Saturday, May 30, 2009

Praiseworthy Literary Figure Hari Manjushree

"There are two types of people in this world;one who does not utilize his ability but curse God for making him a failure and the other who thanks god for giving him an ability so that he can contribute in his own way to the society." Elisha Shrestha
In above quotation,the other person reflects the personality of one of the rising literary star in the field of Nepali literature;Hari Manjushree.
In the celebration of the New Year of 2066,a book exhibition was launched in order to honor Hari Manjushree. The program was organized by The Red Cross society of Dhulikhel in which Kathmandu University's Vice Chancellor Dr Suresh Raj Sharma was the chief guest of the ceremony.
Harimanjushree's work has made a lasting impression on the literary field of Nepal by introducing simple but attractive Nepali grammatical rules. Along with this ,he has been honored by many prizes .By growing up in a poverty and ,ultimately,learning to face many challenges,Hari Manjushree has always tried to explicate a tangible picture of the society. Similarly,apart from being a writer,he is also a journalist and has worked in many media organizations. A Kavre resident,Hari Manjushree has made Kavre proud by publishing many qualitative books. In the program,many other literary figures like Mohan Duwal,etc lavishly praised Hari Manjushree for his great contribution in Nepali literature. Therefore,the chief of the ceremony Dr Suresh Raj Sharma gave certificate to Hari Manjushree and he too praised Hari Manjushree for his memorable works in literary field of Nepal.


Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya

Madan puraskar pustakalaya is the first library which contains a huge collection of books and periodicals in Nepali language. It was established in 1940s and is located in Lalitpur. A prolific personality in the field of press in Nepal ,Kamal Mani Dixit is the founder as well as the chairman of the library. The main objective of this library is toPreserve and Conserve the books,magazines and newspapers of many years ago. It keeps a complete record of books, invitation cards and newspapers as well. There are altogether 26,854 books, 5,125 newspapers, 7000 digitized photo, 35000 wall paintings, 500 hand written and 700 audio-video records. It even records that there are about 1000 of newspapers that have been stopped to publish since it first or second issue only. The speciality of this library is that it keeps record of ancient treasures. A 100 years back photo of Rana Prime Minister Junga Bahadur Rana is wonderfully digitized and preserved. According to the members of the library, the first Nepali book to be printed was Holy Bible in 1820. It was published from Srirampur Missionaries. The staffs of the library also showed the most precious and priceless publication. It was the first issue of Gorkhapatra. The library also consists first book of Nepal published in 1820 AD named as 'Grammar of Nepalese Language'.The library also has the issue of the first magazine in Nepali language'Sudha Sagar' and another literary magazine'Saradha' of 1991.

Radio Nepal and my experience

"Good Afternoon to all,I am Komal Oli and lets begin with the main news of the day".Since my childhood,I am familiar with the every single words of this sentence but at that time,I used to wonder from where the anchor of the program sends her voice.However,after growing up,I came to realise that it was due to Radio Nepal,a radio station,from where Komal Oli used to captivate me through her sweet voice.
In this context,last Wednesday,our media teacher took us to the station of Radio Nepal as a part of our field trip.
Radio Nepal, which was formally established on 1April 1951 in the premises of Singha Darbar,is popularly known for its message oriented programs.Similarly,as being a government radio station,it receives a huge amount of donation from many different countries.As a result,it has got a well equiped technologies along with sophisticated buildings with compared to other radio stations in Nepal. Radio Nepal recognizes that its primary obligation is to serve its listeners. It has been providing various programs aimed at creating mass awareness in its attempt to reflect the views of all sections of the society.
Me, along with my friends,were overjoyed to penetrate through the big studios of Radio Nepal where the songs and different programs are recorded.We also came to know that the short Wave transmission of Radio Nepal covers 70% to 80% of the population. This studio along with the provision of a standby studio has made it possible to broadcast programmes live. Radio Nepal has a policy of leasing out its air time to private parties to broadcast programmes on its FM channel by permitting private operators to use their own staff. These programmes have proved to be very popular among the urban youth of Kathmandu.
Radio Nepal has its own studios for programme production, music recording, drama recording, talks shows and news broadcasts. A music library at its premises in Singh Durbar has a collection of about 40,000 songs. Foreign broadcasting Stations also make use of our Studio facilities and transmitters for live and other broadcasts on a rental basis.The complex also has one open air live theatre facility for functions and musical performances. Like other transmitting stations, the Head quarters also has a 100 kVA stand by diesel generator Radio Nepal is making a modest effort to make use of the latest development in computer and digital radio. The task of digitizing old songs and mastering on digital format has been initiated. Today, CD has become the dominant digital storage medium due to its large storage capacity, high fidelity and low cost. Now our valuable songs of the good old days, which were recorded on analog reel tape, are getting new life.
While we were in the studio,we came across with live program which was being hosted by one of the prominent RJs of Nepal ,Tika Bhandari.Along with it,we got a chance to meet with a reputed singer of Nepal named Meera Rana.We all became so excited that we started to take photo of her.
Thus,such moment comes and goes but what really matters is the memories that we will be sharing in days to come.







