Alliance for Democracy and Human Rights in Nepal, USA

Proudly Announces

?Bichaar Bimarsha?
A periodic socio-political discussions on Nepal
______________________________________________________________________
Co-Sponsors:

Human Rights Working Group, SIPA, Columbia University
South Asian Institute, SIPA, Columbia University

STRUGGLE FOR DEMOCRACY IN NEPAL:
ROLES OF, AND CHALLENGES FOR, YOUTHS
Interaction with Gagan Thapa

Gagan Thapa is a former General Secretary of Nepal Student Union, student wing of Nepali Congress -- the largest political party in Nepal. He is undoubtedly the most prominent student leader who has become one of the leading figures in the current struggle for democracy in Nepal. He was jailed numerous times after the February 1, 2005 royal takeover on charges of ?sedition against the state? for his outspoken stance against King Gyanendra?s regime. Amnesty International had declared him a ?prisoner of conscience,? since he had been detained despite his peaceful and legitimate activities in support of democracy and human rights in Nepal. His release was procured on each occasion only under tremendous pressure from various human rights organizations and international governments.

*Mr. Thapa?s presentation will be in Nepali. Written English transcripts of his major points will be available for non-Nepali audience.
** Q & A session will be held in English, with a translation help from the moderator if needed.

Venue:
Columbia University, W. 116th Street and Broadway.
(Exact room location will be announced later.)

Subway:
# 1 or # 9 to 116th Street Station.

Time: 5:00 pm

Date: Saturday, October 22nd, 2005.

Admission: Free

Questions? Call Anil: 917-670-1057 or, Sanjaya: 917-902-2667

Back to Gagan and his "tour de americana" organized by the Americans.It was really nice to see your posted pictures of Gagan being offered "Statue of liberty".I am not being pessimist here but for Gagan to deliver that liberty to Nepalese won't be as easy as New York event.Gagan is a politician not a "messiah".If our infant democracy can give birth to such a devastation imagine what an infant republican state can lead us too.It is easy to come to America show your endorsement to "freedom" and be likabale by few politicians here but let me tell you something about Americans.You think they care?Or ask even Gagan If they care?Well I have one sentence for that.
AMERICANS DON'T GIVE A DAMN.Nepeji.
Trust me they don't.
Today's american isn't like when Gustav Effill was generous enough to offer a piece of wonderful work when there were enlightened minds like of Jefferson Nepeji.
This is Bush's America.A modern day crusader who I doubt knows if a country named Nepal exist.We have to be careful if we are endorsing a freedom fighter or just a puppet.And in my opinion they should leave Gagan and all the rest of emerging young leaders alone before they realize their empire is crumbling.
contd...

Yeah PUPPET, that's the right term to describe Gagan Thapa on USA trip on USA's State Department's invitation. Gagan wiill surely fulfil the wants of Bush's America. USA doesn't give a damn about Nepalese.. well said.

So which one is you Nepe in those pictures? Keep on doing chakadi of Gagan... in case Gagan is installed in Nepal by USA, you may get good post with hefty dough.

I admire him as much as you do.But I think it is really to early to jump into the glamor and be convinced that even americans are after him so we should be sit back and relax.American style of freedom planting can not only brain wash young minds like Gagan it can too give birth to a "Porn torture" kind of freedom that we have seen in Abu gharib prison of Baghdad.Are we aware?Is Gagan aware?
Are we sure we are sending Gagan to represent us in the UN when we have someone like John Bolton representing Bush and America?I have to admit that after all Jefferson's dream of America has sadly turned into the opposite of what he had in his mind while inking all humans are created equal.
In the name of freedom Americans have stolen the dignity of freedom-lovers.

I wish Gagan all the best.

Chatting with a participant...
Dear Nepeji,
I am not sure what you had in your mind while posting this picture.But doesn't it sort of display a future "american yes-man" in the making.Look at how that gentleman on the right instructing a young student of liberation 101 represents america.And how this naive young idealist foreign land of a weaker nation has to listen to him with the I LOVE NEWYORK on his hand.
I find it disturbing.Are we that parasitic?Even if that incident had taken place.My personal opinion is it shouldn't have been posted.It shows how we look for strangers in restoring dignity in our soul in liberating Nepal in Gagan's case.Well,good luck in learning about freedom from the Americans....and delivering it to Nepalese...

Many thanks for 'Alliance for Democracy and Human Rights in Nepal, USA' for their efforts in support for Democracy and Human Rights in Nepal.

Gagan, go ahead. We are always with you.

iZen-jee,

I disagree with Gagna Thapa and other Congressi's an apologist's approach regarding Girija Koirala in a major way.

In fact, I asked Gagana Thapa a harsh, if not insulting, question that was very much related to this issue at the program.

Will elaborate later. I got to go now.

