Rambling Through Kol-Kath Cultural Similitude

Vinay Jha

If you ever toured or lived in both Kolkata and Kathmandu, you would, most probably, find it difficult not to deem yourself lucky and privileged on having had some of the best experiences of your life, especially with reference to their cultural grandeur. Separated by about 75 minutes' flight, or about 25 hours' drive, Kolkata and Kathmandu are counted among some of the most beautiful cities in the world. Situated in the eastern region of South Asia, these two places are richly endowed with unique natural panoramas and man-created cultural landmarks. The serene mountainous surroundings of the city of Kathmandu, and mesmerizing Bay of Bengal coastline of the city of Kolkata, both silhouetted against the bewitching blue sky, are ravishingly seducing in their appeal to travellers and tourists around the world.

Hindu way of life

Even though these two wonderful cities belong to two nations of South Asia, India and Nepal, they share between them immense cultural similitude, primarily because of the fact that both are rooted in the mainstream Hindu ways of life, of course, always open to and assimilative of other religo-cultural influences. Both cities are capital cities; the former of an Indian state (West Bengal) and the latter Nepal's capital, and, interestingly, both are historic. Is it merely fun to think of the co-incidence that they share the same initial sound in their names or something else, too? When we talk about the rich cultural heritage of a place or society, we talk about the underlying and abiding features of things that please, delight, sustain, unify, challenge, encourage and, most importantly, connect the whole of the material world with the whole of the spiritual world. In my opinion, no culture, worth its essence, can ever exist or appeal that is devoid of spiritual dimension. No society, irrespective of its geographical location, could be called culturally rich and inspiring, unless it is capable of looking beyond all barriers and limitations, even beyond what is comprehended as 'infinity'.

Higher and richer a culture, the deeper and stronger its appeal, its wisdom, its foresight, its integrative capacity, its cosmic vision, and finally its faith in the eternity of the existence of body and spirit in one form or the other. The two cities - Kolkata and Kathmandu - rejoice in the upkeep of this faith in eternity. Beautifully dotted with hundreds of temples, shrines, domes and stupas, related not only to one faith but to different faiths, graciously astir with pilgrims, travellers, tourists and local devotees, tastefully decked and fragrant, especially during the festive seasons, such as Vijaya Dashami, Diwali, Shivaratri, Christmas and Holi, variously flavoured with: dash and dynamism, fun and frolic, determination and expectation, contemplation and expression, and all these strung intimately through the unbreakable thread of passion and flair for life, Kolkata and Kathmandu present an example of superb homogeneity, in spite of being places apart. What strikes the visitors to both these places the most is the pristine ambience of their temples, shrines and meditation centres, evocative of the lives and hermitages of the ancient saints and sages.

Needless to say, the hallmark of any glorious culture is its natural inclination towards creativity, scholarship, art and music and all that is universally associated with Apollonian ethos. This natural inclination constitutes the core around which other invigorating and progressive ingredients keep on interacting and intermingling to sustain and sharpen the organic whole. As the one who has been fortunate to live in and who has curiously and creatively observed the cultural aspects of both the cities, I have no hesitation saying that these are the cities of joys, because the dwellers and lovers of both these places are creative sufferers; they enjoy absorbing the woes and worries of life in their stride; they are doggedly unbeatable, their sense of future is exemplarily strong. And above all they are steeped in broad human compassion.

Both Kolkata and Kathmandu are vibrant hubs of higher education and cultural activities. For the whole of Nepal, Kathmandu is not only the political capital, but also an unrivalled seat of higher education and cultural pursuits. Most of the useful world languages are taught and learnt here as it is done in Kolkata. Dance, drama, music, festivals and art exhibitions are regular cultural happenings in both these places. Various international seminars and conferences are organised in these places that help the people know more and more about global affairs, and promote among them a sense of global brotherhood and cosmopolitan attitude to life in general.

Appreciation

My observation and study of the ways of life of these two cities, I must say, is like that of a zealous self-proclaimed and self-believing explorer or journalist. My informal brief chats with people in both these cities, particularly with the pilgrims and tourists, over a considerable period of time, at various intervals, and on different occasions, have revealed to me that most of them carry a very deep appreciation of the cultural heritage of both these places.

