5 work life balance - Standard Chartered2 Panchatatwa 3 Message from the CEO 4 From the Editorial...

work lifebalance

the world is a stage

ISSUE 1, DECEMBER 2009

THE MAGAZINE

5

12

work lifebalance

the world is a stage

5

12

2 Panchatatwa

3 Message from the CEO

4 From the Editorial Desk

5 Chat it up: Work Life Balance

8 The Art of Photography

11 A Trip to Muktinath

12 The World is a Stage

14 At Home

16 Face to Face with Avi

18 Book Review

19 The Way

20 SCB Moments

22 A Peep into MBC & ABC Trek

23 Keynesian Stroke in the

21st century

23 Timi

24 Photo Feature

26 Langtang Trek

Panchatatwa is a Sanskrit term, wherein 'Pancha' means 'five' and 'Tatwa' means 'truth' or 'reality'. 'Panchatatwa' represents the five elements from which life evolves - Prithvi (earth), Apas (water), Tejas (light), Maruta (wind) and Aakash (sky). At Standard Chartered, we have five values which make up the distinct SCB Culture:

Courageous - We stand up for what we believe to be right. We accept accountability and take calculated risks.

Responsive - We listen to our customers and colleagues and build strong relationships based on mutual respect. We work quickly, thoughtfully and effectively to deliver the best solution.

International - We value our diversity. We share standards and best practice. We work together, as one team across the Bank, for the benefit of our customers.

Creative - We are innovative and imaginative in working with opportunities and challenges. We continuously improve the way we work, making it simpler, better and faster.

Trustworthy - We do what is best for the Bank and our customers. We deliver on our promises and work to high standards. We are reliable, open and honest.

Disclaimer: The ideas, views, expressions in the various articles of this issue of Panchatatwa Magazine are those of the writer mentioned. It does not reflect the views of Standard Chartered Bank.

Please send us your feedbacks to [email protected]

Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited has been in operation in Nepal since 1987.

The Bank is an integral part of Standard Chartered Group having an ownership

of 75% and the balance owned by the Nepalese public. The bank is the largest

international bank currently operating in Nepal.

Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited offers a full range of banking products and

services in Wholesale and Consumer banking. The bank has been the pioneer in

introducing ‘customer focused’ products and services and aspires to continue to be

the leader in introducing new products and in delivering superior services.

Standard Chartered is built on teamwork, partnership and the diversity of our people.

Contents

For more information visitwww.standardchartered.com/np

28 MJ: Living my Dream

28 Rain

29 Shayna

30 Sharing Best Practices

30 For Confession

31 Tears

32 The Story of the Homeless,

our National Programs and

My Heart’s Happiness

33 Kathin Bhayo

34 The Red Festival

36 The Dynamics of NC IC

Exchange Rate

38 Unexpressed Words

38 Sketch

38 Walkathon 2009

ON

TH

E C

OV

ER

Design: Amnil Technologies

Printed in Nepal

www.standardchartered.com/np 3

Hinduism pronounces “Panchatatwa” as the convergence of five elements to form the human body. For SCB it is the convergence of thoughts, ideas, aspirations, creativity and suggestions to form a reflection of the SCB culture. I extend my wishes to the newly constituted Editorial Board for coming up with the new issue. I hope the momentum continues with the reformed team and we scale new heights year after year through this intellectual elixir.

I take pride in asserting that we have achieved milestone after milestone in the journey of SCB towards excellence. Along with being upright in terms of financial performance, we take great pride in being adjudged the best brand of the country. Nevertheless, we all need to be mindful of the fact that this pride instigates great expectations and responsibilities- expectations of all our stakeholders and our responsibility to fulfill them.

The times are turbulent and immense opportunities lie camouflaged- both organic and inorganic. I urge upon you to act in unison with each other to extract these opportunities. I am confident that with a strong team like ours no target will remain unattainable. I solicit your support to continue living the SCB culture and to continue being the BEST.

Cheers

Sujit MundulChief Executive Officer

Message from the CEOI welcome you to the first issue of The Panchatatwa Magazine.

Panchatatwa’s transformation from a newsletter to a magazine

is yet another prominent feather added to SCB Nepal’s glorious

cap. Now is the opportunity to make good use of this widened

rostrum to add wings to your thoughts and enthuse the world.

C E O ' S M E S S A G E

4 Panchatatwa

First and foremost we express our deepest gratitude to the CEO, Mr. Sujit Mundul, for his trust in us to carry forward the resonant legacy of Panchatatwa.

After brainstorming as to whether Panchatatwa should remain the same or go for a drastic change with the new editorial team, a middle approach was chosen. Its essence remains the same. It continues to be our platform of sharing ideas, thoughts and experiences. However, we hope you will feel a fresh aroma as you turn the pages. We hope you wish that there was more of it when you close the last leaf.

We are also extremely proud to announce that Panchatatwa has not only grown from a quarterly newsletter to a bi-annual magazine, it has also crossed the boundaries of SCB-Nepal by reaching out to our external stakeholders. By bringing Panchatatwa closer to you, our family of contributors and readers has grown bigger than ever.

We thank the writers, poets and other contributors who sent in their expressions. We admit that not everything we received has been published. Filtering was not an easy task but there were precincts to be maintained. Many people inside the bank were also invited to write. We are amazed by the diversity of experience people have in the bank. It was splendid to unveil photographers, music lovers, artists, writers, fanatic readers and adventure lovers amidst full time bankers.

We are immensely grateful for their contribution to this issue-you all were truly our inspiration that kept us going. With your continuous support, we promise you the best of expressions in future as well.

Panchatatwa is here for you.

And in the meantime, we wish you Happy Reading…

From the Editorial Desk

We are amazed

by the diversity

of experience

people have in

the bank. It was

splendid to unveil

photographers,

music lovers,

artists, writers,

fanatic readers

and adventure

lovers amidst full

time bankers.

E D I T O R I A L

L to R: Anjani Amatya, Anish Dixit, Ashutosh Mani Dixit, Pranu Singh, Rabi Rayamajhi, Ibha Baidya

4 Panchatatwa


“Work Life Balance” – the expression that was first used in late 1970s to describe the balance between an individual’s work and personal life, has now become major concern for all working individuals – subtly or profoundly. Over the past decade, there has been a substantial increase in work which is felt to be due to an intensely competitive work environment among other factors. There has also been a notable increase in workplace violence and rise in absenteeism level along with rising workers’ compensation claims which are evidences of an unhealthy work life balance. Employee-Assistance professionals state that there are many causes for this situation ranging from personal ambition to the pressure of family obligations.

Lets us now have a view of what our eminent group of participants had to say about Work Life Balance. The participants were:1. Chitra Bista-Cash Supervisor-

Lalitpur Branch2. Deependra Thapa-Product

Head, Auto Loan3. Mamata Shrestha-Assistant

Manager- Consumer Support Unit-CB

4. Shalini Parajuli-Assistant Relationship Manager-Development Organizations

5. Sunil Pokharel-Senior Business Development Manager- Transaction Banking

Work Life Balance to you- What and How?Deependra is with SCB for the last 12 years and believes that work life balance is attained by ensuring that both your organization and the people who wait for you at home are happy. For him, it has always been the quality of time that has mattered more than the quantity when it comes to making his family feel better.

An employee of SCB for 18 years, Sunil conceptualizes work life balance to be very subjective which depends upon the nature of the individual. He feels that even in similar work situations different individuals may take different length of time to wrap up a job. He also highlighted that the role of Human Resource Department (HR) is vital in this regard. He recommends undertaking of appropriate research initiatives to unearth the status of work life balance among employees of the

Chat it up Work Life Balance

“Chat it Up” is a

regular section of

Panchatatwa in

which selected

participants from

the SCB staff are

invited to discuss

on a given topic

over a cup of

coffee. The

subject matter

for the first "Chat

it up" discussion

is WORK LIFE

BALANCE.

Panchatatwa Editorial Board

C H A T I T U P

6 Panchatatwa

organization with the consideration that individuals differ in their basic work life related values. Living with three dependants in the family, he cautions that the imbalance in work - life can create an alarming situation, leading to frustration and even resignation in extreme cases.

For Chitra, mother of two, the role of the organization and the support of the family are the two most crucial aspects in maintaining a good work life balance. Having spent over 18 years in SCB, her personal experiences suggest that an imbalance in work -life can lead to the direst of consequences including a social shun if we fail to attend to certain social obligations.

Mamata’s work life depends upon the demand of the environment she is working in. She is glad to have adjusted well into different timings offered by different job roles during her tenure of over 23 years with the bank.

Shalini believes that apart from the individual’s responsibility, the role of the line manager in the organization is crucial in the issue of balancing

work-life. She recommends a proper analysis of an individual’s job description and the work hours.

The employer perspective also emerged out evidently from the discussion. The group felt that it is also the responsibility of the employer to play a facilitative role in his/her work life balance. Flexi- time arrangements were also thought to be a welcome initiative in certain functions where individuals get some leverage to choose the duration and timing of their work hour.

Changing work life priorities over course of one’s career…To Deependra, it is definite that one’s work life priorities change over time. He feels that people enjoy the maximum liberty when they are single. Subsequently, compromises have to be made after they get married and have children. Father of a three year old son and husband to a working lady, he realizes that working couples might go through tough times while moving on their respective professional careers and strongly feels that this is something we have to cope with and be adaptive along with the passage of time.

