Madhes Province Chief Minister Yadav fails to secure trust vote
Madhes Province Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav on Wednesday lost his confidence vote.
He sought the vote of confidence at the Province Assembly meeting this evening.
Of the 103 lawmakers present at the meeting, 50 votes were cast in favor of Yadav 53 votes were cast against him.
The Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal-led government collapsed after he failed to garner a vote of confidence.
This has paved the way to form a new government in the Madesh Province.
The central coalition is preparing to form a new government under the leadership of Janata Samajbadi Party.
Earlier, the Janata Samajbadi Party had made an agreement with the CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center) to form a new government.
However, the party had tried to rope in Madhav Kumar Nepal-led CPN (Unified Socialist) and Mahantha Thakur-led Democratic Socialist Party in the government.
Though the CPN (Unified Socialist) had voted against Chief Minister Yadav, the party has not been able to make a decision on whether to join the government or not.
Meanwhile, the Nepali Congress and Thakur-led Democratic Socialist Party had voted in favor of Yadav.
New Sankalp from Sadhana in Kanniyakumari
The biggest festival of democracy, the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, concludes in our nation, the Mother of Democracy. After a three-day spiritual journey in Kanniyakumari, I have just boarded the plane for Delhi. Throughout the day, Kashi and numerous other seats have been in the midst of voting.
My mind is filled with so many experiences and emotions... I feel a boundless flow of energy within myself. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are the first in the Amrit Kaal. I began my campaign a few months ago from Meerut, the land of the First War of Independence of 1857.
Since then, I have traversed across the length and breadth of our great nation. The final rally of these elections took me to Hoshiarpur in Punjab, the land of the great Gurus and a land associated with Sant Ravidas Ji. After that, I came to Kanniyakumari, at the feet of Maa Bharti. It is natural that the fervor of the elections was echoing in my heart and mind. The multitude of faces seen in rallies and road shows came in front of my eyes. The blessings from our Nari Shakti…the trust, the affection, all of this was a very humbling experience. My eyes were getting moist... I entered into a ‘sadhana’ (meditative state). And then, the heated political debates, the attacks and counter-attacks, the voices and words of accusations which are so characteristic of an election…they all vanished into a void. A sense of detachment came to grow within me...my mind became completely detached from the external world.
Meditation becomes challenging amidst such huge responsibilities, but the land of Kanniyakumari and the inspiration of Swami Vivekananda made it effortless. As a candidate myself, I left my campaign in the hands of my beloved people of Kashi and came here. I am also grateful to God for instilling me with these values from birth which I have cherished and tried to live up to. I was also thinking about what Swami Vivekananda must have experienced during his meditation at this very place in Kanniyakumari! A part of my meditation was spent in a similar stream of thoughts.
Amidst this detachment, amidst the peace and silence, my mind was constantly thinking about the bright future of Bharat, the goals of Bharat. The rising sun at Kanniyakumari gave new heights to my thoughts, the vastness of the ocean expanded my ideas, and the expanse of the horizon continuously made me realize the unity, the Oneness, embedded in the depths of the universe. It seemed as if the observations and experiences undertaken in the lap of the Himalayas decades ago were being revived.
Kanniyakumari has always been very close to my heart. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari was built under the leadership of Shri Eknath Ranade ji. I had the opportunity to travel extensively with Eknath ji. During the construction of this memorial, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Kanniyakumari as well.
From Kashmir to Kanniyakumari... this is a common identity that is deeply ingrained in the heart of every citizen of the country. This is the ‘Shakti Peeth’ (seat of Shakti) where Maa Shakti incarnated as Kanya Kumari. At this southern tip, Maa Shakti performed penance and waited for Bhagwan Shiva, who was residing in the Himalayas. Kanniyakumari is the land of confluences. The sacred rivers of our country flow into different seas, and here, those very seas converge. And here, we witness another great confluence—the ideological confluence of Bharat! Here, we find the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar, Gandhi Mandapam, and Kamarajar Mani Mandapam.
These streams of thought from these stalwarts converge here to form a confluence of national thought. This gives rise to great inspirations for nation-building. This land of Kanniyakumari gives an indelible message of unity, especially to any person who doubts Bharat’s nationhood and the sense of unity. The grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar in Kanniyakumari seems to be looking at the expanse of Maa Bharati from the sea. His work Thirukkural is one of the crown jewels of the beautiful Tamil language. It covers every aspect of life, inspiring us to give our best for ourselves and for the nation. It was my great fortune to pay respect to such a great figure. Swami Vivekananda once said, ‘Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfill, a destiny to reach.’
