Sustainable Network Management
A Landmark In Participatory Development

By Jhabindra Bhandari

THE history of participatory development networks in Nepal is not very long. The decades long practical experiences at national and international level have clearly indicated that the development efforts should realistically focus on people centered development strategy in order to reach the goal of poverty alleviation for sustainable human development.

A network, in this regards, is therefore an institutionalised process to address common issues on information, communications, and coordination among the organisations and individuals. There was a greater realisation in the country on the crucial need of a network of development practitioners who believe in participatory development values and practices—with the hope that it would result in an effective and functional networking system to promote participatory development process effectively.

A forum of such like minded individuals and organisations having both interest and solid experiences eventually succeeded to establish a network. Later it was named as Nepal Participatory Action Network (NEPAN) in 1995. Actually, it was a major landmark in the history of a broader network in the country for sharing experiences in the area of community development initiatives at the grass roots.

Like other participatory development networks at national and international scenario, the sole objective of the NEPAN is largely to undertake advocacy to development institutions and individuals practitioners on the growing needs and importance of participatory approach in development. The ultimate purpose of participatory development is to empower people who are poor, disadvantaged and socially marginalised in most societies and hence enlarge their choices for sustainable development.

Right after the growing recognition of NEPAN, there was a significant development of other networks at the regional and district levels to promote the similar philosophy of participatory development.

In the area of network management, Nepal, like many other countries, is actually gaining momentum with the initiation, active participation of development practitioners and organisations. There has been remarkable progress in dissemination and sharing of grass root documentation on a wide range of development approaches and important issues to the policy makers and planners of both the governmental and non governmental organisations.

In this regards, the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex, UK has been launching a project named "Pathways to Participation" in different countries of the world. And more importantly, it has been interesting and useful in terms of sharing and learning experiences in participatory development prctices in different contexts. The sharing of such experiences and learning are taking place not only at local level but equally at national and international level.

Recognising the importance of networking and its sustainable management, it is interesting to note that the ERPAN in collaboration with the IDS, UK and Action Aid Nepal successfully organised a national workshop on network management in Biratnagar in November last year where representatives of various national and international networks exchanged information and experiences regarding the significance of network management.

In the course of sharing networking experiences from abroad, G.L. Pratt of the IDS, UK presented the experiences in IDS group as well as global experience of participatory network management. These, however, largely vary from one country to the other depending on the purpose and institutional framework.

On the other hand, the emerging needs of participatory approach in development were deeply raised. Example: Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) – a popular approach that has gained remarkable recognition in NGO’s community development programmes. And its quality received an important theme for further discussions.

More importantly, this was the first time in Nepal that the event was organised to exchange ideas and practices of network management at national and international level and formulate pragmatic strategies for sustainable network management. The existing status, scope and emerging issues of networking were intensively discussed to have a shared vision.

Even though, there is increasing importance of networks, there are daunting challenges to manage such networks effectively. Therefore, the focus should be on human resoruce development, advocacy, research, publication and documentation in participatory network management.

National Coordinator of NEPAN expressed the view that there are growing demands of membership in the networks. And there is wider scope of such networks in terms of facilitating participatory development process to similar networks at local level. However, effective mobilisation of the network members is still an issue for sustainability.

Until recently, such networks were viewed as a training and quality control organisation for participatory methodo-logies like PRA. But these days, it is felt that resource mobilisation is a matter of concern in network management. Among many others, commitment and motivation of network members have been crucial for institutional development of networks. More importantly, process documentation is extremely essential in sharing experiences among a number of partners for better institutional linkage.

Undoubtedly, the crux of the matter related to sustainable network management is largely to ensure people’s participation in development and meaningful exchange of grassroots experiences in a diverse range of community development initiatives.

In this way, sharing of experiences through such networks at local, national and international level plays an important role not only to promote participatory development process but also help formulate policy and plans that are more response to people’s needs and priorities. Hence, local recognition and ownership of such networks is extremely important for programme sustainability.

