How people will look in 10 generations

Modern Homo sapiens is still evolving. Despite the long-held view that natural selection has ceased to affect humans because almost everybody now lives long enough to have children, a new study of a contemporary Massachusetts population offers evidence of evolution still in action.
A team of scientists led by Yale University evolutionary biologist Stephen Stearns suggests that if the natural selection of fitter traits is no longer driven by survival, perhaps it owes to differences in women's fertility. "Variations in reproductive success still exist among humans, and therefore some traits related to fertility continue to be shaped by natural selection," Stearns says. That is, women who have more children are more likely to pass on certain traits to their progeny. (See the top 10 scientific discoveries of 2008.)
Stearns' team examined the vital statistics of 2,238 postmenopausal women participating in the Framingham Heart Study, which has tracked the medical histories of some 14,000 residents of Framingham, Mass., since 1948. Investigators searched for correlations between women's physical characteristics - including height, weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels - and the number of offspring they produced. According to their findings, it was stout, slightly plump (but not obese) women who tended to have more children - "Women with very low body fat don't ovulate," Stearns explains - as did women with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Using a sophisticated statistical analysis that controlled for any social or cultural factors that could impact childbearing, researchers determined that these characteristics were passed on genetically from mothers to daughters and granddaughters.
If these trends were to continue with no cultural changes in the town for the next 10 generations, by 2409 the average Framingham woman would be 2 cm (0.8 in) shorter, 1 kg (2.2 lb.) heavier, have a healthier heart, have her first child five months earlier and enter menopause 10 months later than a woman today, the study found. "That rate of evolution is slow but pretty similar to what we see in other plants and animals. Humans don't seem to be any exception," Stearns says. (See TIME's photo-essay "Happy 200th Darwin Day.")
Douglas Ewbank, a demographer at the University of Pennsylvania who undertook the statistical analysis for the study, which was published Oct. 21 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), says that because cultural factors tend to have a much more prominent impact than natural selection in the shaping of future generations, people tend to write off the effect of evolution. "Those changes we predict for 2409 could be wiped out by something as simple as a new school-lunch program. But whatever happens, it's likely that in 2409, Framingham women will be 2 cm shorter and 1 kg heavier than they would have been without natural selection. Evolution is a very slow process. We don't see it if we look at our grandparents, but it's there."
Other recent genetic research has backed up that notion. One study, published in PNAS in 2007 and led by John Hawks, an anthropologist at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, found that some 1,800 human gene variations had become widespread in recent generations because of their modern-day evolutionary benefits. Among those genetic changes, discovered by examining more than 3 million DNA variants in 269 individuals: mutations that allow people to digest milk or resist malaria and others that govern brain development. (Watch TIME's video "Darwin and Lincoln: Birthdays and Evolution.")
But not all evolutionary changes make inherent sense. Since the Industrial Revolution, modern humans have grown taller and stronger, so it's easy to assume that evolution is making humans fitter. But according to anthropologist Peter McAllister, author of Manthropology: the Science of Inadequate Modern Man, the contemporary male has evolved, at least physically, into "the sorriest cohort of masculine Homo sapiens to ever walk the planet." Thanks to genetic differences, an average Neanderthal woman, McAllister notes, could have whupped Arnold Schwarzenegger at his muscular peak in an arm-wrestling match. And prehistoric Australian Aborigines, who typically built up great strength in their joints and muscles through childhood and adolescence, could have easily beat Usain Bolt in a 100-m dash.
Steve Jones, an evolutionary biologist at University College London who has previously held that human evolution was nearing its end, says the Framingham study is indeed an important example of how natural selection still operates through inherited differences in reproductive ability. But Jones argues that variation in female fertility - as measured in the Framingham study - is a much less important factor in human evolution than differences in male fertility. Sperm hold a much higher chance of carrying an error or mutation than an egg, especially among older men. "While it used to be that men had many children in older age to many different women, now men tend to have only a few children at a younger age with one wife. The drop in the number of older fathers has had a major effect on the rate of mutation and has at least reduced the amount of new diversity - the raw material of evolution. Darwin's machine has not stopped, but it surely has slowed greatly," Jones says. (See TIME's special report on the environment.)
Despite evidence that human evolution still functions, biologists concede that it's anyone's guess where it will take us from here. Artificial selection in the form of genetic medicine could push natural selection into obsolescence, but a lethal pandemic or other cataclysm could suddenly make natural selection central to the future of the species. Whatever happens, Jones says, it is worth remembering that Darwin's beautiful theory has suffered a long history of abuse. The bastard science of eugenics, he says, will haunt humanity as long as people are tempted to confuse evolution with improvement. "Uniquely in the living world, what makes humans what we are is in our minds, in our society, and not in our evolution," he says.


TIME MAGAZINE

Tihar Celebration 09

Culture embodies person’s identity. Distance doesn’t matter to preserve and maintain one’s traditions and practices. To maintain the same at the special occasion of auspicious Tihar, NeFE organized Tihar celebration in Matsuyama, Japan. Special Tihar feast was served and best wishes exchanged among the Nepalese residing in Matsuyama. Ladies also performed brief bhaili and exchanged blessings to each other.

NeFE observed Dashami Tika

On the auspicious day of Vijaya Dashami NeFF family gathered to put tika and prasad of goddess Durga in Matsuyama, Japan. Members gathered and received tika and blessing from seniors. To some extent it lessened the feeling of loneliness of being apart from home and family members.

NeFE welcomed New Students

NeFE organized gathering program to welcome new students in Ehime University from Nepal. The gathering provided participants a chance to get introduced with new comers and familiarize them with NeFE family and its programs. New students arrived for the academic session October 09 are:
Mr. Yubaraj Poudel, (Faculty of Engineering, to pursue Doctorate Degree)
Mr. Shankar Dhakal (Faculty of Engineering, to pursue Doctorate Degree)
Mr. Deepak Bhat (Faculty of Engineering, to pursue Masters’ Degree)
Mr. Purshwotam Ghimire (Faculty of Agriculture, to pursue Masters’)
NeFE extends its best wishes to newly arrived students for their productive stay in Japan and successful accomplishments of academic study.The program also observed wish sharing event at the special occasion of national festival, Vijaya Dashami

Farewell Gathering (01/09/09)

NeFE organized a farewell gathering to bid adieu to the Nepali friends who completed their academic career in Ehime University and are returning back to homeland. Three friends received farewell this September namely, Dr. Pashupati Poudel, Dr. Nirmala Bhatta and Mr. Prahlad Uprety.

