Gorkha Pathshala, a historical monument

This Gorkha Pathshala has been the source of inspiration to all Gorkha social and educational institutions of Meghalaya state. Almost all premier social organizations and educational institutions of the Gorkha community in Meghalaya state took birth in the premises of this school. Most of the social activities are being held in the premises of this school and it has been serving as a community centre since its inception. Thus this school is not only an educational institution but also an historical monument that speaks volumes about the early settlement of those of Nepali origin in northeast India.

Bleeding households

By Leela Bhattarai

Awoman is killed by her husband because she has not fulfilled the demands of dowry. A mother of four children dies, beaten to death by her drunk husband. A newly married girl is burnt alive by her in-laws because she did not receive money from her parents. A woman is forced to leave the house by her family accusing her of adultery. These are all just some of the daily news we get to read in our country’s newspapers.

Violence is an unfair exercise of power directed to those who are physically, mentally and economically weaker. Domestic violence is classified as assault, battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, or any criminal offense resulting in personal injury or death of one family or the household member by another, who is or was residing in the same single dwelling unit. It is an ongoing, devastating experience of physical, psychological dimensions. It is associated with increased isolation from the outside world and limited personal freedom and accessibility to resources.

How does such violence arise? Is it because of money? Is it because of alcohol abuse and the use of drugs? Is it because of past experience of violence in the family? Or are women just physically weaker? Is it due to the discriminatory laws between men and women? All these factors are responsible for the violence against women. People in society know that violence occurs everyday, in their next house, down the street, but they just close their eyes and ears saying that why should we get a headache over someone else’s problem. Some say that a husband and wife’s quarrel is nothing more than a straw fire which will be extinguished in no time. Later, when the problem does not come under control or some very serious thing happens, only then does the news come out for other people.

Men are not genetically or naturally violent. It is not that men have one set of qualities and characteristics and women have another. All men are not violent but it is the cultural factors or the socialization that makes a man violent. A male child is provided with a set mentality from early childhood that he should be strong, brave, he should not show his weakness because he will be the dominant force in the future. All these things have an immense effect on a young child and his immediate effort will be to acquire all those characteristics. Later on, he becomes aggressive, disobedient and behaves defiantly and destructively. The major thing is the power and control by which men can dominate and control women. Women, who are denied an identity of their own, who are not independent, who have no access and control over resources have always been victims of violence. Even the sons throw their mothers out of the house after gaining their property rights. Parents think that their girl children belong to others and they do not want to give them much care believing that their girls will not be able to do anything for them in the future. In our society there is a fixed belief that it is the son, who earns, looks after the parents and runs the house.

The Nepalese constitution is based on a patriarchal system and the women are subjected to various forms of discrimination and exploitation by law. The legal system is generally based on a Hindu Legal System in which the daughters are excluded from their parental property rights. Nepalese women lack access to other resources as well and they do not even get a chance to take a part of their husband’s property unless and until they fulfill certain requirements. Mental tension has not been taken as violence by the law. To protect women from domestic violence, there is no Domestic Violence Act and Family Court Act. There is a lack of advocacy for victims of domestic violence. Many women don’t want to leave their home and family even after being victimized by domestic violence due to lack of money or unemployment, isolation, low self esteem, insecurity, no place to go, pressure from family and friends to stay, religious and cultural beliefs, denial of abuse, threats from the husband and other family members, lack of knowledge, fear of law enforcement etc.

Every year we celebrate Women’s Day and participate in various conferences and seminars for providing equal rights to women, to stop the violence against women and to eliminate discrimination against women. But the issue has never been resolved. Instead the problems are increasing day by day. To solve the problem, advocacy should be taken up to empower women with the ability to make significant changes. A victim should be helped in making a successful transition from a battered environment to independence. Providing information and support throughout the criminal justice system and advising victims about information and resources relevant to protection or security, divorce and custody. The most important factor is the legislation. Unless it is changed to give protection to women and provide equal rights to both men and women, to search for a solution is worthless.

