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The Nepal Digest Wednesday 9 Nov 94: Kartik 23 2051 BkSm Volume 33 Issue 6
Today's Topics are:
1. KURA_KANI: Education - Re: Education et. al.
Social - Re: Women in Hinduism
Religion - Re: Entry in Pasupatinath
Re: Christianity in Nepal
2. TAJA_KHABAR: News From Nepal
3. JAN_KARI: Nepali novels?
Himalayan Conference
*****************************************************************************
* TND Board of Staff *
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* +++++ Food For Thought +++++ *
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* "Democracy perishes among the silent crowd" - Sirdar_RJS_Khalifa *
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***********************************************************************
Date: Mon, 7 Nov 1994 13:08:25 -0500
To: nepal@cs.niu.edu
Subject: Questions on Nepali novels
From: KARMAS01@TIGGER.STCLOUD.MSUS.EDU
Namaste!
I have few questions about Nepali novels traslated to English.
1. Are there any Nepali novels translated to English besides " Wake of the
White Tiger" ? (Is that the right title ?)
2. Has any other Novel of Diamond S JBR translated to English ?
3. How many novels has Diamond SJBR written ? ( As far as I remember,
he has written Basanti, Seto Bagh, and Anita.) Are there more ?
4. Any info about Diamond Shumsher JBR ?
I would really appreciate any response (partial or otherwise).
Thanks in Advance
Sagun Karmacharya
**************************************************************************
Date: Mon, 7 Nov 1994 13:09:54 -0500
To: nepal@cs.niu.edu
From: pant arun dev <pant@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu>
Subject: Education, et al...
(It's good to see the recent positive, issue oriented tilt of the newsgroup)
What started out as an exposition of a particular school's
characteristics has turned into a lively debate about educational worth
in general. The issue seems to have boiled down to equity in use of
educational resource within the socio-economic framework.
What I see is Catch 22 scenario. It is imperative to provide
general education for all but at the same time there should be
opportunities to exploit inherrent talent to the fullest. By allocating
all resource to basic education, the country may begin to lag behind in
trying to survive and gain opportunities from a fast developing,
technology oriented world. However,by subsidising few 'elitist' schools,
the government may be held accountable for social injustice.
Despite the maxim ' greatest good for the greatest number' I hold
the view that there should be a balanced approach to development of
educational facilities. In other words, concept of 'quality education'
may be at odds with purely economic reasoning (though it would be
interesting to see someone with sound economic background attempting to
evaluate marginal utility of resources invested into BKS from a social
viewpoint).----- It does not mean that BKS is an example of this balanced
approach. Nevertheless, one must accept the fact that its very existense
has become its "raison d'etre". It may not have been a wise investment
from the part of the government but handing it to private developers will
not simply will the problem away. Unlike comparisons made with the
leading schools in the west that can afford to charge enough tuition to
maintain themselves, BKS cannot run at its present level of relative
academic excellence and at the same time be a profitable private venture
(Unless some convoluted 'donation' schemes come to play - hardly
mitigating the problem at hand).
********************************************************************
Date: Mon, 7 Nov 1994 13:12:39 -0500
To: nepal@cs.niu.edu
Subject: Education, et al...
From: tiwari@fas.harvard.edu (Ashutosh Tiwari)
pant arun dev <pant@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu> writes:
> What I see is Catch 22 scenario. It is imperative to provide
>general education for all but at the same time there should be
>opportunities to exploit inherrent talent to the fullest.
Yes, but why not let the private sector have the "opportunities to exploit
[the] inherent talents to the fullest"? As it is, there are many private
schools that are producing quality-graduates anyway. Isn't it IMPRACTICAL
for the government to DUPLICATE the work of the private sector?
>By allocating
>all resource to basic education, the country may begin to lag behind in
>trying to survive and gain opportunities from a fast developing,
>technology oriented world. However,by subsidising few 'elitist' schools,
>the government may be held accountable for social injustice.
Yes, to make sure that "country [does not] lag behind . . . [in this]
fast developing, technology-oriented world" is to make the PRIVATE SECTOR
the engine of economic growth.
> Despite the maxim ' greatest good for the greatest number' I hold
>the view that there should be a balanced approach to development of
>educational facilities.
"Balanced approach" is fine. But just WHAT is it?
