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PRATEEK PRADHAN
Guest Column
Including the excluded
Is affirmative action real, or just a facade?

PRATEEK PRADHAN

FROM ISSUE #481 (18 DEC 2009 - 24 DEC 2009) | TABLE OF CONTENTS
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KIRAN PANDAY

It is getting a bit too much, the attempt by politically correct moral police these days to judge the inclusivity of functions by tallying token representation based on surname or gender.

If they find one surname representing a Dalit, Janajati or marginalised group, they heave a sigh of relief. But I wonder if they are trying to be more inclusive, or more exclusive. Are our intellectuals, analysts, politicians and journalists so mentally constricted that they cannot think beyond their own caste?

To be sure, there are many groups in Nepal that have not been given a say in decision-making. This gross violation of human rights and dignity was perpetrated by Bahuns and Chhetris, and other groups have genuine grievances that have to be addressed. But let's not go to the other extreme by insisting that participation in every function be reckoned by the proportions of caste, ethnicity, religion, language, gender and so on.

What is going on in the name of redressing past wrongs is aggravating divisions in Nepali society. This has the potential to seriously disturb communal harmony and trigger violence.

Futile donor-driven efforts to make Nepali society just and inclusive are fake, a mere facade. If we consciously involve all castes, creeds and religions in all aspects of life superficially it will look quite inclusive, but it will not solve the deep-rooted problems of marginalisation and poverty in this country. You can already see that reservation is creating a creme de la creme of neo-elites in beneficiary groups. The majority within these groups, however, is still deprived and discriminated against. The neo-elite skims off the benefits, and nothing percolates down to the lower levels.

Pretend inclusivity is seriously abusing the human rights of many in this country. Deprivation crosses caste and ethnic lines. Brahmins and Chhetris together constitute nearly 30 per cent of the population, many of them are not rich, don't have civil service jobs and in parts of the country are actually at the bottom of the economic ladder. If you really want to look at numbers, there are more 'high' caste people living below the poverty line than 'low' caste people.

Now, with affirmative action, even if the children of very poor Brahmin or Chhetri families excel academically and come into the job market, they risk being excluded from government or INGO jobs. So in trying to correct one wrong, you make another mistake. These poor youngsters whose parents have spent their lives in absolute poverty should not be penalised for the misdeeds of those with whom they only share surnames.

Many Nepalis raise issues when there is a possibility of funding. These flavour of the month fashionable causes are having a detrimental effect on the progressive evolution of our society. Interestingly, it is the higher castes themselves who have been championing the cause of the downtrodden by promising to include them.

There is no issue with some European donors being more aggressive in trying to uplift the really marginalised. But inclusivity must look beyond the token presence of people with certain surnames. An empty stomach is an empty stomach, whether it is a Brahmin or a Dalit one.

The state should strive for economic and social balance, remove inequities and give everyone equal opportunities. But if it really wants to do poor people a favour, it has to be on an economic basis, not on the basis of caste. This country will progress only if we adopt meritocracy in all walks of life. If not, we will be forever stuck in a politically correct morass. No NGO or activist is thinking about this potentially divisive issue because there are no donor funds earmarked for it.

Normally, following a successful revolution, people and society are eager to embrace new ideas and changes. But even if they feel such changes will have a negative impact on society, many will prefer to keep mum so as not to be labelled anti-national, counter-revolutionary or status-quoist.

This could be the reason otherwise sane, rational critical thinkers are keeping quiet about token inclusivity.

Prateek Pradhan is the editor of Karobar, a new Nepali language business weekly.