Racial bigotry at TIA

Bahul Shrestha

The incident occurred on Friday, March 2. One of my closest friends Sagun, went to Tribhuwan International Airport early in the morning to see off his elder brother who was supposed to leave for London on RNAC, the national flag carrier. But to their consternation the flight was cancelled due to the pitiable management of RNAC, which of course was not a bolt from the blue for regular RNAC patrons. Moreover, as this kind of event sometimes even occurs with the preeminent Airlines we don’t expect RNAC to excel. For my cry is not for the above events, as to why they were unable to fly on that particular day, but rather it’s for the action taken by the RNAC staff at the airport after the cancellation of the flight.

According to the rules of the airlines the staff were supposed to look out for the accommodation of their passengers. And they did it so efficiently, all the foreigners especially Americans and Europeans were separated from the list and were sent to the star hotels, some Indians were sent to ordinary hotels and as for the Nepalese, they asked them, in fact ordered them, to go home. It was so easy for the RNAC staff to order the unsuspecting Nepalese passengers, as half of them were unaware of their rights. Those who stood up managed to get a room in a normal hotel but were forced to share with others. It was like three in a room, take it or leave it. Total discrimination by your own people in your own land, how appropriate. I don’t fully put the blame on the RNAC staff, who were doing their duty on that precise day at the airport, as I know that they were just doing what they were told to. My grief is aimed at the bigwigs of RNAC, who are responsible for initiating such a biased order. Surely it is bigotry? Isn’t it just because of the colour of the skin? I’m sure foreigners didn’t pay double the amount for the same venture. Or is it because of our clothes? Or is it because we don’t smell good? Or is it because we don’t have a habit of staying in star hotels? Why? Why were the staff so reluctant to give the same privileges to the Nepalese like they did to the foreigners. Isn’t that a severe blow to our dignity? In Dr. Durga Pokharel’s article dated 4 march, in the Sunday Post, she had mentioned that she could not go out of Vienna Airport just because she had a Nepali passport. Her transit there was for 15 hours. Being a true Nepali I felt so saddened but then what more can you expect in another country when your own people ditch you in your own land. If there are still some people with honour left, I should be very optimistic that RNAC will, in the near future, ensure the eradication of such racism. Finally, my friend’s brother was taken to Hotel Classic, New Road and was given a single room after a long confrontation with the staff.

The child, father of the man

By Rashmi Tuladhar

As I gaze into the night sky, a pang of nostalgia sears through my very being. My memory takes me down the familiar lanes of my childhood. I just realize I am smiling at myself. I see myself: a tiny form all alone on the terrace with vast expanses of the universe expanding above me. My eyes are glued to the sky. It twinkles in awe of the celestial beauty and burns with the intensity of innumerable questions reflected in them. Soon the eyes are lulled as I lose my mind and fantasize about my favourite star. My brain works overtime to concoct ways of visiting that favourite red star which my father says is the head of Orion. I reach my star. I unravel its mysteries and take in its celestial beauty. I feel jubilant as I envisage the world going crazy over my larger than life expedition.

The tiny tot now becomes bigger. I see myself busy with school. I haven’t much time to gaze at my stars. The dream has been buried for the time being beneath the pile of homework.

I then see myself seething with rage, hurt reflected in the eyes. The emotions are directed at my science teacher, who has just told us that the stars are nothing but mere burning balls of energy, a fiery mass like the sun. Who the hell does she think she is trying to nip my dreams? To hell with the science teacher and the science book! I make up my little mind. The stars are my vision of life, my dream and no one will snatch them away from me. I am going to my stars one day and the science teacher will see how wrong she was. My stars: just a ball of fire indeed !

Somewhere between that day and today I have lost my aspiration; maybe abandoned somewhere between the pages of those science books.

I sigh and feel tired all of a sudden. All at once life looks bleak and just a boring drag. I question the sensibility of everything being taught by books to little children. Why is formal education so necessary? Maybe it is necessary but why should we accept everything Kepler, Newton, Einstein and their likes say? Why do we not question their theories like a child questions, "Why is an orange called an orange mama?" Even as I ask the question I know the answer. We have lost the power to think, we have become handicapped and have lost the power to think, to question and to analyze. I have nothing against Kepler, Newton..., they were the ones who dared to question and seek answers other than preconceived beliefs. No wonder they haven’t lost their identity.

I don’t want to be a mere follower. I want to lead the way. Oh! How I wish I had the fire I had as a child. How I wish I had the strength I had as a child to stand up for what I believe, to fight for what I believe. If only I were a child all over again. If only...