Sunil PokharelSenior Business Development Manager- Transaction Banking

Chitra BistaCash Supervisor- Lalitpur Branch

Deependra ThapaProduct Head, Auto Loan

Mamata ShresthaAssistant Manager- Consumer Support Unit-CB

Shalini Parajuli Assistant Relationship Manager-Development Organizations

C H A T I T U P


Chitra has a different opinion. For her, family was more important during the initial years of her employment and it was only after her two children grew up that she could focus more on her career and welcomed more challenging roles. She has also enrolled herself into Exec-MBA morning classes and is seemingly satisfied with her routine.

While family is of utmost importance to Mamata, Shalini’s priority is giving cent percent to her job. Married for three years, she feels fortunate to have a highly supportive family. However, she has kept her options open to change her stance once the family extends.

Creative ways to manage time for your family…Having worked in SCB- Afghanistan for three and half years, Sunil reminisces how tough it was for his family to see him off after every visit. Now that he has shifted to Nepal permanently, he makes sure he spends his weekends together with family. He has also started bonding and socializing with his old friends whom he had missed for all these years.

Deependra feels that it is vital to understand family’s expectation rather that committing on some quantitative numbers (hours) to please your family. He has a fixed schedule throughout the week which includes dropping his child to school and his wife to her office. Mostly, he ensures he spends sufficient time with his child even if it means carrying home some work or getting up early in the mornings. Like

Sunil, Deependra’s weekends are also dedicated to his family.

Along with spending weekends with family, Mamata also sets aside sometime for pampering herself.

Shalini firmly believes that small things can really matter for your family like bringing home some take-away dinner for them on the way back from work. “It doesn’t take much effort but can bring togetherness and thus a lot of happiness”, she quips.

Saying “No” to your boss…Shalini highlights that with good understanding between the boss and his employee, declining of any request for something more urgent should not be a problem.

Deependra feels that both the boss and the employee need to formulate alternatives in case of a conflicting situation. However, he feels that the nature of the situation will ultimately dictate the request and the final approval from the boss.

For Sunil and Mamata, the manner of communication with the boss is crucial. They observe that the same applies to the boss as well when he is entrusting the subordinate with any task.

Reachable at all times- To be or not to be…Deependra has a strong agreement for being reachable as he feels one might lose good business opportunities

otherwise. At the same time, he says it is good to be reachable not just from the perspective of work but from that of family and relatives as well.

Mamata does not have a habit of turning cell phones off either but admits that sometimes she has missed calls unintentionally. She expresses her satisfaction that people from work do understand that you have a family life as well and avoid calling you at weekends unless it is an emergency.

Being a salesperson, Shalini never switches off her mobile phone as well either and wants to be reachable.

Work Life Balance at your organization…Deependra believes that the issue of work life balance is pervasive in every organization whether or not it is talked about. The fact that it is in discussion at the moment would mean that the subject is of importance to our organization.

Shalini, with five good years with SCB, strongly feels that the organization is definitely concerned about its employees’ work-life balance. Visible elements would include the alternate Sunday Offs, Happy Fridays as well as other numerous initiatives undertaken by the bank for the staff.

Is your Work Life balanced? A big Yes from all!


C H A T I T U P

Chitra: “The main mantra to manage work life balance is a positive attitude towards life. I also believe in touching hearts of people rather than minds. It’s an encouraging factor when you are appreciated by friends, customers and colleagues for going out the extra mile to help them and understand their problems. This really boosts my morale and keeps me motivated at all times. Despite being busy, I exercise to keep myself fit. I’m an early riser (4 am) which helps me manage my classes and work. Before going to bed. I always thank god for all the experiences-good or bad, which I had during the day.”

Work-Life Balancing Mantra…in their own words….Sunil: “Work Life Balance varies over time. The right balance for today will probably be different for tomorrow due to changes in your work/ life style. Along with that, the balance is different for each of us due to our different personal / professional priorities”.

Deependra: “To me Work Life Balance means managing our own selves. I have a habit of preparing work plan for each day and follow it thoroughly. My morning starts from 4.30 am which also includes Vipassana (meditation) and physical exercise. I believe Work and Life both are equally important for us like two sides of the same coin. Hence I religiously follow this mantra so that I don’t overlook any one side by just concentrating on the other.”

8 Panchatatwa

P H O T O G R A P H Y

The Art of Photography

It does not matter

what equipment you

carry. Camera is

only the tool; the real

difference is created

by the person behind

the camera.

8 Panchatatwa


Sanam ChitrakarMortgages, Consumer Banking


We all must have taken photographs, one

time or the other; in birthdays parties,

picnics, in any other social gatherings or

just like that. We most often are not happy

with the picture quality and wonder why our

photographs are not as good as the ones

we see in different magazines and yearn for

the same quality level.

So, do we really need to invest in expensive cameras and lenses to take nice photographs? If you ask me you don’t. The first key to taking a good photograph is having the vision. Good pictures are all about having the ability to see the possibility of a good frame and also being in the right place, at the right time! Most fantastic photographs are very rarely planned. It all depends upon your power of observation. Take a time to look carefully and you’ll begin to see photo possibilities all around. It does not matter what equipment you carry. Camera is only the tool; the real difference is created by the person behind the camera.

Camera with high mega pixel does not necessarily mean better photograph. If you are a beginner, go for a compact digital camera that takes fairly good pictures. If you are a photography enthusiast and know basic things about photography, get a Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera that is within your budget. With the DSLR camera you will have more control over camera.

Here are few photography tips and techniques to take better pictures:

Direction of lightingPhotography is all about light and its source. Try to pick a time when the sun is low in the sky or shoot early morning or late afternoon. Shooting pictures of people with the sun too high in the sky can cause harsh shadows on the face and squinting eyes. In such cases, use flash to even out the harsh light on the object, which would also result in better clarity of the picture.

Shooting in the early morning or late afternoon gives a warmer color and

10 Panchatatwa 10 Panchatatwa

pictures appears to be with more pleasing effect. Most digital cameras have White Balance (WB) setting. Proper adjustment of WB setting (Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy etc) enhance the picture tone and quality.

Camera FlashMake sure your subject is within your flash range. Keep your subject away from walls so that you can avoid ugly black shadow which looks like an outline. Shadow of the subject will not show up against a dark background.

CompositionIt is not always compulsory to keep your subject at the center of the frame. Try to capture the subject with different angels and perspective.

Sometimes having everything in focus in the frame distracts the main subject. You can have your main subject in focus and keep the background slightly blurred with different settings of shutter speed and aperture. If you refer to your camera guide/manual you will learn more about the manual setting of shutter and aperture to have depth of field effect.

Use Different ModesAll digital cameras come with certain basic default modes settings e.g. Portrait, Landscapes, Sports, Night scene etc. You may be required to change your mode

settings appropriately to suit your need. An advance setting comprises of creative zone with Manual, Apertures Priority (AP), Shutter Priority (TV) and Programmed (P) which allows you to freely adjust different settings- shutter speed, aperture etc.

ISO SettingISO denotes how sensitive the image sensor is to the amount of light. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the image sensor, therefore more is the possibility to take pictures in low-light situations.

Set on “ISO Auto” mode, your digital camera will automatically adjust ISO level in different lighting conditions. You can also manually adjust the ISO level to have correct exposure. Setting the higher ISO will result in more noise (grains) in the picture.

It is definitely up to the photographer to use his/her skills to the best of one’s ability. Following the basic rules can help you get the best possible frames. However, to be able to take good pictures depends upon the extent you develop your photographic skills. Ensure that you refer to the latest trends in photography and be up-to-date with the developments as well. And of course, be creative and let your imaginations soar. So, Practice, Practice and Practice…………….. share your photographs with friends and ask them to comment and click more!

Enjoy clicking!!!



This year, during Dashain holidays, I had an opportunity to visit the Muktinath temple, located in the Mustang district of Nepal. This was my second attempt and the first successful visit to the temple – my last year’s attempt, unfortunately, couldn’t materialize due to the last minute flight cancellation.

My friend and I flew to Pokhara and stayed a night there. We reached the airport early in the morning, much earlier than the last time not wanting, in anyway, to experience previous year’s disappointment again. Luckily this time, the plane did take off and I was able to heave a sigh of relief. The scenery from the plane was very enticing. We were flying through narrow mountains, over broad rivers and very close to the majestic Himalayas that had turned golden with the glow of the rising sun. It was a truly breathtaking sight - a treat for sore eyes.

As we got off at Jomsom airport, a cool breeze forced me to pull on my jacket. We checked into a hotel and settled ourselves in.

After breakfast, we walked to a nearby place where we could hire four-wheel-drives for Muktinath. We began our bumpy journey through the barren mountains. The road was very narrow and the driving skills exhibited by the young and inexperienced driver was nothing short of horrifying.

The climate was cool and dry. On the southern side we could see barren sandy mountains with big holes in them. I was told that these holes were inhabited by meditating Buddhist Lamas. The view on the northern side was more glamorous with several beautiful series of silver Himalayas. We took a short halt at a place from where Marpha village was clearly visible. The red roof of the famous Red House of Marpha was shining brightly. The house has been visited by many renowned personalities. It is situated on a steep mountain on the banks of the Kali Gandaki river. Buddhist monks used to live there and it has now

been serving as a storage place for many old religious artifacts of Buddhism.

