A man who leaves no room to categorization either in life or passion though indeed a forerunner in Maithili theatre, Mahendra Malangia has been appearing on literary and performing arena like a sturdy masseur with overarching effects. Full of reappraising inflections but considerably distant from opulent elitist biases, this living legend has expedious ploy for legging up in greed lock. I have privilege to know him personally since the year 1997, when he had two days grand performance at my place in Uren/Madhubani…moreover, being an avid reader and literary enthusiast, I have been getting keepsake from him in terms of his books and reading jottings in manuscript. Recently we had a detailed talk on many issullage es, which would come during this interview…
Atul K Thakur:- It’s always pleasure to be with you Sir, I would like to prolong our conversation from scratch, I mean wish to have some insights on your retro life?
Mahendra Malangia:- I was born on 20th January 1946, a year before the Indian independence in village Mlangia {then in Darbhanga district, since 1973 in Madhubani}. I went to prestigious Suri High School {G.M.S.S High School}and later to R.K.College {Madhubani}, both were the restless institution then with energetic confluence from youths with taste in different field. From college life, my inclination grew overtly for plays/drama, here I acted first time in “Himalaya ki Putri” under the direction of Ram Vilas Karak…incidentally it didn’t took off in bright mode because my arguing for some crucial snags on direction, unfortunately , director couldn’t realized it effectively . With growing interest in Maithili plays, I couldn’t restrained my temptation of writing and finally started it for then leading Maithili weekly, “Mithila Mihir”in 1960’s.
After few public appearances and published pieces, I received proper accolades that further interestingly pushed me to add “Malangia” instead of my surname because in those days, my namesakes used to be famous singer, poet etc. After a cut off from established belief in contemporary trend of direction, I left the active acting in midway for solely turned to experiment with direction. With sporadic acting and complete directional instincts, I successfully staged “Basat”,”Ugna”,’Chinni ke Laddu”{written by Ishnath Jha}-they all left good early impressions and journey begin from there…
Atul K Thakur:- You have spent your all professional years henceforth in Nepal doing government service as a very respected teacher near the great cultural region of Janakpur…how this evangelism was shaped after initial flip-flop in Indian side?
Mahendra Malangia:-My family centric or better say moral centric play “Birju,Biltu aa Babu” was published in Mithila Mihir that given me satisfaction for a high shot response following it. It was boosting for me to see such overwhelming response for progressive end that marked with the judicious wallost in material world with his chronic sacrifices for building the fortune of his brother who now found himself in different class with agnostic views for moral construct.
In late sixties, “Laxman Rekha” published in Mithila Mihir –this was based on widow remarriage as a theme in centrality; then it used to be a curse in conservative households. Leading Communist leader, Chaturanan Mishra has written a very remarkable novel “Kala”on same deform practices much before me, I also had great rapport with legendary Communist leaders from Madhubani, Bhogendra Jha and Shiv Chandra Jha{also my villager and an economist},these made positive impact on my cognition state to look after the haunting orthodox practices with progressive views. So, for a parallel career in drama, I have chosen the job of teacher with modest income in Nepal over the lucrative job at Shiva Medical Company in Kanpur after a brief stint. Here, I connected with the students and local communities, in the course of time, since things have shaped in fine fervor.
Atul K Thakur:- One of my initial impressions regarding you were come with your “Daura Suruwal “and Nepali cap clad photos in Mithila Mihir weekly. I incidentally read many of them, thanks to rich intellectual wardrobe of my family…how was your early experience in Nepal?
Mahendra Malangia:-As you know, there is identical Maithil lifestyle and language in madhesh region of Nepal ,So on cultural front, it was alright but politically Nepal was running with charged moments out of radical moves by King Mahendra. He laid strong emphasis Panchayat System that not worked out but he became able to succeed with the creation of national identity with making compulsory cap and national dress. So, my early photographs were complying {with smile} to such order. Initially, I also faced rejection of manuscripts but once published from Mithila Mihir , “Totaal tagak ekta oor”, even my all rejected manuscripts started getting due place. Success in writing and entwining with students and local folk naturally endowed me with great respect and acceptance for efforts.
Atul k Thakur:- I wish to know about your most remarkable play “Okra Aangnak Barahmasha, in my view-this is the ever best socio-economic narration of Mithila on stage. Please also share with us flavours of your other incessant meticulous works as well?
Mahendra Malangia:-Thanks for this sensible compliment. Yes, this play satisfies me most when I see things in retrospect…this plays signify the all twelve seasons with a metaphor put through folk songs. At center stage, a socio-economically deprived family appears with their fortune in our democracy; things have delineated with wider exposure to the ongoing systemic flaws and uneven making of nation. Many before me and even after written on this, but within the rural scene, there is few such example in the mode of theatre. I can’t remember exactly its stage in numerical…I always thankful for my spectator who awards me their whole lot of blessings-leading Maithili writer Vibhuti Anand have played the role of “Mallar”-father of Munnar.
Even today, we remember those special time of our creativity…lost world of Mullar in search of survival, alienation of his son to east side in Morang/Nepal and consist insensitive response of system which recently came into place with Nehruvian vision utterly failed to construct basic humane condition to most of its citizens. Over the years, conditions have improved slightly but it’s still away from early conceived goal for our democracy which is matter of grave concern. I tried to cover people’s life in their own construct, “Chhutha Ghailh”which is based on Maithili folklore backs the women’s emancipation. “Push Jaar ki Magh Jaar” was based on Pokhra tragedy/harassment, which happened with involvement of some member of Nepal’s royal family…much before the Monarchy became out of fashion, I made my opinion on its futility as an institution. It presents the disillusionment of peoples from existing political functioning.
Atul K Thakur:- Your experiment with “Saadhu Bhasha”in unusual mixed form, somewhere presents cocktail of Maithili, Awadhi, Hindi and bizarre English used to be popular among the spiritual dwellers of Janakpur, Kindly give us some clue how you mix serious stuffs in lighter presentation?
