Thursday, June 30, 2011

किनभने हामीलाई विश्वास छ!

by Sagar Parsain.

“सँविधान सभाको म्याद सकिन ६२ दिन बाँकि छ। काम के हुँदैछ। विचार पो गर्ने हो कि?”

मैले मेरो फेसबुकको स्टाटस अपडेट गरेँ। मलाई यो कुराले निकै पिरोलिरहेको थियो, त्यहि भएर फेसबुकमा लेखिदिएँ।

एकैछिनमा फेसबुकमा माथिपट्टि प्लिक रातो बल्यो र १ लेख्यो। मैले त्यहाँ क्लिक गरेँ। उसले मेरो स्टाटसमा कमेन्ट गरेछ। म त्यो पढ्न थालेँ।

“चिन्ता नगर्नुस मित्र सँबिधान बन्छ। तर पेट्रोलको भाउ घट्दैन। नेपालका सडकहरु बिकसित हुँदैनन्। मान्छेहरु हिँसाबाट मर्न रोकिदैनन्। एस.एल.सी मा बिधार्थीहरुले चोर्न छोड्दैनन्। कर्मचारीहरुले घुस खान छोड्दैनन् र नेपालीहरु बिदेशिन छोड्दैनन्। तर तपाईँ खुशी हुनुस, सँबिधान बन्ने छ।“

म उसको कमेन्ट पढेर वाल्ल परे। उसले मलाई कति मजाले व्यङ्ग गरेको थियो। उसले भनेको कुराहरु अहिले हाम्रो देशमा व्याप्त भईरहेको थियो। तर उ त्यो पनि बदलिने छ बन्ने पक्षमा थिएन। मैले उसमा नकारात्मक सोच बढिनै पाएँ। त्यहि भएर मैले पनि त्यो स्टाटसमा कमेन्ट गरेँ।

“मित्र चिन्ता नगर्नुस तपाईँले औँल्याउनु भएका कुराहरु पनि सुध्रिदै जानेछन्। सँबिधान बने पछि देशमा कानुनी शासन हुनेछ। भ्रष्टाचार गर्ने कर्मचारी र नक्कल गर्ने बिधार्थीलाई कारबाहि हुनेछ। सँबिधानले आर्थिक बिकासको बाटो खोल्नेछ अनि रोडहरु कसो नबन्ला, बिकास कसो नहोला। अनि आफ्नै देश बिकसित भएसि नेपालीहरु बिदेसिन नि कम होलान्।“

मलाई मैले लेखेको कुरा मन पर्‍यो। तर उसलाई परेनछ।उसले फेरी तल कमेन्ट गर्‍यो।

“कुनै कुरा हेर्दा र सुन्दा एकदम राम्रो लाग्छ रे। तपाईँका कुरा त्यस्तै हुन्। तर तपाईँले भने जस्तै सजिलो छैन परिवर्तन आउन।“

हैन, यो मान्छेको मनमा कति धेरै नकारात्मक बिचार अंट्न सकेको, म छक्क परेँ। अब कुरा यहाँ सम्म पुगेपछि मलाई पनि त्यतिकै छोड्न मन लागेन। एकछिन सोचेँ अनि लेखेँ।

“तपाईँलाई थहा छ मित्र तपाईँले भने जस्तै समस्याहरु बाट देशलाई मुक्त गराउन अहिले हामीले फेसबुक मार्फत नै अभियान चलाईरहेका छौँ नि। अनि त्यहाँ हामी सबै एक भएर देश परिवर्तनको कुरा गर्छौँ। किन थहा छ, किन भने हामी बिश्वास गर्न सक्छौँ। हामीलाई विश्वास छ एकदिन देशले कोल्टे फेर्नेछ। अनि तपाईँलाई अर्को कुरा थहा छ, सपना देखेन भने कहिले पुरा हुँदैन रे। सपना देख्यो भने कहिले काँहि मात्र पुरा हुँदैन रे। त्यसैले नया नेपाल को सपना देखौ न तपाईँ र म। हुँदैन?”

मैले यो कमेन्ट लेखेको निकैबेर पछि सम्म पनि उसले केहि लेखेन। सायद उसलाई मेरो कुरा चित्त बुझ्यो वा सायद उसलाई लाग्यो म मुर्खले उसको कुरा बुझ्दिन तर जे भए पनि मैले मेरो मनमा भएको करा साँचो साँचो लेख्या थेँ।

म एक आशावादि मान्छे हुँ र मलाई आशा छ नेपाल पनि एकदिन उन्नत राष्ट्र हुनेछ।

जय नेपाल!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

POEM - एउटा मान्छे खोज्दै छु

By Sagar Parsain

सकेर राष्ट्रको सबै काम, अनि मात्र थाक्न सकोस्
एउटा मान्छे खोज्दैछु म, जसले देश हाँक्न सकोस्

आफ्नो जात र धर्म भन्दा, सधैँ उ माथि उठोस्
छोडेर स्वार्थ सबै, देशहितको निम्ति जुटोस्
उसले हिमाल, पहाड, तराई सबै एउटै देख्नेछ
शान्ति कायम राखी सँबिधान लेख्नेछ

ईमान्दारिताको फुल सबको मनमा फुलाउन सकोस्
रोजगारी नया बाटोहरु प्रसस्त खुलाउन सकोस्
उसको राजमा जनताले कहिले रुन नपरोस्
बलियाले कुट्ने र निर्धा कुटिने हुन नपरोस्

सकेर राष्ट्रको सबै काम, अनि मात्र थाक्न सकोस्
एउटा मान्छे खोज्दैछु म, जसले देश हाँक्न सकोस्

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

फेसबुक आन्दोलन र उनको बुझाई

- Sagar Parsain
(inspired by true events)

वानेश्वरचोक बाट शंखमुल जाने बाटोको दाहिने पट्टि सडक पेटि मा उनीहरु उभिएका थिए। चन्द्र र सुर्य अंकित झन्डा हावामा फर्रफराईरहेको परैबाट प्रस्ट देखिन्थ्यो। उनीहरुका हातमा विभिन्न नारा अंकित प्लेकार्ड थिए। म पनि त्यो हुलमा मिसिएँ। फरक यत्ति थियो, म उभिएको थिईन। म व्हिलचियरमा बसेको थिएँ...। तर देश प्रतिको मेरो दायित्व उभिएको थियो र सँगै उभिएको थियो देश बदलिएको हेर्ने मेरो चाहना।

त्यो लामको अगाडी पट्टि पुगे पछि मेरो हातमा पनि एउटा प्लेकार्ड आईपुग्यो। त्यहाँ लेखिएको थियो, “सँबिधान तिम्रो कमाई खाने भाँडो हैन, मेरो अधिकार हो।“ म प्लेकार्ड हातमा लिएर त्यहाँ बसिरहेँ। हामीले भाग लिएको त्यो मौन बिरोध कार्यक्रम थियो, शान्ति र सँबिधानको पक्षमा।

एकैछिनमा मेरो अघि एकजना पुरुष आईपुगे। उनले मलाई हेरेर हाँसे। मलाई लाग्यो उनले मलाई चिनेका रहेछन्। तर होईन रहेछ। उनी त मैले बोकेको प्लेकार्ड हेरेर हाँसेका रहेछन्।