Thursday, May 28, 2009

The journey of film industry in Nepal

The beginning of film medium in Nepal was done during Panchayat regime in the 1960s with the patronization from Royal family.Hira Singh Khatri came to Nepal from Bollywood in the invitation of King Mahendra and he made a documentary about 42nd birthday of King Mahendra.That was the first ever film made from Nepal.However,the first film in Nepali language was 'Satya Harishchandra' and its director was D.B.Pariyar.The first feature film from Nepal was 'Aama',which was Black and White and made in 1965 AD.It was produced by His Majesty's Government of Nepal.In order to develop the film industry,the government established the Film Corporation.Nepali films became color in Panchayat period.
In the beginning,Nepalese film industry produced quite a number of successful movies such as Basanti,Prem Pinda and Maithighar.In 2000,Caravan was nominated for Academy Award.This film was produced jointly by Nepal and France.However,with the changing course of time,Nepali film industry could not develop its standard and ,in the present senario,it is lacking its charm.
Nepali movie industry has been operating for more than 50 years but these 50 years were not very smooth.Below are some of the major problems with which Nepali film industry is facing in a current moment.
  1. From the beginning,Nepalese movie industry has been facing serious competition fromIndian movie industry.In comparison with Bollywood in terms of quality,quantity,technical equipments and know-hows,Nepalese movie industry is Goliath.Every time,it is fighting against a DAVID named 'Bollywood'.The outcome is,Nepalese movie makers end up imitating Bollywood movies.
  2. According to Uddhav Poudel,producers,Nepali movie market demands 150 movies per year.Five years earlier,the condition of film industry was quite well.It produced 55 movies per year.Now the number has taken a nose dive between 12 and 15.
  3. There were 450 cinema halls out of which 200 are operating at present.The poor economic condition of the country is the major factor behind this.
  4. At present,investment per movie is between Rs three million and ten million,which is higher compared to the past.However,the present day movie of Nepal was Darpan Chaya.Released eight years ago,this movie made a collection of 20 million rupees.Now,the successful movies can not even collect 10 million rupees.
  5. Another major problem is lack of equipments and people with technical knowledge.
It is true that the scenario has chanded alot in the film industry of Nepal but there are many things need to be done.The major challenge in film making is that it is a creative process and takes alot of time to reach to the point of maturity.Tn order to reach that point,there is no alternative to skill,hard work and dedication.Nepal doesnot have many well trained actors and film makers.So,the first thing for survival is to build up a pool of skilled actors,directors and producers.Second,movie makers should always try to experience with new ideas and concepts.It would help them to keep the attention of the audience.From now on ,Nepalese movie makers have to try to think out of the box.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Another story of the new story

i am here and i seem to be happy but, deep inside my heart,i am feeling a huge burden which might be released in coming future."Life is beautiful"and i know that it is true but i also know that according to different people this thought also may be different.
i have come to realise that we all are spiritually corrupted people and it is also undeniable that in order to survive in this world we have to act like one.Different people whom i have met in my life have taught me a different lessons owing to which i have successfully made my own identity which might be likeable or even unlikable to many.
Praises,betrays and hatred are the part of our life and success and failure are the teachers who teach us to face different events .However,though,we know all these things,why do we long for what we don't have?Why do we feel unblessed when we don't get what we want?Is it a human nature to be unsatisfied or is it, we,ourselves who want to life in a confused and gloomy life?