READ ALSO:
Meanwhile, the economy..? - FROM ISSUE #481 (18 DEC 2009 - 24 DEC 2009)
The golden middle?- FROM ISSUE #481 (18 DEC 2009 - 24 DEC 2009)
"Find the correct pace for both sides" - FROM ISSUE #480 (11 DEC 2009 - 17 DEC 2009)

Comments    Show Oldest First | Show Newest First
1. jange
"To be sure, there are many groups in Nepal that have not been given a say in decision-making. This gross violation of human rights and dignity was perpetrated by Bahuns and Chhetris, and other groups have genuine grievances that have to be addressed." Really?? Can you give any examples as to who did the exploiting and who was exploited? And this was done by Bahuns and Chetris as ethnic groups? Examples? Evidence? Instead of the saying " Mero bajele ghiu khaeko thiye, mero haat suungh" it is now a case of " Mero bajele duukha payeko thiye, mero bhaag khoi".
Posted on: 18 DEC 2009 | 1:31 PM NST

2. survivor
Mate, if you want to improve the socio-economic of the country, you have to stop bashing bahun, chettri, dalit (cast in general). You journalists are putting the pressure for inclusiveness and as a result it is now the in-thing.. Dont blame bahuns and chetrtris .. given the opportunity dalits would have done the same.. Maybe its you journos, who are giving them too much of an importance.. BTW, i am a sherpa...
Posted on: 18 DEC 2009 | 3:12 PM NST

3. Patriot
The question here is more about the communual based power structure that has existed in Nepal for centuries. In recent memory it was Ranas and Shahs, and now its Bahun/Chettris. In a diverse multi-cultural society like Nepal, there will always be resistance to a particular group's (be it any) dominance of the state and resources while leaving out the rest. Illiteracy and poverty only exacerbates such deep divisions in the society. Instead of living in denial, well read people like jange should have been able to come up with a more intelligent explanation.
Posted on: 18 DEC 2009 | 3:45 PM NST

4. Bibek Paudel
Prateek Pradhan conveniently forgets that only a small group of Bahuns and Chhetris were the ruling class of Nepal who did the wrongs. And to be brutally honest, that group of elites contained as many Newars, Janajatis and others, as long as they were in or around the Royal Palace. To be precise, people in Kathmandu (of all castes, including Bahuns and Chhetris) were the ones who committed gross violation of human rights and dignity. Conveniently bashing Bahun-Chhetris in the name of the newfound inclusiveness is not surprising though, especially from the likes of Prateek Pradhan, who himself happens to belong to the class of elites who had/have the power of information, access and being in Kathmandu. Stop listening to thugs like him. Bibek
Posted on: 18 DEC 2009 | 5:26 PM NST

5. sanjay
I seriously think this writer needs a shrink to deal with his issues with bahuns and chettris before he is beyond help.His utter lack of insight into the forces that has shaped the social structure of nepal is laughable.He almost manages to argue Nepal was an apartheid state at the mercy of bahuns and chettris.Fools like him have been recruited by organisations and groups who have no interest in telling the people about the importance of education and knowledge to better their lives but blaming all their ills on people and communities who they perceive are better off than them. Mr.Pradhan,I am afraid in a meritocracy there won't be much work for you.
Posted on: 18 DEC 2009 | 6:48 PM NST

6. Anuj
Dalits are excluded from mainstream society and outcasted like dogs. Though, the situation is a little better than it used to be. Still, few incidents like "prohibition to temple entry", "separate drinking water source for Dalits and High caste" are few example among many ..everyone who is observant enough can come across "untouchability" being practiced even today. Put yourself in "Dalits" position and rethink and review, how it feels to be treated "untouchable". "Achana ko pir marka, Khukuri le jandaina !!". Empathy is needed from our new leadership and give their decision. New Constituent writing and ER represetns the voice of those people in "Achana", not of those "Khukuris". Here the arguement is not about who dominate who?. Instead, it is about one's dignified existence, never to be mistreated and left out in "darkness" and "poverty trap" of socio-political and religious origin. This serpetine chain of disgust and delusion have to be disentangled forever. Then only lasting peace and prosperty for every Nepali will prevail and shine. Otherwise, history wil be repeated.
Posted on: 18 DEC 2009 | 6:50 PM NST

7. jange
The power structures are quite clear and transparent. Any person or groups who want to be in power or part of the political process can form political parties, persuade people to vote for them, get elected and into positions of power. No one is excluded, either by law or by convention. What more is needed? Favouring one group , on any criteria, means discriminating against the rest. The current system is one where people vote for political parties and as far as I know nobody wants to change this basis. There is no reason why you cannot have ethnic based representation. But do you really want political representation based on ethnicity? If so, be honest and devise a system which gives you political representation based on ethnicity instead of a dishonest system of trying to get ethnic representation on the back of a voting system based on voting for political parties.
Posted on: 18 DEC 2009 | 8:39 PM NST

