Language barrier

Apropos of the edit page article “Devkota centenary” (THT, Nov 5), the author,

Vijaya Chalise, says that works of Nepali literature should be translated into foreign languages to extend its reach internationally. That’s a great idea. However, literatures belonging to other national languages should also be accorded similar treatment.

Similarly, great classical works of foreign writers should be rendered into Nepali and other national languages. The contribution of the government and academic institutions like the Nepal Academy and the Sajha Prakashan could be of immense help. It should be recalled that quite a number of Nepali writers were greatly inspired by great Indian and English

literary figures of their times. Bal Krishna Sama could become one of Nepal’s best dramatists as he was an avid reader of the best plays in foreign languages. Familiarity with foreign

literatures and writers also prevents writers from being self-complacent.

Yadav Khanal, Tripureswor, Kathmandu

Message

Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has won the US presidential election by a huge margin. His victory as the first African-American president of the United States

proves that the US has come a long way since African-Americans were designated as slaves. Till little over a century and a half ago, African-American citizens in some of the southern states could be lynched and killed with impunity.

However, America has demonstrated to the world the true meaning of justice and equality. In

contrast, even as we Nepalis have entered the new republican era, the three big political parties, the CPN-Maoist, the Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML still continue to be dominated by the upper-caste elites.

Only a few parties that have been advancing identity-based politics, namely, the Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum (MJF) and Tarai Madhesh Democratic Party (TMDP) have been able to bag coveted positions. I hope the recent events in US political history will teach political leaders of the big parties to offer equal opportunities to the people from the marginalised and downtrodden sections of the society.

Dr Chhering Yonzon, Kathmandu

An end

This is in reference to the news report “Historic, landslide win for Obama” (THT, Nov 6). The American voters’ overwhelming support for Barack Obama heralds the end of the country’s tortuous racial history.

Let us hope that once Obama assumes his office come Jan. 20, the history of discrimination and injustice meted out to the black community will come to an end once and

for all.

Arjun Prasad Tiwari, Butwal, Rupendehi

Unfair

The government has announced a 10-hour power cut in all areas throughout the capital

every day.

However, this seems to apply to common people only. With the victory of Obama, the history of discrimination might have come to an end in the United States. When can we expect our leaders free us Nepalis from darkness?

Tsering Choezom, via e-mail