The Japan Earthquake March 11, 2011

Gigantic earthquake of Mw 8.8 has hit east Japan on Friday March 11 2011 causing widespread damage. It is the 5th largest earthquake event in the world and biggest in last hundred year of Japan. Many cities have been devastated most affected being Sendai. More than 400 people have confirmed dead and hundreds have been missing.

We have been feeling this earthquake and continuous after shocks till date. Because of strict building codes, the devastation has been limited. Most of the damages have been due to the tsunami nearby the sea shores area like in Sendai city. Hundred of thousands of building have been left without electricity and water. Many hospitals have been stretched to the maximum limit. But because of high disciplined people and well preparedness there is not much panic situation.

What would happen if same event happened in Nepal?

Nepal lies between Indian and Eurasian plate and each year Indian plate moves 2 cm per year towards Eurasian plate thereby causing the stress. Seismologist are predicting gigantic earthquake as pressure has built for last 300 years and it has to be released. Normally Nepal experiences big earthquake in 80-100 years. Hundred of thousands people will be killed because of the building collapse because in Nepal

• there is no strict building codes,
• there is poor implementation of codes,
• there are weak building materials.

Besides these reasons, most of the buildings in villages are non-engineered which are more vulnerable to the quakes. Even in cities many buildings are old and built before the builing code implementation. Last earthquake in Nepal was in 1934 that took more than 10,000 people. The population has increased a lot and so are the buildings. Government has little preparedness to cope up the situation. Most of the time is spent in the political things and there is no time to come for the disaster management. Even political leaers have failed to make constitution in stipulated time of 2 years. Proposed Disaster Management Act has not been acted through the parliament though it was given for approval in 2007. Since 2007, Nepal has seen sea change in politics. County has become Republic from Kingdom, 3 governments have changed. But alas! there is no time for government and political leaders to pass the act and set up the systematic mechanism for the disaster management. SriLanka has set up even disaster management ministry after 2004 tsunami event. May be Nepal is waiting event similar to the 2010 Haiti earthquake to become eye opener. By that time it will be too late as even the lazy current leaders of Nepal will not be able to see the day after that possible doom's day.

Secret of Western Civilization

Western Civilization has dominated for last 500 years and it was the colonial powers of most of the countries in the world. Only after second world war (1939-1945) many countries have broke the shackles of colonism.

Many countries have developed their countries combining the western values with their own values in a unique way. The rise of Japan to World economy was their adoption of Western methods since Meiji Restoration in 1850. Now many countries have followed Japan and become rising super power like China, India, Singapore Vietnam to name a few.

Noted Harvard historian Niall Ferguson has noted 6 points of western secrets for success. They are:

1. competition,


2. modern science,


3. the rule of law and private property rights,


4. modern medicine,


5. consumer society and


6. work ethic.

Nepal lacks many of the above pointed secrets. Most importantly it lacks work ethics and the rule of law. Until all the above steps are adopted in our lives it is difficult for Nepal to compete internationally with dignity.

DEMOCRACY AND EDUCATION-2

Last blog was about the modern education in Nepal. It is true that education pays not only people but also to the nation. Access to education is important in this aspect. This is because Nepal has to do a lot of works to go ahead in improving lifestyle and way of thinking that the modern world deserves. It is high time that our people should be at par to the international level.

Knowledge is POWER.

Regarding the education system around Nepal neighboring countries a lot of lessons can be drawn. Education system of Sri Lanka is good in the sense that it has managed to have high literacy rate ( 92%) and large population having Secondary Education (83% of the total) making it one of the most literate populations amongst developing nations. Sri Lanka has an education system of 9 years of compulsory schooling same as in Japan. Another system it has been catering is free education system since 1945. Many people have credited this to the visionary personality Dr. C. W. W. Kannangara.

Benefits of Free education are;

1. Remedy of social evils
2. Greater competitiveness
3. Improved quality of life
4. Better governance and
5. Equal opportunities

Comparing to Nepal, education was a limited to certain class and rich only. Idea of free education emerges only during the time of King Birendra's Coronation in 1975 (2031 B.S). King Birendra (1945-2001) said once that no one should be deprived of the bright light of education. He proclaimed the primary (5 years ) education free. This was only the case in the government supported educational institutions. After the 1990s democracy time education was claimed to be free up to the secondary level (10 years of education) but due to the lack of financial support this has not been the case. Actually classes up to 8 is free in the government schools. In the coming days Nepal needs to introduce the compulsory education of 9 years and made higher education more accessible to all strata of life. It should be part of life rather than a luxury item for some.