8. sanjay thapa
sir, I have a suggestion for your well written article. We all know that it is not only stupid but pathetic to believe in the caste system. why is it then that some bahuns keep on referring to themselves as high castes? Based on what? To me, a gurung can as easily call himself a high caste and why not?what if anything is to stop him? The magars had their own kingdom and did fall into decadence like all kingdoms in history. What is to stop them from calling themselves high castes? There is no high caste and no low caste. The system itself was implemented to exploit the innocent often using religion as a tool. Do you think journalists of your prominence should lobby to stop printing of such phrases? Even here in the USA, they cannot print whatever they want in the name of free press, especially if they infringe on the race or religion of someone else. Thank you.
Posted on: 18 DEC 2009 | 9:40 PM NST

9. Gyanu
"Futile donor-driven efforts to make Nepali society just and inclusive are fake, a mere facade." Affirmative action is another debate, but the charge against donors couldn't be truer. People forget that there's nothing humanistic about donor programs. They're mere tools to meet a country's foreign policy objectives. Granted, the objectives of USAID/DFID are not the same as the objectives of DANIDA, so you can make a qualitative distinction if you like, and praise one and criticize another, but the fact is that they're the arms of their respective foreign ministries. The impact of donor activity on the political economy and power relations within the country is a bigger can of worms. Nepali state planners better remember, it has been 50 years of donors and "development" and look where that has gotten us? Or rather look where it has not gotten us? A couple of generation of "educated" class have been indoctrinated to the idea of development, just like they were indoctrinated to the idea of brave Nepali nationalism. It's good to see some newspapermen beginning to challenge the ideology of development. Keep it up.
Posted on: 18 DEC 2009 | 11:39 PM NST

10. GyaRel
The commentator named "Patriots" represents others like him in Nepal and are brainwashed or have hidden agenda or are ignorants, who fail to understand who the Maoists are and just love to sing the song of ethnicity based Federalism. Shame on you "Patriots and Arthurs". Survivor and Jange, I am with you. I appreciate Mr. Pradhan very much for their courage to stand up against the Maoists who use "Party" at the end of name, but actions are completely of ganglords of medievial age. Mr. Patriot congratulations! Go, it is your turn as Prachanda says, to rule the states no matter what is your credentials. And, others who live in these 12 states, are now second class citizens no matter what is their credentials: read Prachanda's "Agradhar" and understand what it means. Like Mr. Pradhan and Survivor, there are millions of Nepalis who belong to these 12 states by surnames, but will stand up for what is really good for the country, "Don't divide the country based on Ethnic background or offer someone job just because s/he belongs to that surname: by birth?" Babe, stand up against Maoists "Agradhar" philosophy before you feel it too late.
Posted on: 19 DEC 2009 | 5:08 AM NST

11. GyaRel
I think I missed one most important in my earlier comment. Mr. Prateek Pradhan should either withdraw or apologize the following two sentences, where he looks so naive or ingnorant and puts whole blame on Bahuns and Chhetris for all the misery Nepalis had in last 240 years, "To be sure, there are many groups in Nepal that have not been given a say in decision-making. This gross violation of human rights and dignity was perpetrated by Bahuns and Chhetris, and other groups have genuine grievances that have to be addressed." Jange has already raised this issue. If Mr. Prateek Pradhan does not retreat these two sentences, then these two sentences will hunt him down in future, and all his efforts will be ruined. Lets learn from US, it is never a late to correct your mistake, and once you correct the earlier mistake will be put in grave in peace. Look at the Ted Kennedy, Look at the celebrities, look at other people all walk of life, and when they apologize or retreat from the mistake, they are forgiven. If you are not going to retreat it, then these sentences will be quoted everywhere, as you are not a person from street who can be simply neglected, but you were one the head of The Kathmandu Post, and you are considered a great journalists, but these two sentences show a bizzare sitaution that Nepal is passing through as a fellow commentator in NepaliTimes.com has mentioned sometime ago, people will tend to align to their ethnicity no matter how great they are. Alex's statement has not been more than a week, and I am seeing this trend right here in NepaliTimes.com by nations most respected english newspaper former editor in chief goes unchecked and makes a blatant accusations and become very biased. It is a time to correct. Well, if you don't correct, then it as masala for others to accuse you of being too biased, and your life long earning of being a great journalist is tained just in two lines. In that case, I will consider you a Nepali version Rash Limbaugh or Glenn Beck. Period.
Posted on: 19 DEC 2009 | 8:41 AM NST

