Journey Towards North

Introduction of greatest festival-Tihar

2011-10-24T19:22:00.003+02:00

Tihar is the second largest festival of Hindus in Nepal. The festival is celebrated from Trayodashi of Kartik Krishna to Katrik Shukla Dwitiya every year. The name Tihar means the festival of lights, where many candles are lit both inside and outside the houses to make it bright at night. The five-day festival is considered to be of great importance as it shows reverence to not just the humans and the Gods, but also to the animals like crow, cow and dog, who maintain an intense relationship with the humans.

The first day of the festival is called Kag Puja - Worship of Crows. The crows are worshipped by offerings of sweets and dishes on the roof of the houses. The cawing of the crows symbolises sadness and grief in the Hindu mythology, so the devotees offer the crows food to avert grief and deaths in their homes.

The second day is called "Kukur Puja" ("worship of the dogs").Dog, which is believed to be messenger of Lord Yamaraj, the god of death, is worshiped once a year on this day. People offer garlands, teeka and delicious food to the dogs, and acknowledge the cherished relationship between humans and the dogs.

On the morning of the third day is Gai Puja - the cow is sign of prosperity and wealth. The people in the olden times had been receiving many benefits from cow like its milk, dung even its urine was used for kind of purification. Thus on this day people showed their greatness to the cow by garlanding and feeding the cow with the best grass. In the evening Laxmi, the goddess of wealth is thanked for all the benefits that were bestowed on the families. at night the girls enjoy dancing and visiting all the houses of villages with many musical instrument playing a historical game called bhailini(vailini) for whole night. By this they collect money from all the houses and at last when th money become inlarge amount they share among them.This is the very good day for all girls.Bhailini is a historical game which has been followed by our ancestor.

Here are some matra we usually enchant during the Laxmi Puja 3rd day Tihar.

ॐ महादेव्यैच विद्महे
विष्णु पत्नेयैच धीमही
तन्नो लक्ष्मी प्रचोदयात्

"Om MahaDevyaicha Vidhmahe
Vishnu Patnyaicha Dheemahi
Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayaat"

“सर्वज्ञ सर्ववार्दय सर्वदुष्टभेद्क्री
सर्वदुखहरय देवी महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते ”
“Sarvagyay Sarvavarday Sarvadushtbhaydkree
Sarvadukhaharay Devi Mahalakshmi Namostute”

Meaning:you know everything, you grant favors to all, you are a terror to the evil and your art removes the misery of all. Oh propitious goddess, I bow down to you.

“सिद्धि बुद्धिप्रदाए देवी भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदायीनी
मन्त्रमुर्तय सदा देवी महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते”

"Siddhi Buddhipraday Devi Bhuktimuktipradayeenee
Mantramurtay Sada Devi Mahalakshmi Namostute"
Meaning: you are the provider of success and intelligence. You are the benefactor of both worldly pleasure and freedom. The magical sound symbols-the Mantras, verily comprise their form with your grace. Propitious goddess, I bow down to you always.

“आदन्तरहिते देवी आध्शक्ति महेश्वरी
योगजय योगसंभुतय महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते”
“Aadhantarhitay Devi Aadhshakti Maheshwari
Yogajay Yogasambhutay Mahalakshmi Namostute”
Meaning:your art is without beginning and end. Your art is the primal power. Your art comes out of Yogic practice and your art is evident through Yoga. Promising Mother, I surrender to you.

“स्थुल्सुक्ष्मय महारोद्रय महाशक्ति महोद्रय
महापापहरय देवी महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते”
“Sthulsukshmay Maharodray Mahashakti Mahodray
Mahapaapharay Devi Mahalakshmi Namostute”
Meaning: your art in gross and subtle, is the most awful and powerful. Mother, you contain all things and you remove even the greatest sins. Auspicious Mother, I surrender to you.

“पद्नासंस्तीथे देवी परब्रह्मस्वरूपीनी
पर्मश्री जगन्मात्र महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते”
“Padnaasanstithay Devi Parbrahmaswaroopeenee
Parmashree Jaganmatra Mahalakshmi Namostute”
Meaning: you reside in the hearts of devotees and prove the art of the Supreme Brahman. You are mother of the universe with your supreme art. O Great Mother, I bow to you.

On the fourth day of Tihar, there are three different known pujas, depending on the people's specific cultural background. Most perform Goru Puja, or Worship of Oxen. People who follow Krishna perform Gobardhan Puja, which is worship towards Cowdung. Cowdung is seen as very useful in Nepal, as in the olden days it was used for everything from light at night (Methane) to polish for the mud floors of traditional houses. The Newar community on the night of this day do Maha Puja, or Worship of Self. Because this period is also the beginning of Nepal Sambat, or the new year of Nepalese especially commemorated by Newars, it ensures prosperity for the new year.

The third and fourth day of Tihar is especially famous for Deusi and Bhailo, light and fireworks. Deusi and Bhailo are the songs which have only been sung on those Tihar days. Social workers, young and children visit local homes to sing these songs, and in return the home owners give them money, fruit, rice and bread (Selroti, a special type of bread made by rice flour and sugar). The Deusi is mostly sung by the boys while the Bhailo is sung by the girls.

The fifth and last day of Tihar is Bhai Tika, a day where sisters put "tika" on forehead of brothers, to ensure long life, and thank them for the protection they give. When the sisters give the "Tika", the brothers give gifts or money as a return. A special garland is made for the brothers out of a flower that wilts after a couple of months, symbolizing the sister's prayer for her brother's long life.

In this way all the five days of Tihar are celebrated with lots of joys, eating sweets, having lights in houses, fireworks and playing cards.

नेपाली बजेट-फुस्रा सपना

2011-07-16T17:43:00.000+02:00

यस्तो मिठो कुरा गरिएको छ बजेटमा हेर्नुस्-
- नागढुङ्गा–नौबीसे र भिमफेदी–हेटौडा सुरुङ मार्ग निर्माण गर्ने कार्य यथाशीघ्र आरम्भ गरिनेछ ।
- काठमाडौंमा फ्लाई ओभरको निर्माण कार्य द्रुत गतिका साथ अगाडि बढाइनेछ ।
-काठमाडौं उपत्यकामा मेट्रो/मोनोरेल सेवा सञ्चालनका लागि सम्भाब्यता अध्ययन कार्य शुरु गरिनेछ।
- पूर्व पश्चिम तराई रेलमार्ग निर्माणको कार्यलाई अघि बढाइनेछ। नेपाल जयनगर—जनकपुर रेल्वे सेवालाई वर्दिवाससम्म विस्तार गरिनेछ। यसैगरी रानी—सिकियाही—विराटनगर रेल्वे सेवाको निर्माण कार्य शुरु गरिनेछ। नेपाल—भारत सीमा क्षेत्रमा पहिचान भएका अन्य रेलमार्गहरुको विस्तृत अध्ययन कार्यलाई तीब्रता दिइनेछ ।
-रानी—इटहरी—धरान, वीरगन्ज—पथलैया र बेलहिया—बुटवल सडकलाई ६ लेनमा विस्तार गर्न आगामी आर्थिक वर्षदेखि निर्माण शुरु गरिने

फुस्रा सपना हुन् कि, नभए के हुन् यी वाक्यांशहरु ?
के सपना बाढेकै हुन् त यिनीहरुले?
के सपनालाई पछ्याउने हामीले अब पनि?

अरु केहि सपनाहरु-
• “गाउँगाउँमा ब्रोडब्याण्ड, सबै शहरमा फोन अन डिमाण्ड”
• “राष्ट्रको समृद्धि—युवाको रोजगारी”
• जनताको रहर उज्यालो शहर
• “सबै गाउँ उज्यालो बनाउँ”
• “एक परिवार एक रोजगार”

यी भरतवाणी कहिलेसम्म पत्याउने हामीले?