DEMOCRACY AND EDUCATION

Education is key to success as it enables to search the ways for prosperity and development. It also makes people responsive. Considering the trend of development in true sense, it can be found that those countries which have strong sense of education have prospered a lot. Japan, Singapore, Isreal are some examples. That mean to say that the human capital is important intangible assets of a nation.

Regarding the modern education in Nepal, it started only after the establishment of Durbar High school on 1892 (1910 Ashwin 27 Bikram era ). However, only the elite and ruling Rana could send their children for education. Rana dictatorship ruled Nepal from 1846-1950. It was one family ruling and country was closed to outside.

It is tragic thing that the education for common people was seen as menance to their system. They believe that educated people will not tolerate their regime so they deny their education rights. It was indeed bad luck of Nepal that we had rulers with such mentality and they ruled the nation for 104 years. During Rana regime only one college, (Tri- Chandra College) was established and it  was affiliated with Patna University of India. It is said that Rana Prime Minister Chandra Shamaser wept while inaugurating the college. He was saying that he was digging the downfall of Rana regime. What could be expected from such shrewd politician ? Had the Rana ruled that 100 years properly in utilization for the modernization as done by Japanese after Meiji restoration (after 1850) Nepal could be the power house of Asia both financially and academically.

Only after the 1950 revolution the country got the liberation from the aristocrats. This year we are observing the 61st Democracy Day and our forefathers fought for it. It is special for us as it was the time that common people could join the schools. In spite of all odds Nepal has progressed a lot in education in this last 60 years. Each year thousands of students go abroad (USA, Japan , Australia etc). They have excelled in many different fields. Many people have worked in academic and research institutions. Even one guy (Kul Chandra Gautam) became the Vice secretary of United Nations, the highest and most respected organization in the world. Many Nepali scholars have contributed to the knowledge and wisdom thereby not only serving Nepal but also to the whole world. This could not be even dreamt in the Rana regime.

Glimpse of education in Nepal (2010)

Number of schools- 32,130

Colleges-More than 700

Universities- 6 in operation (other 3 in pipelines)

Literacy rates (above 6 years)- About 60%

Now Nepal has 6 universities and more than 700 colleges imparting education from humanities to commerce, medicine to engineering and so on. Even students from other countries come to study in Nepal. There is high charm of education among people and in the coming days we are sure to progress if we do hard work and invest heavily in education sectors.

It is therefore pertinent to remember the martyrs who have sacrificed their time and lives for the betterment of people. Your sacrificed has created the new paradigm in the Nepalese history.

Deep gratitude and remembrances to all the freedom fighters.

The Noble Eightfold Path of Buddha

1. Right View
2. Right Intention
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right concentration

The first two are related to the WISDOM.

Next three are related to the ETHICAL CONDUCT.

And final three are related to the MENTAL DEVELOPMENT.

If we follow the noble path of Buddha even this day we will sure to make this World a better place to live on.

I am following. Do you ?

Single Rudraskha sold for 1.85 Million Rupees

Rudraksha is one of the sacred tree in the Hindu religion. The word is derived from the Sanskrit language which means eyes of Rudra (Shiv, one of the trinity of Hinduism) as it is believed that it originated from the tears of Lord Shiva.

Rudraksha tree is found mostly in the Himalayan region and that from the Nepal is very famous. India, Indonesia and New Guinea are also producing Rudraksha. As the seed of the Rudraksha is covered by blue color shell when fully ripe, it is often called Blue berry beads. There are several variety Elaeocarpus however the most common variety is the Elaecarpus ganitrus.

Rudraksha beads (as seen in the picture above) are used for preparing rosary(garland) to be used for counting the mantra/religious chanting. Not only Hindus but also Sikhs and Buddhist are using Rudraksha for rosary. The fruit are blue and changed to black color. The central hard uniseed has 1 to 108 faces. 1 faced is called eekmukhe (one mouthed) and very rare and hence valuable. This one mukhe rudraskhya is kept in the Pashupatinath temple Nepal. Most common seed has 2 to 21 faces and 22 to 108 faces are also rare. It is common that rare things are valuable.