Mahendra Malangia:- {With smile…},that started with Kathak Lok{1980-81}, another play on socio-economic degeneration. It proliferated with “Original Kaam”; a play with serious message albeit lighter in presentation. I perceive dowry as socio-ethical evil, I tried to pacify this oppressive tradition in “O Khali Munh Takait Chhai”. In “Gaam nai Sutaiyai”, unemployment is central debate with adequately taking note of falling political ethics. Here desperation in mass folks shown as leverage for political class; ‘Deh par Kothi Khasha deb” is outspoken tell on consistently eroding social cohesion, here I tried to show the plight of a pale couple at locus. Such clumsy tendencies touched me as an individual as well…so, feelings appeared with words and try to change the state of affairs with pervasive inferences of social changes from whole creative construct.
Atul K Thakur:- You have never known for catty exchange of words, I mean you have an impressive track of maintaining balance ties with your contemporary and even younger chaps, how you think, is this an expedient practice?
Mahendra Malangia:- Yes, it helped me in my creative voyage, I always feel comfortable in the company of peoples. Only I have disenchantment with critics without zest for observation or reading, for an instance following the glorious revolution in 1688{Europe}; workers were forced for 12hour schedule at work that made them alien from their conventional socio-cultural fabric. Some similar things, I used in my work, protagonist in “Okar Aangnak Barah Masa” faced identical ire but for actual feelings, one needs to have the vision to see the both side of history. Uday Narayan Singh”Naciketa”, Sudhanshu Sekhar Chaudhary, Gunanath Jha and some more have done remarkable work in Maithili theatre…in younger generation, writing and direction of Ramesh Ranjan {written a memorable play, Hamra Nepal Chahi?}is noticeable, so is the commitment in direction and acting of Sunil Jha, Ram Narayan Thakur and Prakash Jha {Maithili Lok Rang}-theirs work is worth of emphatic admiration, they are doing wonderful with great persistence for learning. I wrote twenty-six short play,14-15 Drama,11 Radio play and more than 20 street play besides sporadic articles, memoir, essays.
Atul K Thakur:- I am aware about your consistent reading, here I can visualize a lot of books on history of medieval Mithila and also some modern pertinent proof, what’s your further project?
Mahendra Malangia:- Presently enroute to a book over “Varnaratnakar” {by Jyotireshwar Thakur, 14th century AD}besides in the series of adopting modern authors story, I have completed “Paanch Patra”{Harimohan Jha} and “Vilap”{Baidya Nath Mishra “Yatri”}–they also came on stage in Delhi and fetched satisfactory attention. Now I am looking to work on Surendra Nath Jha”Suman” , Dhumketu and Jeevkant-presently contemplating ways to reconstruct theirs original text to fit for stage performance. I have spent many years in close company of Dhumketu in Jnakpur, so has privilege to know him personally as well as his profound work in Maithili literature. Over the years, I have worked to form institutions, in Janakpur, so I founded Mithila Natyakala Parishad {MINAP}, in Delhi {Maithili Lok Rang}-they both are working very well in revival of Maithili drama and folk culture. Younger generation is quite accountable now for their cultural routes; it was unlikely ten-fifteen years back, so this is a welcome change which would sure boost the cultural upheaveling of Mithila region. So, now working on history gives me greater sense, I would try best to contribute more for Maithili and lastly for Indian theatres.
Atul K Thakur:- It’s always nice talking to you Sir, hope best for your further deliberations and fine time in the world of letters…
Mahendra Malangia:- Thanks a lot Atul. For me too,it’s rewarding to be in your scholaric company…very best to you too…
Atul Kumar Thakur
New Delhi, Monday, January 24,2011
Mail: atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
Monday, January 24, 2011
Essential Reconciliation
Two most remarkable politician till date in the democratic history of Nepal,Prachanda and Babu Ram Bhattrai is indeed sharing a symbolic bond by wearing this meaningful "Paag'{Maithil Cap}for public but their internal differences have even crossed the level and dignity of spat.Prachanda, with whom the genesis of radical politics begub in the Himalayan state had always remain averse to allign his whole agenda with public or even trusted cadres..with immense merit and acceptance,it's hardly unlikely that he is not finding easy to cohabit with another high rank man in his camp.
The tantrums regarding the potential Indian role in hijacking the key of Maoist brigade is one of biggest folly of Prachanda which have been so far and may be in future will be keep haunting the internal as well the external prospects of Nepal. Baburam Bhattarai has reason to be closer with India as he spent his formative years in this nation,even during the long insurgency era, he received overt support from like-minded Indians.Yes, Bhattarai is very much right if he has dare to look on Maoism as movement instead of political conglomeration since he knows the future of revolution and compulsions of liberal democratic system very closely.
For now,theirs spat hammering the Maoist's prospect more than any other possibility albeit it would indeed possess a big risk for Prachanda himself and his party's further prospect as an alternative hope in national politics.Through my personal sources,I found the peoples growing apathy for this forced political stalemate in the country...they,especially the young generation is badly enchanted towards the politician's role.They no longer want to entwine with the theories which given them even worse political leadership since the end of Monarchy. In no way,I am contemplating any nostalgia for Monarchy but this was the mass reaction following the 17th round of failureness to choose a dignified PM and a working constitution.
Breaking of ice is impossible with the stubbornness of top Maoist ranks as they still have no mood to leave their demand for exorbitant absorption of theirs army with the National Arm Force. These are undeserving demand and at the same time a sort of force dealing with the strife ridden country.In their complacency both the chief Maoist ideologue, Prachanda and Babu Ram Bhattrai had forget to recall that they are part of democracy rather than the upholder of Maoist state; their cynical demonstration in front of official royal set-up with five thousand strong armed cadres for maneuvering the replication of Balkanization in Nepal was out rightly shocking, the way they were pronouncing that Newar community would be given more rights than others in newly formed province had sparked the fuel of mass sentiment.
As Maoist ideologue Babu Ram Bhattrai believes their participation in peace process or constitutional development merely as “tactics” to enter among the bourgeois and a pre-exercise before grabbing the throne and later shaping it into their ideological fervor (Communist utopia) instead of sharing existing democratic model in which they have given fair chances-such game plan is entirely contradictory to their erstwhile preaching when they avoiding such faux pas and desired on numerous occasion for political peace process and constitutional making task.