Source: The Rising Nepal, June 4, 2007

TAAN's Woes

MINISTER for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Prithivi Subba Gurung has given assurances that the government would implement the Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC) system in the near future to ease problems in the trekking sector and support the trekking agents. Speaking at a function organised by the Trekking Agents' Association of Nepal in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Minister Gurung said that as trekking was an important part of the tourism industry, the government had been working towards further developing and promoting this sector. Trekking is one of the important sectors of the tourism industry. Nepal's tourism industry boomed in the past because of adventure sports like mountaineering, trekking, rafting and others. The share of trekking business in the overall tourism industry is bigger than the other sectors. Many tourists come to Nepal for the thrill adventure tourism provides. Most of the tourists who visit Nepal do not miss trekking. Nepal has a difficult terrain and pristine nature. The foreigners want to see the natural beauty of Nepal. Thus, they go trekking, which provides them opportunities not only to enjoy the nature but also understand the Nepalese people and their unique culture. Although small in size, Nepal is rich in natural and cultural diversity, which has attracted many foreigners.

Tourism is the backbone of the Nepalese economy. The role of tourism in the Nepalese economy is very important. Be it in earning foreign currency or providing employment, the place of the tourism industry is vital. But the tourism industry suffered a big setback in the past due to the political unrest, instability and conflict. After the restoration of peace and democracy in the country, the tourism industry has started picking up. This is a matter of satisfaction for all. However, this sector is yet to fully recover. Nepal's tourism industry shows great potential. Thus, necessary attention and priority must be given for the development and promotion of this sector. Adventure tourism like trekking has an important place in this industry. However, the trekking business has also suffered from various problems. Those involved in the trekking business have demanded that the government take necessary steps to further develop the trekking sector. Considering the demand and concern of the trekking agents, the government has taken some measures towards this end. One of the demands of the trekking agents is the implementation of the trekking registration certificate. The minister has assured TAAN of early implementation of this system, which is expected to address many of the problems facing the trekking agents in Nepal.

Source: The Rising Nepal, May 31, 2007

Nepal-France Relations : Possibilities Of Co-operation

Madhavji Shrestha

The status of Nepal-French relations at the moment is said to be normal. No new dimension in the bilateral ties is likely to emerge soon. A new government headed by Nicolas Sarkozy is on the saddle of the government after his spectacular victory in the presidential elections. The latest opinion polls predict his party will also make decisive gains in the assembly elections slated for next month. Observers of the French political scene, however, say that no new initiative will emerge in its foreign policy towards Asia, in general, and South Asia, in particular, because our region does not figure prominently in the scheme of French foreign policy since long.Nepal's dramatic political transformation last year has not been able to add any perceptible new element to the bilateral connectivity between the two countries. Nepal still remains plunged in the political impasse. One very lamentable concern is that Nepal has not been able to make a good choice for an efficient and effective ambassador to France for the last five years. Hence, the level of relationship has stayed at a low key as if no interactions are working between the two.

Global roleBut France has maintained its presence with an ambassador in Nepal without a break since the establishment of its embassy in Kathmandu. Evidently, France does not have any strategic partnership with Nepal nor are there any good linkages of political and economic concerns. Requisite components of connectivity between the two are conspicuously absent to have a good friendship. However, consistent efforts to identify appropriate areas of co-operation will help to improve the relationship and widen its scope.Experts of recent French history and politics say France aspires to be a universal country, and to achieve that, it has charted a map for a major global role. Naturally, aspiring for a greater role means having a great vision and implementing the policies in true form. Undoubtedly, France is very proud of its culture, literature and, above all, its language. It is for these reasons that France had taken the initiative a few years ago to establish in Vietnam an international organisation of 42 Francophone countries, with the appointment of former UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros Ghali as its founding Secretary General. This shows how France wishes to play its role in the global arena. Undeniably, the sizeable quantum of resources and capabilities at its disposal are the pre-requisites for materialising its global role.

France as an influential nation exhibited its diplomatic prowess in maintaining stability and peace in Europe in post World War II period. Along with a democratised Germany, it has also made great contributions with its diplomatic ingenuity to establish the European Common Market, which has now grown into a politically homogenous European Union. At present, this Union is the single largest trading bloc of the world with a total GDP of about US$ 13 trillion. France stands tall in the European Union and plays a crucial role in its foreign and defense policies and, more visibly, in trade and developmental co-operation.France is endowed with enchanting landscapes in the whole of its territory bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the Mediterranean Sea in the south. It is also rich in ancient and medieval heritage, arts and music. The geographical attraction coupled with its aesthetic inheritance have made France a truly global centre of tourism. Each year, tourist arrivals from around the globe exceed its total population. Today, France enjoys a position of envy, which remains unbeatable despite severe competition from various countries of Europe and other continents. It has remained so because tourists wishing to make a trip abroad can find every object and comfort of their choice in the sprawling lands of France.