There is one recent report from Nepal through Nagariknews dot com that businessman from Bhojpur bought a 27 mouthed Rudrakhsa in 1.85 million Nepali rupees from German Rai who has Rudraksha garden. Rai said that it was his first big sale in his whole life. This may the single largest amount to be paid for single Rudraska bead in recent times. With the increased Hindu population and the interest of international community in Hinduism, Nepal can tap more resources by expanding its cultivation in the Himalayan region and exporting in the international markets. Our development lies in exploiting our resources in the most conducive ways.

Relaxing Music

Positive thinking are the keys to the success. Only with the attitude of the positive behaviour can lead us to happy life. Life is what you make it. Though it certainly helps you to feel happy in luxurious environment, more than this is needed. That is -positive thinking and it comes from your inner heart. Music is certain to help in this matter. When you are feeling bored, listening to good music can be boon.

I have found one instrumental music which is the composition of different instruments from East and West. It is really heart touching. You will not satisfied with one time listening. More is needed. Would you also like to listen ? Here it goes-

We Are the People

The world has not only bad people but also good and kind hearted people. People with compassion and action. Otherwise world would already have been a hell. Michael Jackson was also kind hearted guy who with his friends try to address the plight of starving people from Ethiopia due to severe famine and subsequent hunger. In 1985 Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote the charity song called We Are the world (Also the album of same title). The song was honored numerous times — including three Grammy Awards, one American Music Award and a People’s Choice Award — The song was promoted with music video, a home video, a special edition magazine, a simulcast, and several books, posters and shirts.


More than 7 million units of the album, single and cassettes, plus nearly 2 million digital sales and related merchandise has contributed revenue more than $63 million. About half of the income was spent on emergency relief (food, medicine, and refugee services) and supporting more than 500 different relief, rehabilitation and development projects in 18 different countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

The group now tries to address big disaster following Haiti earthquake in which more than 230,000 people lost their lives and hundreds of thousands people homeless. People and institutions around the world are feeling sorry for Haitian people and showing solidarity through different means. One way to support them is giving donation through reputed organization like Redcross, Doctors without borders and of course world 25.

The charity group is primarily focused for African development but seeing the devastation of Haiti they now have formed The World 25 for Haiti (exactly 25 years after Ethiopian famine) and remake the song and music video in support to the plight of the Haitian People. More than 80 artists and performers gather together to sing a charity song. The charity group expects to draw donation after seeing video from viewers or downloading into itunes. The donation will go for the relief and reconstruction works of Haiti.

If you have credit card you too can donate after watching the video ;

Prince Pranjal Playing !!!

Baby Prince Pranjal is trying to cope with new challenges and craving to go ahead. With blessings from Almighty and love from all relatives and well wishers , he is sure achieve victory.
Here goes the video of him .

May this new Year 2010 brings you a lot of

progress and prosperity in all walks of life!!!

Our best wishes are always with you....

With love
Papa and Mama

Sawara City

Japan, the land of rising sun , is very rich in tradition and culture. In spite of the high development, it has maintained its pristine beauty, culture and tradition in tact. I had learned some thing about japan in school and during my Bachelor in Architecture, I had an opportunity to learn about the Japanese Architecture. After coming I had some opportunity to see, feel and perceive the architectural beauties of temples.

I had a dream to have a visit to traditional place in Kanto region of Japan with some background information. In this respect I had an opportunity to visit the SAWARA city through Chiba Tourism office. Commonly called as the Little EDO (Edo is the old name for Tokyo) , Sawara city has many things to offer that from the past Edo period. As an urban planner it is important to know about the preservation of the old setttings in the modern time when the commerce driven development is griping its pawns to the heritage sites throughout the world. It is however good to know that the historical town scape has been regarded as Important Preservation Districts by government.

First we went to the museum where the cultural things were very beautifully displayed. Sawara city is very famous for the 2 festivals in summer and fall seasons. It has been practiced for more than 300 years. Because of its cultural significance it has been designated as an Important intangible cultural property in 2004. Though we could not enjoy the real festival, we could feel the grandeur by looking at the museum.

Afterwards we went to the city center of Sawara. The old houses are beautifully lined up on the banks of Onogawa river. In the past, these houses were the active seat of merchandise. Even today some merchant houses and their shops are in operation. The city is also famous for surveyor Inoh Tadakata who first made the precise map of Japan. City has dedicated beautiful museum in his memory. Many new buildings have been designed in the traditional design though some are not with the similar construction material.

