NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.

NP | 1
2 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
Interview: Strings pg. 7 Thamel-O-Meter pg. 10

NOV.06.CONTENTS
Grass Burnouts pg. 13
Y! Not Blog pg. 14
What's Cooking pg. 31
Sports pg. 39
Feature: Invisible Wounds pg. 40
DIY/ Book pg. 43
Interview: Indra Lohani pg. 44
Babaal pg. 46
Fear is OK pg. 47
Entertainment pg. 48
Impressions pg. 50
The Constituent Assembly pg. 16

Films at KIMFF 2006 pg. 22 She is the story pg. 24

Discussion: YOUTHDOM pg. 26 Photo Feature: No Acting Please pg. 34

NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 3
editor-
ial
Uncover
Diya Maskey
and others at
Actors' Studio
Photo
Brian Sokol

No. 2 | November 15, 2006

Nepal may never be the same again. Editor-in-Chief

Yubakar

I
remember a feeling of fascination during the 1990 movement. Thousands of
Contributing Editor
people on the streets, demonstrations, curfews, clashes with the police, rubber Tsering Choden
bullets – all of that was very new to a lot of us growing up at that time. Living in a
Associate Editor
‘shanti chhetra’, or at least that was what we were told Nepal was, the violence we Vikash Pradhan
witnessed then was an awakening, perhaps a prelude to the changing times. Later,
Deputy Editor
we rejoiced over the ‘democracy’ we got and went back to our daily routines. Subel Bhandari
But, as we were settling down to life in a democratic setup, the nation was hit by the
armed Maoist struggle, and soon we were grappling with instability on an unprecedented Nepali Copy Editor
Viplob Pratik
scale. Violence of the type we had only read in newspapers or seen on TV plastered our
own media with blood and gore and all avenues of prosperity and development were Chief, Design and New Media
Bhushan Shilpakar
choked.
Killings, torture, rape and vandalism became commonplace. In the midst of all the Photographer
turmoil came the infamous Royal Massacre… NayanTara Gurung Kakshapati

Well, all that is behind us now, and it is only wise to look ahead at the future Contributing Writers
and hope. It does feel sad to admit that as a country and a people, we have lost our Aditi Shrestha
Sahara Shrestha
innocence. Saurav Rajkarnikar
We can yearn for the days of old when life was slower, simpler and without many of
Manager, Administration
our current day complications, but would we have been better off without the political
Suneeta Tuladhar
turbulence we have witnessed in the recent past? I for one believe in looking ahead to
the future than to the past. The Peace Accord between the Maoist and the Seven Party Administration Assistant
Dibesh Shrestha
Alliance, though rife with inconsistencies on some fronts, is the best thing that has
happened to Nepal since 1990. There still is a long to go and much to be done.
The Constituent Assembly, which promises the answer to all our worries, might take Published by Yubakar for
Y Enterprise Private Limited
more than a few months to be formed. The new Constitution after that will take a few
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Y! Box
At last here is a magazine that addresses the
needs of the young people of Nepal. I have
just completed reading your first issue and I
am inspired.
I liked the way you have included political
and social issues. In fact all youth magazines
should give priority to these issues. ‘Politics
is a dirty game’ – the statement is outdated.
Unless youth become interested and be aware about politics, there
is no future for Nepal. There has been some youth participation
in politics, but it has largely been ignored by students of private
schools and colleges. Gagan Thapa’s piece is great.
I liked the fact that you included Nepali fiction written by Tarini
Prasad Koirala. It is an excellent way of encouraing young Nepali
readers to rediscover their literature. The people who boast about
reading Palpasa Cafe, will slowly be interested to read BP, Bhawani
Bhikshu, Parijat and so on.
Please don't be a stereotype Nepali magazine that sees only
singers and models as celebrities. In fact, they are celebrities
partly because the media made them so. When I went to japan, I
was quiet dissapointed to see almost all Nepalis working in hotels
as waiters. And most of the Indians I met were professors at
universities, or businessmen. If you highlight young Nepalis who
have done well abroad, it will encourage others to excel too. Like
Tsering, who was awarded the best international student of the
year in UK.
- Neeti
I am more than glad to receive the first issue. It is simply great,
but still not above reproach. Firstly, I found the size irregular and
odd. I think an average reader will find it hard to decipher the
name at first glance. May be you can put it more prominently, but
I am impressed by the name Y! Pooja seems uniquely glamourous.
I think the magazine lacks articles on sports and technology. c?
;a l7s 5 . Bilinguality is the best feature. Inclusiveness is great.
k]h a9fpg k¥of] . The first editorial was boring, at least for me. I
prefer informal editorials like others have written in English. You
can write informal, youth friendly editorial in Nepali too.
xfdLn]
g]kfnL efiffnfO{ klg OlËn;\ hlts} OGkmd{n / /dfOnf] agfpg k5{ .
Choden could have written more. Subel's Babaal is indeed babaal.
- Abhinashi
I was excited to see Pooja on cover but was disappointed with
the short article on her. It could have been longer – to tell her
complete story so that it would inspire the readers. I liked the
fact that you have included political issues. Even though the idea
featuring different colleges (in Campus Buzz) is new and unique
but I personally think you could give those precious space to other
worthwhile articles. Articles on music is bit too much, for me, I
expect more of serious read - about our country, society, youth -
than just glamour and entertainment. And, yes, I liked the editorial
by Subel
- Subhaya Basnet
The Price We Pay
Something is terribly wrong with the people of Nepal. For
example, they protest for the smallest of reasons. If there is
something that does not satisfy them, they show up on the
streets screaming their heads off. Nearly 50% of these people are
not even connected to the protests and many are youngsters who
don’t even know what they are protesting about. They are there
just to shout and make ‘good’ use of their free time. Instead of
getting involved in things that do not require their involvement,
why don’t they utilize that time in something more fruitful? All
they do is create traffic jams on the roads and that ultimately
causes chaos on the streets and wreak havoc in the daily lives
of those people who have to attend to their jobs and do not have
a single moment to waste, stuck in traffic. A few people have
even lost their lives because they did not get immediate medical
treatment when they needed it most, and all because they were
either stuck in the jams or there was no transport to get them
to the hospitals due to the protests on the streets. These traffic
jams not only disrupt daily lives of people; they also create other
problems like closing of businesses and increase in pollution.
Many drivers stuck in jams keep their engines running thus
releasing a host of harmful gases to the atmosphere thereby
increasing air pollution. The constant blowing of horns causes
noise pollution; oblivious to whether there is a hospital, school
or college nereby. The idle running of engines also leads to more
fuel consumption, which is not welcome at times of fuel crisis.
Okay, people protest. Ever since loktantra has been achieved
in Nepal, people have the full right to protest, but the law permits
only ‘peaceful protests’ that do not adversely affect the day-
to-day life of normal people. The protest is there all right. The
protesters, in the name of utilizing their right to protest have
used violence at the slightest pretext. Do they really have to be so
violent and throw stones and bricks? All they do is hurt innocent
people and destroy public and private property. The most
annoying form of protest is burning of tires and other objects.
Forget the unpleasant smell the gaseous fumes are not good for
our health and also add to the pollution problem. They shout
slogans while on the streets - isn’t that supposed to be enough?
Even after they have burnt tires and the protests are over, the
tires are left unattended and burning on the streets.
There are many ways to protest peacefully. Why not go about
the protests in stages? The so-called protesters can start by
tying black bands on their arms or on their forehead giving ample
time to the concerned authorities to address their grievances
and demands. They can also put their pens down or refuse to
work. This type of protest can be continued for a week or so
and if this does not lead to the result of their expectations
they can distribute pamphlets and posters. After this they may
take out demonstrations on the streets or go on hunger strikes
or even aamaran ansan (abstention from food till death). There
is historical evidence that Gandhiji freed India from British
regime by pursuing a peaceful means of protest: disobedience
demonstration or aavagya aandolan and aamaran ansan. Even we
can make a change by protesting peacefully. Nepal is the country
where Gautam Buddha was born. He was the one who preached
the message of peace all over the world. So it does not suit
the Nepali people to go wild on the streets over each and every
problem they have.
- Smriti S
NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 5
6 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
Strings
blIf0f Pl;ofnL b]zx?dWo] ;fob kfls:tfgsf
;fªuLlts ;d"xx? g} x'g\ hf] cfˆgf] ;ª\uLtnfO{
;Ldfkf/Lsf d'n'sdf klg km}nfpg ;kmn 5g\ .
To:t}vfnsf Vofltk|fKt ;d"xx?dWo] Ps xf] l:6ǻ; \ .
sl/a !% aif{cl3 ……;/sLP o] kxf/ÚÚ h:tf] uLtx?af6
Voflt sdfPsf] l:6ǻ\;, xfn;fn} lxGb':tfgsf] lhGbf
tyf xlnj"8sf] :kfO8/Dofg h:tf rlr{t l;g]dfsf
nflu uLt÷;ª\uLt lbP/ klg lgSs} rrf{df cfPsf] 5 .
cfˆgf] sl/o/df em08} &÷* aif{ lj>fd lnPsf]
l:6«ª\;, ;g\ @))) lt/ /s kf/fsf] kk ;ª\uLt
lnP/ km]l/ em'lNsPsf] xf] . To;kl5 x/]s aif{ Pp6f
gofF ;ª\uLt ;[hgf k|:t't ug{ yfn]sf] l:6«ª\;sf]
Voflt lbgx'F a9\b} hfFbf] 5 . ;ª\uLtsf] ahf/ ljzfn
ePsf] ef/tdf pgLx?sf] laz]if :yfg alg;s]sf] 5 .
/fi6«klt k/j]h d'z/{kmsf] zf;gsfndf cGo If]qsf
;fy} kfls:tfgdf ;ª\uLtsf] ljsf;sf nflu klg
/fd|f] jftfj/0f ag]sf] ljZjf; /fVg] l:6ǻ\; of] jif{
kfls:tfg, ef/t, cd]l/sf nufot ljZjel/g} ;DkGg
x'g] cfˆgf sG;6{x?df Jo:t /xg]5 .
km];g k|lzIf0f ;DaGwL ;+:yf cfO{cfO{Pkm6L
sf] cfof]hgfdf ;DkGg ofdfxf UNofl8P6/ l:6ǻ\;
sG;6{sf nflu l:6ǻ\;sf hf]8L km}hn skfl8of /
lanfn dS;"b uPsf] @) cS6f]a/df sf7df8f}F cfPsf
lyP . k|:t't 5 jfO{Û DofufhLgsf k|d'v ;Dkfbs
o'jfs/ Pj+ pk;Dkfbs ;'a]n e08f/Ln] l:6ǻ\;;Fu
u/]sf] s'/fsfgLsf] ;+lIfKt c+z .
PICS: SUBEL BHANDARI
Y!: From more of a pop band early on, you
resurfaced with a rock sound in the late 1990s.
How do you define your sound?
Bilal: I don’t know – it goes through phases.
Faisal: If you see our earlier albums, Strings 2
especially, which was released in 1992, it had
that rock element. We made it during those
days in ‘92 when there were not a lot of bands
making rock music. And then Duur (in 2002)
was totally different from our earlier album. So,
as he said, we go through phases, we evolve, we
discover new things and it all comes naturally for
us. Whatever we release has to come naturally.
We never make a song just because we feel,
‘Okay, this is the trend so lets make a song’. We
always make a song when it comes naturally.
Y!: So, it wasn’t a conscious move from pop to
rock?
Faisal: When we released Duur, there weren’t
much of rock elements in it apart from the
guitars. But, when you perform on stage, you
feel that energy. And when you go back and
make songs, that mood continues on – how it
will sound when we are performing on stage
because ultimately for us, the main thing is
NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 7
when we are on stage performing for our fans.
Bilal: The songs initially sound very soft and romantic, melodic,
the country-ish kind, when we are singing on an acoustic guitar
and just composing them. But, when we go to a studio and start
recording, they change their shape and then go on to sound more
pop or rock. Later, when we perform on stage, they become more
rockish because on stage we have three guys, playing together
and bringing their own elements to the sound - sabke apney apney
influences.
Y!: So, what kind of music are you primarily doing now?
Bilal: More than the
arrangement or the
style of the music we
give importance to our
melodies and our lyrics.
They come first and
actually dictate how the
arrangement is going to
be more than the type
of music we want them
to be or we are told they
should be.
Y!: Why did you take a
break in the early 90s
only to make a comeback in the late 90s?
Bilal: We just wanted to complete our studies.
Faisal: Yeah! And it wasn’t a very difficult decision for us to take a
 Bilal Maqsood & Faisal Kapadia
break although things were going pretty good. Our second album
was out. Sar kiae was a huge hit. We were doing a lot of concerts.
It wasn’t difficult for us stop doing music because when we started
we were in college together, and our main focus was always
studies. And when we were getting lot of tours and concerts out of
the city, we thought it was going to be very difficult to balance our
studies with our career. So we decided to take a break.
Coming back though was very difficult because seven years
had gone by and we were totally involved in our own lives, families,
jobs.
Y!: Did you know earlier that you would come back again?
Faisal: Initially we planned to come right back after our
graduation, but it was easier said than done.
Y!: Earlier when you were making music, it was because you
loved doing it. Later, when you came back, it was a pre-planned
career move. Isn’t it more mechanical now?
Faisal: Actually, it happened because of a song. We were totally
trying to come back, but it wasn’t happening until Bilal came up
with a melody for the song Duur. He gave me a call and it was a
really good melody for a song and we both started working a little
8 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
on the album. That is when we felt we needed to come back - we
had that song, we had that passion. It wasn’t that we had to come
back because of fame or anything. That song basically was our
turning point.
Bilal: That song gave us a new direction in music because that
sound was very new for those
times. Before I composed Duur,
I composed music similar to or
based on the earlier melodies
of Strings (of ’90--‘92). I wasn’t
able to come out of those
melodies, but when I composed
Duur, it suddenly gave us a
new direction. It was this new
direction that helped us come out
with this sound.
Y!: Is it still there? Now that
you have started making music
for Bollywood and Hollywood
soundtracks, do you still try to
make it so?
Bilal: We don’t want to work under pressure. We want to
enjoy everything we do. We have rejected many movies in
the past one year because we just don’t want to do movies
for the sake of doing movies.
Y!: So, Zinda was on your own terms?
Bilal: On our terms, yes. We were asked to do a song the way
Strings makes a song so it was a win-win situation for both the
parties.
Y!: How did you come up with that song?
Bilal: Sanjay Gupta narrated the story and it was an intense
situation of two hours, you know each and every detail: camera
angle, the music, the background. And then I sat with my father.
Actually from Sanjay Gupta’s place, we went to the hotel and we
composed the chorus line… chuvte kaante yaadon ke without the
lyrics, we knew what the music would be. And then I called my
father in Karachi. I told him, ‘This is the music’ and then he wrote
the song. And when it came back, the song was halfway there and
after we completed the song, we sent the tapes to Mr. Gupta.
Faisal: I still have that session on my phone, recorded at the hotel.
Y!: How did you get to do the track on Spiderman II?
Faisal: I don’t know how, it just happened.
Bilal: Columbia Tristar got in touch with our company Sony BMG
and they said that they wanted us to do a song for them. They
didn’t know that we were a Pakistani band. Thought we are an
Indian band. That’s why they approached Sony BMG in India.
Y!: We sometimes hear from Indian musicians that companies Bilal: Parikrama and all these rock bands, they sing in English
there favour Pakistani bands more than local Indian bands. and that’s why they haven’t been able to penetrate into neither the
Do you feel like you get treated differently? Indian nor the global market.
Bilal: India has been very kind in that sense. They have never Faisal: English is a global language, but it isn’t the core language
let us down. Be it the fans, the Indian music industry, Indian of that particular country or particular region. If you are talking
channels like MTV, Channel V. They have all supported us about the masses, of course in India Hindi is the most popular
throughout our career and this is one thing you know, we can language. Any English movie will not make that much business as a
never thank them enough. They have done a lot for us. Hindi movie would make. Every individual can relate to that music
Faisal: See, if you talk about the music company, they will or that song because of the language. That’s the biggest barrier.
always want somebody who will sell more. They are not there
for charity; they are not there for nothing. They are there and
their ultimate motive is to make money. So, of course, they are
going to put more money into whatever is selling, and favour
more. Pakistani music is really growing in recent years. You
see a lot of bands and individual artists. They are producing
really good music. In India, unfortunately, popular music is
not doing much. So, record labels that can invest in film music
will always invest in film music. But apart from that, the labels
cannot invest in film music and their main core market is pop
music. They will have to rely on
Pakistani music also because Pakistani pop music is really
good. It isn’t that Indian pop music is not good, but there is
not much coming out from India. There are very few people
who are consistent like Euphoria or Shaan. They have been
coming out with albums regularly, but apart from that there is
no one. You look at Pakistan and you see a whole lot of bands
who are active: Strings, Junoon, Fusion…

Y!: When will your album be out then?

