Page 1
Content
Editorial
The Nepali New Year 2060
NCAO’ Activities
A message from out-going
Board
NCAO and its achievements
Childrens’world
Literary World
Taste of Gundruk in an
American park
Search of Heaven!
A youthful cry
Music in Nepal: A
commentry of Hits Music
Award 2059
Women’s World
Nepali language in foreign
land
What I learned in Ottawa?
An unforgettable journey to
Japan
Recipe for Aoo Dum
Friends of Nepal
Small thing can make a
difference
A Home in Nepal
An update from CNFA
NCAO Membership Form
Editorial Committee
Kalidas Subedi
Ram C. Acharya
Ghanashyam Ranjitkar
Correspondence Kalidas Subedi
Unit-4, 364 Tillbury Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2A 0Y2
Phone: (613) 792 4052 [email protected]
Editorial The First Year of Ottawa Chautari
After the formation of the Nepalese Canadian Association of Ottawa
(NCAO) just a year ago, the association has started to publish a
Newsletter “Ottawa Chautari” as a medium to get its message across
to its members and to wider audience. We had the privilege of working
as the first editorial board for the Newsletter. So far, four issues of
Ottawa Chautari have been released. We would like to thank the
Nepalese community and Friends of Nepal who have helped us by
providing articles and suggestions. In such a short period of time,
Ottawa Chautari has already been established not only as a
community newspaper, but also as a confluence of literary works. We
are certain that given the talents, enthusiasm and commitment of the
Nepalese community within the Ottawa area, the newsletter will
strengthen its content and scope to reach a wider community in days to
come. We would like to thank to all of our readers and expect your
continuous support for Ottawa Chautari.
The Nepali New Year
Nepal has its own official calendar based on Bikram Sambat (B.S),
which was started by King Vikramaditya of India 2059 years ago.
According to BS calendar, the New Year 2060 starts on 14th April
2003. There is a difference of 56 years, 8 months and 16 days
between the B.S. and the Gregorian Year (A.D.). The Nepali
months are based on the lunar cycle, which vary from 29 to 32 days.
Each month begins around the middle of a Gregorian calendar
month. The seven days in a week are named based on solar families
as follows: Sunday (Aitabar, day of Sun), Monday (Sombar, day of
moon), Tuesday (Mangalbar, day of Mars), Wednesday (Budhabar,
day of Mercury), Thursday ( Brihaspatibar, day of Jupiter), Friday
(Shukrabar day of Venus), and Saturday (Shanibar day of Saturn).
AA NNeewwsslleetttteerr ooff tthhee NNeeppaalleessee CCaannaaddiiaann AAssssoocciiaattiioonn ooff OOttttaawwaa
Ottawa Chautari Year 1 No. 4 April, 2003
Page 2
Ottawa Chautari Year 1 No. 4 April, 2003
2
A Message From Outgoing Board Members
Dear Members,
As the first year of the Nepalese Canadian
Association of Ottawa (NCAO) drew to a closing,
with it, so did our term as members of the Executive
Committee. Indeed, you will remember that it was on
the 30th of March 2002, the birth date of the NCAO,
that you had bestowed us with the opportunity to
work as inaugural Board Members for a period of one
year. Seeing your excitement and enthusiasm on that
day, we knew that we were in good company in
pursuing our common goal. Throughout the year, you
have confirmed this.
As an outgoing Executive Board of the NCAO, we
can look back with pride and satisfaction on the
achievements the community has made in 12 short
months. Being the first Executive Board of a newly
established association, we were focussed on building
a foundation for the community. For this endeavour,
we put forward our best efforts. We shared our views
and exchanged thoughts. On our way, we learned by
doing. Certainly, the past year has been a very busy
one for us all. It was a year of learning and
considerable accomplishment.
The start of a Nepali school, the formation of a web-
site, the compilation of a welcome kit, the release of
four issues of Ottawa Chautari and the mobilization
of youths in community activities are some of the
achievements of the NCAO. Moreover, we made
tremendous improvements in organising both cultural
and social events. Recall the culturally rich and lively
Dashain celebration we had this year. These
accomplishments have made us extremely confident
in the future of this community. And in spite of our
association’s infancy, the NCAO is already well
known among the Friends of Nepal in Ottawa. Our
contacts are widening; our membership is increasing
and our community is building.
The secret of this success is the inspiration we
received from you and your desire to build a strong
community. It was you who took the responsibility
of uniting and mobilizing the community towards a
common goal. And, it was you who provided us with
much needed support and active involvement each
step of the way. For each effort we were there; for
each purpose you were involved. For this
encouragement and support, please accept our heart-
felt “thank you”.
The first year of the association has ended, but now a
new year is upon us – one full in its own great
promises and challenges. The journey has just begun,
but there is a vast horizon to explore. Let us continue
working together to meet future challenges and
harvest all opportunities.
In closing, we would like to offer our best wishes for
the new Executive Committee.
Thank you all.
Truly yours,
First Executive Committee of NCAO
Ottawa Chautari family wishes you a very Happy New Year 2060. May the
New Year bring you happiness, prosperity, good health and peace.
goF aif{ @)^) sf] d+undo
z'esfdgf
NCAO’S’ ACTIVITIES
Correspondence to NCAO 36 Rodeo Drive, Ottawa,
ON K2J 4Z5.
Phone: (613) 823-8468
Page 3
Ottawa Chautari Year 1 No. 4 April, 2003
3
Nepalese Canadian Association of Ottawa
(NCAO): Achievements During the First Year
The purpose of this article is to shed light on the
activities conducted by the Nepalese Canadian
Association of Ottawa (NCAO) in its first year. The
NCAO was established on 30th of March 2002 with
an objective of promoting interest and welfare of the
Nepalese community. The NCAO was started on the
foundation of mutual respect, inclusiveness, fairness,
transparency and compassion, which will continue to
remain as the guiding principles for its operation. The
membership to NCAO is open to everyone who has
an interest in Nepal and Nepali culture, and NCAO
events are open to all. The youths and children, new
and established families, Friends of Nepal,
volunteers, and sponsors are the source of inspiration
for the NCAO programs and services.
Establishment of NCAO: A moment of discussion
With collective efforts of the community, the NCAO
has firmly established its roots and is blossoming.
Our successfully launched activities and the
achievements, which we summarize below, are the
testaments of the success of the NCAO.
I. Social and Cultural Events of NCAO
The first social event, Nepali New Year Party 2059,
brought all of us together on April at the same venue
where the first seed of the association was planted
less than two weeks earlier. The enthusiasm and co-
operation demonstrated by the participants became
the benchmark to measure success for all future
events of the NCAO.
The summer picnic was held in June in the beautiful
backdrop of Andrew Hydon Park. This program was
well organized and all participants enjoyed the event.
In August, the NCAO organized a Nature Trip to
Park Omega, Montebello (Quebec) for youths and
children. The trip included, observation of various
wild animals, outdoor games, a quiz contest and a
potluck picnic. Similarly, another potluck picnic was
organized in September at Vincent Massey Park.
The Dashain or Vijaya Dashami, the biggest and
most important of all Nepalese festivals, was
celebrated in October with various activities at Ben
Franklin Place. The event offered a unique
opportunity for the community to showcase the
Nepali tradition and culture. The guests were
welcomed through a uniquely decorated entrance and
a mini exhibition of Nepali arts and craft.
A superbly presented cultural program was the
highlight of the evening. The audience had many
words of appreciation for the talents of our youths
and cultural team. Everyone enjoyed an excellent
dinner prepared by our Nepali chefs in Ottawa.
An event of Nepali Folk Dance
Inspired by the success of previous events, Nepali
women in the community successfully organized a
dinner and dance party on December 31 to celebrate
the New Year Eve 2003.
Three issues of Ottawa Chautari, the newsletter of
the NCAO, have been published last year and, at the
moment, you are reading this fourth issue. These
issues the newsletters have given opportunity to
reveal the literary talents of our youth and adults, and
also have exposed the profile of our opportunity
beyond the membership of NCAO.
In February 2003, Nepalese Ambassador to Canada
and the U.S., His Excellency Mr. Jai Pratap Rana,
arrived in Ottawa to present his Credentials to the
Page 4
Ottawa Chautari Year 1 No. 4 April, 2003
4
Governor General of Canada. The NCAO organized
a reception for the Ambassador, his team members
and the representative of the Government of Canada.
Nepalese Honorary Consul General to Canada, Dr.
Kunjar M. Sharma, was also present at the reception.
During this program, the community members
expressed their suggestions and concerns to the
Nepalese Embassy.