The ties between Nepal and France are one of an underdeveloped country with a highly advanced nation. The situation in the two is indeed different from every socio-economic aspect. On the political front, too, there is a high degree of difference. If Nepal is toddling with a multi-party system, France has already reached the pinnacle of democratic maturity. Under such circumstances, Nepal as a country trailing far behind in socio-economic progress needs to search for possibilities of co-operation.France is a core member of the European Union with great influence on the co-operation that the Union extends to underdeveloped countries like Nepal. An appropriate approach with the concerned authorities of France dealing with EU affairs would certainly enhance broader understanding, besides paving the way for strengthening democratic linkages with many member states of the European Union. Such efforts would, no doubt, escort the Nepali mission accredited to the European Union in Brussels to move ahead with reinforced synergy. As a result, co-operation can be expected to grow to the advantage of Nepal.

France is also a country that takes great pride in its educational and cultural attainments that are of excellent standard. The one important step Nepal needs to initiate is to move ahead with an avowed purpose of establishing good contacts with the educational institutes of France. France is the only country in the world that allocates the largest share of its annual budget for cultural activities abroad. Nepal can, if approached with convincing and well charted programmes, make good progress in pushing our educational level upward.Nepal has yet to make its bureaucracy self-sustaining and functioning for the country's cause. For bureaucratic management and efficiency, France is at a highly advanced stage compared to other democratic countries of the European Union. Its effective bureaucracy showed the world how the momentum of technical and economic progress could be achieved even during the years of political instability after World War II until the advent of the fifth republic in 1958. The efficacy of the French bureaucracy is considered very high. Nepal can improve its bureaucracy by learning from France and sharing their experiences.

Co-operation in Tourism

Nepal possesses large potentials for expanding tourism and related activities, which can contribute to economic growth and create jobs. Regrettably, this sector has not made worthy achievement. France is undoubtedly an appropriate country to turn to for technical assistance as it has valued experience and technical capability. France is among the top five countries from where large numbers of tourists come to Nepal. This is one of the good points to enhance our co-operation in tourism promotion. Noticeably, a very important point, among others, is that Nepal should be receptive to attaching importance to the mutually advantageous introduction of the French language and their educational technicalities in Nepal. This will certainly contribute to the growth of the cordial relations between Nepal and France. Are we prepared to do something positive for the sake of giving a good touch to Nepal-France relations instantly?

Road To Economic Progress

Amrit P. Shrestha

What the modern industry needs is better infrastructure. Traditionally, infrastructure services across the world were provided by governments in limited areas like airports, electricity and roads. Today infrastructure must improve in all parameters, which requires immense financing through external and internal channels. Without basic infrastructure development, no sector can achieve any sort of target. To keep the wheels of the economy running, countries must make enormous progress in attracting private investment in the infrastructure sector, as the government alone cannot invest huge amounts in it. In order to send the right signal to international investors, there is a burgeoning need to create sophisticated infrastructure in selected key cities and projects as seen in Beijing, Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur, which have emerged as the investor's choice in the last three decades.

Infrastructure needs three key inputs - large amounts of money, skilled manpower and selected projects. Governments must realise that the only way to become the nation's doorway to economic zoom is to give new thrust to infrastructure development. Thus, the Essential Facility Doctrine has been recognised by most of the developed and developing countries. Australia, Singapore, South Korea and India have been adopting the doctrine. Investment requires long-term funds with a long payback profit period. More importantly, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is a signal to investors in general that the policy framework is sound and environment conducive for investment. Such models have to be initiated in key sectors like roads, airports, power and tourism. Nepal lacks the necessary physical infrastructure to qualify as an international investment centre. Investments must have easy access, and there should be well-developed infrastructure within acceptable parameters. At present, we must have suitable strategies to convert challenges into opportunities. Better infrastructure helps in alleviating poverty and expanding the industrial base because accessibility to services improves as a result of it.