Bilal: We are working on it. Hopefully, InshaAllah, around
March or April next year.

Y!: How will it be? Any insights?

Bilal: The songs will be melodic like all Strings songs. I don’t
want to disclose more right now, but it will be a surprise for all
the Strings fans. Something new.

Y!: Are you guys still the UNICEF National Goodwill

Ambassadors (for HIV AIDS)?
Bilal: Yeah, I guess we are, still.

Y!: Not much activity there?

Bilal: A lot was planned last year, but then there was the
earthquake and with all that followed there wasn’t much
happening. But we have a lot planned after December. We are
also making a song about it. We will also visit the affected
places in Pakistan, talk to kids, have concerts – a lot is coming.

Y!: In South Asia, why do you think Pakistani pop bands

been able to cross borders and not an Indian, Nepali or
Bangladeshi band? Bangladesh too has a good music scene.
Faisal: The biggest reason is in Pakistan, we sing in Urdu
or Hindi whatever they call it and that’s like the common
language. In India and Bangladesh, they don’t sing in Hindi.
Only Euphoria does. All the other bands sing in English.

NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 9
I remember passing through the empty Thamel lanes only a few
months back with a sense of dread. The occasional non-South-
Asian face on the street lit up brief sparks of hope, but the general
absence of the throngs was an ominous sign of the things to
come. Well, that was then. Now, as the evening sun sets in the
horizon, the neon lights of Thamel come to life as business there
prepare for another night of fun, revelry and music.
A country has various indicators of its social, economic and
political health. These indicators are however mostly beyond
the reach of common people or, even if accessible, masked in
THAMEL - - METER
SAURAV RAJKARNIKAR
technical jargon and weighed by volumes of data that makes
them virtually incomprehensible. The various government and
non-government organisations operating in Nepal may have their
different indicators about the nation’s health, for me personally,
a common Nepali, Thamel is the perfect measure of the general
state of things.
The hordes are back and music plays for longer at Thamel. “…
and we were out till the wee hours of the morning,” may again be
common among Thamel regulars, but are things back to normal?
Is this the face of the resurgent ‘new’ Nepali tourism?
Fall 2006
Spirits appear high, but most businesspeople are welcoming the
change in the weather with an ounce of cynicism. Bookings run as
high as 80%, and if the peace process works out, they may well
translate to confirmations. It may be early to predict resurgence
10 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
but a sense of optimism is evident all around. Ajay Sthapit,
secretary, Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), sums up the
situation thus, “The tourism sector still has a long way to go
before we achieve the glorious days of 1998 and 1999.”
Braving the heat
Every sector in Nepal has been adversely affected by the
unstable political climate, but no sector has been hit as hard as
tourism. Innovation and adapting to the changed circumstances
have been the key to the survival of many enterprises in
Thamel.
Many have
in fact come
stronger post
the slump in
tourist arrivals
after the late
1990s. Alok Maskey from
Jatra says that his business
doesn’t need to depend on
the tourists anymore. He has a strong
local based clientele, but he is pleased
with the arrival of foreigners who he
hopes will sustain. The Nanglo Bakery
Café appears to have been founded on
sound business sense by serving locals
as well as it
does the tourists
right since the
first branch was
opened way back in the 1970s. Himalayan Java is another
popular haunt that seems to have braved the lean period quite
well on the strength of its local patrons.
Facelift
The hordes are coming back, but are we prepared adequately?
The Kathmandu Guest House for one is not doing anything
drastic, and instead wants to wait for the outcome of the peace
talks. “Infrastructural changes are viable, but we are skeptical
about the future and we are not rushing into investments,” says
Rajan Shakya (managing director). There are many though who
have gone ahead and made changes or additions to cater to the
expected flow of tourists. Phanindra Raj Pandey, the Tour Director
of Adventure Garden and who also runs the Organic Café and Bar
has invested in new attractive signboards. He is also in regular
contact with guides and porters preparing for a bigger trekking
turn out. His café also features some new items on the menu. Jatra
and Himalayan Java are also getting prepared for the new season.
Jatra now features a live band, Pulse, which performs on Saturday
nights playing gypsy jazz. Himalayan Java meanwhile have added
American Panini Sandwiches to their menu. The coffee lounge
has now been extended to the second floor and they have started
serving alcoholic drinks. They are also building a brick oven to
choices have to be offered to the tourists if their numbers are to
be increased.
Since tourism is a major economic sector in the Nepali
context, many feel that the government could do more. As Ajay
Sthapit says, “The Government should provide subsidies to
the tourism sector during the slack periods on electricity and
other bills as well as on loan repayment.” Phanindra Raj Pandey
meanwhile feels that steps should be taken to curb negative
and illegal business practices to enhance customer confidence
and uplift Nepal’s image as a feasible destination. Some
seek governmental intervention in controlling and regulating
prostitution in Thamel. Gagan Pradhan feels that Thamel
has lost its integrity over the years as a family place because
of rising incidence of
prostitution. Many in
fact feel embarrassed
to come to Thamel with
family members at night.
Both Alok and Gagan
feel that the government
should designate a
lane for prostitutes and
homosexuals in Thamel
to save visitors from

unnecessary bother and

embarrassment.
Traffic in Thamel is a
serve wood fired pizza in the immediate future. headache for visitors and
HAN meanwhile is in touch with the embassies to promote entrepreneurs alike. Alok
Nepal’s tourism and have worked on the reopening of the Garden believes that creating a parking
PICS: NAYANTARA GURUNG KAKSHAPATI

of Dreams. Tourists Registration Certificates have recently been lot somewhere fringing Thamel
introduced in Nepal. Now all the tourists wishing to go on treks would relieve traffic pressures
need to get this certificate and need to take a guide or a porter to a large extent. Further,
along with them. This enables to keep a track on where the tourists by only rickshaws to ply in
are heading and in case of problems, swift and timely action can Thamel proper would provide
be taken. employment to many.

Stumbling blocks Looking Ahead

Things are on the mend but the situation is far from ideal opine
most folks in Thamel. “The Nepal Tourism Board plays a minor
role in Thamel as it is an individual client based area. Packages
that are supplied by the NTB are mainly for Indian based tourism
and big hotels. Thamel is not geared towards Indian tourists,”
says Rajan Shakya. Many like him believe that the NTB and
the government should allocate a bigger budget to market the
tourism sector in Nepal. Nepal already has the requisite tourism
infrastructure, what it lacks is proper marketing. There are many
tourist destinations in Nepal that can enhance the flow of tourists
into Nepal, especially to Thamel, since most tourists stay in
Thamel when they are in Nepal. However, only a few destinations
like the Everest, Chitwan, Pokhara, Annapurna, Lumbini and
Kathmandu have been marketed. Rajan Shakya says that more
Most Nepalis want permanent
peace, the rest, as they say will
automatically follow. Tourism
in Nepal promises a boom in the near future, provided peace
and stability sustains. “Tourists still fear to tread beyond the
Valley, but this attitude can be changed if we can convince the
tourists that travel to any part of Nepal is safe, and without any
hindrance and harassment,” says Rajan Shakya.
The hopes and expectations for the future are high and
the fact that many more new airlines are/ will be flying to
Kathmandu may see tourist arrivals touching new highs. We may
very well see new tourism benchmarks replacing those set in
1998 and 1999. The key though is peace, and we hope that it is
permanent this time.

NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 11
12 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
Y! Conscience
Grass Burnouts
Burnout is a term first used by marijuana smokers themselves
to describe the effect of prolonged use. Young people who
smoke marijuana heavily over long periods of time can become
dull, slow moving, and inattentive. These ‘burned-out’ users are
often so unaware of their surroundings that they do not respond
when friends speak to them, and they do not realize they have a
problem.
Myth: Marijuana won’t hurt you, it’s just a plant.
Fact: Cocaine comes from coca plants, heroin from poppy plants
- both are Harmful and both are plants.
Myth: Marijuana is not addictive.
Fact: Marijuana can be addictive, like any other psychoactive
drug.
Myth: Marijuana is allegedly used for medicinal purposes, so it
can’t be bad for you.
Fact: Cocaine and opiates are used for medicinal purposes too,
and they can be dangerous.
Myth: Marijuana doesn’t cause you to lose control; you know
what’s going on around you.
Fact: Marijuana can impair your judgment, causing you to do
things you'll regret (e.g., having sex and increasing your risk of
STDs, unplanned pregnancy, driving with people who are high or
intoxicated or putting yourself in any other vulnerable position).
Myth: Marijuana smoke isn’t all that dangerous to the lungs.
Fact: Marijuana smoke contains toxic chemicals that can cause
lung problems, including cancer.
 A public interest blurb from the Y! team.
WE ARE THE WORLD - HAMRO
SANSAR HAAMRAI HAATH MA
Hits FM 91.2 has always taken a keen interest in
generating awareness on issues that affect the general
public and society. On this particular program they are
involved promoting conservation issues along
with WWF Nepal on a one-hour program called
We are the World – Haamro Sansaar haamrai
haath ma, that’s on air every Thursday
5:00 – 6:00 PM with a repeat broadcast
every Sunday 10:00 – 11:00 PM. Hosted by
Bipra Acharya the program includes WWF
Nepal Conservation Ambassador Miss Nepal
Sugarika’s personal experiences, interviews,
worldwide news regarding conservation
and local updates as well. The program
highlights WWF Nepal’s conservation
projects and programs touching subjects
like illegal wildlife, anti-poaching, species
conservation and sustainable development.
Audio lingo
eureka!
Sampling Rate is the number of times an audio waveform is
looked at per second during playback. The higher the sampling
rate, better will be the sound reproduced. High frequency sound in
particular need high sampling rates.
Common sampling rates in digital audio:
8,000 Hz - telephone, adequate for human speech
22,050 Hz - radio
44,100 Hz - audio CD, VCD, MP3
48,000 Hz - digital sound used for professional audio
Bit Rate is the number of bits (0 or 1) used to hold the audio data
captured in one second.
Constant bitrate (CBR) – denotes audio encoding using a uniform
bit rate for the entire audio clip.
Variable bitrate (VBR) – denotes audio encoding using a varying
bit rate for different portions of the audio clip. VBR allows a
higher bitrate (and therefore more storage space) to be allocated
to the more complex segments of media files while less space is
allocated to less complex segments.
Common sampling rates in MP3 audio:
32 kbit/s — MW (AM) quality
96 kbit/s — FM quality
128 - 192 kbit/s — Most commonly used encoding quality
224 - 320 kbit/s — Medium-high quality to near audio CD quality
Y! Conscience
AIDS
Symptoms of HIV
There is no general symptom of HIV.
Some people newly infected with HIV will
experience some ‘flu-like’ symptoms. These
symptoms, which usually last no more than
a few days, might include fevers, chills, night
sweats and rashes (not cold-like symptoms).
Other people either do not experience any
specific symptoms, or have symptoms so
mild that they may not notice them.
If you had some risk for HIV recently, and are
now experiencing flu-like symptoms, it might be
possible that HIV is responsible for the symptoms.
But it is also possible that you have some other viral
infection.
 A public interest blurb from the Y! team.
NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 13
 UMESH SHRESTHA
29, Blogger
While Nepal reeled under 19 days of curfew
early this year, many people around the world

14 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
could catch up with the latest happenings
thanks to the almost-superhuman efforts of
a blogger, Umesh Shrestha. Superhuman
may appear a big word to use, but given the
circumstances of those April days, when even
mainstream journalists found it hard to come
by curfew passes, it rightly describes what
Umesh achieved. Mysansar.com had fresh
updates every hour or sometimes even more
frequent, with pictures and videos! And he did
all of it ‘alone’, news, photo and audio/video
gathering, editing, uploading and everything
else that was necessary.
Umesh started his original blog -
merosansar.blogsome.com, in April 2005. In
February 2006, merosansar became mysansar.
com. With the change in name, it became more
strongly opiniated, more political and the rest
is history. The popularity of the site soared
during the April Uprising, shadowing even the
otherwise unparralled news portal nepalnews.
com. According to Umesh, the site now has
more than 10,000 unique visitors every day.
Some irregular donations from Nepalis, mostly
from outside the country, and Google Adsense,
has been meeting his internet bills (and his web
space is being sponsored by World Link), but
when we last met him, he was contemplating
getting a regular job. This blogger faces the
same dilemma as many others like him, “How
long can I live off my parents' money?”
NAYANTARA GURUNG KAKSHAPATI
Y! NOT BLOG

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7fg]sf] klg 5' . cflv/ k};f sdfpg' dfq ;kmn x'g' t x}g lg, xf]Og /<

NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 15
16 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06

