Kathmandu:

The year has finally come to an end, it had joyous and gl-oomy days. And of course the year had its own share of unprecedented events that will remain with us forever. Some of our well known personalities share with us the events that they will reckon with when they think of the year 2007.

Anil Chitrakar, Heritage expert

I think one of the most significant things of 2007 was that at Taj Mahal they put up a sign indicating that US $ would not be accepted there. I think this showed how the world is changing. The other thing I noticed was how hackers were looked at in a different way this year. They pushed others to invent better and improved systems. So, hackers were seen as creative people who led others to come up with better inventions. I had a chance to see Airbus 380, which was quite impressive, and the guy who got the A1 seat had bought it for a $100,000 when the seat was auctioned on the net. I really liked the Simpson’s movie, which was quite interesting and since it dealt with environmental issues, it was quite good. However, the elections not being held on time was a negative sign.

Sanket Lamichhane,

Managing Director, Linez Pvt Ltd

Prashant mania will certainly be the thing I remember most about 2007 as it made such a huge impact in everyone’s lives. The Indian Idol passion which took over the entire nation was amazing, how all cultural and caste barriers were broken. It was an urge for a Nepali to succeed and was a really unifying moment. At midnight when he was declared the winner it was a really charming moment. The change of guards, the way the whole system is changing how the PM took over all the monarchical duties and functions be it in the parliament or in cultural aspects, real changes were seen this year.

Bhuwan KC, Actor

In 2007 I made a movie called, Ma timi bina mari halchu after a long time and that kept me busy throughout the year. The whole experience while making the movie is unforgettable for me.

Sapna Pradhan Malla, Advocate

Monks coming out on the streets in Myanmar for peace and democracy is the most positive image of the year 2007 for me. To see the monks coming forward in such a strong way to bring democracy is really a positive indication. In the personal front I went to Afghanistan this year to review the anti-trafficking law where I met many Nepalis working there. When I met them I saw this expectation that I would help them

but due to my assignments and limited mobility I

was unable to fulfil their

expectations. This made me feel very sad.

Anudan Jung Rana, CEO, Constellation Pvt Ltd

This year my son got admitted in The Lawrence School in Sanawar, so most of the time I was travelling to the place and it kept me pretty busy for most part of the year 2007. Another remarkable incident for me was the launch of iPhone as I got one for myself too.

Ashish Syangden, RJ

Of course staying in the long queues for fuel will be the most unforgettable thing for me. If I was to add up the time I spent the queues for petrol it would be around a month.

Salil Kanika, Musician

Among the international events I remember the Live8 concert where artistes came together for a very noble cause. It had a huge significance for the awareness about global warming and its effect towards the destruction of the planet. If you think in terms of belonging to a family or country then we are many but as a planet we are lonely, so its up to us to preserve it. As for the personal front I was involved in doko radio which was very satisfying, I felt that even such small initiatives help to bring big change. I made a tour across Nepal, to Darchule, Humla and other places and the experience gave me insight, thoughts and thread of dreams.

Pravin Jung Raymajhi, Bar and Event Manager, 1905

This year worldwide ‘global warming’ was given a good coverage and even the Nobel Peace Prize was given to those who were trying to awaken us about the negative impact this has on earth. As for Nepal the most memorable would be the scarcity

of petroleum, LPG, electricity and of course the ever-occurring bandhs. Personally,

I was happy to help out

and be a part of the ‘Himalayan Blues festival 2007’. Wait and watch for the festival next year we will be Bluesing again.