Dr. Poudel accomplished his doctorate in crop production with special reference to corn production in Nepal and Dr. Bhatta completed her doctorate in irrigation system in Nepal comparing the similar systems in developing and developed countries from Graduate School of Agricultural Science. Similarly, Mr. Uprety successfully accomplished his Masters’ Degree in earthquake prevention and evacuation system from Graduate School of Science and Engineering.
The farewell receivers shared their experience of living in Japan during their study period and talked about their accomplished study in brief. All accentuated in strengthening NeFE solidarity and mutual relationship among all Nepalese in Ehime.

The program was divided into two sessions: formal session followed by the dinner. Farewell receiving guests were granted a token of memory and best wishes certificate from NeFE team. NeFE organizes such kind of farewell gathering to congratulate the graduates for their successful academic accomplishments and to wish success in their future endeavors.

Teej Celebration 09

NeFE organized ‘darr feast’ in Dogo Park, Matsuyama on 21 August 2009. The program was organized to strengthen solidarity among Nepalese residing in Matsuyama and to exchange best wishes on the special occasion of Teej. Ladies in typical attires hued in red and food with traditional taste made the program spot as one within the boundary of the homeland. The program observed dance in Teej songs, bingo game, and the special darr feast that is believed giving strength to women to take fasting the other day praying for her everlasting conjugal relationship.

NeFE organizes such kind of program of national importance to preserve Nepali tradition and culture among Nepalese although being far away from the country.

Congratulatory Note

NeFe congratulates duo Mr/Mrs. Prahlad Uprety and Mr/Mrs. Krishna Simkhada for their newly born baby. We extend our best wishes for the prosperous life ahead to both families and sound health of the babies

NeFE Family

Interaction Gathering

NeFE organized interaction gathering to welcome Dr. Kishor Kumar Bhattarai, Senior Divisional Engineer at the Department of Irrigation, Ministry of Water Resources, Nepal. Dr. Bhattarai had accomplished Master’s and Doctorate Degree from Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University (Master: 1999-2001, Doctor: 2001-2004). He has arrived Matsuyama for the follow up research in Ehime University and will be in Japan for three months.
Interaction program let the Nepalese residing in Matsuyama introduce with Dr. Bhattarai and acquaint him with the area of study respective students are studying in Ehime University. The program was organized in Matsuyama Guest House on 7th June 09.

Adieu 065

NeFE celebrated the beginning of the New Year 2066 bidding adieu to the hardships and any adversity of the previous year. Members extended best wishes for the prosperity and success of every Nepali at the dawn of the New Year 2066.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2066

बिहानी उज्यालोलाई पर्खंदै अधेरी रातमा रूमलिएपनि,
झरनालाई नि तिर्खाईमा तड्पिए पनि,
सहासको बाटो परिवर्तन नहोस् यात्रा निरन्तर चलिरहोस हुरिबतासको लहर जति नै बेगले चले पनि, कर्मको दियो अटुट बलिरहोस, शुभ happy new year को अवसरमा सु- शब्द शुभ- कामना. : नयाँ बसन्त को पालुवा ले सजियोस" !

Development Efforts of Nepal presented in International Forum

Current development initiatives of Nepal and the contribution of Japanese government were presented at the Ehime University Asia-Africa International Cooperation Forum on 30th March 2009. The program discussed the aid and initiatives of Japanese government and institutions to the Asian and African countries viz. Indonesia, Nepal and Mozambique.

The three countries were given focus at the program as the Ehime University, apart from its effort in quality education and world-class research, has been actively engaged in promotional activities in these countries of Asia and Africa in particular.

President, Ehime University; Governor, Ehime Prefecture; Japan’s Ambassador to Indonesia; Ambassador of Indonesia; Minister -Counsellor of Embassy of Mozambique were present at the program including dignitaries from MEXT, JICA, Ehime University and other governmental agencies.

Distinguish representatives of Asia and Africa made presentation on political and development affairs of the respective country and appraised cooperation received from the institutions and bodies of the Japanese government. Dr. Netra Prakash Bhandary, Assistant Professor, Ehime University highlighted briefly on the current political, developmental affairs of Nepal on behalf of the Nepal’s Ambassador to Japan. Recalling the development assistance being received from the government of Japan from ages he applauded the consistent cooperation and wished for the similar collaboration in future.

Dignitaries of Ehime University, MEXT, and JICA discussed on the international cooperation efforts, and future programs of the public and government agencies of Japan in Asia and Africa.

The program was organized by the Ehime University in support of Ehime-Indonesia Friendship Association and Ehime-Nepal Friendship Council. Faculty members, member of local and government organizations, and students were present at the program.

NeFE bids Farewell

Nepalese Forum in Ehime (NeFE) organized a program to bid farewell to Nepalese students graduating from the Ehime University on 15 March 2009. The formal session was conducted in the discussion room of the main library building of Ehime University that was followed by the luncheon at Tokyu Hotel. First half of the program included the brief sharing of the research conducted by the graduating student during his/her course of study in Japan. A token of memory was granted to students including spouse and their children.

The program started with the welcome remarks by Mr. Arjun Shrestha, Secretary, NeFE. Brief sharing of the research followed the welcome remarks. Mr. Achyut Nainabasti who received Ph.D degree from Graduate School of Agricultural Science talked briefly about his research on rice production and marketing system with special reference to Chitwan district of Nepal. The paper attempted to analyze the situation of rice production, efficiency of the farmers in production and distribution; and problems encountered in context of Nepal. The paper has also made comparative analysis of the production and marketing system of Japan and has recommended prospects for Nepal, he said.

