Our Life and Traveling

Rabin Man Shakya

Human life is full of vicissitudes, it is full of predictable as well as unpredictable events and happenings. But life is given only once and we should live the life.When I was a teenager, I never imagined that ten years of my life would be spent in Russia, and now I have been living in the United States for last 16 years.

Traveling is one of the productive  and creative part of human life. Everybody loves traveling. In his or her life, everybody has travelled in his or her own way. It is just some people have only travelled places in their own country while others have been able to make it to many countries.

It is always better to see something with your own eyes than hear or read about it several times.

I am not a globe-trotter but I have also travelled a lot in the past and it looks like I have been to more than 30 countries of Asia, Europe and America. Traveling has humbled me and has broadened my perspective in so many ways.

When I tell my American friends that I even happened to be in countries like Lithuania, Latvia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Moldavia, it is quite unbelievable for them. Well, while studying journalism at the Belarusian State University in the 1980s, I was able to make trips to different places of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldavia, Uzbekistan, Lithuania, Latvia and Georgia.

We all have a story to tell. In both our personal and professional lives, we have experiences that would provide more than enough opportunity to fill volumes of books. Some of our individual stories might read like a comedy, some would be like a drama, perhaps for others, more like a mystery or a conundrum.

(Rabin Man Shakya is a well-known Nepali journalist in America)

Bhimratharohan an Important Ritual in Newar Culture

Bura-Buri Janko of American Couple at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, June 30, (Nepal Oregon News): Newah-style Bhimratharohan or Junko taking place in Portland, USA? That must be a big cultural event for Nepalese community in Oregon. The event becomes more newsy when you come to know that the Bhimrotharohan couple is not from Nepal but from the US.

The Bhimratharohan of Mr. Marcus Thomas and Mrs. Betty Durham performed at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland on Monday, June 25, 2018 as per the Bajrayana Buddhist rituals was an unprecedented and unique event in Portland, Oregon. When I say this is the unprecedented and unique event, I mean to say that this is the first Bhimratharohan of a  couple from the US performed in a Buddhist Mahavihara by a Buddhist Guvaju in the USA.

Bhimratharohan rituals of Marcus and Betty were performed by Buddhist Guvaju Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland. Present at the Bhimratharohan ceremony were the Americans as well as Nepalese Portlanders.

One of the very important ritual part of the Bhimrath ceremony is parading of the honored couple around the vicinity in a large procession. So Marcus and Betty were once again treated like a bride and bridegroom and were carried on a colorful chariot-like vehicle around the streets of Portland close to Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Talking to a journalist from Nepal Oregon News, Buddhist Guvaju Vajracharya said: "When a man or woman turns 77 years, 7 months, 7 days and 7 hours, there is a special ceremony to perform. The celebration may also be held for a couple when either the husband or wife reaches that age. The Bhimrath observance calls on the Goddess of long life -Usnisavijaya- to purify Karma and bestow the blessings of good health and a long life span."

When Prajwal was asked to throw light on the Bhimrath ceremony, he went on saying: "At the culmination of the Bhimrath festivities, the honored person or couple dressed in brocade raiment is paraded through the streets in a chariot (ratha) drawn by their children and grandchildren and feted with music, flowers, sacred water, vermillion powder and incense."

"The honorees' ears are pierced for the second time and their youngest grandchild places new silver earrings in their ears. Henceforth, they are released from religious and ritual obligations, for their sins have been remitted and their Karma purified," says Portland-based Buddhist priest Prajwal.

Well, little is known about the ritual significance of Bhimratharohan. So when I asked Prajwal to describe about it, he revealed that "the honored individual or couple ride a chariot drawn by flying horses, the magical steeds that would transport   them to paradise or to Nirvana, the afterlife destinations secured by the Bhimratha ceremony. The Newah priest overseeing the ceremony seals the blessings by performing a Homa Puja."

There is no doubt that Nritya Mandala Mahavihara has been playing a tremendous role to enhance Bajrayana Buddhist customs and traditions alive in the US. In fact, this is so far the only one Bajrayana Buddhist Temple in the USA.

 The Mahavihara which was established in 2009 in Portland by Prajwal Vajracharya and Helen Appell is also a study center  which includes the temple and a library and focuses on movement, sacred arts, meditation and teachings for anyone interested in devoting practice to reveal their nature.

The auspicious wedding, rice feeding ceremonies, Ihi ceremony, Bara Tayegu ceremony, Brata Bandha or Chuda Karma of local Nepalese Portlanders have also been performed at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara from time to time.

