Python In Trouble

Today, a python was seen in Bharandhabar jungle at the side of the highway about 200 m. ahead from Tikauli checkpost.

Passers-by, mainly drivers and passengers swarmed in jungle to have a glimpse of this rare creature and there was sudden traffic jam on the road.

Sweater Distribution In Schools

Books for Nepal distributed warm sweaters to some 186 students of Kirantar School and to 173 students of Pokhari School with financial support from Global Action Coalition.

The sweater distribution program has been held recently in respecive schools in presence of parents of students, teachers, members of school management committee and representatives of different organizations. Children are happy to wear new and warm sweaters.

Progress Of 'Books for Nepal'

Books for Nepal, a non-governmental and not-for-profit making organization, has been registered in District Administration Office, Chitwan (Regd. No. 067/68/3) on July 20, 2010 and in Social Welfare Council, Kathmandu (Regd. No. 30318) on July 25, 2010 with aim to support schools and students especially in rural hill region of Chitwan district for their educational development. It also involves in the health, sanitation, environment conservation and awareness programs with the mutual understanding and cooperation of like-minded organizations.

Dr. Pralad Yonzon...In My Memory

Dr. Pralad Yonzon

(May 21, 1951 - October 31, 2011)

When I worked for the then King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation back in 1996, my colleagues usually talked about the great projects and achievements of Dr Pralad Yonzon in the field of wildlife research and conservation biology. Since then I had a desire to see him.

Chestnut In A Decade

There are plenty of chestnut trees (Nepali: katus) in the mix forest of Chitwan hills. Other deciduous tree species include chilaune, jamuna, mauwa, saur etc. Leaves of katus are locally used to make roof while timber has been used to build house and make furniture.

However its fruit holds the significance as it is widely consumed by people. They eat chestnut either raw or roasted but the roasted one is more delicious. Chestnut is one of the important ingredients in the festival of Tihar. Local people sell chestnut in nearby market as there is huge demand of chestnut during this time.

Make New Friends

Sitting on wheelchair in his musical lab in Bagbazar, my friend Rajkumar Malakar, a classical guitar instructor, was explaining the horrific incidence of the recent earthquake that shook whole country. First computer and its accessories trembled followed by swinging movement of the building and he rushed down to the street. In open and spacious space, he found himself surrounded by people from all walks of life: businessmen, servicemen, police, armies, laborers, technicians, professionals, drivers and leaders.

Lost Rhino

Shreeram, operation in charge of United Elephant Co-operative Ltd, Sauraha, invited me to have elephant safari with him into Baghmara Community Forest in search of rhino which is becoming elusive in the forest recently.

He informed me that rhino has not been sighted for almost 10 days in Baghmara Community Forest and adjoining Chitrasen Community Forest. But, it used to be seen commonly just a month ago. It is a worry for private elephant entrepreneurs who are organizing the elephant back safari for the visitors.

Health Program In Gadi

With full of passion and enthusiasm to help rural people of Nepal, 5 French volunteers (Ophelie, Eddine, Khalil, Rafik and Camille) arrived in Upardang Gadi, the beautiful hill village of Chitwan, in mid monsoon.

During 3 weeks of their stay, they helped people to build 15 smoke-less stoves, 15 simple-pit latrines and also distributed the basic medicines (paracetamol, antiseptics, tapes and bandages) to school such that people would have easy access to basic treatment.

Slacklining In Chitwan Hills

Some French volunteers are now in Upardang Gadi to help the rural communities in health and agriculture sectors. Monsoon is in full swing and there is lots of rain this year, especially in the hills. Despite the inhospitable weather and blood-thirsty leeches, volunteers are focused in their work.

Apart from the work, they are also enjoying slacklining, the sport of walking on the flat nylon rope tentioned between the two anchor points.

Arresting Bees

It sounds weird to arrest bees that roam around freely but Som Bahadur Praja, 27, does this job immaculately.

When he sees the swarm of bees, he chases them throwing fistful of earth continuously upon them.

Food Program In Kolar School

Food Program was organized in Shree Mahakali Rastriya Prathamik Bidhyalaya, Kolar (Kolar School). This year, Books for Nepal with financial support from Global Action Coalition has started the food program in two new primary schools in Chitwan hills (Kolar and Dihitar School).

Kolar School, lies in Shaktikhor VDC, is about 2 hours of uphill walk from Shaktikhor. Some 90 students (all are Chepang) are studying in this school.

New Sprout Of Coffee

In the first week of April, I went to Pokhara and brought one kg of coffee seeds (two varieties: yellow katurra and chhetradip) from District Coffee Producers' Association.

We intended to do the organic coffee plantation in Upardang Gadi area because Chitwan hills (altitude range 1200 - 1900 m) is regarded as good region for coffee plantation.  

A Big Radio In Mamaghar

People usually have nostalgic feeling of their past events that have been ingrained in their memory. We love to share the delightful childhood memories to family and friends and most of the time we make fun of the stupid activities that we involved with. We spent hours thinking about the most enjoyable moments of school and college life. Those events, entertaining or depressing as they are, have been instrumental to shape our life in one way or other.

Spiny Babbler At My Doorstep

We had early morning breakfast at the cottage in Upardang Gadi and then we followed the small trail that led us to the forest.

We heard the call of numerous birds at the either side of hill just before the edge of the forest. Our binoculars and telescope were positioned to focus on the birds to have a glimpse of those tiny but beautiful birds. Warblers, prinias and bulbuls were fidgeting under the bush singing melodious song.

School Art Program

When I asked little kids to make art of their choice on white paper with colors, they stared at me with puzzle look.

Santa sir told that they were doing the painting for the first time. Apart from pencil drawing of different figures in their copy, school kids in the remote hills are not familiar with painting with colors in large white sheet.

Drink Real Coffee !

In early January this year, Edwige, (president, Soleil-Vert, France) sitting at the restaurant in Sauraha and drinking a cup of coffee, talked about the possibility of planting coffee in the hill region of Chitwan. 

Earlier, I had accompanied her and her friends to Upardang Gadi, the beautiful hill area of Chitwan, to initiate school support programs.