12. jange
Just to give you an example of how ridiculous this can get. Recently there was an advertisement inviting applications for the Toni Hagen Fellowship 2009 by an organisation called the Toni Hagen Foundation. Under the eligibility criteria it says "Fellowship is open only to candidates from the marginalised groups (Dalits, Janajatis, Madhesis, Muslims and women)", and under educational qualification it says "Master's or four-year bachelor's degree". So, now we have a situation where a person(s) who society at large has provided education to Master's level and yet this person cannot compete on the basis of his own capabilities. They remain marginalised even with a Master's degree??!!! At which point will they stop being marginalised. This kind of logic will end up debilitating the very groups they are supposed to be helping. Of course this is just an example and the Toni Hagen Foundation is entitled to spend its money in anyway it pleases just like I am entitled to spend my money any way I please.
Posted on: 19 DEC 2009 | 9:15 PM NST

13. ajay shestha
Go Prateek dai, Go! Do not let a few bahuns stop you from your work!
Posted on: 19 DEC 2009 | 9:33 PM NST

14. pwas
creating ethnic upheaval and emphasizing caste-like division by ngo and so-called intellectuals is yet another ploy by the churchwallas, whose sole intention in the country is very clear. even many educated ones don't know they're being taken on a ride by them for their ultimate motives.
Posted on: 20 DEC 2009 | 10:23 AM NST

15. Patriot
Ch Ch Ch! I am not surprised why Bahun, Chhetris are such uncapable rulers as they have proved time and again. Their education only makes them more eloquent in offering further erudite explanations for the country's problems other than facing the truth. Jange, your explanation of the political process is so lame, it makes me laugh. Just look at your leaders who have raped and pillaged this very process you talk about. The country's fate is still at the mercy of few Brahmin men/women (including unelected who have hijacked the country) who like to consult as per their whims behind closed doors. I am sure you yourself dont believe in it. See, you and me arguing in this blog is not going to change anything that is happening in the streets. So get over it. It is because of educated Brahmins like you who have failed to show the way, that the country is on the brink. GyaRel - you sound to me uneducated and ill-informed so I wont honor your post by responding.
Posted on: 20 DEC 2009 | 5:24 PM NST

16. shyam shrestha
Dear Pratik, today i bought a magazine, name ' BIMOCHAN' where i read about you as how you came and struggle and why you left kathmandu post, i am so happy to read about you and very glad of your success and hope you will see more success in coming days, and i congratulate you for establish and thinking to publish your own newspaper that is' KAROBAR'. though since you start to write i know you are writing in papers, but just today after reading about you, i thought to write somenting to you and when i open 'NEPALI TIMES' i saw few commnent regarding your some article, it seems that you write something about country ruined by ' BAHUN, CHETTRI', even not liking to believe, but we see and proved this is true, somwhere you are very badly commnet by GayRel and Ajay shrestha encourage you to continue write about this topic, sorry due to lack of time i didnot read other people's commnet. i was so happy and impressed reading why you didnot stay at US and return NEPAL, i hope all those people should learn from you, who make and get excuse to extend their stay at other countries,in the name of JOURNLIST. i don't know if you will ever read and have time to read what i express, but will be glad if you just write you read my words. this is my first comment here, hope to write something more in coming day shyam shrestha kumaripati, patan
Posted on: 20 DEC 2009 | 6:21 PM NST

