Doomsday Kathmandu

Imagine waking up in a shaking building echoing with your mothers screams. You try to run but it’s too late. The next thing you remember is being pulled out from the rumble. Your house, your roof, your shelter is now ruble; scattered onto the streets. Someone gives you water, you sip and look around to realize that you are not alone. Your city has crumbled into a human tragedy. You hear screams, calls for help from every direction. You realize your family is not around. You call for your amma and baba. No answer. You shout again and again. They are buried. You start shoveling with your hands. It hurts but you must go on. They are in there and you know it. It hurts but you dig- clothes, glass, bricks, cement, utensils, but no life. No amma, no baba. No answer.

Shiva has just danced the Rudra Tandav; everywhere you look there is destruction. The houses of Kathmandu that have leaned on each other have fallen. There is telephone, no water, no electricity (and its not coming back), no internet. The Kathmandu you’ve known and loved lies buried under its self. What do you do? Who do you call? Where is help? Where is relief? Who will give you food? Where are you to go and to whom?

The cries to make Kathmandu earthquake safe has fallen on deaf ears of make a pick: bureaucrats, politician, monarchy, the public, God, me, you, Rajesh Hamal, Rajnikanth- at this point it doesn’t matter. For more than 50 years Kathmandu has boomed into a chaos: houses mushrooming everywhere; streets slithering around buildings at whim; people on the road; vehicles on the footpaths, a free for all city where malls tower next to houses, temples placed in the middle of the streets, bricks everywhere, schools buildings as feeble as our government, and no open space. We have slowly suffocated ourselves, and while these peculiarities are part of the Kathmandupan its very existence seem idiotic given the threat of a massive earthquake hitting Kathmandu is quite real. The romantic in you withers when you remind yourself of the warning: It’s not the earthquakes that kill people it’s the buildings.

If an earthquake similar to the infamous 1934 earthquake hits Kathmandu, GeoHazards International says, it would destroy 6 out of 10 houses in the city. That’s 60% of the city. Baneshwors gone. Ganeshwor no more, Thapathali, Kupondole. Jhamsikhel, Maharajganj, Teku, Aason, you take your pick -all gone. Kathmandu is a time bomb. Claire Cozens (AFP) writes that, “Geologists believe it (Kathmandu) is at risk from an earthquake with a magnitude of around eight -- 10 times as powerful as the Haiti shock that killed more than 212,000 people.” This is our city she is talking about. We are ranked one in terms of vulnerability. We cannot remain desensitized from such a grave omen.

Lets face it we are in big trouble; we have completely failed in taking safety measure. But what next, are we doomed or is there still a chance? Well in terms of precautions we are doomed- sad but true. We cannot easily reverse what has already been, at least not in time, however what we can do is educate ourselves on survival mechanisms, both during and after the earthquake.

Authorities need to tell us what to do during an earthquake, where to hid, what is the safest place to be in. In case of a disaster where do we get the food we need. What happens if all the roads to Kathmandu are destroyed? Where and how will we access the relief. They need to take a better look at where the tents are going to come from, where do we get the doctors from, and how and when do we rebuild. Sadly, its time to focus on the cure. We cannot prevent an earthquake, we can’t even prevent the destruction of life and property it’s going to cause, but we can prevent the spread of disease, and we can be prepared. Many earthquake education foundations focus on prevention, and more power to them, but the time for prevention is over. We must change our focus from prevention to cure. If we have some preparation underway we need to educate the people, we need to equip them to make rational choices. It must be obvious that I don’t mean we go on building houses the way we have in the past, prevention is still better than cure, but as a city the time for prevention is over.

Remember Haiti, remember how the entire world banded together to help, goodwill all over, and humanity was at its finest, but as time moves on so do people but those in Haiti still have to live with the horrors everyday. Those horrors will soon be ours. We are the unfortunate custodians of Haiti’s sorrow.

It’s a scary feeling not knowing what to do next. Its scary to be hopeless and alone, and yet most of Kathmandu will find itself in that situation when an earthquake hits. We need to empower ourselves, educate ourselves, and think long term. The government and the civil society, you and me- needs to work together, with each other, for each other. Is that too much to ask?

(Nicholas Pitt / Alamy)

Blogging for Nepal: Jazzmandu

The first thing on my list of 20 amazing things and/or places about Nepal. p.s- this is not a ranking.

Jazzmandu:

One of the fastest growing tourist attractions in Kathmandu is the Kathmandu Jazz Festival, a.k.a Jazzmandu. Since its inception eight years ago, this festival has slowly begun to cement its place in the “Kathmandu experience”. The festival features local and international bands, and has seen the likes of : Trilok Gurtu Don Burrows, Jesse Van Ruller, Adrian D Souza Quartet, Cadenza Collective, Kutumba, Gandharva, Natalie Williams, Urban Connection.