From the visit to Sawara, it can be learnt that we can best serve the local heritage even in the time of the modern development. We should also be grateful to our forefathers for their great accomplishment for us. If people cooperate each other we can save our tradition and culture which are important as they give us identity.

Enjoy the video too;

Sawara is worth to visit again. Single visit is not enough !!!

Aeronautical Museum

Aeroplane is one of the greatest achievement of human era. Man has long dream of flying up above the sky like a free bird. It became possible only after a long struggle and untiring efforts. Human being has conquered the sky. Aviation service has made the life quite convenient. Now the distance has been squeezed with the time and it became a usual phenomena. Main credit for the revolutionary invention of modern day aircraft goes to Wright brothers who made the successful flight in 1903 in USA.

I have a long dream to see the developmental history of aircraft. Though I have been in Japan for last 2 years it never came in mind that there is aeronautical museum to go. When I noticed that there is such a facility right here in Chiba I was very happy. I was lucky enough to notice the tour program about the sightseeing within Chiba by Chiba Prefecture Tourism Office. I was excited.

Aeronautical museum was nearby the Narita International Airport. Narita airport is the gate way to Japan. In the main entrance there is a prototype of aircraft similar to that built by Wright brothers. Seeing the model, I felt as if I were in Wright brother's time. Guide gave good orientation about the museum and its exhibited items. I entered the cockpit, touch the engine, and felt myself as a pilot for a time being. Though I am professionally doctor I became pilot! Really I was wondering!!! Many models of aircraft of different times were exhibited over there. I had some time to see the runway of Narita airport from where the landing and take off of aircrafts was clearly seen. I got the proper idea of the aircraft, its internal configuration, technology and material. I wish to stay for long time over there but it was not possible as we have to leave the museum to see to other beautiful places on the same day as per schedule. The aeronautical museum is worth visiting once you are in Japan. I am very much thankful to organizers for providing wonderful opportunity. Once again thank you very much.

Doomo!

Osewa Narimashita !!!

(Posted by -Anupama )

Bird Swarm

Really it's a bird! It's a cloud! It's a bird cloud. In Denmark, big flock of 300,000 birds created a wavelike cloud. As per ornithologists (specialist of bird), these feathered friends really do prefer to roost together, and the massive formations are a sort of pre-roost ritual that take on these odd shapes. It is amazing ya ... and too mesmerizing.
Lets see the video too.

Happy Tihar

Wishing you all very very Happy Tihar !

MAY GOD BLESS YOU!!!

HAPPY DASHAIN 2066 B.S.

Dear Valued Readers

WISHING YOU ALL

VERY VERY HAPPY VIJAYA DASHAMI 2066 B.S.

May this festival bring you Peace, Progress and Prosperity

in all walks of life !!!!!

Global Competitiveness Report and Nepal

Since the inception of reporting from 2004, the Global Competitiveness Report shows the competitiveness of each country. Scored in 10, higher the marks more competitiveness is the country. The rankings are calculated from both publicly available data and the Executive Opinion Survey, a comprehensive annual survey conducted by the World Economic Forum together with its network of Partner Institutes (leading research institutes and business organizations) in the countries covered by the Report.

Switzerland tops the overall ranking in The Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010. The USA falls one place to second position due to its weakening financial markets and macroeconomic stability. Singapore, Sweden and Denmark round out the top five. European economies continue to prevail in the top 10 with Finland, Germany and the Netherlands following suit. Britain has continued its fall from last year, moving down one more place this year to 13th.



Our neighbouring country China is on the top with ranking 29 while India ranks 49 , Srilanka 79, Pakistan 101, Bangladesh ranks 106, Nepal is at the bottom of the table .However ,it has improved by one point this year from 126 to 125 ranking. Due to continuous strike, factory closure and political instability has compounded the situation in Nepal. It can be hoped that in the coming years Nepal with new constitution will enroll in new economic dynamism and will lead into progress in every front.

Motherland

The heart is always attached to mother and mother land. It is almost difficult to find people not loving their mother and motherland. As a son/daughter of Nepal it is our rights and responsibilities to love Nepal whoever we are, whenever possible and what small it may be.

Janani janma bhupishca swargadapi gariyasi

Mother and motherland are greater than HEAVEN!!!!

Lets enjoy this beautiful music video :