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Showing posts from 2008

A Visit to Bulaki Chaur

“What programs are we taking to villages?” “Is it classes on adult-education? On   community health?” Sanitation?”   Our challenge. It’s not 1958. The proliferation of NGOs that began in 1980s and caught speed in 1990s in Nepal (like many other developing countries) has been amazing. While many organizations are providing valuable services to Nepalese people, the term NGO has almost become synonymous with educated elite enriching   on poor’s name.   At least a few organizations have found their way to every village that run variety of program. Mostly, during the ‘project period’.   Frequently, organizations find funds and go to the villages to implement them. Thus, there is an expectations among villagers that when people from the city come (especially the one from organizations), they come with handouts.   ********** Sarvodaya is about identifying local needs and working to solve through community participation.   “I don’t know what program, we can take,” I would say

Historic Obama 08

All TV networks are now calling OBAMA a nominee of a democratic party.  First time, an african american candidate on a major party's ticket. This is a historic moment. OBAMA '08

Biking Season Begins

After a very long winter, I took to biking today. The bike had been sitting out through the record snow fall and was little creaky. When I stopped to put air, the tire blew. I brought it to Yellow Jersey to fix the tire, it wasn't expensive at all, which I feared it might.  On the return, back after barely making through little uphill, I lost the balance and fell hard on the road.  I don't recall ever falling from the bike, in very very long time. Perhaps, not since I really learnt riding a bike.  I bruised myself on the knee and hand. Fortunately, there weren't any vehicle on the road.  I guess its fine to fall once in a while, teaches you how to pick up and move on.  Happy Spring!

Happy New Year 2065 ..Let the Change Begin

A new year (Year 2065) begins in Nepal with promises of transformation. I am astounded by election results that are coming in from Nepal. While, this is a result (Maoist wining very big) is something I neither expected nor I hoped for, I am humbled by the power and collective wisdom of people in Nepal. The desire for Change in Nepal was clearly reflected in the verdict and I hope this ensures a new positive beginning and most likely the institutionalization of peace in Nepal. Perhaps in the history of the world, a dynasty that ruled for 250 years will be uprooted peacefully and and first time in Nepal, people's representatives will make a new governing system. I am sure psychological and physical intimidation played a major role for Maoists victory, I believe that their victor is reflection of their organization, freshness and opposition to "old guards" and "politics as usual". I am aware of the challenges that faces Nepal, perhaps very very difficult one, I