Some members of the NCAO had the opportunity to
watch hockey games at Corel Centre with tickets
sponsored by Ottawa Senators Community Coalition
and distributed through United Way and Ottawa
Community Immigrants Services Organization
(OCISO). The participants, especially the children
were very excited to see the Senators playing right in
front of them.
These social and cultural events have provided us
with an opportunity to improve our relationship and
interaction with other members of the community and
the Friends of Nepal.
II. Programs and Services of NCAO
Through its limited capabilities and resources, NCAO
is committed to provide as much programs and
services to the members of our community as
possible. We have attempted to extend our reach to
the best of our abilities. In this regard, the
achievements of the NCAO can be summarized as
below.
Nepali Language School
The NCAO was successful in offering an elementary
Nepali language class under the sponsorship of
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board at Hopewell
Public School. The Nepali language school is an
example of the hard work and commitment of the
NCAO volunteers, teacher, parents and children of
Nepali community in Ottawa. The Nepali language
classes have helped children in learning both verbal
and written communication in the Nepali language.
The NCAO is grateful to the efforts of Constantine
Ioannou, Manager, International Languages, and
Anne Bedard, Program Administrator, of Ottawa-
Carleton District School Board, in including the
Nepali language class in the program and providing
continuous support and encouragement.
Students, teacher and volunteers in Nepali language
class
Welcome Kit for Newcomers
In the last six months, the NCAO distributed a total
of 7 sets of the Welcome Kit to Nepalese newcomers
in the Ottawa area.
The kit is a customized collection of information and
materials useful to the new immigrants in their
settlement in Ottawa. The contents of the kit have
been divided into 21 separate sections and assembled
in two three-ring binders. Useful information and tips
have been included to help the newcomers in making
an informed decision on important affairs, such as
short and long term accommodation, shopping for
essential household goods, opening a bank account,
exchanging foreign currencies, admitting children
into schools, finding a family physician, purchasing
health insurance for the three-month waiting period,
acquiring basic/long distance telephone services and
free (Freenet) or full service internet connection,
applying for driving licence, travelling on public
transit, applying for benefits (child tax benefit, GST
credit, and other benefits), and filing an income tax
return. Besides, official documents have also been
included to help the newcomers in completing their
post arrival formalities with the federal (SIN Card)
and provincial (OHIP Card) government
departments.
The section on employment provides the information
on foreign education credential assessment procedure
and a list of the relevant resources for job search. The
kit also contains additional reference materials on
specific services such as language training and
employment counselling offered by local immigrant
settlement organizations. Further information about
the Kit is provided at our website - www.nepalese.ca.
Page 5
Ottawa Chautari Year 1 No. 4 April, 2003
5
Assistance to Newcomers and Existing Members
The NCAO has established a working relationship
with the OCISO for the purpose of facilitating
settlement programs and services for Nepali
newcomers in Ottawa area.
The NCAO volunteers have been assisting
newcomers in their initial settlement efforts in
Ottawa. The NCAO would also try to assist the
existing members of the community in time of needs.
A lot of volunteer effort is in need for this cause, and
we hope to see more number of volunteers and
expansion in the scale of our collective efforts in
coming days.
NCAO Websitewww.nepalese.ca
Under the supervision of the NCAO, the Nepali
youth collectively designed the NCAO website,
www.nepalese.ca. This is an excellent example of
the constructive utilization of youth talents of our
community. This website contains a wealth of
information, including information and update on
current and upcoming programs and services of the
NCAO and helpful information for members and
newcomers in Ottawa. The key information that can
be browsed in this website are: guide to Canada and
Ottawa, past and forthcoming events of the NCAO,
newcomers’ guide and various issues of Ottawa
Chautari.
Youths who contributed for the design of website
The website is becoming a borderless medium and
now being used to access information and
communication by individuals and organizations in
Nepal and other countries. The NCAO will upgrade
the website for its contents and look by mobilizing
the youth volunteers this summer.
Youths Volunteer Program
The most important achievement of the NCAO is its
mobilization of youths in its entire social, cultural
and community programs. Many of the youths and
children continued to volunteer their time and skills
throughout the year for the NCAO. Their jobs
included preparation and presentation of Nepali
dances and songs for the NCAO events, design and
maintenance of the website, assistance to teacher at
the Nepali language school, performance of cultural
events, decoration and set up during the social and
cultural events, and design of the NCAO logo.
These volunteering activities offered a sense of
belonging and ownership among Nepali youths and
children. In order to encourage volunteering and
active participation, the youths and children are
formally recognized for their volunteer activities in
public events. The NCAO will seek their active
participation in several other activities in the days
ahead.
Adult and Youth Cultural Program
Through the efforts of some NCAO members, many
youths and adults learned Nepali dances and songs
and were able to perform in our cultural programs.
Some of our youths had never danced or sang in
cultural programs before. Yet, they were able to
captivate the audience through their superb
performance. This has been a positive experience for
the whole community. We hope to give a
continuation to this endeavour in the future.
Communication and Publication The NCAO has been able to communicate among its
members, volunteers, Friends of Nepal and other
interested individuals and groups through its
newsletter (Ottawa Chautari), website
(www.nepalese.ca) and electronic mailing service
([email protected] ).
The Ottawa Chautari is becoming an important
source of news about upcoming activities, progress
reports of the past events, and community related
information for its readers. The literary work in both
Nepali and English language can be submitted to the
newsletter. As with the past issues, this issue of the
Ottawa Chautari is also a result of co-ordination and
dedication by a team of volunteers and its
contributors.
Page 6
Ottawa Chautari Year 1 No. 4 April, 2003
6
Mentoring Service One of the biggest challenges for new immigrants in
Canada is finding suitable employment in their areas
of expertise or interest. Therefore, to assist the
newcomers in their job search, the NCAO offers an
informal mentoring service to new Nepalese
immigrants in Ottawa area. The program is not meant
to replace the counselling services offered by
employment professionals, but to supplement them
by providing basic information, advice and referrals
to appropriate individuals or organizations that will
be helpful in finding a suitable employment in
Canada. Most importantly, it offers moral support
and encouragement to new immigrants during a very
important period in their lives. We hope to expand
our relationship with other community organizations
in Ottawa area to explore new avenues to address this
issue
Administrative and Financial Matters
The NCAO has established a standard accounting and
record-keeping procedure for all its official records
and financial transactions, and its books are subject to
an independent audit. Similarly, NCAO members can
request to see the NCAO’s official records including
Agendas and Minutes of the Board.
Last year, the Executive Board met eight times to
discuss, develop and implement the NCAO program
and services. The members of the Executive Board
regularly communicated with the membership for
feedback on important issues of the NCAO.
III. Summary
In sum, the above achievements by the NCAO in
such a short time are the results of the unwavering
support, exceptional co-operation and hard work of
many members, volunteers, and friends of the
community. As envisioned during its inception, the
NCAO provided an excellent opportunity for us to
work together for the interest and welfare of the
community. We are confident that as we gain more
experience, the NCAO programs and services will
continue to improve and expand for the benefit of its
membership. However, active participation and
continuous involvement from all members are
essential for the continuous success in the future.
NCAO’s Financial Statement
The financial sources of the NCAO are mainly from
membership fees, donations and fees charged during
different functions. The summary of the income and
expenditure during the first Fiscal Year (1 April
2002 to 31 March 2003) is as follows:
Income Expenditure
Source Amount ($) Particulars Amount ($)
Membership Fees 830.00 Office expenses 372.88
Ticket sale of NCAO events 3205.87 Hall Rental 282.49
Grants 1800.00 Sound & Lights 132.25
Donations 65.00 Food and beverages 2199.15
Office and party supplies 528.64
Prizes/Certificates 504.27
Durable Items 54.94
Stamps and Postal Expenses 22.45
Total Income 5900:87 Total Expenditure 4097.07
Balance as at 1st April 2003 = 1803:80
Acknowledgements
The NCAO would like to thank all its members,
volunteer, and friends for making its program and
events successful. We would also like to
acknowledge the OCISO’s support for its youth and
children program. Thanks to Canada Nepal
Friendship Association for its recent grant which will
be very useful in carrying out the NCAO’s
community programs and services next year. The
Supports of Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
for granting Nepali language classes to our children,
and the help of Ottawa Citizen for providing Meeting
Hall free of charge for our community events are
highly appreciated. We would also like to thank
Ottawa Senators Community Coalition, United Way
and OCISO for providing hockey tickets to NCAO’s
families. These all generous supports have helped
NCAO to run its programmes in a resources
constrained situation.
Page 7
Ottawa Chautari Year 1 No. 4 April, 2003
7
THE SAILBOAT
On the blue sea
The sailboat follows
Through the splashing waves
moving up and down, the passengers
travelling
and looking
at the sailboat go far from the harbour
The sail boat floats on top of fishes
when the wind blows.
