ECS |Enriching Life The Nepali Way

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Gear-up for Yamaha’s R1

Morang Auto Works, the sole distributor of Yamaha Motorcycles in Nepal, launched Yamaha YZF–R1 (Popularly known as R1), the much awaited Superbike. Priced at NRs.15.5 lakhs, R1 is powered by a state-of-the art 1000cc liquid cooled in-line four cylinder engine. Race track innovations like the use of YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) and YCC-I (Yamaha Chip Controlled-Intake air funnels) offer superb control and linear horsepower enhances man-machine interaction in a much better way than was possible just a few years ago. Slipper-type back torque-limiting clutch greatly facilitates braking and downshifting from high speed. Dual 310mm front discs; radial mount forged 6 piston calipers and rear 220 mm disc: single piston caliper, generate the kind of braking power a bike like R1 requires. With the wheel base of 1415mm and dry weight of 177 Kg, the bike comes fitted with fuel tank capacity of 18 litres. The Yamaha-R1 which boasts six-speed gearbox with triangulated shaft layout for great strength, compactness and quicker acceleration, reaches a top speed of 300 km/h. Cool headlights provide great illumination and distinct style, while the LED taillight is light, bright and highly efficient. Since the Yamaha R1 is an innovation percolated directly from the Moto-GP racetrack, it cater to riding enthusiasts and bike lovers who understand the value of true riding’ experience.

International Music Day celebration
Alliance Française in Kathmandu organized a three days jamboree of music and arts to celebrate Fête de la Musique (the World Music day). The event was marked with programs like workshops, free concerts and lectures held at different venues within the valley. Nepal Sangeet Vidhyalaya, Nepali Folk Musical Instrument Museum, Yala Maya Kendra, Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory and Gurukul joined hands with Alliance Francaise to organize the event. The workshops on music held on June 18th included awareness and training on Traditional Nepali Music by the Nepali Folk Musical Instrument Museum, introduction to Tharu Folk Instrument by Nepal Sangeet Vidhyalaya and a Jazz Lecture presented by Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory. A round table to discuss the situation of music in Nepal was held on 19th June with professionals coming from different music background sharing their knowledge and experiences. A free rock concert at Durbar Marg on June 21th marked the end of the International Music Day celebrations in Kathmandu.

‘Americans for UNFPA’ Lauds Women rights activists
The UNFPA Nepal Country Office Representative organized an event to acknowledge the efforts of grassroots workers who make exemplary contributions to women’s health (i.e. safe motherhood, family planning, HIV prevention) and/or the promotion of women’s rights (i.e. prevention of gender-based violence, promotion of education for women/girls). This award is given to honor individuals whose work promotes women rights in challenging circumstances. The recipients of International Health and Dignity of Women Awardees were introduced at a Press Briefing held at Annapurn Hotel. The International Health and Dignity of Women Award is an honor bestowed every autumn by American NGO- Americans for UNFPA.

Women from Madagascar, Mexico and Nepal were chosen for this year’s award. Ms Aasmani Choudhary was honored for her efforts to uplift the living conditions of the marginalized communities in Dang district with focus on women and children’s empowerment. She is the founding chairperson of the Rural Women Development Center (RWDC). Her organization has been working to reduce discrimination against women by uniting them in the fight for gender equality, justice and dignity for all women, especially the rights of poor and landless women over land and other resources. Other awardees include Mathilde Rabary Ramalalanirina, MD, promoting justice and rights of women in Madagascar; Mar’del Carmen Elu Cayado, pioneer for women’s health, particularly safe motherhood, in Mexico. The honorees receive a $5,000 grant to support their in-country programs at the Americans for UNFPA Gala on October 7, 2008 in New York City. During a week of activities in the U.S, Ramalalanirina, Elu and Chaudhary will share their experiences and accomplishments with American audiences to build global understanding of and support for women’s health and rights.

Surya Nepal Masters 2008

Nepal’s largest professional golf tournament, the Surya Nepal Masters concluded last month with participants, altogether 81 professionals and 22 amateurs, from Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Nepal competing for various titles. In the past years the readership and following on golf may have been little but this year many were enthusiastically following the tournament to see the Nepali professionals holding on to the crown that was won last year by Deepak Thapa Magar. Unfortunately that didn’t happen, however, the records set in the tournament will drive the local players to uplift the standard of their skills and improve their game in the days to come.
Shamin Khan, a professional golfer from India, played superb golf for four days and didn’t allow anyone in the field to come close sealing the victory. He was able to post a few records in the tournament. His opening round of 62 (10 under par) broke the course record by a shot and his winning score 23 under par was 10 better than the previous record. After 36 holes, it seemed that Shamim was already cruising for victory and the rest of the players were competing for the second place. With the victory Shamim took away NRs 3, 24,000. Sri Lankan star Anura Rohana moved to the second place defeating Vijay Kumar and Gurbazz Mann on the last few holes. Deepak Neupane was best amongst the Nepali professionals, with a total score of 284 (four under par), he was tied 7th and bagged NRs 47,000.
This year the tournament was much more exciting for amateur golfers too as the sponsors made an effort to include the regions finest players for both individual and team competitions. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India had sent teams for the event. Bangladeshi amateurs team swept away the victory and Team Nepal represented by Rupak Acharya and Tashi Ghale came second. Individual Best Amateur prize was won by Shahid from Bangladesh.