The
Constituent
Assembly
- Perspective Y!
NEPAL WILL BE WHAT WE MAKE OF IT
F
inally, it appears that the light
we saw at the end of the tunnel
was not really an illusion.
Our adamant politicians, who
suffer from 'chronic mistrust',
'inflated egos', ' acute self interest' and
'severe ideological differences', seem
to have found some common ground
for a compromise solution. The historic
agreement (on November 8, 2006)
NAYANTARA GURUNG KAKSHAPATI
between the Seven Party Alliance (SPA)
and the Maoists is perhaps the best
development for Nepal in years. The
disarmament process is underway and the
Peace Accord will be signed on November
16. The election for a Constituent
Assembly is also on the way, and it bodes
some very radical changes.
Perhaps the best reason to be
optimistic about Nepal’s future is because
SUBEL BHANDARI
the future themselves are optimistic about
Nepal. Titus Limbu, 19, born and raised
at Shanti Nagar, Ward 34, Kathmandu,
is having second thoughts about going
abroad trailing his elders. His cousin is in
Virginia, USA, studying (and working his
butt-off), his brother is in Kuwait (making
harsh compromises) and his brother-
in-law is in Dubai working as a private
bodyguard. He was too young to remember
the popular uprising of 1990, but like his
peers, he has seen history being made:
the Maoist insurgency, the Royal Massacre,
the subsequent Royal Takeover, the April
Uprising and the very recent Peace Accord.
Rising from the aftermath of a devastating
insurgency, and recovering from the fringe
of a failed state, Titus sees hope emerge
in this land – he now wants to be more
involved and wants to 'stick around'.
NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 17
 Nepali politics in its latest avatar has
evolved from a Rule of Law to a Rule of
Politics. The youth of this nation have
woken up to the reality of how closely
knitted politics is to the very fabric of
their lives, from the bills that they pay for
their drinking water to load-shedding right
before their final examinations. It is no
wonder, Titus and his friends studying at 'D
Cops', as they call their school (Dipendra
Police School), want to have a hand in the
change that is in the making. They want
to initiate this change, one they know will
dictate the future course of their lives. As
this other dude from 'D Cops' succinctly
puts it, “I remember someone saying that
if one is not a part of the roller, then he
will be the road, and will thus be walked
over. I don’t want to be a road, especially
not like the pot-holed ones of Kathmandu.”
We are living through transition:
there might be innumerable problems,
but boundless too are the opportunities.
The biggest opportunity of all maybe the
making of a new constitution through
a Constituent Assembly (CA). A taboo
just a couple of years back, it is now an
issue of national consensus. This dream
was sowed through the 10th point of the
40-points demand made by the Maoists
(then United People’s Front) prior to their
taking up arms on February 04, 1996. It,
however, did not have any mention of a CA.
The demand for a CA arose only in 2001,
and it proved to be the stumbling block in
the previous two failed talks between the
Maoists and the State.
The nation’s immediate challenge
will be to form and manage a coalition
government and the agreed-upon Interim
Parliament. Meanwhile, it also needs to
start preparations for an election while
coping with the inclusive, sweeping and
entirely new process of framing a new
constitution, a feat that looks to daunt
even the best managed of countries. Nepal
faces an uphill task ahead: the going
will be tough, but the consolation lies in
this being a genuine endeavor to find a
In Nepal, every second citizen is a woman (census 2001). Every third citizen is a
a youth aged between 16 and 35. Every third citizen is below the poverty line. Ev
citizen is a dalit. Every 98th citizen is a christians and every 45th citizen is a mus
18 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
W
hen a country faces a constitutional crisis, a constituent assembly is
usually the best way out since it allows the sovereign people to decide
on the solution. It will be the first time that Nepal will be going through
this exercise.
India and Pakistan are among the countries that have had constituent
assemblies in the past, but it was in France that the concept first took root.
Right after the French Revolution in 1789, the people of France formed a
constituent assembly to decide on the State's structure. In India it was formed
on December 09, 1946 to draft the Constitution for the soon-to-be-independent
nation. The Constituent Assembly also served as its first legislature and was
dissolved after India was declared a republic on January 26, 1950.
While a constituent assembly is an excellent democratic tool, it has had
mixed results over the years. If in some countries it has produced great results,
in many others it has proved disastrous. Some of the major failures have been
witnessed in Russia, France and Pakistan. However in countries like India, Italy,
Ireland and South Africa the exercise proved a big success.
Italy went for constituent assembly elections and a plebiscite on monarchy
in 1946 - 54.3% people voted for a republic and hence the Monarchy was
abolished. A Constituent Assembly can be a useful tool to come out of many
slippery and controversial issues, but the key to its success lies in the way
it is managed. As many experts feel, if not properly managed, a Constituent
Assembly can become a Pandora's Box with unpredictable consequences.
settlement to the 10 years or so of tumult, and the judiciary (that monitors the
pain and suffering. adherence of those laws).
As Nepal prepares for the 'CA' “The CA, for a lay person, is a process
elections, it still remains a topic that by which the people make their own
barely registers in the radars of public constitution,” says Professor Khanal”.
awareness and concern. While the word There are other ways to draft a constitution
has often been touted as a mantra for like constitution committees, constitution
peace, equality and prosperity, it may recommendation commissions (like the
end up being a mirage for most of us, one that drafted the 1990 constitution),
especially the youth. constitutional conferences, etc. Among
them all, a CA is considered the best
Disassembling the Constituent Assembly and most democratic. The fundamental
A constitution is the preeminent law of a principle of democracy is that people
country and every other law is subservient should make their own constitution. Since
to it. Professor Krishna Khanal, a political it is impossible for everyone to be present
analyst says, “It is the fundamental law of in the making of a constitution, the people
any country and no other law or regulation choose their representatives who carry
can be devised differing to it.” Simply their sentiments and their mandates
said, it determines the political, social during the drafting process. People own a
and economic structure of a country. constitution, and drafting a constitution
It also establishes the basic procedural through a CA ensures that ownership.
components of a country: the legislative It is quite disheartening to know that
(that defines the laws and ensure legality), we have had four different constitutions
the executive (that executes those laws), in Nepal in the last 60 years or so. All of

them have failed because they did not
address or represent the sentiments of
the people. The Constitution of 1990
was hailed as a landmark, and was
touted as one of the best and most
democratic in the world. But, it failed
too because people could not relate to
it – they could not own it because they
were never allowed to ratify it. “The 1990
Constitution claimed the sovereignty of
the people but it failed to establish the
ownership and control of the people,”
says Khanal. The people could not make
that their own – it had no provisions
for problem solving or decision making
when faced with obstacle. As soon as
there was any constitutional ambiguity,
it became the king's prerogative to
decide. The Constitution did not have the
provisions to address many issues that
were to be raised in the days to follow,
like the Maoist demand for a republican
state. Another reason for its failure
was because it was not truly inclusive.
It was more of an agreement between
the Nepali Congress and the then king,
Birendra. Many people felt it was a
lame compromise, which later proved
fatally true. The United National People’s
s a madhesi. Almost every second citizen is unemployed. Every third citizen is
Every fourth citizen is of an ethnic background (indigenous). Every seventh
muslim. One in every 25 youth is abroad working or studying.
Movement Coordination Committee, a
far-left group then, led by Dr Baburam
Bhattarai had opposed the 1990
Constitution as a black decree right after
its declaration.
In Nepal, the CA is not a rhetoric of
recent origin. In 1950, after abolishing
the autocratic Rana regime of 104 years,
the Nepali Congress itself had opted for a
CA to come up with a new state structure.
The Interim Constitution had stated
that the elections for a CA would be
held in the following two years, it never
happened due to political interventions
by king Mahendra.
The Process
The drafting of the new constitution
will begin with the CA elections, which
is slated to take place by June, 2007.
The exact details have not been laid
out yet, but this appears to be the
general roadmap. After the signing of
the Peace Accord on November 16,
2006, the disarmament process under
United Nations monitoring will begin.
Meanwhile, the Interim Constitution will
be completed by November 21, and
will be promulgated by November 26,
<< L to R: Rajendra Mulmi (youth activist),
Lochan Rijal (UN Goodwill Ambassador/
singer), Kala Subba (RJ/ model), Pushkar
Shah (world cyclist), Anand Gurung
(entrepreneur), Nabraj Lama (student)
and Arati Gurung (marketing professional)
at the House of Representatives.
!^ jif{ pd]/df Ps g]kfnLn] gful/stfsf]
xs kfpF5 . !* jif{ pd]/df p;n] ef]6
xfNg kfpF5 . @! jif{ x'Fbf :yfgLo ;/sf/L
lgsfo -uf=la=;=, j8f, gu/kflnsf
cflb_ df pDd]åf/ x'g kfpF5. @% jif{
pd]/df p;n] k|ltlglw;ef -tNnf] ;bg_
df pDd]åf/ x'g] clwsf/ kfpF5 . / #%
jif{ pd]/ è /fli6«o;ef -dflyNnf] ;bg_
df pDd]åf/ x'g ;S5 .
2006, establishing a unicameral Interim
Legislature (parliament) comprising of
330 members. An Interim Ministerial
Cabinet will then be formed by December
01, 2006, which will function as the
Interim Government until the formation
of the CA.
The Interim Cabinet will be given the
authority to ascertain the date to hold
the CA elections by the middle of June,
2007. The CA elections will be conducted
by the Election Commission (EC) headed
by Bhojraj Pokharel, Chief Election
Commissioner, and monitored by the UN.
The other members of the commission
will be appointed on the basis of an
understanding among all the political
parties.
As part of the election process, the
EC will declare an age-bar for candidates,
divide the country into suitable
constituencies, frame the Election Act
and announce the Voters List. The EC
will also assign symbols to the various
political parties that will take part in the
elections.
After the formation of the CA, and
following its first meeting, the Interim
Parliament and the Interim Government
NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 19
will be dissolved and the CA will take on inclusive constitution is the foundation a multitude of impulses, campaign tactics
the role of the legislature until full fledged upon which the new polity should be built. and the image shaping of candidates than
parliamentary elections are held. The agreement between the SPA and on a careful examination of underlying
the Maoists specifically states that while issues and substance. Some voters even do
CA Election Basics appointing the candidates, the political not know who they are voting for, what for
The CA elections will be a mixed electoral parties should ensure proportional and why?
exercise, comprising the features of both representation of all the groups so The CA election is a very long and
the majority and proportional election far under-represented in the national tedious process, generally dominated by
systems. The first 205 members of the mainstream, including women, dalits and politicians and other opinion mongers. But
CA will be the elected representatives of others. there have been instances of non-political
the public from the various geographical Another pricky issue is the estimated actors like scholars, constitutional experts
electoral constituencies through a First- 25 lakh expatriate Nepali community. Their and religious leaders also playing a crucial
Past-The-Post system (see box). The inclusion is essential, but the question role in the drafting of a constitution.
following 204 members will then be is, how? Following it is the issue of In the Nepali context, we hope we have
elected by the political parties in the citizenship. As per some claims, there are more players than just those with political
ratio of the numbers they garner in the around 40 lakh Nepalis without citizenship, associations and endorsements having
CA elections. The Interim Cabinet will many of whom do not have voting rights sway over the shape of things to come.
nominate 16 members from various either (some of those without citizenship Like the elections in the past, there may be
professional and other fields, taking the were reportedly given Voter’s Card for a fair number of independent candidates,
final total to 425. certain party’s benefit in an earlier but as statistics (See Table below) indicate
election). Giving this section of Nepalis the chance of success is rather meagre.
Challenges Galore their citizenship itself being a contentious One very important concern on many
The steepest hurdle in the formation of the issue, despite agreements on the same on fronts is the conduct of the election in a
CA appears to be ensuring proportional a political level, a big question hangs over fair manner, free from duress or pressure
representation to all Nepalis. Given their inclusion in the CA elections. of any kind. Despite the agreement on
Nepal’s crippling legacy of exclusion Then there are issues like illiteracy Arms Management, the mainstream
and discrimination based upon caste, and poverty that shed an ominous shadow political parties need genuine assurances
class, gender, age, religion, profession, on this democratic exercise. Ballots are that security on the ground has truly
background, ethnicity and region, a more often cast on the basis of images born of improved for them to feel comfortable
discussing politics and platforms even in
Result of elections for House of Representatives (Lower House-205) remote areas. Even the general public need
to be able to exercise their right to choose
Political Party 1991 1994 1999
without any kind of fear or insecurity
Seats Votes (%) Seats Votes (%) Seats Votes (%)
rooted in their mind. The UN monitoring
Nepali Congress 110 36.75 83 33.35 111 36.14
may assuage these fears to some extent,
CPN-UML 69 27.98 88 30.85 71 30.74 but whether it will ensure a truly free and
RPP Chand 3 6 - - 0 3.33 fair election is to be seen.
NSP 6 4.10 3 3.39 5 3.19
RPP (Thapa) 1 5.38 20 17.93 11 10.14 Beyond the Constituent Assembly
The CA may be formed by mid-June next
UPF Nepal 9 4.83 0 1.32 1 0.84
year, but drafting a new constitution will
NLPP 2 1.25 4 0.98 1 0.55
take at least a couple of years or more.
CPN (ML) - - - - 0 6.38 That done, there will have to be debates
NPF - - - - 5 1.37 and discussions on the draft before
CPN (Democratic) 2 2.43 - - - - it finally comes into effect. Drafting a
Independent 3 4.17 7 6.18 - - nation's constitution in this modern age
of equality, freedom and inclusiveness is
Past election experience not an easy matter and the entire process,
Year Regd Parties Parties Candidates Regd Voters Voting an onerous one. The varied mix up of
Contesting Turnout ethnicities, religions and classes in Nepal
makes the exercise even more difficult.
1991 44 20 1,345 1,11,91,777 65.15%
The final result may or may not live up to
1994 65 24 1,442 1,21,32,571 61.86 %
everyone's expectations, but it is important
1999 100 41 2,224 1,35,18,839 67% that the people feel a sense of ownership
Source: Election Commission towards the Constitution that will come off it.

20 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
 The CA Constitution Draft Committee For a healthy democracy to develop
should be as inclusive as possible. Hiring and endure, the youth must take
g]kfnsf] ;a}eGbf klxnf] ;+ljwfg
technical experts would be a welcome ownership of the system by becoming
tTsflng k|wfgdGqL kß zD;]/n] h"g
move and would ensure a better draft. informed participants. Informed
@^, !($* df lg/+s'; /f0ff zf;gsf]
Then there could be sub-committees participation occurs only when the youth
la?4 pl7/x]sf] cfjfhnfO{ ;fDo kfg{
to work on pertinent subjects like the understand the meaning of a constitution,
3f]if0ff u/]sf lyP h;nfO{ …g]kfn
basic rights and sovereignty of the state and politics and have acquired the
;/sf/ a}wflgs sfg'g, @))$ -la=;=_Ú
people, the executive, the legislative, the skills to voice their concerns and hold the
gfd lbOPsf] lyof] . b]zsf] klxnf]
judiciary, etc. There could also be one to system accountable. So, there is a need
r'gfj ;g\ !(%( df ePsf] lyof], t/
discuss and define the structure of the for an awareness campaign about the
Ps aif{kl5 !(^) df /fhf dx]Gb|n]
government: federal or unitary, presidential CA, distinct and separate from the actual
Soflag]6 / ;+;b la36g ul/ ;a}
or parliamentary, republican or any campaigning prior to the elections.
/fhg}lts kf6L{x¿nfO{ k|ltaGw nufP .
other form. The CA will however hold the Youth participation can come in
;g\ !(^@ df /fhf dx]Gb|n] g]kfnsf]
ultimate responsibility to reject, refine, or two forms: voting and candidacy. It
;+lawfg, @)!( -la=;=_ 3f]if0ff ul/
accept the proposals made by the sub- is essential for every young person to
k~rfotL Aoj:yf :yfkgf u/] .
committees. realise the need to exercise the right to
vote. But voting alone will not be enough.
Youth and the Constituent Assembly Looking at their numbers in the voting you draft every five years or so. Keeping
A new constitution will herald the making block, they need youth candidates in the in tune with the change in times and
of a new Nepal. It will redefine, reshape CA to represent the youth in the drafting circumstances the occasional amendment
and reconstruct the political, economic, process. Our political parties are not very maybe necessary, but it is important for
social structure of the country. youth-friendly and will probably shy away the underlying principles and laws to be
The recent political developments from giving a chance to the younger lot, sound to stand the test of time. We stand
in Nepal have generated interest among but as in all other sectors, the situation at the crossroads yet again, and we bear
the youth, and have got them excited. requires that they bow to the demands of a tremendous responsibility as we look
The setting and time now is just right to the times. ahead to the CA elections. This election
capitalize on the momentum generated. Final Note may give continuity to the political capers
The April Uprising clearly showcased the Most Nepalis welcomed the restoration of the recent past or it may bring out
strength of the youth while proving the of democracy in 1990 with high groundbreaking change. What will it be
necessity of their participation in any expectations and as the start to an era of rests solely in our hands.
national movement. Even with the CA, prosperity and development. They have We are aspiring for, and dreaming of
their role will be indispensable, and their however realised that without an active a Nepal where the poor and impoverished
participation imperative. Allowing the and informed citizenry, democracy is have an equal representation in state-
youth to participate in the drafting process unresponsive to their needs. The exercise building as the wealthy and powerful.
will be a way to make the constitution of voting is futile unless backed by a We are looking ahead to breaking racial,
future proof. It will also be a boost to the population that is informed and engaged religious and other divides while wiping
democratic process thereby creating a enough to know what they are voting on away labels and definitions that exclude
culture of democracy among the younger and who they are electing. people from the mainstream. The CA
lot. A constitution is not something election may give us a chance to make
it possible, but we need to be wary not
as to drown the drafters in a sea of
expectations.
First-Past-the-Post Vote System The new Constitution may not be a
Nepal has been exercising the First-Past-the-Post system. It is a simple panacea for all our ills and it may not
candidate-oriented election system, easy to understand and implement. This have all the answers. It will also be foolish
winner-takes-all system essentially promulgates a majority government with a to expect to use it to micro-manage and
strong opposition in parliament. socially reengineer the system. Similarly,
The First-Past-the-Post system may be an easy and effective voting system, it should also not be used for the purpose
but it also has some drawbacks. In Nepal in particular, it has been unable to of appeasing the extremes. It may fail
ensure adequate representation to many groups like women, janajatis, dalit, etc. to bring drastic changes to our lives and
in the Parliament. It has also made it possible in the past for a small minority to neither may it bring about any meteoric
rule the majority (For example: In the 1995 elections, the Nepali Congress [NC] transformation to Nepal. It may not be
garnered 36% of the total votes but formed a government legitimately over the much, but it could be a start, to something
remaining 64% of the voters.) big and beautiful.
(With Vikash Pradhan)

NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 21
 FILMS AT
KIMFF 2006
[KATHMANDU INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL]