RIDDLES What part of London is in France?
The letter (N)
What begins with the letter P and ends
with the letter E and has thousands of
letters in it?
Post office
How do you spell candy in 2 letters?
C and Y
Which is the longest word in the English
alphabet? “SMILES” because it has a mile
between the first and the last letter!
What is the difference between an
elephant and a cookie? You can’t dunk an elephant in a cup
of milk….
What did the talking ant say to the
elephant? Boy…you’re so big!
Collection by Kailash Subedi
Grade 6
I had a terrible nightmare
Fidel Sherchan
Grade - 5
One day, in the night, my dad and I decided
to watch a horror movie and we watched it.
When the movie was over, I went to my bed.
I saw a dream same as in the horror movie.
In my dream I was in a haunted house. Lots
of ghosts surrounded me. Then I couldn’t
resist and tried to come out of them. I
suddenly woke up but I found myself fallen
down from the bed. I went to the bed again
but still, there were bad dreams. It was very
hard for me until the next morning. My
father woke me up for school. I got ready
and left home. I told my friends what had
happened to me that night. And my mom
scolded me a lot because I didn’t feel good
for some days. After that, I never watched
horror movie. Now a days, I have good sleep
and good dreams. Thanks to my mom and
friends for giving me such a good advice.
Royal Chitwan National Park Rasna Sherchan
Grade-9
Nepal is known for its natural beauty and cultural
heritage. Royal Chitwan National
Park is one of the oldest and well-
known parks in Nepal. The park
was established in 2030 B.S. and is
known for its natural beauty and
diversity. It has a total area of 932
sq. km.
This park is famous for different wild animals, birds and
vegetation including different types of herbal and
medicinal plants. The park is protected as a sanctuary in
which rare and endangered animal species, such as Royal
Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, single-horned rhinoceros
and Gharials crocodiles are kept with greater protection.
Because of the wonderful animal and plants, the park is
one of the major tourist attractions in Nepal. The visitors
are allowed in the park only with permission. Illegal
hunting and cutting of trees is strongly prohibited. Visitors
can have elephant ride to view around the park. Lodges
and hotels are available to spend nights. The best months
to visit this park are in October and November when
temperatures are not too high or too low. Those who visit
the park are likely to fall in love with it. The glamorous
sunrise in the early morning and the deep sunset in the
evening are simply marvellous. Well, it’s obvious for the
nature’s beauty to attract human’s heart isn’t it? The park
has thus benefited the country through tourist attraction. I
think anyone who visits Nepal or lives there must visit
this park at least once. I had visited the park twice and the
events of my visit remain to my heart forever.
BALJAGAT (CHILDREN’S WORLD)
Iha Karki
Grade-5
Page 8
Ottawa Chautari Year 1 No. 4 April, 2003
8
cd]l/sfsf] kfs{df u'Gb|'ssf] :jfb
s[i0f0fxl/ uf}td l;/s'tfg y'DsL, sfl:s, g]kfn
>Lk+rdL, cfOtjf/sf] lbg, pmQ/ cd]l/sfsf] Ps
kfs{ k"/f l+xp“n] 9fs]sf] 5 . slgsf h:tf lxp“sf bfgf alif{Psf 5g\ . kfs{df ePsf ¿vx¿n] k|fo h;f] cfºgf] pbf¨f] ?k b]vfPsf 5g\ . ;Nnf] afx]s c? hftsf] ag:kltn] cfºgf] hftsf] ljz]iftf b]vfpg ;s]sf 5}gg\, h;n]ubf{ ag:klt aL1 tyf cWoogstf{ cfºgf] xf/ :jLsf/ ub}{ cfºgf] sfd k"/f ug{ kl5 cfpg] sa"n ub}{ kms{G5g\ . t/ ;Nnfsf ?vx¿n] cfºgf pkl:ylt lgw{Ss;+u AoSt u/]sf 5g\ / kfs{sf ;a} jg:kltn] xf/ vf+bf klg xfdL pleP/ oxf+sf] jftfj/0fdf xl/ofnL sfod u/]sf 5f}+ egL 3d08 AoSt u/]sf 5g\ . x'g klg olb ;Nnfsf xl/of kft gePsf] eP xl/ofnL lagfsf] jftfj/0f s:tf] x'g] lyof] xf]nf . t/ lx+pn] ;NnfnfO{ klg cfs|d0f ug{ 5f]8]sf] 5}g . ;Nnfsf ?vsf laleGg efudf lx+p hDdf ePsf] 5 / lx+psf] ef/ yfDg g;sL s]xL x+fufx? n5fl/Psf 5g\ . e"Osf c? ag:kltsf] t s'/} 5f]8f,} s'g} gfd lg;fg g} 5}g . t/ kft gePsf xf“ufnfO lgofn]/ x]bf{ k|t]sdf c+fs'/f cfpg nfu]sf] b]lvG5 . xf] t, >Lk+rdL h;nfO a;Gt k+rdL klg eGb5g\, a;Gt Ct'sf] z'?jft xf] . ca lxp+ sdhf]/ x'b} hfG5 / lj?jfsf] c+fs'/f cfpg] zlSt alnof] x'b} hfG5 . Pp6} ;w} alnof] x'b}g / ;a} Ps}rf]6L alnof x'b}gg\ eGg] s'/fnfO o;n] k'i6\ofp5 . k|s[ltsf] rs|df ;dofg';f/ slxn] s'g} t slxn] c?g} alnof x'G5g\ / ;w} d alnof] eGg]sf] wd08 Ps lbg rsgfr"/ eP/ hfG5 . lr;f] xfjf rn]sf] 5 tf klg labfsf] lbg ePsfn] kfs{df k|;:t rxnkxn 5 . k}bn, ;fOsn, lxph'tfdf dflg;x? otfptf ul//x]sf 5g\, bf}l8/x]sf 5g\ / ;a} Ao:t b]lvG5g\ . To;df klg k|fo h;f] 8'nGt] (mobile) kmf]gdf s'/f ul//x]sf
b]lvG5g\, xf+l;/x]sf 5g\ . o:tf] b]lvG5 ls
s;};+u s'g} s'/fsf] kL/ tyf lrGtf 5}g ;a} /dfOnf] dgfpg cfPsf 5g . ePsf] kL/ tyf AoyfnfO{ Psflt/ yGSofP/ cyf{t la;{g sf]lz; ub}{ v'zL b]lvPsf klg x'g ;S5g\ . ;fyL efOsf] lgdGq0ff tyf cfkm\gf s]6fs]6Lsf] rfvsf] nflu afWo eP/ klg dgsf] kL/nfO{ dgleq c7\ofP/ x+l;nf b]lvPsf klg x'g ;s\5g\ . sf]xL af:tljs ?kdf v'zL g} x'g ;S5g\ . of] af:tljstfnfO :jLsfg{'{ kb{5 ls s]jn cg'xf/sf] xf+;f]n] leqL ?k yfx x'b}g . ;a} y/L y/Lsf Gofgf sk8fn] 9flsPsf 5g, To:t} cg'xf/ 9flsg] 6f]lk nufPsf 5g\ xft k+hfn] 5f]k]sf 5g\ . s;}s;}n] 7"nf 7"nf r:df nufPsf 5g\ . h;/L lj?jfsf] hft lrGg ;lsb}g To;/L g} dflg; s;}nfO lrGg ;lsb}g . g dflg;sf] /+u g pd]/ g ln+u 5'6\ofpg ;lsG5 . s]an af]nLn] s]xL c+bfh ug{ ;lsG5 / cfkmgf] lrghfgsf] /x]5 eg] 5'6\ofpg ;lsG5 . To:t} af]nLn] cu|]hLsf] pRrf/0faf6 cd]l/sg / c? egL s]xL c8sn ug{ ;lsG5 t/ afnssfn b]lv Tolx x's]{sf] /x]5 eg] Tof] l;BfGt klg nfu"' gx'g ;S5 . kfs{sf] aLrdf Pp6f 7"nf] 3/ 5, hxf kfs{sf cfuGt'ssf nflu :jfutsIf, zf}rfno, ;"'rgf sf]7f, s]6fs]6L v]Ng] sf]7f, lxpdf v]Ng]sf nflu h'Ttf km]g]{ 7fp, cflbsf] Aoa:yf 5 . s]6fs]6L v]Ng] sf]7fdf k|z:t v]nf}gf 5g\, sk8f km]g]{ sf]7fdf ;+frf] ePsf / gePsf tVtf b/fhx? 5g\ . ;f+rf] rflxPdf cfkmgf] kl/rokq /fv]/ :jfutsIfaf6 lng ;lsG5 . :jfutsIf cufl8sf] 7"nf] sIfdf laleGg k]o, rd]gf tyf xnsf vfgf ;hfOPsf oGqrflnt las]|tf (vending machine) 5g\ . To:t} k};f jf sf8{ /fv]/ k|of]u ug{ ;lsg] 6]lnkmf]g 5g\ . t/ ckem{6 ;]jfsf] nflu k};f tyf sf8{ s]lx rf+lxb}g t];} ug{ ;lsG5 . ckem{6 ;]jfsf gDa/ 7"nf7"nf cIf/df n]lvPsf 5g\ . kfs{df km6\ofs km'6's r/fx? p8]sf] b]lvG5, 7"nf7"n sfux? s/fpb} p8b} 5g\ . r/f jL1 tyf r/f lrofpg]x? nfdf nfdf b'/aLg / Sofdf/f af]sL lxl8/x]sf 5g\ . vf;u/L a'9fa'9Lx? h:tf al9 b]lvG5g\ tfklg aflx/ 5'6\ofpg g;lsg] ePsfn] o:t} egL Plsg ug{ ;lsb}g . t/ tLdWo s]lx 3/
Sahitya Sansar (Literary World)
Page 9
Ottawa Chautari Year 1 No. 4 April, 2003
9
leq b]lvPsf] cfwf/df x]bf{ s]lx cwa}+;]x? klg 5g\ . ;Q/L gfl3;s]sf yd;g klg cfkmgf] o'jfsfn b]lvsf] ?rLnfO sfod /fVb} cfkmgf pxL k'/fgf b'/aLg Sofdf/f / 8fo/L af]s]/ cfPsf 5g\ . k|fo h;f] cfkmgL ;xr/L (partner) lnP/ cfpy] t/ cfh
pgL clncln ?3fvf]ls nfu]sf]n] cfOgg\ .