Monday, May 11, 2009

Mesmerizing my trip to Changunarayan

Being a media student in Kathmandu University means having to deal with a lots of assignments and project works.Therefore,field trips are not an exceptional.Every Wednesday,media students of second semester are assigned to visit a particular place for the propose of reporting.As a result,last Wednesday,we had an opportunity to observe one of the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu; Changunarayan.

A mandap style hindu temple,which came into existence in fourth century, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as "Narayan".The temple is adore by some of the best specimen of stone,wood and metal craft in the valley.The temple stands as the epitome of culture,religion,history and the faith of the Kathmandu valley.Changunarayan was named as 'Dolashikhar Swami" during Lichhavi period.However,it was later renamed as "Changunarayan"in Malla period.Inside the Changunarayan temple is a esteemed figure of Garuda. The statue is offered sweets by the devotees every year on Nag Panchami. This is done in remembrance of the epic struggle with the great snake Taksaka. The drops of moisture, believed to be effective against diseases such as leprosy and ulcers, are collected by the priests.Statues of King Bhupalendra Malla of Kathmandu and his mother can also be seen in a shrine. To the north of the temple is a sculpture of Lord Vishnu seated on Garuda (Garudasana Vishnu). This image appears on the Nepalese 10 rupee note. Vishnu sculpture dates back to 9th century.

According to one of the priests who was guiding us, in the past the land where Changunarayan temple stands were full of Chaanp trees. Many cowboys and Brahmins resided in that Chaanp forest. The cowboys reared cattle owned by the Brahmins. Everyday those cowboys visited Brahmins with the milk but suddenly the stopped bringing milk to Brahmins and so the Brahmin tried to inspect on the situation so he went to the place where now Changunarayan temple stands. I is said that there was a Chaanp tree on the spot and suddenly that Brahmin saw a black man appear and suck up all the milk from the cow. Brahmin furiously cut off the black man’s head which caused it to appear with four limbs in the form of Changunarayan. Brahmin got scared and was ready to commit himself for his mistake. And then God Vishnu convinced that it wasn’t his mistake. He then explained to him that many years ago fight took place between god and devils. There was a Brahmin named Sumati who fought from the devil’s side, was killed. For this, Vishnu was wised. His curse was relieved only when a generation from Sumati cuts off his head. And so, he attempted this. He then settled there as Changunarayan who was only worshipped by a Brahmin.
At present, it is believed that only a generation from that Brahmin family can worship and this is still in practice.

The festivals in Changunarayan:

Baisakh Krishna Amavashya (Jatra held for 8 days)
· Krishna Asthami Rath Yatra
· During Fagu Purnima, Vanshagopal Jatra is held with Vanshgopal (the chariot)
Thus,penetrating through the most beautifully preserved cultural heritage,I came to conclusion that Changunarayan has all those qualities which enable us to proudly declare ourselves as culturally engulfed Nepalese.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Right To Information Act In Nepal