Jazzmandu is an excellent example of the ever molding face of the Nepali culture and is a must for all; foreign tourists and Nepalis alike. The festival promotes peace and cultural interaction and has positively put Nepal on the Jazz map.

The most impressive thing about this festival is that it bridges so many gaps. It bridges the gap between different cultures around the globe, and the gap between traditional and progressive Nepal; all the while being non-political and (even more important) cool.
For more information visit: http://www.jazzmandu.org/index.html

Blogging for Nepal!! Nepal Tourism Year 2011- let the party begin.

Happy New Year everybody! Here it is-2011. And after the marvelous year we just bid adieu too, the bar for what counts as a good year has risen. Here is hoping that 2011 is an even more joyful year.

But I am not sitting on floor in my room two days into the year desperately trying to catch up on the wishes. I am here for two important reasons: firstly, to make a pitch, and secondly to put my money where my mouth is. For those cynics out there who vehemently tried to convince me that the new year is just another day on the calendar I say - Ha! I am believer still, and am holding onto this mantle of hope. New Years is like spring in the middle of winter. But even for those of you who have a rather meek view of the mighty leap from 10 to 11 here’s hoping that you make most of the next 365 days that the rest of us will call 2011.

But 2011, looks likes terribly normal year, you know the kinds with its ups and downs, its twists and turns, the usual. Unless of course you are in Nepal. 2011 is Nepal Tourism year. A time to open our already gaping doors to welcome the world to be a part our home. A time to be on our best and think of the greater whole a little more than we normally do. To proudly dawn our topi of manners and put our best feet forward.

The importance of tourism to the Nepali economy cannot be overstressed, so I won’t even go there. My purpose of writing this article is to request the Nepali diaspora to contribute towards making this year a success. Remember all those times when you sitting around complaining about the amazingly “ pathetic situation” in the country; the feeling of overwhelming helplessness of not being able to do something; not knowing where to start- well your wishes have come true and your prayers have been heard. 2011 presents an inexcusable opportunity to pitch in towards a constructive purpose.

And it doesn’t have to be anything fancy and there are enough things to do for everyone. Those in Nepal can do their little ( but significant) bit like- help a tourist if he asks for help even if it’s a little inconvenient, not littering tourist area ( or any public place for a matter a fact, but let’s start small), pick up the litter if there is any , be friendly and show up and enjoy the various attractions. Simple things done by simple folks can make all the difference. Further, let this also be the time for those bound down by the fetters of Kathmandu to leave the sometimes suffocating precincts of the valley and travel beyond. Be tourists ourselves. See and experience a country so desperately in need of some soul searching.

For those of us unfortunate people, away from the land of our birth we can do our bit by spreading the word; furthering the invitation, if you may, to our friends and acquaintances in these foreign lands. A year to be vocal about the wonders of Nepal. Again nothing too fancy- share links and videos, talk to friends, have fun with spreading the news, and assure them that the land of never ending peace and love knows how to live up to its name.

And while we do this great service let’s make it clear that Nepal goes beyond its National Geography image. Yes, we have ancient temples, and mystical hills and gorges, and dense jungles with exotic wildlife; a haven for the spiritual. But here is more to it. Let’s make sure that people experience Nepal as it is; not just the dead habit of yesteryears but the vibrant culture that exists and shapes up everyday. Experience the old with the new. From our rock bands to jazz festivals, from our beer and our villages, to our salsa festivals, from lok dohris to our momo’s and bungee, paragliding and pottery, from street theatre to street vendors, monkeys and tea stalls, and highway eateries. There is much more to Nepal than that which meets the eye. We are shaping the Nepali culture every day and we want the tourists to celebrate it with us. In its completeness.

Coming back to the second reason for this write up ( “the money where my mouth is” part). I am going to write about 20 amazing things and/or places about Nepal this year. And even though 20 sounds like a stunted number given that there are 365 days in this year, considering the absolute lethargy with which I update my blog I thinks it’s a fair target.

So Happy New Year everybody and let’s make this a positive year.

Paras Should Be Made An Example Of.

Paras should be made an example of.

The Nepali justice system, police and democracy in Nepal have a great opportunity staring at at them. They have in there hands a high profile drama. The arrest of Paras Shah and his admission that he fired a shot in anger with a unauthorized firearm clearly puts the law in favor of those charging him. The government and political entities can get involved and completely humiliate the former royals and treat this a lesson to be taught to them. Or they can go a completely different route and drop the case because it is so controversial. Either of these options makes a lot of political sense. The former in its action and the latter in its inaction guarantee political brownie points. By taking the first course the parties can reignite the wanning anti-royal sentiment, and by taking the second they can avoid having yet another problem to deal with, and ensure peace in the country.