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Departmental Picnic-2011

2011-06-27T03:08:00.001+02:00

On June 24th departmental picnic had been organized by some of our friends in the chemistry department. This picnic was at Lake Carl Black Well and was for families and friends. I with my wife Durga participated in that picnic. The time to reach there was fixed at 1:00 pm. The day was bright sunny day. We were second group among the persons to reach there. First were Dr. Blum (Chairperson of the department) and Hameed. We got lift from Kedar Nepal and Balika in their newly bought Honda CRV. Department had booked 20 passes for the car inside the lake.

People started arriving at the venue only after 1:30 pm. We reached there had some snacks and BBQ. Being vegetarian I had veg burger. I was accompanied by one of my veg friend from India Mr. Devang Khambati. Dr. Blum had brought four Kayaks. We did kayaking in the lake. It was my first time to do kayaking. We also did swimming. As I don't know how to swim, I enjoyed playing in water.

We had lots of fun though some of the accident occurred with the kayak, Balika once got stocked in the waves and Charmaine had to swim to pull her off, Hameed's kayak overturned in the middle of the lake where he lost his glasses.

Later on they made Chicken drum sticks and we BBQed some vege stuffs like potatoes, corn, mushrooms, tomatoes and other. We left the lake very late in the evening.

One of the good aspect was that we came to know the friends and their families in the department. And there were most international students among them majority was Nepali students. The thing I couldn't understand is there were all international students except Beth and her friend and Dr. Blum himself. There are lots of American graduate students in our department but they did not participate. They might be busy or they might have their own reasons but as a new international student and new to US no one can know what thing is going into my mind. I have heard from back home that 'they' are among themselves and are not like us 'Asians' who are more social. I felt the same situation in Europe during my Norway stay and might repeat the same in US. Never know this is northern country and people from south are different. Never know.

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International Food Market in OSU Stillwater

2011-02-20T04:34:00.002+01:00

After about 1 and half month of my entry in US, here in Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, today I observed an International Food Market at Wes Watkins of OSU, Stillwater. Every foreign students of this university were gathered inside one big hall. Everyone was excited to show their own food with food they were eager to show their culture. The students, forgetting their pressure of homeworks, grades and exams, were happy to be be there and tried to make other taste the food they make which reflects the taste of their country.

Nepalese Student Association (NSA) has it's stall fixed on the right side of hall and on the table was decorated the taste of Nepal which consist of Rice, Chicken drum sticks with Nepali flavors, beans, tomato pickels. The table was also decorated with the little monuments and pictures as well as cultural and tradional items form Nepal. The monument of Gautam Buddha was one of item as well as the bell. The round metal vessel which produce the sound which helps in meditation was completely new to me as well. I pratise to produce sound from it. It feels like the sound is coming from the distant object even if you are producing it from the vessel. From that stall we are also able to sell the handicraft (wooden craft) window brought from Nepal. I was quite excited to sell the crafted window because it typically belong to my home town Bhaktapur.

Any way it was great fun to have such great events and represent Nepal in foreign land like US. Also it feels satisfaction when the people visiting stall actually taste the food and pass good complements of it. I am also looking forward to the cultural nights at OSU.
Here you can find some moments captured through my friends camera.

Indian Stall. Photo: Assoumane Maiga

Iranian Stall Photo:Assoumane Maiga

Off campus Student Assiciation's Stall, Photo:Assoumane Maiga

Photo:Assoumane Maiga

Chinese Stall, Photo:Assoumane Maiga

Full Bright Scholars Association, Photo:Assoumane Maiga

Photo:Assoumane Maiga

Bangladeshi's Stall, Photo:Assoumane Maiga

African Student Association's Stall, Photo:Assoumane Maiga

Vietnamese Student Association's Stall, Photo:Assoumane Maiga

Photo:Assoumane Maiga

Nepalese Stall, Photo:Assoumane Maiga

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राप्रपाको बाटो हिंड्दै छ एमाले

2011-02-20T03:37:00.001+01:00

२०४८ सालको जनआन्दोलन पछि कांग्रेसको बहुमतीय सरकार विफल भई मध्यावदी चुनाब पछि कसैको बहुमत आउन नसक्दा तेस्रो ठुलो दल राप्रपाका विभिन्न व्यक्तिहरुलाई प्रधानमन्त्री बनाई कांग्रेस र एमालेले नचाई रहेका थिए । राप्रपाका प्रखर नेताहरु सुर्य बहादुर थापा र लोकेन्द्र बहादुर चन्दले निकै चोटी नेपाली जनता को शासन को डोर सम्हाले । राप्रपाको तेतिखेरको ढुलमुले प्रवृत्तिले गर्दा निकै पल्ट राप्रपा विभाजनमा परयो । त्यति खेर राप्रपाका नेताहरुले एकले अर्कालाई गाली गर्नुसम्म गरे र पछि जुट्दै फुट्दै रहिरहे । पछि राजाको सत्ताच्युत पछिको लोकतन्त्र बहाली भए पश्चात् राप्रपा देशका अरु नगन्य पार्टीहरुको दाँजोमा पुगेको सत्यतालाई नकार्न सकिंदैन । उक्त समयमा देशको ठुलो दलको रूपमा रहेको एमाले अहिले आएर तेस्रो दलमा सिमित भएको छ । अहिले उसले पनि पहिला राप्रपा हिंडेको बाटो पच्छ्याउन खोज्दैछ । झलनाथ खनालले आफ्नै नेत्रित्व बहुमतको सरकार ढालेर आफ्नै नेत्रित्वको अर्को सरकार गठन गरे फरक त्यतिमात्र हो पहिला कांग्रेस उसको सहयात्री थियो भने अहिले माओवादीको घोडा चढेको छ । यदि उसले अहिले पनि राप्रपा ले भोगेको पुरानो पाठ नसिक्ने हो भने उ पनि भविष्यका कुनै पन्नाहरुमा अहिलेको राप्रपा भन्दापनि नगन्य अवस्था को पार्टीमा परिणत हुने पक्का छ । त्यसैले झलनाथ को अहिलेको अवस्थामा प्रधानमन्त्री को कुर्सीमा रमाउनेमात्र होइनकी बरु सबैलाई समेटेर लाग्दै त्यही बहुमतको सरकार लाई पनि सहमतीको सरकारमा परिणत गरी सबैलाई समेटेर लान सकेमा मात्र देश अर्को दशक पछाडी धकेलिन र एमाले अर्को रा.प्र.पा हुन बाट जोगिन्छ नभए एमाले नेपाली राजनीतिक ईतिहासमा भिरबाट खस्न लगेको गोरुसरह हुनेछ ।

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Journey towards north

2010-12-19T02:48:00.000+01:00

मेरो उत्तर तिरको यात्रा अब फेरी शुरू हुने भयो.. The second phase of Journey starts with new destination and new cause...
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रेडक्रसमा जुनियर युवाको भुमिका र बालकोट युवा सर्कल एक चिनारी