Now Maoists and other political parties know the fact that the deadlines of constitutional making process wouldn’t be met by easily in the situation of flux that also grew up after the departure of UN Mission in Nepal, so they are adopting different stand-Maoist Babu Ram Bhattarai’s stand is seems explicitly deadly as he thinks in that case they will declare the constitution from the street and capture power albeit they are forgetting their lowering popularity from mass psyche since they couldn’t copied the pious motives of socialization as the communists of Cuba or many other country did in past.
Way back from the Maoist’s insurgency in 1996 and later their mainstreaming and emergence as single largest party in Nepalese politics have been relentlessly co-inside with the large scale violence and civil war like situation, which’s still being far from over as the collapse of central authority with the end of monarchy, any alternative retrieval plan from major political players only creating void and a loose regime that propelled swiftly on hatred, intolerance and violence-far from stable and peaceful state of affairs.
High expectations were prevailing from Maoists prospective role in the wake of their democratization and accession to the highest political order of the country but they couldn’t endured the expectations for long and very soon started to jeopardize the situation over a standoff between the army and the Maoists, and later between the Maoists and their coalition partners…and now eventually within party itself.Maoists consistent distrust in sharing the state authority and their wayward opportunist expediency now forming furore among a large chunk of population including the media who now for the first time explicitly supporting the Nepal’s official army as they feeling the potential fallout of Maoists strategic domination in the country.
Maoists views are extremely critical on past agreement with India including the border issues; they are in favour of tectonic shift in alliance with the Indian state by daringly asking for removal of Indian army from Kalapani and restraining their so-called encroachments in Susta region-most of claims are prejudicial and could cause for large scale misunderstanding between these two very interdependent and cordial nation.Whatever the Maoists oral assertions like-abolition of the President’s un-constitutional move, maintaining civil supremacy, safeguarding national independence, checking foreign interference etc, they act entirely opposite from their own front with preoccupied contentious motives.
Maoists have shown terrible performances on most of issues since their arrival as a force in 1996-frequent human rights violation and barbaric suppression including murder of dozens of journalist for merely their ideological opposition with Maoist functional methods. Situation is indeed turning in very grim shape as things are again being ready to be fall apart-presently little hopes persists to visualize consensus among the political parties in near future to look after on the crucial issues of peace process and constitutional drafting. Political parties and members of civil society must refute any maneuverings of Maoists to merge their arm cadres with national army, otherwise stalemate would be never halted; international community have also play a major role to lift Nepal from this very unfortunate state of affairs.
Today India’s neighborhood policy cries for greater attention, so India must monitor the situation closely and assist in stable and united Nepal-where there is will there is always a way…we can’t and shouldn’t see Nepal moving like Bosnia. I think nobody could suggest the exact way to resolve his trust deficit with Babu Ram Bhattarai, even if the reconciliation would take place, there is little chances that they would think better than theirs past action for the nation. Anyway, there will be no wrong, if we wait for another turn…hope the wait this time will be much shorter than the Godot in Samuel Backett’s immortal political play-“Waiting for Godot”!
Atul Kumar Thakur
January 22nd 2011, New Delhi
Blog: www.onesstandpoint.blogspot.com
atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
The tantrums regarding the potential Indian role in hijacking the key of Maoist brigade is one of biggest folly of Prachanda which have been so far and may be in future will be keep haunting the internal as well the external prospects of Nepal. Baburam Bhattarai has reason to be closer with India as he spent his formative years in this nation,even during the long insurgency era, he received overt support from like-minded Indians.Yes, Bhattarai is very much right if he has dare to look on Maoism as movement instead of political conglomeration since he knows the future of revolution and compulsions of liberal democratic system very closely.
For now,theirs spat hammering the Maoist's prospect more than any other possibility albeit it would indeed possess a big risk for Prachanda himself and his party's further prospect as an alternative hope in national politics.Through my personal sources,I found the peoples growing apathy for this forced political stalemate in the country...they,especially the young generation is badly enchanted towards the politician's role.They no longer want to entwine with the theories which given them even worse political leadership since the end of Monarchy. In no way,I am contemplating any nostalgia for Monarchy but this was the mass reaction following the 17th round of failureness to choose a dignified PM and a working constitution.
Breaking of ice is impossible with the stubbornness of top Maoist ranks as they still have no mood to leave their demand for exorbitant absorption of theirs army with the National Arm Force. These are undeserving demand and at the same time a sort of force dealing with the strife ridden country.In their complacency both the chief Maoist ideologue, Prachanda and Babu Ram Bhattrai had forget to recall that they are part of democracy rather than the upholder of Maoist state; their cynical demonstration in front of official royal set-up with five thousand strong armed cadres for maneuvering the replication of Balkanization in Nepal was out rightly shocking, the way they were pronouncing that Newar community would be given more rights than others in newly formed province had sparked the fuel of mass sentiment.
As Maoist ideologue Babu Ram Bhattrai believes their participation in peace process or constitutional development merely as “tactics” to enter among the bourgeois and a pre-exercise before grabbing the throne and later shaping it into their ideological fervor (Communist utopia) instead of sharing existing democratic model in which they have given fair chances-such game plan is entirely contradictory to their erstwhile preaching when they avoiding such faux pas and desired on numerous occasion for political peace process and constitutional making task.
Now Maoists and other political parties know the fact that the deadlines of constitutional making process wouldn’t be met by easily in the situation of flux that also grew up after the departure of UN Mission in Nepal, so they are adopting different stand-Maoist Babu Ram Bhattarai’s stand is seems explicitly deadly as he thinks in that case they will declare the constitution from the street and capture power albeit they are forgetting their lowering popularity from mass psyche since they couldn’t copied the pious motives of socialization as the communists of Cuba or many other country did in past.
