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The Lumbini Development Trust has entered into an agreement with a private company, bypassing the public procurement regulations, for the excavation and construction of a stupa within Gautam Buddha’s ossuary mausoleum in the Nawalparasi Ramagrama area. 

The agreement includes the acquisition of 116 bighas of private land and a 99-year lease on 120 bighas. 

Lharkyal Lama, the Vice-chairperson of the trust, initiated the process despite reservations from the Department of Archaeology, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and the Ministry of Finance.

According to the terms of the agreement, the excavation of the ossuary and the construction of the stupa, Buddhist monasteries and other structures representing different countries will take place in Ramagrama. 

“To facilitate this, approximately 116 bighas of private land, 75  kathas of the land owned by the trust, and 10 kathas of land owned by the Department of Archaeology will be integrated and leased to the private company,” the trust says.

According to the agreement, the trust will be responsible for acquiring the land from locals, while the Moksha Foundation will unify it, and the Promised Land Pvt Ltd will manage it. 

The agreement was finalized without a competitive process among companies. The Moksha Foundation, reported to have an office in Singapore, is identified as the primary investor. The estimated cost of the project is around Rs 7bn.

Nikesh Adhikari, the owner of the Promised Land, is the son of Sharada Prasad Adhikari, the landlord of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s Khumaltar-based residence.

It is said though the project was in the pipeline for some years, progress was hindered due to a lack of transparency in investment. The project was greenlit after Lama assumed the position of Vice-chair of the trust on 6 Aug 2023.

Lama is a controversial figure who in the past has been charged with various crimes, such as illegal possession of firearms, possession of dual citizenship and passport, and accumulation of illegal wealth. He is also a former lawmaker of the CPN (Maoist Center). 

On 12 Dec 2023, Prime Minister Dahal himself had laid the foundation stone for the stupa construction and excavation project at Ramagrama. The event, co-organized by the Promised Land and Ramagrama Municipality, saw the prime minister pledging to restore, conserve and develop the Ramagrama Stupa area.

Recent revelations indicate that the project is being initiated without following due procedure.

As per the agreement, the land in the Ramagrama area is leased until the year 2179 BS. Despite this, the agreement lacks clarity on how public land will be acquired and what preconditions will be set. This raises concerns about the transparency and legitimacy of the project.

In transactions involving public financial administration, obtaining prior consent from the Ministry of Finance is mandatory. For this project, the ministry expressed disagreement, citing the absence of a clear proposal regarding the investment reliability and background of the involved companies.

Additionally, the Department of Archaeology conveyed a letter to the Trust, emphasizing that no agreement should be made concerning heritage excavation and the construction of physical structures. As the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Archaeology expressed reservations, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation also advised the Trust against proceeding with the project. 

Gyanin Rai, the trust’s spokesperson, did not respond to the ApEx request for comment. Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati was also out of reach. 

Lama issued a statement late Monday, defending his involvement in the project. The statement reads, “Neither the Trust has the authority to acquire private lands, nor does the Trust have the funds to do so. No steps have been initiated regarding this project since I assumed the Office.” However, Lama did not respond to the ApEx request for comment.

Moksha Foundation had submitted a proposal on 21 April 2023 saying that they will partner with the Promised Land to invest in the project. The Promised Land also committed to guarantee the investment in a letter dated 30 April 2023.

According to Suresh Suras Shrestha, the head of the Culture Division at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the current situation warrants a halt in the process. 

“There were numerous issues in the proposal, and both the Department of Archaeology and the Ministry of Finance have advised against moving forward,” he says. “The ministry and the archaeology department will now engage in discussions to determine the next step.”

A mountain flight has begun from Nepalgunj to Kailash Mansarovar at the initiative of tourism entrepreneurs' associations.

Although the flight was scheduled to begin last Saturday, thick fog weakened visibility, resulting in a two day delay.

Tourism entrepreneur Keshav Neupane said the mountain flight would help recover declining business and help identify tourism destinations for Indian tourists. "At least one flight for Indian tourists in the season will contribute to boost tourism activities," he believed, adding that the view of the Kailash Mansarovar is an alluring site indeed.

Another tourism entrepreneur Dr Om Mishra, expressing happiness over the successful conduct of mountain flight after a long struggle on Monday. Even Nepalgunj city is being established as a tourist destination, he claimed.

