Wanderlust

Wanderlust: A strong desire or impulse to travel or wander and explore the world. 

It feels so nice to get back to you after a long journey, an extended work or a hectic exam. I had been thinking to write about  it since long but always got trapped by something else.

Travelling..... what does your mind clicks when you hear this word? It is the most beautiful activity in life that introduces you to yourself. Travelling is a pure form of rebellion and I have been enjoying every bit of it. I have almost visited 50 districts out of 75 districts in Nepal.

Frankly speaking, travelling was beyond my horizon few years back. I was like a caged nightingale happy in my own way but sadly unaware of what I could experience in this life. i was wasting my life rather than living it. Until the day, when everything got changed. I got a chance to come out of my box and see, explore everything around which was virgin to me. Studying forestry has become the most correct decision  that I have ever done.

So, getting back to travelling, all these years I have turned into a traveller not a tourist. Nepal, being world's one of the smallest yet one of the most beautiful countries in the world and my homeland has provided me lots of insights, stories, surprises, queries and harsh realities that I feel so enlightened within myself.

Based on my personal experiences, I would love to share some inspiring quotes that may help you become an ardent traveller like me :)

 Travelling is actually journey to yourself.  We live in this highly competitive world that is rushing all the time. We don't have time to stop and stare what's going on. We have become so wretched and gray that we lack that love, lusture and essence of our lives.  NOT ALL THOSE WHO WANDER ARE LOST!!

Life is short and happiness is shorter. We are not getting back this valuable time and the energy that we possess. If we don't dare now, we'll never move ahead and turn to a sedentary mode forever.

We expect the grass to be greener on the other side of the hill but travelling makes us realize what it means to get back to home, family and the cozy bed you left. “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.”
― Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky

I am nomad, a vagabond, a gypsy, wanderer, vagrant  that underwent through metamorphosis turning myself into a butterfly to explore and live my life to the fullest cuz:

And once the travel bug bites you, there is no any antidote that can save you. But, I would prefer not to be saved rather than living my life in a misery and abandoning myself to explore this beautiful world. 

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain 

No country for old

Tulmaya aama peers out through the wooden-carved window of the oldage home. The street is busy with people moving here and there. But unlike the rest, she was there lying stationary with her shabby choli and old dhoti and her eyes full of tears.

I remember how her world turned upside down after the demise of her husband. The way her son, daughter-in-law and even grandchildren tortured her was so much intolerable. I also heard that they tried to kill her so many times that she had to escape. And with nowhere to go, she took a shelter in the oldage home. It’s been 17 years already.

Since then, she is living the lonesome life. She spends most of her time praying to God, chanting hymns, crying silently. ‘I hope my children are very happy and wish they have to suffer no problems in their life.’ She prayed with a wrinkled smile.

It’s really strange, how a child can act so inhumanely with his own parents; the one who gave birth to him, nurtured, and made him capable enough. And when the time comes to pay them back, he kicks them out of the home. The cases of misbehavior, torture, forbidding the parents in the oldage home or temples has become very common these days. Has the situation become worse?

We also can’t deny the fact that the society has become very competitive and fast at present. We need to work vigorously, run here and there to earn a living. We have to struggle really hard to survive in this world, resulting a very little family time. In this rush hour, how can we stop everything and sit to look after the old parents? Who will earn for their medical treatments and many other expenses? Humans have turned into machines. The issue is also very genuine. Unlike the past traditional society, where women used to stay at home, took care of the house and old members of the family now, we are in complete different arena. Women have double loads; look after the household chores along with outside office. How can the time be spared to take care of the elderly member?

I recall the poem, ‘Sailing to Byzantium’ by W.B Yeats where he wished to be in the heavenly place where he needn’t regret being old. So, is there any way out to address both parties? Yes, it may sound very rude as per the traditional mindset of our society but it can help both old as well as younger generation to keep the relationship bonded. We need to build some sophisticated oldage homes that fulfill all the services and requirements of the old people; including medical services, sanitation, nutritional food, religious programs etc.

If the parents stay at those well equipped homes at their own will, it will not deter the relationship with the children as they won’t have to go through the torture given by their own children. The children also will be compelled to visit their parents every weekend or holidays. This approach will address both the traditional as well as modern society’s aspiration making this nation another Byzantium for old.  

Uneven greens MYREPUBLICA.com

Uneven greens MYREPUBLICA.com - News in Nepal: Fast, Full & Factual, POLITICAL AFFAIRS, BUSINESS & ECONOMY, SOCIAL AFFAIRS, LIFESTYLE, SPORTS, OPINION, INTERVIEW, INTERNATIONAL, THE WEEK news in English in Nepal

Sumitra aunt

Women in forest management

Community forestry has been a successful and important policy in forest conservation as well as livelihood development of rural people. However, there is still a pressing demand to minutely and effectively address the gender-based issues in forest management. 