“के गर्नु भएको तपाईँहरुले?” उनले नरम भएर सोधे

“फेसबुकमा हाम्रो एउटा समुह छ दाई।“ मैले पनि उस्तै मिजास मा बोलेँ, “त्यसै मार्फत नेताहरुलाई झक्झक्याउने कार्यक्रम हो यो।

“उनलाई मेरो कुराको पत्यार लागेन क्यार, हाँसे। एकछीन मा भने, “अनि यसरी नि आन्दोलन हुन्छ त। टायर बाल्नुस, गाडी फुटाउनुस। अलि हेर्नेलाई पनि मजा लागोस् न यार।“ उनले यस्तरी भने कि मानौँ हामी त्यहाँ उभिएका मान्छेहरु कसैको मजाको लागी रमिता देखाउन बसेका हौँ। मलाई उनको कुराले रिस उठेन बरु उनको बिबेक देखेर दया लाग्यो।

“लाफ्टर च्यालेन्ज हो र यो हेर्न मजा आउने!” मलाई भन्न मन थियो तर म छुचो हुन चाहिन।

“आउनुस न दाई, तपाईँ पनि हामीलाई साथ दिनुस।“ मैले उनलाई बरु निम्तो दिएँ।

“हैन ठिकै छ।“ उनी यति भनेर जान लागे।

“किन यो देश तपाईँको हैन र?” यसपाली मैले सोधेरै छोडेँ। “अवश्य हो नि।“ उनी हाँस्दै बिदा भए। अलि पर पुगेपछि उनले अर्को एकजना मान्छेलाई पनि हामी तर्फ देखाएर केहि कुरा भन्दै हाँस्न थाले। मैले अब उनको कुराबारे सोच्नै छोडे किनभने मैले थहा पाईसकेको थीँए हाम्रो आन्दोलन उनको सोच्ने शक्तिको उपज छ।

मलाई लाग्थ्यो सँसारमा दुई किसिमका मान्छे हुन्छन्। कुरा बुझ्ने र कुरा नबुझ्ने। तर आज मैले तेस्रो प्रकार पनि भेट्टाए। कुरा बुझेर पनि बुझपचाउने।

Monday, June 20, 2011

What is Nepal Unites?

Nepal Unites

परिवर्तनको लागि हामी नेपाली एक

We are an informal group of civilian-activists that believe in democracy and citizen supremacy. We came together to raise the common Nepali citizen’s voice against the indifference shown by the political establishment. We demand accountability, particularly of our senior politicians who have time and again proven their incompetence and dishonesty. At the same time, we seek to mobilize and motivate every Nepali to speak up and contribute to building a prosperous and responsible Nepal.

Our GOAL

  1. An accountable leadership: A Nepal where our leaders are accountable to their representatives, where our tax money is put to productive use, where people are well-informed, where the rights of all are respected and all voices heard.
  2. A responsible citizen: A Nepal where all of us, citizens, are responsible. Each one of us needs to take responsibility for our actions in a democracy. We also need to speak up and demand accountability in the country’s affairs.
  3. A prosperous Nepal: A Nepal where every citizen gets an opportunity to do well in life, where young people do not need to migrate in search of jobs because they can't find them here.

Our VALUES

This movement is completely independent of political affiliation and donor funding and echoes the frustrations of ordinary Nepalis. We believe in a path of non-violence and I-am-a-Nepali-first thought. We raise our funds from the voluntary contributions of individual Nepalis.

Current CAMPAIGN

Our current campaign ज्याला पूरा लीयौ, अब संबिधान देऊ (NO WORK, NO PAY) is in line with our efforts demanding accountability of our senior lawmakers and politicians. We are currently pressing for speedy drafting of the constitution and completion of the peace process primarily because too many of the political rulers are holding the country hostage for their individual gains.

Our activities and campaigns will evolve with time depending on the needs of our society and the political response to our demands.

PARTNERSHIPS

This group works closely with and encourages other citizen campaigns; especially youth-led campaigns that share our objectives and values. We work to support and promote them.

मेरो देश, मेरै दायित्व (My Country, My Responsibility) is the slogan close to our hearts.

Come join the campaign. Let Nepal Unite to Build a Prosperous and Responsible Nation.

Email: nepalunites@gmail.com
Web: http://www.facebook.com/nepalunites
Mobile:send SMS: Type nepal and send to 2426 for event notifications.

Why Nepal Unites!

by LET THINK FOR A CHANGE (on facebook)

Nepal Unites says they have no leader nor any followers; they or shall we say we are all one. We are all working together as one for the same thing, which as of now is demanding accounatability from the 601 CA members. "ज्याला त लीयौ, अब संबिधान देउ'. Nepal Unites is a medium or platform where frustrated and angry youths like myself can come together and vent those off in a peaceful manner. Personally, what I hate most is not that the politicians are not doing their job, but I was frustrated at myself for not doing my job, for not speaking up, for not being able to do anything for my country. But now I canot thank enough to the founders of Nepal Unites for providing me and numerous others like me with a way to help my Nepal.

When I used to gather with my friends, and talk about politics over some tea at Basantapur or ShreeGha, we would always be like, "Hami eklai le k garna sakchha ra?", or "Yestai ho, Yaar!". I tried to band us together and a form a group like this ourselves, but my effort was not something I would call a success. My friends had their own personal issues to deal with, I could only try not force and they actually did not think that we could pull of such a stunt. But Nepal Unites proved them and me wrong. What I/We could not do, they showed us that we can. This facebook movement is going strong now, and I can only see it grow stronger, and the reason I am so sure about this is because I have FAITH in myself. I do care about you, and him, and others, but I do not care enough to quit if you do. I know that I will be standing there speaking a thousand words in Silence outside BICC, or RNAC, or Airport. Do you feel the way I feel? Do you have feel them butterflies, and do you feel those goosebumps in your skin when you are doing something for your country?

I know a lotta people, specially youths nowadays have that FIRE inside of us. We are tired to these old politicians treating our money as their own SAVINGS account. The youth of today are empowered. We are educated, we know how the system works, we know what is right and what is wrong, and NOW, we do not have any excuse to not do anything. पहिले पो क गर्ने? कसरि गर्ने? भनेर अड्कि राथियो तर अहिले त छ नि, परिवर्तनको लागि हामि नेपाली एक!! I am pretty sure we have these conversations about Nepal, our dire situation, politicians, BUT what is our excuse now?! Kasaile Hyaa, K Garna Sakchha Ra Hamile bhanera bhani halyo bhane pani.. Ehh, Nepal Unites chha nita.. Tyo ta haamrai group ho ni.. Hami sanga ni aba ta arule SUNNE AAWAAZ chha ni bhanna sakchhaun ni hoina.!!

Also people, Remember that we are creating history over here..! Have a goal that is greater than you, Come Out, Speak Up. This Constitution drafting is just a starting phase of Nepal Unites. With us United, we can act like a WATCHDOG for these politicians.. As far as I understand, Nepal Unites (We) is about ACCOUNTABILITY!! It is not going away, we are here to STAY!!


Find the original post on facebook here - NEPAL UNITES

My country, My Responsibility - mero Nepal, mero Daitwa!