Mayhem and madness at the Radisson

Spost Reporter

People can look forward to a month of mayhem and madness at the Radisson Hotel with its Mayhem in March programme now in full swing. Already keeping apace with the changing needs of the city’s food lovers, the hotel’s latest concept has given the capital’s go getters more food for choice.

Take a look at what the hotel has to offer this month. Every Saturday you can expect a Bubbly Brunch at The Fun Cafe featuring an elaborate buffet and an unlimited flow of sparkling wine. Now Wednesdays are a treat for all you outdoor fanatics with the BBQ in the Waterfall Garden where you can cook steaks, King Prawns, Salmon, Tournedos yourself from the choicest cuts with an array of sauces. Look out for the one with dashings of Tequila or the ol’ Jack Daniel’s. Just right to burst your tastebuds and set your juices flowing and leave you gasping for more. And watch out for the man with the tequila shots, ready to help you down the food with fiery splashings of the Mexican nectar.

Check out Thursdays where you could get a 10-50% discount on the total bill by spinning the wheel at The Fun Cafe. And where does the madness end? It doesn’t, for on Fridays and Saturdays Hot and Sassy Steaks await you at the Olive Garden. From the 19th to the 25th check out the Rice Around the World at The Fun Cafe where you can have your fill of the best varieties of rice with appropriate condiments.

And you can round it all off with the world’s best gourmet coffees, blended with perhaps a dash of Kahlua or a touch of cognac throughout the month. And if you’re still on your feet after all this mayhem and madness, why not go for some classic cocktails like the marvelously moving Margaritas, or a tall and strikingly good looking Manhattan or something else to melt anyone’s heart of stone like a Frozen Daiquiri and one, with the tongue firmly in the cheek, for the late night, a wicked Screwdriver all reasonably priced at Rs 275. And if you’re lucky (or had one too many tequila shots) you might even catch a glimpse of the Mad Hatter and if you’re really lucky, and don’t mention Alice, he might even invite you to one of his tea parties. It’s enough to bring out the mad March hare in you.

Whose cup of tea?

By Sugam Nepal

On a chilly morning in December, I woke up to the chirrping of birds, overwhelmed with a thought to do something conspicuous and creative. In my mind many fresh ideas were lingering and I was in such a great mood that if someone asked me to go for a bungee jump I would’ve instantly agreed to give it a try (though I am very afraid of heights). Gasping frigid air and blowing warm soft circles of wintry smoke through my rattling teeth and quivering lips, I was striding towards my college. It was exactly in Naya Baneshwor I happened to lay my eyes on a huge lump of fetid garbage on the street. I stood there and gazed at it for a few seconds but I could do nothing more than slink off the way cursing it for shattering my mood. At once, all my billowy desires and enthusiasm went up in smok e. I then came down to earth surrounded by reality and flushed excessively with disappointment and discouragement by seeing such an unpleasant sight. Then I realized sometimes small things, which we notice but tend to overlook in our daily life, can act as an obstruction when we proceed to our little sphere of work and endeavour to progress. On that day I felt as if the stench and dirt scattered all over the street lane were jeering at me challenging my civic responsibility.

I have always heard my father say, "a healthy environment is an abode of God" and to me it proved to be true because as soon as my eyes ran over the gross unshaped mass, my exasperated desire of excelling my self was jeopardised.

I could not help mumbling to myself, complaining about the present scenario of anarchy and murky politics in such a fundamental issue, which is directly related to public health. I questioned, " was my Kathmandu always like this?". Scattered plastic bags and rotten food thrown recklessly on the street, drawing the attention of each individual passing by. The ones who can bring about change are blind folded. No matter if we are running at a loss due to the retrenchment of the tourist bodies from the tourism point of view, the concerned authorities are mum. They are busy raising a hue and cry over more simple matters not bothered when it comes to the health of the city’s population. They are engaged in making speeches, preaching and teaching values. Why are they sitting back waiting for miracles to happen rather than finding alternatives.

However, my words will merely remain in this paper and will surely have a negligible impact on those who consider themselves the leaders of nations. Surprisingly, they do read such things and throw it in the dustbin, which I guess now has overflowed with the muck and has ultimately ended up in that street in Naya Baneshwor or wherever remnants of clean greenery still exist. But such considerations would not allow them to, perhaps, successfully hold onto the reins of government. They are busy passing each other the buck, lamenting over the growing garbage and uttering, well, "Whose cup of tea is it anyway?"