Or it can pursue a third course;a much radical path for a country like Nepal. It can make a example of him. A public display of the entire situation; making an example of how unlawful activity is handled in a sensible country. An example of justice. The people in the government and other political parties should stay away from the issue and let the police and the courts handle it. They should allow justice to take its course in a swift and fair manner. And even if the parties comment on it its acceptable, but the courts should remain clear of its purpose, the police should hold on to its principles, and the journalist to there. Let all citizen know that there is still hope for a fair trial, and rule of law in the land. Treat him no better or worse than any other citizen of Nepal. Send a message through this saga that if Paras can be treated with respect and in accordance to the law then all citizen will be subject to the same standards. Lady Justice is supposedly blind - this would be a good time to reassure us of it.

On the other hand Paras Shah and other royals should recognize that he cannot hide behind his family name anylonger.They are not politically special anymore. If given a fair trial and fair judgement for his actions he too should set an example and accept the verdict. if he is unsatisfied with the verdict challenge it in the courts. Further he should stop using nationalistic sentiments as shameful excuse to cover his drunk actions.

This sudden wave of support Paras is receiving is surprising. Supporters argue that his action is justifiable because he got up to defend the honor of the country. Nonsense! Absolute bull feces! A monkeys red arse! Nonsense, not because I doubt his patriotism, but because that is not what a patriotic action looks like. If every citizen were allowed to use violence against those who speaks against Nepal we would have a lot of bloodshed on our hands. Violent action could be justifiable by this "saving the honor of Nepal" excuse. Do we really want to set such a precedence. Such an excuse is not only laughable but also undemocratic. A person, regardless of his nationality, should have the right to say what he wants. Rubel Choudhary, the Bangladeshi citizen, might have used distasteful words against Nepal. He might have even called us a country of idiots, run for idiots, by idiots. He might have gone far enough to suggest that Nepal and Nepalis are good for nothing. Most insulting indeed but does this give all Nepali citizen to fire at him, or atleast punch him where it hurts most? Absolutely not.Yes, they where distastful, and yes they where hurtful, but thats the price you pay for living in a democracy. Thats the beautiful cost of freedom of speech. You dont have to agree with it, you can even mad about it, but you do have to allow it. Suppose I where to call Bangladesh a country of fish eating cowards who wouldn't have acheived there independence without India and especially General Sam Manesksaw and his Gurkha solider, I am guessing some Bangladeshis are going to be upset. Are my words insulting- yes. Would it be justified for a Bangladeshi to come and kick me. Absolutly not.

Here lies another opportunity for setting another example. Let all the people of the world know that Nepal is a becon of free speech, it is a place where regardless of nationalisty, color,sex and sexual orientation people can come an express themselves and go unhurt and unafraid. A place where I can say what I want and not be afraid of violent repercussions.

Ultimetlty this drama will lose steam. People will move on. The question now remains will people move on knowing they live in a just and reasonable society, or will they move on knowing that the laws that govern this country are so shady that all hope is lost.

Arrest order for WikiLeaks' Assange - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Arrest order for WikiLeaks' Assange - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Is it just me or does some else also smell the stench of conspiracy in this? Julian Assange, the Australian founder of the whistleblower website WikiLeaks to be arrested for sexual harassment and rape accusations. His lawyer, and thousand others ( including myself) do not think it is proportional to demand his arrest just to interrogate him. Don't get me wrong if the accusation are serious then by all means interrogate him. Issuing an arrest order puts the credibility and the intention of the entire process under question.

Its a strange world!!!


Its time we rethink how the world works. A reevaluation of what we think is right and what is wrong. About the things that matter beyond the i-pad and the Dolce and Gabana. Is this what being human really is? Humanity is not something you do, it is something you live. Its a unfair world when pets are being treated better than 2/3rd of humanity.

Photograph by Kevin Carter. He committed suicide 16 months after taking this picture



Image provided by blog.pawshpal.com

Sri Lanka set for constitution vote - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Sri Lanka set for constitution vote - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

a perfect example of the one man thinks he knows the best for the nation. How one man is arrogant enough to think that out of all the people in the world him and him alone has the capability to led the nation in the "postwar" period. And that people have a problem with him seeking a third term not because hes raping democracy before our eyes, or even because hes acting like a pompous ignorant , no people have a problem because of his background...yes everyone is as shallow as you.
All the best Sri Lanka...the war might be over but this non retiring self proclaimed savior of your nation is gonna create a whole new set of problems.
Speak Out for Democracy and the rule of law.