Puwakhola Hydro-electric Project, the statue and memorial of Ratna Kumar Bantawa at Budhasubba, Pindeshwar, Dantakali, Barahachetra, Udayapur Cement Factory, Dhanushadham, Janakpurdham, Biratnagar Jute Mill and various other religious, touristic and industrial sites.

Meanwhile, two of the most senior participants in the program and the families of martyr Hakhima Saini and Ratna Dhoj Rai were offered shawls at a reception organised by Damak Municipality Tuesday.

Study team constituted

Kathmandu, Nov 29 (RSS): The University Grants Commission has formed a two member team to make a study of the affiliation given by universities to college campuses. The Team, Chaired by prof. Dr Surya Lal Amatya includes Dr Damodar Gyawali.

The team will make a study of the policy, basis and procedures used by universities in providing affiliation to campuses and the problems seen in implementation in order to recommend reforms for improving the quality of higher education.

The recommendations of the team are expected to help private sector campuses better organise themselves and provide quality education.

Mechanization of agriculture emphasised

Lalitpur, Nov. 29 (RSS):  Agricultural experts have stressed the need to focus on promotion and expansion of appropriate agricultural machinery and conduct research to increase agricultural productivity.

Taking part in the day long workshop on strengthening participatory research, development and promotion of agricultural machinery jointly organised by Nepal Agricultural Research Council and (NARC) and International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) here today, the participants said the new technology should be developed keeping in view the skills of the low income group farmers.

The agricultural experts said the Chinese drill tractor, which is very suitable to reduce around 50 per cent of the production cost of the agricultural product, is very suitable for the farmers.

Executive director of the NARC Dhruba Joshi said it is necessary to apply appropriate technology to increase agricultural products as well as boost exports.

He also stressed the need to generate awareness among the farmers about the use of new technology in agriculture.

The workshop aims at covering and broadening the participatory research, development and promotion programmes at agricultural engineering division, Agricultural Implement Research Centre and Regional Agricultural Research stations.

About 50 agricultural experts including researchers, government officials and representatives from national and international non governmental organisations participated in the workshop.

‘Assess impact of hydel projects’

Kathmandu, Nov. 29 (RSS): Nepal Hydropower Association organised a day-long seminar here today with the objective of sharing the experiences gained from the hydropower projects already completed or in the various phases of implementation.

At the seminar, discussions were held on the working papers on the implementation of Khimti-1, Kaligandaki "A’, Chilime and Puwa stream hydel projects.

The implementation of the 14 megawatt capacity Modi and 6.2 megawatt capacity Puwakhola hydel projects is expected to be completed in the current year while three other projects have been targeted to be completed in 2001.

Inaugurating the seminar, National Planning Commission (NPC) member Dr. Ramesh Ananda Baidya laid emphasis on considering the environmental impact, right to the water and financial sustainability while formulating strategy for hydropower development.

Pointing out the need for the establishment of a research centre to look into the financial, technical and legal aspects in implementation the power projects, he noted that if the projects were designed on the basis of overall harnessing of the water resources and information regarding water, the implementation of hydropower projects would be more effective.

President of Nepal Hydropower Association Poorna Prasad Adhikari said that abundant water resources of Nepal should be harnessed and accessible, credible and cheap power generated to raise the living standard of the people.

On the occasion, Odd Hofun from Norway, who has been working in the field of hydropower for a long time, said that there were ample prospects for generation of hydropower in Nepal through joint venture of the public and private sectors.

Advisor to the association Pratik Man Pradhan noted that the socio-economic sector could be improved through generation of hyropwoer.

About one hundred and fifty persons including domestic and foreign delegates working in the field of hydropower participated in the seminar.

Award presented

Kathmandu, Nov. 29 (RSS):  Chairman of Rajparishad Standing Committee Dr Keshar Jung Rayamajhi presented the Baba Ombir Award-2056 to Goma Upadhyaya who has been contributing to the promotion of the Nepali language and literature for the last five decades.

The award carries a purse of Rs 15,000 along with an appreciation letter.

The award recipient has already authored 15 books and received seven or eight awards so far.

On the occasion, Dr Rayamajhi said every section of society should honour those who contribute to the society through literature.

Poet Madhav Ghimire, from the chair, spoke of the need for women to move ahead hand-in-hand with their men counterparts.

Chairman of the Baba Ombir Singh Basnyat Puraskar Guthi Dr Ombir Singh Basnyat and others also expressed their views on the occasion.

‘Cooperatives help reduce poverty’

Nepalgunj, Nov. 29 (RSS): Minister of State for Agriculture and Cooperatives Baldev Sharma Majagaiya has said that His Majesty’s Government has come up with the concept of cooperatives with a view to assist in endeavors to eradicate poverty and grapple with the unemployment problem.

Minister of state Majagaiya, while inaugurating the Ashma Savings and Loans Cooperative ltd here today, said no institution would be able to attain its goals if the people associated with it fail to uphold the notion that they belong to that institution.

The National Cooperatives Act has been passed by parliament to bring about improvements and maintain discipline in the cooperatives which are being defamed as institutions that swallow up the people, he said.

The government has constituted a task force to seek solutions to the problems of cooperatives, he said and gave assurances that programs would be worked out on the basis of recommendations made by the task force in order to improve the financial institutions in the country.

Nepali Congress general secretary Sushil Koirala expressed confidence that cooperatives will generate employment opportunities and raise the living standard of the poor.

He also called for the winning of confidence among the people by rendering them a satisfactory service.

MP Kailash Nath Kasaudhan expressed the view that the government has adopted a suitable measure by introducing cooperatives to uplift the poor.

Chairman of the cooperative Suraj Bakhati, from the chair, spoke about its activities.

Banke DDC president Om Jung Rana said that most of the cooperatives only show concern for their own interests rather than for the good of the general masses.

Laws not sufficient to tackle issues in criminal justice

Kathmandu, Nov 29 (RSS): Supreme Court justice Laxman Prasad Aryal has said the existing laws are inadequate to fulfill the needs of the society and tackle problems in criminal justice administration.

Mr Aryal made this remark while winding up the two-day workshop on reforms in criminal justice administration jointly organised by the Nepal Police headquarters and the criminal justice administration study and recommendation task force here today.

The laws should be made relevant to the changed context when the nature of crimes have changed and crimes are getting globalized, he said, stressing the need to strengthen law-enforcing agencies.

Attorney General Badri Bahadur Karki, president of the Nepal Bar Association Harihar Dahal and additional IGP Krishna Mohan Shrestha also expressed their views on the occasion.