Pokhara calling

By L.B. Thapa

According to statistics, after Kathmandu, more tourists visit Pokhara. Pokhara is famous for many beautiful places of great value. It is also famous for its staggering vistas and lofty peaks that surround the valley.

Among its many interesting places, Patale Chhango is one. It is quite popular among the visitors. Patale Chhango is situated in the northern side of Siddhartha highway. This wonderful waterfall has been formed from the gushing waters of Fewa dam.

The average depth of Patale Chhango is about 100 metres deep from ground level. As its name stands, Patale Chhango, means ‘deep waterfall’. The lake water that flows from the dam eventually falls into the black hole and disappears from sight. This waterfall was later baptized into Devis Fall in 1961 after a Swiss lady, a Ms. Devis was swept away by a swelling flood into this hole. Later on, in memory of her, her family members named this waterfall as Devis Fall, so that she would be remembered forever.

Devis Falls is spread over a 10-ropani land. For the systematic development of this area, in 1978 a committee was formed. Afterwards, this committee entrusted all of its responsibilities to Chhorepatan High School, Pokhara. Since then this school has done several praiseworthy work for the development of this area.

According to the official record maintained there, in the year 1998-’99 a total of 25 hundred thousand tourists visited this place. In the same year, total sum of 10 hundred thousand rupees was collected from the entry fee alone. Similarly, in the fiscal year of 1999-2000 a total of 26 hundred thousand tourists visited this place. And a total of 28 hundred thousand rupees was collected from the entry fee of tourists.

Devis Fall is not only popular among the foreign visitors, this wonderful waterfall is equally popular among the domestic visitors, too. A large number of local visitors come in throngs to see the swelling waterfall during the rainy season. Devis Fall appears to be the most ferocious in rainy days. Visitors who stand near this waterfall can feel the vibration and tremors from the ground. When a heavy force of water falls into the black hole of Devis Fall, tiny drops of water incessantly fly in all directions appearing as if dense smoke is permeated.

The entry fee varies among Nepalese and the foreign visitors. Moreover, Chhorepatan High School’s management committee has carried out some construction work inside the Devis Fall compound, so that, visitors can relax on benches and grassy mounds. The main gate of Devis Fall is opened for the tourists from 5 am to 5pm.

"During the peak season, Devis Fall is almost crammed with many visitors from morning to late evening. Mostly Indian visitors are seen in flocks here. Children are also fascinated by the huge waterfall. But what I have realized is that after the violence followed with the alleged, derogatory remarks made by Hritik against Nepal and the Nepalese people, Indian visitors have largely declined. It has badly plummeted our business", said Minjung Lama, who has been selling pebbles and antiques at the main entrance of Devis Fall for the last 12 years.

Meanwhile, for safety purposes, Devis Fall has been fenced with a grill, so that, every possible accident can be avoided. Nevertheless, visitors are still advised not to go very close to the fall, as it could be dangerous.

In the vicinity of Devis Fall, is another interesting place, Gupteswor Cave. The older Cave of Gupteswor Cave is located in Parbat district of Kushma. The latter lies in Kaski, near Davis Fall.

There is an interesting story about the discovery of Gupteswor Cave. It is said that one night, a local resident of Devis Fall, NarBikram Paudel, who is also an eminent astrologer and priest, had a dream. In his dream, he saw that Lord Shiva himself appeared and ordered him to dig a place to find a Shiva Linga. The very next morning Paudel told his dream to the local people of that area. Later on, with the help of the local people, Paudel started digging the site. No sooner had they dug than they found a big hole inside the ground. After digging a bit more, they discovered a huge cave lying under their feet. In the course of their exploration, they also found a big boulder lying nearby the cave that bore the impression of a giant snake with seven heads. Thus, observing all the artefacts, Paudel strongly believed that the cave must have been a sacred place for the saints for meditation.

This cave is spread over a half ropani of land. The average height of the cave varies in many places but its length is near about 25 metres.

At the very threshold of the cave is an idol of lord Shiva. A seven headed snake has coiled round on the statue of lord Shiva’s head. This is one of the major attractions of the cave. "The idol of the lord Shiva bears a sacred and artistic beauty that is beyond one’s explanation in words", said Narbikram Paudel.