Likewise, the Mahavihara serves as a major institution in the preservation, expansion and exploration of all Newar Buddhism and Newar culture.

Photos: Courtesy of Pradeep Bajracharya and Selina Shakya

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Nepali journalist in USA)

Sithi Nakha Festival: Newah Environmental Day

By  Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, June 10, (Nepal Oregon News): Today is Sithi Nakha, a big cultural festival of the Newah people,
that falls on the sixth day of the waxing moon in the month of Tachhala Thwo, Nepal Sambat 1141, a lunar calendar. Sithi Nakha is a popular Newah festival that is celebrated right before the start of Monsoon season in Nepal.

During the Dharani recitation in the zoom today, Guru Prajwal Vajracharya of Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara also delivered a short talk on the culture and traditions of Sithi Nakha.

Stating that Newah people observe Sithi Nakha by eating Wo mari on this day, Guru Prajwal said that three different kinds of Wo mari were prepared by him for limited number of participants.

Home-made Wo

Newah people living in Nepal as well as living in different countries of the world celebrate Sithi Nakha by cooking and eating "Wo" mari (Fried lentil pancake). 

Meanwhile, Newah Cultural Society of Alberta (NCSA), Canada organized a special cultural event at Duggan Community Hall in Edmonton on June 16, 2018 to celebrate the Sithi Nakha and Bungdyah Jatra whereas Newah Organization of America  (NOA) Seattle Chapter observed the Sithi Nakha in community level by organizing a picnic.

Our family in Portland, USA also celebrates Sithi Nakha every year by making "Wo" mari on this day. It is to be noted that "Wo" mari contains high amounts of proteins, carbs, iron and other nutrient values.

Taking a trip down memory lane, I remember in the 1960s and 1970s (that was before going to the USSR for ten years and to the USA for good),  my late grandmother Ratna Devi Shakya and my late mother Man Shova Shakya used to make different kinds of "Wo", such as, May Wo, Moo Wo, Kasu Wo etc. But here in Portland, we have to live with Moo Wo and sometimes with May Wo too. During my childhood days, I still remember I frequently used to ask my late mom Man Shova Shakya "When is the 'Wo' eating day coming?" As children, we were always so excited to eat different kinds of 'Wo' on the day of Sithi Nakha.

In colloquial or conversational Nepal Bhasa, Sithi Nakha is known as Sinnakha. At least, that was how my late grandmother and mother used to call for what is the Sithi Nakha literally.

Mung lentils being soaked over-night for making Wo

For making Wo, one needs to leave the dried lentils to soak in water overnight. And then the fully soaked lentils have to be grinded or mixed in a grinder. Technology has made it much easier. But during my grandmother's days, making Wo was not that much fun. It was a very time-consuming process. At that time, the soaked lentils were squeezed and rolled manually in a firm stone slab with a stone roller.

Wo is ready! Any Takers? 

Of course, Newah families celebrate most of the Newah festivals, no matter where they live. They want to maintain Newah culture and Newah traditions and instill the Newah values on their children. They want to maintain the Newah identity.

Newahs and the Newah festivals are inextricably interrelated. When I say this, I mean to say Newahs and Newah festivals have symbiotic connection.

Nepal is the land of festivals and cultural carnivals. Festivals are important factors that enliven the Nepalese culture. When I say festivals are important factors that enliven the Nepalese culture, I mean Nepal is just famous and well-known across the world for its rich culture and festivals, among other things. Nepal's identity is deeply interrelated to its arts, culture, traditions and festivals, so to say.

There is no doubt that Sithi Nakha is the Newah version of World Environment Day (WED). Except, Sithi Nakha has been celebrated by the Newahs in Nepal for centuries while celebration of WED is totally a recent phenomenon.

This festival is the profound expression of devotion and commitment to the Earth. The planet Earth is  round in shape and the Wo mari offered to the planet Earth on this Day is also round in shape. I am so glad to know that lately the Nepal government has been carrying out different cleanliness and other environment awareness programs to mark the Day.

Sithi Nakha for Newah people is very important because it is on this Day the Newahs not only clean and sweep their homes,  nearby surroundings, Nanis, Gallis, Bahals, they also purify, clean and mop wells, ponds, stone spouts, springs and other water sources in the neighborhood periphery.

Sithi Nakha is also the Day when Lord Varah is worshipped. Hindu Newahs celebrate this festival as the birthday of Kumar Kartikeye, son of Shiva while Buddhist Newahs observe it as the Mahaparinirvana Day of Prince Mahasatwo of the state of Panti.