SAHARA SHRESTHA

Launched in 2000, the Kathmandu International of the bridge is not the focus of the film it served to
Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF) is a biennial event structure the passing of time
organized by Himal Association. While promoting an The director, believing that the exclusion of the
understanding of the world’s moorlands, mountain rural from the urban in Nepal being a possible cause
community and culture, and inspiring an interest of conflict in Nepal, through his film, intends to put
in the mountains in general, this festival also gives the village and its people who see themselves as being
filmmakers an exceptional platform where they are able in the corner, or as being excluded, at centre-stage.
to stage their invigorating works of art. Forty-nine films Furthermore, he explains that while the film prudently
contrasting in genres and issues have been chosen for portrays the conditions of abject poverty it also tries
screening in December 2006. Among these films from to illustrate the way in which such living conditions
different countries like Germany, Poland, Israel, Peru have influenced the villagers’ culture and the way they
and Netherlands, four are our very own; “Hami Kunako encounter the onset of development in the form of a
Manche: We the Corner People” by Kesang Tseten, trail bridge.
“Dancing Kathmandu” by Sangita Shresthova and “The
Last Race” by Subina Shrestha and Alex Gabbay, and Dancing Kathmandu
another documentary about Maoists women also by by Sangita Shresthova
Subina Shrestha. This documentary grew out of the Sangita Shresthova’s
PhD work on how globalization can be explored through
South Asian dance.
Nepali films in the fray It maps the various
perspectives on the
Hami Kunako Manche: We the Corner People current situation
by Kesang Tseten of dance in the
‘Hami Kunako Manche: We the corner people’ is set in Kathmandu valley
a remote Tamang village of Rasuwa District where even through the words
the slightest of the dancers and
form of other practitioners.
civilization is Dancing
hard to find. Kathmandu studies
Assigned to do the destiny of
a film about Nepal's dance
trail bridges traditions as they go
built in Nepal through the stage
by various of globalization. It
communities recognizes that dance
and supported is an important and inseparable part of our culture.
by the Swiss
organization ‘Helvetas,’ Kesang Tseten arrived at this “The Last Race”
village where such a bridge was being constructed. “The by Subina Shrestha and Alex Gabbay
making took several visits to the village, 5 to 6 days Written by Subina Shrestha and shot by Alex Gabbay,
each, coinciding with the different stages of the building ‘The Last Race, ' is a twenty-three-minute short fiction.
of the bridge,” he adds, “and although the building Subina came up with the idea of making this film while

22 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
discussing how to promote Manang with her friends in Maoists, People's Liberation Army
Ramyata Limbu (of KIMFF) and Triple Gurung (of and their sister organization the student
Manang Youth Society). union of ANNFSU (revolutionary).
The scenery, the people, their relationships and
their plights, and the annual Horse riding race called Filmmaker Profile
Yarthung are just a few of the attractions of Manang,
which Subina has managed to feature in this short Kesang Tseten was a writer before getting into
fiction. Many people in Manang go to America and never cinematography. A winner of many awards,
come back; the story reflects on that, too. It weaves including ‘Best Documentary of the Decade’
around a thirteen-year-old boy Lakpa whose parents award by Nepal Motion Pictures Association
leave him to go to America. His only obsession now is 2005 for ‘On the road with the red god:
to go to America but he doesn’t want to leave without Machhendranath,’ Special Mention at the Bilan
his best friend Karma. Karma, on the other hand, du Ethnographique, Paris, Screenplay Award
wants to participate in the annual men's horse-riding by Nepal Motions Pictures Association for
competition. Before they decide to leave they face many ‘Mukundo’ and the screening of ‘We Homes
obstacles to be overcome. Chaps’ at the Margaret Mead Film Festival in
NY, Kesang has no filmmaking background
(name not decided yet) except for a few workshops in New York.
by Subina Shrestha
Wanting to do something on the conflict in Nepal, Sangita Shresthova is a dancer, a
Subina’s second documentary is a made-for-television choreographer and a media scholar of a mixed
documentary about
Nepali origin. While pursuing her PhD at the
Maoists women. She
Department of World Arts and Cultures at
pitched her idea to a
UCLA, Sangita was also a part of Boston-based
television station and
Lasandhi Dance Theater, the Navarasa Dance
got a thumbs-up. "I
Theater and the Dance Theater of Nepal in
am reediting the film
New York City.
for KIMFF because
I feel it's useless
Subina Shrestha has been making
to show it abroad,
documentaries for about six years and has 15
without actually
showing it in Nepal." documentaries under her belt so far. "A man
While she wrote the called Nomad" was quite acclaimed in Nepal
script and directed and was able to win Best Script Award, Trento
the film, Alex Gabbay International Mountain Film Festival in 2004.
helped her with the With a Journalism background, Subina had
shooting with this always been interested in Arts. When only
project as well. nineteen, she did the first-ever installation art
The twenty-minute long documentary was shot in show in Kathmandu in 1996 but she started
July 2006, which depicts a personal account of women documentaries much later.

NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 23
24 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
she is the story
With deft fingers, Barta Gandarva tunes her sarangi and arranges herself on
the edge of a chair. With her slight frame, her toes barely reach the ground as
she cups her instrument. A hesitant little girl by appearance, she clutches her
instrument, looks up and asks “suru garaun?” In one breath, she bursts into a
sugary sweet melody without a single trace of nervous tremor. Her voice soars
with every new note, floating higher, lifting the air in the room.

*****

Barta was born in Jarayo Tar, Bhojpur in 1986. Growing up with five siblings
and an absent father, things were tough at home and the prospects of an
education very low. One day, her mother handed her a sarangi and with her 2-
month sister in tow, they began traveling to nearby villages, entirely depending
on Barta’s musical inclination to make a living.
After a few years of bare survival, Barta was ‘found’ playing her sarangi and
singing at the Tumlingtar airport by human rights activist Gopal Siwakoti. She
was extended an invitation to come to Kathmandu and promised an education.
She took the offer and upon arriving in the city, immediately began recording
her songs. In 1995, at the age of 9, Barta released her debut album with Music
Nepal - a collection of contemporary folk songs she had collected and arranged
over the years while on the road with her sarangi. Her first few years of city
living proved to be successful but despite her musical talents, Barta realised
she needed more to make it on her own. Her patrons kept their word and after
a year of informal learning, Barta enrolled herself in school.
dfOtL... Concentrating on her formal education, Barta’s musical aspiration took a
lsg hfFb}5f} 6f9f back seat. She performed occasionally, but her environment did not allow her
to nurture her musical talent. Barta yearned to practice regularly but learned
ufpF3/} la;]{/ that the sound of the sarangi was not always welcomed. She was warned of
clxn]sf] uLt being labeled a gaine. Keeping her head low, and her determination up, Barta
worked hard in school.
hgsf] ;ËLt This June Barta passed her SLC exams. She visited her family in Bhojpur
la/fgf] eP em} F and decided she wanted music back in her life. She returned to Kathmandu.
Back in the city, Barta has enrolled herself into the Lalit Kala Campus with
hopes to formally pursue music. She realizes however that she is on her own
slt lbg a:g' now. She has made friends who support her music but in order to make ends
meet, she needs a job, a place to live and a great big brave heart.
slt lbg afFRg'
csf{sf] cfz}df *****

Compared by many to the venerable Aruna Lama, Barta’s voice carries a

d'6'df kL/ deep sense of struggle for one so young, yet manages to lift your spirits and
make you want to hope. Her exceptional gift resonates loud and her quiet
cfFvfdf cfF;' strength helps her create and draw on opportunities when they arise. She is
hLjg ;fy}df the story.

NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 25
YOUTH
‘We blame the politicians
for being corrupt, so who’s
responsible for that? Us…
we voted for them…’
SHANKAR SHRESTHA, UNITED YOUTH
Website: www.unitedyouth.org.np
Meet Shankar Shrestha of United Youth
formally known as United Youth for World Peace.
Established in 2001 their vision is to generate
the youth’s interest in economics, politics and
social issues. In his opinion, it is important to
get the youth involved early so they can reap
the seeds they sow. He says, you can lead
or be led…but both require decision-making
capability, which United Youth provides through
training in good governance among others.
26 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
‘In many cases the older generation ‘When it sto
are also not experts and not serious.’ fun we stop
DIPENDRA CHAULAGAIN, YOUTH INITIATIVE DEEPTI KHAKUREL,
Website: www.youthinitiative.org.np Website: www.yatra.o
Meet Dipendra Chaulagain, President of Youth Initiative that Meet Deepti Khakure
was established late 1999. At the time there were very few youth President of Yatra wh
organizations and Youth Initiative, popularly known as just YI, also self-sustain youth for
started with very little participation and representation. However conservation. Their jo
with the years the institution has grown as well. Inform, empower in 2004 as volunteer
and involve is the YI motto. Members are welcome from as early they wanted to put to
as 16 years of age because they believe leadership qualities privilege of having re
have to be instilled at a young age. They began with the intention education.
of focusing on civic education but have now embraced political
awareness campaigns as well. This, in an attempt to wipe out the
indifference and change the ‘dirty politics’ perception. Leadership
training is top on their agenda and they also help create and
support young organizations trying to get a headstart.
HDOM

PICS: NAYANTARA GURUNG KAKSHAPATI

stops being ‘Our intention is to bring ‘We are looking for social
op.’ about a youth movement.’ political recognition.’
REL, YATRA SUDYUMNA DAHAL, AYON PRAKASH BHATTARAI, YOUTH ACTION NEPAL
atra.org.np Website: www.ayon.org Website: www.unitedyouth.org.np

akurel, Founder Meet Sudyumna Dahal, General Secretary
ra whose vision is to of Association of Youth Organisations of
th for education and Nepal (AYON), which grew its roots in 2004
heir journey began but was formally introduced only in 2006 on
nteers who realized International Youth Day. Currently there are 15
put to good use the youth organizations under the AYON umbrella.
ng received a sound The idea of a ‘collective voice’ came up to
make dealing with the bureaucracy easier.
And when you’re attempting to make a change
in the policy making level regarding youth
related issues, surely 15 representatives would
be more effective than 1!
Meet Prakash Bhattarai, President of Youth
Action Nepal. They are into human rights
issues, social justice and cultivating a culture
for peace. They have also adopted international
labour migration and HIV/AIDS cases into
their purview. Their strategy is to produce able
social leaders and for that, they are engaged in
training potential candidates. Their work also
extends into research and study, campaigning,
building partnerships and creating a local and
international network.

NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 27
Youth is the embodiment of energy and
enthusiasm. The young are passionate
beyond compare and remain fearless on
most counts. They are adamant, expressive,
bold and brash. They are capable of
bringing down an empire as much as they
are instrumental in building one. In your
youth you don’t have second thoughts…you
go ahead believing everything is possible.
That zeal was clearly evident at the Y!
HQ as our young guests got ready for a
discussion on a topic they are all too familiar
with.
What you are going to read now are excerpts from an otherwise
interesting 3-hour long discussion.
Would you say you have found some sort of a place in the
broader governing process?
Sudyumna: Three to fours years back no one really cared. Youth,
at the time, spelt trouble. Such misleading assumptions have
been removed to a certain extent. Atleast now if we approach
the concerned department and solicit funds for major events
like International Youth Day they willingly support us. We are at
least being heard now…
There is acceptance but is there
seriousness?
Prakash: With the network of
……@^ aif{sf] pd]/df s[i0fk|;fb e§/fO{ ;efd'v
youth organizations there are
two advantages. One, the youth
ag]sf lyP, of] ;a} df}sfsf] s'/f xf] .ÚÚ
have started to raise their voices
concerning even issues like migration – a youth related issue.
Even in politics we’ve realized that we should be critical. Youth
related agendas are being raised by the youth themselves and
to a large extent we believe we are being taken seriously. Earlier
‘youth clubs’ were about football and light entertainment like
playing deusi, etc. but now there’s concern and inspiration
that involves social and political issues. The government and
other related organizations that used to turn a deaf ear are
now standing up to take notice. Change takes time but it’s
happening slowly.
Social issues or politics - where do you think lies more youth
participation?
Shankar: You cannot separate the two.
Deepti: Like he said if we start segregating there will be a
problem. Politics is for society at large and so are social issues.
28 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
The April movement was a turning point in helping establish
that fact. Most of us involved more with social activities
realized that it was so important to stay in tune with politics.
YI was a more civic movement…how did that change?
Deependra: We were encouraging the youth to find a voice.
The ones before me who started YI wanted to bring change
without really going into specifics. At the time social issues
took the front seat and we began to realize that eventually
it boils down to politics. So that’s when we got into political
activism as well. Both run parallel to each other.
Prakash: My opinions differ slightly - structural forms of
human violation like caste and gender based discrimination,
regional disparity, ethnic minority is separated from
indigenous political forms of human violation such as killings,
abduction. The political situation changes according to the
times. Currently it’s conflict related, arms related, about
democracy – so those have overshadowed social issues. If
somebody is murdered it will be broadcast worldwide through
the human rights watch groups, the UN, and the USA jumping
into the bandwagon to investigate the killing, but if somebody
dies of hunger it won’t even make it to the news. So I believe
that yes, we should have the capacity to analyse political
issues but our focus should remain on social issues.
From your experience how involved are the youth in politics
now as opposed to then?
Shankar: When I was studying in Ascol more than 50% of
the students were from the urban crowd who were apolitical.
However the reputation Ascol had outside the campus was that
of rowdy students into vandalism. The more the youth stay
away from politics the more they will be dragged into it by the
politicians. Right now we say that the politicians are corrupt,
so who’s responsible for that? Us…we voted for them…so what
should we do? Should we not get to know the politics of this
country better? The involvement has increased a lot.
What kind of changes have you brought in the political scene?
Deependra: I’m proud of the fact that we managed to bring
together rival parties and youth leaders who couldn’t see eye
to eye on one platform. They were highly co-operative and we
saw enough camaraderie between them, so that’s the kind of
situation that has been created now. It creates a more positive
outlook among the rest, thus bridging the gap. Even in private
colleges we encourage students to give up their indifference.
So that’s how we are progressing.