In other words, concept of 'quality education'
>may be at odds with purely economic reasoning (though it would be
>interesting to see someone with sound economic background attempting to
>evaluate marginal utility of resources invested into BKS from a social
>viewpoint).-----
I do not see how the concept of 'quality education' MAY BE at odds with
purely economic reasoning. The main issue here is HOW to INVEST foreign aid
to have HIGHER educational returns; is 10 BKS grads a year is enough, or
could the country get more by wisely allocating the same amount of capital?
That's the question we've been trying to answer . . .
>Unlike comparisons made with the
>leading schools in the west that can afford to charge enough tuition to
>maintain themselves, BKS cannot run at its present level of relative
>academic excellence and at the same time be a profitable private venture
>(Unless some convoluted 'donation' schemes come to play - hardly
>mitigating the problem at hand).
With all due respect, I beg to differ with you. There are ways to privatize
schools such costly schools; some ways are better than others. Examples
abound all over the world.
In any case, I am not saying that turning the school into private hands would make it better or even
profitable; but simply that the RESOURCES of the state would be free to be
spent on other needed ventures. As a citizen, what BKS does is not my
immediate concern; but what Nepal government does, is. And I do not like
Nepal government meddling foreign aid on one school, when, there're other
pressing needs of the society.
namaste
ashu
**********************************************************************
Date: 7 Nov 1994 15:23:17 U
From: "Arun Shrestha" <Arun_Shrestha@grg.unh.edu>
Subject: News
To: "TND " <NEPAL@cs.niu.edu>
3 KILLED IN DANG FIRING
(The Kathmandu Post, Nov 7, 1994)
Kathmandu - Two more CPN (UML) supporters died of bullet wounds here sunday,
bringing the death toll in the November 3 Dang shooting incident to three.
Pushpa Ghimire and Krishna Bahadur Chaudhary, who were earlier airlifted to
the capital from Nepalgunj succumbed to bullet injuries Saturday. The UML
held a condolence meeting at the Open Theatre in central Kathmandu Sunday
where the bodies of the deceased were laid for those who wished to pay their
last respects.
One UML activist, Narayan Chaudhary was killed on the spot, 27 others were
injured, 12 with bullet wounds in Bijauri, Dang where police opened fire at
a group of communist supporters on November 3.
The police were attempting to block a march by UML activists to the local NC
office following a violent incident between supporters of the two parties on
the previous day.
One NC activist died of injuries when he was beaten by unidentified assailants
on October 27, also in Dang.
Meanwhile, seven seriously wounded persons from among the 12 who sustained
bullet injuries have been brought to the capital for medical treatment.
According to a despatch from Nepalgunj, the superintendent of the zonal
hospital Dr Durga Pradhan said the seven were referred to Kathmandu because
doctors there were unable to remove the bullets lodged in their bodies.
What happened:
The build-up to the incident began on November 2, when supporters of CPN (UML)
allegedly pelted ruling Nepali Congress rally in nearby village of Lamsoti in
Dang's No.3 constituency.
In retalliation, NC supporters also allegedly pelted the local UML office.
On November 3, a group of UML supporters led by party candidate Shankar
Pokharel, former UML MP Shivaraj Gautam and local leader Shrimani Acharya
marched towards the local NC office but were blocked by the police.
Police DSP Surya Dhoj Khand, who was there, said he tried in vain to stop the
march from reaching the NC office but UML supporters were adamant and unruly.
He said the police first resorted to lathi charge, then fired tear gas shells
to disband the crowd. "At that moment, a stone hit me on the head and I fell
unconsious. I later came to know that policemen had fired the crowd."
DSP Khand maintained that his force had resorted to firing only as a last
measure. The shooting instantly claimed the life of Narayan Chaudhary, a UML
supporter, and seriously wounded a number of others.
But ex-UML MP Shivaraj Gautam who is undergoing treatment in Kathmandu said
Sunday that NC supporters from the NC office started pelting UML cadres, even
while the police were trying to restrain the marchers.
"They were the first to fire weapons and a number of pellets struck our
supporters," he said. Gautam alleged that Minister for Works and Transport
Khum Bahadur Khadka was inside the NC office and was responsible for inciting
the shooting.
However, Minister Khadka told our Nepalgunj reporter that he was not present
at the site and was away at his in-laws place when the shooting began.
Meanwhile, NC Dang unit president Gehendra Giri accused UML leaders Shivaraj
Gautam and Giriraj KC of shooting Nepal Student's Union central member Kumar
Lamichhaney and supporters Basanta KC and Manoj Rajauria who are reported as
injured.