2010-11-12T14:16:00.002+01:00

                  विश्वमा जुनियर र युवा रेडक्रसले मान्यता पाउन शुरुवाती बेलाहरुमा निकै कसरत गर्नु प¥यो । विद्यार्थीहरुले आफु पनि मानवीय सेवा गर्न सक्षम छौं भन्ने प्रमाण नदिउन्जेल विश्व समुदायले उनीहरुको रेडक्रसमा आवद्यता स्वीकार नगरेका थुप्रै उदाहरणहरु पाइयो । सन् १८७०मा फ्रङ्को र पर्सिया बिचको युद्धमा नेदरल्याण्डका विद्यार्थीहरुले गरेको सेवा पनि अपुर्ण भएको कुरा जब १८९०मा जुनियर रेडक्रसलाई अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय मान्यता दिलाउने प्रयास विफल भएपछि पुष्टि भएको छ । तर जब अमेरिकाको क्यालिफोर्निया राज्यको सान फ्रान्सिस्कोमा १९०६मा गएको महाविनाशकारी ७.६ रिक्टर स्केलको भुकम्पका बेलामा पनि त्याहाँका विद्यार्थीहरुले सैनिक सरह लागेर जुन सेवा प्रदान गरे र तत्पश्चात् पनि प्रथम विश्व युद्धताका १९१४–१९१८मा क्यानाडा, अष्ट्रेलिया, इटली, अमेरिकामा भएका युवा गतिविधिहरुले भने रेडक्रसमा जुनियर र युवाको जोसलाई नकार्न नसकि विश्व समुदायले साँच्चै युवा र विद्यार्थीहरु रेडक्रसका दरिला पक्षको रुपमा स्थापित हुन सक्ने कुरा हृदयगम गर्दै तत्कालीन लिग (हाल फेडरेसन)ले जुनियर रेडक्रसलाई १९२२मा मान्यता दिएको थियो र लगत्तै १९२३मा महासंघमा युथ व्युरोको स्थापना भयो । सन् १९३५सम्मा ५१ मुलुकहरुमा १करोड ५० लाख सदस्यहरु जुनियर र युवामा आवद्ध भइसकेका थिए ।
                    नेपालमा भने नेपाल रेडक्रस स्थापना भएको एक वर्षमै जुनियर र युवा स्तरमा रेडक्रसको विकास गर्न सके मात्र रेडक्रसले अझ बढि प्रभावकारी ढंगमा आफ्ना लक्षहरु पुरा गर्न सक्छ भन्ने कुरा महसुस गर्दै १९६५ मार्च ५ (२०२१ फागुन २२)का दिन स्थापना भएको हो । तसर्थ नेपाल रेडक्रसको अभिन्न अङ्गको रुपमा रहेको जुनियर/युवा रेडक्रस सर्कलमा बालबालिका तथा युवावर्गलाई आवद्ध गराई कार्यक्रमहरुको माध्यमबाट मानवीय सेवालाई प्रभावकारी बनाउन उनीहरुको व्यवस्थापकीय क्षमता अभिवृद्धिका साथै स्वयम् पनि लाभान्वित् हुनसक्ने गरी स्वयम्सेवी कार्यकर्ताको रुपमा विकास तथा सेवामा परिचालन गराउनु जुनियर/युवा रेडक्रस सर्कलहरुको मुख्य लक्ष्य हो । त्यही लक्ष्य अनुरुप अघिल्लो वर्षको अन्त्य सम्मा ४८२ युवा सर्कलहरु र ४००६ जुनियर सर्कलहरु गरेर जम्मा ८,४६,१५६ जना बालबालिका र युवाहरु रेडक्रसमा आवद्ध भईसकेका छन् ।
                   “म सेवा गर्छु” भन्ने मुल मन्त्र लिएर रेडक्रसका मुलभुत सिद्धान्तको अधिनमा रही मानव जतिको सेवाहुने कुनै पनि प्रकारका कार्यक्रमलाई नेपाल जुनियर/युवा रेडक्रसको कार्यक्षेत्रको स्पमा लिन सन्छि । युवा रेडक्रसको विशेषतः छ वटा कार्यक्षेत्र छन् ।
१. जिवन रक्षा र स्वास्थ्यको सुरक्षा
२. सेवा र ऐक्यवद्घता
३.  राष्ट्रिय। अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय मित्रता, समझदारी र शान्तिका लागि शिक्षा
४. अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय मानवीय कानुन, मानवीय मुल्यको प्रबद्र्घन र रेडक्रस सिद्घान्तको प्रचार प्रसार
५. प्रकोप व्यवस्थापन
६. क्षमता अभिवृद्घि र संगठन बिकास

नेपालमा जुनियर युवा रेडक्रसको संगठनात्मक स्वरुप यस प्रकारको छ:

                       यसै स्वरुप अन्तर्गत समुदायमा आधारित युवा रेडक्रस सर्कलका रुपमा बालकोट युवा सर्कलको स्थापना २०६० सालमा गठन र यस सर्कलका संस्थापक अध्यक्ष श्री उमेश सिलवालको अध्यक्षतामा ११ सदस्यीय कार्यसमिति चयन बालकोटका ९वटै वडाहरुबाट १०/१० जना युवाहरु गरी जम्मा ९० जनाको भेला गरी गरिएको थियो । तत्कालीन समयमा यस युवा सर्कल अन्तर्गत हरेक वडामा १०/१० जना युवाहरुको Youth Action Group -YAG_ रहेको थियो र यसरी युवा रेडक्रसका गतिविधि तीव्र रुपले बालकोट गा.वि.स.का ९ वटै वडामा फैलिएको थियो । स्थापनाका अघिल्ला ४ वर्ष सम्म सोहि कार्यसमितिबाट विभिन्न कार्यक्रमहरु गरियो । विभिन्न प्रशिक्षणहरु, अभिमुखिकरण कार्यक्रमहरु,वनभोज कार्यक्रम, विभिन्न समयमा खेलकुद प्रतियोगिताहरु र एक पटक सर्कलको आर्थिक स्थिती सुधार गर्नको लागि चिठ्ठा कार्यक्रमको आयोजना पनि गरिएको थियो । बालकोट उपशाखाको अभिन्न अंगको रुपमा रहि यस युवा सर्कलले सदैव बालकोट उपशाखालाई सघाउँदै आएको छ । यस सर्कलको एक छुटाउनै नहुने काम भनेको हरेक महिनामा निकाल्ने गरेको मासिक भित्ते पत्रिका “युवा आवाज हो” ।
                      यसरी युवा आवाज नामक मासिक भित्ते पत्रिका मार्फत युवाहरुको लेख, रचना र कार्यक्रमका बारेमा अनि बेला बेलामा फैलिने गरेका माहामारी र हुने गरेका प्रकोपका बारेमा जनचेतना जगाउने कार्य गरिरहेको छ । बिचमा एक वर्ष केहि युवाहरु बिचमा केहि मनमुटाव आई झण्डै निष्कृय अवस्थामा पुग्न लागेको यस युवा सर्कललाई फेरी नयाँ सोच र नयाँ उमंगका साथमा सक्रिय तुल्याई २०६५ सालमा विभिन्न वडाहरुबाट ५० जना युवाको भेला गराइ श्री कृष्ण मुरारी पौडेल ज्युको अध्यक्षतामा नयाँ कार्यसमिति गठन गरि युवालाई नयाँ ढँगबाट परिचालन गरियो । यस अन्र्गत विभिन्न १६ जना युवाहरुको एक “चेतना”समुह गठन गरि त्यस समुहलाई सडक नाटक प्रशिक्षण दिई विभिन्न ठाउँमा सडक नाटक पनि प्रदर्शन गरियो । यस्ता सडक नाटकहरुमा विशेष गरि बालकोटमा हुने गरेको लैङ्गिक तथा जतिय विभेद, सरसफाई, विभिन्न समयमा प्रकोपका रुपमा फैलिने गरेका माहामारी र विभिन्न रोगहरुका विषयहरु समाविष्ट गरि बालकोटवासीमा जनचेतना जगाउने कार्य गरिदै आएको र यसको निरन्तरता हालसम्म पनि रहेकै छ ।
                           यसै युवा सर्कलका सचिव, म सन् २००९/२०१० को युवा कार्यक्रममा नेपाल भरिबाट छनौटमा परि १० महिना नर्वेमा रेडक्रस युवाको संगठनात्मक विकासका लागि कार्य गरि हालसालै स्वदेश फर्किएर भक्तपुर जिल्ला र सिन्धुपाल्चोक जिल्लामा युवा संगठन बिस्तार र युवा परिचालनका निमित्त स्वयम्सेवी रुपमा कार्य गर्दैछु । यो पनि यस युवा सर्कलको सक्रियता र सफलकामका कारण सम्भव भएको हो भन्ने म ठान्दछु ।
यसरी बालकोट उपशाखालाई र समस्त रेडक्रस अभियानलाई नै अघि बढाउन, मानवीय मुल्य, मान्यताको र अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय मानवीय कानुनको प्रचार प्रसार गर्न र संकटमा परेकालाई सहयोग पु¥याउन यस युवा सर्कल सदैव तत्पर रहँदैआएको छ र आगामी दिनहरुमा पनि रहने छ ।

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Answers to the questions asked in "Red Cross Smarika" Bulletene

2010-10-12T19:27:00.000+02:00

Questions and Answers about Rules of war:
1. Is it allowed to blow up a weapon factory?
Anwer: Yes. A weapon factory is a military goal.