Moreover, Banke chapter Chairman of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), Shreeram Sigdel, shared that the new initiative is also linked to Nepalgunj's future in terms of financial upliftment. He also stressed making effective Nepalgunj-Pokhara air connectivity to boost tourism.

Indian tourists who reached Kailash Mansarovar in a mountain flight from Nepalgung felt happy.

A hotelier in Nepalgunj, Punam Bhusal, said, "It certainly helps augment the tourism industry."

The Kailash Mansarovar, located in Tibet, is a common holy site of Hindu and Buddhist people. It is visited largely by the Hindus from Nepal and India.

The Martyr Day is being celebrated by organizing various programs across the country today. The Day is observed in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country and people.

At different times of history, many people fought for liberty, freedoms and democracy and got martyrdom in Nepal. In commemoration and tribute to them, week-long programs are organized from Magh 10 to 16 every year.

In 2012BS, then Kathmandu Municipality began coordinating the programs organized in honor of the martyrs. It has continued till date.

In response to the demand of democracy, civic rights and liberty, Shukra Raj Shastri was executed by then autocratic Rana regime at Pachali, Kathmandu on Magh 10, 1997; Dharma Bhakta Mathema at Siphal, Kathmandu on Magh 13 and Ganga Lal Shrestha and Dasharath Chanda at Shova Bhagawati, Kathmandu on Magh 15 the same year.

A morning rally is being organized from Shanti Batika, Ratnapark to Lainchaur. Kathmandu Metropolis has informed that the event would be attended by the Prime Minister, ministers, high level officials of Nepal government, along with march-past from security bodies. The known and unknown martyrs would be paid tribute at the martyrs' monument, Lainchaur.

However, there is public concern that the dream of martyrs is not fulfilled.  

Fashion has always represented liberation. People have distinct dress codes for different occasions, such as official and informal gatherings, parties, and more, which they refer to as fashion. However, fashion is subject to change over time and in line with emerging trends.

Fashion is an individual’s individuality, not merely a fad. Who asserts that individuals lack the autonomy to select their identity? No matter what group, gender, age, nation, or location we belong to, we are free to adopt any trends we like. The way we present ourselves increases our self-esteem. And that’s their liberty, is it not?

To be accepted by society, we don’t have to dress up or adhere to a certain style. We can be ourselves.We need to make decisions based on our own needs, not those of others. Many people’s perceptions have been affected by stereotypes for millennia. Individuals make assumptions about other people based on their preferred clothing choices or style. It is not required to adhere to the conservative convention. Nothing compares to “for a specific body type.” Since everyone should be able to wear whatever they like, it shouldn’t exist.

Women in Nepali society are frequently made fun of for the kind of clothing they choose to wear. Because wearing a saree or kurta is supposed to be representative of the so-called ‘society’, the traditional society still holds this belief. However, why? What's wrong with not donning a saree instead of just a t-shirt and pants? Setting someone up with a dress code is inconvenient. Everybody is aware of the boundaries and the degree to which they must be adhered to.

Let’s discuss something else regarding fashion. Your favorite thing to do is fashion. For instance, in certain societies, having a tattoo is seen as defying social standards. In many cultures, it is also considered odd for a boy to have long hair or a nose piercing. Similarly, certain societies do not accept girls who wear their hair short; they believe that girls need long hair. Why is this the case, and how can it be changed?

Is it convenient?

It’s acceptable for fat individuals to wear fashion, for ladies to wear short skirts, for tattoos and belly piercings, and for boys to have long hair without anyone objecting to it being inconvenient. Instead of being a tyranny that you are forced to follow, fashion should be democratic. Breaking the mold of what men and women should look like in their ideal attire, we need to be willing to try new things in our quest to find the perfect style—fashion that adheres to conventions while also being personal. It is not possible for people to start adopting trends based on the opinions of others. Acceptance of oneself is more important than acceptance of others.

Being democratic and free to make any decision you wish is more significant. One way to express oneself is through fashion. That’s what gives you comfort, empowerment, and confidence. It goes beyond clothes alone. Your favorite haircut is a component of fashion as well. The significance one has on dress speaks volumes about oneself. Making clothes for yourself will also provide you happiness. Everyone ought to pursue their personal interests. If someone else isn't fond of it, that’s fine too. You have the flexibility to wear whatever makes you feel good about yourself and to follow your own style. You are free to select items that accentuate your identity and give you a sense of confidence.