UML held a condolence meeting for Narayan Chaudhary in Tribhuvannagar, Dang
on November 5 where they lambasted the government for the shooting. RPP
members spoke at the meeting.
Five election related deaths have been confirmed by now, in the run up to
the November 15 mid-term polls.
___________________
Editorial in VISHWOBHOOMI on Dang Firing
(Nov 7, 1994)
Three persons were killed in the mid-poll related two-day fighting in Dang.
Conditions of other injured persons are also serious. The incident has become
more serious because of the new reports which claim that the firing was not
opened by the police but by the NC activists. The reports of the involvement
of a minister in this incident has aggrevated to make the situation more
grave. Before this incident, there were reports of election related three
deaths. The election related voilences have clearly indicated that the forth-
coming election will not be peaceful. Voilence has already gripped 3-4
districts. It is difficult to say that it will not have subsequent
counter-effects in other districts. As far as Dang incident is concerned,
it has been evident that the activists of the ruling party have used arms.
Furthermore, a present minister and his sidekicks have opened fire. The present
minister is chaired only for conducting the election peacefully and fairly.
If the responsible persons like the ministers and his accomplices come down
to the arena of voilence, it would be futile to hope that others will try to
restore peace. At last, it is not possible to clap with one hand.
_______________________
GANESHMAN'S 80th BIRTHDAY
(The Kathmandu Post, Nov 7, 1994)
Kathmandu (RSS) - 'Nepal Rastriya Abhinandan Samiti' (National Felicitations
Committee) felicitated Ganesh Man Singh, who has been honoured with the
International Human Rights Award, on the occasion of his 8oth birthday at his
residence in Chhetrapati Sunday.
_______________________
HEADLINES FROM THE KATHMANDU POST (Nov 7, 1994)
"UML to keep very good ties with India"
PM denies backing rebel candidates
NSP charges NC on code of conduct
**********************************************************************
Date: Mon, 7 Nov 1994 14:10:38 -0800
To: NEPAL@cs.niu.edu
From: bhushan@Tanner.COM (Bhushan Mudbhary)
Subject: Entry to Pashupati Nath temple
Sorry folks, but I maintain that "no Hindu, no Enter" policy for Pashupati
to be quite valid. Of course I am a pundit, no pun intended. You ever walk
into a Catholic church with your "tikas" and tried to get summa that
comunion action. No dice bro, it's a pope thang. And if you aint in with
the crowd in tha Vatican, no eatin on ol' Jesus' blood and flesh.
And how 'bout them Muslim brothers. Ya'l ever want to do the Mecca. I am
sure the Saudis would understand.
Come on! Why do you care to "participate" in other peoples' relegion. If it
is some global understanding you are after, try humanity, it has worked
well for me. Religion are by defintion an almost private club.
And about Pasupathi, why do non-hindus want to enter anyway. Idle
curisoity..most likely. Don't tell me that you seek lord Shiva, I don't,
and if I did I sure has hell wouldn't go to a temple to find him. Examine
your beliefs if you feel left out.
Pasupathinath is a place of worship, for folks like my grandmother, who in
her own simple way gives existence to all 33 million Hindy dieites daily,
let her worship without you bothering her.
Bhushan
**************************************************************************
Date: Mon, 07 Nov 1994 11:43:10 CST
To: a10rjs1@cs.niu.edu
From: sbshah@gumbo.bae.lsu.edu (Sanjay B. Shah)
Subject: Re-edited Re: Christianity in Nepal
With regard to Mr.Leal's commentary regarding Christianity in Nepal,
following are my comments. There was very little that I experienced personally.
Most of it, I gathered second hand during conversations with friends.
(1) The spread of christianity is more pronounced in the eastern region of Nepal
(2) Contrary to what Mr. Leal heard, foreigners might be involved -
mainly ethnic Nepalese settled in NE India.I do not know whether they are
acting independently or otherwise.
(3) Incentives are offered in many cases.
I have experienced much of this first hand in India, where I did most of my
schooling in a Jesuit school(St. Michael's, Patna).There were subtle pressures.
I do not think that happened in St. Mary's in Nepal, at that time,
Nepalese authorities were very strongly opposed to conversions, even voluntary
When I was younger, I felt bad when people abandoned their traditional religion
for whatever reasons.Now I feel that the Hindus need to put their own house in
order. A desperate man will clutch at any support he gets to meet his family's
needs.Spiritulism does not fill an empty stomach or restore a man's dignity.
