Day in Photo-6

Friendship !!! How are you my dears ?

Day in Photo-5

 Baby ! Life is beautiful

Happy Journey to Canada

Nice family 

 Nepali  Cindrella

 What a cute baby !

Bon Voyage to all.

Krishnajanmastami (Lord Krishna Birthday)

Balkrishna (Baby Krishna)

Today is the birthday of Lord Krishna who is the human  incarnation of Lord Bishnu (one of the trinity of the Hindusim). The word Krishna literally  means black as well as person with charisma (attraction). He was born as the 8th baby to mother  Devaki and father Basudev in the prison in Mathura (now in Uttar pradesh, India) at midnight. His parents were imprisoned by maternal uncle Kansa out of fear that he would be killed by the 8th son .To avoid risk Kansa killed previously born 6 babies from the couple. Last 7th and 8th babies however survived the death trap of Kansa. Basudev secretly transferred Krishna out of prison and he was raised by foster parents Nanda and Yasoda in Gokul (now in Gujarat, India).

Krishna in Mahabharata War

There were several attempts by Kansa to assassinate him. Lord always foiled them and finally he killed Kansa and restore his father as the king of Mathura. Kansa is notorious for his evil thinking and deeds and hence regarded as evil person so nobody wants to be compared with him. He worked as a chief Prince to Ugrasena and later established own kingdom in Dwarka. During his lifetime he worked for the betterment of human being by siding with the goods and eradicating the evils. In the Mahabharata war he sided with Pandavas and worked with the Arjuna. During this time he delivered the essence of life what we call the Bhagvat Gita. Gita is the most philosophical yet easy way of understanding the life and self. Divided into 18 chapters, it also talks about the morality and Yoga (union of soul to super soul of God). Here he stated the importance of duty, compassion, self and the invincibility of soul and reincarnation. Gita is one the most important religious texts in Hinduism. Originally stated in Sanskrit, now there are several translations in different languages including, Nepali, English, Gujarati, Urdu and so on. Gita Press of India is doing very good work since 1923 in popularizing the books. Even Braille version has been evolved.

Krishna Temple (Patan, Nepal)

On this holy day many devotees flock to the Krishna temple around the globe. In Nepal Krishna temple in Patan, is very famous and is packed with devotees. The temple,built by King Siddi  Narsingh Malla, is made from stone and has 21 pinnacles. On the wall events of Mahabharata is very nicely portrayed. The night time environment is  special with bright light and colorful devotees. High dignitaries like King and president come to pay homage to God.

Krishna in  Nara Japan 

Regarding the influence of Krishna out of South Asia, we can found the  image of Krishna in Bali Indonesia, and even in Japan. There is a depiction of Krishna playing flute in the Nara temple constructed in 752 AD in Japan. 

In modern times, with the evolution of ISKON movement (Hare Krishna Movement) in 1966 by Prabhupada in New york USA has  significantly draw attention of  Western people and many people are following the Devotion tradition (Bhakti marga) of Lord Krishna. Its centers are expanded to Canada to Britain and Kenya to Australia. 

In the today's high-tech world people need to do many things and feel stressed. In such situation, people of all race and faith can learn Gita,  pratice Yoga for the solace and peace of mind. The devoted one can recognize self and become great soul Like Buddha and Krishna. It is really possible.

Happy Krishnastami to all !!!!

May this day brings peace, prosperity and progress to all. 

People be friend to each other and compassion rein their heart.

Remembering past

                38th University Festival in Chiba University (2010 December)

After the open policy in 1950 Nepal has witnessed foreign tourist who are lured by the majestic beauty of Himalayas, magnificent art and architecture as well as natural beauty and friendly people. Tourism has become a growing industry and it is one of the major economic power houses of nation. It get set back after the Royal massacre in 2001, terrorist attack in twins tower in 2001 as well as increased armed activities in Nepal itself. However after the end of the insurgency in 2006 the situation has changed dramatically.

            To attract the visitors, government of Nepal has also lunched different activities through Nepal tourism board and other related agencies. In 2010 government declared 2011 as Nepal Visit Year. Many helped to in this noble cause in whichever means they could offer. We also introduced Nepal and tried to make Visit Nepal Year 2011 successful.  We participated in Food festival as well as University festival introducing food, dance and culture. Hundred of visitors were interested to our performance and were curious about Nepal. 