According to the chronicles, Maharath and Satyabati were the King and Queen of state of Panti. Their sons - princes Maha Dev, Mahaprasad and Mahasatwo went for hunting at the Namo Buddha hills (then Gandhaman mountains).  While the elder brothers Maha Dev and Maha Prasad were busy chasing and capturing wild animals, young Mahasatwo confronted a pregnant tigress on the verge of dying due to hunger. The young prince was so overwhelmed, moved and emotional that he cut parts of his body to feed the dying tigress.

Later, when the elder brothers started looking for Mahasatwo, they found out remnants of the bones and also confronted the well-fed tigress. To pay tributes to the great soul, King Maharath erected a Boddhist chaitya on the Namra hills in 974 Kaligat Sambat.

According to the chronicles, Tathagata Bhagwan Buddha was in Namra hills to pay tributes to the great soul. The Shakya Muni chanted "Namo Buddha"  while paying tributes to Mahasatwo. Ever since, the Buddhist stupa is known as Namo Buddha. While still in Nepal, I remember  with great fondness the moments of our family's visit to Namo Buddha stupa situated at the picturesque Namra hills.

It is to be noted that on the day of Sithi Nakha, the Newahs of Kathmandu Valley also chant religious hymns to commemorate the sacrifices of Prince Mahasatwo.

Nonagenarian cultural expert and Man of Century Satya Mohan Joshi was quoted as saying in a Nepalese newspaper that the Newah community celebrate Sithi Nakha by cleaning water sources like wells, ponds and stone spouts and ending it with a grand Newah feast of six different varieties of Newah foods including Wo and Chatamari (Newah pizza).

The traditional significance of Sithi Nakha lies in the fact that it inculcates on the people the value of conserving water sources and keeping them clean and this has been practiced  for centuries.

It goes without saying that culture, traditions and festivals which are the embodiment of the nation and national glory are always in need of preservation and protection.

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Nepali journalist in USA)

World Press Freedom Day Observed in Nepal

Dr Rabin Man Shakya
Former President, Nepal-Russia Press Center.

World Press Freedom Day was marked in Nepal and in other countries of the world on May 3, 2018 with different programs and rallies.

According to media reports, World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) was celebrated in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal by organizing different programs. To mark the occasion, a huge rally was organized on May 3, 2018 in Kathmandu too.

It is to be noted that May 3 was proclaimed World Press Freedom Day by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993 following a recommendation adopted at the 26th session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991.

Well, Nepal marked the WPFD with different kinds of intimidations and assaults on journalists reported throughout the country over the past year.

Even though  today Nepal is a federal democratic country and press freedom was enshrined into the constitutional preamble, intimidations and attacks on Nepalese journalists are on the rise. In the past several years a number of Nepalese journalists were killed.

According to 2018 World Press Freedom Index, not without reason, Nepal has slipped six spots down to the 106th position compared to last year's ranking among 180 nations.

Going by the World Press Freedom Index, the Himalayan nation garnered 32.05 points whereas it was ranked 100th with 33.02 points in 2017.

Therefore, celebration of WPFD is very relevant for Nepal and the Nepalese journalists. This Day reminds us that we should attach more importance to safety and protection of the journalists. There were many cases in the past that the killers of the journalists went scot-free in Nepal. As a matter of fact, impunity has affected press freedom globally and there should be coordinated efforts to put the culture of impunity to an end.

Nepal is no more a kingdom, no more King Gyanendra's idiosyncrasies, no more repressive Panchayat regime. But despite the fact that scenario of press freedom is improving, nevertheless, assaults on journalists are also increasing alarmingly.

Journalists in Nepal like in many other countries are also a vulnerable lot. They brave difficult situations while protecting public interest but the question is: who protects them? A number of journalists suffer intimidations and physical assaults because of what they write.

Celebration of World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity to uphold the fundamental principles of press freedom, to defend the media from assaults on their independence and to pay tributes to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Taking a trip down memory lane, when I was still in Nepal and was the president of Nepal-Russia Press Center, the Center had also organized a program to mark the World Press Freedom  Day on May 3, 2002 at the Russian Cultural Center in Kathmandu.

Director of Russian Cultural Center Vladimir P Ivanov, journalist Dr Rabin Man Shakya and Dil Ratna Shakya of Nepal-Russia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, among others, had thrown light on the significance of the World Press Freedom Day.

