Dissertation phase of a PhD?? It is much harder than I thought it was going be!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Friday, November 27, 2009
Artha-Beed
I did not realize that "Nepalonomics" was first used by Artha Beed. So, credits to him .... Well, my intention was to find a "combo" word for economics and politics related to Nepal. So, thanks to ArthaBeed.
http://www.nepalitimes.com.np/issue/2005/07/29/EconomicSense/647
http://www.nepalitimes.com.np/issue/2005/07/29/EconomicSense/647
Thursday, November 8, 2007
One-to-One on NepaliHimal
Shan, MN:
What the .... is Prachanda thinking of himself? If he ever knew the cost of instability in the country, he would not even think about changing anyone; not even a single peon! Whatever is happening in the country: poverty, underdevelopment, unemployment and huge national debt, is all because of instable governments. Did you know that? I am not speaking on behalf of a party, but please, try to understand that public does not want another government at this time and put-back the CA Elections for another two years. No matter what, the polls should be held within this year.
Pramod, VA:
Hello Shankar, What are you saying man. Do you know who is leading our country an 84 year old corrupted man? We shouldn't forget his history, he was the one who always fought against CA, Republic and how can you expect such a person to run government any more. After 19 day agitation, Prachanda was the one who recommend the name of Girija for prime minister considering his old age and participation in agitation. Since girija was leading seven parties at that time including UML & Maoist was a revolutionary force, Girija was one of the best option but now time has been changed so Girija must be replaced because he is not changed yet and he can't run government any more. It will acts as catalyst and I hope then we can do CA election on time. Girija was the one speaking against CA so how could he lead us to CA election. So Girija must be replaced
Shan, MN:
Pramod, I truly respect your view of the leadership being old-fashioned. I am not against the idea of youths leading the country, rather I am an advocate of youth leadership. I would like you to realize that change is a process, not a project! Girija was once a failed leader, but, as you've mentioned, times have changed! Current Girija is not someone who was ten years ago. Saying all this, I am not of the view that he should remain as the head of the government for ever. He should be replaced once the polls are held, not before that. If there will be a new person leading the country at this moment, it will take another two years for the new person to plan and do the job. That's only my concern!
Pramod, VA:
Shan, Thank you Mr. Shan for your polite explanitaion. This is most critical time so we need an active leader but Giriga is too old that sometimes because of him meetings has been post ponded. So as a senior leader he can give suggestion and main thing is he should give chance other too. It'd be better if he himself realize the truth and give other to run the government.
Shan, MN:
Pramod, You are not getting the point here. The need of this moment is the elecion, not the change of leadership. Girija has realized this and I am sure he will hand the power over to others once the elections are held. Be confident on that! If he will not, then you and I will have to go back to Nepal and overthrow him, alright?
Shan, MN:
Pramod, Pshrestha & Spacenepal, I appreciate you guys are analyzing the revolution in the case of Nepal. Your view of Maobadis' joining the party with bad-intentions made me think about the kind of people who are in Maobad; those who are illeterate, who have not passed their 10th grade, those who did not want to help their parents in farming, those who could not live in harmony in their communities and those who wanted a share from someone else's acheevement rather than working on their own... you can do an analogy with anything possibly you could think of. This is not only the case in lower/local level committees but is true in the leadership level as well. If you take a responsibility to change a society, you should have a sound knowledge on the process of change. You have to be aware of the history, geography and whole spectrum of socioeconomic conditions. What is ironic is that, no one in the Maoist front talks about economic situation in the country. I regret to say that these people never bring up the issue of economic development and growth in their discussions, becasue they do not have any idea how to table these issues. Even if they would be aware, they do not want people to understand about it because their intention is not to educate the people, but is to govern the less less-educated ones. They are afraid that if people would be educated, they would lose their positions where they are now.
Deepak, Patan:
Mr. Shan, There were only few people when maobadi was formed and in the present contest of world noene of revolutionary party has reached the point at which maoist reached. Talking about leader I've read the history of Baburam, Prachanda, Mohan Baide and Badal too. You know prachanda was from a poor family and got married when he was in the class 10 from this we can know his standard of living. Amik Sherchan and other political leader used to teach him about politics but due to his keen interest and active mind in the short span span of time he became a leader. It is not easy to become a leader in such condition. He worked under Mohan Baide, Mohan Bikram Singh, Nirmal lama and many other leader but eventually he lead all of them. It is not a joke and without knowledge it is not possible. Talking about Baburam, as we all know he is a board topper and interesting thing is he was the one who formed a student union in India and lead them. It is not easy to become a student leader of any other country. Talking about Badal, he was studying in Russia with scholarship but he couldn't complete his education because he joined the revolution. Krishna Bd. Mahara, Khimalal Devkota, Dev Gurung all are very intellectual person.
