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Saptari Killings was purely Human Rights Violation by the state

Rayznews reported " On March 5th four United Democratic Madhesi Front cadets have been killed in a firing by Police trying to dis...

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Through my eyes IGF 2014 and its changing definition



I strongly think and believe that Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is the only solution for managing internet where it has expanded its horizon from governing the internet and its dynamics among the wide spread use and access to protecting user online.  IGF is a forum that focuses more towards cooperation and collaboration in terms of policies and actions. One thing that I have realized from watching internet governance forum closely since 2007 is that it’s more of a timely program that gets i-leaders running and once its finished people fall back to their own comfort with limited action that takes place than the talking that ignites for changes and freedom. More often the issues highlighted by the IGF have rarely been ignored but still I think Internet governance is a long ongoing process that changes according to the time and place.
Yes, I strongly believe in the concept of “multistakeholderism” and its concept of giving opportunity of accepting unheard voices but I defy the prejudices of limiting internet to the property of few developed nations and technical community who can rule in according to their will and way under various aspect of their security, opportunity and management. Internet represents freedom and it should remain free and open in every aspect of its management, access and security.

Looking at the practice, the IGF is gradually changing and adapting the dynamics of development where more often leaders from all over the world talk about issues related to internet and its growing challenges. For most of us it is not just a forum to stand up and shout for the voices but it’s a way of life that speak freedom in every aspect of what we think and believe in. No matter whether the i-leaders notice it or not, I believe life is something that should be lived in your own terms not with the stigma and questions of others expectation. You live your own life and tell your own stories just like that I also have my story of the IGF
This year my focus majorly strike in key attention toward sessions that were more related to multistakeholderism, Freedom of expression, child safety, net neutrality, human rights  and cybercrime.

 My journey started when I was chosen as an Internet Society IGF ambassador 2014, though being selected in this prestigious program certainly made me happy but there were many obstacle that showed me why there is a gap in between nations and nationals. Since, my country didn’t had the Turkish embassy in its territory. I had to apply through the neighboring country India’s embassy.   The first time I applied I had to hire a person in a foreign land for the VISA. I submitted my application with all the necessary documents but they rejected my VISA with no reasons. Despite inquiring the embassy
from my supporting organization there were inconclusive answers.

As I know they barely knew about the program IGF. I was desperate to get the VISA, apart from that the pressure pushed me. My fellowship sponsor told me if I didn’t get the VISA within stipulated time my fellowship would be taken off. I was dam pissed and worried and despite with all the issues, I applied the second time and this time I directly coordinate with the Turkish information and communication ministry who directly intervened and I was issued a VISA. But unfortunately my VISA was issued with an expired date of travel so again I had to reapply for the VISA which literally drained my energy and money. My third application nearly made it as the IGF was around the corner and made it with barely weeks.
For me IGF was not just a travelling program, it was a meaningful opportunity to find the real meaning of internet and what I wanted for myself and my nation.

This time I had prepared a full fledged report on Nepal’s condition and the problems named Concept Paper on IGF 2014 Istanbul Turkey From Nepal's Perspective which later proved to be very useful for one of the main sessions program and I think it was worth it.

Finally the day came in when I farewell my family and I left Nepal with a fire and passion to give something as a recognition to my voice.

As I Took a flight with Turkish airline, it pretty seemed cool and exciting and the 7 and half hours flight landed me in Istanbul airport. From there I took a Havatas shuttle bus which barely cost me USD 5 and took me exactly in-front of my hotel intercontinental.

As an ISOC Ambassador, I felt proud and highly energized. The first day in Istanbul was nice, as advised I dragged myself to the İstanbul Lütfi Kırdar – ICEC venue for registration. I was pretty surprised with the security and management. Though the location was a bit difficult and had to walk about 10 to 15 minutes from my hotel still walking in the streets was fun. While walking in the streets the first thing that I noticed was the city, it was quite very much in transition of the modern architecture and the traditional cultural values where there were normal people but the thing that amazed me was while walking in the streets I saw  streets filled with shoe polishing people. Suddenly, I was walking in the street and I saw this guy dropping his brush, so I called the man and told him that he dropped his brush. The guy thanked me and out of the blues he started offering me his service. I was very precise to say no but still he insisted in the spilt of second he took the names of his gods and everyone and then just insisted, I said “NO”. The next day one of my friend told me it was a trick that they pulled to every foreigner and we laughed as he said he was preyed upon this every day by the same man. 