Way back from the Maoist’s insurgency in 1996 and later their mainstreaming and emergence as single largest party in Nepalese politics have been relentlessly co-inside with the large scale violence and civil war like situation, which’s still being far from over as the collapse of central authority with the end of monarchy, any alternative retrieval plan from major political players only creating void and a loose regime that propelled swiftly on hatred, intolerance and violence-far from stable and peaceful state of affairs.
High expectations were prevailing from Maoists prospective role in the wake of their democratization and accession to the highest political order of the country but they couldn’t endured the expectations for long and very soon started to jeopardize the situation over a standoff between the army and the Maoists, and later between the Maoists and their coalition partners…and now eventually within party itself.Maoists consistent distrust in sharing the state authority and their wayward opportunist expediency now forming furore among a large chunk of population including the media who now for the first time explicitly supporting the Nepal’s official army as they feeling the potential fallout of Maoists strategic domination in the country.
Maoists views are extremely critical on past agreement with India including the border issues; they are in favour of tectonic shift in alliance with the Indian state by daringly asking for removal of Indian army from Kalapani and restraining their so-called encroachments in Susta region-most of claims are prejudicial and could cause for large scale misunderstanding between these two very interdependent and cordial nation.Whatever the Maoists oral assertions like-abolition of the President’s un-constitutional move, maintaining civil supremacy, safeguarding national independence, checking foreign interference etc, they act entirely opposite from their own front with preoccupied contentious motives.
Maoists have shown terrible performances on most of issues since their arrival as a force in 1996-frequent human rights violation and barbaric suppression including murder of dozens of journalist for merely their ideological opposition with Maoist functional methods. Situation is indeed turning in very grim shape as things are again being ready to be fall apart-presently little hopes persists to visualize consensus among the political parties in near future to look after on the crucial issues of peace process and constitutional drafting. Political parties and members of civil society must refute any maneuverings of Maoists to merge their arm cadres with national army, otherwise stalemate would be never halted; international community have also play a major role to lift Nepal from this very unfortunate state of affairs.
Today India’s neighborhood policy cries for greater attention, so India must monitor the situation closely and assist in stable and united Nepal-where there is will there is always a way…we can’t and shouldn’t see Nepal moving like Bosnia. I think nobody could suggest the exact way to resolve his trust deficit with Babu Ram Bhattarai, even if the reconciliation would take place, there is little chances that they would think better than theirs past action for the nation. Anyway, there will be no wrong, if we wait for another turn…hope the wait this time will be much shorter than the Godot in Samuel Backett’s immortal political play-“Waiting for Godot”!
Atul Kumar Thakur
January 22nd 2011, New Delhi
Blog: www.onesstandpoint.blogspot.com
atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
Tiny Writing
This piece was placed in Nepali Times, January 14-20,Kathmandu…with great appreciation for feedback, I am being glad to publish this meaningful debate on my blog…hope it would assist to break the ice over many contentious points in the India-Nepal relations…
Atul Kumar Thakur
Blockade of Nepal
Quite intriguing reading this piece of Prashant Jha,which is more based on potential wish-list of political faction rather than the imperative need for nation.Such intellectual assertion could be merely seen as prolongations of impending inferences that consistently have been defying the fate of Nepal.
The Constituent Assembly’s failure to deliver a Constitution on stipulated time-line and even after and Parliament’s failure to elect a Prime Minister despite prolonging the exercise for double digit rounds raising serious concern over the accountability of political parties in Nepal. Following perplex state of action in absence of any outcome makes an observers side completely drudgery and concomitant despair for all concerned components.
With unkempt promises, political class especially Maoists are now being seen as hellion with their brusque attitude towards the ground realities and needs of nation. No denying the fact, that Maoists are not alone accountable for the quivering domestic political scenario though with putting upon theirs ostensible demand after putsching the Monarchies quintessentially makes them a catalyst in entire persisting deadlock.
Signing twelve points understanding in November2005 in New Delhi with the Indian mediation for anti-Monarchy movement was a hurried step that couldnï’t be adequately sensed by the Maoist or other seven pro-democracy parties from Nepal. Instant reason for Indian involvement in anti-Monarchy movement was shaped through the aberration created by King Gyanendra during the 2005 SAARC Summit where he laid the proposal for China as an observer which was unanimously accepted by the member nations-without any mediation, indeed it was a sort of unofficial breach that caused deep insecurity in Indian diplomatic side.
Given the historically trusted and entwining relationship between India and Nepal, it was unbearable for India to see China’s unnatural involvement with its very dear Himalayan state. China has been so far played feeble and inconsistent role in Nepal but the Maoists emergence at Centre-stage suddenly given them a level playing field against India which now fuelling the rivalry of engagement.
As a very close entity in varied terms, Nepal must understand the growing insecurities of India from its strategic point of views and instead of pushing both superpower for negative engagement at the domestic turf; it would be quite better to engage with both of them without forgetting its natural akinness for India. It would leverage Indian role in forming conducive environment both at domestic arena in Nepal as well as at international juncture-positive involvement would give India too a chance to strengthen its diplomatic ties with Nepal by giving its actual due to the Himalayan state. Energized co-operation with spillover of goodwill would forge better environment of concord and prospects of democracy.
Nepal here must have to prefigure the China’s dual playing at its every crucial juncture; from1950 to 1989{during trade blockade by India which lasted for twenty months that badly affected its economy}-at both the crucial occasion, China checked them with realistic visualization and kept reiterating Indiaï’s natural closeness to Nepal. Even in 2006, when India along with the Nepalese democratic forces was poised for heading-on with Monarchy, China was feeding the King with arms and ammunition to crackdown on Maoists and other demonstrating political parties-thanks laudable collective efforts, Chinaï’s plan of bloodshed didn’t worked out in Nepal. Nepal must be reckon with its strategic standing without too much reshuffling some of its conventional basic lesson of diplomacy-otherwise, contemplation of experiments wouldn’t be ended more than deadpan per se following the ambitious dualism.