For thousands of years, Bharat has been moving forward with this sense of meaningful purpose. Bharat has been a cradle of ideas for thousands of years. We have never considered what we have acquired as our personal wealth or measured it purely by economic or material parameters. Therefore, ‘Idam-na-mama’ (this is not mine) has become an inherent and natural part of the character of Bharat.
Bharat’s welfare benefits our planet’s journey to progress as well. Take the freedom movement as an example. Bharat gained independence on 15 Aug 1947. At that time, many countries around the world were under colonial rule. Bharat’s independence journey inspired and empowered many of those countries to achieve their own freedom. That same spirit was seen decades later when the world came face to face with the once-in-a-century Covid-19 pandemic. When concerns were raised about the poor and developing countries, Bharat’s successful efforts provided courage and assistance to many nations.
Today, Bharat’s governance model has become an example for many countries around the world. Empowering 25 crore people to rise above poverty in just 10 years is unprecedented. Innovative practices such as Pro-People Good Governance, aspirational districts, and aspirational blocks are being discussed globally today. Our efforts, from empowering the poor to last-mile delivery, have inspired the world by prioritizing individuals standing at the last rung of society. Bharat’s Digital India campaign is now an example for the entire world, showing how we can use technology to empower the poor, bring transparency, and ensure their rights. Inexpensive data in Bharat is becoming a means of social equality by ensuring the reach of information and services to the poor. The whole world is witnessing and studying the democratization of technology, and major global institutions are advising many countries to adopt elements from our model.
Today, Bharat’s progress and rise are not just a significant opportunity for Bharat alone, but also a historic opportunity for all our partner countries around the world. Since the success of the G-20, the world has been increasingly envisioning a bigger role for Bharat. Today, Bharat is being acknowledged as a strong and important voice of the Global South. The African Union has become a part of the G-20 group at the initiative of Bharat. This is going to be a crucial turning point for the future of African countries. The development trajectory of Bharat fills us with pride and glory, but at the same time, it also reminds the 140 crore citizens of their responsibilities. Now, without wasting a single moment, we must step forward toward greater duties and larger goals. We need to dream new dreams, convert them into reality and begin living those dreams.
We must see Bharat’s development in a global context, and for this, it is essential that we understand Bharat’s internal capabilities. We must acknowledge Bharat’s strengths, nurture them, and utilize them for the benefit of the world. In today's global scenario, Bharat’s strength as a youthful nation is an opportunity from which we must not look back. The world of the 21st century is looking toward Bharat with hope. And we will need to make several changes to move forward in the global scenario. We also need to change our traditional thinking regarding reforms. Bharat cannot limit reforms to just economic reforms. We must move forward in every aspect of life toward the direction of reforms. Our reforms should also align with the aspirations of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India) by 2047.
We must also understand that reform can never be a unidimensional process for any country. Therefore, I have laid out the vision of reform, perform, and transform for the country. The responsibility of reform lies with leadership. Based on that, our bureaucracy performs, and when the people join in with the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, we witness a transformation taking place.
We must make excellence the fundamental principle to make our country a ‘Viksit Bharat’. We need to work quickly in all four directions: Speed, Scale, Scope, and Standards. Alongside manufacturing, we must also focus on quality and adhere to the mantra of 'zero defect-zero effect'.
We should take pride in every moment that God has blessed us with birth in the land of Bharat. God has chosen us to serve Bharat and fulfill our role in our country’s journey toward excellence.
We must redefine our heritage in a modern way while embracing ancient values in a modern context. As a nation, we also need to reassess outdated thinking and beliefs. We need to free our society from the pressure of professional pessimists. We must remember that freedom from negativity is the first step toward achieving success. Success blossoms in the lap of positivity. My faith, devotion, and belief in the infinite and eternal power of Bharat are growing day by day. Over the past 10 years, I have seen this capability of Bharat grow even more and have experienced it firsthand.
Just as we utilized the fourth and fifth decades of the 20th century to impart a new momentum to the freedom movement, we must lay the foundation for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ in these 25 years of the 21st century. The freedom struggle was a time that called for great sacrifices. The present times call for great and sustained contributions from everyone. Swami Vivekananda had said in 1897 that we must dedicate the next 50 years solely for the nation. Exactly 50 years after this call, Bharat gained independence in 1947. Today, we have the same golden opportunity. Let’s dedicate the next 25 years solely for the nation. Our efforts will create a strong foundation for the coming generations and the coming centuries, taking Bharat to new heights. Looking at the energy and enthusiasm of the country, I can say that the goal is not far away now. Let us take swift steps… let us come together and create a Viksit Bharat.