Other than that, you are bringing a storm in a cup by dragging Bush and Americans in the picture जस्तो लाग्छ है मलाई । ल पछि बात मारम्ला । अहिले हतारमा छु ।

Nepe

Okay My two cents here now:
So We don't have any problem when our country takes hundreds of millions of foreign aids to run its development projects... We don't have problem even when our head of state or ministers visit other countries...and We don't give a fu*k when we organize some Nepal Development forum (I don't rememeber exact name, but its organized to IN SORT OF beg for more foreign aids) in some hi-fi hotel in foreign land...
Now when a man who has showed enough guts to stand against all the autocratic forces, and chant against them openly in the bewildering realms, comes to foreign land in hope of some support and help for his endeavour, We start having second thoughts, and guess he is being puppet...I don't know what his true intentions are, But seeing his vision and the works he has done to refuel the democratic movement of Nepal, and his open views of having a monarchless Nepal, I give my support to him...He has done all that by sacrificing his so called hi-fi career and He is one hope that is rising...If u can't do ur share for your country at least support someone who is doing that dudes...
Just be cool and think blissfully,
PEACE,
Nirman~*
LET PEOPLE BE HEARD
DEAD BE THE AUTOCRACY

For New Yorkers who missed yesterday's program, and wish to meet up with Gagan, The Alliance has decided to organize an open lunch meeting with him today (Sunday, 23rd).

Venue:

Himalayan Yak Restaurant
72nd Street and Roosevelt Avenue,
Jackson Heights, Queens.

You'd pay for your own lunch.

Time: 11:00 am onwards...perhaps for a couple of hours.

After reading all the comments, I have few of mine own.

Izen, you have some good points. We have to stop looking towards foreigners for help. They are no good. There are some people who wants the genuine solution but I doubt the others.

Nirman, your commnets about holding meetings for aids is also done by the same leaders. Personally, I think we should be self-dependant rather than looking for the guardain angel.

Nepe and Anil and other activists,

What is the agenda? What are his plans? Can we have a look of the summary?

Do not just give us a propoganda. I want substance.

The othe issue: Republican Democracy V. Constitutional King Democracy.

I have still not found any convincing answer regarding the possibility of Republican Democracy. What if after all said and done king just goes back to be constitutional monarch? What is the possibility of maoists coming to power?

I do not want running around the bush kinda answers. I need substance from my leader cause I know lotta bloodshed will be involved and it will be one tiresome journey.

Premdai,

I kinda understand your frustation but man explain it rather than mumbling.

peace

Nirman,
Unlike anyother revolutions/movement we have seen in the past this one is different.I support Gagan for his tough stance against brutal regime.Trust me not everyone within his party support him.Why?Nepali congress esp.Girija and Sujata two deadly devils the greatest curse on the face of mother earth run the party like their kitchen.I won't be surprised if one of them become PM soon.Compromise!Compromise!Compromise! for power Koiralas will spit on the face of Gagan and his idealism.
Idealism doesn't work in politics esp. the politics directly influenced by the neighboring Bihari politics.And once that happen Gagan will simply become an ex-15 minute fame lollipop idol.Tell me how will you avoid that from happening?
Nirman, I understand your frustration but revolutions aren't like movies.Compromises donot exist in the dictionary of revolutionaries.He recently thanked his leader Girija for his organizational skills.I was stunned.Are you sure he will not compromise with the monarch if Gyanendra restore the multi-party system and becomes constitutional.

How simple Gagan fights for the autocratic regime comes to the foreign land where lord has bestowed the sacred air of freedom like nobody else....
contd..

Revolutions aren't just external revolution.They are internal ones too.Gandhi knew that while fighting the British,Mandela while resisting the apartheid and King in The US while fighting for the civil rights.If you look closely these result oriented rvolutionaries didn't foreign-ized themselves while fighting it.I have no words to condemn all the other so called democratic leaderes of Nepal who are making a trip to the US at this time looking like a begger as if America was the pilgrimage to seek short-cut to singhadurbar.
If you want to fight for the poor and downtridden fight against the US first if you have to.The greed of consumerism and and america's obseession for its empiristical vision is the major responsible factor in giving birth to revolt in the backyards of every underadvanced nations and recently in Nepal.
Yes,Nepeji,I would love to discuss about the storm in the cup by bringing Bush before he is tried in the ICC for the crimes against humanity.Let me know when you are free.

Yes Nirman You have admitted you don't know what true intentions are.Pal lets have the true intentions of our leaders first then jump into debate.This is not Britany Spear's wedding bro. this is a revolution.
contd..

Well like you said Nirman we can only back them up with the moral support.If you really want to know my personal experience with the authorities however powerful I have paid dearly for my non-confirmation.Politics isn't my field of interest humanity is.Politics is all about compromises revolutions aren't.It's a test chances are the greatest test you ever face.
My limited knowledge about political theories donot make me an expert in that field.I am sure you know more about politics.
P.S:Nepeji,perhaps I will be wrong down the road.May be history will remember Bush and Condoleeza Rice as modern day Buddha and Durga incarnating on the planet for rescuing human from the filth of tyranny.Sowing seeds of freedom in the minds of billions who still are repressed by their despotic regimes.I am simply asking.Do we know?Does the world know?
Hence I rest my case.