cfh r/f x]g]{sf] lgs} eL8 5 zfob r/fsf] ;+Vof a9bf] eP/ xf]nf . 3'Dbf 3'Db} sl/a P3f/ aHg nfu]5 yd;gsf] laxfgsf] lrof vfg] ;do gfl3 ;Sof] . cfh PSn} ePsf]n] Vofn} ePg . ;w} ;xr/L ;+u cfpbf t Pp6fn] la;]{ klg csf]{n] ;+emfpg] ub{y] . cfh lrof;+u vfg] s]s la:s'6 s]lx klg gNofPsf]n] oflGqs las|]tfaf6 Ps sk skmL / b'Oj6f s'SsL lnP/ :jfut sIfsf] em\ofng]/ d]rdf a;L vf+b} aflx/ x]b}{ 5g\ . yd;gn] x]bf{x]b}{ xn'sf rfbL /+usf] @))# df]8]nsf] 6f]of]6f Sofd|L sf/ kfs{sf] 3/ cufl8 /f]lsG5 . dlxnfn] sf/ rnfPls 5g\, xftdf 8'nGt] kmf]g 5 . pgL aflx/ lgl:slG5g\ / k5fl8sf] 9f]sf vf]lN5g\, @ s]6fs]6L aflx/ lg:sG5g\ . km]l/ cem k5fl8sf] 9f]sf vf]n]/ b'O6f ;;fgf :s'n nfg] h:tf emf]nf / Pp6f cln 7"nf]] emf]nf lgsflN5g\ . clg tL emf]nf / s]6fs]6L lnP/ ejg leq k;L l;wf s]6fs]6L v]Ng] sIfdf hflG5g\ . Ps}l5gdf s]6fs]6L 5f8]/ tL dlxnf lgl:slG5g\ / l;wf sf/ lt/ nflU5g\ . 6f8}af6 sf/sf] 9f]sf vf]nL sf/ :6f6{ u/]/ xft xNnfpb} sf/ lx8fpl5g\ . s]6fs]6Lx? c+bfhL &.* / (.!) aif{sf b]lvG5g\ . leq v]Ng yfn] . xftdf Ps Ps j6f 3'dGt] kmf]g h:tf lnP/ v]ln/x]sf 5g\ ;fob tL v]nf}gf g} xf]nfg\ . pgLx?sf] cg'xf/sf] Psfu|tf / k|ltls|of x]bf{ lagf tf/ tL b'O v]nf}gf Ps csf]{df hf]l8Psf h:tf b]lvG5g\ cyf{t\ b'a}hgf Ps} v]nsf] kIf ljkIf eP/ v]ln/x]sf 5g\ . Ps}l5gdf oGqrflnt las]|tfsxf+ k'U5g\ / k};f v;fnL sf]sfsf]nf, rsn]6 / rLhan lsG5g\ . kms]{/ km]l/ v]Ng yfN5g\ . 3]/} a]/;Dd x]l//x], tL s]6fs]6Lsf] g s'g} ;+/Ifs cfP g pgLx?n] s'g} lrg]hfg]sf] AolSt Toxf ePsf] ;+s]t u/] . yd;gnfO crDd nfUof] lsgls Tolt ;fgf s]6fs]6L Tolt nfdf] ;do;Dd
s;}n] 5f]8]sf] yfx lyPg . lsg o;/L 5f]8] a'em\g ;s]gg\ . pgnfO{ lgs} rf;f] nfUof] / lrGtf klg . pgLx?sf afa' cfdf k|lt gfgfy/L ;f]Rg yfn] / s]6fs]6Lsf ;+/Ifs gcfP;Dd cfkm"n] /]vb]v ug]{ lg0f{o u/L a;] . s]6fs]6L Psbd cg'zfl;t b]lvG5g\ . ct: If0fIf0fdf x]/]
k'UbYof] / cfkmgf] r/f lt/ klg gh/ k'/\ofO/x]sf lyP . lr;f] xfjf rln/x]sf] 5 tfklg 3fd nfu]sf]n] la:tf/} 3/ leqaf6 dflg;x? aflx/ lg:sg nfu] . Psl5gdf s]6fs]6L k"/f Hofs]6 k+hf 6f]kL nufP/ aflx/ lxp+df v]Ng lgl:sP . Ps emf]nf klg lnPsf 5g\ . Ps v'nf 5fgf] d'lgsf] a]Grdf emf]nf /fv]/ lxp+sf] y'k|f]df lrKn]6L v]Ng yfn] . Ps}l5gdf pgLx? cfkmgf] emf]nf ePlt/ nfu], emf]nf vf]n]/ Ps Ps j6f a6[f lgsfn]/ vfgf vfg yfn] . vfgfsf] a6[f s] vf]n]sf lyP ;a}sf] gh/ Tot} lt/ tflgP . ;asf d'vdf kfgL cfP h:tf] b]lvof] . yd;gsf] d'v klg /;fof] / s]lx xKtf klxn] zx/sf] Ps gfdf]b OlG8og /]:6'/]06df uPsf] ofb cfof] . pgnfO OlG8og vfgf dg kg]{ ePsfn] Ps b'O xKtf la/fP/ OlG8og /]:6'/]G6df uO/fV5g . cfh tL s]6fs]6Lsf] vfgfn] km]/L rf+8}g} /]:6'/]G6df hfg] larf/ pgsf] dgdf cfof] . s]6fs]6L lt/ x]bf{ x]b}{ yd;gsf] skmL / s'SsL l;l4of] km]/L csf]{ sk lnP, Tof] klg l;l4of] . Pp6} l;6df a:bfa:b} tLg rf/ 306f lalt ;Sof] . pgnfO{ crDd nflu/x]sf] 5 ls Tolt nfdf] ;do;Dd klg s]6fs]6Lsf afa'cfdf b]vf k/]gg\ . s]6fs]6L b]v]/ dfof nfu]sf] 5 eg] ltgsf afa'cfdf ;Dem]/ l/; p7]sf] 5 . Ps dg t k|x/LnfO va/ ul/lbp h:tf] nfu]sf] 5 t/ csf]{ dg rf+xL To:t} s]lx cK7of/f] k/]/ xf]nf gq cfkmgf] 5f]/f5f]/Lsf] s;nfO{ dfof nfUb}g / eGg] ;f]R5g\ . o;f] s]6fs]6L af]n]sf] v]n]sf] sfg yfk]/ ;'G5g\ k"/f af]lnsf] cfjfh :yfgLo h:tf] nfU5, lab]zL h:tf] s'g} ;+s]t cfpb}g . t/ pgn] a'em\g ;s]gg\ ls of] pd]/sf aRrfnfO ;+/5s ljgf 5f]8\g gkfpg] lgod x'bfx'b} lsg 5f8]/ Tolt nfdf] ;do;Dd kms]{gg\ . clg ;f]R5g\ h'g;'s} ;dfhdf klg Ps b'O{ lgod
Page 10
Ottawa Chautari Year 1 No. 4 April, 2003
10
gdfGg] x'G5g\ t/ o:tfnfO ;r]t u/fOPg eg] logLx?sf] dgf]an a9b} hfG5 / Pslbg 7"nf]] 36gf x'g ;s\b5 . Tof] 36gfsf] lhDd]jf/ d klg x'g' kb{5 . ct: lhDd]jf/ gful/ssf] g}ltstf sfod
/fVg klg d}n] ;+alGwt 7f+pdf vj/ ug'{ kb{5 eGg] yd;gnfO{ nfUof] . of] st{Aoaf6 cfkm" gr's\g] lg0f{o u/L s]6fs]6L;+u s]lx lja/0f lng] pb]Zo lnO{ s]6fs]6L ePlt/ km8\sf] dfb}{ s] lyP s]lx r/f cfP/ glhs}sf] ?vdf a;]sf]n] aLr}af6 r/flt/ nfu] . t/ s]6fs]6L lt/sf] gh/ sfod} /fVb} . r/fsf] kl5 nfUb} pgL s]lx 6f9f k'u] t/ s]6fs]6LnfO cfkmgf] gh/af6 aflx/ kf/]sf lyPgg\ . pgn] x]bf{ x]b}{ olQs}df s]6fs]6Ln] vfgfsf] csf]{ a6\6f vf]n]/ vfgf vf+b} 5g\ .
