Granny in the frontline

One wonders what is so

invigorating for this grand mama to be on the frontline of the daily demonstrations gripping the Valley for the last one month? Does she know the 14 years of misrule perpetuated by the political parties in the name of democracy? Does she know that restoring of “democracy” so that these parties get back to their cherished power of authority is not a panacea for all that ails this country? She, an old village woman away from much source of news as to what is going on in the country, has suddenly been catapulted into prominence, enjoying media attention and is being exploited as a pawn but drawing sympathy from every quarter. God forbid, if some day her poor frame gives up and she dies in one of the confrontations with the riot police, she probably will be declared a martyr by the same people who brought her here, inciting further violence. Why, these political parties have repeatedly failed to apologise to the masses for their misdeeds when they were in power so long, only looking of their own interest. Perhaps this would have touched the heart of the people and would have been more fruitful in achieving and restoring democracy. But they are vain people who will admit to doing “ some mistake “ but not any deliberate act to harm the interest of the country. This is one of the main reasons of the genesis of the Maoist movement. Now it is in no way to condone the sphinx-silence of the Monarch, who has been hopeful about the army containing the insurgency but so far it does not seem that despite our army getting equipped with enough modern arms and gunship helicopters, any real achievement has been made. Now that the country needs more soldiers in this situation to send another 3000 men for United Nations Peace duties surprises every one. Solution to the quagmire the country is in, is the unity of politicians and monarchists to somehow recognise the common enemy and try to do away with it, getting back the peace through the long cherished election.

Bishnu Sharma, Jamal

Misquoted

In an article about the book release of Herman Hesse’s “Siddhartha” in Nepali translation published on April 29, your reporter has quoted me as having said,” both the translators have performed their duty perfectly without distorting the meaning of the original ‘Siddhartha’.”

Unfortunately, this is not what I said. Instead, I have said, “Translation is not an easy task. In countries like Germany and others, translation has become an academic discipline at the university because of its complexity and importance. The translators deserve to be congratulated for having made an effort. While reading a translation, we are not interested in reading the translator’s view but the words of the author. Translation and also the one which has come in front of us today, will be judged by the specialists for its truthfulness to the original and by the general reader for its style or quality of language.”

Dr Manfreud Treu, Campus of International Languages

Privilege?

Thanks for the publication of the article “Charming Chennai” written by Madhukar SJB Rana with photographs on May 2004. The article seems to be an experience of the writer about Chennai that he shared which can be advantageous to those seeking to visit the place. Very surprisingly the same text of the article appeared in the daily The Kathmandu Post, the same day. I wonder, this sort of special privilege can be enjoyed by a very few. Oj Man Simgh Shrestha, CERID, TU, Balkhu