Currently, GDP's contribution to infrastructure development is less than 4 per cent, which is less than the share of our neighbouring countries. Actions must be accelerated on the following track, to help build trunk infrastructures in the country. First, Modernisation or industrialisation require massive expansion of national highways, airports, electrification and telephones linking every village with the urban areas. Ground water exploration, minor irrigation, water supply and sanitation are other priorities. Highways form the economic backbone of the country. Likewise, rain water harvesting and human resources management must be developed, which is sorely lacking in the country. Given the size of the country, air travel has become the swiftest mode of transport. Hence, Nepal should take bold steps to expand and upgrade its airport infrastructure. Second, among the bottlenecks to achieving growth in the country is electricity supply. Power and its allied sector play a crucial role in economic development. Electricity is the lifeline of our lives as its use ranges from mundane applications to complex tasks and operations. Our productivity is affected because of this.

Third, the tourism industry could gather momentum if the government plans innovative promotions. Tourism should introduce new products such as monsoon tourism, helicopter tourism and the like. Such programmes will attract visitors, especially from India and Europe. With Nepal becoming a business hub especially for tourism, regional disparity can be minimised upto a certain extent. Likewise, growth of tourism will help enrich the lives of traditional workers and artistes. Unfortunately, lack of roads, accommodation, safety measures, well established communication systems and hospitality management centres are some of the hurdles in its promotion. Fourth, building IT Parks in important cities can offer a unique confluence of advantages - robust physical infrastructure, power and data connectivity and trained technical manpower. All this will effectively reduce the operational cost. Fifth, there is a need to hand over the entire infrastructure development to the private sector with no political interference. There should be no bureaucratic controls over enterprises. They should not be asked to get approval for minor decisions.

Sixth, an act to form an independent Infrastructure Authority, similar to the National Highways Authority in India, Afghanistan, Laos and the Philippines, has to be announced without delay. Meanwhile, a vision paper with priorities and national consensus must be flashed, emphasising on infrastructure development to attract investors and also to make the entire cycle of investment, productivity and wealth creation sustainable.Seventh, special packages of tax incentives must be introduced as a tool to encouraging private enterprises or an undertaking engaged in the development of infrastructure facilities. This is particularly important for infrastructure developing companies. Human developmentMost importantly, the overall environment needs to be free from prevailing corruption and petty-mindedness. For the common man, good economics is all that he cares. The government should accelerate the process of human development by delivering services in electricity, transport, water and sanitation that the poor need in order to live and participate in economic growth. A leader of outstanding merits, efficient bureaucrats and a graft-free culture are the invisible infrastructure to race with the modern world. Let us start from a good today to a better tomorrow.

Source: The Rising Nepal, May 22, 2007

Adventure Tourism

ADVENTURE tourism has been steadily gaining in popularity over the years. This form of tourism is a new concept, which a country like Nepal possessing immense potential for such tourism should be able to cash on. Nepal's lofty mountains have been attracting mountaineers from all over the world, thereby, contributing to raise the standard of people working in various expeditions. Besides the money accruing from mountain tourism has been percolating to the grassroots level benefiting the people who reside in the remote regions of the country. The mighty mountains will continue to lure mountaineers who cannot resist the challenge of ascending them. Besides the mountains the country is blessed with numerous mountain rivers considered to be among the best for rafters. For them there is nothing to beat the thrill of shooting the rapids of these exotic rivers. The tourists apart from enjoying the rafting will be able to sight various attractions en route such as the way of the living of the people residing by the riverside.

The lifestyle varies even in short distances. This and other things would make the experience of white water rafting in Nepal unique. It is now up to the tourism entrepreneurs to promote the rivers of the country for rafting. Should they succeed in doing so then this would be another form of attraction for adventure seeking tourists. What is interesting to note is that rafting is also slowly gaining in popularity amongst the Nepalese people. This should by all account be encouraged for this would not only provide the rafters kicks but also contribute to the equitable distribution of income. In this context, rafting a programme to promote rafting in the Trishuli River is being organized. The programme envisages giving a fillip to domestic and foreign tourism by exploiting the potential of rafting. Adventure tourism is now recognized as one of the important forms of tourism. Publicizing rafting in now a policy of the tourism industry. There are many rivers in Nepal famous for rafting. The rivers like Karnali, Kaligandaki, Trishuli, Bhotekoshi and Sunkoshi, among others, are considered to be among the best for adventure rafting. As there are many other rivers in the country, which are equally ideal for this purpose, they could also be opened for rafter. As the rivers originate in the high altitude Himalayas the flow of the water in these is of great speed. Thus, promoting rafting would help boost the local economy at the same time raising the national revenue.