- Ashutosh Das
A Nepali Citizen

Most of us feel good to say that, we are proud to be from the place that we are from. Great feeling isn't it?

Let's try and honestly answer this one now. How many of us have done or are doing anything to make our country feel the same way for us?

It saddens me to come to terms with the fact that a 30 million strong country is being ravaged by a handful of incompetent leaders. It seems like a comic play being enacted for the amusement of some, at the cost of every Nepali citizen within the country and abroad.
17 attempts in 7 months just to form a stable government? Two years to name the constitution? Is it a joke? Is this how we want us to be projected when we really aren't anything like what the government shows us to be in front of the whole world?

And the ones responsible are as callous and complacent as ever. What gives them face in such embarrassing situations? Over 1000 days late and apologetic and worse even no signs of learning as well?

But admittedly, this lustful display of audacity has been exhibited for so long also due to the audience being tight lipped about the developments. And hence the ones occupying the chairs solemnly believe that they can not only take the entire population for a ride, but ride them as well if and when need be. All this while we have been hopeful and forgiving and adaptive. We said nothing to inflation, got accustomed to inflation, insecurity, unemployment, and even dissatisfaction. While the rosy gardens they promised, were washed away in the tsunami of corruption and irresponsibility. Apparently the only law in the book is to adopt the escapist attitude, pass the blames around, give outrageous excuses and when cornered, resort to violence. Nothing changed though for the one whose job was to get that positive change in a common Nepali life. What's more? They even have the audacity to flaunt foreign tours with such situations at home.

But enough has to be enough. The dreamers must rise if they want to live the laughter of the dreams. It’s time to exhibit the patriotism we have in us. It’s not about war, it’s not about bloodshed. It is about the principles. The principals which define the Nepali patriotism. A belief of Nepali existence and the pride of being a Nepali.

And what better time than this to unite and prove the power of the silent! Almost half the continent just showed that remaining quiet has never and will never make things better but each small candle lights some corner of the dark.

I'm sure most of us have felt this way and immediately felt helpless after that. Maybe due to small reach and stage. But a step away lies the answer. All you have to do is to channelize the concerns. Nepal unites has members who are not politicians no big shots of industries but Nepalese. All united by the silent scream for a country we all want to improve. The modus operandi is simple yet powerful. It’s protesting with your non-violent presence. Gather everywhere you can without disrupting the common public life and silently show that we are watching. We stand there because we care and we will continue to do so till we amend the way the functioning is managed.

The ever increasing crowds from mandala to BICC to khula manch is a testimonial to the belief that people are mobilizing beyond just talks and blames. It would continue to live till we see a decisive and concrete positive development. Some might rubbish the efforts saying the draft of the constitution will not improve the situation as the leaders are corrupt anyway. But that's a very pessimistic approach because after the drafting, the constitution will immediately provide policy interruption in the discontrolled functions and is also imperative for a gradual long term restructuring.

The pressure needs to mount.

It's a silent battle but the victory sounds will be heard loud and long.
The only ask is, to live "the great Nepali dream" and live to achieve it.
Every positive action, raising awareness, taking these silent protests to every possible town within and abroad, passing memos and letters to embassies outside the country. Come to think of it and there are lots of ways to voice your support and action.

Let's be reminded! A nation is built by its citizens and she expects her sons and daughters to answer when she cries out in agony.

Mero Nepal, mero daitwa!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Create a ripple: Come back and turn problems into opportunities

Vidhan Rana is a research manager for Whittaker Associates, Inc., a US based market research firm which opened an office in Kathmandu in January.

Article came out first in THE WEEK from the REPUBLICA

It will not come as a surprise to many when I state that Nepal is at a critical juncture in its history. What happens in the next few months or even weeks will determine whether future generations will live in a stable, prosperous Nepal or where law and order deteriorates further. Our future is very uncertain. The decisions we make today, the actions we take today will determine our country’s future.

Most Nepalis are frustrated with the state of our government (i.e. politics) and its inability to deliver what our people want. It is not much we seek. We ask for a stable government, where policies are clear, corruption is kept in check and those who want to make a living are afforded that “luxury”.

Given such facts, it is understandable that many have lost hope. Most wish to leave the country. Some to find employment opportunities and others for higher education. Sadly, it is the youth of the country who are leaving in mass. This is the group with the greatest potential of making a significant impact on the country’s future.

However, I am witnessing a trend that is a ray of hope. Many Nepalis who left due to various circumstance are slowly returning. I am part of this trend and am glad to be back.

Although more people are leaving than coming back, it is a positive trend indeed. Those who come back, come with new experiences, new ideas and a vision to do something different. That is what Sunniv Rajbhandary did. He revamped his father’s travel agency, making it more efficient and injected new life into it. Sunniv completed a degree in business management in Franklin & Marshall College and used it not only in his travel business but opened a discount marketing website www.merodeal.com along with another friend who came back to Nepal after learning about Sunniv’s experience upon his return.

Yuki Poudyal, another young Nepali who came back to Nepal after finishing college says, “I found the American lifestyle sometimes very alienating, and mechanical. That’s why I came back to look for a more meaningful engagement at a place where I belonged, and give life a chance.” Yuki is today a proud owner of Cuppas, a swanky coffee shop located in Putalisadak. When Yuki came back, she had no intention of becoming an entrepreneur. She planned to get a job in the non-profit sector for a year and go back for graduate school. But things changed once she arrived. She saw numerous business opportunities and siezed the one that interested her the most.

Both Sunniv and Yuki have become job creators in Nepal. They have used their education and experience to create something new in Nepal. Many people I talked to in U.S. said they have a urge to come back, many even had amazing ideas about what they will do once they are back. Yet, I hear most saying “Situation better bhayepachi aaumla” (I will come back when the situation improves).

For those who are living abroad and waiting for things to improve back home – I say, things may not improve. They may not improve especially if we, the youth of this country, are not willing to contribute to this effort. One way you can ensure that the situation will deteriorate further is if you hold ourselves back and do nothing. The more longer one stays abroad, the harder it gets to leave. There will be things that will tie us down. The sooner you can make the move back the better. Just remember what Gandhi said, “be the change that you want to see in the world”. If you care, do something about it.

Both Sunniv and Yuki think coming back to Nepal is not for the faint hearted, you need lots of patience and determination; you can’t expect Nepal to work like America or other developed nations. There is load shedding. You have to wait in line to get petrol. There are myriads of problems. But, as with any problem – there is a solution – and that solution can be an opportunity.

Being of a critical nature, you may disagree with this opinion and say, “What difference can a couple of friends opening a coffee shop make?” Let me engage your thought. If I see my friends doing something fruitful with their time and actually doing well, I feel encouraged to do something. It creates a ripple effect and encourages more to do something. Soon the many ripples can combine and turn into a wave that changes the direction of our country. One person coming back often encourages their friends to at least think more seriously about the option.

After living in the United States more than six years, I realized that if I don’t come back to Nepal now it may be too late for me. I hope to create a ripple that will one day become a wave. Who knows these small ripples may combine with ones that Sunniv and Yuki are creating, and become a huge tsunami and moving our country away from this tipping point, into a better future.

Why Nepal should unite?