The most inevitable thing that Nepal has to do the figuring out of its people’s aspiration as now Maoists too sounds pragmatic about the prospective merger of Armies and noticeably on the role of Monarchy. Without deviating under any forcible ideological compulsions, it would be prudent for Nepalese political parties to delve with the best possible options suitable for their quest for democratic establishment and supremacy of Constitution.
This would be true healing touch from democratic political forces who have been disappointing the mass Citizens since 1920-if Maoist Supremo Prachanda sensing the blunder of abrupt abolition of Monarchy without giving them even a minimum Constitutional prerogative, that remorseness must be seen in true light and without contentious convictions. Prolongingness of deadlock in Nepal is neither feasible not ideal for the sake of peoples genuine aspirations here is need of rebuilding the confidence among the mass Nepalese for a brighter prospect of this beautiful nation.
I have taken few more words to express myself,but as an enthusiast and a well wisher of Nepal,I only wish to see the nation out of flux.Role of Press is very vital in this...my sincere thanks for Himal South Asia and Nepali Times for keep aliving the debate.
Posted on: 15 JAN 2011 | 12:22 PM NST
7.rishav
Reply
Mr Thakur, Nepal-India relations hasn't really changed. India's policy on Nepal hasn't changed from the Nehru doctirine, and is stll continued till this day.
Nepal is one of the oldest Countries is South Asia, whilst India was under one empire or the other Nepal was holding it's own diplomatically with the Moguls, British India, and China. So this big brother and little brother concept really has to chnage in the minds of the Indian establishmnet. we are older than you and have more experience of being a state.
The unequal peace treaties of the past, the unequal deals on hydroelectric power, the land encroachment in the terai belts, the active support of the Maoists during the Insurgency to destabilise the state, the blockade of Nepal for 20 months, the missed placed view of this older/younger sibling relationship are all things us Nepali people are aware about and is something your Indian Goverment really needs to make efforts to ammend.
Posted on: 15 JAN 2011 | 9:34 PM NST
Atul Kumar Thakur
Reply Rishav-Glad to see your historic put in India-Nepal relations,indeed there is no denying that Nepal has maintained a sovereign presence in South Asia throughout the history that gives the Himalayan nation a stout edge to dwell as closely woven nation.Yes,it's truly unfortunate that Indian establishment has failed to form a new dimension to look on the neighbors, particularly with Nepal,this is real contention of all swiftly burgeoning misconception in the mind of peoples regarding the Indian role.One thing you missed to stuff in your message that these two nation has failed to live up the symmetrical diplomatic relationship-no Prime Ministerial visit so far from India,it's sort of pragmatic hammering over the soft historically shaped ties.Only once ever,Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,had shown courtesy to receive veteran politician Girija Prasad Koirala at Airport besides conferring him the verbal honour of being South Asia's most remarkable living politician. I emphatically think,India has to show more level playing exercise to bridge the trust deficit developed in the recent years,and yes,treaties must be subject to changes as time and circumstances allows.My personnel views regarding the Nepal have never emerged out of any stereotypical and theoretical school of Nehruvian principles...better,if you can read my last dozen of pieces over Nepal,you would sense the kind of basic I have been following on international relations.And if possible,please nail the relative observations on the kind of state we are living today,instead we shall move up for an universal abode out of disgustingly bounded cunning political convictions.
Atul Kumar Thakur
atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
www.onesstandpoint.blogspot.com
Posted on: 16 JAN 2011 | 1:30 PM NST
11. Anonymous
The commentator (ref. to reply #7) is right-- the "Indian establishment has failed to form a new dimension to look on the neighbors, particularly with Nepal..." Sadly, the 'master-slave' mind-set inherited from their colonial past still seems to rule the behaviours of the Indian establishment today. Had Indians internalized their own true historic past, for exmaple, the real meaning of Gandhi's 'Swaraj' and the birth pang of true National Independence, the neighbours would find a different India today. It would not have been difficult for such a Nation to foster a mutual and trusting relationship with her neighbours, nor would it have been hard for Inida to treat her own tribal peoples with dignity and respect. Instead, in the name of the mirage of 'national security', Delhi seems too much obsessed with seking for blessing from yet another 'Master' from the overseas. (Mind you, the historic 'honeymoon' with Moscow ended as soon as the Cold War ended!) On the other hand, the 'traditional' intellectuals and the political pundit class in Nepal, are still obsessed to see every problem in Nepal through the 'Indian' lens. (There was a time, during the 1950's, the entire Nepal's cabinet used to fly to Delhi to take major decisions!) The 'Patna-educated' and 'Banaras-bred' intellectuals and 'pundits' in Nepal have failed to take the 'historically thawed' and 'sick' relationship between the two countries to a new and healthy one. My generation that witnessed first-hand, both the fall of the Berlin Wall and the fall of the Wall Street, sees things through different references (mind it is plural!) I would like both the democratic forces in India and Nepal to be more assertive and confident. It is high time to start a healthy dialogue between our two nations. An alternative discourse is the demand of our time. The best mantra for the mutual security of our nations would be 'keep your purse secure, and don't blame your neighbour!' Nepal needs to define her strategic position as a bridge between the two rising economic power-houses of Asia. Let's do our homeworks to usher in a new era with the hightended consciousness of our own historical realities and sensibilities. It is the task of our younger generation leaderships to redefine a new relationship. Let's have debates on what should constitute the elements of such relationship.
Reply#.Anonymous:-
Atul Kumar Thakur
Rational of Healthy Debate
#.11-Anonymous
I am emphatically happy to entwining with a very meaningful debate that represents all the constructive ideas across the board where the crux of relations between India and Nepal lies in reality.While writing my reply for Anonymous,whom I admire stoutly for his courageous and remarkable hold on synergistic inference;I felt best to leave the scale of peoples relations to shape and uphold the traditional ties between these very close neighbors.Because,with heavy heart,I will have to say that diplomatic relations between Delhi and kathmandu have completely failed to capitulate any mandate of common folks across the boundary.At worst,forcing contentiousness with the changing Nepal were the most unpragmatic programming from Delhi that vehementally shooked the traditional bond which was made through the peoples contact and sharing common griefs.