Ps hgf ldq e]6 x'G5 / s'/f ub}{ kmsG5g\ . olts}df cln glhs cfPkl5 yd;gnfO{ u'Gb|'ssf]] jf;gf cfp5 . PSsf;L pgsf] lha|f]df $%.%) aif{ cl3 vfPsf] u'Gb|'ssf] :jfb tfhf eof] . hlt glhs k'U5g Tolt g} jf;gf a9\b} hfG5 . To;sf] af/]df ;f]Rb} s] lyP s]6fs]6Lsf] cufl8 Pp6f gof df]8]nsf] ef]Nef] sf/ /f]lsPsf] b]V5g\ . c? s;}sf] xf]nf eg]/ vf;} Wofg lbb}gg\ . pgL Psflt/ ;fyL;+u ukm t csf]{ lt/ leqleq} u'Gb|'ssf] af/]df ;f]Rb} 5g\ . km]/L csf]{ k6s s]6fs]6L lt/ x]bf{ t pgLx? ToxL /f]lsPsf] ef]Nef] sf/ r8g\ nfu]sf] b]V5g\ . pgL k'Ug' eGbf klxn] g} sf/ lxl8 xfN5 . s]6fs]6L a;]sf] 7f+pdf k'Ubf t vfgfsf] jf;gf olt rsf]{ cfof] ls u'Gb|'s s]6fs]6Ln] g} vfPsf /x]5g\ eGg] pgnfO nfUof] .
cfh kfs{df g s'g} la?jf lrlgG5 g t s'g} AolSt g} . t/ pgnfO u'Gb|'s egL yfx kfpg ufx|f] ePg pgnfO cfkm" sl/j aL; afO; aif{sf] x'bf g]kfnL kxf8df r}tsf] 3fddf nfdf] psfnf] lx8]/ rf}tf/Lsf j/ kLknsf] 5xf/Ldf a;]/ kL/f] u'Gb|'ssf] crf/ ;+u e'6]sf ds} vfPsf] emnemln ofb cfof] . t/ pgL emg /ge'Nndf k/] sL u'Gb|'s s;/L tL s]6fs]6Lsf] vfgfdf cfof] . pgsf] cg'ejdf u'Gb|'s g]kfn afx]s slx x'b}g eGg] lyof] t/ cfh o;sf] :jflbi7 jf;gfn] of] olt 6f9fsf] kfs{nfO dudu agfof] . s;/L cfof]] eGg]df pQ/ lbg] jl/kl/ st} b]Vb}gg\ . olts}df s]6fs]6L;+u s'/f ug{ egL df/]sf] km8sf] klg cw'/} /xof] . o;/L yd;g;+u cw'/f] km8sf] / cg'Ql/t lh1f;f lnO{, u'Gb|'ssf] :jfbnfO dgsf] lha|f]df /fvL 3/ kms{g' afx]s s]lx afls /x]g .
Music in Nepal: A Commentry of Hits Music
Award-2059 Robin Subba
:ju{sf] vf]hL
/fs]z sfsL {
;u/dfyfsf] 6f]kL yfDg ;lsg
bf}/f ;'?jfn leq c6fpg ;lsg
a'4sf] b[li6n] x]g{ ;lsg
dfbnsf] efvf a'e\mg ;lsg
9'u]+wf/fsf] lr;f]kfgLn] klg
dgleqsf] ltvf{ d]6\g ;lsg
lztn rf}tf/Ldf dfofn';+u
uf+;]sf] dfoflk|lt ;+ufNg ;lsg
afd];b}{ n8La8L v]n]sf]
cfdfsf] sfv e'ln;s]+
;'vb'vdf xf]i6] x}+;] ug]{
ufp+sf ;fyL lal;{;s]+
lt cltt eP ;f/f cltt
s]jn d dfq 5' at{dfg
d]/f] af]nL cs}{ d]/f] 3/ cs}{
s]jn d dfq d]/f] klxrfg
w]/} ;f]r]+ w]/} ljrf/ u/]+
PSn} cfk\mgf] x:t/]vf k9]+
cfh cfkm}nfO{ yfxf 5}g
d :ju{df r9]+ of :ju{af6 em/]+
A Youthful Cry
Sunil Acharya
You take one step forward,
And expect the same from me.
You turn right at the fork in the road,
And I must lay low and follow.
But we stand on separate grounds,
And your choice does not reflect my own.
Rather, I am tilting my head,
Taking a breath, facing the left,
And walking straight.
Lord help me, the tracks are rocky and harsh.
Surviving isn’t easy, all alone in this wilderness.
The dark nights are cold and patient to pass away,
And they give birth only to even more lonely days.
But I cannot quit; I moved my own feet.
I find my strength; I took my own steps.
No time to falter; I will finish this battle.
Understand, turning left may have been foolish.
And replay the scene, I may step right.
But now I got nothing to hide.
I took my own strides
And fought my own fights.
I made my own mistakes,
And drew my own breath.
I cannot follow your footsteps;
I’d rather leave my own imprints.
But I am not to blame; I cannot change this.
Condemn my spirit; it yearns to be free –
To feel the wind under outstretched wings.
Us all have a right to the sky.
Let me go; I’m ready to fly.
Congratulations!!!
With the courtesy of Ottawa Senators
Community Coalition (OSCC), United Way and
OCISO, 30 free tickets were provided to NCAO’s
members for the hockey match between Ottawa
Senator and Minnesota on 4 March 2003.
Kayastha family were photographed during the
match and were featured in OSCC half-page
advertisement on the issues of 5th and 12th
March 2003 Ottawa Citizen. We congratulate
Kayastha family.
Page 11
Ottawa Chautari Year 1 No. 4 April, 2003
11
There has been a rapid growth in the Nepali music
industry since the inception of FM stations. Music
has flourished, Pop song has
taken over Adhunik sangeet
(Modern Nepali songs), many
talents have emerged, there
are growing competitions in
this field. Albums of all genres from folk to native
rock, from Bhajans to Dohoris are being released
every year. A royalty has been established to pay the
artists from the sale of their albums. Big business
organizations are coming up for sponsorships. Many
hidden talents have emerged through these media;
those who were deprived of getting even
a foot step at the doors of Radio Nepal
have made it even bigger. Gone are the
days when aspiring singers and musicians
had to lurk outside Radio Nepal studios
waiting in queue to be summoned for a
live recording. Now you have the choice
of good media platform. Studios are in
ample, you can compose a song, have it
recorded in the latest digital recording
system within weeks and have your album ready for
release. All you need is talent, perseverance and
dedication.
Nepali music lovers once again had an opportunity to
witness the “Hits FM Music Award 2059” at the Birendra
International Convention Centre on 8 February, 2003. This
award is Nepal’s answer to the Grammys of the West. The
award is an incentive to young artists to encourage Nepali
music and to those who have struggled to become a
household name. The award has been categorized in 12
different fields ranging from best vocals to best album.