Shan, MN:
Deepak, Thanks for the commentary! Yor are right all of the names you've mentioned are good scholars. But what is sad is that they have not been able to pass on their intellect to their cadres. Had they been willing to move a head with what they have in their brain, YCL would not be committing all those crimes you see/read everyday. Don't you think so?
Deepak, Patan:
Shan, As already mentioned as Pramod Lama even a American soldier raped 100's women and Abu garib jail they kept captures of war naked so what do you thing is that right. That's completely wrong and I'm also against wrong doing of Maoist. Once Prachanda told that since they are joing the politics they need votes so they can't stop anyone to join Maobadi but he was thininking whether these all join maobadi with right intention. But believe me in comparision to revolutionary forces in other country maoist are obidient to peace process.
Shan, MN:
Deepak, this kind of topic has no ending. You can unfold millions of cases like that, but the bottom line and reality is that an individual can control his actions, no matter what. And, so is true in a party/institution too. If Maoists issue a directive to their cadres (may be publicly or secretly), there is no way that the cadres would go against (at least the majority), the party-line and do the 'wrong-doings'... I like your phrase by the way!
What the .... is Prachanda thinking of himself? If he ever knew the cost of instability in the country, he would not even think about changing anyone; not even a single peon! Whatever is happening in the country: poverty, underdevelopment, unemployment and huge national debt, is all because of instable governments. Did you know that? I am not speaking on behalf of a party, but please, try to understand that public does not want another government at this time and put-back the CA Elections for another two years. No matter what, the polls should be held within this year.
Pramod, VA:
Hello Shankar, What are you saying man. Do you know who is leading our country an 84 year old corrupted man? We shouldn't forget his history, he was the one who always fought against CA, Republic and how can you expect such a person to run government any more. After 19 day agitation, Prachanda was the one who recommend the name of Girija for prime minister considering his old age and participation in agitation. Since girija was leading seven parties at that time including UML & Maoist was a revolutionary force, Girija was one of the best option but now time has been changed so Girija must be replaced because he is not changed yet and he can't run government any more. It will acts as catalyst and I hope then we can do CA election on time. Girija was the one speaking against CA so how could he lead us to CA election. So Girija must be replaced
Shan, MN:
Pramod, I truly respect your view of the leadership being old-fashioned. I am not against the idea of youths leading the country, rather I am an advocate of youth leadership. I would like you to realize that change is a process, not a project! Girija was once a failed leader, but, as you've mentioned, times have changed! Current Girija is not someone who was ten years ago. Saying all this, I am not of the view that he should remain as the head of the government for ever. He should be replaced once the polls are held, not before that. If there will be a new person leading the country at this moment, it will take another two years for the new person to plan and do the job. That's only my concern!
Pramod, VA:
Shan, Thank you Mr. Shan for your polite explanitaion. This is most critical time so we need an active leader but Giriga is too old that sometimes because of him meetings has been post ponded. So as a senior leader he can give suggestion and main thing is he should give chance other too. It'd be better if he himself realize the truth and give other to run the government.
Shan, MN:
Pramod, You are not getting the point here. The need of this moment is the elecion, not the change of leadership. Girija has realized this and I am sure he will hand the power over to others once the elections are held. Be confident on that! If he will not, then you and I will have to go back to Nepal and overthrow him, alright?
Shan, MN:
Pramod, Pshrestha & Spacenepal, I appreciate you guys are analyzing the revolution in the case of Nepal. Your view of Maobadis' joining the party with bad-intentions made me think about the kind of people who are in Maobad; those who are illeterate, who have not passed their 10th grade, those who did not want to help their parents in farming, those who could not live in harmony in their communities and those who wanted a share from someone else's acheevement rather than working on their own... you can do an analogy with anything possibly you could think of. This is not only the case in lower/local level committees but is true in the leadership level as well. If you take a responsibility to change a society, you should have a sound knowledge on the process of change. You have to be aware of the history, geography and whole spectrum of socioeconomic conditions. What is ironic is that, no one in the Maoist front talks about economic situation in the country. I regret to say that these people never bring up the issue of economic development and growth in their discussions, becasue they do not have any idea how to table these issues. Even if they would be aware, they do not want people to understand about it because their intention is not to educate the people, but is to govern the less less-educated ones. They are afraid that if people would be educated, they would lose their positions where they are now.