Aakarshan Interiors has been a pioneering institution for home making and decors for more than a decade now. With infused creativity and persistent updates in the trends and features of its products, Aakarshan interiors has in fact contributed in providing evolved comfort lifestyle to the masses. The expertise of Aakarshan in matters of wrought iron furnishings is further marked by the launching of its new line of products.
This time Aakarshan has deviated from the general trend and focused more on experimenting with the metal to bring forth its raw goodness. With an assistance from a European expert in metal forging, Aakarshan has come up with the concepts and methodology that is one of its kind and sustainable in the local context. These techniques make minimum use of electricity and focus more on hand forging, which is an initiative of the institution to counter balance the pressures of load shedding as well as to make the best use of local craftsmanship. This traditional approach to metal forging in fact allows the essence of the metal to burgeon, accentuating the details of its natural texture, color and structure rather than
suffocating its crude charms with artificial luster. Even so, the designs have a customized approach, very novel compared to others that are generally available in the market. This line of product are selectively designed and finely hand-crafted

to highlight a rustic and natural bend. The collection includes accessories that range from chandeliers to lamps, candle stands, mirror, crowns and much more.
Aakarshan’s approach in introducing new sets of skill in metal-forging has indeed helped the local craftsmen to diverge out of the ordinary generally practiced techniques and provide a creative dimension to the whole of wrought iron products. With contemporary designs fused with traditional techniques, Aakarshan has combined the integrity of both aspects to create a new and sophisticated trend in wrought iron works. This has definitely proved that Aakarshan is the pioneer and is always a step ahead when it comes to wrought iron furnishings and designs in Nepal.

By Ujeena Rana

As a wind ensemble conductor, clinician and adjudicator, Dr Gene Aitken is a well known name among jazz musicians worldwide. He is also one of the busiest music educators in the world spending his time all over the globe.
Dr Aitken has completed his doctorate studies in Higher Education Administration, Music Education and Computer Science. In February 1997, Dr. Aitken was presented the State of Colorado’s highest arts honor, the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, in recognition of his national and international contributions to music and music education. He received the United States top jazz education honor by being named the 2007 Jazz Educator of the Year by DownBeat magazine and the seventh inductee into DownBeat Magazine’s Jazz Educator Hall of Fame. But more than a jazz educator, he prefers to call himself a music educator.
Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory invited the master of music education to Nepal as a US Cultural Envoy. ECS Magazine shared a brief moment with him. Here we have a part of the interview:

Why is music important to life?
Art is a part of any intellectual society and music flourishes in that society which approves the bill for ‘freedom of expression’. Music provides comfort to mind, allows interaction with others, and unites people irrespective of their political stands, economic disparity and geographic boundaries. On July 2007, the Houston-based American Voices organized a 10-day festival in the performing arts ‘Jazz Bridges Combo and Big Band’ at Erbil, Iraq, uniting the Shiites, Sunnis, Kurds and Christians. That was something extraordinary. Also China has now realized the importance of music and I was there in May 2007, conducting China’s top military band, the Military Band of the Peoples’ Liberation Army of China, in Beijing.

Why do you suppose music education is necessary?
Everyone is attuned to music; however, a student of music without the systematic coaching of the teacher learns slowly, falls short of the technicalities mandatory to garnish his skills and he abstains himself from the learning tips, which only a teacher can supply. A student can figure out mathematics on his own, most probably even science, but with music it’s different. A music coach acts as a catalyst, aiding the students to perform more effectively and efficiently. There is no other feeling like seeing your student strike the right cord.

How did the visit to Nepal materialize?
One of the reasons behind my coming to Nepal is KJC (Kathmandu Jazz
Conservatory). I knew about the institution, its endeavors at producing young musical talents, its active participation in transforming the system of music education, and that interested me. Mariano (E. Abello), the director of KJC, and I corresponded through e-mails for weeks and finally I came here through the U.S. Embassy as a US Cultural Envoy to guide the students and music educators of Nepal for a period of two weeks.

How do you view the music scene in Nepal?
Honestly, I did not know about the music scene in Nepal prior to my coming here. After my meeting with the young Nepali music enthusiasts, I have come to appreciate the level of dedication inculcated in them, their undying cravings towards learning new things, and their list of unrequited queries waiting to be answered. I even conducted workshops for educators; music teachers from different institutions in Kathmandu. It was a fruitful project because they are the ones who will shape the future of music in Nepal.