17. Sajak Sumsher Rana
Dear Pradhanji, This may sound controversial but I am confident that a DNA test will reveal that untouchables like Damai and Kami will be the same as that of Bahuns. They look alike and must have divided themselves over materialistic things centuries back. Why not have such a test? Then perhaps bahuns will stop calling others untouchables and inferior. It is time for such a test so that ours will not be a divisive socieity. Do you agree? Rana
Posted on: 20 DEC 2009 | 11:22 PM NST

18. Anuj
"To be sure, there are many groups in Nepal that have not been given a say in decision-making. This gross violation of human rights and dignity was perpetrated by Bahuns and Chhetris, and other groups have genuine grievances that have to be addressed." I agree with Pratik and this is the ground reality . There are millions of Nepali people, who can prove this statement. Truth is bitter. Am i right ? GYAREL!!! What about "If Mr. Prateek Pradhan does not retreat these two sentences, then these two sentences will hunt him down in future, and all his efforts will be ruined." This seems a mixture of threat and suggestion. Hey, this is a typical version of threat by "socaial isolation". Pratik, don't be mislead by this kind of petty threats, be sure, there are millions of people, who are certain of this naked truth and will be behind your support....Bravo !! write more on this issue. MR. SAJAK SUMSHER RANA 's comment is too "base" and infuriating. It seems you don't understand the whole affairs of socio-political movement going on in Nepal. By the way, could your be more specific and expalin more on "must have divided themselves over materialistic things centuries back". What are these "materialsistic things"??? Hey,my suggestion to you, reign your comment, DALITs ( term used by government and NGO) freinds will eat you alive!!
Posted on: 21 DEC 2009 | 9:26 AM NST

19. Anuj
"As long as the Nepali brand of Hinduism prevails in Nepal, my dear Bahini, there's no hope either for Nepal's women and their children, or for the Dalits, and even much less for the country's Jan Jatis. Period!"
Posted on: 21 DEC 2009 | 9:47 AM NST

20. GyaRel
I still stand by my earlier suggestion to Mr. Prateek Pradhan to retreat from these two Blanket statements, "To be sure, there are many groups in Nepal that have not been given a say in decision-making. This gross violation of human rights and dignity was perpetrated by Bahuns and Chhetris, and other groups have genuine grievances that have to be addressed." For more than 100 years, Certain Ethnic Nepalis have 100% monopoly in British Gurkha Army. When I was 16 years old, I lined up for the Gurkha Army selection, and all including the Galla laughed at me because I did not belong to them. All my most intelligent friends joined British Army because at the age of 22 they could have a nice family, kids, a nice house in Pokhara or in Dharan, and by the age of 32, they go retirement, and rest of the life they could do whatever they liked. Now, 100,000s of the former Gurkhas have left Nepal to Britain or hongkong for better life, why was not there a single Bahun-Chhetri? I also wanted that life, therefore, I lined up, but the humiliation can not be simply neglected. It was a systmatic. When you have a great opportunity there in British army, why would you join that poor govt job by wasting another 8 years of life in useless education system to collect additional 3 certificates. So, the Bahun, Chhetri and "Newars", have no other choice, but to join Nepal government and get a salary that is hardly enough to feed the family of four. By the time you are ready for looking a job, you could get a retirement in British army. Therefore, Prateek Pradhan's Blanket accusation against Bahun chhetri is not correct, he does not have facts straight. I still believe he probably never new the equation in British Army. I bet. Therefore, either he is naive or ignorant or uninformed. Most probably, uninformed. If you want to believe, please go to Pokhara, Butwal, and Dharan, then you will realize that why the leaders of the group did not join or have interest in Nepal's government jobs and policy making issues until 1997 (the year British handed over HongKong ot china, and British Gurkha Army was reduced to 3000 from more than 100,000). Chetana Bhaya, Prateek ji. Was that fair? Certainly, not.
Posted on: 21 DEC 2009 | 11:10 AM NST

21. Thainli
"An empty stomach is an empty stomach, whether it is a Brahmin or a Dalit one." Bravo Prateek! Ethnic violence in Nepal is on the brink of eruption - and I don't completely blame it on politicians who want a divided country. Lack of education among the mass is a fuel that drives the engine of divide. So is the economic divide. Ever wonder why there are so many Maoist supporters ready to cut off your head?
Posted on: 21 DEC 2009 | 4:32 PM NST

