Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s marriage was arranged by his parents when he was a child. He was engaged at the age of 13 to Jashodaben Narendrabhai Modi, marrying her when he was 18. They spent little time together and grew apart when Modi began travelling to Hindu ashrams. Reportedly, their marriage was never consummated and he kept it a secret because he could otherwise not have become a ‘pracharak’ in the puritan Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS). Although Modi kept his marriage secret for most of his career, he acknowledged his wife when he filed his nomination for a parliamentary seat in the 2014 general elections. His above-mentioned family background does not prove that he is a celibate or saint. He gave high priority to the need to visit Nepal within months after being elected as prime minister of India and showed great interest to support Nepal and Nepalese people. We thought he would definitely do good for Nepal. He showed generosity during the massive earthquake too. But, what is sad to say is that he proved all our expectations wrong by imposing an “unofficial blockade” against us immediately after the promulgation of the new constitution. Such a move will not augur well for Nepal as well as India, particularly bordering Indian towns whose economy largely depends on the Nepali customers. Whatever problems that we may have we can resolve them through talks. The Madhes-centric parties should also understand the fact that blocking the customs offices will only tarnish their image of fighting for their rightful causes. The agitating parties must return to the talks table so that things can be settled peacefully.

Raman Adhikari, Kathmandu

Flora database The development of an electronic database of Nepal’s flora will be an invaluable national asset for the vulnerable plant resources of the nation. It not only will help in the process of popularizing plants among the general public, students and kids; but, will also make people aware of the need for plant conservation. Easy identification of seized plants in legal cases by the border security, customs and the forest departments will be facilitated by electronic database curbing illegal trade on rare and medicinal plants. Commercialization of potential plant species could also be explored by referring to such database and the current status of plant resources could be estimated too. In short, the e-flora opens up new opportunity for plant research and conservation for any nation. Similar initiatives are also found in other countries. Nepal being so rich in numerous Himalayan plant resources should  seriously work towards establishing a comprehensive electronic plant database showcasing plants from the entire country representing her divergent plant habitats and unique climates. Such an initiative should be funded and supported by the government for protecting and conserving our plant resources for our future generations.

Saikat Kumar Basu, Canada