2. Is it allowed to blow up a school when it’s closed?
Answer: No. A school is a protected building. It can lose its protection if it’s used for military purpose, for example: if soldiers are hiding there.

3. Is it allowed to attack your enemy from behind?
Answer: Yes. It’s just being tactical and that’s allowed.

4. Is it allowed to attack a military goal if you know that civilians will die?
Answer: Yes. You have to consider the principle of proportionality. This will say that the military gain has to be bigger than the loss of civilians.

5. Is it allowed to shoot a soldier that is eating breakfast?
Answer: Yes. A soldier is a soldier as long as he has his uniform on and is under military command. Even though if he is sleeping, eating or is on the toilet he is a soldier.

6. Does a soldier always have to follow the order of his boss?
Answer: No. A soldier has the duty to refuse to obey an illegal given order. Every soldier has to know the rules, if not he could be punished.

7. Is it allowed to kill prisoners of war if the enemy does the same?
Answer: No. Prisoners of war is protected even though what happen. The enemy can be prosecuted if he shoots prisoners of war.

8. Is it allowed to give medical help only to wounded of your own forces?
Answer: No. Wounded from both sides should just be treated from their medical need.
9. Is it allowed to shoot a soldier that is fleeing?
Answer: Yes. A soldier that is fleeing is a legal target. If he wants to surrender, he has to show this clearly by throwing his gun and have his hands in the air.
10. Is it allowed to bomb a nuclear- power station?
Answer: No. This can release dangerous powers.

Questions about Human Trafficking

1. Girls who reach to Bombay to work as a prostitute is responsible for their own situation.
Yes/No (Discussion Question-depends)

2. The transfer of David Beckham to the Los Angeles Galaxy is an example of human trafficking.
Yes/No.(No. He is paid for his work and he has got controll overhimself)

3. If you are originally from a poor country, it is wise to go out and work illegally.
Yes/No.(Discussion Question-depends)

4. If you are lonely, it is ok to buy sex.
Yes/No.(Discussion Questions-depends)

5. It is okay if children are beggars voluntary
Yes/No..(Discussion Questions-depends)
6. Trafficking of women is worse than the trafficking of men.
Yes /No..(Discussion Questions-depends)

7. To buy sex is human trafficking.
Yes No..(Discussion Questions-depends)

8. Your children will die if you do not find him / her a new kidney. It is OK to buy organ illegally.
Yes No..(Discussion Questions-depends)

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Human Trafficking - A Real Story

2010-07-22T19:09:00.001+02:00

A Cover page of book SOLD

I was reading an old newspaper today which was lying in my room for about a week. There I found a review of a nepali version of a book "Sold" written by Patricia McCormick. The book is about Lakshmi.

Lakshmi is a thirteen-year-old girl who lives with her family in a small hut in the mountains of Nepal. Her family is desperately poor, but her life is full of simple pleasures, like raising her black-and-white speckled goat, and having her mother brush her hair by the light of an oil lamp.in this poverty as well she has clean eyes to see the beautiful dreams. She has a dream to marry to her neighbour Krishna and give birth to his children. But when the harsh Himalayan monsoons wash away all that remains of the family’s crops, Lakshmi’s stepfather says she must leave home and take a job to support her family.

He introduces her to a glamorous stranger who tells her she will find her a job as a maid working for a wealthy woman in the city.She convince her by saying that "the girls of city wear very beautiful dress and bright jwelries. They eat orange and mango daily". She bought Lakshmi only on $10 and bring to city where she sold her to a broker with small profit. Unknowing to all these transactions Lakshmi goes happily with that boy. While crossing border he told her, "From today I'm your Uncle but if police ask you, you must say I am your husband." Then with many tricks he reaches bombay and then they fix the rate of the new girl in fornt of her. Mumtaz an owner of brothel says,"How much?" He answered, "IRs 15000 ($318)."

Mumtaz rules the brothel with cruelty and cunning. She tells Lakshmi that she is trapped there until she can pay off her family’s debt, she beat her with hunters until she agrees to sleep with customers, she kept her inside room for many days without food and also give threaten of her life. One day when Lakshmi refuses to sleep with an old customer, she catches her hair and drags her to the room to throw her on the bed where the old customer was waiting her to come. Then Lakshmi explains to writer, " The old man press me with the effort of 10 men and climbs on me. Then he kisses me with the mouth of bad onion type of smell." From that day she was forced to sleep with any type of men.

Cover page of translated version of book SOLD

Lakshmi’s life becomes a nightmare from which she cannot escape. Still, she lives by her mother’s words – “Simply to endure is to triumph” – and gradually, she forms friendships with the other girls that enable her to survive in this terrifying new world. Then the day comes when she must make a decision – will she risk everything for a chance to reclaim her life?

The article says that the book creates hatred to the sellers as well as it is successful to generate kindness and sympathy to those who are being sold. So, in my opinion as well, it is an excellent book which tells the story of a sold girl. I am going to find the book in stores and read it, what about you?
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Right a way in action

2010-07-10T20:15:00.000+02:00

After returning back from Norway i was having a vaccation for 2 weeks before my follow up work and still don't know about the follow up work, where, how and what am I going to do as my follow up work. It is the meeting which decide where i should work and if the district is finalised then I have to work according to the neccessity of the district so i could not plan for my follow up work. That is why i was completely at home resting and visiting my relatives. But yesterday dated 9th July after i had dinner a phone call which told me that i have to be ready to go out that late hour of the day and the destination was a hospital. There i had to give blood to the person who is in need of it fresh. Before me there were 12 other person who had already given him a blood for his open heart surgery but since he needed more so they had called me since my blood group O+ve matches with him. So 12:00am this night i was giving blood. This morning i heard he is a little out of danger, which make me feel satisfied.

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New Appartment

2010-06-02T21:29:00.000+02:00

Just before 13 days to leave Arendal, we had to shift our house. It is not because we did not liked the apartment we were living for 9 months but it is due to the contract of apartment owner and Red Cross has been over from 31st May and the owner wants his apartment back for him. So, unwillingly we had to leave our apartment of Munkegaten and shift to the new apartment at Hisøy Kokkeplassen. We were quite not ready to change the house only for that days of our stay which would increase our work because we had to pack all the things before finally packing it to take it back home. The new home as better landscape. By the side of ocean and the small man made beach is the main point of attraction along with more green environment. I think it is more close to nature than our previous house of city center and by the side of road. After 3 days we also had got our bicycle which will cut short our time to wait bus as well.

All in all a change but even if unwillingly change has come out to be better. Better but just 10 days left. wooooo.
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Be a box carrier for Red Cross

2010-05-06T15:58:00.000+02:00

Here is a short video appealing a Red Cross Volunteer to be a Red Box carrier in May 8 'Red Cross Day' with the theme of 'Here and There'. This collection this time is totally for Red Cross and its activities Here in Norway and There in the world where Red Cross Help is Needed. So, we appeal all the youth and adult volunteers of the Red Cross to collect for the Red Cross.

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African Safari in Norway

2010-03-20T21:37:00.002+01:00

Today I, my co-delegate Durga along with our contact person and head of Aust-Agder District Office Kari Thorson and one volunteer Trine went for a African Safari. Must be amazed by reading this how come i get to Africa. Yes that's true i went to see the African Animals but in the park called Dyre Parken here in Kristiansand. There we saw Lions, Zebra, African wild dogs, tigers, orangutan, and many more.. It was really interesting visit and saw more animals, some of them for the first time like, Norwegian wolves, Moss, and of course zebra and lion. We were quite unlucky that we could not see the giraffe this time. At the end of the day all of were tired but much more satisfied with the trip so that tiredness and hunger was not in our mind untill we saw delicious pasta in Trine's house. I don't want to write to much just go and check out the pictures we got with that visit.