This year they added yet another two categories to
encourage folk music in the country and one for the Best
song in Foreign Language. Surprisingly the foreign
language was English, and not Hindi! The various awards
awarded in 2059 were as follows:in the country and one
for the Best song in Foreign Language. Surprisingly the
foreign language was English, and not Hindi! The various
awards provided in 2059 were as follows:
CATEGORY SONG WINNER
Best Vocal Collaboration Hukka Hukka Various Artist
Best Song motion Picture Mayaluko Maya Sachin Singh
Best Male Vocal, Pop Aauna Gauna Nima Rumba
Best Female Vocal, Pop Awaz Deu Prashna Shakya
Best Performance by group Pahilo Junima 1974 AD
Best New Artist Pheri Tyo Din Sugam Pokharel
Best Male vocal Janmida Ekalai Karna Das
Best female vocal Choli Ramro Kunti Moktan
Album of the Year Kusum Kunti Moktan
Record of the Year Choli Ramro Kunti Moktan
Song of the Year Del Jaleko Sindhu Rana
Folk Album of the Year Arun Upatyakaka lok suseli Arun Samuha
Folk Record of the Year Sasuralima Badri Pageni
Best song in Foreign Language My love Belongs to You Dimple
Lifetime Achievement award Tara Devi
Page 12
Ottawa Chautari Year 1 No. 4 April, 2003
12
Source: The Nepali Times
Old is gold, that’s how the saying goes. The above
summary table shows that many of the well-established
singers have been winner this time again. The lifetime
achievement award was awarded to Tara Devi for her
contribution to Nepali music. It was Kunti Moktan, who
stole the evening bagging three categories: Best Female
Vocal, Album of the Year and Record of the year. Nima
Rumba has been in the music field for almost 15 years and
his effort and dedication to music was well recognized.
Nonetheless, several young artists have also won different
titles. The best female vocal performance in pop went to
Prashna Shakya for the song “Awaz Deu”. The best new
artist was Sugam Pokharel for his song “Pheri Tyo Din”.
Sugam is one of the hottest male vocalists in today’s
Nepali pop scenario. Channel Nepal plays his songs
frequently. You can call him another phenomenon after
Nabin Bhattarai. The “1974AD” an enormously popular
band won the best performance by group with vocal for
the song “Pahilo Junima”. However, the best song of the
year was “Dil Jaleko” by Sindhu Rana. The best song of
Motion Picture Soundtrack went to Sachin Singh for the
song “Mayaluko Maya Mitho” from the film “Super Star”.
This time, the best song in Foreign Language was won by
Dimple for the song “My Love Belong to You.”
.
k|jf;Lx?sf] cfTdLotfdf g]kfnL efiff
cfzf e08f/L af]x/f
Effiff ;+rf/ dfWodsf] ;fy} ;d'bfosf] Pp6f klxrfg
klg xf] . dflg; ;+;f/sf]
h'g;'s} s'gfdf a;] klg
pgLx?n] cfkm\gf] efiff /
;+:s[ltnfO{ r6Ss} lj;{g
;Sb}gg\ . ;+;f/df cg]sf}+
efiffx? 5g\; cg]sf}+
;d'bfox? 5g\. Pp6f ;d'bfo
csf]{ ;d'bfo;+u slt glhs
5 eGg] s'/f pgLx?sf] efiff / ;+:s[lt slt ldNbf h'Nbf
5g\ eGg] s'/fdf klg e/ kb{5 .
;+;f/df g]kfnL efiffnfO{ cjnDag ug]{ ;d'bfo cGo
efiff efifLx?sf] t'ngfdf lgs} ;fgf] 5, To;df klg
Sofg8f / cem c6jfdf . g]kfnL ;d'bfosf] cys
k|of;df ut ;]K6]Da/b]lv c6jfdf cGt/fli6«o efiffsf
?kdf g]kfnL efiffsf] sIff ;+rfng x'g' xfdL ;a}
g]kfnLsf nflu uf}/a / xif{sf] s'/f xf] . ljb]zdf a;]/
klg g]kfnL efiff l;Sg-l;sfpg kfpg' Pp6f ;'vb
cg'e"lt xf] . ljleGg b]zaf6 Sofg8fdf k|jf;df /x]sf
cg]sf}+ ;d'bfox?n] cf-cfkm\gf efiffx?nfO{ hLjGt /fVg
k|of;/t /x]sf] kl/k|]Iodf xfdLn] klg cfkm\gf] efiffsf]
hu]gf{ / klxrfg sfod /fVg vf]Hg'nfO{ Pp6f ;sf/fTds
sbdsf] ?kdf lng'kb{5 . ;Lldt ;fwg / ;|f]taf6 eP
klg g]kfnL efiffsf] sIff ;+rfng x'g' ;a} g]kfnLx?sf
nflu v'zLsf] s'/f xf] / o; sfo{df ;+nUg ;a} g]kfnLx?
/ ljz]if u/L ;d'bfosf ;lqmo ;b:ox?sf] ;xof]u /
nugzLntf ;/fxgLo 5 . sIff ;+rfngsf] l:js[lt Pj+
cGo ;sf/fTds ;xof]u k|bfg u/]sf]df c6jf sfn]{6g
l8l:6«S6 :s"n af]8{sf] O{6/g]zgn Nof‹j]h slG6Go'O‹
Ph's]zg sfo{qmdnfO{ klg wGojfb glbO{ /xg ;lsb}g .
g]kfnL efiff sIff ;+rfngsf] cfkm\g} dxŒj /
cfjZostf klg 5 . k|ydtM, o;n] g]kfnL ;d'bfosf]
klxrfg sfod /fVb5
. bf]>f] s'/f, g]kfnL
afn-aflnsfx?n]
Sofg8fsf] Ao:t
Nari Jagat (Women’s world)
Project Village Net Julia Retson?
In the valley of Kathmandu, there is an orphanage that is
run by Child Haven International that supports 150
children as well as 15 disadvantaged women. This
orphanage has a small computer center with five
computers, which is available to the older children of the
orphanage. Additionally, computer skills courses are
offered to people of the local community for a small fee.
Due to the overwhelming response from the local
community, Child Haven International would like to
expand the computer center by adding five more
computers into the same room. This initiative has been
taken up by Engineers “Without Borders”, a Canadian
NGO whose goal is to help people to gain access to
technology they require to improve their lives. A project
Village Net was started by the local Carleton University
(in Ottawa) chapter with the goal of providing the
additional computers, equipment and course curriculum to
enhance the skills and capabilities of the local community.
Village Net is in its development phase requiring
donations of computer hardware and monetary funds and
the development of supplemental course curriculum. If this
project is successful, the orphanage will have the new
computers and course material by the next Dashain in
October 2003. For more information on “Village Net” or
“Engineers Without Borders” feel free to contact Rae-
Anne Moss at [email protected] or visit the webster at
http://www.ewb.ca/villagenet.
Page 13
Ottawa Chautari Year 1 No. 4 April, 2003
13
hLjg z}nLdf s]lx ;dos} nflu eP klg cfkm\gf] d"n
b]zsf] efiff, snf, wd{, ;+:s[lt ;DaGwL 1fg / cfk;df
e]63f6 ug]{ cj;/ k|fKt ub{5g\ . Pp6f csf]{ dxŒjk "0f{
s'/f xf] – ha oL afn-aflnsf g]kfn hfbf cfkm\gf
xh"/a'jf, xh"/cfdf, gftf-s'6'Da / g]kfnLsf dfemdf b'O{
zAb eP klg g]kfnLd} af]Ng] 5g\, cfkm\gf cg'ej a‘f8 \g]
5g\, clg dfq cflTdotf / ;fldKotfsf] cnf}lss cfgGb
k|flKtsf] cg'e"lt x'g] 5 .
xfdL go‘f jftfj/0f / go‘f hLjg z}nLdf Ao:t
/xgvf]Hbf klg cfkm\gf] efiff / ;+:s[ltn] xfdLnfO{ ;w}
g} k5\ofO{/x]sf] x'G5,- r]tgdf xf]; of cr]tgdf . b]z,
sfn kl/l:yltn] ubf{ xfdLn] cfkm"nfO{ cg]sf}+ s'/fdf
abNg' kg]{ ckl/xfo{ x'g ;S5; t/ Pp6f g]kfnLn] csf]{
g]kfnL;+u e]6\bf, s'/f ubf{ g]kfnLdf af]Ng ;S5f}+ ! 3/
kl/jf/df s'/fsfgL ubf{, b'Mv ;'v kf]Vbf t g]kfnLdf
eGg ;S5f}+ ! o;sf nflu b]z, sfn, jftfj/0fn]
xfdLnfO{ lgZro klg ck7\of/f] kfb}{g / of] xfd|f]
g};lu{s clwsf/ klg xf] . xfdLn] 3/ kl/jf/df cffkm\gf]
dft[ efiff k|of]u ub}{df c+u|]hL, k|m]Gr jf cGo ljb]zL
efiffsf] bvndf c;/ knf{ egL 8/fpg' pko'Qm x'b}g .
cGo b]zsf ljleGg efiff af]Ng]x? klg ox‘f aiff}{b]lv
a:b} cfPsf 5g\ t/ klg pgLx? cfkm\gf] klxrfg
sfod /fVg, 3/kl/jf/ / cfkmGtx?;+u cfkm\g} efiff
af]N5g\; cfkm\gf] lrgf/L sfod} /fv]sf 5g\ . xfdL klg
lsg g/fVg] cfkm\gf] efiff… cfkm\gf] lrgf/L <
xfdLnfO{ s'g} 3/fo;L ck7\of/f] kb}{g eg], ;Dej
eP;Dd, xfdL cfkm\gf] kl/jf/df, cfkm\gf g]kfnL ;fyL
efOx?;+u g]kfnLdf clejfbg u/f}+, s'/fsfgL u/f}+, clg
dfq xfdLn] xfd|f] efiffsf] nflu ;+rfng u/]sf]
zlgjf;/Lo c9fO{ 306] g]kfnL sIff cem ;fy{s /
;jn x'g ;S5 eGg'df cltzof]lQm gxf]nf .