Above the hill the village looked like a beautiful painting, surrounded by the mountains with small clusters of houses, apple orchards and buckwheat fields with pink flowers. Wonderful waves were created when the flowers moved to and fro with the blow of the wind. All the troubles of life seemed to just vanish as I watched all of these. Before snapping back to reality, I captured the beautiful scenes in my camera.

In about two hours we reached the foothill village of Muktinath. Further journey was to be done either on foot or by motorcycle. We chose to walk, though later we realized that we had made the wrong decision as it was not so easy climbing up to the temple. Adding on to our tiresome woes, my friend felt

nauseous halfway through the climb and that had to be dealt with. At last, with great difficulty, we reached up to the temple, huffing and puffing all along.

Reaching the temple was truly a healing experience. On seeing the beautiful temple with two big ponds in its courtyard, we completely forgot that we had just made a very strenuous climb up there. The temple is also surrounded by one hundred and eight natural water sprouts. We bathed in the holy water and went into the temple with our offerings.

It was a divine feeling to be present at the holy temple. At an altitude of 3800m, everything looked small when looked downward. Muktinath temple is perhaps the only temple which is equally worshipped both by Hindus and Buddhists. A perfect harmony of religion – very unique and very inspiring.

Visiting Muktinath was one of my most rejuvenating experiences.

A Trip to Muktinath Temple

E X P E R I E N C E

Reaching the temple was truly a healing

experience.

Meena PantIATA, GTO


12 Panchatatwa

The World is a Stage

Pranu SinghCEO’S Office

The Mania:Summer of 2009 – one could easily discern the whole bank bustling with enthusiasm and energy even after work-hours or long before office started! The raison d’être was the announcement of the mega-event- SCB Drama Mania 2009- a drama competition for the staff.

The event was SCB-Nepal’s latest endeavor to lead the way in staff engagement and also prove its mettle once again in accomplishing what was hitherto considered impossible -at least for full time bankers. An idea tossed by the Country CEO, formulated by the Cultural committee and executed seamlessly by the organizers has now carved a niche for itself in the history of the bank as an event which was truly first of its kind in the banking sphere.

The staff, divided into ten groups, were able to awe the eminent judges from the theater/cinema industry of Nepal alongside the audience. One could hear roars of laughter in a comic scene or could see clandestine tears flowing with the actor’s gloom. The audience was undoubtedly being traversed to altogether a different world along with the emotions and portrayals on stage. So much so that, few performers were considered to have capabilities to challenge any established actor!

The results were announced- winners were euphoric while others were pleased to have participated and amidst much joy and cheer the event was over. However, its imprint is sure to remain afresh in the minds of our people who witnessed history in the making.

Let us now take a glance at what the staff adjudged as “Outstanding Actors” for their respective roles had to say about their experience:

F E A T U R E E V E N T

Scene from Shabda Ra Vastavikta

Scene from Operation Take Back DadScene from Gajab ko Adalat

The event was

SCB-Nepal’s

latest endeavor

to lead the

way in staff

engagement.


E V E N T S

Laden Pradhan

Laden Pradhan – as Siddhartha in “Siddhartha Becomes the Buddha”“My experience of SCB Drama Mania has been absolutely overwhelming. It was a profound and uplifting experience for me. I was reluctant to participate in the play as I knew nothing about acting but I eventually accepted the role of Lord Buddha when the team decided on the cast. As I read the script, I felt immense joy in the innermost recesses of my heart. However on the performance day, as my character waited impatiently behind the curtains at the Gurukul stage, I was overwhelmed with anxiety and nervousness. Then suddenly, I felt a flame lit inside me-very intense and very concentrated. I imagined only light and no one else in the audience. I felt the cloud of anxiety disappear gradually and I felt lighter. The powerful lines of the Lord Buddha by Sri Chinmoy came spontaneously with much confidence and conviction. On receiving much appreciation after the play, I realized that I was a mere instrument; it was the receptive hearts of the audience that accepted the message embodied by the play. I feel very fortunate and equally grateful to the SCB team for their unconditional love and oneness.”

Gautam Lama

Gautam Lama- as Ghuithe in “Gajab ko Adalat”“Ghuithe…Sukeko Gobar…from Gazab Ko Adalat”….did I hear the right thing??? That was my initial reaction when my name was called out for an award for best actor. Working with the group has been a pleasurable experience with the initial hesitation, the nervousness and the eventual euphoria. To put in a nutshell, it has been a journey of mixed emotions and the award for the best actor has been the icing on the cake. Thank you all for the encouragement, the confidence, the support that you have shown. Cheers and a big thank you to the Cultural Committee for coming up with such a brilliant idea. Hope this type of activities will be organized in future as well.”

Sudhir Sharma- as Hakucha In “Gajab ko Adalat”“It was an amazing experience for me as I had never taken part in any drama competition before this event. Winning the outstanding performance award would not have been possible without every one’s encouragement and support. Thank you and “Taremam” to all.”

Sudhir Sharma

Riju Shrestha

Anjan Regmi- as Pasa and Jadiya Maila in “Shabda ra Vastavikta”“I never intended to be a part of any drama. Things happened so suddenly that before I could realize, I was already practicing for my role in the SCB drama mania. All the participants were equally good. More than that, it was all about team work. Reaching Gurukul theatre early mornings for rehearsals, coming to office to indulge in the professional work and reaching home late night after second shift of practice was not an easy task. In my view “Drama Mania” has given us a lesson to blend your personal and professional life in a systematic way. God has given all of us 24 hours per day without partiality and it depends upon individuals how he/she utilizes the given time. For me, the main gist of the “Drama Mania” was providing an opportunity to experiment your time management with your family, colleagues and as a professional. So the “Drama Mania”, in a way, was a real drama of your life.”

Riju Shrestha- as Devi in “Devi”“Participation in SCB Drama Mania was a wonderful learning experience for me. I discovered a new facet of my persona. I am thankful to the management for recognizing my contribution to the event. I am also grateful to my team mates and colleagues for providing me encouragement and support during the event.”

Anjan Regmi

14 Panchatatwa

E V E N T S

The Nepali Theatre:Witnessing the performance mania on the stage, rehearsing in the auditoriums of Gurukul School of Theatre, getting to know the theater artists closely and working with them on the technical aspects, it becomes somewhat impounding on us to ponder upon what the real situation of theaters in Nepal is. Here is a peep into the Nepali theater scene-

Alongside traditional practices, religious activities, festivals, folk songs, dresses, dances, diverse ethnic groups etc, the rich cultural heritage of Nepal has another indispensable ingredient - Theater. Though commercial theater came into prominent existence only a few years ago, Nepal has been involved in some or the other forms of theatrical performances for well over two millenniums. Since then, the concept of theater in Nepal has gradually improvised. From the medieval ages to the 18th century, premiers of the country generally regarded the theater as being an important avenue for personal entertainment. During the mid 1800s, the Rana family created different theatrical troupes and constructed theater houses for the troupes to perform. However, the performances were limited for the royal families. Gradually, there was a merger of traditional theater with western theatrical traditions resulting in more organized productions. It was then in 1948 AD that the first theater performance was staged for the common public by Bal Krishna Sama. It was thus a turning point in the theater history of Nepal.

In a snapshot, Modern Nepali Theatre is believed to have evolved in three stages:• StageOne:Idealistic

theater (1948 AD to 1960 AD)

• StageTwo:Philosophicalor Realistic Nepali theater (1962 AD to 1987 AD)

• StageThree:Contemporary Nepali theater (1987 AD till date)

– Proscenium theater – Street theater

Over the years, the quality of Nepali Theatre as a creative medium has scaled new heights. Theatrical performances have permeated many different aspects of everyday life in Nepal.

To know more about the ground realities, I decided to interview two veteran theater artists who have secured prominent positions in the theater scene of Nepal through their years of dedication and tremendous contribution to the stage. Both of them are the respective founders of the two most renowned theatres of Nepal. SCB-Nepal was honored to have them as two of the esteemed judges in the panel which evaluated the SCB Drama Mania performances.

Mr. Ashesh Malla: Speaking to Mr Ashesh Malla was indeed a treat. He is a man with infectious enthusiasm and positivity. One could easily decipher his passion and love for theater from the conversations. Mr. Malla is the founder and director of Sarwanam theater group. A renowned Nepali poet and fiction writer, he

is also the pioneer of street theatre in Nepal having given 35 years of his life in this field and still continuing strong. He works as a lecturer in Tribhuvan University and is the life member of Royal Nepal Academy. He has published many books of poems, stories and dramas. Sarwanam, established in 1982 A.D has established itself as one of the leading theatre groups in the country.

Mr. Sunil Pokharel:Mr. Sunil Pokharel is a man of succinct words. This simple, composed and down to earth personality makes it almost hard to deem the magic he creates on stage. He and his theater group- Aarohan- has taken the country by storm creating headlines with whatever they pursue.