A Lesson To Be Learnt From Afghanistan

By Nishchal Nath Pandey

THE nerve-shattering attacks in New York and Washington may have proved the ability of terrorists to strike even the most secured and powerful country in the world but at the same time forced the entire world to unite against what has now been termed as the ’21st century evil’. By assaulting the economic and military centres the terrorists undoubtedly have exposed the vulnerability of even a state as powerful as that the USA. On the other hand, however, they have provided scope for a global crusade against terrorism, since it is a crime against humanity and not just a matter of human rights. Till date, the efforts directed towards ensuring peace and tranquility by punishing those that resort to violent means in order to further their cause had been viewed as belligerent and inhuman by not only the numerous human rights organisations but more so by the West. To borrow the words of Robert D. Blackwill, American ambassador to India, "This is one of those rare moments in history that changes the way people think." True to his words, analysts are even predicting a complete overhaul in the conduct and content of international relations in the post Sep 11, 2001 global scenario. Chechen rebels were named freedom fighters by the West but were reported to be celebrating inside their hideouts after the serial suicide attacks in the US. The Palestinians too will surely have a tough time since Israeli intelligence and other assistance will become extremely crucial for the United States thereby proving indispensable once again for the Americans. While the world gears up for a consolidated effort to combat terrorism, giving ascent to worthwhile conceptions like that of collective security which can be a lasting and dependable protection for all types of violent upsurge, it is also time for nations to devise a method thereby convenient pools of apparatus and assets can be set up for a multilateral endeavor against global terrorism. Of course, as president Roosevelt remarked, "More than an end to terrorism, we want an end to the beginnings of all terrorism", countries must exert towards guaranteeing a democratic, just and equitable society where no clan, race or religious political group is left out from the national mainstream but when the lives of the many is threatened by a barbarous few, the state must have the right to say that enough is enough. Surely, the governments have to be responsive to pressures emanating from various groups for the stability of the country but should not bow down to the illegitimate pressures through the barrel of guns simply because one, currently this is not what the national and global will is and two, the global political environment has moved fastly towards combating and not reconciling insurgents-freedom fighters-revolutionaries whatever their names and outfits.

Although many loose ends will have to be tightened and notwithstanding the safe, credible military bases that have to be found , Afghanistan will most likely face a strike for harbouring terrorists like Osama Bin Laden. Analysts have questioned, "what is there left in that land-locked country to hit?" Ruined by an on-going civil war, the people have already fled in millions turning the country into a virtual desolate thorp. Our minds and hearts go to those Afghans that have had to suffer the most atrocious cruelty crippling not only the country’s economy but an entire generation. The country which was a favorite invasion route had been known for its wealth and political influence. The Kabul airport even until the late 70s was one of the busiest in the entire central and south asia. Afghanistan’s monarchy had been established in 1919. King Zahir Shah was proclaimed King in 1933, a few hours after his father had been assassinated. He had previously helped his father maintain government control during a period of turbulence and had served as a Minister. During the early years of his reign, power was actually exercised by his uncles, who ruled the country through the powerful office of Prime Minister. Throughout the 40s and 50s, the King helped steer the country on a path of fairness domestically and neutrality in the international domain. In 1964, the King promulgated reforms which included a parliament, elections and a free press. Members of the royal family were also banned from holding public offices. Political parties were permitted. Social reforms included efforts to better the conditions of women which is one sector that has seen massive changes in the Afghanistan of today. Foreign aid flowed from both east and west for the construction of roads and irrigation projects.

Factionalism and political disputes were undoubtedly existent during his time too but today, Afghans look back with nostalgia the many years of peace that their Kingdom had seen in the past. Unfortunately, after the coup in 1973 followed by other take overs like the one in 1978, the country has had to suffer incalculable loss and destruction. Today, in the midst of this dreadful crisis, Zahir Shah has again been touted as possible leader of a post-Taliban country currently in living in Rome. Nepal while fully committing itself towards this global war against terrorism can only take lessons from the troubles of Afghanistan and strive towards securing the future of the up-coming generations.