Mr. Bhoj Raj Pantha was the next speaker. He has been awarded Doctoral Degree in Engineering from the Graduate School of Science and Engineering. He said his research at Ehime University dealt with road infrastructure and landslide in context of Nepal with particular case studies from Nepal. His research dealt with both new road construction mainly GIS model for roadway route selection and maintenance of existing highways. He considered Kathmandu – Hetauda section as the study area for roadway route optimization model and certain stretch of Prthivi and Mugling – Narayanghat highways (from Jogimara to Jugedi Bazar) as the study area for highway maintenance prioritization model. He said the research has rather opened up a way for further research in these fields. He expressed his commitment to continue working on it contributing on the sustainable development of the country.

Ms. Ava Khatri shared briefly about her research on usage of fly ash as a supplementary environment friendly means of concrete construction. She completed Master Course from the Graduate School of Science and Engineering. Her research analyzed the strengths and drawbacks of the flyash.

The program continued with the handing of the token of memory to the graduating students, and their family members. Ms. Sharaswoti Bharati, President, NeFE granted a token of memory and flower bouquet.

The program invited Mr. Ranjan Kumar Dahal as a guest. Ms. Bharati bestowed him a flower bouquet as a token of farewell for his successful accomplishment of Ph.D degree from Kagawa University.

Mr. Pashupati Poudel expressed the words of appreciation to the friends who are graduating in this session of March 09. He appreciated their effort and perseverance to accomplish the academic career in the Ehime University and wished them a successful future.

Mr. Netra Prakash Bhandary, Advisor, NeFE highlighted on the importance of being in the community sharing what he has learnt from his 11years journey in Japan. He urged for the same solidarity and cooperation in order to pursue ourselves towards a good society and professional enhancement.
The first session concluded with the vote of thanks from Ms. Bharati. The entire program was facilitated by Ms. Manita Timilsina.A total of 22 participants were present at the program.

Farewell program is one of the events NeFE organizes annually. It aims at enhancing social relations and solidarity among Nepalese residing in Matsuyama.

Ms. Uprety bagged award

Ms. Anupama Uprety residing in Matsuyama won first prize in a Photo Exhibition organized by Matsuyama International Center on 6th February 09. The exhibition entitled “Japan which you find in Matsuyama” was observed by numbers of Japanese and other nationals. She bagged the award of a book voucher amounted 10,000 yen and other special prizes.

NeFE congratulates Ms. Uprety for her endeavor and wish for the similar accomplishments in the future course of life.

Good Time with GUESTS

We all are aware that two Nepali Experts on the disaster management viz., Mr. Amod Mani Dixit and Dr. Jishnu Subedi came to Ehime University for research. Welcome cum presentation programme at the Matsuyama Guest House was organized and this sort of mixed programme is first of its kind as far I know. Presentation by Mr. Dixit about Earthquake in simple language and experience sharing by Dr. Subedi was praise worthy. All Nepalese participants were enjoyed and enlightened by the interaction.

Likewise, presentation by Mr. Dixit and Dr. Subedi at the university on 10th February was attended by people from different corners. Both Japanese and foreign nationals were present in the seminar. It was a successful program.

Both guests have returned from Matsuyama and we have only sweet memories. During their stay, we can hope that they had good time over here.

Talk Program on Towards Sustainable Development Efforts in Asia

Ehime University International Center and Center for Disaster Management Informatics Research (DMI) organized an international talk program on Towards Sustainable Development Efforts in Asia on 10 February 2009 in Ehime University Industrial Science and Technology Research Support Center.
Experts from Nepal and Ehime University made presentation on different aspects of disaster mitigation, reduction and environment of sustainable development in Asia. Mr. Jishnu Subedi, Associate Professor, Nepal Engineering College and Former Researcher of UN Center for Regional Development, Hyogo Office highlighted the topic Disaster Risk Prevention in Asia: Resilient Communities for Sustainable Development. Quoting Asia as Earthquake prone Zone, he presented the statistics that the ten hazardous disasters of the world occurred in Asia only in the year 2008. His presentation depicted the climate change as one of the major factors for natural disaster in the world. The trend shows that number of disaster and number of affected people are increasing; however, reported number of persons dead due to the natural disaster is decreasing. It may be because of the preventive measures and preparedness, he expressed. He accentuated on building resilient communities as a strategic approach to prevent the natural disaster
Similarly, Amod M. Dixit, Executive Director, National Society for Earthquake Technology, Nepal(NSET) highlighted on the earthquake reduction efforts in Nepal and South Asia. Because South Asia lacks the preventive measures it is more prone to the vulnerability of the natural disasters, he started. He opined that earthquake indeed is human friendly because it gives us beautiful mountains and natural resources; it is the improper structure and unplanned management that invites irreparable hazards. He summoned for the strategic approach such as risk assessment, planning for vulnerability reduction and building resilient communities to name a few.
Presentation by Katsuya Osozawa, Associate Professor, Ehime University, Faculty of Agriculture followed the next. He highlighted the topic Towards Creating Coastal Region Pilgrimage In Heisei Era presenting his experience gained in course of his research study in the rural village of Indonesia.
Series of queries were raised after the presentation and clarification was made by the presenters. About 50 participants including Japanese and international students, faculty members and professors participated in the talk program.

World Citizen Festival – Nepal Participation

Nepalese in Ehime participated in the World Citizen Festival organized by Matsuyama International Center at its Community Center on 18th January 2009. The program aimed at providing platform for the participants to get acquainted with socio-cultural aspects of different countries and to enhance interaction among them. An individual booth was provided for 20 countries participating in the program. Entry was open for all interested national and foreign visitors. Nepali booth acquainted visitors with the geo-cultural attributes of Nepal. Chicken curry and rice with papad and tea were sold to the visitors. This program has been the one to collect fund for Nepalese Community in Ehime that would be utilized to conduct its activities in the coming year.


Written by -Bidhya

Please Enjoy with this Picture

Please look this picture continuously atleast two minets.