A graduate from National School of Drama (NSD, India), Mr. Pokharel established Aarohan in 1982 and started a drama school, Gurukul, in 2003 with modest means. Over the years, these two institutions have acquired a national stature. They have produced Indian, European and American plays apart from churning out Nepali classics and contemporary plays. During the last 22 years Mr. Pokharel has been active in the cultural life of Nepal. He has directed and acted in theatre, television, film, radio and has been taking initiative to street theatre and plays in the Nepali villages. His vision is to develop theater activists- in communities throughout the country- who know their history and engage creatively and skillfully in the struggles of the people.

Cloudless sky, nippy breeze –

setting sun;

Surroundings appeared quite attractive.

With an unspoken joy, walking I was

along the green meadow, closer to home.

Your remembrance was knocking me,

- haven’t met you for sometime now.

Your words were visible –

“Live in everlasting peace;

rejoice life with utmost desire to

serve people”.

Mostly oblivious of the path, drowned

I was in this thought!

Questioning myself – “Am I doing so?”

Didn’t know the answer.

Once again thought about you, my friend;

You peep through, smiling as usual!

“What is the confusion?” – you ask.

“Its all in mind – you do your work;

Expand yourself through others –

without expectation,

Get out of your smaller boundary,

& love thy path!”

I could feel you are melting into me;

I’ve now reached home!!!

AT HOMESujit MundulCEO's Office

www.standardchartered.com/np 15www.standardchartered.com/np 15

Presented next is excerpts from the interviews with both of them:

Q. What do you feel about the present theater industry of Nepal? Where do you see its future?

Ashesh Malla:You cannot call it an industry as yet but looking at the present context, it has a high probability of turning into one in near future. Theatrical performances have taken a leap towards an encouraging trend post democracy in the country. Audience is turning to theaters despite the numerous entertainment options available these days. It is also very invigorating to see the younger generation getting more and more interested in theater shows.

Sunil Pokharel:Though theater in Nepal is still at its formative stage, it is progressing towards a bright future. It has been able to make a respectable mark for itself in the South Asia theatre scene.

Q. Are actors born or made?

Ashesh Malla:Some people are born with certain talent. Art is ingrained in them since birth and they are the ones who dedicate their whole life to it. In others, it can be nurtured and polished. However, the difference between the two is somewhat evident, the former being more impactful.

Sunil Pokharel:When you are born you learn your mother language naturally but the correct vocabulary and grammar can only be learnt through proper training and practice. Similarly, every individual is born with acting capabilities but he who excels is the one who works hard towards perfecting it.

Q. Can a full time stage artist survive in Nepal?

Ashesh Malla:No, a full time artist cannot survive in Nepal. I would rather like to state that, in general, the case is similar even in western countries. Most of the artists have other means of livelihood to sustain themselves.

Sunil Pokharel:Yes, a full time artist can survive in Nepal but it completely depends upon the quality of his work and dedication. If the person is convincing enough with his art, he will be well respected and will not have grave problems in earning his livelihood.

Q. Is there any difference in the nature of audience from those of yesteryears?

Ashesh Malla:There is certainly a huge difference in the audiences. Today’s audience is more demanding and possesses a critically intelligent perspective. They want to see quality work.

Sunil Pokharel:Today’s generation is more empowered. They are intelligent and pose questions. They are more cultured and have got critical eyes. They not only come to absorb whatever is being offered to them but have a deep and genuine interest in the subject matter.

Q. Is the cinema industry killing the theatres?

Ashesh Malla:Certainly not. Even though there is an array of choices for entertainment these days given the mushrooming TV channels and movie theatres, people still come to watch theater programs.

I N T E R V I E W

Sunil Pokharel:No not all. Some audiences make distinct choices between the two and opt for any one but they are very few. For majority of people, it can be safely said that both the segment of audience is supplementary and complementary to each other.

Q. Why hasn’t there been any formal education platform for drama in Nepal?

Ashesh Malla:An effort has just been initiated to include dramatics as a subject in the primary level academics. But beyond that, there is no specialization course as such. But I am sure; some initiatives will soon be taken into this direction as well.

Sunil Pokharel:It is a gradual process. Given the present demand for theater, formation of internationally recognized formal training grounds would be inevitable. If a proper Drama School is established in the country, there is enough scope from enrolling students from across South Asia. Gurukul School of Drama was established in 2003 to fill this gap which offers two-year residential courses in dramatics. We are working towards getting affiliation from an international university.

Q. Do you get support from the government or the external agencies?

Ashesh Malla and Sunil Pokharel:No there is no support from government at present. But in recent times, there is some interest being shown by NGOs and INGOs.

Q. How was the judging experience of the SCB Drama Mania? How did you find the bankers on stage?

Ashesh Malla:The performances were beyond our expectations and the actors were truly exceptional on stage. I think a feat of this category and magnitude was first-of-its-kind attempt for any bank in the whole of South Asia.

Sunil Pokharel:It was a very pleasant experience for me. I see it as a commendable effort to combine the corporate world with that of the theater. It was amazing to witness the enthusiasm of bankers on and off stage during the entire course of the event. I hope it revived the energy level of the bankers as well.

L to R: Harihar Sharma, Ashesh Malla, Sunil Pokharel

16 Panchatatwa

The Panchatatwa Editorial Board (PEB) spoke with him few days after to catch his reaction and for a brief chat up, here are the excerpts for you:~

PEB: You just won the Best Batsman at the Soaltee Super Sixes, how do you feel?Avi: Feels good, it’s very inspiring! Would have been great had we lifted the championship title.

PEB: You play and have participated in a variety of games – football, cricket, volleyball, and you have run the Marathon as well – When did your interest in sports start?Avi: It was from school days. I started playing from my very early days. I studied in India and there were two fields to choose from as extra curricular - either music or sports. I chose Sports and that is how it started.

PEB: So, it was from class one that you started playing?Avi:I don’t remember when it exactly that I started, I have always played as long as I can remember…..

PEB: You play so many games, which is your favourite one?Avi: Cricket

PEB: Your favourite sportsperson?Avi: (hmmmss for sometime thinks a bit…) Rahul Dravid – for his calmness and composure.

PEB: we know how busy people are at SCB, when do you get the time to practice and stay fit to play these games?Avi: (Laughs) it’s all about passion. If one is passionate, all the time in the world is there for you. It all boils down to how passionate you are about it. I have always had a deep passion for sports and when there is passion, we can always take out time for it.

PEB: Any tips for staying fit? Those who would like to play or would like to give a start?Avi: My only tip – Exercise – What it does is - at least what it will do is help you to maintain yourself. Playing games helps too… You can always collect few friends and play it for an hour. This certainly is more enjoyable and effective in burning down your calories.

PEB: We have heard comments about your performance at the SCB Drama mania, it was a wonderful one. Was it your first time?Avi: It was my very first time and I was very excited to do it.

Face to Face

with Avi

With amazing

years of sports

behind him at

SCB Nepal, and

a spectacular

performance at

the SCB Drama

Mania, Avinash

Chettri (Country

IT), the team

captain of the

SCB team, won

the Best Batsman

at the Soaltee

Super Sixes 2009.

Congratulations

Avinash!

Panchatatwa Editorial Board

I N T E R V I E W


PEB: How was the whole experience?Avi: It was a wonderful experience. The spirit, acquaintance, engagement level of the team and the bonding we developed was amazing. We got to know each other very well and the whole experience of being on stage and performing…I never thought I could do it, it was revelation to me. I am glad that it came out well and friends have liked it.

PEB: Which event at SCB has been the most memorable one to you? Avi: It is the SCB Cricket Challenge in Mumbai. The fact that that we were playing in the Region inspired us and we had good cross-border bonding and made friends with the Regional teams that we met. It was an amazing experience.

PEB: Anything else of playing at SCB that you would like to share?Avi: Firstly I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our Management Team for promoting extra curricular activities in the bank. This certainly helps

in building the engagement level within us and undoubtedly differentiates us from the rest i.e. Leading by example! Additionally, it’s only one thing: we have reached the finals three times at the Soaltee Super Sixes but have not won it once. We have taken it that far, but I feel bad that we have not gone through the finals.

PEB: Does it matter very much? Isn’t it good that you have participated that well?Avi: It does. Winning does matter. Though I know that the spirit of sportsmanship makes each of us a winner but certainly- ‘Victory’ has a different taste.

PEB: One last question: you ran the 21 Kilometers Marathon in Mumbai in 2007. People who had seen you did not think you could make it, you know, given your heavy built etc. but you ran the whole 21 Kilometers to the finish line. What was the source of inspiration? What motivated you?Avi: As I said, it is all about passion. It is all about how passionate you feel for it. I love sports, I love playing it. You can do it when you are deeply passionate about something. My love for it was the inspiration that made me do it. We had practiced for 45 days before the run. Sometimes we ran from Sanepa to Dakshinkali to practice. All the practice and the drive made it happen.

Winning does

matter. Though I

know that the spirit

of sportsmanship

makes each of

us a winner

but certainly-

‘Victory’ has a

different taste.

Tit-bits we caught between the conversation

Born in: Kathmandu, NepalSiblings: He’s got an elder brotherZodiac sign: Gemini (born 22nd May)Resides now: At BattisputaliFavorite football team: Manchester United (not Liverpool!!!)Live by the motto: “One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it's worth watching”

I N T E R V I E W

18 Panchatatwa

Matina MaharjanFinancial Markets

Shabnam LimbuOperational Risk – Wholesale Banking

April Fool’s Day by Bryce Courtenay

Where broken glass floats by Chanrithy Him

An extraordinary true story of the healing power of love.