Ofcourse,fault lines were also drawn by the Nepal's political parties,especially by the Maoists camp...their's leadership displayed utmost cunningness in dealing with India.Through my personnal interaction,I could say that,it harmed a lot in distorting Indian diplomatic vision towards their most essential neighbour.I am happy to see the wishes from prolific young Nepali political commentator about the new constructive approaches to build ever best ties between our two nation-on this,I would also add that,peoples like us,who will do this irrespective of our myopic institutional standings.Even,when Nepal is passing through the political crisis,I am quite sanguine about the future prospect it has as nation amidst the two emerged power...yes,this two giant have to essentially break their sleeping tigers tag in perspectives of foreign affairs.Indeed,India with its overt practices of original legacy could have done much better than blindly replicating the foolish bandwagon of cruel colonialists.We must keep the debate alive to sort out the maladies in governance...leave the geographical belongingness out of mind,instead start thinking as humane citizen-hope for building better coception,it's a fair idea...with best wishes for India-Nepal relations...
Atul Kumar Thakur
New Delhi
www.onesstandpoint.blogspot.com{see my creative repository..}
{This was my tiny take following on Prashant Jha’s piece “The Big Madheshi Politics”,Nepali Times,January6-13,2011,Kathmandu}
{This comment was written for Rakshnda Jalil’s meaningful piece “Dipped in the heart’s blood” on Faiz, Himal South Asian did a commendable job to focus on this great revolutionary poet/journalist in January 2011 isuue..]
Atul Kumar Thakur 2011-01-19 13:05
Thanks for focusing on Faiz,one of key literary voice from sub-continent who drawn a superb tradition in literature with aligning stoutly the inferences of nationalism and history during the turbulent times in twentieth century.He was among the few from his generation who tried to see the world with a mix fervor of nationalism and basic humanity along with aim to crack down on oppression and injustice.He was equally remarkable in journalism as like in his cult field of Urdu/English literature..with prudent flex,Faiz displayed his concern for humanity when he felt his time opportune.He joined the British Army only to counter the Nazi force,at heart he remained a soldier but with letters and sensible convictions.His denial of state violence in newly created Pakistan tolled him with grave losses albeit he remained firm with his concern for humanity besides countering the superficial political tracts.
Atul Kumar Thakur
onesstandpoint.blogspot.com
Atul Kumar Thakur:_
Nice reading this piece albeit the malady Prashant has suggested is only a tip of iceberg....the rest are hanging still like iceclets.I have emphatic admiration for the kind of journalism being nurtured by the Himal South Asia and Nepali Times-in present stalemate in Nepal,the progressive role of media becomes very imperative.As a part of host delegation from Indian side,I met with Mahendra Yadav when he was industry minister,indeed in no manner,he was deserving such post of high repute.Such upliftment happened only through the shaky statistical compulsions in a multy party democracy.Plight of Madhesh is much grave than the rest Nepal but that doesn't mean a legitimacy for reactionary politics should be conferred;instead there is lucid wayout in terms of infusing new hope through fair political culture grounded somewhere on the base of common national ethos.Reactionary politics of Madhesh have done as much harm as the divisive convictions of Maoist with their stress on republicanism-that shaded the optimism from political landscape as whole.As an enthusiast on Nepal and a part of friendly nation,I would wish to see Nepal out of factional hooliganism and to visualize a clear road map for nation on the basis of good governance and vital socio-economic prospects.Currently Nepal as an economy performing much below the its potential-a stable and fair leadership can bank upon the rich human and natural resources of nation.The rest misconception regarding the role of neighbouring nations would be ended itself under the engaged order..Prashant has written number of piece on this particular theme and no doubt is among the most remarkable journalist from Nepal.Hope to see his flame intact despite facing various odd opinions on some occasions...thanks for focussing on a vital corner of Himalayan state.
Atul Kumar Thakur
New Delhi,Blog: www.onesstandpoint.blogspot.com
Posted on: 09 JAN 2011 | 12:55 PM NST{Nepali Times, January 7-13,Kathmandu}
For the Sake of Art {January 15,2011, Times Crest, Saturday}
I liked your timely interview with Amit Chaudhuri{January8}while tracing the vital reasons behind the shrinking poetic culture in India .I liked the thrust TOI-Crest gave to this theme. India is known for its rich tradition in both poetry and prose. It’s important to understand modern developments from the view of contemporary writers. I would be glad to see more such topics covered in your newspaper so that the creative arts are not obliterated by crass commercialization.
Atul Kumar Thakur
Blockade of Nepal
Quite intriguing reading this piece of Prashant Jha,which is more based on potential wish-list of political faction rather than the imperative need for nation.Such intellectual assertion could be merely seen as prolongations of impending inferences that consistently have been defying the fate of Nepal.
The Constituent Assembly’s failure to deliver a Constitution on stipulated time-line and even after and Parliament’s failure to elect a Prime Minister despite prolonging the exercise for double digit rounds raising serious concern over the accountability of political parties in Nepal. Following perplex state of action in absence of any outcome makes an observers side completely drudgery and concomitant despair for all concerned components.
With unkempt promises, political class especially Maoists are now being seen as hellion with their brusque attitude towards the ground realities and needs of nation. No denying the fact, that Maoists are not alone accountable for the quivering domestic political scenario though with putting upon theirs ostensible demand after putsching the Monarchies quintessentially makes them a catalyst in entire persisting deadlock.
Signing twelve points understanding in November2005 in New Delhi with the Indian mediation for anti-Monarchy movement was a hurried step that couldnï’t be adequately sensed by the Maoist or other seven pro-democracy parties from Nepal. Instant reason for Indian involvement in anti-Monarchy movement was shaped through the aberration created by King Gyanendra during the 2005 SAARC Summit where he laid the proposal for China as an observer which was unanimously accepted by the member nations-without any mediation, indeed it was a sort of unofficial breach that caused deep insecurity in Indian diplomatic side.