There may be many definitions of 'information' but all of them give te primary meaning of the word as 'to know about something'.The fact that being infrmed means getting to know something is translated into applied terminology since 'right to information'(RTI) is sometimes called 'right to know'.
In Nepal it was media community who has been lobbying for RTI law since the restoration of democracy in 1990.The goverment did submit a RTI bill draft to parliament in 1992;however,it had to be withdrawn due to strong opposition.The Federation of Nepalese Journalists(FNJ) and Nepal Press(NPI) put the issue on the agenda again in 2000 but there was no political will in the parliament to prepare and pass the law.Nepal's 2006 Interim Constitution has a provision for the right to information in article 27,in the chapter on fundamental rights.However,lack of specific regulation impeded people from exercising this fundamental right.Therefore,the freedom forum took an initiative and has submitted draft of RTI bill to the government but it had to be withdrawn because it failed to meet the legal standards.After that joint secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communication, Ratna Raj Pandey,as a coordinator,formed a task force,which included representatives from the FNJ and othe media related bodies to review the drat bill and after the revision the draft document was again submitted to the government.It was passed by the parliament on 18 July,as Right to Information Act 2007.
The mass media were associated strongly with the RTI.They have been,too some extent,trying to unveil the wrongdoings of the public bodies.Journalists and watchdog NGOs can use RTI Act to expose,on the behalf of the society,misconduct in the government and help root it out.But it has to be understood that RTI is the human right and being such every person is eligible to exercise it.Journalists as citizens themselves are not an exception but the situation inwhich tey have priviledge access to information is unacceptable.On the other hand,journalistic profession is specific and there is social expectation that will be watchful and expose any miscondut especially in public bodies.
The mass media are the information business but there must be clear distinction between right to information and press freedom or freedom of expression;though all are are important prerequisites of democratic system.It should be also clear that the information accessed rmains mostly in the domain of executive branch of administration.Since independent judiciary is one of the warrants of functioning democracy it is protected to big extent from outside pressure and has mre developed internal system of accountability revision.The legislature is composed of social representatives already trusted with social confidence through electrol process,accountable to the voters and being in constant contact with the citizens.Hence in the case of parliament the information can be access on different basis.Nevertheless al thrtee branches of administration are compelld to operate in transparent mode and to provide easily accessible,updated infrmatin about their functions and procedures.



Monday, May 4, 2009

1990 Constitution and Interim Constitution;Outline of Media Regulation In Nepal

"The rationale behind establishing good media laws is to protect citizens from biases and overuse of communication.Media regulations are supposed to be an operational framework for free media not a tool of censorship."-Krishna Bahadur Mahala

Freedom of opinion and expression was guaranteed in 1990 Constitution(Chapter on fundamental Rights,art.12.Right to Freedom,clause(2) (a) providing that-'nothing in sub-clause (a) shall be deemed to prevent the making of laws to impose reasonable restrictions on any act which may undermine the sovereignty and integrity of the kingdom of Nepal,or which may jeopardize the harmonious relations subsisting among the people of various castes,tribes or communities,or on any act of sedition,defamation,contempt of court or incitement to an offense;or on any act which may be contrary to decent public behaviour or morality.'2
The Press and Publication Right is found in the same chapter,article13:
'(1) No news item,article or any other reading material shall be censored.Provided that nothing shall prevent the making of laws to impose reasonable restrictions on any act which may undermine then sovereignty and integrity of the Kingdom of Nepal,or which may jeopardize the harmononious relations subsisting among the people of various castes,tribes or communities;or on any act of sedition,defamation,contempt of court or incitement to an offence;or on any act against which may be contrary to decent public behaviour or morality.
(2) No press shall be closed or seized for printing any news item,article or other reading material.
(3) The registration of a newspaper or periodical shall not be canceled merely for publishing any news item,article or other reading material.'3
The Interim Constitution guarantees freedom of expression of every citizen under fundamental rights in Part 3 article 12 (3) (a).'Provided that,(1) nothing in sud-clause (a) shall be deemed to prevent the making of laws to impose reasonable restrictions on any act which may undermine the soverignity and integrity of Nepal, or which may jeopardize the harmonious relation subsisting among the people of various castes,tribes,religion or communities,or on any act of defarmation,contempt of court or incitement to an offence;or on any act which may be contrary to decent public behaviour or morality.'The Right Regarding Publication,Broadcasting and Press is under article 15.It maintains the spirit of the provision enclosed in the previous enclosed in the previous constitution but ti has been extended to cover new channels of communication and protect all communication means,not only mass media.'(1) Non publication and broadcasting or printing of any news items,editorials,article,writings or other readings,audio-visual materials,by any means including electronic publication,broadcasting and press,shall be censored.
Provided that nothing shall be deemed to prevent the making of laws to impose reasonable restrictions on any act which may undermine the soverignty or integeity of Nepal,or which may jeopardise the harmonious relations subsisting among the people of various castes,tribes or communities;or on any act of sedition,defamation,contempt of court or incitement to an offence;or on any act which may be contrary to decent public behaviour or morality.
(2) No radio,television,online or any other types of digital or electronic means,press or any other communication media shall be closed,seized or be cancelled the registration because of publishing and broadcasting or printing any material by such means of audio,audio-visual or electronic or electronic equipments.
(3) No newspaper,periodical or press shall be closed,seized or be cancelled the registration for printing and publishing any news,articles,editorial,writings or other reading materials.
(4) No communication means including press,electronic except in accordance with law.'4

Biblography:
1.www.presscouncilnepal.org
2.hhtp://www.fnjnepal.org/legal_provision.php
3.lbid.
4.ibid.