विदेश भ्रमण बजेट ५ महिनामै खर्च
विमल गौतम
काठमाडौं, पुस २६ - मन्त्रिपरिषद् सदस्य र सरकारका उच्चपदस्थ अधिकारीलेे एक वर्षको विदेश भ्रमणका लागि छुट्टयाइएको रकम पाँच महिनामै झन्डै सिध्याएका छन् । उनीहरूले विनियोजित बजेटको ९० प्रतिशतभन्दा बढी हिस्सा आधा वर्ष नपुग्दै सकेका हुन् ।
सरकारले विशिष्ट व्यक्ति र प्रतिनिधिमण्डलको विदेश भ्रमणका लागि आर्थिक वर्ष २०६५/६६ को बजेटमा ६ करोड रुपैयाँ विनियोजन गरेको थियो । उक्त रकमबाट प्रधानमन्त्री र मन्त्रीहरूले चार करोड सकेका छन् भने उच्चपदस्थ कर्मचारीले एक करोड ।
माओवादी नेतृत्वमा सरकार गठन भएलगत्तै मन्त्रिपरिषद्ले जारी गरेको ९२ बुँदे 'खर्चमा मितव्ययिता कायम गर्ने निर्देशिका-२०६५' को बुँदा नम्बर ५० मा वैदेशिक भ्रमण कम गर्ने उल्लेख छ । निर्देशिकामा 'तालिम, गोष्ठी वा अध्ययन भ्रमणमा सकभर नजाने र गइहाले खर्चमा मितव्ययिता अपनाउने' उल्लेख छ । तर अधिकांश मन्त्री औपचारिक सभा, समारोह, गोष्ठी, सम्मेलन, प्रदर्शनी अवलोकनलगायत कामका लागि विदेश गएका छन् ।
विदेश भ्रमणका निम्ति अब एकैपटक ठूलो बजेट माग भए अर्थ मन्त्रालयले 'रकमान्तर' शीर्षकबाट उपलब्ध गराउनुपर्ने बाध्यता छ । भ्रमण शीर्षकको बजेटमा एक करोडमात्र खर्च हुन बाँकी छ । 'वैदेशिक भ्रमणका लागि छुट्टयाएको रकम अपुग हुने भयो,' स्रोतले कान्तिपुरसित भन्यो, 'आर्थिक मितव्ययिता निर्देशिका मन्त्रीहरू आफंैले पालना नगर्दा छोटो अवधिमै धेरै रकम खर्च भएको हो ।'
अर्थमन्त्री बाबुराम भट्टराईले सामान्य कार्यक्रममा विदेश भ्रमण गर्न नपाइने निर्देशिकाको प्रावधान पालना नभएको स्वीकारे । 'मन्त्री र सरकारी अधिकारीहरूबाटै निर्देशिका मिच्ने काम भइरहेको छ,' उनले भने, 'अब यसलाई अझै कडाइका साथ लागू गरिनेछ ।'
सबभन्दा बढी खर्च -करिब साढे दुई करोड रुपैयाँ) प्रधानमन्त्री पुष्पकमल दाहालको भ्रमणका क्रममा भएको छ । संयुक्त राष्ट्रसंघको साधारणसभामा भाग लिन अमेरिका जाँदा प्रधानमन्त्री र उनीसँग गएको दुई दर्जनको प्रतिनिधिमण्डलले दुई करोड १४ लाख रुपैयाँ खर्च गरेको थियो । प्रधानमन्त्री भारतको नयाँदिल्लीमा विमस्टेक सम्मेलनमा भाग लिन जाँदा ३० लाख रुपैयाँ खर्च भएको थियो । त्यसबेला उनीसँग तीन दर्जनको प्रतिनिधिमण्डल थियो ।
प्रधानमन्त्रीपछि बढी रकम खर्च गर्नेमा परराष्ट्रमन्त्री उपेन्द्र यादव छन् । उनले राष्ट्रसंघकै सभामा जाँदा एक करोड रुपैयाँ खर्च गरेका थिए । परराष्ट्रमन्त्री र प्रधानमन्त्री त्यहाँ छुट्टाछुट्टै प्रतिनिधिमण्डल लिएर गएका थिए ।
प्रधानमन्त्री र परराष्ट्रमन्त्रीबाहेक अन्य मन्त्रीहरूले विभिन्न मितिमा वैदेशिक भ्रमणका सिलसिलामा करिब ५० लाख रुपैयाँ सकेका छन् । केही मन्त्री आयोजककै खर्चमा गएका छन् भने अधिकांशले सरकारी रकम लिएका छन् ।
युवा तथा खेलकुदमन्त्री गोपाल शाक्यको टोली अजरबैजान जाँदा ७ लाख खर्च भएको थियो भने सूचना प्रविधिसम्बन्धी कार्यक्रममा भाग लिन कोरिया पुगेका सूचना तथा सञ्चारमन्त्री कृष्णबहादुर महराको प्रतिनिधिमण्डलले ७ लाख ६५ हजार सिध्याएको थियो ।
त्यस्तै विज्ञान तथा प्रविधिमन्त्री गणेश साहले इटली, कोरिया र पोल्यान्डको छुट्टाछुट्टै भ्रमणका क्रममा करिब पाँच लाख खर्च गरेका छन् । उनको भ्रमणको केही प्रतिशत खर्च रकम आयोजक राष्ट्रले बेहोरेको थियो ।
श्रम तथा यातायात व्यवस्थामन्त्री लेखराज भट्टको टोली फिलिपिन्स जाँदा ४ लाख ५० हजार, पर्यटन तथा नागरिक उड्ययनमन्त्री हिसिला यमीको भारत र बेलायतको भ्रमणमा करिब चार लाख र रक्षामन्त्री रामबहादुर थापाको चीन भ्रमणमा दुई लाख ५० हजार रुपैयाँ खर्च भएको थियो ।
वाणिज्य तथा आपूर्तिमन्त्री राजेन्द्र महतो, भौतिक योजना तथा निर्माणमन्त्री विजयकुमार गच्छदार, सामान्य प्रशासनमन्त्री पम्फा भुसाल र कानुन, न्याय तथा संविधानसभा व्यवस्थामन्त्री देव गुरुङ भने विदेश भ्रमणमा एक लाखभन्दा कममात्र खर्च गर्नेमा पर्छन् । उनीहरूको भ्रमण खर्चको मुख्य हिस्सा आयोजक राष्ट्र र संस्थाले बेहोरेकाले सरकारी कोषबाट धेरै खर्च नभएको हो ।
वैदेशिक भ्रमणमा सबभन्दा कम खर्च गर्नेमा अर्थमन्त्री बाबुराम भट्टराई छन् । उनी अमेरिका जाँदा आयोजक विश्व बैंकले खर्च बेहोरेको थियो भने कतार भ्रमणमा जाँदा लिएको ८७ हजारमध्ये १० हजार मात्र खर्च गरी बाँकी रकम उनले सरकारी कोषमा फिर्ता गरेका थिए ।कसले कति खर्च गरे ?
प्रधानमन्त्री ः करिब २ करोड ५० लाख
परराष्ट्रमन्त्री ः करिब १ करोड
सञ्चारमन्त्री ः ७ लाख ६५ हजार
युवा तथा खेलकुदमन्त्री ः ७ लाख
विज्ञान तथा प्रविधिमन्त्री ः करिब ५ लाख
श्रममन्त्री ः ४ लाख ५० हजार
पर्यटनमन्त्री ः करिब ४ लाख
रक्षामन्त्री ः २ लाख ५० हजार
कर्मचारीहरू ः करिब एक करोड