Given the historically trusted and entwining relationship between India and Nepal, it was unbearable for India to see China’s unnatural involvement with its very dear Himalayan state. China has been so far played feeble and inconsistent role in Nepal but the Maoists emergence at Centre-stage suddenly given them a level playing field against India which now fuelling the rivalry of engagement.
As a very close entity in varied terms, Nepal must understand the growing insecurities of India from its strategic point of views and instead of pushing both superpower for negative engagement at the domestic turf; it would be quite better to engage with both of them without forgetting its natural akinness for India. It would leverage Indian role in forming conducive environment both at domestic arena in Nepal as well as at international juncture-positive involvement would give India too a chance to strengthen its diplomatic ties with Nepal by giving its actual due to the Himalayan state. Energized co-operation with spillover of goodwill would forge better environment of concord and prospects of democracy.
Nepal here must have to prefigure the China’s dual playing at its every crucial juncture; from1950 to 1989{during trade blockade by India which lasted for twenty months that badly affected its economy}-at both the crucial occasion, China checked them with realistic visualization and kept reiterating Indiaï’s natural closeness to Nepal. Even in 2006, when India along with the Nepalese democratic forces was poised for heading-on with Monarchy, China was feeding the King with arms and ammunition to crackdown on Maoists and other demonstrating political parties-thanks laudable collective efforts, Chinaï’s plan of bloodshed didn’t worked out in Nepal. Nepal must be reckon with its strategic standing without too much reshuffling some of its conventional basic lesson of diplomacy-otherwise, contemplation of experiments wouldn’t be ended more than deadpan per se following the ambitious dualism.
The most inevitable thing that Nepal has to do the figuring out of its people’s aspiration as now Maoists too sounds pragmatic about the prospective merger of Armies and noticeably on the role of Monarchy. Without deviating under any forcible ideological compulsions, it would be prudent for Nepalese political parties to delve with the best possible options suitable for their quest for democratic establishment and supremacy of Constitution.
This would be true healing touch from democratic political forces who have been disappointing the mass Citizens since 1920-if Maoist Supremo Prachanda sensing the blunder of abrupt abolition of Monarchy without giving them even a minimum Constitutional prerogative, that remorseness must be seen in true light and without contentious convictions. Prolongingness of deadlock in Nepal is neither feasible not ideal for the sake of peoples genuine aspirations here is need of rebuilding the confidence among the mass Nepalese for a brighter prospect of this beautiful nation.
I have taken few more words to express myself,but as an enthusiast and a well wisher of Nepal,I only wish to see the nation out of flux.Role of Press is very vital in this...my sincere thanks for Himal South Asia and Nepali Times for keep aliving the debate.
Posted on: 15 JAN 2011 | 12:22 PM NST
7.rishav
Reply
Mr Thakur, Nepal-India relations hasn't really changed. India's policy on Nepal hasn't changed from the Nehru doctirine, and is stll continued till this day.
Nepal is one of the oldest Countries is South Asia, whilst India was under one empire or the other Nepal was holding it's own diplomatically with the Moguls, British India, and China. So this big brother and little brother concept really has to chnage in the minds of the Indian establishmnet. we are older than you and have more experience of being a state.
The unequal peace treaties of the past, the unequal deals on hydroelectric power, the land encroachment in the terai belts, the active support of the Maoists during the Insurgency to destabilise the state, the blockade of Nepal for 20 months, the missed placed view of this older/younger sibling relationship are all things us Nepali people are aware about and is something your Indian Goverment really needs to make efforts to ammend.
Posted on: 15 JAN 2011 | 9:34 PM NST
Atul Kumar Thakur
Reply Rishav-Glad to see your historic put in India-Nepal relations,indeed there is no denying that Nepal has maintained a sovereign presence in South Asia throughout the history that gives the Himalayan nation a stout edge to dwell as closely woven nation.Yes,it's truly unfortunate that Indian establishment has failed to form a new dimension to look on the neighbors, particularly with Nepal,this is real contention of all swiftly burgeoning misconception in the mind of peoples regarding the Indian role.One thing you missed to stuff in your message that these two nation has failed to live up the symmetrical diplomatic relationship-no Prime Ministerial visit so far from India,it's sort of pragmatic hammering over the soft historically shaped ties.Only once ever,Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,had shown courtesy to receive veteran politician Girija Prasad Koirala at Airport besides conferring him the verbal honour of being South Asia's most remarkable living politician. I emphatically think,India has to show more level playing exercise to bridge the trust deficit developed in the recent years,and yes,treaties must be subject to changes as time and circumstances allows.My personnel views regarding the Nepal have never emerged out of any stereotypical and theoretical school of Nehruvian principles...better,if you can read my last dozen of pieces over Nepal,you would sense the kind of basic I have been following on international relations.And if possible,please nail the relative observations on the kind of state we are living today,instead we shall move up for an universal abode out of disgustingly bounded cunning political convictions.
Atul Kumar Thakur
atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
www.onesstandpoint.blogspot.com
Posted on: 16 JAN 2011 | 1:30 PM NST
11. Anonymous
The commentator (ref. to reply #7) is right-- the "Indian establishment has failed to form a new dimension to look on the neighbors, particularly with Nepal..." Sadly, the 'master-slave' mind-set inherited from their colonial past still seems to rule the behaviours of the Indian establishment today. Had Indians internalized their own true historic past, for exmaple, the real meaning of Gandhi's 'Swaraj' and the birth pang of true National Independence, the neighbours would find a different India today. It would not have been difficult for such a Nation to foster a mutual and trusting relationship with her neighbours, nor would it have been hard for Inida to treat her own tribal peoples with dignity and respect. Instead, in the name of the mirage of 'national security', Delhi seems too much obsessed with seking for blessing from yet another 'Master' from the overseas. (Mind you, the historic 'honeymoon' with Moscow ended as soon as the Cold War ended!) On the other hand, the 'traditional' intellectuals and the political pundit class in Nepal, are still obsessed to see every problem in Nepal through the 'Indian' lens. (There was a time, during the 1950's, the entire Nepal's cabinet used to fly to Delhi to take major decisions!) The 'Patna-educated' and 'Banaras-bred' intellectuals and 'pundits' in Nepal have failed to take the 'historically thawed' and 'sick' relationship between the two countries to a new and healthy one. My generation that witnessed first-hand, both the fall of the Berlin Wall and the fall of the Wall Street, sees things through different references (mind it is plural!) I would like both the democratic forces in India and Nepal to be more assertive and confident. It is high time to start a healthy dialogue between our two nations. An alternative discourse is the demand of our time. The best mantra for the mutual security of our nations would be 'keep your purse secure, and don't blame your neighbour!' Nepal needs to define her strategic position as a bridge between the two rising economic power-houses of Asia. Let's do our homeworks to usher in a new era with the hightended consciousness of our own historical realities and sensibilities. It is the task of our younger generation leaderships to redefine a new relationship. Let's have debates on what should constitute the elements of such relationship.