- Sagar Parsain

"एउटा लठ्ठी त जसले नि भाँच्न सक्छ।" पिउँदै गरेको चिया टेबलमा राख्दै उसले भन्यो, "तर त्यस्तै लठ्ठीहरुको एउटा मुठोलाई कसैले भाँचेर देखाओस् त?"
उसको कुराको मैले कुनै अर्थ लाउन सकिन। सोधेँ, "भन्न चाँहि के खोजेको?"
"तिमीले सोधेको हैन, किन अहिलेको समयमा नेपालीहरुको एकताको खाँचो छ भनेर?"
"ए! तिमीले त त्यसको पो जवाफ देको?" मैले बल्ल कुरो बुझेँ।
असल र खराव छुट्याउन सक्नेलाई बिबेकी भनिन्छ। मलाई आजबाट लाग्यो उ बिबेकि हो।

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Nepal Unites makes Center page of Kantipur Daily!

Twitterati re, facebookers re, sukhila mukhila re - whatever! Action speaks louder than words, and todays article on the centerpage of Kantipur Daily gives the recognition the campaign deserves for its alternative ways of building public pressure for citizen supremacy and for making efforts to unite Nepal for a cause!

Kudos! See you today at the campaign!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

आमा नेपाल: A story that captures the essence of Nepal Unites

- Sagar Parsain,
(Who has been at every event to unite the country despite his physical challenges.)

हामी आज भृकुटिमण्डपको पार्क मा थियौँ। चौपट्ट घाम लागेको थियो। गर्मीले त्यसैपनि दिमाग तातिरहेको थियो। त्यतिले नपुगेर एउटा नचिनेको पुरुष हामी सित बात मार्न आईपुग्यो। बात मार्न के भन्नु र, उ एकनाशले आफ्ना कुरा सुनाउन आईपुगे जस्तो थियो। “हेर्नुस है। देश भनेर के गर्नु, चाहिएको बेला पानी हुँदैन, बत्ति हुँदैन। काम गर्न खोज्यो काम पाईँदैन। बेकामे सरकार र घुस्याहा व्यवस्था छ। म त यिनै कुरा सम्झेर दिक्क भईसकेँ।“ उसले यति कुरा भन्दा सम्म हामी शान्त भएर सुनिरहेका थियौँ। तर उसले एक्कासि बोल्न हुने र नहुने कुराको हद बिर्सिदैँ भन्यो, “थुक्क कस्तो देश!” मेरो एक्काशि पारो तात्यो। घामले भन्दा उसका कुराले मलाई बढि पिडा दियो। मैले उसको कुराको प्रतिकार गर्नलाई बोल्न नथाल्दै मेरो साथिले बडो शान्त भएर उसलाई सोध्यो, “तपाईँको घरमा पैसाको अभाव भयो, परिवारमा कलह भयो, शान्ति भएन, तपाईँका भाईहरुसँग तपाईँको कुरा मिलेन भने तपाईँ के गर्नु हुन्छ?” त्यो नचिनेको मान्छे एक केहि बोलेन। मलाई लाग्यो उसले कुरा बुझेन। तर होईन रहेछ। एकछिन पछि उ बोल्यो, “घरमा त्यस्तो भयो भने, म केहि उपायले ति समस्याको निकास खोज्छु।“ “अँह! तपाईँले त्यसो गर्नु हुन्न।“ मेरो साथिको पालो आयो। “तपाईँ त थुक्क मैले कस्तो कोखमा जन्म लिएछु भनेर धिक्कारनु हुने रहेछ आफैलाई !” “तैट! तपाईले कस्तो कुरा गर्नु भएको?” यसपाली त्यो पुरुष अलि जङ्गियो। “आफ्नि आमालाई कसैले त्यस्तो भन्छ?” “अगि तपाईँले नै भन्नु भएको हैन।“ यसपाली म बोलेँ। “थुक्क कस्तो देश भनेर।“ “त्यो त देशलाई पो भन्या त। आमालाई थोडि हो।“ उ सन्तुष्ट भयो। “अनि यो देश हाम्रो आमा समान हैन। बच्चा बेला देखि नेपाल आमा भन्दै आएका हैनौँ हामीले।“ मैले भने। “हत्तेरिका सरहरु पनि के के भन्नु हुन्छ हौ।“ भनेर उ त्यहाँ बाट जुरुक्क उठेर हिड्योँ। पर पुगिन्जेल सम्म पनि उसले हामीलाई फर्केर हेरेन। मेरो कुराले उसलाई प्रभाव पर्यो कि परेन, त्यो त मलाई थहा भएन, तर म भने आज सन्तुष्ट भएको थिएँ।

Friday, June 10, 2011

हामी सबै नेपाली : words to HAMI SABEI NEPALI!

अध्यारोलाई तोड़ने हाम्रो शक्ति छ ...
कालो रातमा दियो बाल्ने हाम्रो नियम छ
पछि हटने हैन बानी ..हातमा हात राखी कदम मिलाई अघि बढ़ने छौं

...- chorus
हामी सबै नेपाली.. अघि बढौ नेपाली ......
हामी सबै नेपाली ..प्रगति गरौ नेपाली ...

जात- पात छैन यहाँ रगत एउटा छ ...शांति र माया को झंडा फर्फरौने छ
शीर उठाऊ छाती फुलाऊ गरौ केही..जागौ हामी
परिवर्तन गरौ यही जूनीमा

-chorus
(हामी सबै नेपाली.. अघि बढौ नेपाली ......
हामी सबै नेपाली ..प्रगति गरौ नेपाली ...)


शीर उठाऊ छाती फुलाऊ गरौ केही..जागौ हामी
परिवर्तन गरौ यही जूनीमा
हामी सबै नेपाली.. अघि बढौ नेपाली ......
हामी सबै नेपाली ..प्रगति गरौ नेपाली ...

A question of Trust: VIDEO

A pat on the back! The campaign works!

By Mickey!
One more incident that touched my heart and soul - Yesterday at Bagmati Bridge, while some of us were distributing stickers to passing vehicles - I noticed a gentleman (in a maroon car) read the message "Mero Des, Merai Dayitwa" - then immediately took the trouble to paste the sticker while he had stopped at the red light. When both our eyes met - I saluted him from where I was to say "Thank you Sir" Spontaneously with a big nice smile, he saluted back at me - as if to say "Thank you Bhai - Thank you for what you guys are doing - Great work, keep it up"!
Jai Des Jai Nagarik

Letter to the head of the CIAA

June 10, 2011

Head of CIAA

Dear Bhagwati Kafleji,

We would like to applaud you for your courageous step of filing cases against the Sudan accused. We hope you will continue this crusade against all corrupt politicians and bureaucrats because we have a corruption crisis in this country. Every ordinary citizen is affected by the massive corruption that is taking place at an unprecedented level. Your action against the Sudan-accused has given us, the Nepali citizens, a ray of hope. A hope that the cleansing process has started and we will rid this country of corruption.

While we wholeheartedly support and welcome your move against corrupt police officers and businessmen we are convinced that a scandal of this magnitude could not have taken place without the blessings of the then Home Ministers. We request you to bravely forge ahead and take action against everyone involved irrespective of their political positions. The Nepali people are firmly behind and with you and look forward to your continued leadership in eliminating corruption from our motherland.