Lions a closer view

Zebra for the first time

Lion Monkey

Mustach monkey

Wild Cat

Nordic Wolves

Moss (Without horn)

Nothing can be crazier

On the way back

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Red Cross Youth Introductory Course in Hovdan

2010-03-15T19:18:00.003+01:00

On 27th February 2010 at 10 am we gathered in front of Red Cross house here in Aust Agder. Having everything (foods, skies, Clothes etc.) ready we were waiting for the bus. We were 12 youths altogether and all were very excited about the trip. 'Are you excited?' I asked to one of the participants. 'Yes of course, but I am a little bit scared about skiing because I have never done before,' he replied. 'That will be great experience. We had skied before but are not perfect', I told. In fact only two of us were perfect and all other were new in that thing. We need not have to worry about.

The bus arrived at 10:30 and we loaded all those things in the bus and started journey. It was a long journey about 3 and half hour.

We reached at Hovdan at 2 p.m. Heated up the frozed pizza and ate.

After that we went out for site seeing and had great fun in the sculptures made out of snow. We spent about two hour and returned back. After we had dinner, We short introduction round with imaginary football dribbling we watched movie called "Hotel Rwanda". It was nice movie.

The next day after breakfast we had an introductory course about Red Cross, It's history and about the principles.

We also had puzzle game of sexual health and demonstration of how to use condom correctly after wards. We also played transmission game there to show how easily the STDs can transmit from one another and how can only condom can save you.

That day after lunch we went out skiing. They were falling many times and still trying. Even i fell down twice during downward skiing. One of us was counting his own number of fall and it reached to 20 and even more. Any way it was fun.

After dinner we sat round again and listen to the stories form different nation because that time we noticed that we were altogether from 10 different nations and speaking 21 different language and all most all bigger religions. The stories tell their journey to Norway and they were unimaginable and touching.

The third day we started with the Human trafficking presentation right after breakfast. And also role play thing to make them understand how big is the problem and how it is effecting the society.

After lunch we went to the Swimming pool and had lots and lots of fun. It was my first ever entry to Swimming pool in my whole life and don't know how to swimm. I think me and Durga were only two who could not swim. We had very great time in hot massaging water pond and the sliding water. We also had steam bath and went outside in that snowy weather in swim suite.We were so tired that day no one was awake for the social evening we were supposed to have. But still we listened to Arabic music and some Nepali music.

The next day was about 'Rules of War'. We had our presentation and discuss about the rules to be followed at war. Ahmed from Iraq was quite clever in that and was telling his story about the iraq war which was also working as an incidence for us.We were supposed to play RAW-WAR game but since after lunch we had to be in the down hill ski spot which was quite far from there we had to cut our things sort and headed towards the spot after lunch.

There we had fixed one teacher to teach us down hill ski. He was so good that at the end we were easily going down hill and turning ourselves as we like and jumping without the sticks.

The final day, we were in hurry and washed out the rooms and fixed all the things of Pomelo building and started our journey at 10:00 am.

All in all it was learning as well as fun tour to all.

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Menneskehandelskaffe - En Kopp for Frihet!

2010-02-10T14:07:00.002+01:00

Human Trafficking coffee- one cup for freedom

Description of the campaign:
The campaign is about Human trafficking. The campaign goes like this; We are trying to involve cafes to sell the same coffee in the name of “human trafficking coffee” but with 2 kroner extra because we are going to collect that 2 kroner in boxes. We are making it some sorts of competition between the cafes to encourage them to collect as many kroner as they can. So the highest collecting café will get some sort of prize and diplomas. We are also thinking of going into the news paper and local television which will give publicity to the campaign as well as to cafés.
Duration of Campaign:
Proposed: From 22nd of February to 22nd of March (1 month).

Objectives:
The main objectives of the campaign are:
•   To Create Awareness among the people of Aust Agder that human trafficking really exists in the world.
•   To make them feel like they have done something for stopping it.
•   To collect some funds that are going to be utilized in the projects that has been run by Norwegian Red Cross Youth to stop human trafficking in the countries like Nepal, Serbia and Croatia.

Utilizations of money we get:
We are going to give that money to the Central Red Cross Youth Office and they are going to send it to National Red Cross Societies of Nepal, Croatia and Serbia.

Since Poverty and illiteracy is the major factor governing the human trafficking. So, for educating part most of them are utilizing it for preventive majors, they are having workshops for youths, telling about human trafficking, each work shop cost around 100 euro. They are also having youth to youth education. They also have centers for victims of human trafficking, a place they can stay when they get out and are saved.

For raising economic status they are conducting micro financing system where they are giving out small sum of money for one family in a village to buy goat(One goat cost approx. Kr 200) from which they can earn money and give the dividend to the other family so that the fund is rotating among the families in the village. So same 200 kr in the years can be utilized by many families.

In Nepal project has been launched in 6 district: Palpa, Lamjung, Myagdi, Dhading, Makawanpur and Sarlahi. Previously the Dhading district was the place from where higher numbers of the girls and child have been trafficked but after launch of project not even a single case has been reported of trafficking yet. This is about just the one district of Nepal but there are still many young girls from other many districts who are really in need of help.

A weekend with Asylum seekers

2010-02-01T18:01:00.001+01:00

This friday dated 29th January, I along with my co-delegate Durga went to Kiland Senteret. The program was organised by the Grimstad Red Cross Youth and we were invited there. The program was with asylum seekers. There were altogether 36 youths. It was very nice to be there. It was our first experience with the asylum seekers. That is also one of the reason that we were excited to be with them. All of them were youths and very active doing much more fun.

In between the activities, they, without any hesitation, started to dance among themselves. They were happy to be there. So, I feel like, taking them out of asylum center and make them enjoy within themselves with certain activities like skating, skiing, and other lots of fun is one of the good aspect of Red Cross Youth.

It was also a good experience for us because we had a three hours course of Human Trafficking with them on Saturday noon. It became interesting also because some of them are not good in English and some of them are not in Norwegian so we had to put translators both in Norwegian and Dari language because most of them speak Dari language. Any way we had managed to show them a picture of overall condition of Human trafficking in the world and also make them feel with some role plays and discussion sessions.

We along with having fun also had some Active choice course before dinner on Friday Grimstad Red Cross Youth put on their effort to make them understand all the thing that they were telling there. They also showed how to use condom properly there and make them practice in dildoes.

They had a social dinner by the side of fireplace with roasting pølse. Since we were vegeterian, we had to prepare spagetti ourselves. Then after we had some social games like cards but some of them were dancing very happily in the arabian music.

We had outdoor activities in the snow, some of them had brought ski stuffs with them and some of them had brought skating shoes, They were exchanging things and trying both skating as well as skiing and also there are others who are having fun in the snow by throwing snow balls or burying people in snow.

I also tried skiing (Cross Country) in the lake. It was great fun. We returned back at 17:00 on Saturday.

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Inspirational Activity

2010-01-25T14:31:00.002+01:00

This Video is the inspirational work done by Tvedestrand Red Cross Youth Group for collecting money for the victims of Haiti. During short period of time they had managed to organise such a huge fundraising activities that collected about 90,000 Kroner. So, i would like to paste it here as an inspirational act of the Red Cross Youth.

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Red Cross Youth Aust Agder- Fully Charged for collection

2010-01-22T15:26:00.002+01:00

Since the disastrous earth quake hit in Haiti, Aust Agder Red Cross and it's youth are noticed to be most active and are collecting money for helping victims.

As a first activity on 15th January Tvedestrand Red Cross Youth had organised door to door activity to collect money on those red boxes of Red Cross. The program started from 11:00 and had a stand on the shopping center Grisen Storsenter of the Tvedestrand. And from 17:00 about we along with 35 Red Cross youth voluteers gathered in the bus station of Tvedestrand and with the map in hand were distributed throughout the city to knock on door to door of the houses. They manage to collect altogether 70,000 Kroner that day.

In the same way Arendal Red Cross along with Helpekorpset and some youths were distributed all over the Arendal City on Saturday 16th january and managed to collect about 65,000 Kroner.