Reply#.Anonymous:-
Atul Kumar Thakur
Rational of Healthy Debate
#.11-Anonymous
I am emphatically happy to entwining with a very meaningful debate that represents all the constructive ideas across the board where the crux of relations between India and Nepal lies in reality.While writing my reply for Anonymous,whom I admire stoutly for his courageous and remarkable hold on synergistic inference;I felt best to leave the scale of peoples relations to shape and uphold the traditional ties between these very close neighbors.Because,with heavy heart,I will have to say that diplomatic relations between Delhi and kathmandu have completely failed to capitulate any mandate of common folks across the boundary.At worst,forcing contentiousness with the changing Nepal were the most unpragmatic programming from Delhi that vehementally shooked the traditional bond which was made through the peoples contact and sharing common griefs.
Ofcourse,fault lines were also drawn by the Nepal's political parties,especially by the Maoists camp...their's leadership displayed utmost cunningness in dealing with India.Through my personnal interaction,I could say that,it harmed a lot in distorting Indian diplomatic vision towards their most essential neighbour.I am happy to see the wishes from prolific young Nepali political commentator about the new constructive approaches to build ever best ties between our two nation-on this,I would also add that,peoples like us,who will do this irrespective of our myopic institutional standings.Even,when Nepal is passing through the political crisis,I am quite sanguine about the future prospect it has as nation amidst the two emerged power...yes,this two giant have to essentially break their sleeping tigers tag in perspectives of foreign affairs.Indeed,India with its overt practices of original legacy could have done much better than blindly replicating the foolish bandwagon of cruel colonialists.We must keep the debate alive to sort out the maladies in governance...leave the geographical belongingness out of mind,instead start thinking as humane citizen-hope for building better coception,it's a fair idea...with best wishes for India-Nepal relations...
Atul Kumar Thakur
New Delhi
www.onesstandpoint.blogspot.com{see my creative repository..}
{This was my tiny take following on Prashant Jha’s piece “The Big Madheshi Politics”,Nepali Times,January6-13,2011,Kathmandu}
{This comment was written for Rakshnda Jalil’s meaningful piece “Dipped in the heart’s blood” on Faiz, Himal South Asian did a commendable job to focus on this great revolutionary poet/journalist in January 2011 isuue..]
Atul Kumar Thakur 2011-01-19 13:05
Thanks for focusing on Faiz,one of key literary voice from sub-continent who drawn a superb tradition in literature with aligning stoutly the inferences of nationalism and history during the turbulent times in twentieth century.He was among the few from his generation who tried to see the world with a mix fervor of nationalism and basic humanity along with aim to crack down on oppression and injustice.He was equally remarkable in journalism as like in his cult field of Urdu/English literature..with prudent flex,Faiz displayed his concern for humanity when he felt his time opportune.He joined the British Army only to counter the Nazi force,at heart he remained a soldier but with letters and sensible convictions.His denial of state violence in newly created Pakistan tolled him with grave losses albeit he remained firm with his concern for humanity besides countering the superficial political tracts.
Atul Kumar Thakur
onesstandpoint.blogspot.com
Atul Kumar Thakur:_
Nice reading this piece albeit the malady Prashant has suggested is only a tip of iceberg....the rest are hanging still like iceclets.I have emphatic admiration for the kind of journalism being nurtured by the Himal South Asia and Nepali Times-in present stalemate in Nepal,the progressive role of media becomes very imperative.As a part of host delegation from Indian side,I met with Mahendra Yadav when he was industry minister,indeed in no manner,he was deserving such post of high repute.Such upliftment happened only through the shaky statistical compulsions in a multy party democracy.Plight of Madhesh is much grave than the rest Nepal but that doesn't mean a legitimacy for reactionary politics should be conferred;instead there is lucid wayout in terms of infusing new hope through fair political culture grounded somewhere on the base of common national ethos.Reactionary politics of Madhesh have done as much harm as the divisive convictions of Maoist with their stress on republicanism-that shaded the optimism from political landscape as whole.As an enthusiast on Nepal and a part of friendly nation,I would wish to see Nepal out of factional hooliganism and to visualize a clear road map for nation on the basis of good governance and vital socio-economic prospects.Currently Nepal as an economy performing much below the its potential-a stable and fair leadership can bank upon the rich human and natural resources of nation.The rest misconception regarding the role of neighbouring nations would be ended itself under the engaged order..Prashant has written number of piece on this particular theme and no doubt is among the most remarkable journalist from Nepal.Hope to see his flame intact despite facing various odd opinions on some occasions...thanks for focussing on a vital corner of Himalayan state.
Atul Kumar Thakur
New Delhi,Blog: www.onesstandpoint.blogspot.com
Posted on: 09 JAN 2011 | 12:55 PM NST{Nepali Times, January 7-13,Kathmandu}
For the Sake of Art {January 15,2011, Times Crest, Saturday}
I liked your timely interview with Amit Chaudhuri{January8}while tracing the vital reasons behind the shrinking poetic culture in India .I liked the thrust TOI-Crest gave to this theme. India is known for its rich tradition in both poetry and prose. It’s important to understand modern developments from the view of contemporary writers. I would be glad to see more such topics covered in your newspaper so that the creative arts are not obliterated by crass commercialization.
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