King Tribhuwan And His Times

By Guna Dev Bhattarai

‘BIRDS of a feather flock together’ goes an adage. Bhim Shumshere, successor of Chandra Shumshere, followed the policy of the latter. The difference between the two Prime Ministers was that Chandra often visited the palace but Bhim would not do so. King Tribhuwan wanted to bring about some changes in the life of the people but was helpless under the prevailing circumstances of the country.

When some youths who were educated and enlightened wanted to open a public library in Kathmandu they were arrested before materialising their object and were relieved after fining a hundred rupee per head. In the meantime, some youths, Khadga Mansimha, Maina Bahadur, Khadgaman Basnet, Ranganath Sharma, Laxman Raju (Chandra Bickram Shah) established a party called ‘Prachanda Gorkha’ the aim of which was to wipe out the Ranas to be replaced by a democratic government under the aegis of constitutional monarchy. The plot was unearthed to the effect that all the members of the party were arrested and given harsh punishment. As the plot was based on bloodshed King Tribhuwan did not like the it to overthrow the Rana regime. Nevertheless, the king was convinced that such rebels were produced even under the autocratic regime of the Ranas.

Bhim Shumshere died without fulfilling his wish to have Crown Prince Mahendra married to his illegitimate daughter (Chhori Maharani) born of Seeta Maharani.

During the premiership of Juddha Shumshere the life of King Tribhuwan had become intolerably horrible. The Great Earthquake of Magh 2, 1990 B. S. gave a great shock to the King as he was not in a position to financially help the earthquake striken people. In the same year Juddha forced all the C-class Ranas who were promoted to the role of premiership by Bhim to be exiled and deprived them of premiership. During the time of these C-class Ranas expulsion from the valley King Tribhuwan was invited to be a formal witness lest some unexpected events should occur.

As King Tribhuwan was not entitled to give any important decision on the affairs of the country he would pass his time in playing cards, chess and the like with the members of his family. As he was very much interested in flowers he would pass his time in reading books related to them. He would while away some of his time in music. Harmonium and piano were his favourite musical instruments. Being associated society with people of different walks of life he made himself to some extent adept in speaking Hindi, Newari (Nepal Bhasha), Urdu and English.

The king was kept quite aloof from the masses and their condition. Nevertheless he would witness football matches at Lainchour and Chhauni. He was interested in kite flying and that is why he would go Chhauni to fly kites.

Dharma Bhakta Mathema, the famous body builder, became the king’s physiotherapitst. In course of time the king was acquainted with the political activities of the Praja Parishad which was established in 1993 B. S. It was stated that the king also was made one of the members of the said party. It was the first genuine political party which was not influenced and helped by foreigners. The main aim of the party was to do away with the Rana regime and establish a democratic form of government. The leading members were Tanka Prasad Acharya, Dasaratha Chand, Dharma Bhakta, Ganesman Singha, Hari Krishna Shrestha, Chuda Prasad, Ramhari Joshi. Later Ganga Lal Shrestha was also involved in it. Sukra Raj Shastri who had nothing to do with the party too was involved in it. Various pamphlets. Censuring the Rana regime were circulated several times throughout the valley. All the leading members were committed to their principles. But some persons, particulary Ramjee Joshi, exposed the secrecy of the party to the effect that many leaders and their associates were arrested one after another. During the investigation the king was harassed, humiliated in many ways. Sukra Raj Shastri and Dharma Bhakta Mathema were hanged while, Dasarath Chand and Ganga Lal Shrestha were shot to death. Some members were awarded with life imprisonment and confiscation of their property while others were given punishment in the form of imprisonment on the basis of the gravity of their involvement in the party. However, all the Ranas were at their wits’ end at the sudden development of political activities in the country. Juddha Shumshere did not do any harm to the king but became cautious enough to watch his activities.