This happened of all the places,in the US. Afro-Americans converted to Islam,
because they hoped, as muslims they would be able to lead dignified lives.
Sanjay B. Shah
sbshah@gumbo.bae.lsu.edu
**********************************************************************
Date: Mon, 7 Nov 1994 19:13 EST
From: ATULADHAR@vax.clarku.edu
Subject: HIM Net news on Nepal
To: nepal@cs.niu.edu
Source: IN%"HimNet@erdw.ethz.ch" 31-OCT-1994 09:06:29.47
#03 Conference Information - Himalayan/Tibetan Plateau Paleoclimate
Workshop
From: Cameron Wake (c_wake@unh.edu)
FIRST CIRCULAR
International Himalayan/Tibetan Plateau Paleoclimate Workshop
2-7 April, 1995
Kathmandu, Nepal
Sponsored by the US National Science Foundation and IGBP - PAGES
Organized by:
Paul Mayewski and Cameron Wake, Glacier Research Group, Institute for the
Study of Earth, Oceans and Space, University of New Hampshire; & Sharad
Adhikary, Himalayan Climate Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
Background:
The highlands of central Asia possess a diversity of natural
archives and historical records from which detailed paleoclimatic records
can be developed (e.g., lake sediments, loess, tree rings, ice cores,
glacier fluctuations, geomorphologic features). Despite this potential,
relatively little is known concerning climatic changes in the region over
time scales ranging from centuries to hundreds of thousands of years. This
is especially significant given the critical role that the highlands of
central Asia play in the development and intensity of the Asian monsoon,
and the importance of the Asian summer monsoon in providing life sustaining
rains to a considerable portion of the worlds' population.
Objectives:
The International Himalayan/Tibetan Plateau Paleoclimatic Workshop
is intended to provide a forum where researchers from Asia, Australia,
Europe and North America will synthesize and stimulate an interdisciplinary
investigation of paleoclimate in the highlands of central Asia. It is
expected that workshop participants will produce a substantive summary and
interpretation of existing paleoclimate records, followed by a Science and
Implementation Plan that would include: research objectives,
implementation (e.g., potential funding sources, international cooperation)
and potential results. All workshop participants are encouraged to bring,
discuss and share their data with other workshop participants.
Sessions and Submission of Abstracts:
The workshop will be held from 2 to 7 April, 1995. Arrival in
Kathmandu is expected on 2 April. Invited lectures will be given on 3 and
4 April. An excursion to the Kathmandu Valley is planned for 5 April. On
the 6 and 7 of April, workshop participants will break up into smaller
groups in order to discuss particular issues relating to paleoclimate
research in the highlands of central Asia and work on writing the Science
and Implementation Plan.
Those workshop participants who are not giving oral presentations
are encouraged to bring posters. In addition, informal presentations are
encouraged during the working meetings on 6 and 7 of April.
We are also requesting all workshop participants to send in an
abstract. This will allow us to determine the interests and expertise of
the attendees. Deadline for submission of abstracts is 15 January 1994.
Banquet and Excursions:
All workshop participants are invited to a banquet, hosted by the
organizers, which will take place on the evening of 4 April. This will be
followed on Wednesday 5 April by a tour of Kathmandu and the hills
surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. This will provide the opportunity to
view some of the large Himalayan Peaks.
In addition, members of the Himalayan Climate Center will be able
to help make any travel arrangements for workshop participants who are
interested in trekking, rafting, visiting Royal Chitwan National Park,
etc., either before or after the workshop.
Important Dates:
15 October 1994
Mailing of Second circular to those who have replied to the first
circular.
Call for Abstracts
15 January 1995
Abstract Deadline
15 February 1995
Mailing of Third Circular with Abstracts
2-7 April 1995
International Himalayan/Tibetan Plateau Paleoclimatic Workshop
We would be grateful if you could pass on any information about
this workshop to colleagues you feel would be interested. Note that our
invitation list for this workshop include the following disciplines (as
they relate to paleoclimatology): meteorology, hydrology, atmospheric
modelling, dendroclimatology, sedimentology (especially laminated
sediments), ice core research, glaciology, remote sensing and historical
records. We look forward to meeting you in Kathmandu.