In the end, love is more important than everything and it will conquer and overcome anything.

A testimony to the power of love, April Fool’s Day is also about understanding: how when we confront our worst, we can become our best.

I was lying in bed with my leg fractured and my sister gave me this book to read. She said it was the only book she had read that has made her cry out loud. So I curled up in my bed in my tiny dorm room and read for what felt like a week straight (not a long book but it is an emotional journey) until I emerged red eyed and grateful.

At an early age Damon Courtenay is diagnosed with hemophilia a disease that prevents his blood from clotting. After living with this illness for many years through routine blood transfusions, it is during one of these

routine transfusions that Damon contracts AIDS. He struggled with both these illnesses until April Fool’s Day 1991 when at the age of 24 he passes away. In this tribute to his son, Bryce Courtenay lays bare the suffering behind this young man’s life. Damon’s story is one of lifelong struggle, his love for Celeste, the compassion of family, and a fight to the end for integrity.

It is hard not to become attached to this book. Damon was a young man in his twenties who wanted to live life recklessly and live it to its fullest but was held back. Despite the acute and never-ending pain he was, I believe, very strong, stronger than most of the people I’ve met or heard of, because he didn’t want anyone to pity him for his illness. He tried everything he could to lead a normal life and has made me aware that nothing in this world is more important than health and thus we should treasure every single minute in our lives.

This life –affirming book changed the way I think.

Set in Cambodia during Pol Pot’s torturous regime ‘ Where broken glass floats’ written by Chanrithy Him is a harrowing account of an author and her family’s ordeal with the ‘killing fields’. Event unfolds with Chanrithy’s memory of a war when the author was just three years old in 1968. Day after the seize of Phnom Penh in 1975 by Khmer Rouge, Chanrithy’s family are ordered to leave their house to an unknown village on foot. Along the way they encounter millions of Cambodians with same fate on exodus to unknown villages. Millions of Cambodians mainly city dwellers irrespective of their professions are made to toil on fields to improve productivity. Men are soon whisked away to so called ‘orientation’ by Khmer Rouge only to be executed. Chanrithy’s family along with million other families are forced to do laborer’s work living in makeshift huts in the forest, often with sky as their only roof and herbs, grass and caterpillars as food. Even the children are not spared; they are made to work from dawn to night fall on paddy fields for just handful of unhusked rice which is never enough, thus creating various diseases on both children and adults resulting in million deaths. Apart from natural deaths, people are also executed for not following simple orders, witnessed by many, even author herself. Late in 1978, Khmer Rouge starts to lose control of Cambodia that’s when Chanrinthy and her

siblings run to Thai border, to a refugee camp in Thailand and finally to USA in 1981.

The events, hardship described by Charinthv are all too vivid and often heart wrenching - the scene where her mother sees a stranger wearing her husband’s shirt and when confronted is told that her husband along with other men were first made to dig their own graves and were later executed with hoes! Or the time when Charinthy is told that her mother was pushed to a well for being too weak to work. It is also a book of family values. Despite of all the inhuman conditions, mothers struggle to keep families together, who go hungry on days end so that the children could eat - Charinthy in her naivety often wonders how her mother is never hungry! The events alone don’t make books memorable; it’s the lucid language Charinthy uses that and manages to leave indelible prints in the mind forever. Many a times in the book Charinthy comes across as an angry teenager confused with the radical changes brought by near starvation, hard work, loss of parents and sister in quick succession. Yet she rises above all this to become a researcher on Khmer Adolescent Project in US......I cried with Charinthy’s each struggle and howled aloud with her escape to safety - this review is a salutation to her indomitable spirit!

B O O K R E V I E W

18 Panchatatwa

www.standardchartered.com/np 19www.standardchartered.com/np 19

Milan PradhanOrigination & Client Coverage

Renuka SilwalFinancial Markets Operations

As I take a walk on the beachI remember the way you look at me.The way you capture smile on my faceMake me smirk for an entire dayBreezes of wind passing by brings thousandBeats of love songs from a distance.your silly jokes still help me to chuckle upand your favorite song still makes me shed tears

To eradicate these thoughts aroundI grab my whiskey that tasted so fine last night;the oldest one on the shelfFar behind, I was in a mission to hate youBut one careless sip and I wishedto die in your arms forever

Trying to figure out, the way I sensed myselfResembled something special within me.The one which gives a little pain, few words ofdilemma and immense happinessBlessed with your love, I find myself completeWith bond of flawlessness and perfection

You are the one who gives true meaning to my lifeThe one who taught me to believe, Love is more about ‘we’ rather than’ I’Completing each other and growing oldtogether till the end of breath by keeping dreams aliveYou have flourished my presence in this worldThank you Dear, for being my guiding star.

THE WAY


B O O K R E V I E W

This is a classic chilling post-apocalyptic tale that really got me thinking a long time during and after the reading. John Wyndham had initially awed me with his book, ‘The Chrysalids’, which had been my classroom read. I was delighted when I found out “The day of the Triffids” was equally incredible.

Although the plot is totally imaginary (ambulatory carnivorous plants wreaking havoc in the world when suddenly everyone goes blind), it is a thought provoking book describing human behavior on what-if situations. Suddenly nonexistent become

the human progress, development, and cooperation that we have all taken for granted and built our lives upon.

With realistic undertones and thrilling plot movements, this book is sure to give you a release from your own miniscule capsule of ordinary life as you know it. It hurtles you down to the world where the entire human race is endangered by sudden changes in the nature of things and where only few glimmers of hope remain for us to rise from the apocalypse.

‘Don’t judge a book by its movie’ – I came across this witty, muse-worthy comment in a bookmark, and found much truth in it.

Quite a few of us must have watched the movie starring Clive Owen and Julian Moore, the portrayal of an unlikely, accidental hero who reluctantly ends up betting his life for a critical cause. In this movie adaptation, the director (Guillermo Del Toro) has done a fine job, but all we see here is one interpretation of the book.

The book is so much more imaginative, somber, and chilling. It is much bolder in the way that it does not promise a Hollywood ending but just a lingering hope for mankind’s

future, and lets the reader imagine the world out of the words in the book. This is precisely the value addition you will get from the book; the character study is much deeper, and the major themes like despair, hope, are expressed in a much glorious way. The book is bare and unmerciful in treating the characters and the plot- so when we are left with just a tiny morsel of hope in the end, amidst all bleakness, it looks so much glorious and worth all the misery. Just like a candle in a dark room only highlights the best parts of the room, the book, by being all bare and spare, allows us to marvel on wondrous things like giving birth and cooperating to survive, which we have taken fully for granted.

The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham

The Children of Men by P. D. James

Why I name these books and why I want you to read it?I am an avid reader; not in the sense of a prolific reader, but I tend to get voracious on some books and writers. Here, I shall refrain from mentioning inspirational books, since it is hard to find out what inspires an individual. Instead, I will name a few memorable books that have given me a distinct pleasure and tickled my fantasy.

20 Panchatatwa

SCB MOMENTS

20 Panchatatwa

M O M E N T S

Giving people, the gift of sight- Seeing is Believing

Eye camps As in the past few years, Standard Chartered bank partnered with Tilganga Eye Centre (TEC) for sponsoring 700 cataract surgeries from the period of October 2009 to July 2010. In line with this, eye camps were organized in different parts of Nepal, namely Chapagaun, Bhairawa, Butwal and Birgunj.

Till date, 4260 cataract surgeries have been performed with 64 more patients identified during the Chapagaun camp held on 24th October 2009.

Exhibition- World Sight DayTo mark the World Sight Day, Standard Chartered Nepal Community Partnership Forum organized an exhibition/sale of handicraft products produced by the visually impaired people of Technical and Skill Development Centre for Blind and Disabled at Naya Baneswor Branch on 8th October 2009. It was a hugely successful event. The bank staff showcased great enthusiasm to encourage and appreciate the effort and skill of those visually impaired people.

Vitamin A Capsule Distribution programSCB Group funded the Vitamin A Capsule (VAC) distribution program in the Kathmandu Valley, the first round was on 19th-20th April with the second on 2nd -3rd November 2009. Group funding for the Program was channeled through Helen Keller International – Nepal (HKI/N).

Give Blood, Give LifeA Blood Donation Camp was Held on 24th January with the technical assistance from Nepal Red Cross Society, Blood Transfusion Centre. There was an active participation from our customers and staff. Around 50 individuals donated their blood.

Going GreenOn the occasion of World Environment day, various programs were organized like solar energy exhibition, vehicle de-carbonizing, staffs holding placards with environmental messages at the Bank’s entrance, and car pooling. Staff indicted their support to the cause by wearing green on this day, cycling and walking to office.

Also, Greenery project was successfully conducted at Lalitpur with plantation of 80 saplings by featuring prominent branding for the Bank along the footpath of Pulchowk.

Eye camp-Patients identified for Surgery

Blood Donation

World Environment Day

Vitamin A Distribution

Butwal, Bhairahawa, Narayanghat, Hetauda, Birgunj Branch gettogether


SCB MOMENTS


M O M E N T S

International Women’s DayThe 99th International Women’s Day was celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm throughout the week. In order to celebrate womanhood and rejuvenate their spirit, the D&I committee in partnership with VLCC group conducted a beauty workshop for the lady staff on 4th march 2009. A skin analysis session was held for each interested individual, followed by a demo on party make-over and chemical peeling session.