Ramesh Tamrakar: A Versatile and Popular Newah Singer

Dr Rabin Man Shakya
Former Associate Editor, The Rising Nepal

The fans of Nepal Bhasa music in Nepal and all over the world were deeply moved by the sad news of popular singer Ramesh Tamrakar's demise on Jan 25, 2018. Tamrakar died of heart failure, but he was battling against diabetes for last several years.

Noted Newah singer Tamrakar was born on Oct 5, 1950 to father Chaitya Ratna Tamrakar and mother Hera Lani Tamrakar in Kathmandu.

Tamrakar started singing songs from the childhood. But "Wane Tyela Jila Thaun Kalaya Thhachhen" was his first recorded song.

Back in 1970 and 80s, like today, there were no TV and Internet. Tamrakar used to present his melodies at different Daboo Pyakhan programs organized at various Toles of Kathmandu. His rendition was highly appreciated and recognized by the people at that time. However, Ramesh Tamrakar started singing at Radio Nepal in 1972.

It is to be noted that, at that time, Radio Nepal was the only one electronic media in Nepal. Singers had to pass the voice test at the Radio Nepal prior to doing recording of songs at the state-owned broadcasting station. Late Tamrakar had rendered a number of popular songs in Nepali too at the Radion Nepal.

Still when I was with The Rising Nepal, I interviewed late Tamrakar who was then the General Managar of Rastriya Naachghar (Sanskritik Sansthan). Tamrakar had then led a big cultural delegation of Sanskritik Sansthan to Japan where they performed several Nepalese shows.

In that exclusive interview with me, late Tamrakar threw light on his hobby and passion, on his singing experience, on problems facing Nepali and Nepal Bhasa music industry and on problems of the Rastriya Naachghar.

In that interview, late Tamrakar revealed that music and singing were his hobby and passion and that he was always an amateur singer. It is to be noted that late Tamrakar led the Naachghar for four years. The interview was published in the Friday Supplement of The Rising Nepal in 1994.

A number of music cassettes and CD albums of late Tamrakar were brought out, but remarkable among them were the Cocktail (Panchakwa) 1, 2 and 3.

Newah Organization of America (NOA) in its condolence message said: "Tamrakar was a well learned person with double Masters degree in Mathematics (1972 from TU) and in Management Studies from Leeds University, UK."

The NOA condolence message went on to say:"NOA was honored to have Mr Tamrakar as a special guest and perform at NOA's 15th Annual Convention and General Meeting in 2016."

Versatile Newah singer Tamrakar was himself a philanthropist too. In memory of his parents, he had established "Chaitya Hera Shirapa" to be awarded every year to a girl student from Udaye Newah community with the highest scores in the SLC examinations.

Late Tamrakar is survived by his wife Anjana Tamrakar, two sons Sugam and Sagun daughters-in-law Shucheeta Shrestha Tamrakar, Pala Kansakar Tamrakar and grand daughter Shreeda Tamrakar.

Here in Portland, USA, very often, I keep listening to his songs "Wone Tyela Ji La Thaun Kalaya Thhachhen", "Chhaga Niga Swanga Makhaya Bhata Gwanga", "Hayare Jyapuni Tata", "Swaye Dhaka Swayagu Makhu"and "Layekuli Durbar Du" etc. These and other Nepal Bhasa songs of late Tamrakar are always sadabahar and perpetual melodies.

Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) Greets 2075 Bikram Sambat with Blood Donation Drive

Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, April 15 (Nepal Oregon News): While extending congratulations to my friends and readers on behalf of Nepal Oregon News on the occasion of Khai Sanhu and the New Year 2075 Bikram Sambat, I also express sincere best wishes, sound health, longevity of life, prosperity, success in life and career, as well as happiness to all of you.

When I tell my American friends here in Portland that there are a number of new years in a tiny country like Nepal, such as Nepal Sambat, Lhosar New Year, Bikram Sambat etc, they are like, wow, it's amazing! By the same token, Gregorian Calendar's New Year is also widely celebrated in the Himalayan country.

While Nepal Sambat is one of the most widely celebrated new years in Nepal, other new years like Bikram Sambat and Lhosar new years are also celebrated enthusiastically.

Every new year brings new optimism, new hopes, enthusiasm, happiness and cheerfulness. Going by the Facebook posts, the Bikram Sambat new year 2075 was celebrated by the people in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal officially as well as unofficially.

It looks like the Kathmanduites cheered up to greet and welcome the New Year Bikram Sambat 2075 at various places of Kathmandu, the historic capital of Nepal.