How do you mobilize your various activities?
Deependra: If we are dealing with student youth leaders then it’s
a closed camp, if it’s with students then there are workshops. The
latter became so popular that students from colleges never visited
before started enquiring about it.
Prakash: Ours is usually community based that takes place in
universities but the youth have graduated and are still interested
to do something but don’t have the support, know how are the
emerging youth organizations – we work with them and for them.
There is a 5-day human rights training program. What happens
at the end of the training is they make an action plan and
make a commitment – to implement and transfer their skills to
others interested. One example was during Jana Andolan 2 the
training took place in Kirtipur with college students and youth
organizations. They made an action plan, 10 each, and said they
had thought of street plays regarding corrupt politicians. They
performed in all the strategic places like Gongabu, Kalanki and
Jorpati. It was very well received.
Shankar: One example I can give is we’ve gone to Singha Durbar
to check who’s missing during office hours. Warnings have been
issued to the Secretary. We stood in chowks caught the employees,
out on a holiday in the government car with their
family, and took them to the police station. The
Joint Secretary has even gone walking. We were ……hlt hlt o'jfx? /fhgLltaf6 efUg
taken into custody as well. We read the news in
the papers and then see if there’s anything we
can follow up. We also organize workshops with
vf]H5g\, plt g} pgLx? g]tfx?af6
political youth leaders. In 18 to 20 years we
might even have our own Prime Minister!
Deepti: When it stops being fun we stop. We initiate small but
effective projects. We go rafting, hiking, discuss conservation and
talk about how important it is in our life. We form and strengthen
eco clubs in schools – all in the hope of creating behavioural
change.
Why is there very little data on youth?
Sudyumna: There is data but nothing has been officially published.
Our government has one of the worst data banks!
Prakash: Your question is very relevant at the moment…there is
lack of data. On a personal level we might have the information
but as an organization there is no data.
Do you change your clauses in your organization depending on
the funds that could be coming in?
Deependra: Youth Initiative is focused on youth development so I
don’t see ourselves bending the rules and getting into health care
or something…
What about if it’s funds for issues closer to what you’re doing?
Deependra: If it’s funding related to the kind of work we’re doing
then I don’t think I’m going to refuse because it’s difficult to
remain self sufficient. Resources are very important to go ahead
with various jobs so depending on the kind of situation and work
there is we will definitely accept the funding. If there’s funding for
Adult’s rights then I guess we won’t accept but besides that if it’s
youth related like HIV AIDS, Education, etc. then why not?
How can you involve the youth and make them more active.
Deependra: Youth Initiative will analyse a person’s capability
and if we so deem him fit then we trust him to carry out his
responsibilities. We should be able to generate opportunities.
We’ve been running these organizations for so long and yet it’s
difficult to have somebody trust us. One look at us and they go, oh!
There’s going to be a concert!’
Prakash: We are looking for social and political recognition.
Everybody would like to lead a dignified life so they are looking for
opportunities - be it financial or skill-related. These are the two
major demands that the youth are looking for.
Shankar: To bring change it has to be inbuilt. Concepts need to be
developed as to taking initiatives.
Deepti: Besides trust and motivation, the environment in the
education system should be progressive. They should be given
some sort of responsibility so it becomes habitual. It it’s instilled
they will become active.
/fhgLltdf l3;fl/G5g\ .ÚÚ
Expertise and experience the youth don’t have…so if they don’t
stand a chance in the policy making level then that would be
justified right?
Deependra: In many cases the older generation are also not
experts and not mature enough. They might be experts in one
particular topic but so are the youth.
Shankar: At 26 Krishna Prasad Bhattarai was the Speaker, it’s all
about getting a chance!
Sudyumna: All we’re saying is that there should be youth
participation in the policy making level. We should be given a place
and most importantly there should be trust. We are not trying to
say that the older generation lack understanding and it’s not like
we don’t respect them, we do. All we’re saying is there should be
equal partnership, sometimes less, maybe more in some cases…
but there should be a portion - that’s all we’re asking for.
Prakash: Internationally youth adult partnership is considered
the best model. Like you are saying youth are not mature, not
experienced…that could be wrong but right in some ways, which is
why it’s important that there’s youth as well as adult partnership,
this model has proved to be successful in countries like New
Zealand and Netherlands…
Deepti: We are creative, innovative, we have an upper hand
NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 29
in grasping new technologies…so it’s definitely not about
participation just to fill up seats either, but youth according to
their potential and capability should be taken into consideration.
They say getting into a Youth organization is an opportunity to get
into the back door of another bigger better organisation? Is that
the trend?
Prakash: Yes because eventually we have to leave the youth
organization because there is the age factor. And after you’ve left
then obviously you’re going to look for another job, this is the age
too. And then you are already highly qualified for an NGO job…even
without the experience there are people who are academically
sound they would have got the job anyway. But who will deny
that humans are selfish…there is a certain interest – some
choose to build a network, someone else is probably looking
for a cushy job etc …
Sudyumna: The question is confined…I’m thinking about
business, he’s thinking about becoming a Prime Minister…
think about it…when we started off it wasn’t with the intention of
making money. It was a drive to do something and the faith that
we could. I refused a job at the Danish Embassy to do this; there’s
motivation and a lot of reasons why we started. Yes our years with
the youth organization has helped build our confidence, leadership
qualities, we get to be interviewed like this…
Prakash: …using this as a tool to get into an INGO is certainly not
the case.
Deependra: If you get a good offer and you refuse just because
somebody tells you that you shouldn’t would be stupid!
Prakash: The other accusation is that a youth organization is a
place to socialize and date! But think about it, isn’t this the age to
get to know people, to fall in love, to interact? It’s actually an ideal
place if not looked at in a negative light!
……xfdL ;fdflhs / /fhg}lts
klxrfg rfxG5f} F .ÚÚ
Any regrets that you’ve missed out on some formidable years
doing something else maybe?
Deependra: I used to think about it but not anymore. A doctor
has his place and so do I. Maybe they make more money but our
profits could be in the long haul. There’s nothing to be sad or
feel bad about in fact I think this is a very important and strong
decision I took.
Prakash: There’s loss and gain. There’s recognition and there’s
accountability. There’s worry about next year’s funding and
whether new members will join the organisation. When you’re
leading you will always be faced with adversaries but you must
remember not to let that affect your studies. I know of friends
who are earning Rs. 50,000 per month and who knows I could be
earning more but that’s not really how you think when you’re in
this field. Yes there are the travels and when others look at us they
30 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
probably think we have a wonderful job and are envious too. Sure
the traveling is great but there are the family obligations that you
haven’t been able to fulfill too…
Sudyumna: Sometimes I wonder if I’ll get married! You wonder if
you will be able to make time for your wife and kids. This job is not
really secure and clarity comes slow too. Different thoughts enter
my mind and doubts do arise…
Deepti: But ultimately there’s satisfaction. Although my field is
microbiology I’m glad I’m not a doctor although I come from a
family of doctors. For me the pressure is of how I can do more.
There’s still too much to do and I feel we’re going at a snail’s
pace…
……kl/jt{gsf] nflu ;do nfU5,
t/ la:tf/} x'Fb}5 .ÚÚ
Shankar: Definitely when a friend comes and parks a fancy car in
front of you, you wonder why you’re doing what you’re doing. But
what I’m proud of is that there are people who know me for what
I have achieved on my own rather than as my father’s son. In fact
my father introduces himself as my father which is most satisfying
for me…even now I’m wondering how I’m going to go back! I had
to collect some money…I haven’t had a chance to do that either...
that’s how busy I have been.
What are the weaknesses and challenges?
Deependra: We haven’t been able to get into specific youth issues.
Prakash: One weakness, let’s say due to our limitations - the
leadership in the organization is the deciding factor when it
comes to focusing on issues. There might be some who want to
take up human rights issues, others into politics but the ideas are
suppressed because it depends on who starts the organization and
their preferences.
Deependra: Not being able to maintain transparency is another
weakness.
Sudyumna: Lack of professionalism, one person attempting 10
different things is our weakness. The challenge is to prove that we
can be taken seriously and to establish trust and faith that we can
do it.
Shankar: If you ask the youth what they want to be in the future
they have no idea…which is the sad part…if you ask a child what
he wants to become even he will promptly reply, ‘doctor’…so
tapping into a young person’s confidence is challenging.
Deepti: Lack of experience therefore not knowing what you want to
do and how you should do it.
Why youth activism?
Sudyumna: To prove that the youth are capable of so much more.
Shankar: Youth is everything for which they have to be active
Deepti: Youth is the most powerful generation.
Prakash: Youth is a part of the population and it’s important to
justify our contribution therefore youth activism.
 WHAT'S COOKING city. The case might be so with the menfolk as well but the level of
despair is incomparable.
The sun foreve
r shines on the
The sun forever shines on the Eligible Bachelor
ELIGIBLE Darkness almost envelops the Sorry Spinster

‘A sophisticated man of the world

BACHELOR enjoying his life too much to ‘settle down’

A bachelor certainly cooks up an image
of a slightly older and charming 1940s Cary Grant
Darkness almost
envelops the Definitely one who is not ready for a missus and kids.

SORRY A spinster?? More the sweet, kind, older lady…

Everyone’s favorite aunt

SPINSTER Collects books

Talks to her cats

Stereotypes, damn stereotypes!’

Lovely Lisa’s description gives you a close picture of the perception

In the Plain Jane household:
our society has on the single guy and the single girl – poles apart.
‘O Daughter dear daughter
Hero Hiralal and Hunk Hogan’s approach might be few and far
You are 30 years plus 2
between but it’s definitely refreshing to know that progressive
I won’t be around forever
thinking men still exist!
And neither will you
But what if your mother and I Hunk Hogan aka lakka jawan thito
were to go before our time?
‘The term ‘spinster’ to me is derogatory.
Why do you let out a heavy sigh
Use it not when you’re around me
and glower as if to talk about it were a crime?
A woman wanting to live her life on her own terms
All we’re saying is think about settling down
What’s wrong with that?
Your two brothers are happy; your older sister has finally met her
Why is she considered ‘sorry’?
match
If she’s older and single then that’s a problem
So why then do you frown
If she’s in a relationship against the wishes of the ‘society’ then
at the ways of the world?’
that’s a problem too
‘Father dear, what does the world have against women? Then there are these ‘too soon’, ‘too late’, ‘too inappropriate’
Why does it despise the wife with an extraneous affair, how about If it’s not this then it’s that
the husband’s infidelity? The finger however always points at the woman.
The world commends the couple that marries with their consent This, our chauvinist and patriarchal system, needs to change.’
But who’s there to care for the wife that is left abused?
‘Hera bhai’, adds Hero Hiralal…’change is something we should
The world points fingers at the unmarried woman
expect from others only after we can accept change ourselves.
‘You will not find a suitable man’,
Has it never crossed your mind, it is a biological fact that ‘older’
‘Nobody will marry you after 30’,
women have difficulty bearing children? So the older a woman gets,
‘What’s a woman with an empty womb,’
the near is the ‘Expiry date’, fertility wise and harder it becomes
‘Why do you remain a burden with your stubborn ways’, are what
for her to get a spouse. Our system and marriage in particular is
they say
so tied to ‘procreation’ that fertility is a BIG issue and whether
Yes father I do frown at the ways of the world
we like it or not that’s how the unmarried men have the luxury to
They intend to break me but I refuse to be broken
remain ‘bachelors’ while the aging woman gets slapped with the
I will not marry because it suits them
‘sorry spinster’ tag.’
I won’t marry for convenience’
‘Arrgh, that’s infuriating’, screams Lisa never one to shy away from
And so the debate continues…
addressing her opinions backed by valid points too!
As more women discover their place in the corporate world, ‘And then there’s the under-valued woman so much so that the
as more women begin to celebrate their freedom, find their man has to be bribed to take her on! The ad copy would read: ‘Get
confidence, the story of Plain Jane is gradually on the rise in the a wife plus a new car, telly and a washing machine…all FREE!

Stereotypes, damn stereotypes! NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 31

Stereotypes, damn stereotypes!
How can we forget women being viewed as baby making machines,
what you just spoke about, Hiralal. And it’s not enough that we
have a use-by date when it comes to fertility, add to that the belief
that the older woman is too set in her ways to be a biddable wife
(read ‘doormat’)!
Stereotypes, damn stereotypes!
It’s a pity ain’t it? Despite our worship of powerful goddesses,
there is very little worth attached to being a woman so it’s obvious
that if she doesn’t fulfil her socially prescribed role of wife and
mother, the label of ‘spinster’ is clearly negative.’
Finally Plain Jane finds her voice
‘Is there any point in this discussion?
The people who need to hear
will turn a deaf ear
And those of us who are concerned don’t really need the
explanation
Calling me a ‘sorry spinster’ doesn’t make me one
I’m getting on with my life just fine
The only pain comes with parents
falling under the influence of wagging tongues!
That’s when I hurt the most.’
Lisa was quick to console Jane, ‘It’s totally ridiculous to add
pressure to find ‘someone’ just because they’re above a certain
age. It’s a rarely discussed fact that marriage changes everything
and not always for the better so we should lose the rose-tinted
glasses! Who says you are incomplete on your own. Jane you
certainly have the freedom to lead your life on your own terms.
Hiralal, you’re married…would you say its ‘marital bliss’ and all
that jazz?’
‘Bliss! Yes… there are those moments that you wish you could
frame and put up on a wall. However marriage to me is marital
comfort. Give and take, marriage is very comfortable! But Jane
exercise caution. If things fall into place on its own and with a little
help from Cupid then it’s okay but it would be a terrible mistake
to take the plunge just to keep up with family and other social
obligations.’
‘Ya I know what you mean
I’m definitely not waiting for a hero
But coupling me won’t necessarily make me complete
I’m free to make up my own mind
I’m single and that’s how I want to be
Not saying I don’t want to fall in love coz sure I would
But I’m not going to get hooked just because I’m told I should
I believe everything happens for a reason
And it will if it’s meant to be.
‘As a ‘bachelor’ I remember being FREE so Hogan enjoy it while it
lasts!’
‘Sure I will! Lakka jawan thito that I am! And SINGLE women
(spinster is not in my dictionary) make me think of an eligible
woman for that lakka jawan thito! What’s important to me is
beauty and brains so it doesn’t matter whether she is 20 or the
mother of 20! If it is so that all spinsters are a sorry bunch of
women, I could be considered their king ‘sorry-ass who can’t get
a girlfriend’! Not that I’m complaining! Believe me single men are
as sorry spinsters as single women are eligible bachelors. So let’s
give this whole ‘bachelor vs spinster’ thing a break!’
Then a miracle happened, in this case Hiralal agreed with Hogan’s
rhetoric! Not one to just let a discussion go, Hiralal tried to make
sense of it all and added, ‘this must be due to the ‘girl-child’ being
viewed as a burden in our society. Roles have changed dramatically
but the common perceptions have not. So even if a spinster is well
set and independent, according to our outdated norms, she does
not belong to her own home but should rather have been settled
by then in her spouse’s house. Parents are thus forever looking
towards bidding their daughters farewell because their minds have
been conditioned to think of daughters as guests.’
‘True’, spoke Lisa after much reflection, ‘in our culture women
are seen as a liability, that whole notion of parai dhan! Our entire
existence is contextualized vis-à-vis the man with our roles moving
along the lines of daughter-sister-wife-mother.
Stereotypes - always so unkind to the women so I propose that we
lose the awful image that the word spinster dregs up and embrace
a better word – bachelorette! Doesn’t it immediately conjure a
more positive image? A woman who is vivacious, spirited and
financially secure? Somebody who enjoys her life too much to fall
for the myth that women are only complete in their roles of wife
and mother? I think that would be the main difference between a
bachelorette and a spinster – a self belief and a confidence that
is a foundation about being able to live everyday with choices and
opportunities. Nepal is more likely to have ‘sorry spinsters’ till we
change things for ourselves. Moreover we should make a decision
to battle those sorts of labels because we are who we are!’
It wasn’t a unanimous
consensus that bachelorette
would sort out the single
woman status because nothing
is going to change unless
mindsets do. But we readily
accepted that it’s about
battling labels.

Anyway tell me Hiralal you choose your words carefully when

you’re talking about your married life, do you remember how it
used to be as a ‘bachelor’?’

battling labels
ab
32 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 33
34 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
no
acting
please
Photographs by BRIAN SOKOL

NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 35
36 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
Nepali theatre is on resurgence and forges ahead despite
bureaucratic hassles, financial hindrances and a lack of
government and other patronage. TV and other popular
modes of entertainment may have relegated it to obscurity in
recent years, but the play is not over yet. Through efforts and
initiatives like Actor’s Studio, theatre is bouncing back and
rediscovering its connection to the masses.
Theatre has been known to strike straight to the heart, and has even
managed on many occasions to be a manifestation of social-cultural
conscience. From being a means of entertainment, it now has a larger role
as an agent of change, from social and political to health issues. While the
masses are waking up to local theatre, the actors are jumping in with a zeal
not known earlier.
Actors' Studio has managed to attract various interdisciplinary artists
from diverse backgrounds from the Valley and beyond. From Iswor Bhattarai,
who has come in all the way from Nagaland, to familiar faces, Pooja Gurung,
Deeya Maskey and Usha Rajak, the pull of theatre has been irresistible. The
aspiring actors raved that theatre entails the passion lacking elsewhere in the
entertainment industry, enabling them to explore and discover themselves and
their potential. Theatre, as many admit, brings out performances, and strikes
a chord with the audience, in a way that other mediums cannot.

All pictures are from Actors' Studio practice and performances.

NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 37
38 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
SPORTS hltv]/ sf7df8f}Fsf] ljdfgc8\8f ghLs} /x]sf] uNkm sf];{sf]
kl/sNkgf g} ePsf] lyPg, Toltv]/ w/fgdf a]nfotL / s]xL
w/fg]x?n] uNkmsf] dhf lng yfln;s]sf lyP eGg] ;'Gbf
g]kfnsf] ;aeGbf k'/fgf] uNkm sf];{
w/fgaf6 /ljg lu/L c?nfO{ xf]Og gofF k':tfsf w/fg]x?nfO{ g} cgf}7f] nfUg;S5 .
x'g klg s'g} ;dodf w/fgsf] uNkm sf];{ g]kfnsf] dfq geO{
Plzofs} clt /fd|f !) uNkm sf];{x?dWo] ulgGYof] . !*
xf]nsf] uNkm sf];{df of] g} g]kfnsf] ;a}eGbf klxnf] ePsf]
s'/f k'/fgf uNkm v]nf8Lx? ;'gfpF5g\ .
;g\ !(%( df a]nfotL ;/sf/n] g]kfnL o'jfx?nfO{
cfˆgf] ;]gfdf egf{ ug{ w/fgsf] 3f]kfdf etL{ s]Gb| vf]n]sf]
lyof] . a]nfotL ;]gfsf clws[tx?s} rf;f]df uNkm sf];{sf]
lgdf{0f eg] ;g\ !(^@ df ePsf] xf] . h;df nufgL a]nfot
;/sf/s} lyof] eg] l8hfOg / lgdf{0f glkmN8 lukm\6
kmfpG8]zg4f/f ul/Psf] lyof] .
oxfFsf] uNkm
sf];{df a]nfotL ;]gf /
s'6gLlt1x?sf] 9lndln
lyof] Toltv]/, t/ l;ldt
;+Vofdf g]kfnLx?n] klg
ToxfF k|j]z kfPsf
lyP . To;afx]s ef/
taf6 ;d]t lgoldt
?kdf uNkm v]nf8Lx?
ToxfF cfpFy] . pltv]/
sf]nsftf / l;lnu'/Laf6
cfPsf uNkm/ / oxfFsf
uNkm/x?aLr k|ltof]lutf
;d]t x'g] u/]sf] w/fg
uNkm sf];{sf Jofj;flos
v]nf8L b]j/fh kflv|g
atfpF5g\ . pgL eG5g\,
……w/fgsf] uNkm sf];{df
v]Ng' eg]kl5 Tolta]nf ;a}sf nflu 7"nf] s'/f lyof] .Æ
;g\ !(*% df a]nfotL ;/sf/n] w/fgl:yt etL{ s]Gb|
aGb u/]kl5 eg] of] uNkm sf];{sf] b'b{zf z'? eof] . s]Gb|
aGb ePsf] s]xL ;do;Dd cf]l8P / O/f]d gfdsf a]nfotL
lgdf{0f sDkgLn] uNkm sf];{sf] x]/rfxsf] lhDdf lnPklg ;g\
!(*( kl5 sf];{sf] ;+/If0f ug]{ s'g} cflwsfl/s lgsfo g}
ePgg\ . clg la:tf/} of] uNkm sf];{ uf}r/0f / lkslgs
v]Ng] 7fpFsf] ?kdf kl/0ft x'gk'Uof] .
;g\ !((# df la|l6z SofDks} ;Dk"0f{ ef}lts ;+/rgf
k|of]u ug]{ u/L w/fgdf aLkL sf]O/fnf :jf:Yo lj1fg
k|lti7fg :yfkgf ePkl5 sf];{ k|lti7fgsf] :jfldTjdf uof] . sf];{
;+rfng ;d]t k|lti7fgs} dftxtdf uPkl5 km]l/ Psk6s
sf];{sf] cj:yf lau|g yfNof] . ……k|lti7fgn] eg]sf] ;dodf
v]nf8Lx?n] h'g;'s} ;dodf klg 5f8\g'k5{ eg]sfn] xfdLn]
vf;} s]lx ug{ ;s]gf}F,Æ slG6« Snasf k"j{ cWoIf lbnLk
k|wfg eG5g\ .
t/, Tof] cj:yf w]/} ;do;Dd /x]g . s'g} hdfgfdf
oxfFsf k"j{ a]nfotL ;}lgsx? / uNkm/x?sf] ;fdfg / an
af]Sb} uNkm v]Ng l;s]sf k"j{ Sof8Lx? Pj+ k'jf{Grn
c:ktfndf sfo{/t s]xL 8fS6/x?sf] ;lqmotfdf slG6« Sna
gfds uNkm/x?sf] ;+:yf vf]lnof] . Snasf ;b:ox?n]
cfˆgf] :j]R5fdf dlxg}lkR5] k};f p7fP/ cf]OnfPsf] uNkm
sf];{sf] :ofxf/ ub}{ v]nnfO{ ;d]t lg/Gt/tf lbP . ……To;f]
gx'Fbf] xf] t w/fgsf] of] uNkm sf];{ cfh Oltxf;sf] kfgfdf
dfq l;ldt x'GYof], k|wfg atfpF5g\ .
;g\ @))! df /fl6«io :t/sf] ;"o{ cf]kg uNkm
k|ltof]lutf oxLFsf] sf];{df cfof]hgf eof], h;df k|of;
lyof] w/fg] uNkm/x?s} . pQm k|ltof]lutfdf d'n'se/sf #)
k|f]km];gn / @) Pd]Rof]/ v]nf8Lx?sf] ;xeflutf
lyof] . v]nf8Lx?n] cfˆg} ;lqmotfdf u/]sf] of] k|ltof]lutf
w/fg uNkm sf];{sf] Oltxf;d} ;a}eGbf 7"nf] Pj+ ul/dfk"0f{
lyof] . Snan] xfn k|To]s b'O{ dlxgfdf ;fgf7"nf uNkm
k|ltof]lutfx? ;d]t u/fpFb} cfPsf] 5 . h;df v's'/L sk,
z'ehGdf]T;j sk, Go' Oo/ sk, w/fg gu/:tl/o sk /
cf]/fGh]a'd O{:6{g uNkm cf]kg /x]sf 5g\ . logdf pNn]Vo
;xeflutf eg] k"jf{~rnsf v]nf8Lx?s} /xg] u/]sf] 5 .
w/fgsf] oxL uNkm
sf];{n] /fli6o tyf
cGt/fli6o If]qdf gfd
sdfPsf uNkm/x? ;d]t
hGdfPsf] 5 . a]nfotL
gful/sx? uNkm v]ln/
xFbf pgLx?sf] an l6Kg]
/ ;fdfg af]Sg] Sofl8sf]
sfd ug]{ km'Rr] s]6f]
l/7\7] axfb'/ ;fksf]6f
cfh hd{gLsf cu|h
v]nf8Lx?nfO{ uNkm
l;sfpg] sfd ul//x]sf
5g\ . pgL w/fgsf k|yd
RABIN GIRI
Pj g]kfnsf k'/fgf /
pTs[i6 k|f]km];gn v]nf8L
;d]t x'g\ . a'afs} kfOnf
k5\ofpFb} cfPsf pgsf
5f]/fx? ;ljg, ;'dg / /f]zg w/fgsf /fd|f uNkm/x? x'g\ .
h;dWw] g]kfnd} laleGg pkflw lah]tf k|f]km];gn v]nf8L
;ljg aif{df & dlxgf hd{gLd} uNkm l;sfpg] u5{g\ eg]
;'dgn] klg xfn;fn} k|f]km];gnsf] pkflw k|fKt u/]sf 5g\ .
k|f]km];gn v]nf8L dl0f /fO{ w/fgsf csf{ k|ltefzfnL uNkm/
x'g\ . b]j/fh kflv|g / z's|/fh lnDa' klg w/fgsf k'/fgf
k|f]km];gn v]nf8L x'g\ . Pd]Rof]/df lszf]/ y]a], b]jdfg lnDa',
/fh]z /fO{, :jl:tsf Oªgfd, bnaxfb'/ /fO{, z+s/dfg zfSo
nufotsf v]nf8Lx?sf] gfpF cu|k+lQmdf cfpF5 .
w/fgsf s]xL uNkm/x?sf] ;Tk|of;df o]gs]g l6ls/x]sf]
w/fg uNkm sf];{sf] ;f; /fd|f];Fu rNg ;S5 . olb v]ns'b
kl/ifb\, /fhwfgLsf uNkm sf];{ / g]kfn ko{6g af]8{n]
clnstf o;tkm{ ;+jb ] gzLn / Jofjxfl/s lx;fan] ;f]lrlbP .
To;f] ePsf] v08df uNkm sf];{sf] :ofxf/ dfq geO{ v]ns'b
ko{6gdf klg ;+efjgfx? ePsf] w/fgsf v]nf8Lx? atfpF5g\ .
aLkL k|lti7fgsf k"j{ cWoIf 8f= nf]sljqmd yfkf eG5g\,
……k"j{ If]qs} ko{6sLo ljsf;df w/fgsf] uNkm sf];{ Pp6f
gd'gf :yn aGg ;S5 .Æ cem g]kfnL ;]gfsf] k"jL{o If]qsf
k[tgfklt Pj+ uNkm/ cf]daxfb'/ k'g t o;nfO{ g]kfns}
;Dkbf dfGb5g\ . o;sf] ;xL Joa:yfkg x'g g;s]sf] /
ljb]zL uNkm/x?sf] Wofgfsif{0f ug{ g;lsPsf] pgsf] 7DofO{
5 .
NOV.06
V | YZINE.COM.NP | 39
 he International Community’s and our the many who have fallen prey to mental illness as

the often ignored or unknown fallout of the decade-long conflict T attention is focused on the ongoing talks
that promise peace after more than a
decade of violence, uncertainty and
instability. The economic, political and even military
implications are many and profound – the future of
the entire nation depends on what transpires now.
While our leaders wrestle with stalemates, it is an
opportune time for general introspection on the state
of things and the transformation this Shangri-La of
yore has undergone in the recent past. The affects of
the decade-long conflict are many; some open and
evident, but there are many that have remained in the
dark, and are a cause of concern.
The Conflict has left a bleak landscape on many
fronts. Business is reeling under different pressures,
the political system is in a limbo trying to discover
Invisible wounds
a result of the conflict. According to Dr. Pramod
Mohan Syangba, Chief, Psychology Department,
B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS),
Dharan, the number of mental patients has increased
significantly in recent years. An increasing number
of people are suffering from mental illnesses like
depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) and schizophrenia. Nepal has always been
on the back foot when it comes to mental health, the
official resources strained and far too inadequate to
meet the needs. With the recent increase in mental
cases, the situation has further deteriorated. For a
nation this size, “There are only around 30 psychiatry
experts… In eastern Nepal, there are only four of us,
three in Dharan and one in Biratnagar,” Dr. Syangba
says.

itself and redefine its role, and life in general is still Prakash (name changed) of Ilam was forcefully
in a state of shock. The transformation this nation recruited into the Maoist militia about three years
underwent in the past decade has indeed been ago. Prakash, just 18 then, received a serious
difficult, the countryside having to wake up one day leg injury during a clash with security forces. He
from a pristine and languid agrarian state to one of repeatedly pleaded for treatment, but was told by his
war, where death became normal and uncertainty superiors that his turn would come only after that of
the rule of the day. The times have been trying for his higher-ranking comrades. Learning of Prakash’s
the general masses and they have had to bear with grievous state, his father took him to Siliguri for
tremendous mental and physical pressures: the treatment. But before his wounds could heal, he was
consequences have been there to see on and off, but forced to resume his duties. The physical and mental
most of it remains under wraps or go unnoticed due strain soon took its toll and Prakash developed other
to ignorance or denial.
Sangam Subba (pic, right), 11, sitting
in a classroom of Auliya Lower Secondary
School, Chatara, appears a normal child at
first glance. But when asked about her mother,
you see a different side to her: face grim,
tears rolling down her eyes, she is lost for
words. Sangam’s mother, Dhan Kumari Rai
was shot dead on April 24, 2005 at Thoksila
of Udaypur by security forces; she had joined
the Maoists with her husband. “After hearing
RABIN GIRI, Dharan

about her mother’s death, Sangam tends to

keep to herself. Her studies have also been
affected,” Sangam’s teacher, Anil Subedi says.
With each passing day, her father Dambar
Tumbahamphe, Maoist in-charge, Barahkshetra
ALL PICS: RABIN GIRI

VDC, too is getting more disillusioned with

life. He is losing his eyesight, and says that he
cannot make out things clearly at distances
of even 20 metres or less. As he adds, “The
whole world seems dark now,” and he feels
the torture that he endured in jail responsible
for the deterioration of his eyesight and the other problems: he became restless, stopped speaking to
problems he is experiencing now. Tumbahamphe, people, would think people were plotting to kill him,
who is also the regional member of the Kirant and would start crying without any reasons. He was
National Front, was first arrested on August 19, 2003 then returned to his family and thereafter admitted
from Charkose Jhaadi near Dharan, and was jailed at BPKIHS. The doctors treating him have diagnosed
for 24 months. him as schizophrenic, a mental state that will require
This father and daughter duo is just one among lifelong treatment.