For Further Information, contact:
Cameron Wake
Glacier Research Group
EOS-Morse Hall
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH 03824-3525
USA
Telephone: 603-862-2329
Fax: 603-862-2124
E-Mail: c_wake@unh.edu
#05 Tibetan E-Mail Newslist
From: Ed Sobel (wardo@pangea.Stanford.EDU)
There is an email news list for information on Tibet from all over
the world, especially for political and cultural news. It is called World
Tibet News (WTN). They send out one or more postings a day in the form of
a list server. Submissions to the editor are welcome.
The details are:
------------------------ World Tibet Network News ----------------------
Published by: The Canada-Tibet Committee
Editorial Board: Brian Given <bgiven@ccs.carleton.ca>
Nima Dorjee <cv531@freenet.cwru.edu>
Conrad Richter <conradr@utcc.utoronto.ca>
Tseten Samdup <tibetlondon@gn.apc.org>
Submissions to: wtn-l@vm1.mcgill.ca
or fax to: +44-71-722-0362 (U.K.)
Subscriptions to: listserv@vm1.mcgill.ca
- to join, message should be: SUB WTN-L [your name]
- to cancel, message should be: SIGNOFF WTN-L
#14 Just back from the Himalayas.........
From: Cameron Wake (c_wake@unh.edu)
I have recently returned from a glaciological field research
expedition in the Hidden Valley region of central Nepal, just north of
Dhaulagiri. This small isolated valley has a base elevation of 5050m and
was an ideal location for a field course entitled "Monitoring Climate
Change: Himalayan Field Glaciology Course" offered by the University of
New Hampshire. During the month of August, I was accompanied by five
students from the University of New Hampshire and a hydrologist from the
Department of Hydrology and Meteorology in Kathmandu. Our field research
included investigations of: (1) snow and aerosol chemistry; (2) spatial and
temporal variations of precipitation; (3) resurvey of the snout of the
Rikha Samba Glacier (to provide a record of glacier fluctuation since the
original Japanese survey in 1974); (4) glacier mass balance studies
including measurements of ice thickness on the Rikha Samba Glacier; (5)
meteorology; and (6) the Thakali language. As part of this research
expedition, the students and I will be compiling the results of our
research into a final report that should be completed by December 1994.
Several of the papers will also be submitted for publication in peer
reviewed journals. If you would like to receive a copy of the our final
report, or are interested in more information on University of New
Hampshire - Himalayan Field Research Courses, please contact me at the
address below.
Cameron Wake
Glacier Research Group
Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH 03824 USA
#15 Himavanta
From: David A. Spencer (DASpencer@erdw.ethz.ch)
Himavanta is India's only mountaineering monthly and is published
by the Himalayan Academy (Calcutta). Subscription is US$ 12 per year. For
further information, contact Kamal Kumar Guha, 63 E. Mohanidrban Road,
Calcutta 700029, India. The magazine has articles about many expeditions to
the Indian Himalayas.
******************************************************************
From: dk@accunix.wjc.edu (Diwas Khati - student)
Subject: Pashupatinath
To: nepal@cs.niu.edu
Date: Mon, 7 Nov 1994 20:51:04 -0500 (EST)
The only advantage I can think of on opening the doors of Pashupati to
non-Hindus, usually foreign tourists, is that we have access to one more
of DA Zone (DA is short for DRUG ADDICTS'), and many more, both Hndus and
non-Hindus alike, will have the lifetime opportunity of doing marijuana
and hashish alongwith Pashupati nath and other babajees.
Anyone thought of this ?
****************************************************************
Date: Mon, 7 Nov 1994 22:59:27 -0500 (EST)
From: Nirmal Ghimirez <NGH42799Q236@DAFFY.MILLERSV.EDU>
To: Nepal@cs.niu.edu
Subject: women in Hinduism
The more I read Mr. Mishra's article more I find to comment upon. I think I
can write a book commenting on that,but alas I do not have the time.At the
end of article (6) he states that,"A hindu girl marries her husband's job,his
last name,the red dust in her hair." If Mr. Mishra would look at this with
a little insight ,I guess there is much than that. Acoording to Hinduism the
character of the person is the first priority, it know where says about the
job of the person. And many look at the boy himself rather than his wealth or
job while handing over their daughter. But there are incidents when some
have been married due to wealth.But, what I don't understand is why is
Hinduism blamed for this. Anything that happens bad in our society is due
to Hinduism,this seems to be Mr. Mishra's saying.Red dust is a symbol for
marriage and I guess it is nothing to degrade women.But she is married not to
husband's job ,but rather to start a new stage of life.If she were to be
married to her husband's job then what about the unemployed Hindus, all
would remain bachelors.