Mithila Handicraft Exhibition sale was also held on 6th March 2009. The exhibition, in true sense, was able to promote one of the most traditional forms of Nepalese art and highlighted the skill of this group of women. The colorful photo frames, pen-holders, mirrors and posters were a great hit among the staff.

Celebrations also included distribution of photo frames to all ladies staff by our male colleagues at the Bank and a write up contest.

Extending Helping Hands•Followingtherecentoutbreakof

diarrohea in the country, the Bank joined hands with the leading media house -APCA Group under the initiative ‘Annapurna Post – Sahayogi haat haru’ for collection of funds to run health camps in the afflicted region. A cheque amounting to Rs. 201,000/- was handed to APCA Group.

•StandardCharteredNepalCommunity Partnership Forum (SCNCPF) entered into an agreement with the Shakti Milan Samaj, an NGO run by the People Living with HIV, to provide support for organizing activities/events to the benefit of People LwHIV. Save the Children will be driving this initiative.

•CEOdistributedscholarshipsto15 deserving students of Shree Mahendra Shanti School under the VISCOSS scholarship programme for the eight consecutive years.

•SCNCPFfacilitatedaskilllearningtraining to the residents of Karuna Bhawan, a shelter home for HIV infected women and children, so as to enable them with economic independence.

Soaltee Crowne Plaza- Super Sixes ‘2009’With the theme “All Play, No Work” Soaltee Crowne Plaza (a reputed five star hotel of Nepal) has been organizing this event since 2001. It has been a dream for every corporate house to lift this trophy and add their name in winners hall of fame. This year’s event started on October 6th -2009. Participation came from 24 corporate houses, 15 of which were Banks. Standard Chartered Bank Nepal being three time finalist on previous years was considered one of most favorite team in

the tournament and regarded as a strong contender for the title. But unfortunately, this year too, in spite of best effort, we were not able to grab the title. Nevertheless, we had our moment of pride as well when our in-house participant, Avinash Chettri was named the Best batsmen of the Tournament.

Soaltee Crowne Plaza- Super Sixes “2009” was all in all a very successful event that enlivened team spirit among all the participants and strengthened friendliness among the corporate houses.

Tree Plantation International Women’s Day Exhibition

International Women’s Day

22 Panchatatwa

Anoop ShresthaCustomer Support Unit (CSU), CB

with puffs of clouds surrounding this magnificent creation of nature.

Day 3:Next day, we passed Dovan Himalaya, Deurali and reached Machhapuchre Base Camp (MBC). The climate of MBC was pretty startling. For once, one could get a clear view of the mountain and the very next moment, clouds engulfed the giant creation. This hide and seek of nature continued for the whole day, making our walk even more interesting. Our intention was to get the morning view of the Annapurna range. So we rested our soul for an early morning walk the next day.

Day 4:We began our move towards the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) at around 5:30 am. We saw new vistas of colors every time we looked at the mountain range. This range comprises of many Himalayas-Annapurna-I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchre, Barachuli and a few others. After spending some valuable time at ABC, we got back to MBC.

E X P E R I E N C E

A Peep into MBC & ABC Trek

Lunching in the lap of Machhapuchre, rejoicing in front of Annapurna, who can possibly forget these magical moments? Surely we will not. But for people who have not been to these places, are surely missing out on the adrenaline rush. One visit and you are certain to realize that heaven is right here on earth. People from around the world come all the way to visit these Himalaya whereas we, the natives of this beautiful country dream of holiday trip to foreign lands.

Day 1:After a two-hour exciting ride from Pokhara to Nayapool, the five of us set for, what we now call, trip of a lifetime. The first destination after 4-5 hrs walk from Nayapool was Ghandruk.

With T-shirts soaked with sweat and dragging tired legs, we reached Ghandruk at 7 pm. Ghandruk- why did we choose to come here when general people would identify more with places like Darjeeling for a visit? Well, the fact is we are missing out on our national natural heritages which lie in close proximity to us - and this we realized after setting a foot in the picturesque Ghandruk.

Day 2:Few sips of tea and the absorbing view of Machhapuchre and South Annapurna- the fascinating sight made us realize how beautiful Nepal is. After Ghandruk, we trekked through Kimrangdada, Chhomrang, Sinuwa, and Kuldigarh. Machhapuchre from Kimrangdada was even more fascinating

Care: MBC and ABC are both located at high altitude, and therefore, altitude sickness is highly probable. Medicine and other safety accessories like bandages and medical ointments are must-haves. It is always advisable to travel light unless you decide to take porter service. A handy camera and a portable torch can be very well included as well.

Cheers to: Anthony, Amar, Prabin, Suraj Maharjan and myself on successful completion of this memorable trek to MBC and ABC.

Our trip showed us just a fraction of Nepal’s beauty; we intend to discover more!

22 Panchatatwa


Keynesian Stroke in the 21st Century


A R T I C L E

If you are a student of Economics, you might have gone through the theory by John Maynard Keynes “The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money.” Here he pointed out that in a downturn, an economy simultaneously has idle factories, unemployed workers and too little spending. This creates the possibility of a virtuous circle: getting people to spend more will put the factories back to work, staffed by the previously unemployed workers. Keynes believed that active government intervention in the marketplace was the only method of ensuring economic growth and stability. He held essentially that insufficient demand causes unemployment and that excessive demand results in inflation; government should therefore manipulate the level of aggregate demand by adjusting levels of government expenditure and taxation. For example- to avoid depression, Keynes advocates increased government spending and Easy Money, resulting in more investment, higher employment operating and increased consumer spending. Put it another way, in the short run, when the economy is below its potential, expanding demand can create supply.

Unfortunately, later on 1970s economist like Milton Friedman and others who were less optimistic about the ability of interventionist government policy to positively regulate the economy suppressed his theory. Whereas in 2008, with the advent of the global financial crisis, there prompted a resurgence of interest in Keynesian economics among policy makers. This year brought a reminder of the volatility and fragility of

capitalist economies and an end to hopes that booms no longer culminated in busts. If we observe deeply we can see that this economic downturn has brought Keynesian theory of economics in the light. Rather than “letting the market work,” the government was aggressive in trying to stabilize the financial system—violating a key precept of neo-liberalism that state intervention is harmful to the economy. US Government made an intervention to tackle the financial crisis and after consensus of Government bodies a series of major bailouts followed (Starting on September 7 with the announcement that the U.S. government was to nationalize the two firms which oversaw most of the U.S. mortgage market—Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac).

This portrayed that the greater the role of finance in the modern economy, the more unstable the economy is likely to be; and a key role of the state is, therefore, to find ways to build trust by creating greater stability. What we need to understand is Keynes did not advocate a single policy valid for all times and all circumstances, such as deficit financing. But there are times when there is this conscious attempt from government by lowering tax rates or increasing expenditure to overcome uncertainty inherent in economic affairs and experiment the best ways to stabilize the economy in the circumstances. We have witnessed that stroke of Keynesian theory, which helped to recover from the Great Depression, is once again played in the twenty first century during 2008/2009 showing the breadth of his interest and the subtlety of his thought for modern economy.

Ashutosh Mani DixitShared Distribution, Lazimpat

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Credit Risk Control

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24 Panchatatwa

Ankit ChitrakarCredit Risk Control (CRC)

Photography is a

medium to express

the truth visually.

Photography must

mirror the changes

that we mortals often

ignore to notice, be

it a change in a life of

an individual, or the

society or the nation. In

essence, photography

is everything that is the

truth to me.

24 Panchatatwa

P H O T O F E A T U R E

ThroughtheLenses

1

2

Flower MacroCamera: Sony DSC - H2Focal length: 12 mm Sensitivity: ISO 80 Exposure time: 1/1000 secYear of photo taken: 2007

Way to MuktinathCamera: Minolta a3 SLRFocal length: Unknown Sensitivity: ISO 200 Exposure time: Unknown Year of photo taken: 2000

3Sparrow shielding itself from the rainCamera: Sony DSC - H2Focal length: 72 mm Sensitivity: ISO 320 Exposure time: 1/20 sec Year of photo taken: 2007


P H O T O F E A T U R E

4

5

6

7 8

Cloud formation at the top of Ama DablamCamera: Nikon D70Focal length: 24 mm Sensitivity: ISO 400 Exposure time: 1/180 sec Year of photo taken: 2006

Way to MuktinathCamera: Minolta a3 SLRFocal length: UnknownSensitivity: ISO 200 Exposure time: UnknownYear of photo taken: 2000

Evening at Boudha StupaCamera: Sony DSC - H2Focal length: 6 mm Sensitivity: ISO 80 Exposure time: 1/1000 sec Year of photo taken: 2007

Curious ants on a flowerCamera: Sony DSC - H2Focal length: 16 mm Sensitivity: ISO 125 Exposure time: 1/100 secYear of photo taken: 2008

Water drops on the bowl full of waterCamera: Canon EOS 500DFocal length: 50 mm Sensitivity: ISO 100 Exposure time: 1/60 sec Year of photo taken: 2009

26 Panchatatwa

In the past few years, I have been quite fortunate to travel around many different places of Nepal. It has been an absolute delight to have had the experience of trekking in the major routes of the famed Annapurna Region circuit. Few months back, when I had shared my strong desire to do a trek in the Langtang Region of Nepal during one of the family get-togethers, I soon discovered that there were already fifteen other enthusiastic souls joining hands together for the planned trip. My happiness knew no bounds. Bigger the group, the better would be the fun.