We are part of a movement that is uniting Nepal and we feel strongly that the "fight against corruption" is one platform every honest and hard-working Nepali would like to join hands for.

Jai Nepal.

Sincerely,

The People of Nepal

FEEDBACK: This Campaign is CHUGGING along!

A small account from one of the picketeers yesterday shows how this continual PRESSURE campaign is having its positive effects! Read on....

"When my friend & me reached Bagmati bridge at 5:30 yesterday - we saw just two people standing with one small flag - our first reaction - Oh S***! Again it's gonna be 10 or 15 of us! By the time we parked the mobike & came - we were about 6 of... us - but we were on the other bridge! Among six of us, we knew two of them - so we said 'Hello' &... shook hands - two others were new faces - so we didn't!

That was wrong - we R all fighting for same cause - we need to have our own greeting gesture (do namaste & say Jai Nagarik) & regardless of whether we know someone or not - if we see a new face - we need to acknowledge & welcome another fellow citizen with open arms! We are together in this - must give new comers a warm welcome & immediately make them feel a part of the Facebook movement!!

One more obsevation - after talking to Suman - I went to ask a Traffic Cop on duty whether we could occupy the traffic islands & stay there - for more visibility - spread more awareness!

Most surprizing - I didn't have to spend much time to explain who we were! The Cop knew "Tapai Haru Facebook Wala Hoina? Malai Thaha Cha - Tara Mero Hakim Lai Sodhanu Parcha!

He was very positive - took the trouble - explained to his superior & got her over to where I was to talk to me! She was a one star Traffic ASI with a hand set - I felt - Oof! Now she will talk to her superior & it's gonna be a long process!

To my suprise - even she was aware of us "Tapai Haru Facebook group Nara Bajhe Gardaina - Malai Thaha Cha - Huncha Heyha Basnush Tara Road Ma Aauna Chahi Paidaina! Aaunush Baashe Huncha!

At that moment I felt - it's happening - we are towards the right direction - we are heading the right way! Jai Des Jai Nagarik"

OUR VOICE: हामी सबै नेपाली Live and loud, June 11, 7 pm, Sherpa Mall

Tomorrow (Saturday) 7 pm Sherpa Mall: the very first public release of a patriotic Nepali song, Hami Sabai Nepali हामी सबै नेपाली.....!!! Nepal Unites behind Nepal's hottest rock star, Abhaya and the Steam Injuns. You won't miss it for the world if you're a Nepali.

Bring your Rato ra Chandra Surya's with you! This is a movement for UNITY...

Venue: SHERPA MALL, Durbar Marg
Time: 7 pm onwards

Check out the event page on FACEBOOK!

Abhaya and the Steam Injuns online

:: on My Space
:: Fan Page on Facebook

EVENT REPORT: Silence Speaks


At the busy intersection of Thapathali and on the Bagmati bridge, about 50 - 60 activists stood in silence, holding placards and proudly clutching the National Flag. The placards said it all, "79 days left", "where's my constitution", "aba ta kaam garne hoina?", "Jyala Pura Leyeu aba Sambhidan Deu", "No work, No pay" etc.

Here are some pictures from the reports of the event from top National Dailies of Nepal.

Keep the PRESSURE on!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

D-DAY + 11 days : Report from the Constituent Assembly

No business today...

Parties having their own meetings, next parliament is set for next Monday only.

Constitutional committee is not meeting either, nor the sub committee headed by Prachanda, which is there to resolve be contentious issues on constitutional matters....

When will work really get done!

Yet the meter keeps ticking. How long can we pay for NO progress? How long?

Letter to the IGP

June 7, 2011

Dear IGP Rabindra Pratap Shah,

Today, at a small picketing conducted by some youth at the Airport Gate to object the international travel of our top leaders while they have more important tasks in Nepal, there was a small argument with the police, regarding whether we would be allowed to picket or not, and whether permission was required to conduct this same activity in a public area.

We want you to understand that these protests are different from all the others that Nepal has ever seen. These are non-violent, and mostly silent expression... done only with placards and Nepalese Flags. We would like to request that Nepalese people be allowed to conduct peaceful protests in areas which are non-restricted (even if this shames our top leaders into positive action).

As you well know, our country is at the mercy of incompetent politicians, and citizen pressure seems to be the only way out of this impasse. This can come either in the form of the usual tyre burning, slogan chanting, public property destroying means (which we strictly abhor) or the peaceful modern ways of protest... like the silent expression picketing we have done at Durbar Marg, the symbolic sweeping of the CA premises, the Nepali flag rally in New Road, and these airport picketing.

We would request that sanity and common sense prevails and the Nepal Police (whose prime duty is to protect us) does not turn against us.

Our protests are aimed at ensuring that our fellow Nepalese do not feel helpless during these difficult times, but actually realize that there are peaceful means of release of these frustrations, in ways that are positive to change in this country.

I am sure this is also aligned with what you would want for this country.

Best Regards,

The People of Nepal

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Report: Welcome Home Sir! Now, will you please WORK?



A small band of 27 picketeers (interestingly, Kathmandu has 2.7 m population and Nepal 27 m) stood at the airport gate to welcome Madhav Kumar Nepal, Sujata Koirala and Hisila Yami back to Nepal from their Bangladesh junket. The video shows it all, and also the amount of police presence to restrict peaceful protests.

Interestingly, as soon as Mr. Nepal passed by, one of 'ours' sent him a text message, and this conversation ensued! Enjoy!

•WE:what dd u get frm ur visit....did we get any constituioin...(by a fren hai)

•MKN:why r uafraid oh maobadi then?u cant say anything to them...

•ME:kun thuma darayeu ra.........hijo dekhi t samanya janata ni daraun thali halyachan ni UML sanga

•MKN:khoi prachanda singapore jada k garnu bho?ani hatyar mukta garna k awaz uthaunu bho?

•ME:tyo kam ko lagi ta haile haurlaipathako ho ni CA ma..hajur harule khi kam nagarera ta hmila risuthyo ni......hamilai hamro future kocinta cha......

•MKN:Samasya kaha cha thaha huna ta paryo ?samasya maobadi ma cha..13 patak meeting bsd prachanda 4 coti matra aaucha channna tar ngarik samajle khi bodaina, un haru arms ra army kokura i.e.peace process chitto tungo lane date dinchan gardainan nagarik samaj thha napaye jasto garcha , bhannush kasari bancha sambhidan?

•ME:hami yuva ho sir...hamilai kun party ma samasya chavane thaha chaina..but party bich ko differences lai excuse ta dina milena ni ....hoina ra..hajurnai yesari problems ko solution khojna chodera tarkina bhayena ni....hajurko every steps le hamro future lai effect griracha,,,..if ui haru aaudainan bhane public ma aaunus n bhannus .....hamile sakenu n we will do something...

Enjoy pictures from this event here on Facebook!

PRESSURE WORKS! Lets keep it going!