These thoughts were penned by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 1 between 4:15 pm and 7 pm during his return flight from Kanniyakumari to Delhi
The delights of banana blossom
The banana blossom, scientifically known as Musa acuminata, is the edible flower of a wild species of tropical and subtropical banana. Believed to have originated in Malaysia, it spread to India and Myanmar over time. In Nepal, we call it ‘bungo.’ My mother’s family, who hailed from Burma, often made ‘bungo ko achar’ at my maternal home. Though technically a fruit, the banana flower is often cooked as a vegetable. In Sri Lanka, for instance, it’s used in dishes like vazhaipoo (stir-fry) and keselmuwa (curry). Additionally, banana flowers can be steeped as tea and taken as a nutritional supplement, offering a pleasant, slightly sweet, and floral taste.
Banana blossoms are packed with health benefits. They contain significant amounts of potassium, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and E, as well as powerful flavonoids like quercetin and catechin. These nutrients can alleviate joint discomfort, increase bone mineral density, and reduce osteocalcin levels, thus preventing osteoporosis. Furthermore, banana flowers are rich in fiber, potassium, calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and vitamin E. This robust nutritional profile contributes to a range of health benefits.
Nutritional Value (per 100g)
Energy: 51 kcal
Protein: 1.6g
Fat: 0.6g
Carbohydrate: 9.9g
Fiber: 5.7g
Calcium: 56mg
Phosphorus: 73.3mg
Iron: 56.4mg
Copper: 13mg
Potassium: 553.3mg
Magnesium: 48.7mg
Vitamin E: 1.07mg
Recipe: Bungo ko achar (Banana blossom pickle)
This tongue-tickling pickle is a unique preparation frequently made in my maternal home whenever the banana tree yields a flower. Here is our family recipe:
Ingredients
3 cups chopped banana florets (from approximately 3 medium-sized flowers)
60 grams tamarind (size of 2 lemons, make a thick extract in water)
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
15 medium-sized long green chilies (finely chopped)
1/4 cup chili powder
1 tablespoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon asafoetida
Salt to taste (approximately 1/4 cup)
1 cup sesame oil
Method
Remove the dark purple-pink petals from the banana flowers. Detach the florets attached to the base of the flower and immediately place them in water mixed with a spoon of curd.
After removing all the florets, take each floret and eliminate the thick dark stamen in the center. Chop these finely and put them back into the curd water.
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and splutter the mustard and cumin seeds. Add the asafoetida and reduce the flame.
Add the chopped green chili and sauté until it loses its moisture.
Drain the florets and add them to the oil. Sauté well for a few minutes.
Pour in the sesame paste, salt, turmeric powder, and chili powder. Simmer until the pickle thickens. Finish with lemon juice.
Ensure the pickle is thick enough so that when you drop a spoonful onto a plate it doesn’t flow.
Remove from heat, cool, and store the pickle in a sterilized bottle at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
Note: This pickle stays good for about a month at room temperature. It can be used as a condiment for various dishes, serving as a side dish to complement the main meal.
Recipe: Banana flower salad
Ingredients
3 cups chopped banana florets (from approximately 3 medium-sized flowers)
60 grams tamarind (size of 2 lemons, make a thick extract in water)
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
15 medium-sized long green chilies (finely chopped)
1/4 cup chili powder
1 tablespoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon asafoetida
Salt to taste (approximately 1/4 cup)
1 cup sesame oil
Method
Remove the bracts of the male banana blossom and discard the developing mini bananas. Save the large colorful bracts for decorating the serving dish.
Remove the bracts and developing fruit until the bract color changes to a pale hue. Save the flowers on tiny ovaries that will eventually develop into bananas for the salad.
Soak all mature flowers in water in a bowl. Remove the pistil and tiny translucent bract-like structures. Discard these.
Wash the prepared flowers in clean water and boil for approximately 10 minutes until tender. Discard the water and gently squeeze the cooked banana flowers to drain excess water. Spread them on paper towels to dry further.
Boil potatoes, skin them, and cut them into half-inch cubes.
Dry roast sesame seeds and peanuts separately, then grind them separately into a fine consistency in a food processor.
Mix the cubed potatoes and boiled banana flowers in a dish. Add ground sesame seed and peanut, salt to taste, and lime juice. Mix well.
Heat cooking oil in a small pan until smoking. Add fenugreek seeds, chopped chilies, and turmeric powder. Stir until fenugreek seeds turn black. Quickly pour this mixture on top of the salad and mix well.
This salad is now ready to serve and offers a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy banana blossoms. Both recipes showcase the versatility and health benefits of banana blossoms, making them worthy of a place in your kitchen. Whether enjoyed as a tangy pickle or a flavorful salad, these dishes offer a unique taste of tradition and wellness.