We started our trek the next day after Dashami. We took a jeep ride from Kathmandu early morning and reached Trisuli bazaar in less than three hours. After a light lunch and bit of bumpy ride, we reached Dhunche (1764M). Dhunche is the capital of Rasuwa District located in the Bagmati Zone of Nepal. Further down from Dhunche and at 4 PM in the evening same day, we reached Syafrubensi (1460M); the starting point of our trek. This is an interesting village where Bhotekoshi River flowing from Tibet meets with the Langtang River from the north of Langtang Lirung

mountain. It also houses Chilime Hydropower Project, which is a peak run of river type with a total installed capacity of 22 MW and established under private-public partnership.

After early breakfast next morning, we headed for a long uphill trek with the target in mind to reach to our final destination-Kyangin Valley (3900M). The trail from Syafrubensi gained elevation as we made our way towards north to a suspension bridge over the Bhotekoshi River and further along the Langtang River, first through forest of oak and rhododendron and then bamboo forests on the higher reaches of the trail. We were told by locals that few of them had seen Red Pandas and Snow Leopard in the forest, although we considered ourselves lucky to have seen at least langur monkeys. After 7 hours of trek, we reached Changtang (2470M), popularly known as the Lama Hotel. The place is located at the foothills of high Himalayas with sound of the nearby Langtang River, provided a soothing experience and respite from the mild tiredness. Hoteliers were quite adept

My happiness knew

no bounds. Bigger

the group, the better

would be the fun.

Anish DixitOrigination & Client Coverage

Langtang TrekA New Experience

T R A V E L E X P E R I E N C E


with food and taste of the visitors and were run much like a family business-wife and husband taking charge of most of the things such as cooking, cleaning etc and supported by their children for support services such as serving meals, etc. Foods served in most of the hotels were staple Nepali food-dal, bhat tarkari. It gets more expensive as you ascend, which we realized later.

Next day, we continued to ascend and reached Ghoda Tabela (3000M) in the afternoon. We used garlic with great effect to kill few signs of altitude sickness during the course of our entire trek. But the best preventive measure was consumption of water, before and during the upward hill climb. The route from Lama Hotel to Ghoda Tabela was just fantastic. It felt like walking in the woods as described in fairy tales. As we walked on the trail, we met many foreigners as well as Nepalese with whom we exchanged Namaste and smiles. After some rest, we trekked further and entered into the open Langtang National Park surrounded by high hills and beautiful greeneries and further three hours of easy trek led us to a large settlement of Langtang Valley (3400M). The weather was perfect and evening sun was about to set in. The crimson light peeped through the Langtang Lirung Mountain which provided a feel of celestial surrounding resonating between dream and reality. With beautiful landscapes and pretty tiny villages, it was no doubt a popular trekking destination. One of the famous Nepali musical band-Nepathya had captured this place beautifully in their

critically acclaimed documentary which featured their odyssey in search of the village where the popular folk song Bhenda ko Oon Jasto originated. As was described in the documentary, most of the people in the region are Tamangs whose culture, religion and language are very much identical to that of people living in Tibet. In the evening, we went together to a nearby cheese factory and observed the traditional cheesing making process. We also bought few kilos of Yak Cheese at reasonable price with combined feeling of excitement and achievement.

Early morning next day, we headed for Kyangin Gompa (3900M)-our final frontier. The place is a tiny valley surrounded by mountains and is located at the foothill of Mt. Langtang Lirung (7252M). It provided spectacular 360 degree view of the mountains. It is one of the very few places in Nepal where mountains can be seen in the south direction. It is quite similar to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) of Annapurna Region. The lowest peak seen from the valley is Tsergo RI (4985M) from where the adventurers can enjoy a breathtaking sight of the Ganesh Himal, Lantang Lirung, Langtang Lirung II, Yala Peak and Ganja La. It appeared as if a trek from Kyangin to Tsergo RI would be moderate but we opted to relax in the valley amidst good comfort of hospitable local people. Two of us planned to do further two and half hours trek to ascend Kyangin RI hill (4770M) early next morning in anticipation for a more glorious view of the morning mountain range and also the sunrise between

the towering hills but all our excitement was killed by torrential rain which was lashing the valley from mid-night. In the morning, despite the overcast conditions and morning drizzle, we saw nearby hills covered with snow provided a beautiful spectacle. With the combination of grazing yaks in the lush green pastures and fluttering prayer flags atop small hotels, it was an amazing sight and a mind boggling experience to regale. It was beyond description!

After breakfast and amidst morning drizzle, we descended to the Langtang valley and joined three of our friends, who had preferred to stay back with signs of altitude sickness. Around 11 AM, we headed for our next destination-Lama Hotel and reached the place at around 5.30 PM in the evening. After joyous overnight gatherings over the dinner, we reached back to Syafrubensi around 2.30 PM in the afternoon next day. As two of us from the group had made fast paced descend to Syafrubensi, we mustered some more energy and utilized the time for a quick stopover at Chilime Hydro Power plant. After a much needed sleep overnight, we reached Kathmandu next day in the afternoon.

In hindsight, Langtang trek was an amazing experience which allowed me to observe breathtaking sceneries, good contact with local people and the opportunity to explore unique cultures. More so, trekking at high altitude with like-minded people and in large group is altogether a different experience especially if the tour is meticulously planned.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Places Covered by the Trip: Dhunche/Lama Hotel/Langtang Village/Kyangin Gompa Min/Max Altitude: 1950m/5122m Trekking Grade: Moderate to Fairly strenuous Trek Duration: Around 8 days

Highlights of the Trip: Tibetan village in Langtang/Amazing views of Langtang Ri and Ganesh Himal/Ascend Chorkari Ri (5050m)/Panoramic view of 10 peaks that are over 6000m/spectacular view of the ice fluted Gyanghempo/Crossing the Ganjala Pass (5122m)/Helambu Valley

T R A V E L E X P E R I E N C E

28 Panchatatwa

I always thought I can hide my emotions but somehow expressive face is what I naturally got, hence it’s always been very tough to hide my emotions from anyone. Everyone always seems to notice what feeling I am contained by.

That day I walked to my workstation and very likely everyone asked if something was wrong with me. I smiled weakly and said “MJ is no more”! I was horrified to see that everyone burst into laughter. Did it not matter to them that The King of Pop, my favorite artist was dead? I felt hopeless after that. I kept listening to the updates on radio about him that day.

Michael Joseph Jackson, the 50-year-old singer, dancer and songwriter became famous as a child in the 1970s while performing with his brothers in a pop group known as The Jackson Five. He then went on to a solo career that spawned dozens of hits and pioneered the music video genre. Referred to as the "King of Pop”, five of his solo studio albums are among the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and History (1995).

In the early 1980s, he became a dominant figure in popular music and the first African-American entertainer to amass a strong crossover following on MTV. The popularity of his music videos, such as "Beat It", "Billie Jean" and “Thriller”—credited

for transforming the music video into an art form and a promotional tool—helped bring the relatively new channel to fame. Videos such as "Black or White" and "Scream" made Jackson an enduring staple on MTV in the 1990s. With stage performances and music videos, Jackson popularized a number of physically complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk. His distinctive musical sound and vocal style influenced many hip hop, pop and contemporary R&B artists.

One of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, his other achievements include multiple Guinness World Records—including one for "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"—13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles in his solo career—more than any other artist in the Hot 100 era—and the sales of over 750 million albums worldwide. Cited as one

of the world's most famous men, Jackson's highly publicized personal life, coupled with his successful career, made him a part of popular culture for almost four decades.

May be MJ was living my dream, so I was awfully hurt to know about his early demise. I have collected all my favorite songs and videos of him. I listen to them every now and then; sometimes I even try the moonwalk. Sad but true, he is no longer with us and this write up is the only tribute I can offer him.

MJ:LIVING MY DREAM

I listen to them every now and then; sometimes I even

try the moonwalk.

Lishu ParajuliCard Operations

E X P R E S S I O N S

28 Panchatatwa28 Panchatatwa

Kamala ShresthaCredit Risk Control

Only rain exists up to the horizon

With its falling in ancient rhythm & sound

So many days have passed

Still so young

The children playing with a ball in the field

Or the young girl taking bath in the rain

An old man looking through the window

Contemplating

A few crows wet & helpless

In the roof

How easily the rain remains equal

With them all

Rain, the pre-historic friend of mine.

RAIN


I cherish the glorious day – August 7, 2008, when our choru ‘Shayna” – entered in our life. I take the pleasure to share this moment of blessing with you all whole heartedly.

The visits to the doctors contributed to several episodes of unfruitful treatments. I still recall that day when I visited the hospital for another regular check up and consultation with very little hope and a heavy heart. It was a good day though as the Gynecologist rendered an inspirational counseling, with a hope for a child, in form of an Advance Treatment.