New Year celebrated in Matsuyama

Nepalse residing in Matsuyama (Ehime University) celebrated New Year 2009 by gathering and exchanging greetings on the very first day of the year. The details of the program in pictures can be seen here.

प्रधानमन्त्रीको प्रतिबद्दता, कार्यनयन र मौशम

भोज राज

लोकतान्त्रिक गणतान्त्रिक नेपालका प्रथम प्रधानमन्त्री "प्रचन्ड" ले जती सार्वजनिक प्रतिबद्दता शायद अहिले सम्म कुनै पनि नेपाली प्रधानमन्त्रीले गरेका छैनन होला । प्रतिबद्दता कार्यनयन भएन भनेर सडक देखी सदन सम्म चर्को बिरोध पनि शायद प्रचन्ड जती अरु कसैले खेप्नु परेको छैन होला। अल्टिमेटम त कती कती। शायद प्रचन्डलाई सम्झन पनि गाह्रो पर्दो हो। एही क्रममा सरकारी कामकाज चुस्त भएन भनेर धेरै बिरोध भयपछी २ हप्ता पहिले प्रचन्ड आँफैले अबदेखी कुनै पनि मन्त्रिपरिशद सद्स्य सार्वजनिक कार्यक्रममा उद्घघाटन, शिलन्यास जस्ता कार्यक्रममा नजाने प्रतिबद्दता गरेका थिए। तर मन के मन्थ्यो र प्याराग्लाइडिङ जस्तो कार्यक्रमको उद्घघाटन त्यस्मा पनि अझ आँफै प्याराग्लाइडिङ पनि गर्न पाउने। तर दुर्भाग्यानै भन्नु पर्ला मौशम खराबिले त्यो इछ्छा पुराहुन सकेन्छ प्रधानमन्त्रीको। मलाई त अब कता कता प्रकृतिले पनि अब त अती भयो भन्ने बुझ्न थालेको जस्तो लाग्यो किनकी आफ्नै प्रतिबद्दता उलंघन गरेर आएका प्रधामन्त्रिलाई मौशमले ठेगान लगाइदिएछ। एसबाट प्रधानमन्त्रिले केहीकुरा चांही मनन गर्नै पर्छ । अब जनतालाई मिठो बोलेर काम चलीराखे पनि अब प्रकृतिले छोड्ने वाला छैन भनेर। धन्य छ प्रकृतिलाई हामी प्रतिबद्दता सुनेर वाक्क भएका सर्बसाधारणको तर्फबाट ।