The author is a UK based R&D chef
A brisk tour of Kathmandu’s heritage sites
The Buddha Purnima is over but peace and bliss is very much in the air in the studios of Nepal Art Gallery (the venue of the exhibition titled Deities of Nepal-II, which started on May 21 and will remain open till June 10) drowned in a stream of mellifluous music in the midst of a cacophonous concrete jungle.
Two lion-like, friendly-looking creatures (Sharduls?) welcome you as you enter the modern building that, frankly speaking, does not have much to offer in terms of traditional architecture of Nepal. But then it will be wrong to judge the council by its building as it has done quite a lot since its establishment in 1962 to promote Nepal’s art and craft.
As you enter the building and turn right, a spacious gallery draws you. There, next to a beautiful idol of Ganesh, the divine remover of obstacles, Tsering Phonjo Gurung`s monastery (medium: Canvas), adorned with colorful windows and prayer flags, appears to rise with the clouds, unlike the modern-day centers of faith that rise on the lap of Mother Nature, obscuring Nature herself, particularly one of her finest creations, the lush-green woods.
Close by, gently rises Priyanka Karn´s Patan Krishna Mandir in Mithila style (medium: canvas), with ‘Hare Krishna’ in a yellow background, bringing a generous touch of Mithilanchal. Karn appears to bring Mithila finesse and fertility to the ruggedness of the mountains that the Shikhar (mountain-like) style seems to represent.
In a large canvas titled Snapshot(s) of Lalitpur`s Heritage(s) (acrylic & oil color), Raju Chitrakar offers glimpses of the archaeological heritages of Lalitpur, the city of fine arts.
In a background of Ashtamangal (eight auspicious symbols), he presents in broad strokes shrines and the presiding deities of those shrines.
Among other heritages, the canvas sports the Kumari Chhen and the living goddess, Matsyendranath and his abode in Patan, Shakyamuni Buddha in his lotus posture and his stupas at Lagankhel and Pulchowk.
Gushing with water, traditional stone spouts of the Kathmandu valley come to life in Rabita Kisi`s artwork, which is part of her Dhungedhara series VII. While a plastic vessel is quenching thirst, another eagerly awaits, symbolizing, perhaps, a parched urban jungle`s eternal quest and thirst for water.
Bishal Maharjan`s Makara (acrylic on canvas) presides over a corner with its coiled snout, leaving a powerful impression that a finely executed piece of artwork never fails to do.
Close by, Naresh Sundar Sainju`s piece of art titled Bramhayani Shakti Pith-Treasures of Ancient Panauti (medium: acrylic on canvas) perhaps offers a glimpse of our ancient heritages slipping into oblivion because of our collective neglect.
Mixed perhaps with the artist´s sad mood at a poor state of affairs vis-a-vis the preservation of our history, it seeks to send a powerful message to the rich and the powerful, who would do well to wake up before it’s a little too late.
Jyoti Prakash`s 108 Ganesha (mix media) stands out, both in terms of size and price. The remover of obstacles, by the way, has a formidable presence also in the form of Sushma Rajbhandari´s Ashok Vinayak (acrylic color), one of Kathmandu Valley’s four principal Vinayaks.
Other vignettes of the valley’s socio-religious-spiritual-cultural milieu are all there, in the form of royal palace squares, Lokeshwars, Lakhe dance, shrines in the midst of busy thoroughfares and ancient temples bathed in modern street lights.
At the center of all this stands Chandra Shyam Dangol’s Bauddhanath stupa carved in stone, with Buddha’s all-seeing eyes looking in every imaginable direction in the form of universal consciousness. Indeed, there’s no escaping his all-seeing eyes.
While trying to read into the artworks on display, this scribbler had almost forgotten to notice the gallery wall displaying what appeared like a complex web of nerves. He was already quite tired and chances of him getting lost into the web were pretty high.
A marathon tour
Then and there came Amish Joshi, an amicable guide and a BFA (first year) student. Showing the way through wide and narrow roads and alleyways of the valley, Joshiji explained that the web of nerves was, in fact, the interwoven network of roads connecting the valley and the idea behind this exhibition was to offer people glimpses of the valley’s architectural heritages, including the major shrines located along the arteries.
Only then did this scribbler come to know the reason behind his exhaustion: An hour-long, marathon visit of major heritages in the valley had taken its toll, leaving him with no energy to move further. After catching a breath, as this scribbler hit the road again, the sweet music from the art studio drowned and cacophony prevailed, making him wonder how on Earth artists find the peace of mind to create works of art in the midst of chaos.
Safety of artworks
Summing up, a piece of art is simply invaluable and Nepal is home to art lovers, who have high regard for artists and their works of art. Still, there are elements around the world, who even seek to desecrate works of art. Nepal’s art fraternity, including artists, art studios and relevant government authorities, should leave no stone unturned to ensure the safety and security of artworks.