The main entrance of the cave has got cemented steps that make it easy for visitors to step down to the cave. When visitors enter the cave, they can observe different kinds of impressions made on both sides of the cave’s wall. After advancing10 metres into cave, there are five small ponds. These small ponds are the little wonders of this cave.

However, the local people think that due to lack of proper advertisement, the cave sees far less tourists. Paudel, the priest, said that though this cave lacks proper advertisement, in the year ’99-2000 nearly 20 hundred visitors came to observe this cave. From these visitors alone nearly 4 hundred thousand rupees was collected.

Having heard a lot about the cave, the royal family too have paid a visit. Paudel further said that during the visit, His Majesty assured to provide all the necessary assistance for the development of this religious site. In 1998 a master plan was prepared for the overall development of Gupteswor Cave. The report was later submitted to the government.

Local people seem to be very optimistic about the positive attitude of His Majesty. They think that His Majesty will certainly do something for the development of this holy site.

Back in the hands of sincere people

Razen Manandhar

I breathed a sigh of relief as soon as I crossed the Indo-Nepal border from Banbasa. There was no indication that it was a border and which part of the farm belongs to which country but only a hoarding board of Kantipur could tell me that. "Thank god, nothing mischievous happened in that land of so-called thugs, dacoits and corrupt policemen," I thought while following a coolie who dragged my luggage in his Indian bicycle.

"Sir, these Indians are all frauds. Don’t ever let them touch your luggage. I’m Nepali, just like you. Let me take you and your luggage for only Rs 20. The price is Rs 30 but I just want to start my business from good people like you. Come and sit down in my rickshaw," a lean Nepali murmured at me.

He was the first Nepali there and a flow of brotherly affection was natural. I said that since I had paid him, I could not let him go. So I promised to hire him from the border.

"That’s okay, but I’m not asking for money. It would be my pleasure to carry you to Mahendra Nagar free of cost," he insisted.

We reached the border Nepali check post. He reloaded our luggage in the rickshaw and we also climbed on. "Do you want to have your luggage checked?" that was his first question.

I said, "Of course. We are not smugglers."

"Fine, but if you don’t want to unpack your suitcases, give me Rs 10, it will do."

I turned my back to see if I was still in that ‘forbidden’ land.

"No. Thank you."

"Then you will have to pay just Rs 60. Rs 20 for you and the rest for the luggage."

My eyes startled at the first person I trusted in my beloved land of sincere people. The police officer at the border was just smiling.

Then came a three wheeler conductor who offered to take our luggage and us at the bus stop only at the charge of Rs 100. I liberated myself from his help because I knew that the fare for three wheelers is Rs 8 and of local buses Rs 5.

When I reached the bus stop at 4.15 p.m., the last bus to Kathmandu had just departed some five or ten minutes ago. That meant I had to hold up one night in that tiny town and be late by one day. It was terrible for me and I kept praying for an angel to take me home soon.

"Do you want to go to Kathmandu? I have an idea," an elderly man with unshaved face came to me and said, "That very bus was going to Palpa right now. The bus to Kathmandu is just 15 minutes ahead. So take that bus and ask the conductor to help you reach the bus to Kathmandu."

No only that, he stopped the bus with his mystic whistle, took our luggage to the bus and explained our problem to the conductor who was looking very genial.

The bus was running full swing but we wished it could run faster. After half an hour, the kind conductor told me that we could catch the bus at 6 p.m.. It was okay. Later, he changed his mind and said we would catch the bus before 9 p.m.. It was actually not okay but we kept silent, as there was no other way.

We were having dinner at a remote hut by 9.30 and I was waiting for a miracle to happen. It was 2 am in the morning when I woke up and realised that the bus was still there in front of the hut.

Thank god, we at least reached Butwal by 9 am. We should have been in Kathmandu by then. The conductor apologised profusely for not being able to catch our bus (I was a fool to believe that a fisherman can let a fish free after having caught it).

The conductor kindly contacted a man near the bus stop and the man told us that he could reserve seats for a mini bus which was to ply for Kathmandu at 9.30 (I was lucky I did not give him any money). The bus never came and we finally returned home at noon by another bus which took off one hour later as against the time promised by the ticket seller, never mind that this is the land of sincere people.

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