Gard (an insurance company working for the insurance of ships) gave 250,000 Kroner.

Lillesand Red Cross collected about 99,300 Kroner.

Hisøy Red Cross collected 55,000 Kroner

Tromøy Red Cross 551,793 Kroner where as Bygland kommune contributed 10,000 Kroner.

uptill now Aust Agder Red Cross had collected about 652,332 Kroner which amounts to be the largest in any district Red Cross. But this is not the end. They are still collecting money because it is the time to show solidarity and it is the time to help humans so Aust Agder Red Cross is dedicated to help with as much possible means as it can.

Along with the collection activity, 'flame rally' was also organised as one of the fundraising activity in Tvedestrand by Tvedestrand Red Cross Youth group and students of Tvedestrand Videragåande Skole. Read more about it in my co-delegates site. Click here...

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Red Cross- A sign of hope for Haitians

2010-01-20T18:24:00.001+01:00

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Har du lyst til å helpe til ofrene på Haiti

2010-01-16T17:25:00.005+01:00

Most of you have known the conditions of life in Port-au-Prince of Haiti. If you want to help them to make their life a little easy for them. you can help them by donating how much you can....

Many Red Cross Volunteers are in Streets, knocking Door of houses, inside shopping complexes and asking everyone to help. I request you to donate some to help them. Your little help can save many lives there.

You also have known that Norwegian Red Cross had sent mobile hospital there the Red Cross Volunteers have started distributing Clean drinking water and the safety kits doing first aid to the victims there...

I would like to request all volunteers of Red Cross to share hand for collection and to all the people out there to help how much they can... No matter it is a single kroner. Because we know that oceans can be made out of drops. Your drop collects out to be ocean.

To support you can give money to the

account 8200 06 08331, or call
Donor Phone 820 44001 (£ 200, -)

You can help by clicking the link below:
http://www.gimedhjertet.no/epages/RodeKors.sf/no_NO/?ViewAction=ViewDonateForm

Celebration of World AIDS Day in Aust Agder

2009-12-15T17:37:00.000+01:00

Joint Planning meeting of International youth group

and Arendal Red cross Youth on 23rd November

Preparing Red Ribbons

Wrapping up condoms on Red Cross Youths Wrappers

Writing Big Banners which says "IKKE HIV VETTET BRUK KONDOM"

All the youth volunteers gathered in the Aust Agder Røde Kors office at 14:30 and took all the necessary things with us and began preparing our stand in front of the Culture house by 15:00.

We then started distributing brochures and condoms to the passing youths and adults. Volunteers were divided in pieces and scattered around the city, some went inside the shopping center “Amfi Arena” and some at the city center.

Those who seemed the most interested came to our stand and participated in a Quiz about HIV and demonstrations of the correct way of using condoms.

For the gathering crowd, we played a condom fighting game with some of the visitors at the stand.

After the crowd gathered we auctioned off men as a way of showing the connection between

human trafficking and HIV.

After it had become dark, we light candles in the shape of the red AIDS ribbon.

The tasks had been divided among the volunteers and each volunteer felt they participated and had a important role in the program, something that made it more fruitful and energetic. Every volunteer was dedicated to complete the tasks assigned to them and contributing equally to the program. It was -3 degree Centigrade outside and the volunteers were enjoying their work even tough they were freezing. When we were talking about HIV/AIDS there, it was shocking that people knew so very little about it!

The same day Tvedestrand Youth Group had a stand from 10 am to 5 pm at the shopping mall in Tvedestrand. They counted about eight people while they talked and handed out information concerning HIV/AIDS. In addition, by focusing on Active Choice by handing out condoms, they managed to get about 4000kr for the cause.
In addition, they had invited the local newspaper in order to get the cause represented in the media.

Differences in the Celebration between Norway and Nepal:

Normally, in Nepal we use to have public rally, a march of Red Cross volunteers, creating awareness about the things and also some seminars, street dramas, some speech competitions, but here every youth group were focused to keep their stand the busiest place. This was new to us but i also found it effective in the context of Norway, where people have less time to see whole dramatic plays. Here people don’t even gather if they see a huge mass of youths gathered, they don’t notice you unless you do some creative activities. Andy in Tvedestrand youth group played guitar to attract people. Also, the small role-plays are suitable, making the visitors involved in the activities. Free distribution of condoms we found is to be the best way to attract youths here because most of them were interested in it. Had it been in Nepal they would have walked away as if they hadn’t seen you.
(The distribution are mostly being done in private - one of the most effective ways of condom distribution is by placement in public WC’s)
Almost none of the adult volunteers were interested in celebrating the world AIDS day. This was something that surprised us very much.

First Invitation to Norwegian House

2009-11-27T22:33:00.001+01:00

We had been here for more than three months now. We had participated in different programs and gone to the different places to visit but until this Tuesday dated 24th of November, no one had invited us in their home. Ragnar Lundstrøm, who had been to Nepal two times before and was there in our presentation about Nepal, called Durga the day before and invited us in his home. We were so enjoyed with their invitation and after finishing our work with international group and Arendal Youth Group for a Photo shoot to make posters creating awareness of how HIV is transmitted to other persons, we directly headed to our house where he is supposed to pick us up at 6pm. We were a little late but found him waiting for us. He drive us to Hansnesveien 69, there we found his wife waiting egerly for us. A warm welcome and little chat. They also had baked cake with Namaste written in it. Also we had special julebrus along with cake. We had brought Nepali tea leaves with us, so we also made the tea in Nepali style.
There we stayed nearly for two hour and had chat about Nepal and also the cultural differences in Nepal and Norway. We also they showed us the gifts they have brought from Nepal which took me back to Nepal for some time and nearly got lost on them but thanks to Durga for bringing me back to Norway. We were so pleased about that. We left their home with a happy node of meeting again some time and seeing photos of Nepal and listening some of their memories about Nepal.

Strange connections

2009-11-18T19:10:00.000+01:00

Before some months, I was struggling to learn to use this machine with my friend Prem Krishna Shrestha. In Nepal, this machine is still in use. Tailors use this machine to sew clothes. From this different designs can be made. Shirts, Pants and also other stuffs. Even in some place they donot have the table portion and they use hand to rotate the ring. Yes of course it is easier to rotate the ring with legs than hands. I was very glad to see such machine here in Norway too. It was placed in Risøya folk hiskole. I thought "oh! they also use such machines, same as ours, to sew the things." I thought this was there just to show students how to sew clothes because i had heard that the school is for those who want to learn other various activities after completion of their school and before going to college. So it was obvious that there should be such income generating skills also. In some places in Nepal we use to provide vocational training of such things so that they can earn out of it. I was in same vision but when i asked about it to one of the youth leader, then he said, "we used to use those type of machines may be 20 or 5 years back. now we use china instead." I understood right way about what he is saying but Durga didn't so I had to clear her by saying that "previously they used such machine to sew clothes but now they import directly from China. and don't know how it is made. It was same like that the Pink Cow of farmville gives strawberry milk, brown cow-a chocolate milk." They don't know how milk with strawberry flavour is made but they just had seen the pack of strawberry flavoured milk with a pink cow painted on it. The reality is that some of them never had seen cow and how milk is collected from cow and what is the whole process.

To import clothes from China is much more cheaper than to make it by themselves here in Norway. So they use the easiest and the cheapest way of having the things.

Now i can also imagine why the stikers of human trafficking campaign are made so that it is fit to a small tin or iron cans.

A new method of teaching

2009-10-30T15:47:00.000+01:00

I haven't forgotten the long stick that our teachers use to carry while entering in the class. Even i can still feel the pain in my hand when something went wrong with my English sentences while learning it in my childhood days. Even now a days some time we can heard some news of cruel punishments that teacher gives to the students for the small mistakes they made. This type of teaching methodology is used in most of the villages of Nepal even today. Teachers use to dictate the answers and students rot it down.

