Printed Word
There was a time, not very long ago, when people regarded “something” as official only and only when it was printed in the Gorkhapatra. Till 1990 there was total state control over the media and the Gorkhapatra was the state’s “mouthpiece”. It told us everything we needed to know and nothing more. All that has changed and the oldest broadsheet newspaper is struggling to create a new identity and space for itself in the new Nepal of free press/media. All print media, including the Gorkhapatra, struggle for survival all over the world in the digital world of the social media. The Gorkhapatra has been witness to so much in Nepal and globally since 1901 and at ECS we are very happy to bring its story to you. We wish the publication all the best in the years ahead.
Talking about history and publications, some of the best books on Nepal and its history have been researched and written by the Jesuits. Some of us are also fortunate to have been taught by these Jesuits as well. This contribution to research, writing and teaching is something we are all appreciative of and at ECS we are proud to bring their story to you as well. Books like Karunamaya, The Rise of the House of Gorkha and the Buddhist Monasteries of Nepal are collector’s masterpieces. They also set a very high standard for future students and scholars of history and Buddhism.
The Sajha (public) buses are back on the streets of Kathmandu. They are big, they are green and they move people from one end of the city to another. People generally seem to love them and they are here to stay. They are safe, they are clean and quiet and are managed by well behaved and uniformed staff. We need more of them on our streets. ECS is happy for the Sajha bus.
In this issue of ECS we are also happy to bring you images and stories from different parts of Nepal whether you are flying there, taking a bus or hiking. There is simply no shortage of amazing destinations to attract each and every one of us. As they say in Hawaii, “When the heavens weep, the earth lives”. The monsoon is here and it is green all around. Everything is starting to live again. It is a wonderful time to be travelling around the country. We are glad that rice planting has become a tourism product in itself. The monsoon also needs to be a tourism product. I have always wondered if rich families in the Gulf countries would come to Nepal for the monsoon. It is quite a sight.
History has often been referred to as “his story”. Through the life and achievements of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, we are going to get an insight into another aspect of Nepal, the struggles of women and of Nepal’s society’s challenges. Her life story is going to provide vital insight for young people, and young women to learn of how we have made great strides in Nepal. ECS is proud to feature her story in this issue as well. From great places to eat and great places to shop, from the art and craft to the best places to stay, we have it all in this edition of ECS. Whatever you are planning on doing this month, please make some time for the Nepali way.