Getting Over Again


"School time's over so what's up next?"

I recall the saying of my friends that made my mind go vain.


Shower to take,coffee to drink.

Yet i don't have any conclusion what i am and what i am suppose to do

and where i am supposed to go.


i find people praising my defeats and celebrating my lost but still i

tend to be strong somewhere inside my heart.


Books are left behind in the desk and pencil seems so senseless that i

feel pathetic to be miserable and lonely without anyone to cheer for me


No one understand my decision thinking it to be misconception.

Therefore,life seems so strange and growing fast seems so unfair.


But still i am growing with a new optimistic feeling to be shared and i

find myself teaching juniors a tough lesson of being a senior.


Then i realize that i have learnt the valuable lessons of being patience

and repeating myself for who am i...

Saturday, May 2, 2009

The Teacher Who Changed My Life

God has always been kind to me.He has given me most of the things that I dearly longed for.So looking back at my school days,I feel satisfied for who I was and what I am now.Those days were very special to me for I had come across a new personality in one person whom I knew from the day when I started to call him Dada.Until then I had not thought for twice that my dad would be my greatest source of inspiration and,most of all,my best teacher.
Being a principal of the school where I used to study,my dad had developed his image as a strict teacher when required.But in other times,I could feel his good sense of humor and his loving and caring nature which was also noticed by all.
Everyone also knew that my father was a big Table-Tennis fan so in order to encourage the students,he even appointed a TT coach.My father's intention of making me play TT was not unaware to me.So,I happily joined the training session.During that time,he was always there for me emotionally as well as in person.Being a junior school student with a lots of potentialities,my father had a great expectation from me.So in order to make me best,he used to give me an extra TT training himself.
As I grew up being a fine player,I used to participate in different matches.However,sometimes,I used to meet with defeats.But,my,principal was always there to highlight the positive aspects in me which used to give me strength.He was the one to teach me the lesson of never giving up no matter how many times I met with defeats.He was always there to support me as well as comfort me even when I had to go out of the valley for TT tournaments.
With time,everything has changed-my height,my principal's young glowing face has been turned into a wrinkled one but the smile that used to provide me with hope has not faded away.My teacher has taught me to have faith in oneself.Teenage life comes up with full of colourful experiences which brings love,friendship and a lots of crushes.Along with them,betrayals,hatred,pain and suffering are also unavoidable in our sweet life.I too had teenage problems which used to give me stress and pain.However,my dad guided me and he always showed me a right direction.Moreover,he always acted like a friend to me and made me feel special even when I used to face criticism from others.
Similarly,I got to learn alot about the idea of being optimistic by looking at my dad's life.My dad,my philosopher,my friend and most of all,my teacher struggled in his own life.He had faced defeats millions of time before succeeding.Even now,when I get annoyed for not getting everything what I want,I remember my father's heroic journey in which he had to sacrifice some valuables.
Today,I am an eighteen year old grown up who is proud of being a good student and daughter.But I Know that I have not yet come out of my comfort zone.I know that my teacher would not be with me all the time as he was during my childhood days.However,I am sure that the lessons which he taught me,the feelings which we shared together,hugs and kisses which we had will always be as fresh as the spring flowers.
I think that a teacher is not someone who comes and teaches course books only,gives long lectures and assigns homework but someone who connects with you by knowing your psychology,your heart and your feelings.A teacher is an angel who is sent by God in order to understand and change your life positively.Thus,I have found that person in my dad.So,I can proudly declare that for me,my father is the best teacher in this entire world.