Deepak, Patan:
Mr. Shan, There were only few people when maobadi was formed and in the present contest of world noene of revolutionary party has reached the point at which maoist reached. Talking about leader I've read the history of Baburam, Prachanda, Mohan Baide and Badal too. You know prachanda was from a poor family and got married when he was in the class 10 from this we can know his standard of living. Amik Sherchan and other political leader used to teach him about politics but due to his keen interest and active mind in the short span span of time he became a leader. It is not easy to become a leader in such condition. He worked under Mohan Baide, Mohan Bikram Singh, Nirmal lama and many other leader but eventually he lead all of them. It is not a joke and without knowledge it is not possible. Talking about Baburam, as we all know he is a board topper and interesting thing is he was the one who formed a student union in India and lead them. It is not easy to become a student leader of any other country. Talking about Badal, he was studying in Russia with scholarship but he couldn't complete his education because he joined the revolution. Krishna Bd. Mahara, Khimalal Devkota, Dev Gurung all are very intellectual person.
Shan, MN:
Deepak, Thanks for the commentary! Yor are right all of the names you've mentioned are good scholars. But what is sad is that they have not been able to pass on their intellect to their cadres. Had they been willing to move a head with what they have in their brain, YCL would not be committing all those crimes you see/read everyday. Don't you think so?
Deepak, Patan:
Shan, As already mentioned as Pramod Lama even a American soldier raped 100's women and Abu garib jail they kept captures of war naked so what do you thing is that right. That's completely wrong and I'm also against wrong doing of Maoist. Once Prachanda told that since they are joing the politics they need votes so they can't stop anyone to join Maobadi but he was thininking whether these all join maobadi with right intention. But believe me in comparision to revolutionary forces in other country maoist are obidient to peace process.
Shan, MN:
Deepak, this kind of topic has no ending. You can unfold millions of cases like that, but the bottom line and reality is that an individual can control his actions, no matter what. And, so is true in a party/institution too. If Maoists issue a directive to their cadres (may be publicly or secretly), there is no way that the cadres would go against (at least the majority), the party-line and do the 'wrong-doings'... I like your phrase by the way!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
What counts for National Development?
A nation is like a person, a person with limited resources but unlimited wants and needs. To fulfill the needs and create a favorable environment for better educational, health and economic conditions, it is necessary that the third world countries, like Nepal, learn from the first world countries and change their societies culturally, politically and demographically.
Societies in third world are stagnant and unchanging; theie social values are spiritual, not grounded in individual self-betterment. Take health as an example; if someone becomes sick in a rural part of Nepal; people believe that it is because of some spiritual force; not because of like viruses and bacteria. These people do not take modern medicines, people do not go to see a health practitioner; they rather go to traditional practitioners and spiritual healers. This is not the case only in Nepal, many of these traditional societies in South Asia believe in the improvement of a situation based on the lessons they get from their grandparents and parents and it is similar in many underdeveloped countries in Africa. I am not saying that older people always have false ideas, but as a bitter truth these people are not educated enough to teach the need as required in this modern world. They lack technological innovation; they simply fear of taking risks. They lack modes of transportation to observe the outer world; they are stuck in a certain periphery. Many people in these societies lack basic knowledge about what is going on around the world, simply because they do not have any means of communication; no radios, no televisions and no newspapers. Even if there were newspapers, they could not read because more than half of the people in these regions can not simply read, and those who can read do not believe in what is on the news because they have been rooted in spiritual beliefs.
Progress starts at one point and moves further, either positively or negatively depending on the political systems and their belief of capitalism, socialism or somewhere in between. Looking at the history of development of the western countries, it is apparent that capitalism was the engine of the development. It is in no way an abrupt result that the European countries five hundred years ago started getting higher yields per acre of crops, got advancement in their weaponry and achieved higher productivity. In fact, these countries, transformed their societies gradually. The governments acknowledged that the market economy would bring people together for a healthy competition; a competition based on the supply and demand. The final results were increased desire, interest and motivation for innovation.
Innovation and technological growth became self sustaining in Europe because they were embedded in the capitalist system. These actors competed among each other securing their share in the market and they struggled to increase their profit. As for example, when steam engine was first invented in Europe, because of the desire for innovation, the Europeans did not simply play with this engine. They tried it in prime movers, locomotives, steam ships, traction engines and road vehicles finally leading to Industrial Revolution. The industrial revolution changed the then economy based on manual labor into an economy based on manufacture and machinery. This concept spread to the Western Europe from Britain and to the North America. But, most of the Middle Eastern, Asian and African countries became reluctant to adopt this invention into their practices and the results are now shown to be into backwardness. Their gross domestic product did not rise because they did not apply these new techniques to increase their productivity. Look at the agricultural practices in developing countries: either manual labor or the animal labor. Some people are not even aware that there exists some sort of machine to plough their fields. They do not know what a hybrid crop is; they do not know how a crop fertilizer would look like other than animal manure.