Source: The Rising Nepal, May 22, 2007

Luring Chinese Tourists

Raju Adhikari

TRAVEL and tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in China. China is the single largest consumer market in the world and has the sixth largest share of the global gross national income. Because of its unprecedented economic growth, China has become a source of potential tourists not only for the Third World but also for the developed European and North American countries.

Revenue

Chinese expenditure on travel is currently growing at 27 per cent per year. According to a recent report issued by one U.S. tourism firm, China is the world's fastest growing tourism market in the world, with total revenue from China's tourism industry reaching more than $67.3 billion. As China's economy grows and stringent travel restrictions are relaxed, urban middle and upper class Chinese are increasingly looking beyond their borders for travel.

A growing number of Mainland Chinese are travelling overseas as their living standards keep improving and purchasing power rise. China is expected to see more than 100 million outbound travellers in 2010, making China one of the largest contributors of travellers in the world. The World Tourism Organisation has predicted that China will be the world's largest tourist market by 2020. After its accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), China is obliged to abide by many trade regulations of the world trade body. The travel industry is one of those Fast developing public service and advertising sectors have contributed a lot in the rapid development of tourism in China. Going overseas is no more a dream for many city dwellers in China. Big cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou contribute more than half of all Chinese outbound travellers. In 2005, more than 20,000 travellers from Beijing alone visited different countries during the golden week holiday in October. There were 31 million Chinese travellers in 2005, compared to just 8 million in 1998.

Nepal's tourism industry accounts for 8 per cent of Nepal's gross domestic product and is the third-largest revenue generator after agriculture and industry. Nepal's tourism is dependent mostly on Indian, Europeans and U.S. tourists, who together contributed 160 million dollars to the nation's economy last year. In recent years, Nepal has started attracting Chinese tourists as well. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, a gigantic leap in the number of Chinese tourists was registered in the month of February this year (2007) as compared to last year (281 per cent). These Mainland tourists represent an enormous source of revenue for countries that can attract them over the coming decade. Even if Nepal can grasp only a portion of the outbound Chinese tourists, it will be very crucial for raising the national economy. Since Nepal became the first South Asian nation to gain Approved Destination Status from the Chinese government, it has drawn significant numbers of Chinese tourists. But due to lack of direct flights from major cities and the high ticket cost, the number of Chinese travellers was limited in the past. Now there are directs flights from two major cities - Shanghai and Guangzhou.

The increase in visitor numbers from China is a result of direct air connectivity in the recent months with the addition of new airlines between Nepal and China. But to attract more and cut travel cost through free market competition, more airlines need to operate direct flights between Nepal and China.With the vastly improved situation in the country, the rising confidence of international travel trade and consumers has paved the way for more travellers to visit Nepal. The Nepalese embassy in China has exempted visa fees for Chinese tourists. Nepal tourism authorities are training more Chinese guides, and improving accommodation to suit the needs of the Chinese tourists, which are positive signs towards attracting more Chinese tourists in the future.

But there are certain things to consider. Chinese tourists are quite different compared to conventional US and European tourists. For the Chinese, the concept of the outside world is still vague. They expect a similar environment and food in the countries they visit. Most of the Chinese tourists like to travel in groups. Good televised programmes can do wonders in preparing them to visit Nepal. Though Nepal borders China, many Chinese even do not know where Nepal lies. Chinese are most responsive to televised advertising especially on the national broadcasting and television channel. Inviting Chinese television channels to Nepal to film the different attractions and preparing promotional advertisement would greatly boost tourism.?As Nepal is a cheaper and close destination, the possibilities of visiting Nepal for a couple of days are high. Chinese are attracted by beautiful scenery and exotic lifestyles. Nepal possesses both of these. Besides, Chinese love shopping during travel. Research suggests that as much as 20% of their total travel expenses go to shopping.

Language

Chinese expect their hotels to be equipped with entertainment centres, hair salons, bowling alleys, karaoke bars and the like. Even a thermos bottle inside the hotel room to serve themselves green tea adds to their satisfaction. A Chinese restaurant is an indispensable place inside the hotel, and Chinese speaking TV channels are also necessary. Language is a major barrier for most Chinese. So Chinese speaking guides and other materials must be provided to win their trust.As a growing powerhouse, both economically and politically, China is reshaping the global travel market. If Nepal can attract more Chinese outbound travellers, it will certainly contribute to the economic prosperity of the nation.

Source: The Rising Nepal, May 3, 2007