22. jange
"This gross violation of human rights and dignity was perpetrated by Bahuns and Chhetris... ". An unsubstantiated accusation of this sort should not and must not go unchallenged. Maybe it is just poor editing from Nepali Times but I understand that the author is a journalist, and a well known and well regarded one at that. Imagine that the term "Bahun and Chhetris" was replaced by Prateek Pradhan or Gurung or Magar or Newar or Limbu. Would you accept it just like that without being offered any proof or evidence or reasoning as to how you came to that conclusion? I very much doubt it. I realise there is a big need to "sex it up" in order to sell newspapers but outright slander of any group is hardly the answer. I expect better from senior journalists.
Posted on: 21 DEC 2009 | 10:37 PM NST

23. ReadAll
Methinks that most of the commenters did not read the article in its entirety before commenting: Bibek Poudel, for example, doesn't seem to realise that Pradhan has addressed the fact that most Bahun/Chettris were never a part of the rich ruling class. Read the entire article before commenting!! An excellent and balanced article if one takes the time to read all of it.
Posted on: 21 DEC 2009 | 1:19 AM NST

24. GyaRel
The blanket statement, "This gross violation of human rights and dignity was perpetrated by Bahuns and Chhetris... ". is a tattoo that Prateek Probably wanted to have sketeched in his neck or on his shoulder, so that when the country divides into so called federal states, he can vouch it as an evidence in the quest of information seceretary to the Chief Minister. Otherwise, where is the evidence, as suggested by Jange. That statement is a hypothetical statement, and a hypothesis requires evidence to justify it. Prateek might have written based on myth or faith, but in scientific world we seek verifiable "reproducible" evidence when you make a blanket statement like you made above. In science, "FAITH" alone is not enough, FAITH is just a perception and it does not have space even in journalism, I guess. Well, as Jange identified, may by Prateek wanted more attention by making his article more seductive (or trying to be more REPUBLIC Nepali) by adding this line knowingly it was an unsubstantiated statement. It hurts those in that group he is accusing who were never part of the events that Mr. Pradhan says happening systematically for centuries. We were much poorer than the others who accuse us of perperating these events. Come on, it is not yet late to correct that unsubstantiated statement or bring a verifiable evidence. GyaRel
Posted on: 22 DEC 2009 | 11:25 AM NST

25. maan
fully agree with GyaRel..its a shame on such a so called respected editor in chif of the TKP to be putting up such a biased and totally 'wrong' generalized view on castes...its time to retreat your sentences prateek..otherwise we feel ashamed that we were reading the kathmandu post edited by such an idiot.....u have no clue of what the poor people (mostly includign Bhramins) need to do do to earn a day's bread and u tag them as 'perpetrators' ..shame on you.. please apologize
Posted on: 22 DEC 2009 | 5:38 PM NST

26. Bibek Paudel
Mr Readall, I indeed read all. Seems you read all, but understood none. My main argument is: Nepal's problems have never been "majorly" ethnic. Please notice the quotes. There is some blame to give to the ruling class, but not on ethnic grounds. Look at Nepal;s most elite institute: the army, its all Chhetris and Thakuris, look at the then Royal Palace and its accessories: same. Look at rich Gurkhas, look at Newar traders all over the country. UNESCO report stated that Newars are the most privileged caste in Nepal. Also, look at all the Brahmin bureaucrats, royal-priests and ministers. In terai, look at the landlord Yadavs (and some Jhas). Is Nepal's problem ethnic? Only partly so. The major problem is regional. And even more than that, it is Kathmandu-tional. The privileged in Nepal are in Kathmandu. All the elite Bahun Chhetri, Newars. Then at other cities, then at smaller cities, them accessible areas of Terai, then the hills, then the remotest of the hills. So, categorically blaming the bahuns and chhetris for a collective crime, by someone who is himself from Kathmdandu (though he might not be to blame, like not all Brahmin-Chhetris are to blame), is a crime. He should realize that he belonged to a very limited class of highly privileged people by being in Kathmandu. He should understand the problems like they are, and not change the realities. Moreover, he has been in very influential positions, often determining how other people in the country shape their mind. Such irresponsible logic from such people is utter dishonesty. Thats all i wanted to say. If my word 'thug' sounded a little too harsh, I would like to apologize for that, and I admit that it was not necessary and justified. Bibek
Posted on: 22 DEC 2009 | 10:19 PM NST

