Apropos of the news story “Parliament unlikely to have 33pc women representatives” (THT, November 2, Page 1), this is clearly a sacrilege, a contempt of the constitution. Is it possible for parliament to function, or even exist, without fulfilling the mandatory constitutional provision of 33pc women representatives?

Should not the EC, a constitutional body, demand that the parties field 33pc women candidates to fulfill the constitutional requirement? We should have 33pc women in the parliament. If not, we could hold a series of elections until we have the required ratio of female lawmakers.

In their excitement to bag the seats and chairs, the male politicians are fast ignoring the contribution and sacrifices made by over 50pc females to establish democracy in the Himalayan Republic. This is not acceptable. Even in the dark days former king Mahendra had invited, or ‘imported’ if you like, a few women from Darjeeling to act as inspiration for Nepali women to acquire education and participate in business and public affairs.

Now that we are basking in the bright lights of democracy, with constitution demanding 33pc women, we simply cannot do away with this important constitutional provision. All the parties should correct their mistake committed deliberately or inadvertently without any further delay, and ensure 33pc or more women in the fray.

While the parties are trapping local businessmen in their parties as their candidates, no one seemed to give two hoots to those who have earned name and fame outside the country, “Dozens of businessmen in election fray” (THT, November 5, Page 6).

Manohar Shrestha, Kathmandu

Foreign name

I am scribbling down this piece to focus on why Nepalese are feeling low spirited to keep their own names for the colleges and schools that they have established in and outside Kathmandu.

Why do we need names of American states for our college? Why can’t we extend our own local name so that the international community may be enticed  when we can produce remarkably best and bright students out of our own schools. We need to carry our own reputation in the world. We should not try to live under the shelter of others brands.

A few years ago, I published my own English Dictionary and named it “Falang English Dictionary”. This made the sea of Australians curious about the name “Falang”. I had an opportunity to explain about my village Falang to the media and the local people here in Australia. I could have named my dictionary as saying “Melbourne English Dictionary” in order to draw attention of people from across the world.

However, I did not choose to do so because I had a moral responsibility to promote the name of my own birthplace no matter how many people tend to show interest in it. Be proud of your own country and local words and names. For example, The Himalayan Times. This is not the name of a peak of America or Russia.

Shiva Neupane, Melbourne