I now want to comment on Mr. Mishra's article (7).I felt that if one were only
to read Mr.Mishra's article, one would get a very bad impression and would
not know the difference between Hinduism and male domination by some
Hindus.Secondly,I saw the notion that some people thought that women
were not respected in Hinduism. The truth is "women are respected in
Hinduism," but many Hindu males have taken advantage of women in the
name of religion(to do that people started giving new interpertation
to religion , in their advantage) and so today we see that many have wrong
conception of Hinduism.Mr. Mishra states that,"Let us marry her before she
makes a choice." I think there are very few families who would not want
their daughters to study and who would fear if she did study. The parents would
be more happy.And there are few who do not want like that ,and maybe Mr..Mishra
saw them only and made no haste in concluding that it is due to Hinduism.I
frankly think parents want their daughter to get married at a certain age.Due
to this reason they suggest her, her studues are not stopped because they
fear she would rebel.Why are somany girls in Nepal uneducated is not due to
Hinduism, but due to poverty and lack of government planning.
He further states,"A hindu lived for prestige, went to college for prestige,
held a job for prestige." Don't get confused between morals and prestige. The
basic reason for education is to discriminate. So,the aim of Hinduism is not
to be a rationalt intellectual but to be a wise person.Not only to gaather
knowledge but have wisdom. Education basically is a tool for discrimination
between right and wrong from the Hindu perspective.And life itself is a
battlefield and one is suppose to overcome temptaions, that is where
morality comes. And this is both for men and women.So,Hinmduism does not
discriminate women in education.Taking some incidents, and symbolizing that
with women's status in Hinduism, is not a fair way of criticsm. Mr.Tilak was
a Hindu male from India who stared education for women and widow marriage.
Afterall Hindu male somtimes do good as well,seriously he had no personal
reasons for this besides to do the good deed.
When Draupadi was insulted she took an oath and her husbands also promised to
help her. When Kaikai asked Ram to go on exile, Dasrath agreed.So, in Hinduism
Women are not inferior, they are copartners and have a high status.
So, I hope we can understand the difference between Hinduism and male domination
in some Hindu society.
According to Mr.Mishra's article Hinduism for women seems to be worse than even H
Hitler's Camps.And any women who believes in Hinduism or is inHindu
society is doomed. I am seriously saying if a Hindu girl unknown of her
religion reads this article she will give up Hinduism due to fear. And we
may find many Hindu women fearing, realizing what theyare in Hindu society
according to ther article.Many may revolt against the religion or against
Hindus. At least some should, because the article is presented in such a way
that it gives no meaning to women in Hinduism and degrades them to
the least.I fear that some women may have completely negative impact in their
psyche due to misunderstanding and some may fear what is next, because
according to Mr. Mishra women are under constant degradation from birth to
death. And many people who hardly know any thing about Hinduism,may just
take this statement for granted and feel that Women in Hinduism are treated as
such. Trying to blame Hinduism for women's status in Hindu society today is only
a act of an escapist.The truth is that it is our thinking and limitedness,
which has made it so."Hinduism gave a very respectful status to women", but
maybe many males due to their ego could not accept this and misinterperated it.
They wanted to take advantage and so they did. If you look at the history women
werte supressed in every part of the world.Even in this country of liberty
not many years ago they were not allowed to vote. Many were burnt thinking
that they were witches.Revolution has to be made not in Hinduism but in our
society, and in our limitedness of mind.Times are changing and today
there are many males in hindu society to regard females as equal.Ofcourse
it is a process, and sooner we begin the better it is.And there are many
positive attributes being a hindu women, to think that is domination orit
has some rasoning behind it is ofcouse in individuals choice. Today's
Hindu women have a big challenge. To break the unnecessary barrier created by
the society and at the same time discriminate between the good and bad
between both societies. For, everything that glitters is not diamond.
"Hinduism" is open as democracy no bar of caste, creed or sex.If some misuse it
it cannot be blamed. And the truth till today is that "women in Hinduism" are
respected and they have a high status .