               There were 448,769   foreign visitors coming in Nepal (counted by air arrival only) in 2010. After the lunch of Visit Nepal year it increased by 21.4% to 544,985 in 2011. Looking back to the progress there were 20,458 tourists from Japan (counted by air arrival only) in 2010 while there were 22,008 in 2011 which is increased by 7.6% (Source: Nepal tourism board 2012). We are relieved that progress was achieved and whatever small contribution we could make might have some pie in this surge.

Wonder from Peru- Machu Picchu

Wonder of World: Machu Picchu of Inca Empire in Peru

There were  several independent civilizations in different parts of world with different level of art, culture, belief and religion. Inca civilization in South america was one of the  advanced  and developed civilizations. Before being colony of Spanish invaders in 1500s they had good and prosperous life. Because of the military superiority and internal weakness, Spanish could crush them and made whole South America the colony for several hundred of years. In the due course the entire culture was devastated with the suppression of their belief system and forced conversion to Christianity. Macha Pichu was in the high land area without knowledge to Spanish and hence remained untouched. Only in 1911 American historian Hiram Bingham brought notice to outside world about this nice monuments. Since then it has became tourist attraction of Peru. It was listed as World heritage site in 1983. Relieved that such a masterpiece remained untouched by the destroyer of human civilization.

Cheerful as Cherry

 Be Cheerful as Cherry !!!

Greater Nepal

Map of Greater Nepal 

Nepal was big country and from time to time it has become squeezed due to internal and external conflicts. In the latest history when the farsighted King Prithvi  Narayan Shah the Great started the foundation of modern Nepal 250 years ago, there were more than 50 small kingdoms in Nepal alone. The unification campaign continued even after his early death by his descendants and noblemen in the palace with the help of patriotic persons. However at that time British East India Company, which has entered India in the name of business, started to colonize Indian kingdoms. Nepal had to fought with the British troops to protect the sovereignty and the war continued for 2 years (1814-1816). The war came to end with the humiliating Sugauli treaty (1816 March 4) in which Nepal had to give up large part of her territory like the Sikkim , Darjeeling, Dinapur in the East and parts between Mahakali and Sutlej river in the west. Currently Dinapur lies in Bangladesh (East Pakistan from 1947-1971) while other parts are in India once the British rule was over in 1947. The 1950 Nepal- India Friendship treaty clause 8 scraps the Sugauli treaty which means that the areas held by British India no longer valid. However, those areas are in the control of India and Bangladesh. Many historians have raised this issue.Even there is movement of Greater Nepal is launched with the notion that Nationalism never die. They opined that even in the current border between India and Nepal, India is not behaving well with Nepal like by encroaching the border, terrorizing Nepali people along the border with the excessive use of force by SSB force and so on. They hope that if Greater Nepal can be made successful Nepal will be free from the shackles of Indian expansionism. Lets see whether this comes in reality in near future or not. 

Next time the blog about India Nepal relationship will be discussed.

Nelson Mandela: Freedom Fighter

Without justice there is no peace.

Without peace there is no progress. 

Without progress there is no prosperity. 

In the history of mankind there are times when a light of hope emerges from the darkness to brighten the masses. Such is the story of Nobel peace prize winner and first democratically elected president of South Africa: Nelson Mandela, a true iconic yet indisputable figure in current time. He has struggled most of his fertile time for the benefit of humanity and did this by fighting the apartheid in South Africa for which he was imprisoned for 27 years in isolated Robben ( literal meaning Seal in dutch) island. It  is to be noted that this island has been used for isolation of prisoners from 17th century. Because of connection with Mandela, now this prison has been designated as world heritage site.