LIKE http://facebook.com/nepalunites

LIKE http://www.facebook.com/comeonyouthstandup

Monday, June 6, 2011

The Symbolic “Broom”, our filthy politics, and Nepal's deteriorating environment

by Prashant Singh

On the occasion of the World Environment day (June 5), some one hundred cyclists started a rally at 7 AM from Sherpa Mall- Durbar Marg, that sits at the heart of Kathmandu demanding “Cleaner Environment- Cleaner Politics” in Nepal. They pedaled their way to BICC, the building that has been hosting the mammoth 601 member constituent Assembly (CA) for more than three years now. They were joined by scores of other protesters at BICC. Together, they cleaned up the outside of the CA building using brooms, and urged the CA members to clean up the inside of the CA. WE all know that a number of CA members in recent months have been charged with indulging in corrupt activities- many of them currently under arrest.

Sunil Pant, a CA member received a broom with 601 bristles from the protestors who urged Mr. Pant to ask his fellow members to unite and work for the country. Sunil Tamang, a 19 year old student who has just finished a solo-trekking across the breadth of Nepal to see the impacts of climate change pointed out that just as a broom is not effective until all the bristles are tied together, the CA will not be effective until the lawmakers agree and work on the Nation’s common interest together. Sunil (Tamang) was speaking from experience having seen the plight of Nepal with his eyes in last several months.

Environment and Peace in Nepal are interlinked. The chaos and corruption has been causing the plundering of Nepal’s forests by criminals seen widely to be hands in glove with the politicians and the enforcement authorities. The situation has helped the poachers to kill Nepal’s globally significant wildlife species at will. Deteriorating environment means increased incidence of poverty and societal conflict in Nepal as the nation’s largely rural population heavily depends on natural resources. Amidst several other advantages, the completion of peace process, and promulgation of the new constitution would help Nepal’s environment.

One hopes the good sense prevails in coming days.

Kindly visit our page, and support the cause we are standing for at www.facebook.com/nepalunites

EVENT - Welcome Ma Ku Ne back to Nepal!

Mr Nepal,

Did you enjoy your trip to Bangladesh? Did you learn a thing or two to solve the current political impasse? or maybe how to reintegrate the combatants into civil society? or more importantly, the difference between federal systems and multi-party systems?

We have a small welcome committee for you ready when you arrive back tomorrow at the airport. No worries, we will not be vocal (in sound) nor violent (thats against our principles in the real New Nepal) but the message will go loud and clear - we do not want you to waste precious time in foreign travel.

Its time you sat down and concentrated on the job at hand - get the country on the road! We have waited far too long!

Oh, and we are not singling you out! This goes out to all leaders and CA members. Stay put in Kathmandu (BICC to be specific) and finish the job you all set out to do a full 3 years ago!

Your nation depends on your performance at BICC, not on your performance abroad!

Regards,

Your loving Nepali Public!


---------------------------------------------
Event: Welcome Committee
Venue: TI Airport, Kathmandu
Time: 1400 hrs
Date: 7th June 2011

Check out the event on Facebook. Attend even if you cannot come, its proof you approve of it!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

STOP INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL: Support the OPEN LETTER to DONORS

There is an online only event, and all you have to do it press ATTENDING. What does this do? It support the OPEN LETTER that was sent to Donors, Embassies and INGO's in Nepal, and the more people attend this event, the support for this letter gets better.

If you also think that our top politicians and CA members should stay in Nepal, at least for these three months, so that they can concentrate on the task at hand, then please attend this event online.

Of course, it also helps that you have a facebook acount, as this event is on facebook! :-)

PRESS RELEASE : Clean Environment Cleaner Politics!

Sunday, June 5, 2011, Kathmandu

On the occasion of the World Environment day, some one hundred cyclists started a rally at 7 AM from Sherpa Mall- Durbar Marg, that sits at the heart of Kathmandu demanding “Cleaner Environment- Cleaner Politics” in Nepal. They pedaled their way to BICC, the building that has been hosting the mammoth 601 member constituent Assembly (CA) for more than three years now. They were joined by hundreds of more protesters at BICC. They cleaned the outside of the CA building using brooms, and urged the CA members to clean up their acts. A number of CA members in recent months have been charged with indulging in corrupt activities- many of them under arrest.

Sunil Pant, a CA member received a broom with 601 bristles from the protestors who urged Mr. Pant to ask his fellow members to unite and work for the country. Sunil Tamang, a 19 year old student who has just finished a solo-trekking across the breadth of Nepal to see the impacts of climate change pointed out that just as a broom is not effective until all the bristles are tied together, the CA will not be effective until the lawmakers agree and work on the Nation’s common interest together.

Environment and Peace in Nepal are interlinked. The chaos and corruption has been causing the plundering of Nepal’s forests by criminals seen widely to be working hands in glove with the politicians and the enforcement authorities. The situation has helped the poachers to kill Nepal’s globally significant wildlife species at will. Deteriorating environment means increased incidence of poverty and societal conflict in Nepal as the nation’s largely rural population heavily depends on natural resources. Amidst several other advantages, the completion of peace process, and promulgation of the new constitution would help Nepal’s environment.


About ‘Nepal Unites’:

Nepal Unites a voluntary citizens’ group established primarily to establish citizen’s supremacy in Nepal and put pressure on the people in power, especially politicians to be accountable, and sensitive towards the aspirations and need of common people.


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परिवर्तनको लागि हामी नेपाली एक (Nepal Unites)
Website: http://facebook.com/nepalunites
Mobile update: sms 2426 and type Nepal
email: nepalunites@gmail.com

Saturday, June 4, 2011

The US takes note! Persistence works!

"The work to be done here at home is crucial right now. I've asked my team in the Embassy to review whether we have any other travel planned by legislators between now and August 28"

- Taken from the US Ambassador's Facebook Wall

Persistent persuasion works. Will other embassies, donors, INGO's follow?

The US Embassy is on facebook here... and this is only posted because the "parivartanka lagi hami nepali ek" page is one of the favourites there! Social media efforts work.

Keep up the PRESSURE!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Campaign Report: Airport Picketing!


The call was made by the COME on STAND up Group on facebook, and was also organised by them.. Though there were many "attending" a handful of about 15 odd protester stood in a small cluster on the left of the gate of the airport, guarded by about 25 policemen and paramilitary. It was quite a sight.

Hisila Yami was the first to come and she hid her face as she passed the group, waving their Nepal flags, and standing with placards reading (both in Nepali and English) messages such as "GO BACK TO BICC", "Don't leave the country needs you" etc.

Second to come was Madhav Kumar Nepal, who even waved and shamelessly smiled at the picket line. An awe went out amongst the group of the nerve of the leader. He, over the night, was probably texted about 300 - 400 (guess) times by the activist with requests not to leave Nepal at this dire junction. People even tried to call, but his mobile was switched off.

She came quickly and almost took the protest by surprise, Sujata Koirala definitely saw the placards!

The message should have gone loud and clear, Nepal's youth will not sit at the side and watch. They are going to stand and form small effective picket lines.

Keep up the PRESSURE!

Follow developments at http://facebook.com/nepalunites

EVENT: Nepal Unites to Clean up YOUR Act! (Rajnitik Durgandh Shuddhikaran Karyakram)

On June 5, 2011, through another effort to give continuity to the pressure-building campaign by the Nepali Citizens, we’re organizing a symbolic event that celebrates World Environment Day as well as sends the 601 lawmakers and senior politicians our message. It’s simple; we suggest that they start demonstrating accountability, starting with completion of the peace and constitution drafting process within the extended deadline of August 2011. Their DIRTY, irresponsible conduct is making the entire nation dirty. Clean up the mess!

