THE YEAR THAT WAS.....2007

Yet another year passed by…it seems like yesterday when we were bidding adieu to the year 2006 and welcoming 2007 with open arms. Today we set to say goodbye to the same 2007 which we had welcomed with so much of pomp and enthusiasm.

Lots of things changed in the year 2007, some for the good while others not so good. On the political front, nothing much favorable happened. Those who were hopeful that throwing away monarchy would put an end to the political turmoil got nothing more than disappointments as matters got no better. Little was achieved as far as the peace processes are concerned. After expending millions of rupees for the preparation of electoral polls, it was disheartening to know that the seven parties had decided to suspend the election program indefinitely.

The disruption of the distribution of The Himalayan Times and Annapurna Post was yet another sad example of deteriorating law and order situation of the nation. The Terai unrest was especially disturbing to me as my roots belong there and it breaks my heart to see people against people.

While at the end of year 2006, we were given the news of Saddan Hussain’s capital punishment, year 2007 ends with the tragic incident of Benazir Bhutto’s assasination. May her soul rest In peace.!!!

Lots of aid has flown in the country. The World Bank approved $18.2 million grant to support efforts to minimize the avian influenza infection and a $60 million education grant. ADB approved a $1 million grant for improving livelihhood. Japan provided a Rs. 180 million grant as food aid. Norway agreed to provide Rs. 120 million for Peace Trust Fund and Rs. 80 million for UN Peace Fund. Denmark agreed to provide Rs. 3 billion aid for the energy sector. However, despite the incoming funds flow, the socio-economic situation of the country is questionable.

One event that created outburst throughout the nation was the hike in the prices of petroleum products. The irony, however, is that despite the hike in prices, the crisis persisted and consumers still had to wait in queue from midnight to midday to get their share of the petrol.

Despite lots of negativity taking place, the year did see some positive light. Nepalese in Nepal and outsite has made the country and its countrymen proud. The boy next door Prashant Tamang created headlines after winning the Indian Idol 3 finale. Mahabir Pun made the entire nation proud after getting the Raman Magsaysay Award 2007 for his outstanding contribution to the community Leadership. Kudos to the achievers!!!

The year 2007 also saw an increase in the number of financial institutions. 3 commercial banks started operation in addition to the mushrooming finance companies and development banks. The share market saw a record high growth rate.

As far as the tourism sector is concerned, the year 2007 was THE year which ignited hope for the sector. After 9 years of slack, the year 2007 showed a positive growth in tourism proving that the tourists are again gaining confidence over the country. Four international airlines have spread wings in Nepali sky and more are in the pipeline. Something to feel good about….

Overall, the year was a blend of positivism, hope, rejoice, remorse and rebellion. As citizens, all we can do is learn from mistakes and vow to correct them. A small effort from every individual can create wonders and change the nation’s fate. Hope to have a better year ahead with better things happenning for the country. On this positive note, wishing all the members of the Nepali and the world famile a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR 2007!!!

Holiday Time

Travaling can be so much fun and so much rejuvenating. After so many days’ work, it feels great to be on a holiday, a holiday not very far away but to a very close by neighbor, India. India has truly transformed itself from rags to riches….a complete new nation with a complete new perspective. The past 20 days have been great. We set off for the journey on 9th of December 07 and were back to our pavilion on 26th of December. Between all these days we visited 4 cities including Mumbai, Jaipur, Jhunjhunu and Delhi.

Mumbai was the first place and I swear Mumbai trip was not as exciting as I expected it to be….So many people and so little space, seems like the city is on the verge of collapse. Yeah, if you are living a life of luxury in places like Nariman Point and Juhu, life will be hip and happenning, but sadly life is not so rosy for everybody in a metropolis like Mumbai. The local trains are a trauma, at least they were so for me. Everybody is in so much of rush and people are least bothered about each other. Given an option to stay in Mumbai, I say a big NO. Next destination Jaipur was quite the opposite. A very calm and serene place and amazingly planned. It was kinda very historical enlightment. The forts and palaces are breathtaking and you are awestruck by the beauty of the city. From the Birla Temple to Amer Fort, everything is beautifully designed and the architecture is mindblowing. Kudos to the architects who were so instrumental in building the city the way it is today.

Jhunjhunu, a name many might not have heard. It is the district hearquater of Rajasthan and yes, the birthplace of my parents with our ancestoral home still standing there. Our stay over there was more of a family rendzevous rather than a treat to the eye. I never knew our family is so very extended. The list of hosts was endless. I guess it would take us one full week to be able to visit all our relatives. I must, however, confess that the food out there is amazing. Everything is so much delightful for the platter that you cant help but ask for more. The use of pure indian spices adds wonder to the food…Oh!how much I miss the food…..

The last destination Delhi was the best….the city is truly the epitome of New India. I loved everything about the city, from its ppl to its metro rail. The New Delhi is THE place to visit. It truly stands as the capital city of India. The infrastructure is worth a watch and the planning of the city with all its plantation program makes the city not only beautiful but also worth living. The night life is equally fun. The crowd is hip and the youth have a ball every night…The city actually never sleeps and still never gets tired…wow….interesting!!! I would surely love to revisit the place and this time for an extended period of time…till then I am sure I will have an equally amazing time in my own lovely place….my Nepal..

Take the Lead...Stop AIDS,.Keep the promise..leadership

The Basantpur Durbar Square on December 1 2007 was cluttered. There was unusual crowd gathered..consisting of people from all walks of life...of all ages...The crowd there had come to witness the celebration of the World AIDS Day 2007 organized by SAARATHI Nepal...This year's slogan is :TAKE THE LEAD:STOP AIDS:KEEP THE PROMISE:LEADERSHIP. Lots of youngsters were there to witness the event.A skit was presented to let the people know more about the disease,which was well received by the audience.Celebrities like Rajesh Hamal and Om Bikram Bista graced the event with their presence....hopefully their involvement must have made a positive impact on the minds of people regarding AIDS, its causes and the support required to make the affected people feel more accepted. Every year promises are made but sadly nothing constructive happens.Why does this happen?Is it ignorance?Is it lack of commitment?Is it indifference?i do not have enough answers to them but i just wish more is done to combat the deadly disease...I hope they by December 1st 2008 when i again write this blog, i can express positivism over the same issue...till next time...Take the lead...Stop AIDS..Keep the Promise...Leadership!