So the serious problem here is the lack of knowledge. Majority of the people in the third world are living in a cave, a cave without education, without freedom of association, speech and religion, a cave without democracy. These societies are not given a chance for a commitment to science, to free inquiry, to technology, to the spirit of enterprise and competition, to democracy and the rule of law. Many countries are still captive in their traditional societies, a few are preparing for takeoff while some are stranded in the middle, being unable to reach the destination, with a fear that their funding simply can not support them. I agree with the modernists that the third world countries can still achieve the economic growth that western world did century ago. However, they need moral, physical and economic support of the developed countries. These countries should break away from tradition and learn from the rich countries. The developed countries on the other hand should diffuse their technology and innovation to the now developing countries. This does not mean that the developed countries can use the third world as a place for disposing obsolete technology. A sense of responsibility and morality should be tied together with helping hands offered for educational, health, social and overall economic development.
Societies in third world are stagnant and unchanging; theie social values are spiritual, not grounded in individual self-betterment. Take health as an example; if someone becomes sick in a rural part of Nepal; people believe that it is because of some spiritual force; not because of like viruses and bacteria. These people do not take modern medicines, people do not go to see a health practitioner; they rather go to traditional practitioners and spiritual healers. This is not the case only in Nepal, many of these traditional societies in South Asia believe in the improvement of a situation based on the lessons they get from their grandparents and parents and it is similar in many underdeveloped countries in Africa. I am not saying that older people always have false ideas, but as a bitter truth these people are not educated enough to teach the need as required in this modern world. They lack technological innovation; they simply fear of taking risks. They lack modes of transportation to observe the outer world; they are stuck in a certain periphery. Many people in these societies lack basic knowledge about what is going on around the world, simply because they do not have any means of communication; no radios, no televisions and no newspapers. Even if there were newspapers, they could not read because more than half of the people in these regions can not simply read, and those who can read do not believe in what is on the news because they have been rooted in spiritual beliefs.
Progress starts at one point and moves further, either positively or negatively depending on the political systems and their belief of capitalism, socialism or somewhere in between. Looking at the history of development of the western countries, it is apparent that capitalism was the engine of the development. It is in no way an abrupt result that the European countries five hundred years ago started getting higher yields per acre of crops, got advancement in their weaponry and achieved higher productivity. In fact, these countries, transformed their societies gradually. The governments acknowledged that the market economy would bring people together for a healthy competition; a competition based on the supply and demand. The final results were increased desire, interest and motivation for innovation.
Innovation and technological growth became self sustaining in Europe because they were embedded in the capitalist system. These actors competed among each other securing their share in the market and they struggled to increase their profit. As for example, when steam engine was first invented in Europe, because of the desire for innovation, the Europeans did not simply play with this engine. They tried it in prime movers, locomotives, steam ships, traction engines and road vehicles finally leading to Industrial Revolution. The industrial revolution changed the then economy based on manual labor into an economy based on manufacture and machinery. This concept spread to the Western Europe from Britain and to the North America. But, most of the Middle Eastern, Asian and African countries became reluctant to adopt this invention into their practices and the results are now shown to be into backwardness. Their gross domestic product did not rise because they did not apply these new techniques to increase their productivity. Look at the agricultural practices in developing countries: either manual labor or the animal labor. Some people are not even aware that there exists some sort of machine to plough their fields. They do not know what a hybrid crop is; they do not know how a crop fertilizer would look like other than animal manure.
So the serious problem here is the lack of knowledge. Majority of the people in the third world are living in a cave, a cave without education, without freedom of association, speech and religion, a cave without democracy. These societies are not given a chance for a commitment to science, to free inquiry, to technology, to the spirit of enterprise and competition, to democracy and the rule of law. Many countries are still captive in their traditional societies, a few are preparing for takeoff while some are stranded in the middle, being unable to reach the destination, with a fear that their funding simply can not support them. I agree with the modernists that the third world countries can still achieve the economic growth that western world did century ago. However, they need moral, physical and economic support of the developed countries. These countries should break away from tradition and learn from the rich countries. The developed countries on the other hand should diffuse their technology and innovation to the now developing countries. This does not mean that the developed countries can use the third world as a place for disposing obsolete technology. A sense of responsibility and morality should be tied together with helping hands offered for educational, health, social and overall economic development.
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