This Wednesday the class, where i used to study Norwegian language, was decorated as a dining hall. It was not a class room from any angle. Tables were set as if there is going to be a large feast. Previously, I along with some of my friends had gone shopping for a breakfast for all the students and teacher. All of the students were in happy mood as we entered with foods. Then the food is served. During serving, teacher showed us the things and told us what is its name in Norweigian, He also taught us how to ask for something, Kan du sende meg.............? Lots of new words and sentences were spoken that time and get into the brain easily cause we were practicing it- a sort of learning by doing.

I feel the way most effective.

Conference on Climate change_UN Day

2009-10-24T18:35:00.000+02:00

With the running International week, here in Arendal, yesterday We had a very interesting seminar on Climate change. Though it was in Norwegian and we can only get the overview of what they are talking about, one the new thing i got to know is about Blue Carbon. While every one was talking about the Green Carbon, one important concept of Blue Carbon was introduce and I really think can't be ignored. So, I went on studying about it and found that Blue Carbon was all about "The role of Healthy Oceans in binding Carbon".It is the carbon captured by the world's oceans and represents more than 55 percent of the green carbon. The Living organisms in oceans stores carbon in the form of sediments from mangroves, salt marshes and seagrasses. Planktons, marine viruses and bacteria and other microbial organism play a important role on Carbon cycle. i was Surprised to discover the fact that More than 36.5 gigatonnes of CarbonDioxide is captured by planktonic algae through photosynthesis each year out of which 0.5Gt C per year is stored in Sea bed.

Vegetated coastal habitats- mangrove forests, salt-marshes and seagrass meadows having large carbon sink capacity are experiencing a steep global decline. One of the study by Duarte et al. suggest that the world is losing its coastal habitat four times faster than rain forest and the rate of loss is accelarating. This facts concluded to consider those type of coastal habitat on a separate heading Blue Carbon.

Even though the confrence was concluded on a hope that a upcoming generation, Youth's can do some thing and they can seal the deal in copenhagen at end of this year, a small piece of insecurity stricked in my mind through out the remaining part of day which could not be washed out even by the short dinner party afterwards..............

Red Cross Multicultural Men Group

2009-10-20T08:16:00.000+02:00

A most awaited group for men has been started on 15th october. We started with 10 men from 5 different Nations. There we talked about how often we are going to meet and what should be our activities for rest of the year. Then we decided we are going to meet every fortnight on thursday and the activities are not only for fun but also some information oriented. We talked to have awareness about the culture of Norway and also historical tour of Arendal as well as the election system of Norway along with the cooking different varieties of food from different nation and a friendly football match. The meeting went in norsk with some sentences in English so that some of us could understand it. The delecious Pizza added a scent in gold to the meeting.

Next meeting going to be held on 29th of this month and some of us are going to cook food of different nation that time. All interested men are invited in this group....

Stand at handball match

2009-10-12T16:44:00.001+02:00

On 10th and 11th of October we had a stand at handball competition on two different stadium here one in Arendal and another in Tromoy. The stand was along with some Hjelpekropse. There we distribute informations about the Red cross youth and Red cross itself and tried to recruit more voluteers. It was not easy but Durga succeded to get one voluteer recruited. As planned we were to distribute condoms and show the proper way of using it but due to presence of some childs among the spectators organizers stopped us from doing so and we just had to put it in stand and distribute to those who really are interested to do. Here are some photographs from that stand.

Fixing up stand at the main entrance of the hall.

Andreas telling us how to note down information of new volunteers.

At stand 'second day'

Durga distributing information about Røde Kors Ungdom to youths.

Fixing banner of Røde Kors Ungdom.

At Stand 'first day'

Hjelpekropse helping in match.

Meeting Youth Group 'Tvedestrand'

2009-10-04T17:04:00.000+02:00

On 24th of September we met a youth group of Tvedestrand. A first bus journey after we arrived to Arendal, Little bit dizzy but managed to stand. The egerness of group to hear us helped us to forget all these travelling experience...

After short waiting, we started our one hour presentation about Nepal, Nepal RedCross and Youth exchange program. Before presentation, they had asked us to have short breaks during our presentation but quite surprised to hear no breaks when we really asked for them.

Andreas, Group Leader, Showing different flavoured condoms to the youths.
with Andreas, Group Leder.

Fun part of the meeting..............

Looking forward to county meeting on 12th october...................................

2009-09-15T16:34:00.000+02:00

This Monday we (me and Durga) met to the two Youth groups: International Youth Group and Arendal Red Cross Youth Group. International Youth Group on the leadership of Fabian August Line is working in different Environmental Issues. It was nice meeting to the Group that are really concerned about our changing climate. We hope to work together in other programs in near future.

The Next Group was of Arendal Red Cross Youth Group. We first introduced ourselves to the group and were happy to hear their willingness to work with us.
Then they started with some first aid advices to the new commers. We also help them assisting in some of the First Aid techniques like giving CPR and Compressions to unconcious patient.

There was also a short demonstration of how to use condoms properly to get rid of STD's.

And of course, some fun......................................

Very excited to work together with such active volunteers.

2009-09-15T16:10:00.000+02:00

After warm welcome in district, this weekend Me and Durga, attended a practice program of Hjelpekrops related to First Aid. In this picture me being a patient who have just fallen from a big rock nearby and my friend Durga is impatient to help me. I was helped and transported safe by the Volunteers of Hjelpekrops.

All in all a great experience to work for the first time with Hjelpekrops volunteers.

Friends

2009-09-09T11:41:00.000+02:00

Wow ..................Having Fun with Friends.Can U See me? I'm the Camera person taking this picture

Reporting Skills and Professional Writing Training; A Report

2009-07-03T18:41:00.000+02:00

Introduction:

This report gives information about the completion of 5-day long reporting skills and professional writing training at Empowerment and Learning Development center (ELD).

ELD is right place for such types of trainings. ELD is UK based organization and continuously providing such trainings in Nepal since 2000. The training was held at ELD's office, jawalakhel from 22nd to 26th June 2009. There were 18 participants from different organizations. The training hall was away from the direct disturbance and can accommodate the participants well. The training materials provided are unique. The training includes Participatory, Learner-centered, Interactive / lively and Task-based / practical methods.

This report contains
• Day to day Course Management
• Teaching methodology
• Management of Food for participants
• Conclusion

Day to day Course Management:

The course is well managed. Entire course is divided in different headings according to different process during writing. Separate day is chosen for separate headings. Three days is spent just with thinking, analysis and planning while the last two days for drafting and editing reports.

Day-1:
It starts with brief introduction of the course and the participants. Then objective of the writing is set and day ends with the knowledge of various methods of data collection: survey, interview, desk study, observation, focus group discussion and case study.

Day-2:
This day is all about data analysis. First Quantitative data analysis through charts and diagrams and secondly qualitative data analysis through clustering, sub clustering and mind mapping.

Day-3:
This day we talked of writing skills; different tools to make our writing clear, reader friendly and effective; organization and principles while writing paragraph.

Day-4:
This day is allotted for planning and drafting the report.

Day-5:
Whole session is ended with drafting conclusions and recommendations, editing and review of course.

Teaching Methodology:

Teaching methodology employed in the training is effective. Each day was divided into two shifts: morning shift and afternoon shift. Each shift is also divided by short breaks. The training is handled by two resource persons. To maintain continuous attention of the participants several games are played in between the sessions. Every session includes lots of discussions and practical works. Some discussions are individual based while others are group tasks. To make more clear one case study is given at the starting session of day-2 and whole process of writing is done with the same case. During the course, a brief introduction to use software applications like mind manager, MS word and the use of internet to calculate clarity of writing is also discussed. Hands out of each session is given at the end of the day.

Management of Food for participants:

The management of food for the participant is also good. Each day started with the breakfast containing tea/coffee, biscuits and fruits. The breaks during the session also include refreshments. Variety of dishes is served in Lunch including meat/fish for non-veg. every alternate day. Clean utensils and friendly environment during meals is appreciative.