The first day was very interesting, The Collaborative Leadership Exchange Program was indeed something new. Though I was feeling slightly off as my stomach was not doing well but the session started with a Bang.  Allen Gunner the instructor was very much specific about what he wanted us to do. It was fun to exchange ideas and to learn so much. More interesting was the group of people who represented various societies and culture from various parts of the world. Together we formed smaller groups where we worked our way to find the most controversial issues and came to a judgment of whether to support the issue or not. Gunner would then individual pick people and ask question about why we supported or didn’t supported the statement. It was just a practice about listening and respecting others thoughts and ideas which was indeed a great practices and preparation session for the IGF.   

His sessions focused more towards preparing the i-leaders towards the IGF about how what to expect and how to handle the situation both at mental and action levels.

My experience in the IGF was more of a structured one as I had some definite goals and strategies. My goals were fixed in every aspect of making my voice heard among the mass of i-Leaders from around the globe where to some extent I made it possible.

The first day of the IGF started the venue was big and the listening to the experiences in the session were great.  Before the day ended we had the gala dinner where the Turkish dance group performed with grace. Everything the sessions and people were the same. What made me rethink was the attitude of the so called big i-leaders and technical community who would just see the world through their eyes.  In few of the sessions where I had participated I tried to raise the issue of developing nations and share the happening from my country. It would just seems as if we were aliens and they would just ignore us as they wanted the internet for them but despite the ignorance I spoke and voice the need and rights of issue and happening in this part of the world. For few of the session that I had attended I felt why am I doing this I was alone and I had no support from anyone still the fire of standing among the crowd pushed me and I had a few of the issues voiced.

I know participating and voicing out issues is the main theme of IGF but for people like us coming from the developing nation it’s a fight to make our voice heard. Apart from that the most irritating thing is why bloggers and activists are not thought of being part of the Internet Governance (IG). I don’t know why there is a clot that only the technical people have the right to speak and work in for the IG issue. I think IG is an issue of concern for all and most importantly it’s a concern for public welfare and Activist can laud the issues better than the technical people but I relatively see very less participation.
In the second and the third day were pleasing had few session and met many old faces. I think IGF was also yet another platform where you could meet the technical people. One of my friend said, “You know there are few events like ICANN where every year I met few friends, and every year we met them only in specific events.” I was not surprised and hell ya the so call technical community practices this pattern of retreats in the name of global conferencing.

On the third day as I and another friend IVAN were supporting his campaign we were stopped by the organizer in misconception of a protest. Though it was barely anything but it made some controversy for this year’s IGF 2014.

We had a great and awesome moments in Turkey, we had a chance to visit the blue mosque, the Grand bazar and the famous bridge that parted the Turkey with its modern and cultural version.

I would advise you to have the delicious fish burger, the oysters with lemon and other street food that are more interesting and show cases the real life and culture of Turkey. To explore turkey, you just have to take it on your own and on your foot where you can explore and learn so much about this magnificent country.


 
   

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Lack of Social Media knowledge landed Anju Pant in Social Media Crisis

Recently the facebook book fan page of a Popular Nepali singer Anju Pant turned into a massive battle ground  of comments and harsh words. She was accused by her fans of insulting the religious belief of Hindu Culture. It started with a video that was uploaded in Youtube that went viral on social media website of facebook and twitter. In the video she expresses her passion and beliefs towards Christianity and how Christ changed her life. More in the video she ridicules the culture and traditions of Hindus and other culture where she expresses her true feeling among a mass gathering of Christians.



After the ordeal, She appealed the general public about her statement to be wrong and misleading with a Youtube video but to her surprise few other videos were uploaded where she openly acknowledges and contradicts her statement. Still today her facebook fan page is bombarded with sad comments.




Being a public figure one has to be conscious about what you are saying? Especially being a celebrity one has to think twice before speaking. Anju Panta's case was merely a fraction of what could have gone wrong?  It was a clearly case of Social media Crisis where she failed to realize the pro and cons of being a celeb.

In today's age of  social media where things can go viral one has to be very cautious about the interpretation of one's statement which can be interpreted in desired way. You can assume how things can go viral and land you up in a awkward situation of crisis.