The deeply rooted patriarchal mindset has always dominated women and forestry sector is no exception. Women are the primary collectors and users of resources such as forest and water. But the patriarchal division of labor has limited them only to household chores. Most of the women are engaged in food production: planting, harvesting, washing, peeling, preparing, cooking, serving and preserving food. Besides, they have to clean the house, harvest and chop straw for the animals, milk the buffaloes and make the offerings and pray to the gods. 

Women power undoubtedly is Nepal’s one of the valuable untapped resources. Realizing this fact and for directly incorporating women in the institutional framework, forestry policy has made it mandatory for at least 50 percent of women representation in Executive Committee (EC) of community forest user group (CFUG). This has contributed a lot to bring women out of the household domain and realize their role as the real managers of the forest. 

With changing scenarios of our village where the male partner in every third household is a migrant worker and most of the children are sent to the cities for higher education and jobs, only women and senior citizens reside in the village. Who will be responsible for the management of the forest now? 

I had recently got the opportunity to visit Jhauri community forest, one of the most famous CFUGs in Parbat district, which was awarded the third prize by Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation with Ganeshman Singh Forest Conservation Award for the better management of forest in 2003. I was assisting my Colombian researcher Paola there. We stayed there for two weeks in the house of one of the community leaders and shared most of our time with the local women. 

During my stay, I observed that most of the men were away from the village. Young ones have been sent to study either in Kushma, Pokhara or Kathmandu. The youths are either working in Kathmandu or been abroad for work/studies. And the middle-aged men, mostly the retired ones, are involved in the management of the forest and carry out related works. For this, they have to travel to the closest cities most of the time. Only women and the elderly people remain behind. 

According to their constitution, the CFUG has to select the EC members every three years. However, in Jhauri no changes have been made and most of the male members of the committee are the same faces since the beginning. This has promoted a strong and centralized leadership in the community. There is an urgent need to switch the leadership to the next generation.

Being a woman, it was easy for me to get information on women’s perspective on community forestry. For men, it will be difficult to get information as rural women are very shy and quiet in front of men. We had long discussions with aunts, sisters, sisters-in-law while working in the field, kitchen, or doing other domestic chores. I talked with them about their role in the committee, decision making, and benefit sharing so that I could get the actual picture of their involvement. As per my expectations, the participation of women is merely limited to representation rather than being meaningful. 

Actually, women don’t feel the need to speak when their male counterparts are discussing or making decisions as they think men know everything. It’s all guided by the patriarchal norms, the behavioral values that good women are not supposed to put their views freely in front of their respected in-laws and husbands. 
Nevertheless, during my informal chats I realized that even though women were shy to put their views in the mass, they did analyze the decision and talked with other women about it. Another important thing is that women gave their views on the matter or any decisions while chatting with their husbands in the night. I found this indirect influence of women on men interesting. This shows that women are highly interested in the management and decision-making affairs. 

Sumitra Regmi is a very bold, beautiful and inspiring woman in the village having an influential role among women. She has been actively involved since the establishment of the forest, its conservation and management. Despite her tireless efforts, the villagers don’t realize their importance or explore their capabilities and strength in forest management. 

Two issues stand out in forest management discourse in the village: a) Male outmigration and urge to transfer power to another generation and b) Latent leadership qualities and interest of women in forest management. If these two are placed in the appropriate position, many pressing problems will be solved. Placing women in the vital post can encourage the most enthusiastic women to take the lead. This will address the problem of leader deficiency and fulfill the aim to bring women in the mainstream of sustainable forest management. 

Forestry is probably the largest sector where thousands of women have officially been part of user groups and involved in resource management. However, comprehensive homework is needed to ensure active and meaningful participation of women rather than merely representative participation.

The Himalayan Times : student reporter: Students unite for animals

The Himalayan Times : student reporter: Students unite for animals - Detail News : Nepal News Portal

POKHARA: 

To mark the importance of conservation of wildlife, National Wildlife Week is observed on the first week of Baisakh every year.

And with the theme ‘Coalition for Human-Wildlife Conflict Reduction’, various green organisations within Institute of Forestry (IOF), Pokhara celebrated the 18th National Wildlife Week from April 14 to 20 in Pokhara.

Institutions like BCN, SHEAC, SOWREC, Bat friends, UNC, AACD, FAN, PSM et cetera — collectively known as G10 — organised different programmes to mark the week that aimed to create mass awareness on wildlife conservation.