ATTEND this event on FACEBOOK

Date: Sunday, June 5, World Environment Day, 2011
Time: 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM
Starts: Outside Sherpa Mall
Ends: Outside BICC- The Constituent Assembly
Theme: Clean Environment, Clean Politics

AGENDA:

0630 am: Cycle enthusiasts assemble in front of Sherpa Mall, Durbar Marg

0700 – 0720 am: The group bikes to BICC, New Baneshwor

NOTE: Those who prefer to walk, drive, or run assemble directly at BICC (in front of the black water tank, west gate) and you will be joined by the 100 plus cyclists.

0730 – 0800 am: Sweep clean the area around BICC.

0805 – 0810 am: A young participant (student) hands a broom over to Mr. Sunil Pant, Constituent Assembly member, and asks him to relay the message –

“We have cleaned the outsides of the Constitution Assembly, now YOU clean up the mess inside in order to complete the peace and constitution drafting process by the deadline of August 2011.

Please get your acts together, immediately stop all blame-games and power-plays, FOCUS, and give us what’s expected from you.”

Clean up your act! नेताहरु!......फोहरि खेल नखेल!

------------------------------------

नेपालीमा:

समय: बिहान ६:३० देखि ८:३०
शुरु: सेर्पा मलबाट
अन्त: संबिधान सभा भवन अगाडिवातावरण सफा गर, राजनिति सफा गर

कार्यसुची

६:३० बजे: साईकल चलाउनेहरु सेर्पा मल अगाडि भेला हुन्छन्७:००- ७:२० साईकल चलाएर संबिधान सभा अगाडि पुग्छन यो टोली
७:३०- ८:०० - संबिधान सभा भवन अगाडि साफ-सुगर गर्छन्८:०५-- ८:१० - एक जना युवाले सुनिल बाबु पन्तलाई कुचो दिएर यो सुचना दिन आग्रह गर्छन्" हामीले संबिधान सभा अगाडि सफा गर्यौँ, अब भित्रको फोहोर तपाईँहरुले सफा गर्नुहोस र शान्ति अनि संबिधान बनाउनुहोस अहिलेको समय भित्र ।तपाँईहरु खुरुक्क आफ्नो काममा लाग्नुहोस् र आम नेपाली जनताले खोजेका कुराहरुमा पूर्ण ध्यान दिनुहोस् यो नानाथरिको झै-झगडामा नलाग्नुहोला !"

नेताहरु!......फोहरी खेल नखेल !

परिवर्तनका लागि हामी नेपाली एक

Thursday, June 2, 2011

OPEN LETTER: Please Stop Mr. Nepal leaving the country!

To,
Mr. Subhash Nembang,
Speaker,
Constituent Assembly of Nepal,
BICC,
Kathmandu, Nepal

Dear Mr. Nembang,

We, the concerned citizens of Nepal, are united in our resolve to hold our government accountable in their conduct and ensure transparency in their actions. We believe that this campaign is in accordance to your stated goal of supporting democratic values and human rights in Nepal. Hence, we would like to request you to kindly intervene in your capacity as a Speaker to discourage all international travels for our 601 Constituent Assembly (CA) lawmakers and senior politicians of all political parties in the next three months and until the expiry of the extended term of the CA. We are certain that you understand and appreciate the value of their time for the country as well as the need for them to wholeheartedly focus on completing the peace and constitution drafting process by August, 2011.

Over the last three years, Nepali citizens entrusted our CA lawmakers to draft a strong democratic constitution that will enshrine the universal rights of every Nepali citizen. Unfortunately, too much time was lost in political bickering, blatant power-plays and blame-games. We believe that these delays have been exacerbated by extensive international travels funded by agencies such as yours. While we understand that such trips contribute to capacity building and were intended to support the process, those skills are yet to translate into actions. Completion of the peace process and constitution drafting is both essential and time-sensitive.
We are certain that, along with us, you have also witnessed how the myriad issues that Nepal faces, from the economic stalemate, slow and often halted development efforts, to absence of rule to law, have been held ‘hostage’ by the tensions and mistrust that have arisen from this incomplete constitution drafting and peace process. With this letter, we are requesting you to act on your conscience and support the cause for a democratic and stable Nepal.

Restricting international travel is one of the most effective "other" tools that can be employed, and we passionately appeal you to enforce it in your capacity. In fact, it is one of the most recurrent idea that come from Nepalis from all walks of life.

Mr. Madhav Kumar Nepal, ex Prime Minister and one of the key members in the Constitution committee is slated to leave for Dhaka tomorrow to attend the Peace Conference. At present, we see no event that requires more urgency and dedication than the peace process and eventual drafting of the Constitution. As outlined in the 5 point agreement between the major parties, we are all working towards a deadline, the seriousness of which is challenged by international travels of CA members such as this. We call on you, as a Speaker and more importantly, as a Nepali to draw the attention of Mr. Nepal as well as other CA members to what the Nepali people need and demand during this critical point in time.

We trust that with your conscience as a Nepali and the power vested in you by the citizens of Nepal, you will take the necessary steps to prevent any travels, events or expenditures by the CA members which will further deter the realization of peace, stability and prosperity in Nepal.

Sincerely,

On behalf of the citizens of Nepal.

Nepal Unites परिवर्तनको लागि हामी नेपाली एक

For more information on the group and its efforts, please visit www.facebook.com\nepalunites

Campaign on the street - Supersize!


A LAST CHANCE hoarding went up today in a busy intersection in Kathmandu, reminding the leaders of the nation that this 90 day extension is their last chance possible. And also NOT to MESS it up this time around!

OPEN Letter to Donors, Embassies and INGO's : Nepali Translation

श्री दातृ तथा विकास निकाय र दूतावासहरु,

हामी सचेत नेपाली नागरिकहरु आफ्नो सरकारलाई उसका काम कारवाहीमा जवाफदेही बनाउन तथा त्यसमा पारदर्शिता कायम राख्नको लागि एकताबद्ध छौं । हाम्रो विश्वासमा यस अभियान लोकतान्त्रिक मूल्य र मान्यता तथा मानवअधिकारको प्रबर्द्धन गर्ने त्यस संस्थाको घोषित लक्ष्यसँग मेल खान्छ । त्यसैले हामी सम्बन्धित संस्थाहरुसँग संविधान सभाका कुनै पनि सदस्यहरु तथा राजनीतिक दलहरुका कुनै पनि वरिष्ठ नेताहरुको अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय भ्रमणहरुलाई नयाँ संविधान जारी नभईञ्जेलसम्म प्रायोजन नगरिदिनुहुन अनुरोध गर्दछौं । हामी सम्बन्धित संस्थाहरुले हाम्रा सभासद् तथा नेतृत्व तहको भदौसम्ममा संविधान मस्यौदा गर्ने तथा शान्ति प्रक्रिया सम्पन्न गर्नेमा उहाँहरुको समयको कति महत्व छ भन्ने बुझ्नुभएको छ र त्यसलाई सम्मान गर्नुहुन्छ भन्नेमा विश्वस्त छौं ।