     


Sunday, August 24, 2014

A proud moment turned into a mess


35,000 Nepalese tried and created the biggest flag in the world and is in the quest of entering  the Guinness World Records and its a proud moment for every Nepali but more sarcastically the left over has made the question of what next ?

The organizers  even raise 35000* 100= Rs. 35,00,000 ($36,842)  for the flood victims  but despite the fact the garbage created was ignored. The organizer blame it to volunteers and the volunteers blame it to the public now the question come who is the responsible the management or the public.

Something so beautiful left something so dirty and bad, whose responsibility is it ?

Should the organizers be held responsible for this or should the participants who carelessly  left behind the dirt that makes tudhikhel look horrible.   



  

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Sadly Nepal turning into a bad tourism destination

" Nepalis are cheaters" this is the reality which we all Nepalis have to face, we were sitting in a restaurant and having food when suddenly in the middle a Portugal couple requested our help. She was trying to communicate with the waiter in English about ordering the food but the waiter was having troubles in explaining her the menu . We were at Momo Hut restaurant located in the middle of the Thamel and I was pretty surprised when she approached us and said all Nepalese are cheaters and thugs, at first we were like what? then after few minutes of reconciliation and hearing her version things seemed quite justifiable.

She was very furious and she had only one version of saying Money money is what they want, so I tried to understand her situation.  Apart from  that when you are a foreign tourist in a foreign land and people constantly trying to loot your money then what will you do? you will probably retaliate that's human nature.

Perhaps, her interpretation was right as if you were asked to pay NRS 20,000 for a car reservation for a whole day (30KM)  wasn't that too much and paid Nrs 400 for 4 bananas I think I would be blown off.

She explained the situation and further initiated a talk and requested us to help and  we tried our best in giving them best solution about what to shop and where to go. I was amazed how easy it was to change people's mentality but why are tourism entrepreneurs of Nepal not understanding the fact that these individual tourist matter hugely in promoting our name and destination.

One review in a travel blog and you will have thousands of people adding their comments. Today its a global world where internet connects us in every possibility of making things visible. Its not just a scenario of what happened here in a restaurant but its a case of a county's image, pride and prestige.  

But there is a confusion in all the tourists that come here in Nepal, as with the recent commercialization of blogging and travel websites, people get overloaded with more negative attitude and when in reality things happen it seems out of proportion. For some who come prepared its just something that they new and for some who don't its like a living hell.

Reality is in case of any issue there is no direction or follow up about what to do or when they  face problems,  they have no one to reach out for help ?

Nepal has been world renowned for its hospitality and culture and in this long run of commercialization and globalization I think we have lost the essence of the real culture and tradition of Nepal's upbringing. Reality bites as Nepal is evolving as one of the top holiday destination but with such facts of Hawkers and lack of management of prostitution in the name of culture and tradition things are slowly degrading. Our destination is getting expensive in the name of  13 % VAT and 10% service charge where in most cases the service we use hardly has any service. so what should we expect ?

 My question is, IS NEPAL A SAFE DESTINATION FOR TOURIST?  Are we doing enough from all sides to promote it?

 Now is the right time to think

 

   

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Bad political culture and criminalization in nepal's Politics

We all have seen and heard this so many times and still every time it happens, we just have one answer  this is it.  Criminalization in politics is not new and it has been well addressed and adjusted, but one thing that surprise me is how  political leaders defend their criminal counter part in terms of justice.
They are subjected to public interest and development but when it comes to their own self interest, I believe this is what that drives them to think more about themselves and their party than the nation. Nation first or for the nation is a lost concept that make no stance, it's the party mentality that drives them and for this they cross any limits.  

They say they are servants of public and at times they lead the public with the help of same groups of people who trouble and extort the public. what an IRONY!

I mean to say these criminals are offenders of  law and they are nuisance to our society their rights are not our primary concern but in-fact a secondary one as they are threat to other normal people  and rule of law. So defending such criminals in terms of any stage or on any terms is a question of not justice but un-justice to the normal public upon whom you have be accountable to.