So, seeing the societies mistakes and blaming the religion is not the approach to
to constructing a positive society. Many hindu males have taken advantage of females
females due to ignorance, egoand circumstances.The concept and thinking must
change. And Hindu women must be proud of being one,and not fear of
being Hindu.For it is some people and not religion that is scaring them.
Hinduism is a source,inspiration and guide to both male and female for
a better society.
I however have never denied that the status of women is bad and especially in
third world countries. But it is not religion, but the government,ignorance,
poverty and closed thinking. I finally would say it is mental revolution
than anything else that we need.Let us not blame religion for the past but let us
us admit the mistakes and take a new step.Thanks.
*****************************************************************
Date: 07 Nov 94 23:32:41 EST
Subject: Kura_kani
To: nepal@cs.niu.edu
Kura-Kani from Hridaya Bahracharya
<hridaya_bajracharya@sec.educ.ualberta.ca> ---
REGARDING Kura_kani
More about Women and Hinduism
Lately there has been a flow of postive comments directed to the issue of
women and hinduism as exposited by Pramod Mishra. There is no doubt, now
after reading Pramod's explanation to his background, that he meant a healthy
humanitarian improvement in the hindu society. Many of the commentators
however still disagreed with Pramod on the ground that the individual
attitudes and behaviors cannot be considered collective hindu attitude and
behavior. I don't see problem in this proposition, and would have joined the
party, if there were better collective norms different from the individuals.
In the absence of such better collective norms and a means of validating
such norms practically, the average of the visible individual norms will
continue to represent the group's norm. For example such happenings are
quite common and visible in the society -- when a high class hindu marries a
low caste person, he or she would be immediately excommunicated from the
caste circle starting from home. However, if a high caste hindu marries a 12
year old daughter to a dying old of 80 of the same caste no excommunication
would be invovled. Is anybody excommunicated on the basis of dowry burning?
Is anybody excommunicated on the basis of wife abuse or polygamy? Is a caste
hindu male excommunicated on the basis of his character such as visiting
brothel or keeping rakkhail? Can a caste hindu woman escape the wrath of
excommunication or even physical abuse based on her sexual character image
which may or may not be of her own making. To hear stories of girls
remaining unmarried because of failed love affairs are not unusual in hindu
society but the converse is very rare. Can a person affiliated with the
society that we claim hindu disown such rectified attitudinal norms? The
issue is not only of the formal relationships such as marriage, even in the
distanced interaction such as in hindu festivities such thing come out
blatantly. Take for example the festival of Holi, there is no place that
could be called a town in India and Nepal where the bravest of the female
hearts would not be intimidated. In Nepal, closing of the campuses and
schools are not taken as shocking action during this time. This may be an
extreme case of the chaotic behaviour tolerated in hindu norms, nonetheless,
this is a window which give a view of unreasonable norms that are plenty in
the house that we call hinduism. And such windows give flashes of what
awaits for the hindu girl while she is growing. Inevitably, most girls
mature with a fear psychosis of male hostility. A simple gesture of underdue
respect becomes a big help for the women, a gesture of equal treatment
becomes larges. To submit to such person who show sign of respect and larges
becomes but natural for the women. The freedom and equality of the context to
shine in the context come in natural way only for Durga Bhavani. However
even likhure aire can easily stake his superior position because of being
caste male.
I am tempted to give an example of my own loss of peace of mind in recent
time when I was in Nepal. Because my neice was going to a college which is
at least 40 minutes walk from home, I suggested her that I buy her a cycle of
her choice so she can save time and her effort. She reluctantly agreed. Her
reluctance was because of what she had been seeing -- all kinds of hassles,
hooting, tooting, deflating the tire etc. There were some brave girls who
had been taking cycles facing all those hurdles. I gave her their example
and encouraged to bolden up. After some recurrence of having to tow the
deflated cycle and one occurence of intended near serious accident she
abandoned her zeal to face the situation. It was not her isolated case.
Many of her friends who preferred to devote more time to study than take the
stand of facing the mindboggling humiliation had to live lives of submission
and reclusion. Certainly, there must be lots of hindu fathers, uncles,
brothers, friends, and husbands who wish for a better, caring, and human
world for their daughters, neices, sisters, friends and wives. But why did
such world did not come in real existence? Why is negativity strogner than
the positive aspirations? Do we need to have a repressing authority to
handle the situation? If we need to say yes to this question, I think the
social norm that we are living is ceratinly less than humane. And if we have
to call the society a "hindu society" we must accept that it is at this
moment less than humane: Those who think in humane way must be in the
minority, or those who are representing the authority must be subhumane. In
either case, a person with humane concscience will have unpeace in his mind.