Izen,
Amen.
I will have to say something about some Sajha enthusiasts who will do "anything" and promote "anyone" without regard to the nation or the future of the nation with no regard for moral or leadership qualities before selecting a leader to lead them. This type of immature, selfish and self-centered attitude has taken our nation aback and still haunting us, even in US!

Why is Gagan talking everywhere in USA? Is he asking you all guys to return to Nepal and join his revolution or not? If not then he may be simply a PUPPET of USA and doing what USA is asking him to do in exchange of something in secret.

Otherwise what is he specifically asking from you guys (of USA)? Should not he be talking to nepalese in Nepal, nepalese in Rremote areas on Nepal in stead of nepalese in USA who will perhaps never return to Nepal?

Just clarify this: What exactly is he asking from Nepalese in USA?

Otherwise what is he specifically asking from you guys (of USA)? Should not he be talking to nepalese in Nepal, nepalese in Rremote areas on Nepal in stead of nepalese in USA who will perhaps never return to Nepal?

Premdai, Correct me if I am wrong. I thought Gagan was arrested and even charged a couple of times with defamation to Royal family, not once, not twice, but three times in the last 8 months for expressing his views to Nepali people.

Izen,
I agree with your points to great extents...and with having seen all those COMPROMISES, COMPROMISES and AGAIN COMPROMISES, We Nepalese seems to have lost faith in the Democracy or fight for it. I also would blame Girija and his daughter for all the flaws we had in our system, and I agree that he is running his party as Gyane is running the country...
But My point here is not about to support him or any other party leaders, I am just asking all of us to support the movement....I went to lots of demonstrations when I was in kathmandu for the support of democracy(Nagrik Sabhas and intellectual discussions), but none of political demonstrations, Because I didn't felt sort of enthusiasm to support them anymore....
BUT
Seeing the autocracy flourishing and doing everything to crush our human rights, we don't have any more choices...I agree there should be new generation to represent the country...But there should be first a system that allows the people's voice to be heard...and DEMOCRACY only DEMOCRACY can do that....and without political parties thats not possible...and even in political parties too when we see around, I can count of my hand the numbers of leaders that are truely fighting against the real enemy if Democracy, THE ROYAL REGIME...and GAGAN is one of them, who has intellect and expressions bestowed openly against the enemy...So I support him for his openness and his fight against the Autocracy...and If he turns out to be one of the COMPROMISER, then there would be no choice to thrash him from image of god to a villain, and Maybe run back to my country for good. and Maybe fight for my right by myself...But till now, I am just asking to support him at least, and if can't not to demoralize him...But as democracy allows, We are all open for sharing the views and question all our curiosities...
Thanks for ur kind words Izen ji,
Nirman~*
Prem_dai,
Talking about system, what we see in today's europe and US hasn't come at once, They have practiced the system for hundreds of years to reach here and still they are not perfect...So We should give a system enough time to flourish before saying thats not perfect...
I agree that u r against all the corrupt leader(I am too), But do u see Gyan dai less corrupt, or u r just blindly supporting him???...and Before saying someone puppet,( I guess you are also living somewhere in Canada) U also maybe one puppet afraid to return to country, and blah blahing against every voice rised against the AUTOCRACY...and talking about:
What exactly is he asking from Nepalese in USA?
Maybe some moral support, Some international pressure and some aid from fellow nepalese to fuel the movement...THERE ARE COSTS TO PRINT THE POSTERS AND HIRING MIKES AND EVERYTHING ELSE....So, If u can't just help someone who is running for ur rights, just sit down until U have no rights and ur own owner comes after u for his last hunt!!!...:)

Moral Support? Why could not he get moral support from nepalese in Nepal? He needs their mortal support more than anybody else. He really should go back to Rolpa Humal Bajura, Bajang, Kalikot and convice them. Nepalese in USA already perhaps know what democracy is about... some of them even can give him lotta homework on the course of Democracy 101 to Gagan Thapa.. haha... If he says he is a true fighter... he should put effort no tin Nepalese of USA or foreign coutnries... but to the very people of Nepal who could not get opportunity to run away from the country. True strength lies among those nepalese of Nepal, not of Nepalese in USA.

Even bigger strength lies among Nepalese who would not leave Nepal athough they could actually leave Nepal at any time!!!!!! Convince them.

Pats:

"Premdai, Correct me if I am wrong. I thought Gagan was arrested and even charged a couple of times with defamation to Royal family, not once, not twice, but three times in the last 8 months for expressing his views to Nepali people."

Yeah, it's true he went to jail three times in 8 months... but is it for real? To me these episodes only indicate that he did so to decorate his resume. And here he is in USA, yet again to add some few lines in his resume... gathering MORAL SUPPORT re.