The recent killing of the famous criminal Chari aka Dinesh Adhikari  was indeed a situation of sad truth but for a most wanted criminal who dies in a  cross firing with the police stands no option of investigation or objective. God he was  a hard core criminal who was subjected to cases of extortion, wildlife killing and many more other cases which were unjustifiable by our law and still one of the leading politician is trying to search justice is matter of lack of shame. 

Mr. Politician one thing you have to understand is public apathy is not a question of what you show and say its a question of credibility and accountability. You cannot be defending something unsocial and question public about accepting it with in the periphery of society. Something that is beyond rule of law is beyond in any terms of acceptance.


  This shows the infiltration of criminalization in Nepal's politics.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Narendra Modi addressing Nepal's Constitution Assembly

Addressing the Nepali Constituent Assemble, the Indian  Prime Minister #NarendraModi spoke in Nepali bridging the gaps in between the Indo-Nepal relationship. The mileage to the speech was his recognition that  proclaimed Gautam buddha was born in Nepal and honored the brave blood  of the Bahadur gurkha's who have been fighting with pride and prestige for India.

Somewhere in the long speech he also highlighted the possibilities of Nepal and showcased his visions and plans. The addition attraction was the Mahakali bridge which he said to be one of the vital core factors for the relationship. Similarly, his HIT formula of  future cooperation, satellite program for the SAARC, increment in scholarship, possibility of hydro power and telecommunication problem added his personal interest in Nepal. Though he clearly retaliated the direct interference of India in Nepal's political scenario but he humbly and diplomatically touched the relevancy of Nepal's location and its strategic location in India's concern and priority.

Analytically and strategically looking at the speech, Modi's speech was highly motivating and concerning. As Modi forecast his visions and plans, he also  highlighted Nepal's strength and weakness. If you look at the strengths he focused more towards future cooperation and using the hydro power and exploitation of  resources where as about the weakness he was more silent and had a definite approach of being a big brother.



One thing to be noted was the recognition of "Gautam buddha being born in Nepal" yes we all know this and even the UNESCO has recognized it. So an Indian prime minister saying it in front of the CA sounds more of a diplomatic dose to the group of Nepali Political leaders rather than of being more straight towards having the past treaties and agendas that has impeded the Indo-nepal relationship.

Apart from that an outsider highlighting the possibilities in Nepal certainly makes me feel inferior that we did nothing in Nepal and our political leaders are worthless and they have not done anything where it's just a point of thinking.
 
Likewise, Modi showing concerning over the sunkoshi  was just an emotional point, we all know that if the sunkoshi blockade would  not have solved then the koshi barrage would have threatened the Indian boarder and Indian habitat in its terrain.

Frequently mentioning the current state of India and how it has progressed was not a question of substance.We all know India has become a super power and with that it has gained its pros and cons.

The real state of friendship would have been correcting  the past treaties and how Nepal has suffered due to it so Mr Modi how about fixing the problems first and then forecasting  future plans.

Another point to be noted that Nepal has become one of the center of concern due to security for India. The most wanted criminal and terrorists have been infiltrating through Nepal and in the past the Indian security agencies have already listed Nepal as a security threat, so there is no option for India except to have cooperation in every possible way.

The Nepal Government did everything that was possible to make him feel content highlighting the message of Indo-nepal relationship.  The Kathmandu Metropolitan city which always failed to keep the city clean made its best possible effort in keeping and showcasing the city beautiful. Similarly various rehearsal were done to make the event a point on attraction.   Being the 4th influence and powerful person of the world, modi's security was protected in 4 layers.
  

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

We nepali are Tax Slaves


The budget 2071-72 is about to be announced and I am surprised by the way the political leaders and bureaucrats are thinking and making policies.
It’s a simple mathematics about the tax and income level and why is it that after paying tax, Service charge and VAT in most of the daily consumerable goods, still the public is out lashed with more taxes.
The government what so ever does not effort in reducing the prices where every day the prices of consumerable goods are going up but when it comes to giving benefits and relief there is no point in even saying it?

In average if you look at the market you can do the calculation yourself?
It doesn't even take more to get the number and how restrained we are by our tax rules.

The GDP per capital for 2014 is estimated to be USD 1600 that is roughly (1600*95.82) which is 1,53,312. My question is how a normal person can survive when there is a crisis situation like this. Economic depletion is killing poor and the gap between the rich and poor is gaining its peak.