Various programmes took place throughout the week to mark the celebration.

One such programme held on the first day was conservation rally that started from Prithivichowk to Chipledhunga.

Meanwhile, a street drama based on human-wildlife conflict was also staged during the week-long event.

On the second day, they organised a sanitation programme from IOF to Tutunga so as to create public awareness on sanitation. Similarly, to enhance the oratory skills among students of IOF, speech competition was held based on the theme of wildlife week.

Likewise, a group of about 90 students visited the nearby Raniban forest to observe the beautiful birds. Bird watching was conducted in collaboration with Tiger Mountain Lodge. Along with that, another event showcased the bat capturing techniques amongst students at local Banpale Danda.

Next day, there was tree plantation programme on the premises of IOF. Altogether 20 seedlings were planted to maintain the greenery of the institute. Documentaries on wildlife and human relations were also screened every day.

Finally, on April 20, the closing ceremony was conducted with various presentations on the issues of wildlife conservation and management.

Sonam Tashi Lama, Co-ordinator of the programme, remarked, “There is a need to disseminate information on wildlife conservation among the public as we have seen the human-wildlife conflict getting intense these days. We, students have to take a lead in this as it’s connected with us. Let’s unite for the sake of animals.”— Anisha Pokharel,

- See more at: http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=student+reporter%3A+Students+unite+for+animals&NewsID=377279#sthash.8qtfO9IP.dpuf

Glancing back to the year 2070 B.S

I have no repents for what I couldn't accomplish but I am very grateful for what I have achieved so far. Year 2070 B.S was filled with lots of learning, networking, travelling.

Baisakh/Jestha: My visit to Sindhuli, my home town.. @Sindhuligadhi

I had a very joyous time at my hometown. The year itself began with networking. I met many people who are very close to me but I had never met them or known them. I also visited Sindhuligadhi, the place where Brave Gurkhas fought with 2000 British and got the glorious victory.

Ashar, Shrawan was exam time, rush hour. On Bhadra, had this opportunity to be a part of the International Conference on Forest, People and Climate: Changing Paradigm. It was very interesting to hear the research works of many experts.

 

Had this great opportunity to visit the beautiful Koshi plains, observe wild water buffaloes, rich culture and most importantly assist research in Human-elephant conflict. KTWR and the local people loved me immensely and I am really grateful to Ashok dai for this opportunity. I do recall the paans early in the morning and barmajhiya's peda in the evenings and the famous Ranjit bhaiya :) 

Boating on ghodaghodi lake.. College tour

 Ashwin started with the journey towards Western Nepal and Uttarakhand, India as our college tour. The best moments of college life where classmates become friends, where love blooms and bonding become stronger. We visited Bardia National Park, Shuklaphanta W.LR, Forest Research Institute, Haldwani, Dehradun, Nainitaal, Musoorie, India. These are the best days of my life, the moments we share with our friends.

Mera bodyguards at FRI(Student of the Year was shot here;))

ASKB4; MY Besties!!!

Dashain, tihar celebration took over the latter part of Ashwin and initial Kartik. 

Mangsir was another important month where I got the chance to be a part of WEPA(Working Elephants Programme of Asia). I learned about positive reinforcement method to train the sweet elephants. Met many amazing people. Helena, Marc(my Guru), Sudeer dai, Nirvaya, Aija,Karpa Sandesh Kadur (Nat Geo videographer) Freya, Amanda, Brian, last but not the least Shawn ;) I celebrated my Birthday at Chitwan+ Home. I got many insights on Elephant biology and the training method. 

My article featuring South Asian Youth Conference in The Himalayan Times

3rd South Asian youth conference was another important part of this year where I met my fellow neighbours from South Asian regions, discussed about the common problems, shared our ideas, knowledge, and inspired each other. I was amazed by the passion, energy and the wish to make a difference in every one's eyes. Made some very good friends, talked a lot( couldn't sleep for 3 days), played some strange games, midnight memories. 

Yay, Sikles.... No words to explain the fun we had there. Homestay, Maghe Sankranti, The Edge Band, Jeep Ride and price conflict, the Panchkanya dance, Gurung culture etc etc.. The mountains... It still makes me laugh like crazy person. 

Following month was too boring, exam and all. 

Then, comes Falgun... Mero pyaro Okhaldhunga, Bhusinga(Sherpaland)

 

 

My most adventurous journey to the place called Bhusinga, one of its kind, my first travel to the mountains at an altitude of 3300m with only men ;) Was indebted my the love, hospitality, Se Se culture of Sherpas, various delicacies made up of potatoes only.. Camping in the middle of the jungle, snowing, running behind scats, chilling cold, rhododendron clad forests, open defecation in the woods ;), self -defense, revolution talkies, Dream House... Continuous walking for 2 days..This is the most exciting, thrilling travel. Thank you so much John Brooks.. I have no words to thank you. 