27. jange
" What is going on in the name of redressing past wrongs is aggravating divisions in Nepali society. " The author blithely accepts the basis on which the whole edifice stands and wonders why the outcome is unsatisfactory. What past wrongs are being redressed? Please, tell me. Who did the wrong and to who? If there are no past wrongs to redress and your NGO funding is dependent on pretending that there are wrongs to be redressed then you are bound to get tokenism. Why are you surprised or disappointed or worried at that? Especially when there is real money to be made. The NGO sector is a large and important part of the economy. Why would any one refuse a donor's money simply because he has a wrong/weird notion about Nepal's history/society/culture or has a hypocritical attitude to doling out the money. The NGO market is a market like any other. Would you refuse to guide a tourist to Namche just because he thought wild elephants lived there? No. You take him there, explain that it might be difficult to find wild elephants there, make a sincere effort to look around to see if there are any when you do arrive in Namche. Profess disappointment at not finding any and suggest to come back in a different season. You are happy, he is happy, the elephants are happy. That's beezness. To give you an actual example. The UK government has given a TU professor (I forget his name) a few million pounds to promote the ILO 169 convention despite the UK government itself having refused to sign the convention. Hypocritical? Sure. For a few million pounds would you not spew out any BS required by the donor? Why should rational and critical people spoil it for others when they have the chance to earn some money.? That would be irrational! It could be you turn next to get your nose in the trough.
Posted on: 23 DEC 2009 | 2:08 PM NST

28. hange
Nepali Times, at this rate your commenters will fill the pages of your newspaper- no need for you to write a single article! I guess all the "smart" people are here expressing their views while all the "stupid" ones are leading the country.
Posted on: 23 DEC 2009 | 1:08 AM NST

29. jange
Mr. Hange, you are quite right. NT can now simply cut and paste the comments and rehash them into an article. We should get paid for our efforts. I am being exploited. If this carries on I too will be compelled to turn into a revolutionary. Watch out NT!!!!
Posted on: 24 DEC 2009 | 7:00 AM NST

30. Lok Nath Bhusal
Check this out for understanding where is our inclusion and exclusion. http://www.nepalhorizons.com/opinion_detail.php?opinion=10
Posted on: 24 DEC 2009 | 2:15 PM NST

31. GyaRel
Lok Nath Bhusal ji, Your poster size picture clearlys tells degrades your article. Your article is for your own ad then the real issue. If you want people to read your article, change the poster size picture to small enough. You are not important in your article, the content is important. Your intent is in trouble than the content. Intent overrides the content of your article. So, stop advertising your article here in NT. If you have guts, write an article in NepaliTimes.com. Period. GyaRel
Posted on: 24 DEC 2009 | 11:24 PM NST

32. Thuldai
Thank you Prateek Ji for your thought provoking article. Most commentators seem to contribute to understanding of issue in or the other way except the ones from the one who claims to be a "patriot' . he is not a patriot but a maoist thug. He is nothing more than that. i expect more from you in the future.
Posted on: 25 DEC 2009 | 7:01 AM NST

33. Naresh Neupane
Who are PRACHANDA,BP,GIRIJA,KP,MADHAV....Are they low cast people?While military supermos are mostly chhetris,bahuns are political technocrats.If one can agree they assist a biasness towards their kith and kin for handful of govt jobs why arent chasms in caste?The economic disparity is more or less associated with caste and creed,and an intellect with genuine cause knows this.
Posted on: 25 DEC 2009 | 9:01 AM NST

34. Lok Nath Bhusal
GyaRel Ji, Thanks for your comments. Please understand the fact that I am not the one to fix the size of the picture. This is done by the publisher whom I have no personal contact. I also wonder why they have such a big picture. Lok Nath
Posted on: 31 DEC 2009 | 4:48 PM NST

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