It is torturous to be aware of more cases of abussive happenings, not to be
aware of such happenings requires reclusion from the society. No wonder we
have multitude of sadhus in our society that the others lack.
I am not intending here to label Hindu ideals for the problems but I cannot
certainly claim of being affiliated to a glorious society if the society
cannot and does not exclude such norms and highlight the better social norms
based on better ideals and come up with an effective implementation
mechanism. How do we get set to change the norms without identifying and
owning what needed to be changed?
*************************************************************************
Date: 07 Nov 94 23:34:58 EST
From: Rajendra.P.Shrestha@Dartmouth.EDU (Rajendra P. Shrestha)
Subject: News11/6-7
To: nepal@cs.niu.edu
HEADLINE: one more person killed in nepali mid-term poll
DATELINE: kathmandu, november 6; ITEM NO: 1106125
BODY:
one more person was killed in neapl's dang district on sunday
night, according to sources here today. a worker of the communist
party of nepal, the former main opposition in the country, was
attacked and killed by an unidentified person with a knife, the
sources said. the death toll in the present mid-term polls has
reached five. the victims lost their lives mainly due to conflicts
with rival party supporters, the source said.
**********************************************************************
Date: Tue, 08 Nov 94 13:04:05 WET
From: SURES@CERNVM.CERN.CH
Subject: Re: The Nepal Digest - Nov 7, 1994 (4 Mangshir 2051 BkSm)
To: The Nepal Digest <NEPAL@cs.niu.edu>
Hello!
Please tell me how do I join SCN.
I am working at CERN, Geneva and have access to World Wide Web (WWW). I know
that issues of TND is also available in WWW. Please kindly let me know how do
I access to that and Nepal related informations. Also pls let me how do I
obtain the membership of SCN. Thanks.
Regards.
Suresh Man Singh
PPE, CERN, Geneva
**********************************************************************
Date: Tue, 08 Nov 1994 11:05:56 EST
From: tilak@UFCC.UFL.EDU
To: Nepal@cs.niu.edu
Subject: The Hindu View
The Hindu View.
Satya Mewa Jayate.
Truth always triumphs.
Ekam Sat Vipra Bahuda Vadanti.
Truth is one, sages call it by different names.
Vasundhaiva Kutumbakam.
The entire humanity (creation) is one big family.
Sarva Dharma Sambhava.
Many paths to the same summit.
Sanatana Dharma.
The quest for the eternal truth.
Sat, Chit, Ananda.
Truth, Conscious, and Bliss.
Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram.
Truthful, Virtuous, and Beautiful.
Ahimsa paramodharma.
Non-violence is the highest virtue.
Parasparopagraho Jivanam.
All the lives are interdependent.
Sarve Api Sukhino Santu.
Let all be happy, healthy and blessed.
Dharma Samsthapanarthaya Sambhavami Yuge Yuge.
To reestablish the virtue, I appear, age after age.
Yeto Dharma Stato Jaya.
Where virtue is, there is victory.
Samyaktva.
Avoidance of dogmatic, intolerant, harmful attitude.
Iswara Sarvabhootaanaam, Hruddese Arjuna Tishtati.
The Lord dwells in the hearts of all beings.
Dharmo Rakchhati Rakchhate.
Virtue, if defended, will defend.
Yo Yo Yam Yam Tanun Bhaktah, Sraddhayaarchitumicchati Tasya
Tasyaachalaam Sraddhaam, Tameva Vidadhamyaham.
Whatever form any devotee with faith, wishes to worship, I make
that faith of his steady.
All the virtuous people will go to the heaven and all the evil
people will go the hell; regardless of their gender, race, age,
nationality, and of course religion.
Soul is eternal, immortal, sinless and divine. Soul is a part of
God and eventually will return to God.
Om Shantih, Shantih, Shantihi.
Peace, Peace, and Peace.
**********************************************************************
Date: Tue, 08 Nov 1994 14:15:17 EST
From: mahendradb@UFCC.UFL.EDU
To: nepal@cs.niu.edu
Subject: membership
I will like to subscribe to Nepal Digest.I am a graduate student of MBC
program,UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA.I will like to locate two people who have been lost in the American lifestyle.1. Raju Bista 2. Shashi Acharya.
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