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मौसमले साथ दिएन प्रधानमन्त्रीलाई
अजय हमाल (सभार कान्तिपुर)
कोटडाँडा -ललितपुर, पुस २२ - राजधानीनजिकै पहिलोपल्ट मंगलबार प्याराग्लाइडिङ सुरु हुने खबरले सबै उत्साहित थिए । त्योभन्दा पनि प्रधानमन्त्री पुष्पकमल दाहालले आफैं उडेर उद्घाटन गर्ने भएपछि उपस्थित दर्शकको उत्साहको सीमै थिएन ।
प्रधानमन्त्री उड्ने प्रतीक्षामा उपत्यकाको दक्षिणमा अवस्थित विसंखुनारायण गाविसको कोटडाँडामा हजारौं दर्शक उपस्थित थिए । भाषणको कार्यक्रम सकेर प्रधानमन्त्री उड्नका लागि तयार पारिएको स्थानसम्म पनि आइपुगे । तर उनको हावामा उड्ने इच्छा भने पूरा भएन । त्यो क्षणले प्रधानमन्त्रीलाई डरको स्थितिबाट त मुक्त गरायो तर उनलाई हावामा हेर्ने इच्छा पूरा नभएकामा सबै निराश हुन बाध्य भए ।
मौसमले साथ नदिएपछि प्रधानमन्त्रीसहित अन्य मन्त्रीले उडेर प्याराग्लाइडिङको उद्घाटन गर्ने कार्यक्रम पूरा हुन सकेन । तर पनि आयोजकले लिखितरूपमा प्रधानमन्त्रीले त्यसको उद्घाटन गरेका थिए ।
'उड्ने भएपछि म निकै उत्साहित भएको छु,' उड्नका लागि प्रतीक्षा गरेको समयमा प्रधानमन्त्रीले भने, 'मैले यहाँ प्याराग्लाइडिङ सुरु हुने थाहा पाएपछि नै उड्ने निधो गरेको थिएँ ।' उड्नका लागि २० मिनेटको प्रतीक्षासम्म आवश्यक हावा नचलेपछि उनीसहित गृहमन्त्री वामदेव गौतम, पर्यटनमन्त्री हिसिला यमी तथा संविधानसभा सभासद् वर्षमान पुनलगायतको प्याराग्लाइडिङ गर्ने कार्यक्रम स्थगित भएको थियो ।
प्रधानमन्त्रीलगायत अन्य मन्त्रीले प्याराग्लाइडिङलाई खेलकुद पर्यटनका रूपमा हेर्दै यसको विकासमा सहयोग गर्ने प्रतिबद्धता व्यक्त गरे । प्रधानमन्त्रीले कोटडाँडालाई प्याराग्लाइडिङ क्षेत्र घोषणा गर्न सरकारलाई कुनै आपत्ति नहुने बताए । उनले आजकै मितिदेखि त्यसको प्रक्रिया अगाडि बढाउने आश्वासनसमेत दिए ।
'खेलकुदमार्फत यसले पर्यटन विकासमा ठूलो योगदान पुर्‍याउन सक्छ भने यसलाई प्याराग्लाइडिङ क्षेत्र घोषणा गर्न कुनै गाह्रो छैन,' उनले भने, 'तर पनि यसका कानुनी प्रक्रिया बुझेर यो घोषणा गर्नेछु ।' उनले यसलाई सामान्य गाउँमा आएर कुनै कार्यक्रमको उद्घाटनका रूपमा नहेरी देशभर पर्यटन, खेलकुद र आर्थिक समृद्धिको संकेतका रूपमा लिएको बताए ।
यसअघि आयोजक काठमाडौं प्याराग्लाइडिङ एन्ड ह्याङग्लाइडिङ कम्पनीका अध्यक्ष केशव स्थापितले प्रधानमन्त्रीसमक्ष कोटडाँडालाई प्याराग्लाइडिङ क्षेत्र घोषणा गर्न माग गरेका थिए । 'हाम्रो प्रधानमन्त्रीलाई उडाउने कार्यक्रम पूरा हुन सकेन,' स्थापितले भने, 'त्यसले हामीलाई अलि दुःखी बनाएको छ । उहाँ उड्न तयार हुनुभयो त्यो नै ठूलो हो ।'
उनले निकट भविष्यमा इलाम, तानसेन, पोखरा आसपास तथा बन्दीपुरमा पनि प्याराग्लाइडिङ सुरु गर्ने जानकारी गराए । 'राजधानीनजिकै सुरु भएकाले यसको महत्त्व झनै बढेको छ,' उनले भने, 'यसले देशको आर्थिक उन्नतिमा ठूलो योगदान पुर्‍याउन सक्छ । यसको सम्भावना नेपालका धेरै ठाउँमा छन् र यसले प्रत्यक्षरूपमा रोजगारीका अवसर समेत सिर्जना गर्न सक्छ ।'
स्थापितले आफ्नो कम्पनीको उद्देश्य प्याराग्लाइडिङका साथै स्वदेशमै चालक उत्पादन गर्ने रहेको बताए । 'हामीले चालक बनाउने उद्देश्यसमेत राखेका छौं,' उनले भने, 'अहिलेसम्म विदेशी मात्र रहेको स्थितिमा नेपाल चालक बनाउन आवश्यक छ । चालकले राम्रो आम्दानीसमेत गर्न सक्छन् ।' उनले अहिले आठ विदेशी चालक राखेर दैनिक उडान गराउने जानकारी दिए ।
झन्डै डेड दशकपहिले नेपालमा भित्रिएको यो साहसिक खेल यसअघि पोखरामा मात्र केन्दि्रत थियो ।