According to the social media sites, restaurants, cafes and hotels of Kathmandu were full of revelers eager to welcome the new year. Similarly, the new year was celebrated in Nepal by exchanging greetings across the country.

To celebrate the Happy New Year Bikram Sambat 2075, Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO), the most representative and the oldest Nepalese community organization in Oregon, also organized a reception program in which a number of Nepalese Portlanders from different walks of life took part.

According to Bharat Banskota, president of NAO, the Association celebrated the Bikram Sambat new year 2075 with blood donation program and traditional Nepalese cuisine.

NAO chief went on to say that 27 community members also donated blood at the event that was followed by Nepali songs and bingo game.

NRN NCC USA National Women Coordinator and West America Nepali Association (WANA) vice president Indira Tripathi was the chief guest on the occasion.

New year celebrations are fine, but this is also the time for some soul-searching and retrospection. What did we do well in 2074 BS? What were our weaknesses and drawbacks?

We have to make firm determinations and some concrete resolutions for the new year 2075 BS. No matter where we are, we have to work in a team spirit for the common good of the community and the society as a whole.

Satya Mohan Joshi: Editor of first inclusive magazine in Nepal Bhasa and Nepali

 Dr Rabin Man Shakya with Man of Century Satya Mohan Joshi at a program hosted by Metaagaar at Hotel Yellow Pagoda in Kathmandu in 2017

By Dr. Rabin Man Shakya
Former Associate Editor, The Rising Nepal

Portland, March 12 (Nepal Oregon News): Today, Satya Mohan Joshi is the most senior litterateur in Nepal Bhasa and Nepali. He is one of the few nonagenarian Nepalese luminaries who has dedicated his whole life for promoting arts, culture, literature and journalism. Joshi is a shining star in the constellation of Nepal Bhasa and Nepali literature. Newah culture, Nepal Bhasa journalism and Nepal Bhasa literature must be grateful to him and also must be proud of a creative researcher like him. 

Even though there are zealots at either end of the political and literary spectrum in Nepal, most people consider something other than politics their top priority. Creative fields like literature and journalism have sadly been highly politicized and polarized in Nepal. In this context, Joshi has always been a simple, independent and free litterateur. A number of observers coming from the left and right spectrums have mentioned it as one of the quintessential aspects of Joshi’s continuous efforts for preserving arts and culture, Nepal Bhasa literature and Nepal Bhasa language.

Man of century Satya Mohan Joshi was born on Baisakh 30, 1977 BS to father Shankar Raj Joshi and mother Raj Kumari Joshi at Bakhum Bahal in Patan district of Nepal. 

Having preliminary alphabetical knowledge at home, Joshi was admitted to Darbar High School. He passed his Bachelor of Arts degree from Tri-Chandra College. Joshi has written and published more than 70 books in Nepal Bhasa and Nepali. Notable publications of Joshi are “Hamro Lok Sanakriti” and “Nepali Rastriya Mudra” which have bagged two Madan Puraskar awards in 1956 and 1960 respectively. Other remarkable magnum opus of Joshi include Karnaliko Lok Sanskriti, Charumati, Sun Keshari, Mahipa: Lakhe, Bagh Bhairab etc. So many books, booklets, articles and news stories about Joshi have been published and broadcast in Nepal and other countries.  

Satya Mohan Joshi was appointed the first director of the Archeological and Cultural Department of the Nepal Government in 1959. Joshi played significant role in establishing Rastriya Naachghar in Kathmandu, Archeological Garden in Patan, Arniko White Dagoba Gallery in Kirtipur, National Painting Museum in Bhaktapur and Archeological Museum in Taulihawa. 

Soon after King Mahendra orchestrated a coup d’état in 1960 against the elected Nepali Congress government, Joshi went to the People’s Republic of China. During his stay in China, Joshi not only began teaching Nepali at the Peking Broadcasting Institute, but he was also engaged in research on Arniko, a Nepali sculptor who went to China in 1260 AD. 

Joshi, who is one of the Executive Board Members of Nepali Art Council and a Lifetime Member of Nepal Academy, was honored with “Litterateur of the Century” title on August 23, 2017 by the Government of Nepal in recognition of his unprecedented and unparalleled contributions to Nepalese arts and culture. 

Satya Mohan Joshi is a prominent archeologist, historian and an expert on arts and culture. He is a noted litterateur, poet, and dramatist. No doubt, Joshi is a multi-dimensional and multi-talented personality. But the fact that Joshi is also a journalist and editor is not known to many. In fact, Satya Mohan Joshi was not just a journalist, he is the pioneer of “inclusive journalism” in Nepal. 