Normal food:  It costs NRS 100 (plain food), if there is a family of average 5 people which is very common the mathematics goes like this

Total food expenses =5*2*100*365=  3,65,000

Our Tax system has a tax redemption of up to 250,000, to pay 1 Percent

DO YOU get it !


Today if you look at taxes, we pay 200% vehicle tax while buying a car or a bike and still the government is not able to give better options for public transport system. If there is no alternative to public transportation then the taxes in Bike and Car cost less than 10,00,000 should be redeemed. This is not logical that the government trying to evade the public from facility. It should rather facilitate than to hinder. Taxes in normal terms go for higher earning so why not have 400% taxes for cars and bikes costing more than 40,00,000 that is practical. On one hand the government is not able to facilitate with proper transportation system and its imposing more taxes, what a strategy?

How evident is it that there is no facility and still we all pay taxes.

The average money that the government thinks is below the minimum earning capacity. Our Government just wants the public to pay taxes for no benefits what so ever.

Being born in Nepal is like being born as a TAX SLAVE, Your government just wants you to pay taxes in everything that you do, rest is history……………………



Saturday, July 12, 2014

5 corers to the member of parliament can make our politicians accountable

I think the idea of giving 5 corers to the Member of Parliaments(MPs) directly for assisting various regional public and social work is a great initiative. It would be a direct investment from the state to the MPs to public.As right now due to lack of proper mechanism most of the development work budget gets freezed or corrupted due to lengthy procedural administrative work and most of the times when the real work needs to be done things don't work according to plan. Reality is most of the times, the budget gets freezed at the end of the fiscal year in absence of proper mechanism and the administration in view of finishing the budget misuses the funds in unnecessary projects. This has been happening from the past few decades and it has been practiced all along. I feel sad that the money that could have been used for proper projects gets cramped over some unnecessary unwanted project that was not even in view of consideration and the money gets wasted in view of getting freezed. The habit of working late or working without a efficient strategy is what has lacked the Nepal Government's Administration

What's the use?

Like said, previously the money channeled through many hands so there was more chances of corruption but since the money would directly be given to the MPs hope they would be more careful and accountable as their name and reputation is involved.

Apart from that corruption cannot be stopped, it can only be controlled and I think this is the best way to make our politician more accountable but there should be effective monitoring mechanism from the public and the state.......


I think its better for the MPs aleast to try to make it use when we have already given everything, why not this

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

No political culture in Nepal


Previously, during the king's regime when the roads would be blocked people protested in many ways. Now after the declaration of federalism when the same politicians who opposed the kings way of making public suffer are applying the same techniques of making the people wait hours in the sun in the name of security, the public are in a dilemma. The normal public is pissed with the political attitude of ignorance and carelessness.
  

It's beyond public apathy to make the public suffer in the sun in the name of security,  politicians who have no ethics and Morales 

We had only one King and now due to so called pro-democratic movement we have 100s of kings. They block the roads and public service any time and any where.......

Brazil looses their World cup dream

Wow what a match in between the rivals of the  FIFA World Cup football ( #fifawc2014) in an epic battle of sportsmanship. The Germans lead their way to victory in playing the best  strategy to target their opponent's  defense in making the best use of playing their game. The Brazilian team coughed their skills.
The gods of football are dead, they have been turned to humans as they are merely players. More or less  Nemar's absence makes the team no more than just a lousy player of ball not GODS. The stadium is silent in tears in support of BRAZIL. This is an end to the world cup dream for the Brazilians football fans around the globe. One thing that needs to be noted is the game of football has been changing, from the 70's when football evolved, the game has changed so much that previously it use to be ruled by one or two star players saving the day but now the game has took over where the team is responsible for making that effort to make victory. In the past big names have evolved in the glory of footballs like Pele, Madonna, Roberto Carlos,  Roberto baggio, David Bekhham,  Zinedine Zidane etc all these players made history with their dedication and hard work but now things have changed,  the football that use to be just a game of 20 players have evolved as a team effort of strategy that demands more better techniques.

Billions of football fans are watching the match live with 110 TV station directly showing the match, what a sad day to mark  the history of football in the making for Brazil. for a country that lives breathes and talk football a worst day to remember.

Well evolved with better strategy and interest, football is more than just a game.

Its a record defeat by Germany over Brazil. Finally we can say the gods of football are dead.

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