विगत तीन वर्षहरुमा नेपाली नागरिकहरुले सभासद्हरुलाई नेपाली नागरिकहरुका विश्वव्यापी मानव अधिकारको सुनिश्चितता गर्ने बलियो लोकतान्त्रिक संविधान बनाउने अभिभारा सुम्पिएर पठाएका हुन् । तर बिडम्बना नै भन्नुपर्दछ, धेरै समय सत्ताको लुछाचुँडी तथा आरोप प्रत्यारोपमा नै बित्यो । हाम्रो विचारमा यस अवस्थालाई यस संस्थालगायत अन्यहरुले विभिन्न शीर्षकमा प्रायोजन गर्ने गरेका अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय भ्रमणहरुले झन् विकराल बनाइदियो । त्यस्ता भ्रमणहरुको उद्देश्य यहाँ चलिरहेका विभिन्न प्रक्रियाहरुलाई समर्थन गर्ने तथा क्षमता अभिवृद्धि गर्ने थिए तर त्यहाँ सिकेका सीपहरु अझै कार्यान्वयन भएका छैनन् । संविधान निर्माण तथा शान्ति प्रक्रिया सम्पन्न गर्ने कामहरु कति समय संवेदनशील छ भन्ने सम्बन्धित संस्थालाई अवगतै छ ।

हामीलाई विश्वास छ हामी सँगसँगै तपाईंले पनि नेपालले सामना गरिरहनुपरेका आर्थिक गतिहीनता, कानुनी शासनको अभावजस्ता विभिन्न विषयहरु अधुरो संविधान निर्माण तथा शान्ति प्रक्रियाको स्थितिबाट सिर्जित अविश्वास तथा तनावको सिकार भैरहेका छन् भन्ने महसुस गर्नुभएकै छ । यस पत्रबाट हामी तपाईंलाई आफ्नो विवेक प्रयोग गरी लोकतान्त्रिक तथा स्थिर नेपालको यस अभियानमा सहयोग पु-याईदिनुहुन अनुरोध गर्दछौं ।

यस संस्था सहभागी दातृ समुदायबाट हालसालै लिइएका दुई कदमहरु धन्यवादका पात्र छन् र तिनीहरुलाई निरन्तरता दिनु जरुरी छ । बेलायती सहयोगी संस्था डीएफआईडी ले देशव्यापी बन्द आयोजना गर्ने एक गैरसरकारी संस्थालाई सहयोग रोक्का गर्ने गरेको निर्णय तथा अमेरिकी दूताबासले बन्द आयोजकहरुलाई अमेरिकी भीसा नदिने भन्ने गरेको निर्णय नवीन तथा नितान्त आवश्यक थिए । अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय भ्रमणलाई निषेध गर्नु एक एकदमै प्रभावकारी ‍औजार हो र हामी त्यस संस्थालगायतलाई उक्त कदमलाई प्रभावकारी रुपमा लागू गर्न जोडदार अपिल गर्दछौं । वास्तवमा सबै क्षेत्रका नेपालीबाट यो बारम्बार व्यक्त भैरहने विचार हो ।

हाम्रो विश्वास छ हाम्रा यी लक्ष्यहरु बहुमत नेपालीहरुको आकांक्षालाई प्रतिबिम्बित गर्दछन् र त्यस संस्थाको मूल्य मान्यतासँग पनि मेल खान्छन् । हामी आशा राख्दछौं त्यस सँस्थाले हाम्रो आग्रहलाई स्वीकार गर्नेछ ।


भवदीय

परिवर्तनको लागि हामी नेपाली एक

यस अभियानको बारेमा थप जानकारीको लागि www.facebook.com/nepalunites लिंकमा थिच्नुहोस् ।

PRESSURE WORKS - Trip to US Cancelled

A small step taking in the right direction. Newspapers (this on Republica) are reporting this morning that the proposed trip of the lawmakers to the US for two weeks (seriously?) has been canceled citing political situation in Nepal being more urgent.

Great! Right moves have to be lauded. So kudos committee members - on seeing sense in the untimeliness of such a trip! Give us the constitution in time and you can have a paid holiday in Khaptad National Park (why spend our money in another country?) courtesy the Nepali people!

And in the hope that such trips would not happen in the future too, a pre-emptive move by the Nepali people came in the form of a OPEN LETTER - which should hit the Daily papers and the internet today - urging all donors, embassies and INGO's not to fund such travel.

Youth Group - COME ON YOUTH Stand Up! had also announced a picketing program at the airport this morning which according to Facebook commitments to attend, would have made quite a show!

One small success! We have miles to go! Keep up the PRESSURE!

Secretly, even the Lawmakers will thank us for it! Join http://facebook.com/nepalunites

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Stop Funding International Travel for all 601 CA Lawmakers: Open letter

June 01, 2011

Dear Donors, INGO's and Embassies,

We, the concerned citizens of Nepal, are united in our resolve to hold our government accountable in their conduct and ensure transparency in their actions. We believe that this campaign is in accordance to your stated goal of supporting democratic values and human rights in Nepal. Hence, we would like to request you to stop funding all international travels for our 601 Constituent Assembly (CA) lawmakers and senior politicians of all political parties until the expiry of the extended term of the CA for the next three months. We are certain that you understand and appreciate the value of their time for the country – for them to wholeheartedly focus on completing the peace and constitution drafting process by August, 2011.

Over the last three years, Nepali citizens entrusted our CA lawmakers to draft a strong democratic constitution that will enshrine the universal rights of every Nepali citizen. Unfortunately, too much time was lost in political bickering, blatant power-plays and blame-games. We believe that these delays have been exacerbated by extensive international travels funded by agencies such as yours. While we understand that such trips contribute to capacity building and were intended to support the process, those skills are yet to translate into actions. Completion of the peace process and constitution drafting is both essential and time-sensitive.

We are certain that, along with us, you have also witnessed how the myriad of other serious issues Nepal faces, from economic stalemate, slow and often halted development efforts, to absence of rule to law, have continued to be a “hostage” to the tensions and mistrust that arise from this incomplete constitution drafting and peace process. With this letter, we are requesting you to act on your conscience and support the cause for a democratic and stable Nepal.

There have been two recent efforts from your community that warrant applause and need continuity. DFID’s decision to cut funding to an NGO which has repeatedly called for nation-wide bandhs and the U.S. Embassy’s decision to deny US visas to the organizers of bandhs are both innovative and much-needed. Restricting international travel is one of the most effective "other" tools that can be employed, and we passionately appeal you to enforce it. In fact, it is one of the most recurrent ideas that come from Nepalis from all walks of life.

Our goals reflect, we believe, the aspirations of the majority of the Nepali people and also echoes your values. We hope you will uphold our sincere request.

Sincerely,

Nepal Unites
परिवर्तनको लागि हामी नेपाली एक


For more information on the group and its efforts, please visit www.facebook.com\nepalunites

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परिवर्तनको लागि हामी नेपाली एक (Nepal Unites)
Website: http://facebook.com/nepalunites
Mobile update: sms 2426 and type Nepal
email: nepalunites@gmail.com

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