Nelson Mandela (Photo: Kjetil Ree )

 Though there is saying that all people are equal but in practice that is not true. People are treated based on their religion, color, race, nationality and  economic status and so on. The situation goes bad when the parent like institution government unfairly treats it people using its power. Such had happened in modern times- 20th century when the white dominated government introduced laws to segregate the people based on color of skin (racial group) making them superior group among other groups. Separated spaces  were allocated in every aspects of life: housing, public spaces and even education. It was even illegal to marry with other group. Draconian laws were especially targeted against the majority black people who were the right owner of nation. White people have emigrated there in search of opportunity in colonial times. They were treated as second class citizen in their own country. Such a heinous act cannot be tolerated by a people of good heart. Many people marched against the apartheid and struggled for making the justful society. Nelson Mandela was prominent figure in this struggle. Born in 18 July 1918, he studied in Wats University. He was politically affiliated to African National Congress ANC, established in 1912. After the Sharpville massacre, in which peaceful 69 anti-apartheid  protesters were killed by government, Nelson Mandela and other  leaders turned to violence to end the unjust of apartheid. He was caught in this process in 1961 and  sent to solitary prison to be released only in 1990. 
     Many nations including Nepal supported Mandela and his cause. South Africa was boycotted internationally and many nations refused to recognize the country. Nepal was one of the nations to raise the voice in international arena. Nepal made diplomatic relation to South Africa only after the end of apartheid and on the same day as Nelson became president (10th May 1994). Nepal has opened its embassy in Pretoria in 2010 after the increased relationship.
     Many people around the world regard him a true statesman as once he became the president of South Africa he tried to make reconciliatory approach with all sections of society including the tyranny group of White people to make a new path of freedom. The truth and reconciliation commission is highly regarded model of transition to conflict torn society. He did not show any lust of power as he refused to held office for second term. In his untiring fight for the inalienable human rights of people United Nations declare the International Mandela day since 2009 (on his 90th birthday). This year theme on his 94th birthday is "Take Action, Inspire Change: Make Every Day a Mandela Day.” Lets come together in this noble cause. 

Fukushima Japan Nuclear Disaster Report 2012

The new findings by the Japanese parliamentary report highlights the shortcomings of the response to the nuclear disaster after the 2011 Japan  mega earthquake and tsunami. The disaster has left many people to be displaced and some areas uninhabitable for decades. The report praises the then prime minister  for forcing the TEPCO for continuing their efforts to cool down the power-plant  in Fukushima. It guides the government for future response and be a good lesson for other nations with nuclear power plants. 

Nepal being surrounded by nuclear countries: India, China and Pakistan and any catastrophe in these nuclear plants will have serious implication to all neighboring countries including Nepal.So the preventive measures should be taken by all responsible countries to avert any nuclear disasters. 

Watch this video from cnn

Happy Birthday Pranjal

 Happy Birthday  Prince PRANJAL !!!

Wishing you all the great things in life, hope this day will bring you an extra share of all that makes you happiest.

Cartoons and Manga

Prince Pranjal enjoying the cartoon
Narita Airport, Japan (2011)

Prince Pranjal has a great passion for children song and cartoons especially ANPANMAN, DISNEY characters like Mickey mouse, Donald duck and POCOYO. Cartoons are very lovely and humorous. They increase the imagination and reasoning power. Beside these, they teach us about the good things and give moral lessons. Even grown up people can enjoy the cartoons. In many parts of the world it is has been a myth that cartoons are meant for children only. But in Japan cartoons/comics called MANGA are very popular among people of all age. Now this trend has become viral to other nations with introduction of Manga in other local languages. Manga is a booming business estimated of ¥ 420 billion ($5.5 billion) in 2009. Hope this kind of informative as well as entertaining business be grown all nook and corners of world for the sake of love and peace.

Day in Photo -4

Splendid  interior view with glass and steel

Summer time in Bondi Beach, Australia

Enjoying summer in Bondi Beach, Australia
Photo: Pradeep Uprety

This month is June 2012. The climate in Japan is getting hot and in coming months of July and August will be more hot and humid: difficult to bear. However, there are ways to relax this time: with water. It is time to enjoy the beaches even  in scorching  sun. People will search for the coolness and hence will flock to swimming pools and beaches. There are many beautiful places to enjoy the beauty of nature in this summer time.  Australian beaches are famous in the world for their beauty. Even though it is winter in Australia we can enjoy them by looking pictures. Chiba beach is famous in Japan where many people came to enjoy for surfing as well as swimming. 

Day in Photo -3

Enjoy the life
 like warrior riding on horse

Day in Photo -2

Building  looking like a sculptor