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BOOK An astute observer
describes the changing face of the valley By KESHAB POUDEL Kathmandu has seen tremendous changes in
its five-decade-long march toward modernization. The saga of how a valley, which was
unknown to the outside world for centuries, turned into a popular tourist destination is
as enchanting as it is gripping. When Kathmandu was first opened to foreigners, it was
almost instantly known for its isolation-driven pristine and safe character. At a time when the country is in the midst
of a robust debate on the development process, Gyanendra P. Adhikari Hanson provides a
vivid portrayal of the transformation of Kathmandu. The book is a comparative study of
what Kathmandu was in the past and is today. The feelings of a tourist who visited Nepal
in the 1950s and in 1990s are very vividly and graphically portrayed. One of the important features of the book
is the author's remembrance of the two founding fathers of Nepalese tourism industry.
"We cannot forget Tom Mendies and Boris Lissanvitch whose ceaseless efforts made
tourism a sustainable industry in Nepal, but are today lost and forgotten in the very
industry they pioneered by their sweat, labor and foresight," says Adhikari. Adhikari begins the book with a story of an
adventure-loving tourist who came to Nepal in late 1951, when the country was little known
to the outside world. To visit Nepal was like to go to Mars or the moon because a traveler
had to wait sometimes for weeks to land at Kathmandu airport, which was built at a grazing
ground for cows (Gaucharan). The flight on cranky DC-3 aircraft with limited communication
facilities was itself a life-threatening challenge. But there were many things to enjoy. Although Adhikari presents his narrative
through dramatic incidents, he tells real-life stories of the ancient valley. Fifty years
ago, the valley had only one hotel and a restaurant with limited facilities. Today,
urbanization has drastically transformed the face of Kathmandu valley, which exudes many
features of a modern city. Adhikari sees these changes as drastic and, in many cases,
unimaginable. Although the book reads like a short story,
it encapsulates the history, geography, economics, politics and culture of the valley. The
life of a tourist in the early 1950s was slow and rustic but it was full of pleasure.
There were many interesting things to see in Nepal. Today, everything is different. In
terms of modern facilities, Kathmandu valley now has everything to boast of. But it is
rapidly losing its beauty and tranquillity. "The book is a mixed bag of history,
geography, economics, politics and culture — all combining together to make it to be
read like a novel and would make a lively movie," says Professor Prem Raman Uprety. The book is divided into several chapters.
Hair Raising Flight and Nepal: Half a Century Later narrate the two contradictory
situations of the country. Browsing Through the Bazaar and Dinner with Mr. Rana tell
powerful stories of disparities in Kathmandu in early 1950s. At a wider level, this book should also
provide an answer to those development critics who have been arguing that no significant
change has occurred in the last 50 years. Thanks to the painstaking effort of Adhikari,
one gets an opportunity to read about two different phases of Kathmandu and draw one's own
conclusions. Reminiscences of Nepal |
Send your feedback to the
editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
