Justice to the original:

Translating a text or book into another language is a painstaking job and many a time justice might not be done to the original text. Now, Muna Madan, one of the most admired Nepali epics, is going to be translated (THT, Nov. 5). Although the epic is thin, there is an immense wealth of literature — ranging from philosophy to transcendentalism. The epic speaks volumes about Nepal and its peace-loving citizens. It encourages harmony and brotherhood. Muna Madan is also close to the heart of Nepali literature and music. Any translator, without the sound knowledge of the age-old and eternal Hindu treatises, can’t do full justice to the epic and the poet. The publishers have to make sure that the beauty of the epic is not lost in translation.

Yuva Raj Baral, via e-mail

Sacrifice:

Aditya Man Shrestha, in his article “Nepali politics,” published in THT on November 8, has rightly said that the “unexpected are happening” in this country and politics is taking strange turns. It is high time the political forces united to end the present stalemate. The three political forces — the King, the seven-party alliance and the Maoists — should come to an agreement if they have any sense of patriotism left. I agree with Shrestha’s ideas, especially about the King’s role. As suggested, the King could “renounce the throne and fall back on history deriving inspiration from his ancestry.” But the main villains right now are the monarchists rather than the monarch himself. The royalists want to enjoy personal benefits and defame the institution of monarchy.

Thakur Lamsal, Koteswor

Doing yoga:

Swami Ramdev’s sessions in the morning reflect the popularity of his exercises, especially the pranayam, among Nepalis. I read Alankar Khanal’s Midway piece “By Swamiji’s grace”, published in THT on October 27, regarding the popular teachings, which are very helpful. People of all ages have taken to it. His words like “If you want to have peace do love each other instead of killing each other” or “It is only through love that you can have peace” capture people’s minds. So by doing pranayam, you will forget your ego and negative thinking and achieve peace and development. People need to be healthy physically, mentally and intellectually and be inclined towards positive thinking. This is one thing we need very badly at the moment. It seems that this exercise is best suited to our egoistic politicians. All should find time from their busy schedule to do some meditation.

Mangal P Shrestha, Indrachowk

Rethink it:

On Constitution Day, it would be better if all Nepalis reflected on what went wrong in the past decade and a half. The people never had the opportunity to practice real democracy. Even today, the leaders are confused about it. Since the people did not understand the meaning of democracy, a few politicians and their henchmen took advantage of it and amassed huge wealth. It is time to rethink the Constitution and evolve a mechanism for reducing corruption, promoting good governance and respecting human rights.

Aruna Tamrakar, Kathmandu University