  

Last but not the least, got selected in the US Embassy Youth Advisory Council 2014. Ya, I know I missed 2 days n I am not in the group photo but I am happy to join the program at the end.  As the famous Hindi dialogue, 'Hero's entry is always at last scene.' I don't know if I am speaking too much. Hehe, but I loved it. Many inspiring people from all around the country.

Oops, I forgot to include the another important thing of 2070B.S, Guess what??

 

Yes, yes... I know it sounds soo girly but I trimmed my long, beautiful hair. Now, I feel I have no hair at all. I feel so bad when I look people with long hair around. Argh!!  And I feel so Nepali myself, trying attires of different culture!!

To conclude, year 2070B.S was a gift to me. I had many good memories, new learning, many good friends, lots of energy to make a difference, to dream. Life would definitely be dull without ups and downs but with less peaks and falls. 2 things I learnt out of many things;

1. Life lived in fear is life not lived.

2. Try Not, Do or Do Not!!! 

So, Wishing you all a very Happy New Year 2071 B.S. I would love to see this year as Year Of Actions!!!!!

'It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.' Earnest Hemingway

USYC 2014: Two Days of Lifetime Momento

So, You’re Anisha Pokharel?’

‘Yess’- I replied with a sigh.

‘Why are you so late?’

‘Umm, I was busy searching wild cats in the Himalayas’

Seriously?? (They make faces; some with surprise and some with disbelief)

Welcome to US Embassy Youth Council Nepal 2014

That’s how it started…..

53 cool people from nook and corner of the nation

Were interwoven into a single chain of change

Engineers, doctors, journalists, artists, environmentalists, lawyer

Entrepreneurs to many talented youths from diverse fields.

Driven by the motive to rebuild the society

Breaking all the boundaries, injustices and discrimination

We vowed to make a difference and lead

And accomplish our mission of global good.

Despite being late, I was welcomed heartily

Introduction, chitchats, gossips and all those midnight mastiz

Things can’t be better when we all got on the dance floor

And go wild as if there’s no tomorrow.

Inspirational figures and encouraging works

Reminds us of our roles that we gotta do

It’s high time to dream Big and SMART

So, guyz lets make it happen without much ado.

We won’t believe in the saying’ Youth is wasted on young’

Coz we’re intelligent, smart, vibrant, active and powerful

Most importantly, we make fun out of everything

That’s what makes us special from the rest.

I do agree that road ahead is tough

We’ll be swarmed by the bugs of hurdles

But we refuse to stop fearing the unseens

We may lose our sight but not our vision.

We’ll rise from the ashes like a phoenix

To convert our hopes into realities

To create the world we wish to see

To bring the best out of ourselves……

Being BAD !!!

Since the kindergarten level, we are taught to be good. I still remember how happy I used to be when my teachers, relatives, parents would call me ‘gyani nani’. But, what does it take to be a good girl?

Characteristics of a good girl;

Study well, get good job, dresses (the more complex the better), no parties, home by 5, talk less, no affairs (otherwise would be called as sluts), all house hold chores, no shouting, no loud laughter, no discussions, marry at time (sooner the better), bear child soon, and the list just doesn't end; And greatest of all, bearing adversities with a smile.

On the contrary, Hindu mythology also claim that God would be happy in that house where women are respected well.

“Yaed grihe pujyate nari
Ramante tatra devata”

Our culture has made women submissive, shy, introvert, fragile and always shadowed. But it has also described gallantry role of women. Her courage, patience, strength, creativity, intelligence are very much admired in our ancient mythologies. If both dauntlessness and demureness are well praised in the mythologies, then why our society wants us to be demure rather than dauntless at present?
Why are we compelled to act shy rather than outspoken? 

Should women become like men in order to become equal with men and women or should both men and women become androgynous, each person combining the correct blend of positive masculine and feminine characteristics in order to be equal with every person? This is my fight, our fight against ourselves and against the discrimination, exploitation we are going through.

I can’t force myself to do things that I am not comfortable with. I can’t mute my laughter, I can’t tolerate any injustice, I can’t agree whatever others try to impose upon me. And I can’t give up all my Dreams just to be considered as a so-called Good Girl. I am damn sure, I am not alone; there are millions behind me, together with me aspiring for the beacon of freedom and equality.

Hence, I prefer being Bad!!