What I learned in Ottawa? Tara Upreti
Recently, I arrived in Canada. A few days after being
here, I turned on the television. Almost every channel
showed a game that women played on ice. I later
discovered it was called hockey. It interested me very
much, so I asked the friends (house mates) Ken and Betty
Anne, “How I can learn to play this game?”
They advised me to buy skates and practice skating first.
So I bought skates, went to an outdoor rink, and put my
skates on slowly. I couldn't even walk; I fell down many
times. Then some children came by and told me, “Bend
your knees, stand up straight and move forward.” As I
followed them, I started to skate. After a couple of weeks,
I figured that I was ready for the Rideau Canal. I have
now skated the whole length of the canal; and I am almost
ready for the Olympics! Now I realize “There is nothing
more Canadian than hockey.” I know the rules and regulations of hockey. I think all our
members and children should play on ice. It gives physical
fitness as well as mental joy.
An Unforgettable Journey to Japan
Chiju Gautam
On 11th
December 2002,
my children saw me off at
Ottawa
airport
and then
I
departe
d for
one
month’s
trip to
Japan.
Accordi
ng to
my
schedul
e, I was
suppose
d to fly
to
Vancou
ver to
Tokyo
and then
finally
to
Sapporo
.
I took
Air
Canada’
s flight
to
Vancou
ver. Just
half an
hour
before
landing
Kitchen Corner
Recipe for ALOO DAM
Tulsi Rai
Aloo Dum is a typical Nepalese dish. It is easy to cook,
serve and very delicious. In old Nepalese tongue is
called “Aloodum Chana” but nowadays. We call it just
“Aloo Dum”. It is very common in Nepal and gaining
popularity in Nepalese communities in elsewhere.
Ingredients: 1. Potato: 2.5 lbs.
2. Cooking oil:5 dinner spoon
3. Chilli powder: 1 tea spoonful
4. Tomato: 3 medium piece
5. Onion: 1 big piece
6. Methi seed (fenugreek):1/3 tea spoon
7. Salt: 1 tea spoon
8. Turmeric powder: ½ tea spoon
9. Food colour ½ tea spoon (optional)
10. Green coriander (Dhania): 2-3 plants
Preparation: 1. Boil potatoes until fully cooked and cut
each into four pieces.
2. Chop tomato and onion in blender to make
a sauce.
3. Mix the tomato and onion sauce with chilli
powder, turmeric powder, salt and food
colour in a bowl.
4. Chop 2 too 3 pieces of green coriander.
Cooking and Serving: 1. Heat oil on a fry pan close to boiling point.
2. Fry Methi seeds for few seconds.
3. Fry the mixed masala sauce for 2-3
minutes.
4. Put potato pieces and mix thoroughly.
5. Put Aloo Dum in the serving plate and
spread the chopped Dhania pieces on top.
Have a delicious taste of Aloo Dum!
Page 14
Ottawa Chautari Year 1 No. 4 April, 2003
14
in Vancouver, the pilot announced that the computer
system had shown an error in the plane. The pilot also
stated the crew was going to do its best for safety.
Immediately, airhostesses gave instructions seriously on
how to get out of the plane in case of emergency landing.
Everybody looked stunned. I was sitting next to an old
man, probably about seventy years old. He motivated me
to be brave and not to worry. Based on his past
experiences, he was confident that nothing was going to
happen. He gently held my sweaty hand. The flight
provided us the telephone facility to call our families. Lots
of passenger called their families and started to cry. That
moment reminded of my father who had just passed away
just 21 days ago, on 20th
November 2002. I was still
mourning for his death. That moment was miserable. In
despair, I also looked on the bright side with the feeling
that I would be able to meet my dead father.
Fortunately the plane landed safely on Vancouver, and
everyone was relieved. There were about hundred fire
fighters, ambulances and police cars near the landing spot.
All the planes that were taking off and landing stopped to
provide enough space for our plane. When we were out of
the plane, there were many media reporters waiting to ask
our feelings. Anyway, I survived from that horrifying
experience.
I flew from Vancouver to Tokyo as scheduled to meet my
husband in Narita airport, who had just been back from a
conference in India. We were very happy to meet each
other after two long months. We stayed in Tokyo for few
days and then flew together to Sapporo. While in Japan, I
was very happy to learn about Japanese culture, food and
their living style in that short time interval. I had a relaxing
time accompanied by series of parties. I thought it was
never going to end, but unfortunately time came to kiss my
husband and say goodbye.
On my way back to Ottawa, my flight was delayed by
three hours in Vancouver. Because of loneliness in the
waiting, I felt that those three hours were longer than the
time I spent in Japan. One month later, I received a letter
of apology from Air Canada for the inconvenience the
delayed flight has created with a bonus of 2500 air points
as a compliment. However, I have not heard anything yet
for the breathless moment that was created due to Air
Canada’s erroneous computer system on my way to Japan.
Small Thing Can Make a Difference Michael J. Casey
Are you familiar with the term Anglophile? It refers to
someone who is an ardent admirer of English culture.
Similarly, a Francophile is one who admires French
culture. So too we can have a Nepaliphile - one who
admires the Nepali culture. I guess that I would fit into
that category – or at least be a novice Nepaliphile. I think I
prefer the simpler term though – a friend of Nepal. I
would like to think of myself as just that – a friend of
Nepal. In this of course, I am not alone. Throughout the
world there are hundreds of thousands of people who, like
me, have had the good fortune to visit Nepal, become
somehow entranced by the country and its people and so
return again and again. We are all Friends of Nepal. Here
in Ottawa I suspect there are many other Friends of Nepal.
I know a few without even setting out to look for them.
One thing we friends have in common is an abiding
passion for Nepal, the country and its people. We may
have all gone there the first time to visit the mountains but
it is often the indomitable spirit of the Nepalese people
that pulls us back.
My wife and I have been very fortunate to have visited
Nepal a number of times. Over this time we have come to
meet and get to know well several Nepalese people whom
we now consider close friends. Whenever I travel to Nepal
to go trekking I travel with my friend Mahendra. We have
known each other for some years now and through many
visits he has come to know my wife, my daughter and her
fiancé. This coming October he will get to meet my son
James as he and I travel to Nepal to celebrate his
graduation from college.
Our family now knows Mahendra and his family well. We
have been there in sad times for the passing of his father
and the good times such as the birth of his son and we
have joined his family to celebrate the Dashain and Tihar
festivals together.
A few years ago we were in a position to help Mahendra
start his own trekking business in Pokhara, open up a shop
in the Lakeside and develop a Web presence
(www.holidaytrekking.com). In the beginning the business
was slow but it began to grow and things started to look
promising. With some of the revenue from the trekking
business we have been able to purchase sports equipment
for the small public school in Sarangkot.
The events of the last year and a half however have
brought the tourism business in Nepal to an almost
standstill as tourists, whether worried about global
terrorism or the unstable political situation in Nepal, have
stayed away in droves. This has had a devastating effect
upon those people who have come to rely on the steady
stream of tourists to make a living. This was particularly
obvious last fall. In October, in the Annapurna region, it
was common to be the only guest in a guesthouse. Some
hotels had closed completely.
Friends of Nepal
Announcement We are pleased to announce that
limited advertisements can be
sponsored in this Newsletter from
the next issue. Interested firms
individuals and business men are
requested to contact us.
Thank you.
Page 15
Ottawa Chautari Year 1 No. 4 April, 2003
15
This situation was sad enough for the hotel and guesthouse
owners but was particularly hard on the craft workers who
relied on the walk-by trade to sell their wares. With no
stream of tourists walking by, the opportunity to sell had
vanished and with it the opportunity to earn some well
needed cash. In many cases these women had wonderful
items to sell, beautiful hand loomed shawls in magnificent
colours and designs, made with remarkable workmanship.