40 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06

Uttam Limbu (pic, above), 24, of Titrigachi, Sunsari, was
detained by the Army on May 28, 2002, and is unaccounted
for since. His mother Dhan Maya Limbu anxiously awaits
news of her son. Now she suffers from migraines and is
tired all the time. “She talks about her son all the time.
She speaks out in her sleep and has nightmares. She lies
awake all night and sleeps throughout the day”, says her
husband, Machindra. Similarly, the whereabouts of Hari
Bahadur Magar, who was arrested from the same place on
the same day, is still not known. His mother, Padam Kumari,
68, is also in the brink of losing her sanity. She has lost her
appetite and almost half her weight. She watches TV all day
long hoping to catch a glimpse of her son. Sher Bahadur
Tamang, whose 18-year-old son Ishwor Tamang was killed
by the Army in suspicion of being a Maoist, suffers the
same fate. His wife, Bishnu Maya found Sher Bahadur,
lying unconscious behind their house, on the fifth day of
their son’s killing. “I thought I heard my son calling out my
name,” Sher Bahadur says.
Dr Syangba says that the family members of those
killed or detained by the State or the Maoists suffer from
different mental illnesses. They are hounded by the thoughts
of their lost ones all the time. “As the condition deteriorates,
they often become violent and suicidal.”
Tortured Instability
Proper statistics about mental health and illnesses are
unavailable in Nepal. Dr. Kapil Dev Upadhyay, Director,
Mental Hospital, Kathmandu, says that a lot needs to be
done in the field of mental health in Nepal. Around 1994,
when the conflict had just started, 422 mental patients had
registered at BPKIHS for treatment. The number jumped
25 times in the following 10 years to reach 10,806 in 2005.
Despite this huge increase in the number of registrations,
we may just be looking at the tip of the iceberg. As per Dr
Syangba, only 1% of total mental patients in Nepal seek
medical help, the remaining 99% languish untreated.
Violence, bloodshed, terrorism and torture are the root
causes of mental illnesses, and eyewitnesses
to violent events, those who have lost their
loved ones to to war, those exposed to
violence of different sorts and those tortured
are the most affected. A few choose to voice
their sufferings while most don’t. Himal Rai,
a local journalist was tortured for four days
in February 2004 for writing a news piece
about the formation of Maoist Retaliation
Committee in a village. Rai has nightmares
of the incident and says, “I still get chills
remembering their torture.” Since then, he
has lost faith in the Maoist ideology.
Amar Karki, 29, of Sunsari, Bharaul joined
the Maoists in 1997. Karki has been picked
up four times by the Army, and most recently,
he was detained for 25-months. During his
detention, he had to suffer immense torture,
from electric shocks, pins pushed under his
nails to being made to drink urine. As a result
of that treatment, he is now a cripple: barely able to speak,
walk or see. Like many others, he cannot remember things
and has frequent nightmares now.
While many face torture at the hands of either the Army
or the Maoists, there are some like Arjun Pokharel, 25, of
Barah Kshetra, who have had to bear the ire on both ends.
His father, Indra Bahadur, being a Maoist activist, enlisted
in the militia, and worked in his village. He was picked up
by the Army in 2005 and was detained in their barracks
at Dharan, Itahari and Inarua. During that period he was
tortured, and later released after he succumbed to pleural
pneumonia. Immediately after his release, he got into a
squabble with an official of the local community forest
user group, also a Maoist activist. Arjun’s father on the
pretext of disciplining him handed him to the Maoist militia
and was thus sent to a labour camp. He was deployed to
patrol the Army Camp at Bodhe VDC, Dhankuta, at night
and the one at Mulghat during the day. There too he had
a fight with a fellow comrade when he tried to catch a nap
while patrolling. Arjun says, “I hurled a grenade at him.
Fortunately it didn’t explode and he lived.” Soon after the
incident, he fled from the labour camp. His father did try
to hand him over to Maoists again, but he refused saying
he would rather die and stayed home. His brother says,
“His behaviour has become peculiar since then, He goes for
swims at the Chatara canal at 11 pm in the night and says
he’ll catch fish there.”
None Immune
“I received a new life, I was fortunate enough to live”, police
constable Raghu Nath Mahato says recalling the clash at
Pandhare of Bhojpur on June 22, 2005. He was among the
few policemen who survived the clash against the Maoists
that day. The Maoists abducted 12 policemen, including
Mahato, and 8 army men after the clash. “I had given
up hope of leaving from Maoist captivity alive”, Mahato
says. His case is not isolated, and contrary to general
NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 41
 perceptions, the security forces have been under similar
or even more pressure than the average person. Keeping
a balance between duty, responsibility, conscience and
social pressure is a difficult path to walk on, and many
often succumb.
Many security personnel face immense mental
pressure after being threatened by the Maoists to quit
their jobs or face dire consequences. Like the ones
previously abducted or those posted in Maoist infested
areas, they often face mental problems. Kuber Singh
Rana, SSP, Zonal Police Office, Dharan, says, “The
soldiers who have participated in clashes have problems
such as speaking during sleep, nightmares and a lack of
concentration.” Rana adds that many in their ranks have
started consuming alcohol to forget their fears while
some have even committed suicide. There has also been
a sharp rise in resignations from the security forces
in recent times. According to psychology professor
Sarbagya Narayan Shrestha, police and army people
fear being killed doing their jobs. “They feel insecure all
the time thinking they will get killed if they fail to kill.
That is why they remain in a state of offense at all times.
The incidents of security people killing fellow security
personnel can also be the result of this state of mind.”
Ananta Bahadur Thebe, Spokesperson, Nepal
Army, says that most army people have developed
psychological problems due to the conflict. However, the
problems are not serious in nature as their personnel
undergo rigorous training, and thus are conditioned to
some extent. They know the hardships of war and are
mentally prepared to face it.
On the other side, the Maoists refuse to admit
that some of their cadre face mental instability. Om
Gurung ‘Saurav’, Maoist Deputy Commander, Biplav
Sirjan Memorial Brigade, says, “The mental problems
arise due to ideological immaturity and lack of political
awareness. The level of political awareness in our cadres
is quite high and so they don’t have this problem.” If,
however, any symptoms of mental illness are seen, “The
‘doctors’ of the party counsel them”, Saurav adds.
According to him, the Party has appointed some of
its cadres as ‘doctors’. Academic qualification is not
a criterion, however, they should know English. “They
teach about the importance of the sacrifices made
by martyrs, and also discuss matters of physical and
mental health,” Saurav informs.
Dr. Syangba opines that the Maoists are trying to
cover their shortcomings by saying their cadres don’t
have mental problems. He reveals that though the
Maoist cadres who come to BPKIHS for treatment claim
not to have any mental problems, they actually suffer
from many mental illnesses. He adds that the so-called
‘doctors’ of the Maoists will do more harm than good for
the mentally suffering.
42 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
End Play
Things maybe
on a mend, but
the wounds run
deeper than
evident, and if not
addressed in time,
the repercussions
may be serious
and far-reaching.
Mental health
has never been a
priority, and the
solitary mentally
ill are confined
away from prying
eyes and often
restrained by
chains. But with
Raghu Nath Mahato the proliferation
of mental cases
in recent times, we may have a time bomb in hand.
As Dr. Syangba says, “It is evident that such mental
patients will soon become a burden to their families and
the country itself. They will eventually show aggressive
behaviour and hurt others and themselves.”
There are differing and numerous views about
a possible solution to the problem. Sabita Rai,
Chairperson, Sunsari Single Women’s Group, feels that
women and children are hit the hardest by the Conflict,
and thus a firm step needs to be taken to uplift the living
standard of those women and children meanwhile the
Maoist Assistant Secretary of Sunsari district says the
problem will be solved only after the political issue is
settled. Krishna Prasad Shrestha, political activist feels
that the best solution for the problem will be practicing
violence-free politics. He also stresses on the need for
international support in addressing the problems and
treatment of these mentally ill. Professor Sarbagya
Narayan Shrestha says that the Maoists should give
up the thought that the nation cannot progress until
everyone follows their ideology. “If they continue their
inflexible stand, then the surge in the numbers of the
mentally ill in the nation will be unimaginable,” he says.
The wounds etched in heart by violence and terrorism
will definitely take a long time to heal. The concept of
revenge and counter attacks will only affect the society
adversely in the long run. The treatment of mental
illness is possible only after appropriate counselling and
mental rehabilitation. However, ‘mental rehabilitation’
seems like a distant dream in the present situation when
only physical side of relief and reintegration is being
considered.
(Centre for Investigative Journalism)
DIY
Tie Knots
Here's how you do it. Stand in front of a
/fwfaf/] s]xL BOOK

lszf]/jodf pkGof; k9\g] afgL lyof] d]/f] .

mirror, and follow the instructions:
;a}eGbf klxnf d}n] k9]sf] …xL/fsf]
cf}F7LÚ eGg] pkGof; lyof], h'g
  ;DejtM bflh{lnªdf 5flkPsf
lyof] . ?dfgL o'jf k|]dsf]
syf ePsf] Tof] Pslsl;dsf]
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bflh{lnªlt/s} k|sfz sf]ljb, ;'jf;, ho
wdnf cflbsf pkGof;x? k9\g yflnof] . t/,
lxGbL pkGof; k9\g yfn]kl5 ltgsf pkGof;x? 5'6] .
The wide end "W" Bring the wide end
pkGof;n] ;fx|} k|efj kf/]kl5 pkGof; n]Vg]
should extend about "W" up through the
12 inches below loop between the
r:sf nfUof] . ltgtfs y'k|} pkGof; n]lvof] / Rofltof] klg .
the narrow end "N". k9\b} hfFbf Jofj;flos eGbf ;flxlTos u'0fo'Qm pkGof;x? k9\g
collar and your tie;
Cross the wide end
"W" over the narrow then back down. yfn]5' . Tof] qmddf lrqn]vf, 3'dSs8 :jfdL, l;4fy{, ;'lDgdf, lNsof]k6] f« h:tf bh{gf}F pkGof;x?
end "N". k9]F . o:tf pkGof;x?n] dnfO{ cgf}7f] cg'e"lt lbg yfNof] . ltgn] dnfO{ jt{dfgaf6 ljut x]g{ /
  ljutnfO{ jt{dfgdf hf]8\g l;sfP, h'g dnfO{ /dfOnf] nfUg yfNof] . @)%) ;fndf …dfwjLÚ k9\g
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/ To:tf ;flxTo k9\g k|]l/t ePF . k'/f0f, pklgifb\ / cGo k"jL{o ;flxTosf] cWoog ub}{ hfFbf
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kL8f af]s]sL . cGttM pgs} af/]df n]Vg] ljrf/ u/L cWoog / n]vg b'j} yfn]F . ;ft dlxgf hlt
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underneath the narrow across the front from nfUof]— /fwf ;lsg, t/ k"j{ tof/Lsf nflu d}n] tLg jif{ nufPsf] lyPF .
end "N" and to the right, right to left. s[i0fnfO{ gkfP klg pgsf] k|]ddf hLjg pT;u{ ug]{ /fwf . t/ k':tsdf eg] oL b'O{aLr k|]dsf]
back through the loop cljlR5Gg ;flgWotf st} e]l6Pg . syf stf stf efu]sf] lyof] . /fwf s[i0fsf] k"hf x'g], dlGb/
and to the right again so aGg], ltgdfly /lrPsf ehg ufOg], t/ ltgLx?af/] n]lvPsf syfdf ltgsf] ldng x'Fb}g . of]
that the wide end "W" is
b]v]kl5 xfd|f] k"jL{o cfVofgdf sxfFg]/ q'6L eP5 h:tf] nfUg yfNof] .
inside out.
o:t} ljrf/, sf}t'xn / ljZn]if0fx? g} sf/0f lyP /fwf n]Vg'sf k5fl8 .
t/ pkGof; n]Vg a:bf syf a'g]/ k9\g]x?sf] dgf]/~hg ug'{ dfq p2]Zo /flvgF . kf}/fl0fs
  ljifoj:t'df cfw'lgs r]tgf eg{] /x/ knfof] . n]Vb} hfFbf gf/L / k'?ifsf] h}ljs cGt/;DaGw,
gf/Lx?nfO{ k|s[ltn] lbPsf] zf/Ll/s lhDd]jf/L tyf clwsf+z k'?ifx?sf] :j]R5frf/L kf/Dkl/s rl/
qnfO{ klg Wofgdf /fv]F . cfhsf] gf/L cfGbf]ng / pgLx?sf afWotfx? dfly klg ;f]r]F .
/fwf pkGof;sf] d"n :j/ cfhsf] gf/L ;d:of xf] . k|To]s 3/df cfdf, alxgL / a'xf/Lsf] l:ylt
tyf ltgLx?sf] dgleqsf] ljb|f]x / d'lQm r]t o; pkGof;sf] cfGtl/s zlQm xf] . k|To]s gf/Lleq
;'z'Kt ?kdf /x]sf] d'lQm cfsf+Iff o; pkGof;sf] k|:tfjgf xf] . cg]s afWotf / ljjztfaLr
;dfhdf ;Ddfghgs pkl:yltsf] vf]hL /fwfleqsf gf/Lx?sf] ;fd"lxs cfjfh xf] .
s[i0f w/faf;L
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emfkfsf s[i0f w/faf;Ln] pkGof; /fwfsf nflu o; jif{sf] dbg k'/:sf/ k|fKt u/]sf x'g\ .
through the loop again. down through the knot in
front.

ufp“ vfg] syf
Using both hands, tighten
the knot carefully and draw it > cIf/ 5 lstfa xf]O{g, uf]nf] 5 O{gf/ xf]O{g, ;+;f/ 8'N5 v'§f 5}g
up to the collar. > cfFvf lemldSs lemDSofof] ls k]6leq} lgDTofof]
> Ol/Ol/ nx/f] l;l/l;l/ kft, vf]nleq k;L 3'D5 lbg/ft
> p8\5 cfsf;df r/f xf]O{g, v]N5 atf;df kfgL kg{ x'Fb}g
> 3fF6Ldf em'08fO{ ufnfdf xfg], ld7f] :j/df af]Nb5 ;fg]

> k};f > Sofd/f > lr7L > rËf > dfbn Answers:

NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 43
INTERVIEW
Indra Lohani, 38
Talk Show Host/ Lawyer
05

You hate him for the way he grills his guests,

and yet you feast on the grilling. He is the guy olb tkfO{+n] oL
you would hate to answer, but look forward to
giving the ‘Bahas’ treatment to others. While AolStx?nfO{ Ps Ps
many talk show hosts falter before ‘high-
profile’ guests, Indra Lohani often reduces
k|Zg ug]{ df}sf kfpg'eof]
them to inconvenient silence with his no- eg] s] ;f]Wg'x'G5<
nonsense prodding.
An advocate, Indra Lohani made his TV
debut on Ain Kanoon (legal question answer
/fhf 1fg]Gb|M
programme with viewers writing in with legal k|wfgdGqL x'Fbf /fd|f] x'Fbf] /x]5 ls /fh}
04

problems) on Nepal Television in 1993. Later, in x'Fbf /fd|f]<

1999, he started Bahas, initially covering social
issues, which, as we all know, later morphed
into a hardcore political talk show. He was
o'j/fh kf/;M
ejected from Nepal Television immediately after /fhfsf] 5f]/f] x'Fbf /fd|f] x'Fbf]/x]5 ls
the royal takeover of February, 2005 – both as hgtfsf] 5f]/f] x'Fbf /fd|f]< What do
the host of the show and as the legal advisor.
you enjoy more<
But it was hard to keep him quiet and Bahas
re-emmerged as Kantipur Bahas on Kantipur
Television later that year. He now enjoys hh{ 8ANo'= a';M
03

more freedom in asking questions, is more ltdLn] c? /fi6««x?af6 dfu ug]{

popular, and comes out as a straight forward,
no nonsense and adamant (sometimes to the
Xo'dg /fO{6\;sf] :6\of088{ / ltdLn]
point of irritation to his high profile guests) kfngf ug'{kg]{ :6\of088{df s] km/s
host. 5<
1. What do you like the most – questions or
answers?
dgdf]xg l;FxM
You cannot separate the questions from the ltdLx? ;]So'l/6L sfplG;ndf hfG5'
answers. They are connected. They are two eG5f}, t/ ltdLx?n] O{l08of :jtGq
02

faces of a coin. It’s like asking which side do

you like more. Where there is a question, there
will be an answer, and wherever there is an
answer, there will definitely be a question.
2. Why did you decide to go from being a
lawyer to a television show host?
Initially I started a show to help general people
with legal problems, for people who might not
have easy access to lawyers. That was basically
a legal show. And it just went on from there. I
say it’s a process of becoming. It wasn’t a pre-
01
x'g' eGbf cufl8b]lv l5d]sLx?nfO{
ul/cfPsf] Aojxf/ clxn];Dd To;}nfO{
slG6Go' u/]/ s;/L hfG5f}< There
is no change at all in the way they
behave with their neighbours. They
are trying to go to the Security
Council. Without the help of their
neighbours, how can they go there?
Without changing their behaviour

planned move. It just happened. pattern, how can they get support
from their neighbours?
3. What is more difficult for you - standing
in front of a camera or standing in front of a
judge? ljho s'df/ kf08]M
I find both easy. When I do a talk show, I d}n] h:tf] PS;lkl/oG;\ u5'{ 6s
am the judge but in the courtroom, there is ;f]x?df, To:t} PS;lkl/oG;\ u5f}{ xf]nf
another judge. In the talk show, I have to make
decisions, while in the courtroom, the judge
x} eg]/ ;f]W5' xf]nf.
decides. That’s the difference.
00

44 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
4. Do you sometimes feel the need to move away from your
current situation?
Yes, whenever I go for a long vacation. I
do that. I switch off my phone, radio. I

WANTED
completely disconnect myself.

5. Some people say that you are inclined

towards the left. What is your political

10
ideology?
I haven’t heard that from anyone, I am
glad that you say that, I am surprised in
fact. I do not have any political ideology. We are a big small closely-knit unit aiming to
I did go through the student’s movement,
grow big.
but I am glad that I was never attached to
any political party. I believe in democracy
and freedom. Our ranks are expanding and we want folks
to fill in a few strategic places in writing
6. Do you express/ reflect your own
(English/ Nepali) and marketing.
09

viewpoint on your TV show?

I don’t impose my viewpoint on my
shows. Fact is objective, opinion is Passion is a must, flair for the task and
subjective. I present facts, and give them experience are advantages. We are an
room to clarify themselves. I do not give
my opinion. But I should not totally
independent, open minded and laid back
negate it. I do not do that consciously, group of people. We have strong opinions
but subconsciously, I might be reflecting and welcome that in others, but we do not
views that I believe in.
take too kindly to attitude.
08

7. Is there any instances where any

person has denied to come to your Dedication is expected from each team
show? member – we are quite liberal and lenient
No, that has not happened. Sometimes
on other fronts. You might get stuck if you
we might have to readjust the timing,
but they do come. are stuck up and rigid, if not, the experience
may be liberating.
8. The favourite show you have had?
I did a series when I was in Nepal
Television. It did give something
Drop in a line or two if you think you can fit
substantial to the people. It was about into this eclectic group.
07

the 1950 Indo-Nepal treaty. I did seven

episodes on that, going to the smallest
Email us at mail@yzine.com.np
details. If anyone wants to know
about Indo-Nepal treaty, they should
watch that. Every little detail has been We will call prospective team members for a
explained. What is the Indo-Nepal
meet up before making a choice.
treaty? What did Nepal lose? What did
it gain? What is Nepal and India are
obliged to do?
06

9. How long do you see yourself doing

Bahas?
I don’t know.

10. Some girls think you are the

sexiest TV interviewer in Nepal, what
NTGK

do you think?
I don’t know. Who are they? I have
never heard this thing. I am flattered. the difference is you
Thank you.

NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 45
BABAAL
CLASSROOM
I can’t think of one good reason why they call the 16th year,
‘SWEET’. For me, it started with my struggle to pass the School
Leaving Certificate exams - one that was definitely not worth it.
Two months later, I lost my juvenile liberty and also my morning
slumber by joining a college. The following few months turned my
life upside down - not a single day was remotely sweet.
I had a bout of anxiety and nervousness the night before I was
to start college. College I knew would be fine, but I had bigger
worries to contend with: how would I present myself to the girls?
Would I make a good impression? I wasted a lot of anxious hours
preparing my ‘look’. Sleep eventually came but then I overslept and
missed my bus the following morning.
Being late, I barged into a class and ended up being the centre
of attraction: everyone gave me a flabbergasted stare. However, I
enjoyed the fact that I was ‘the guy’ who rushed in and interrupted
the teacher’s monotonous drawl. I relished the limelight, but the
smirk on my face soon disappeared when I was told to sit in an
empty seat in front of the class. I was horrified being right under
the teacher’s nose (have been a pathological back-bencher all my
life), but some consolation came in the form of a ‘hot’ girl sitting
besides me.
All settled, the lesson continued on though most of it flew over
my head. First day blues perhaps, I condoled myself, or maybe I
did not relish the subject, a congenital Mathematics hater that I
was. The class finally ended and the bald teacher peered over his
oval glasses and called names from the class register. Mine wasn’t
called – a backbencher filled me in that I was perhaps in the wrong
class: mine was 11, this was 12. I sneaked out shyly.
As I slid into the right classroom, I saw a tall, dark and lanky
guy out in front, quite young to be a teacher. Out of habit more
than courtesy, I blurted, “May I come in?” I had goofed up again.
As it turned out, he was my fellow student – he just happened to
fail the exams more than the average students, thus the teacher-
like look and demeanour. He was in fact said to be eligible to
receive a PHD in Class 11, knowing any and every little thing about
school life. He was yet to be discovered by any political student
46 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
Subel Bhandari
subel@yzine.com.np
union, but I feel he would have rocketed up the ranks faster than
most.
The classes carried on and after many weary periods, the bell
for recess was greeted by some very audible sighs of relief. It
was time to check out the ‘chicks-scene’. It was better than my
expectations, quite a few hotties in such a junk school. I settled
down to lunch but as my luck would have it, I was stuck with a long
strand of noodle hanging from my mouth at the precise moment
the hottest number in that school found it convenient to pass by
me. Not a very good impression before someone I hoped to woo
some day. Still, I put her in my To-Do List (not literally).
Back in class I encountered the Nepali literature teacher. He
was said to be an author, but I doubted if he could hold a pen
correctly due to his age. Hell, what difference did it make, we have
a worse Prime Minister, older and senile?
My 16th year passed thus in college with a lot of encounters
and moments, but none that was inspiring. I was basically
‘unsatisfied’ with everything in the environment I was in. I did not
agree with to the system and did not relate to it. I knew it was a
terrible system: education conditions one’s mind.
The class room values and pedagogic styles disgust me. To me
Turgnev’s character of anti-establishment – Bazarov, means a lot
than the whole of Lenin, Marx and Stalin combined. When Aristotle
said, let the children find out by themselves if the Sun rises in the
east or west and don't tell them, no one hated Plato's disciple for
his non-dogmatic views. Why should they raise eyebrows when we
set to finding truth on our own?
Forgive me if I accidentally tell the truth. But no teacher
impressed me as much as the character of John Smith in the
Beautiful Mind. It drove a fact down my mind that never figured
in the confines of the four walls of my twelve years. Classes dulls
ones mind and destroys authentic creativity may not be wholly
true, but it has more than a shred of truth to it. And I live by it as
long as time remains on my side. But somewhere down the line,
I think I will succumb to the greatness of this system, which we
created, and were supposed to run.
No Fear, as I know now, is a clothing
line that caters to, and supports
extreme sports enthusiasts, but I
relate the logo to more of an ‘attitude
statement’ than as a corporate label.
Given the fear driven system we live in,
sporting a bold ‘No Fear’ on a T-shirt,
a cap or even on a windshield can be a
very mild form of rebellion.
Fear is big in our part of the
world, and going by general norms, it
is NOT OK! Our system preys on fear
and its manifestations can be many,
from observant eyes for the fear of
disapproval. We live with countless
Battle of the Bands
September 23, 2006
fears inside, many rational and others
irrational, and to add to that we have to
put up with the fear of the fears being
discovered.
During my younger days, I have been
driven to many reckless acts by my need
to show no fear. Older now, and more
subdued, I can only smile at the memory
of those moments. I have now grown
over many of my fears: I don’t dread
dark rooms anymore and I can live with

SAURAV
from the smirk on seeing someone a few mice around the house. But I have
look for company to answer nature’s realised that a few new ones have piled
after darkness falls to Amzad Khan’s on with time: I fear turbulence while The event promised a battle, and the line


infamous line from the Bollywood flying and I am terrified of dogs though up of the 10 finalists suggested that it
would indeed be one: Dr. Punk, Sound
Chemistry, Blood Blister, Cruentus,

 Fear is OK
blockbuster, Sholay, Jo darr gaya,
samjho marr gaya.
Children can be boisterous, and
often difficult to manage, but our
system yet again draws on fear to find
the solution – instill fear on the child
of some imaginary beast that will take
him away. Thereafter, if he gets into any
of his antics, just draw on that creature
to unsettle him to submission. This is
a tried and tested technique and works
most of the time, but subjected to it,
we often grow up fearing fear.
The ‘better to die than to be a
coward’ motto of the Gurkha soldier
may have won him the admiration of
the martial world, but I would consider
a similar outlook in the modern context
utterly reckless. A state of no fear may
be great, but a person without any fears
would probably be foolhardy, and I
suppose any one who claims to have no
fear may be lying.
As children we live in a frightening
web of fears: ghosts, bullies, teachers,
parents, sadhus, insects and so on.
As we grow older we grow over many
of those fears, but a few stick on
while others develop within, hidden
Vikash Pradhan
I love them with all my heart (This after
being bit eight times in the past).
No fear maybe a myth but I have
found saying OK to fear liberating
- admitting my fear makes me no less
a human and neither is it a blemish on
my manhood. In fact, with each new
fear I accept and admit to, I have often
been able to conquer it or realise how
illogical it was to start with. I have the
habit of wearing a belt whenever I am
out, and I recently found out that it is
primarily driven by a fear that the button
may just snap and I may be left on the
road holding on to my pants. Now that
I know what my fear is, I find the notion
humorous and my fear unfounded.
Sharing my fear with my friends, I have
found that I am not alone in holding on
to such fears: my wife stiffens when she
approaches electric poles. Her fear being
that a wire may just snap and poke her
eye out.
From the fear of heights to that of
exploding light bulbs, we live in a world
where fear dominates. We cower and
dive for cover and sometimes strive for a
state of no fear, but on second thoughts,
I guess fear is OK!
Morcious, Peace, Anuprastha, Prayom
and Angel’s Rage. Organised by Times
FM, the Battle of the Bands drew almost
100 entries in the first round. Among
the original entrants, 30 made it to the
next and then nine were chosen for the
finals through two auditions. The 10th
band got into the finals on the basis of a
public vote.
Cruentus, a familiar name in the
Kathmandu hard-rock circle, took the
stage first and went on to enthrall the
audience with their set. It was a fitting
start to an afternoon of hard rocking
and head banging. The fare though was
not limited to the harder avatar of rock
music but also featured melody and
feel in ample amounts. ‘Angel’s Rage’
provided a refreshing change in the
vocals department, featuring the only
female vocalist in the finals. Also adding
to finals was special performances by
Cobweb, X-mantra, Saayaas, Bramhastra,
Mt8848 and Strings. A slight drizzle
brought some frowns backstage, but it
only added to the delight of the audience
already high on rock.
At the end of it all, Sound Chemistry
walked away with the title, but there
were many, including yours truly, who
felt Cruentus, Prayom and Blood Blister
had perhaps done a better job. But, who
was to disagree with the judgeing panel
comprising Raju Gurung, Om Bikram
Bista and Jyoti Ghimire.

NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 47
 Mantra 3 Himali Nepali
Rock
Taal Music

Whenever
someone does
a remake of
an old song, a
trend-setting
hit on that,
I am always
skeptical, and
the fear is not
baseless. Most
of the remakes
in the past have been ‘not good’. Anyway,
let’s not list them all here. I am talking
here of Mantra’s Himali Nepali, and their
rendition of the legendary Aakasaima
Chila Udyo in particular. No surprises
here – it disappointed me despite a
promising start.
Aakasaima Chila Udyo begins well
with some interesting work with the
sarangi, but as you listen on, it fails
to grab you. It’s not a bad effort, but
when you are reworking a classic, the
expectations are very high. Mantra has
Y! RECOMMENDS
Once in a while comes a band you wish
made music forever. And, once in a while
comes an album you wish would play on
forever. In 1995, Nepali pop music saw
a band with a self-titled album
that fit the bill to quite an extent
– Bypass. This band had all the
makings of greatness, but as
with many good things in life, it
disappeared without a trace.
Bypass was an International
Nepali band, non-Nepalis
comprising half the members
- Bruno (Jay Malla), Srijan and
Suman together with Axl, Yoshi
and Peter. Bypass arose from
Bruno’s bedroom, and went on
to create history.
Bypass’ songs are unique, and a world
apart from the usual Nepali pop fare. Their
sound can be called exquisite pop rock
garnished with a touch of jazz, and topped
up with meaningful lyrics and vocals one
will never tire of. This album may perhaps
be the best adaptation of a western music
style in Nepali songs. Despite most of it
being synthesized (except the guitars), the
instruments sound original and fresh, and
48 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
failed to make this song their own – they
were perhaps intimidated by the original. Album Review
They fail mainly on the vocal front, and Rating - out of 10 
they appear to have got some of the
lyrics wrong. I would give this effort a
Kutumba: Naulo Bihani
score of 5 in a scale of 1 to 10. This Folk Instrumental
track however has a lot of potential if EMW Music Box
performed live. 1/2
..............................................................
Moving away from Aakasaima, the Saayas: Saayas
rest of Himali Nepali is promising. The Rock
lyrics are good, and they seem to be Rebel Creation
developing their own sound in terms of 
..............................................................
music composition and instrumentation. Acoustic: Chheno Rai
The recording quality is commendable, Pop
and the instruments sound acoustic Taal Music
and real, in most of the songs. I found 
..............................................................
a couple of songs very familiar, though I Varat Sitoula
could not hone on which particular ones Pop
they resemble, but I guess some bit of Rebel Creation
influence is understandable. 1/2
...............................................................
Overall, Himali Nepali successfully Icecream: Cybari feat Trauma
proves that Mantra is a band to watch Rock
out for. The title track is perhaps the Situ Digital
best of the lot. With powerful lyrics by 1/2
...............................................................
the legendary Gopal Yonjan and Karma Khubi: Denil Chitrakar
Yonjan, and equally impressive music Pop/ Dance
to go with it, Himali Nepali stands out Situ Digital
among the rest. 1/2
...............................................................
Chyangba: Meen Lama
Folk Pop
Taal Music
fit perfectly in the songs. 1/2
...............................................................
As with Sunsaan Raatma (Y! Addiction: DJ Santosh Subedi
Recommends – Issue 1), finding this album Remix
in the market may be next to impossible. Reeyaz Music

But if you care enough to scour, ...............................................................
this album may perhaps be one Sabin Rai Remix: DJ Laxu
Remix
of the best Nepali pop albums
Taal Music
ever recorded, and the effort will 
be worth it. ...............................................................
Teete-Paate: JPT
Bypass is all but dissolved
Rock
now, with Yoshi, Peter and Axl Taal Music
back in their own countries, 
...............................................................
Suman to his profession as a Silanyas: The Swarg Project
physician, and Bruno working Rock
as a software professional in Taal Music
the USA (but he is still writing 
........................................................
new songs). Srijan, the only Speed: DJ Yuva
professional musician in the Dance/ Remix
band, is still active in Dharan (read Y! Reeyaz Music

Issue 1). Both Bruno and Srijan say that ...............................................................
they are working to put together another Initial: Sunny
album as Bypass, but that remains to be Pop
Taal Music
seen. However, they did release two of

their new songs through FM stations in ...............................................................
2005. Simple correction:
Nabin K Bhattarai's album, G Major
You can go to www.myspace.com/ reviewed in our last issue was wrongly
bypassrocks to check out some of their stated as a Reeyaz Music release. It is
new numbers. actually a The Rebel Creation release.
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;b:ox? cf–cfˆg} sfddf yflt /fv] . clxn] …cg eOg;s]klg PNaddf — ;'a]n
PICS: YUBAKAR
8 YEARS ON AIR
Station Manager Prabhat Rimal waves the station
flag as Robin and The New Revolution perform at 8th
anniversary celebration of Kantipur FM.
NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 49
 IMPRESSIONS Shyam Tekwani
She struggled to remember her names.
"I have three names", she finally said.
One that was given to her at birth as
daughter. Another that her close-knit
circle of family and friends affectionately
used to address her with. Yet another
bestowed on her as a soldier of the Party.
It was her last name, which conferred on
her a status as revolutionary, which she
identified with most proudly. To me, she
will remain Anamika, the one without
a name.
ANAMIKA
Manning a checkpoint in the
Nepalganj district, she is one of the
girls that comprise, as claimed by the
Maoists, nearly forty percent of women
cadres of the movement. The use of
girls as soldiers has become a common
feature of armed conflicts in every region
of the world.
In Sri Lanka, the Liberation Tigers
of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) who have
methodically been recruiting young
Tamil girls for over 20 years claim
that this is meant to help in 'assisting
women's liberation and counteracting the
oppressive traditionalism of the present
system'.
The status of women in most
50 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06
conflict-ridden societies makes joining
the 'revolution', the 'struggle', or the
'liberation' movement the most attractive
option. Made even more vulnerable by the
lack of access to formal education and
better opportunities, girls and boys in
their teens, desperate and easily allured
by the notion of improving their social
and economic lot, join the ranks.
According to a study Forgotten
Casualties of War, by the charity Save
the Children, girl soldiers account for
SHYAM TEKWANI
nearly half among the 3,00,000 children
under the age of 18 who today are
fighting in armed conflicts in more than
thirty countries. The majority are drawn
from those among the impoverished,
those deprived of access to education
and opportunities, and marginalised
members of society.
Emerging from the peripheral roles
they played in the early stages of the
conflicts, girls soon became comrades-
in-arm wielding weapons alongside
the rapidly dwindling number of male
cadres. Yet, by most accounts, girl
cadres occupy lowly positions in most of
these 'armies' often serving as 'cannon
fodder' and rarely occupy positions of
power or decision-making roles in their
organisations.
The report highlights the conditions
of the girls, some as young as eight,
who have been left without help after
surviving the horrifying experience of war.
In Sri Lanka, 43 per cent of the 51,000
children involved are girls.
The Director General of the
organisation, Mike Aaronson, notes:
"When people picture conflict they think
of men in bloody combat, but it is girls
who are the horrifying and hidden face
of war. Most girls who escape or leave an
armed group do so on their own because
formal programmes have not been
designed with them in mind and can
actually make matters worse."
Fewer girls go through official
reintegration. In the Democratic Republic
of Congo, only 2 per cent of those going
through demilitarisation programmes are
girls. In Sierra Leone, it is 4.2 per cent.
With the Maoists surfacing in the
open, are demilitarisation programmes
being set in place? Will Anamika regain
her lost identity as daughter… sister...
friend? Will her smile that she so
forcefully suppressed - to put on her
sternest expression so earnestly for my
camera – crack through her severe mien
when I see her next?
About Shyam
Shyam Tekwani is a journalist turned
academic who spent 15 years covering
conflict and terrorism from the frontlines
in South Asia as photojournalist for
India Today. His exclusive reportage of
the separatist war in Sri Lanka has been
published in Newsweek, The New York Times
Magazine, and Geo among other publications.
A portfolio of his pictures of the war resides
in the collection of the Magnum photo
agency. Shyam teaches photojournalism
among other courses in journalism at
Nanyang Technological University in
Singapore, where he is currently an Assistant
Professor. Shyam has tutored at World Press
Photo Seminars in Colombo and Jakarta and
was a member of an international jury for the
forthcoming book "A People War: Images of the
Nepal Conflict 1996-2006", published
by Nepa~laya.
NOV.06 | YZINE.COM.NP | 51
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52 | YZINE.COM.NP | NOV.06