किन घेरिँदै छ माओवादी

खेम भण्डारी

प्रतिपक्षी कांग्रेसमात्र होइन, सत्ता साझेदार एमाले र फोरम लगायतका दलहरूले बिस्तारै माओवादी नेतृत्वको शासनविरुद्ध मोर्चा कस्न थालेका छन् । तीन महिनाको समयसीमा तोकेर माओवादी सरकारलाई अन्तिम चेतावनी दिइसकिएको छ । राजनीतिक क्षेत्रभन्दा बाहिरबाट पनि माओवादी र उसको सरकारमाथि प्रहार थालिएको छ । सञ्चारजगत खुलेरै माओवादी र उसको शासन शैलीविरुद्ध सडकमा आइसकेको छ । बुद्धिजीवीहरू विभिन्न कोणबाट माओवादीको आलोचना गरिरहेछन् । सरकार असफल भइसकेको निष्कर्षसाथ प्रायः सबै फाँटबाट त्यसको औचित्यमाथि प्रश्न ठडयाउने काम भइरहेछ । लोडसेडिङ, मूल्यवृद्धि र शान्तिसुरक्षाको अवस्थालाई मुद्दाको रूप दिएर सबै दोष माओवादीकै होजस्तो गरी हल्ला मच्चाइँदैछ । कर्मचारीतन्त्र र विदेशीहरूले असहयोग गरिरहेको प्रधानमन्त्री प्रचण्डको क्रन्दन सार्वजनिक भएको तीन हप्ता नपुग्दै नेपाली सेना र रक्षा मन्त्रालयबीच नयाँ भर्ती प्रक्रियाको रडाको देखिएको छ ।
सत्तामा पुगेको चार महिना नबित्दै माओवादी चौतर्फी घेराबन्दीमा पर्नथालेको देखिन्छ । सरकारको दिनगन्ती सुरु भइसकेको छ । एमालेको आठौं महाधिवेशनपछि मुलुकमा ठूलो राजनीतिक भूकम्प जाने भविष्यवाणी गर्न थालिएको छ । किन यति छिटै माओवादी र उसको नेतृत्वको सरकारलाई सबैतिरबाट तारो बनाइँदैछ ? माओवादीलाई एकल्याउने चौतर्फी प्रयासको कारण के हो ?
'राजनीति'को चलनचल्ती अर्थअनुसार सरकार बनाउने-ढाल्ने, विपक्षीलाई बढार्नेसम्मका प्रयास स्वाभाविक देखिन्छन् । आफूलाई सुरक्षित राखेर अगाडि बढ्ने जिम्मेवारी दलविशेषकै हुन्छ, विरोधीहरूले सहयोग गर्छन् र आफू पार हुन्छु भन्ने सोच पाल्नेहरूका लागि राजनीतिमा ठाउँ हुँदैन भनिन्छ । यस अर्थमा माओवादीमाथि भारत, अमेरिका र विरोधी राजनीतिक दलहरूको प्रहार स्वाभाविक मान्नुपर्छ । किनभने माओवादीले पनि विस्तारवादीका नाममा भारतलाई, साम्राज्यवादीका रूपमा अमेरिकालाई र प्रतिक्रियावादी, यथास्थितिवादी, सुधारवादी लगायतका उपमा भिडाएर विभिन्न राजनीतिक दलहरूलाई प्रभावहीन बनाउने रणनीति अख्तियार गरेको छ । तर प्रत्यक्ष राजनीतिक संलग्नता र सरोकार बाहिरका क्षेत्र र वृत्तहरूमा पनि माओवादीको जरो उखेल्ने अभियान चलेको देखिन्छ । विशेषगरी बौद्धिक वृत्तको सक्रियता सरकार र माओवादी विरुद्ध क्रमशः बढ्दै गइरहेछ ।
म्ााओवादी घेराबन्दीमा पर्नुका धेरै कारणमध्ये उसका विरोधी र शत्रुहरूको सङ्ख्या ठूलो हुनु प्रमुख हो । संविधानसभा निर्वाचनमा जनताको ठूलो समर्थन पाएको दल भए पनि राज्यसञ्चालन र राजनीतिसँग प्रत्यक्ष-परोक्ष जोडिएका विभिन्न तह र तप्काहरू माओवादी विरोधी छन् । तिनले राजनीति र सरकार सञ्चालनमा प्रत्यक्ष असर पार्न सक्छन् र धेरै हदसम्म जनमत निर्माण प्रक्रियालाई नियन्त्रणमा राख्न सक्छन् । पत्रकार, लेखक, प्राध्यापक, शिक्षक, वकिल, अधिकारकर्मी आदि त्यस्तो वृत्तभित्र पर्छन् । ती वृत्तमा माओवादीको पकड र प्रभाव अत्यन्त न्यून भएकै कारण ऊ चौतर्फी घेराबन्दीको अवस्थामा पुगेको हो । कर्मचारी, शिक्षक, प्रहरी, सैनिक लगायतका क्षेत्रबाट सरकारलाई असहयोग भइरहेको स्वयम् प्रधानमन्त्रीले अभिव्यक्त गरिसकेको तथ्य हो ।
म्ााओवादी रूपान्तरणको चरणबाट गुजि्ररहेको कुरामा दुईमत छैन । युद्धको धङधङी र नयाँ परिस्थितिबीच तालमेल गर्न उसलाई गाह्रो भइरहेको छ । सकारात्मक रूपान्तरणको आशा गरेर अझै केही समय सबैले धैर्य गर्नुपर्नेमा माओवादीलाई लखेट्ने काम तीव्र हुँदै गइरहेछ । यसका पछाडिको कारणचाहिँ माओवादीको विगत र वर्तमानका केही असङ्गत र असन्तुलित कार्यनीति नै हुन् । युद्धकालमा माओवादीले गरेका गल्तीहरू र अहिले तिनलाई स्वीकार गर्न देखाइरहेको कञ्जुसी नै उसलाई घेराबन्दीमा पार्ने मूल कारण हो । सिद्धान्तमा अस्पष्टता र केही मूलभूत मान्यतामा देखिएको कमजोर प्रतिबद्धताले जन्माएको आशङ्काले पनि माओवादी विरुद्धको घेराबन्दीमा ऊर्जाको काम गरिरहेछ ।
'गाउँले सहर घेर्ने' माओवादीको तात्कालिक रणनीतिको कार्यान्वयन पक्षमा रहेको गम्भीर त्रुटिकै कारण अहिले माओवादीले एक्लै हिँड्नुपरेको छ । चिनियाँ क्रान्तिका क्रममा विकसित गरिएको गाउँहरूलाई आधार बनाएर सहरलाई कब्जामा लिने रणनीतिको हुबहु प्रयोग गर्न त खोजियो, तर चीनको जस्तो प्रतिफल पाउन सकिएन । माओत्सेतुङ र चिनियाँ कम्युनिष्ट पार्टीले त्यो रणनीतिको प्रतिपादन गर्दा सहरहरूको घेराबन्दीमात्रै होइन, त्यसको सुरक्षा पनि गर्नुपर्छ भन्ने सिद्धान्त बनाएका थिए । त्यसको अर्थ सहरमा शत्रुमात्र नभई मित्रहरू पनि बस्छन्, सहर शोषकमात्र होइन, पालक पनि हो भन्ने थियो । त्यही विवेकपूर्ण प्रस्थापनाले चिनियाँ क्रान्तिलाई सफल बनायो । सहर र गाउँ दुवै ठाउँमा क्रान्तिकारीहरू जन्माएर माओ र उनको पार्टीले एकसाथ समग्र सत्तामा आफ्नो नियन्त्रण जमाएका थिए ।