But with no means to sell what they had made they were
in a desperate situation. My wife and I decided to see if
there wasn’t something we could do to help this situation
upon our return to Canada. If the buyers are not coming to
Nepal, then we have to bring Nepal to the buyers. We are
now researching the possibility of opening a business to
import handicrafts from Nepal to sell in various locations
across Canada.
I am told there is a recurring debate in the development
business between those who believe in big mega projects
like dam and highway building and those who favour the
small, local, micro development projects such as
refurbishing a school, repairing a reservoir or building a
cooperative. There is probably a place for both types of
projects, although the mega projects can often have a
devastating effect upon the environment and upset the
local culture. Personally, I am firmly in the micro camp
myself. For what is a modest investment by Canadian
standards, one can make a significant difference to a small
community.
While in Sarangkot last October a met a man from the
Dutch city of Zutphen. He was there to help repair the
village reservoir which was no longer functioning. His
hometown had a wonderful policy of setting aside each
year 1 Dutch Guilder for each citizen of Zutphen to be
invested in a development project somewhere in the
world. My new friend Hank was successful in petitioning
the committee for a small fund to help reconstruct the
reservoir in Sarangkot and so, there he was, working away
alongside the people of Sarangkot making a difference. I
find this kind of action inspiring.
So a small group of people can in fact often make a
difference, sometimes a significant difference. I think all
the Friends of Nepal strive in some small way to do
something like this. Perhaps in Ottawa there are enough to
make a difference.
A Home in Nepal Adarsh Mehta
Stepping off the plane in Kathmandu, feelings of awe and
excitement were twisted around tension, and nervousness
was fused with fatigue. The kind Nepalese passengers
sitting next to me on the plane were returning home, but
selflessly put aside their excitement to guide me through
the airport. We had kept each other entertained on the
plane and had formed a brief bond of friendship – to the
best of my knowledge I told them about Child Haven
International, a home for formerly destitute children just
outside of Kathmandu where I would be spending the next
four months, while they had described the wonders I
would behold in their beautiful country. I was touched by
their kindness and inspired by the way they talked of their
country with so much love.
A volunteer from the Child Haven home met me outside
the airport and I gladly put myself in her charge: in a few
minutes my luggage was loaded into a cab and we were on
our way to the home. The ride to the Child Haven home
was a flash of varied scenes, most of them completely new
to me. As we approached the gates of the home, my
nervousness grew. What have I got myself into? How will
I survive in such a remote place?
In an instant, I was surrounded by a crowd of happy
children, eager to greet a new volunteer. With the children
in tow, some of whom were holding my hands, I was
guided around the home by the volunteer who came to
collect me. We would be sharing a room for the next three
months until she left. Within five minutes, I relaxed with
the warmth of the children’s welcome. I was surrounded
by instant love. An immediate bond was established
between the children and me. This will be my home in
Nepal.
The comforts at my new home were basic, but I didn’t
miss the comforts of my home in Canada. These were
replaced by the attention and love of the children and a
busy daily schedule. The day started with an exercise
routine at 6:00 am, followed by tuition, then breakfast at
9:00 am. The younger children attended school at the
home while the older children took the bus to Bhaktapur
English Medium School. There was a break in the school
day for tiffin, and time to play after school, but this was
followed by more tuition. By the time dinner (at 8:00 pm)
was finished and the dining hall cleared, we all retired to
our rooms and called it a night.
The Child Haven home in Nepal was established in the
early 90’s in Bhaktapur. The rented home became quite
full, so a couple of years ago, a new home was built in Aru
Bari, near Boudha, and all of the children moved to the
new location. Bonnie Cappuccino, the international
director, leaves her home in Canada to make quarterly
visits to this home as well as to the homes in India, Tibet
and Bangladesh. The homes successfully incorporate
Gandhian principles of simple living, equality of gender,
no regard for caste, acceptance and support of all religions
and non-violence. The food in all homes (except for the
Tibet home) is vegetarian, following the principles of
simple living and non-violence. The children are cared for
by local staff and taught by local teachers. Some of the
children may have a parent, but they all come from
destitute situations.
Page 16
Ottawa Chautari Year 1 No. 4 April, 2003
16
Nepalese girls in a remote village
The home in Nepal has around 150 children and a dozen or
so caregivers, most of whom also come from troubled
situations. My duties as a volunteer were looking after the
children directly, teaching one class, providing morning
and evening tuition, helping the caregivers in the kitchen
and with daily chores and working in the office with the
local manager and administrative assistant on any
administrative matters that needed attention. I had a day
off each week to recover from the busy days preceding and
to take care of personal errands, but by the end of the day,
I missed the children and was happy to come home to be
surrounded by the people I loved. On Saturdays, the
children’s day off from school, we went for a walk to a
temple (either to Gokurna or Pashupathi) or a monastery
(Fulbari, Kopan or Boudha).
I went to Nepal thinking that I would help the children at
the Child Haven home. But the truth is, they taught me
many things that no one else has been able to teach me.
They taught me to let go of material things. They taught
me how to have fun and how to laugh. They taught me
how to survive and be completely content with basic
comforts. They looked after me when I was sick just as I
looked after them when they were sick. They listened to
my stories and I listened to theirs. We became family: their
home became my home too. When I was away, even for a
few hours, I missed them. When I returned, they welcomed
me back. I miss my family in Nepal, and I will return to
their open arms one day.
Page 17
Ottawa Chautari Year 1 No. 4 April, 2003
17
An update from Canada Nepal Friendship Association (CNFA)
Pawan Agrawal,
On behalf of CNFA
The CNFA, a non-profit
organization was established
in 1990 to foster better
relations between Canada and
Nepal. For the next seven
years, the CNFA played an
active role in the community and served as a link between
Canadian and Nepali families, contributed to medical
projects in Nepal, organized social and cultural events in
Ottawa, and acted as a source of information on Nepal and
related subjects. However due to reduced participation and
interest in CNFA activities, the 1997 AGM decided to
declare the CNFA inactive for an interim period until a
membership survey is completed to seek opinions on the
future directions of the CNFA. As a result of the survey,
the board has decided to formally dissolve the CNFA.
Although it is very sad to see that the beautiful chapter on
CNFA is coming to an end, I am sure that the former
members, volunteers and sponsors of CNFA must be very
proud of their collective efforts in making the above
achievements possible in such a short time. They can also
take a satisfaction in that the CNFA is now in a position to
pass the torch to the NCAO, a newly emerged organization
with goals and commitments very similar to its own. In
order to support the NCAO’s community programs, the
CNFA has recently decided to provide a cash grant of
$1,500 (from its total balance of $3,170) to NCAO. As
recommended by the membership previously, the board
has also decided to donate the remaining money ($1,670)
to Remote Area Medical Canada for operating a medical
camp in Manang district of Nepal. Finally, on behalf of
CNFA, I would like to thank all former members,
volunteers and sponsors for their contribution to CNFA
activities. Please feel free to contact me by phone (613
823-0488) or e-mail ([email protected] ), if you have
any questions or comments on the above CNFA issues.
Join the NCAO and be a Part of a Dynamic Community Organization The Nepalese Canadian Association of Ottawa (NCAO) is a registered non-profit organization established to foster mutual
respect and cooperation among Nepalese and individuals or organizations of similar objectives and interests. The NCAO
is also actively involved in promoting awareness of Nepalese arts, culture, language and tradition, and assisting Nepalese
newcomers in Ottawa.
The membership to NCAO is open to everyone who has an interest in Nepal and Nepali culture. The members receive
discounts on ticket prices of NCAO events, and a subscription to Ottawa Chautari, the NCAO newsletter. The annual
membership fee is $15 for a single, $25 for a family and $10 for a student. Please mail the completed application form
below along with the membership fee to: Treasurer, NCAO, c/o Ram Acharya, 36 Rodeo Drive, Ottawa, ON K2J 4Z5.
For additional information, please call Ram Acharya at (613) 823-8468 or Indra Chhetri at (613) 565-0770
- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- cut here and mail the application -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -
Nepalese Canadian Association of Ottawa
Membership Application Name: (Mr./Mrs./Ms.) ___________________ _________________________
(First Name) (Family Name)
Mailing Address: _______________________________ _______________
(Street Address) (Apartment Number)
____________________ ________ _______________
(City) (Province) (Postal Code)
Telephone: ________________________ __________________________
(Home) (Work, optional)
E-mail Address: __________________________________
Preferred mode of communication: E-mail [ ] Regular Mail: [ ]
Additional information for family members
Name of the additional family members Date of Birth (optional) Relationship