Quarterly magazine “Kalakar” (Artist) was launched in January 1953 (Nepal Sambat 1073, Silla Thwo Panchami). The magazine (that came out four times a year) was published by Satya Sahitya Sadan, Bakhumbahal, Patan and was edited by Satya Mohan Joshi. The magazine “Kalakar” was the first publication to be printed both in Nepal Bhasa and Nepali. That is why editor Joshi is considered to be the pioneer of inclusive journalism in Nepal. Raison d'être for launching the magazine “Kalakar” was the statement “Developed arts is the heritage of a developed society” printed as the epithet on the first issue of the magazine in the front page. Noted artist late Chandra Man Maskey expressed his views also on the front page of “Kalakar”: “Literature is the main symbol of civilization, but fine arts also creates literature.”  A selfless desire to enhance and promote Nepal Bhasa, Nepalese arts and culture is the quintessence of Joshi’s life. Publication of inclusive magazine “Kalakar” was simply a meaningful step towards that direction. Satya Mohan Joshi was also editor of other historically important magazines like Bikas, Raajmarg and NACC (Nepal-America Cultural Center) monthly publication. It is to be noted that the quarterly publication “Kalakar” was brought out during a short  period of democratic political experience of 1951 – 1960. 

The constructive changes at that time were part of wider government reckoning that the policy of repression of freedom of press and lack of freedom of languages during the Rana regime were severely flawed, The newspaper renaissance and liberal language policy were part of reform efforts implemented during the short period of democratic innovations, Needless to say, the more languages are included in the newspapers or magazines, the more inclusive will they become. 

Gorkhapatra, the grand old lady of Nepalese journalism, has been promoting inclusive journalism for over a decade now by giving space for news and views in all the indigenous languages of Nepal. Since Nepal is a multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic country, the basic essence of journalism should be to make it more inclusive. It is the duty of the federal democratic government to give equal opportunities to all the languages of Nepal and to promote inclusive journalism and indigenous media. 

Today more than ever, indigenous media and inclusive journalism have become the buzzwords in the Nepal Bhasa media scenario after Nepal was proclaimed a federal republic in 2008. It is an open secret that both indigenous media and inclusive journalism could not flourish until democracy was restored in 1990 as a result of the People’s Movement. There simply was no conducive political atmosphere for indigenous and inclusive journalism in Nepal during the 30 years of repressive Panchayat era which ended in 1990. The Panchayat regime had bolstered up the uni-cultural society by adopting “one language one nation” slogan. Government resources were poured in only for promoting Nepali language and literature. Other ethnic languages of Nepal were grossly neglected. 

Today, Nepal’s indigenous media, especially the Nepal Bhasa newspapers and Newah Journalists National Forum have come out quite strongly to champion the cause of inclusive journalism. It is to be noted that the yearnings and grievances which have remained suppressed within these indigenous communities during the Rana regime and the Panchayat era had to surface. 

The abolition of monarchy and introduction of federal democratic governance in 2008 have paved the way for the cause of indigenous media. As a result, the indigenous media, especially the Nepal Bhasa newspapers have been giving voice to enhance and promote inclusive journalism and indigenous media. Therefore, the seeds of inclusive journalism sown by Satya Mohan Joshi in 1953 by publishing the magazine “Kalakar” in Nepal Bhasa and Nepali are, today, gaining the momentum, albeit slowly and steadily. At a time when the nation has already entered into the federal structure, the question now is how the local and state governments will be moving forward to introduce policies vis-à-vis the concerns of indigenous journalism and inclusive media. 

(Rabin Man Shakya, a Portland based Newah journalist, is the first PhD in journalism in Nepal. Shakya did his PhD on the history of Nepalese journalism at the Department  of Journalism in Moscow State University in March, 1989. Shakya also taught journalism at the Peoples Campus, R R Campus, Tribhuvan University.)

Cover page of the first inclusive magazine "Kalakaar" 

Front page of the first inclusive magazine "Kalakaar"

(Photos of Kalakar magazine courtesy of Newah Journalists National Forum's publication)


*This article was originally published in the "Halin Newa", Global Newah Conference Souvenir, published by  World Newah Organization, Central Department of Nepal Bhasa, Tribhuvan University and World Newah Organization, Nepal Chapter, Kathmandu, March 30-31, 2018.