तर माओवादीले सहरमा सामन्त र प्रतिक्रियावादीमात्रै बस्छन् भन्ने गलत बुझाइका साथ सहरहरूलाई घेर्ने, प्रहार गर्ने र ध्वस्त पार्ने प्रयास गरिरहयो । सहरभित्रको श्रमजीवी वर्ग र अरू मित्र वर्गहरूबीच उसले आफ्नो प्रभाव विस्तार गर्ने प्रयास कहिल्यै गरेन । भोलिको सत्ता पनि सहरबाटै चल्ने हो भन्ने दूरदृष्टिसाथ ऊ अगाडि बढेको भए आज उसलाई असहयोग र घर्षणको सामना गर्नुपर्ने अवस्था आउने थिएन । नेपालका सहर र सहरोन्मुख बस्तीका मित्रशक्तिहरूको चाहना सम्बोधन हुने काम माओवादीले हिजो त गरेन, अहिले पनि गर्न चाहेको छैन ।
निम्न वर्गीय किसानहरूको आडमा गाउँहरूबाट सुरु गरिएको आन्दोलन सहरहरूमा सर्वहारा वर्गमात्रैका भरमा विस्तार गर्न खोज्नु माओवादीको ठूलो गल्ती हो । सहरी जनसङ्ख्याको वर्ग विश्लेषणमा त्रुटि देखिएको छ । नेपालजस्तो देशमा विशुद्ध सर्वहाराले क्रान्तिको नेतृत्व गरेर पार लागिन्न भन्ने थाहा हुँदाहुँदै मजदुरहरू मात्रैमा ध्यान टिकाइरहेको छ, उसले । नेपाली मजदुर वर्गको चरित्र विश्लेषण पनि गलत छ । माओवादी आन्दोलनको बिँडो थामेका मजदुरहरूको एक अंश पनि सर्वहारा छैन । यस्तो विसङ्गत वर्ग विश्लेषणसाथ जमर कट्टेलहरूको गर्जनको के अर्थ हुन्छ ? त्यो कहिलेसम्म टिक्छ ? सहरको सिङ्गो श्रमजीवी वर्ग र प्रगतिशील बौद्धिक वृत्तलाई देखेको नदेख्यैगरी अहिले पनि माओवादी अगाडि बढिरहेछ । त्यही अन्धो लम्काइकै कारण आज ऊ घेरिँदै गइरहेको छ र उसलाई घेर्नेहरूको भीडमा उसको मित्रपङ््क्तिमा आउनसक्ने तह र तप्का पनि रहेका छन् ।
दूरदृष्टि भएको नेतृत्वले जहिले पनि उपलब्ध सबै विकल्पहरूलाई ध्यान दिएर हिँड्छ । सबै सम्भावनालाई दृष्टिगत गरेर भोलिका लागि तयारी गर्छ । आम सोचभन्दा फरक माओवादी नेतृत्व दूरदर्शी देखिएन । प्रारम्भमा 'दीर्घकालीन जनयुद्ध' भनिए पनि चार वर्षमै त्यो नारा बिलायो र हरेक छ महिनामा त्यो आन्दोलन उग्र र धेरै हदसम्म अतिशयोक्तिपूर्ण नारासाथ अगाडि बढयो । कार्यनीतिमा त्यस्तो अस्थिरताको अर्थ बल्ल बुझिन थालेको छ । चुनवाङ बैठकले लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्रमा जान गरेको ऐतिहासिक फैसला पनि त्यस्तै एउटा कमजोरी त थिएन भन्ने शङ्का उत्पन्न हुनथालेको छ । हालैको राष्ट्रिय कार्यकर्ता भेलापछि पारित गरिएको प्रस्तावमा देखिएको गज्याङमज्याङले त्यो शङ्कालाई झन् बलियो पारेको छ । माओवादी लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्र र त्यसका आधारभूत अन्तरवस्तुप्रति प्रतिबद्ध छ भन्ने प्रधानमन्त्री र मन्त्रीहरूको दाबी खोक्रो हो भन्ने भेलापछि अस्तित्वमा आएको दस्तावेजले प्रमाणित गर्छ ।
जनगणतन्त्रको विकल्प लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्र थियो भने त्यसका लागि पार्टी, नेतृत्व र कार्यकर्ता पङ्क्तिलाई तयार गर्ने काम किन भएन ? कम्तीमा लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्रका आधारभूत सिद्धान्तलाई पार्टी प्रशिक्षणको विषय बनाइनुपथ्र्यो । त्यस्तो विषयमा माओवादीभित्र अहिलेसम्म कुनै प्रशिक्षण भएको छैन भन्ने स्पष्ट हुनथालेको छ । कार्यदिशामा परिवर्तन गर्ने तर तद्अनुरूपको कार्यशैली, विचारपद्धति र व्यवहारलाई प्राथमिक नमान्ने प्रवृत्ति हावी रहेकै कारण आज माओवादी घेराबन्दीमा पर्नथालेको हो । आकस्मिक अवतरण र तयारी विनाको रूपान्तरणको प्रतिफल घातक हुनसक्ने खतरातर्फ माओवादीका थिङ्क टयाङ्कहरूले अझै पनि ध्यान दिन नसकेको देखिन्छ । समस्या हल गर्ने विधिका रूपमा जमर कट्टेलहरूको आविष्कार र निरन्तर परिमार्जनबाट स्पष्ट छ ः माओवादी भुलभुलैयामा फँसिसकेको छ ।
अरूका कारणले होइन, माओवादी आफ्नै करतुतहरूबाट अप्ठयारोमा पर्दै गएको हो । आफूलाई जनताको चाहनाको एकमात्र आधिकारिक व्याख्याता ठान्नु, आफ्नो बुझाइमा मात्रै विज्ञान र वैज्ञानिकताको सर्वोत्कृष्ट लेप देख्नु, मानव सभ्यताले लाखौं वर्षमा विकास गरेका प्रस्थापनहरूको प्रतिस्थापना दिनसक्ने हैसियतमा आफूलाई राख्नु र आफ्नो पाखुरा संसारको सबैभन्दा बलिष्ठ हतियार हो भन्ने सोच्नु माओवादी चरित्रका त्यस्ता विशेषता हुन्, जसले उसलाई निरन्तर पथभ्रममा अगाडि बढाइरहेको छ । गाउँको सामान्य कार्यकर्तादेखि अध्यक्ष प्रचण्डसम्मको बोली र बडिल्याङवेजबाट समाजको विकासदेखि सत्ताको निरन्तरता सबथोक बल र दम्भमा निर्भर छ भन्ने आभाष दिन खोज्नु पनि माओवादीका लागि टाउको दुखाइको एउटा कारण हो । विवेक र सौम्यतालाई अझै पनि माओवादीले ग्रहण गर्न सकिरहेको छैन । प्रस्तुुतिको तरिकाले उत्पन्न गर्ने परिणामबारे गम्भीर भएर नसोचेसम्म र भद्र प्रस्तुतिलाई सभ्यताको प्रतीक नमानेसम्म माओवादीप्रतिको विकर्षण रोकिन सक्दैन । विकर्षणले उत्पन्न गर्ने परिणामहरूलाई उपेक्षा गरेर माओवादीले सबैको सहयोग र प्रशंसाको अपेक्षा गर्‍यो भने त्योभन्दा ठूलो उसको अर्को भूल हुने छैन ।
लाग्छ, माओवादीसँग धम्की र घुर्कीबाहेक अरू उपाय नै छैन । सरकार ढालेर हेर त ? भन्ने खालका अभिव्यक्तिमा मिसिएको धम्की एक किसिमको लाचारी हो । गल्ती स्वीकार्न नसक्ने प्रवृत्तिको परिणति के हुन्छ भन्ने पक्का पनि माओवादी र उसको नेतृत्वलाई थाहा होला । तर पनि बुझ पचाएर गल्ती दोहोर्‍याउने काम भयो भने घेराबन्दीको दायरा बढ्दै जानेछ ।

Source: Kantipur