Conclusion:
The training all in all is effective and fruitful. This training is sure to change the writing skills of the participants. The participants are able to differentiate between academic writing and professional writing by the end of whole session. The presentation of the edited version of reports of different groups concludes that the training has developed skills in their writing.

Street drama Show

2009-06-28T20:12:00.000+02:00

On June 13th we, some members of NRCS Balkot Youth Circle, went to the 5th ward of VDC to show a street drama. The Drama titled "Kucho samao(Let us all catch broom)"having the theme necessity of cleanliness around our home.

We practiced drama for 2 hrs and set on to show it towards our target area at 5:00pm. We first select the correct place and started calling spectators, started showing drama nearly at 6:00 pm and completed it within 25 mins. Then we started collecting impressions of the drama. Most of them told the theme to be good and presentation was also very nice. Almost all liked the program very much and had suggested us to bring other similar type of drama with different themes in that area. We were all happy with the response they showed to us.

During practice session.

Getting into notice by being in circle and clapping hands.

A Scene "Hazmoli-daughter, having a serious stomach pain
while her father and mother attending her"

Scene-2 "Patient and Mother waiting,
while father goes out to call "Phook kumari-traditional care taker of patient
by casting some mantra"

Scene-3 "They all wait for Jhakri ba-other type of traditional care taker of patient
by offerings such as black he-goat, black cock, etc..
to gods and devils"

Scene-4 "Father being unconsious by hearing the total cost of Rs30,000
to cure her daughter by traditional care taker- jhakri ba."

Scene-5: entry of School teacher

Teacher demonstrating the procedures to prepare Jeevan jal, ORS.

Spectators watching them.

Actors in Action- collection impressions

One of the spectators concentrating for commenting over the drama.

Over all The presentation was fruitful. We think that the theme and the area we chose was correct and was helpful for creating awareness to the people living nearby.

Street Drama Training

2009-05-31T18:47:00.000+02:00

NRCS Balkot Youth Circle organised a Street Drama Training on 29th-30th may 2009. Myself being the co-ordinator of program. There were altogether 18 participants in the training. The training as a whole in my evaluation was a successful one. All the participants were contented with what they get from the training at the end.

Banner says:"I serve.
Nepal Red Cross Society.
Balkot youth circle.
Balkot Bhaktapur.
2060.
Street Drama
Training."

Trainer and chair person of Balkot youth Circle opening the session

Trainers and Trainees interacting with eachother.

During Training.

New Style of calling participants
those who are late
by
clapping hands
all with one tone.

Participants were divided into three groups and given three different themes to write Drama on the spot on day 1 and practice it and show on the next day.

Group 1

Participants practicing their own drama
with the theme of
"Caste Discrimination"

Group 2

Practicing their own drama against Smoking

Group 3
practicing their drama against
"Dowry System during Wedding"

Great combination of Lunch and Fun

After the Training was over all the participants were supposed to show a Street Drama "Chanamati" with the theme of Gender Discrimination but when they reached the place where they were meant to show their drama, it was the rain that cool down all the excitement of the participants. The continuous rain disrupted the show. Now the participants returned to the Training hall bare handed with hope to show it next time.

Closing Ceremony started with me welcoming all
Chief Guest, Guests, Trainers and all participants.

IPP and one of the Trainer Umesh Silwal
evaluating about the training.

Prabha Neupane one of the participants
sharing experiences about the training.

Secrertary of NRCS Balkot sub-branch
Mr. Diwakar Silwal
with his speech.

President of NRCS Balkot Sub-branch Mr. Lava Kumar Karki
encouraging participants for creating awareness
through the drama
and
help society to make better place to live in.

Chief Guest and Vice precident of Bhaktapur District Chapter
Mr. Laxmi Narayan Shilpakar
distributing Certificates of Completion of Training to the participants.

Chief guest with his short speech.

All the participants and Trainers with Guests and Chief Guest.

short videoclip about drama practice

At the end I would like to thank District Chapter, Bhaktapur for its stationery support, Vice precident of Bhakatapur District chapter and chief guest Mr. Laxmi Narayan Shilpakar for his presence during closing ceremony, President of NRCS Balkot sub-branch Mr. Lava Kumar Karki, Mr. Diwakar Silwal, Secretary of Balkot sub-branch. I could not end this page without giving many many thanks toboth of our trainers Mr. Krishna Murari Poudel and Mr. Umesh Silwal without whose presence the program would not have been such meaningful. Also my thanks goes to Mr. Harihar Bhandari for his support. Mr. Rabin Silwal who handled the program in my absence in Day 1 of the training. Also my special thanks goes to Mr. Amar Sharma who was there to support us through out the Training Sessions. Last but not the least it is my responsibility to thank Marigold English Boarding School for providing its beautiful hall to organise such training.

Thanks to all who directly or indirectly supported the program.

Red Cross Day 2009

2009-05-06T20:46:00.000+02:00

Nepal Red Cross Society, Balkot Youth Circle, organised an Essay writing competition on topic "Role of Youth in Red Cross" to celebrate International Red Cross Day 2009. Many Essays in different subjects were collected and among them 4 top most were selected. The final competition was held between the top 4 competitors. They were given half an hour time to write on the topic "Role of Youths in Red Cross".

The Banner says "I Serve. Nepal Red Cross Society. Balkot Youth Circle. Balkot, Bhaktapur. 2060. Essay writing competition"

Miss Kanchan (15) writes "........Youth are today's present and tommorrows Leader to rule country.They are the future of Red Cross and they have essential role in development of Red Cross........"

Miss Sabina Shrestha (14) writes ".....When any wounded person crys with pain of wounds, Red Cross puts the paste of medicine as if its own wound. As flowers do not have their existence without their sweet smell, Red Cross does not have its without Youth's active participation......."

Mr. Rukesh (20) writes "..... Following the seven Principles of Red Cross youth if tried can makes changes......"

Miss Shristi Bhattarai (15) writes ".....Youths are the keys to the main door for the development and reformation of country who can open or close the door at their wills." Again she adds "Red Cross is for Youths and Youths are for all....."

In the closing ceremony the coordinator of the programme Mr. Sabir Thapa(23) welcomed all the guests and participants and told about the importance of these sorts of competition to strengthen the knowledge of Youths. He added that "Youths are the wealths of the nation and Red Cross can provide good platform for them to develop and innovate their hidden skills."

Me myself saying "There is no difference between red colour of Red Cross and the red blood flowing on the vein of Youths, can make the things better by being in close association with."

Mr. Umesh Silwal (26) Immediate Past President of Balkok Youth Circle and Treasurer of Present working committee of Balkot Sub-branch-"Strength of Youth can be directed to positive direction with the help of Red Cross."

Mr. Divakar Silwal (29), Secretary of present working committee of Balkot sub-branch-"Youths are the backbone of Nepal Red Cross Soceity"

Chief Guest of the Ceremony and President of Balkot sub-branch Mr. Lava Kumar Karki encouraged youths to frequently organise such types of programs to sharpen the mind and skill.

Chairperson of the ceremony and chairperson of present working committee of Balkot youth Circle Mr. Krishna Murari Poudel concluded the program by telling the participants that the result of this competition will be out and prize and certificates will be awared on 30th of May along with the closing ceremony of "Street Drama Training".

We are youths and We can do

"We Serve"

National Youth Conference,Tanahu

2009-02-24T14:16:00.000+01:00

Norwegian Youth Delegates Marina and Benedicte leaving from Head Quarter to Tanahu.

Breakfast halt at Malekhu

"Ressam Firiri" from little boy

Conference started with "Prabhaat Feri". All participants along with local counterparts and students participated in that march.

participants from Bhaktapur

Chairperson of NRCS inaugurating the session with lighting candles

Welcoming Participants with a dance.

Little girl with beautiful dance in inauguration ceremony.

Sharing experience from YBTC program

Norwegian delegates interviewing Mr. Vipul Neupane

Sajan (Bhaktapur) and Poonam (Kaski) Recommending for future plan of action.

Marina and Benedicte with Norwegian "Ganga-Jamuna" Performance.

Participants taking part in competition at the end of sessions.