On for 3rd Dec 2007 and with a pray and blessing from all beloved, I entered Operation Theater (OT) with heart full of hopes. Slowly when I opened my eyes I saw myself in ICU – post operation, my whole family was standing beside me with smiles and support. Soon after, I was discharged and was advised to take a complete bed rest.

Days of mixed emotions were passing by at a very slow pace and finally the day came when I had to visit the hospital for a pregnancy test. Out of curiosity and impatience, I took a domestic strip test two days prior to the test date with negative results which added on to my worries and sorrow.

Shayna- Meaning “The Beautiful” Bestowed In Our Life

However, with relentless prayers and much hope, the result came out positive on the test day. I felt overwhelmed and my heartbeats felt like someone was knocking at me saying ‘I am coming soon to your world’.

Without much delay, I set out to get it re-confirmed. The doctor, reluctant before making any comment, thoroughly checked and finally asked me to smile – yes this was the final confirmation of test- It was Positive!

I was the happiest person in the world. I immediately picked up my mobile and conveyed the good news to my family. Later that night we celebrated with a small family get together.

The day was fixed. On 7th August 2008, I was taken out of the OT and transferred to the Post Operative Unit. Surprisingly I did not feel any pain due to the overwhelming emotion of being a mother. I was not allowed to see my daughter till mid night as she was kept in an incubator. However, after much pleading, I saw my husband bringing her

toward me wrapped in a beautiful red cloth.

The moment I saw her, tears rolled down my cheeks. After the long desperation and prayers I could finally hold my baby- my life in my arms. Seeing her made me live even more.

My morning starts with her celestial smile, the love I feel for her delightfully continues with changing her night dress, combing her soft hair, feeding her food and taking her out for fresh air. Her lovely sounds as “ma, ma’, “papa”,” tatai’ is a rhythm which accompanies our hearts all along.

My day ends seeing her fall asleep in her small soft bed with her tiny hands and feet cuddled up. I could not have asked for more from the almighty. My heart thanks him everyday for the wonderful blessing of motherhood. I also express gratitude to my husband and other family members who always stood by me and also to the organization which supported me in this crucial period. I wish that others who are yet to relish this experience are endowed with this God’s blessing.

E X P R E S S I O N S

My morning starts with

her celestial smile, the love

I feel for her delightfully continues

with changing her night

dress, combing

her soft hair, feeding her

food and taking her out

for fresh air.

Sangita ShresthaOperational Risk – CB

30 Panchatatwa

A R T I C L E

Glittering eyes ignite me

Addled addict finds arduous.

Alluring face tempts

Anyone fancy to surrender.

Escort wishes those reticent lips utter

In the name of elegiac person.

You admirer...! How lucky

Did touch her malleable hand.

Uncanny aroma in the air

A victim exhorting to persist.

Present is zealous harmony

Mind timid, provoked...! for confession.

Sushant JoshiShared Distribution – Naya Baneshwor

My first job as a college student was of a hostess in IHOP – International House of Pancakes in Edmond Oklahoma. IHOP is a chain of breakfast restaurant in Midwest; just like Pizza Hut or McDonalds that we are familiar with. It is run by the students there. That is, by the students, to the students and for the students.

Just like the Town hall meetings we have here in SCB, we used to have monthly briefings on the overall performance of the chain. Interestingly this small breakfast joint made almost USD 5 Million per year.

The amazing thing in terms of efficiency was that we were just eleven people running the show. Aaron, my chemistry colleague was the manager; myself, the

S H A R I N G Best Practices

accountant cum hostess, two Muslim- Nigerian Chefs from my economics class, one African American Chef, one Japanese girl- a fresher, two American servers- one among them was my colleague from American History class, one Iranian table buster- the fun loving person from my calculus class, one Spanish janitor and one American-Indian driver. It was truly an international joint.

So how did we do so well? The day started with brainstorming session where we had strategies on how to make each day a success. Just like a basketball coach, Aaron would draw on a piece of paper; who would run the show in the front, who would work on different shifts, what would be the special of the day, how much discounts to offer for

new customer, how can we manage the inventories and extra flow of the customers, the turnaround time (TAT) for each table, key words to address the customer, staff irregularities if any due to exams or extra classes. The bottom line would be how to provide excellent service to the customer so that we can beat the nearby breakfast hubs each day. At the end of the day, all of us sat together and had fun discussing the numbers and converting into our respective countries’ local currencies.

The Chefs earned highest hourly wages, almost USD 20 and so did the janitor, ensuring they would not miss a day of work. But what paid off most, was the efforts put by the least paid hourly workers which included the servers, hostess and the

The day

started with

brainstorming

session where

we had strategies

on how to make

each day a

success.

FOR CONFESSION

Samridhi R.L. RanaConsumer Banking – Credit


A R T I C L E

TEARSAnju Sharma

Head – Consumer Banking

I see you lying And it does not matter in what stateI smile to myselfWhilst the rest are in tears

Your wisdom rings in my earsSo does your laughter and witI feel your warm breathAnd the safety of your arms

Discussions are held With lots of debateA unique life you ledAnd a unique bed you shall get

Wrapped in a traditional sheetYour body will be taken as per your wishWhere you shall be droppedSo that your body can be studied

Service to others and your beliefThat nothing should go to wasteHas taken you to your abodeIn a radical mode

Regardless of what I sayYou were the force in my lifeYour frail body may have been like a twigBut for me that was the biggest anchor

I held on to you And your beliefs & wisdom kept me goingNow that the fact has dawned on meI ask myself how I will go on

My grief is personal & I cannot shareWords of comfort do not matter to meYet tears refuse to comeAnd once more I feel betrayed

The End

Composed on: 12 July, 2001

manager. In 2001, as per the local law, the servers made only USD three dollars and fifteen cents an hour plus tips. In the plus tips, each of us ensured to get what we wanted e.g. a new laptop in two weeks time, a car in two months, or that special one-week vacation in Hawaii from the few months savings.

What we were serving at IHOP was not just plain pancakes but great environment leading to great service. Lucy, the Japanese Server delighted our dear customers so well that the locals brought their kids not just to see her but watch and learn her etiquettes. Lucy’s American counterparts Amy and Ronny were so energetic that between two of them they could easily manage the 80-seater hub without a winch. During daytime, as the hostess, I not only directed the customers to their seats but promoted new items like Pot Stickers (Americanized beef momos) and enjoyed most hours crayoning with the little children that parents brought along. Mr. Samuel, the janitor was our best buddy. He cleaned floors and busted the tables furthermore was the shoulder at times of grief too. The chefs were fast furious and loco. They were definitely loco or crazy because I sometimes found them cooking eight different omelets with one hand and a stack of twenty pancakes with another. They were there at three in the morning baking the pies and breads; even at midnight inventing new mock-tails, and at four in the evening rolling out their prayer mats and pray, portraying awesome Islamic culture.

Aaron (The manager) was a person who worked twice as hard as anybody and at 3 a.m. would double as the baker, at 6 a.m.

would work on the inventory and run checklist for deliveries and pick ups, at 7 am brainstorm strategies, at noon would see him busting the tables for the waiters, at 7 pm, would help me seat the customers and at 1 a.m. he would check the bathrooms for cleanliness. Throughout the day, he would try learning all the international languages so he can address each of us better. Without his leadership skills and passion for work, we would have sought greener pastures early on.

Last but not the least, knowing our customers and providing customized service to each person led to better service and ultimately more money in our pockets. Thanks to the local staff, we started saying “How dee ma’aaam” or “How r ya”, instead of “Hello, how are you?”. We started feeding compliments to the rich old oil magnates of Midwest and feeding extra compliments to the horizontally challenged or “colored” communities. We greeted customer by the name, their likes and dislikes, and did simple things like sending birthday cards. We dined with the homeless on Christmas to promote social and ensured special seats and rates for elderly, kids and the specially-abled.

In conclusion, whether it’s a small restaurant or a big bank like ours, the basics of business, profits and earning happiness does not differ. The formula for success begins with great team having great strategy guided with great management, with focus on building profitable customer relationships. I believe that my readers can relate my experience with their own and put into practice for betterment of organization.

32 Panchatatwa

After parking my car at the Prasuti Griha (The National Maternity Hospital) parking lot, I headed towards the slum area on the banks of the Bagmati river. Let me correct myself – not the slum area – the phrase sounds kind of derogatory in some sense. The temporary habitation, maybe? As I walked through the narrow lane of the temporary habitation, a rush of mixed emotions were running through my mind. Would I be robbed? Or even worse, stabbed and then robbed? Was I a lad too well-dressed to be hanging around that area?

There were stray dogs – perhaps more stray than the inhabitants themselves- lazying around on the small porches of the huts. I wondered if the four legged friends got their regular meals, considering the sorry state of their two legged counterparts!

I had been informed at the volunteers’ orientation that the Vitamin A Capsules (VAC) would be distributed at a school in the locality. Finding the venue was easier than blinking, considering there was only one school in that area! The kids had just finished lining up for their usual morning assembly and exercise, the small ones in the front followed by the big boys and girls at the back. The lady volunteer teacher shouted “ghuda phat” (“stand at ease”) and “satark” (“attention”) at which the students promptly responded with the

appropriate and respective actions. The children were also asked to sing the national anthem, which they did with much enthusiasm (and their running noses!). After they were done, the teacher asked them to sing it yet again with strict instructions to “sing better this time.” Maybe she wanted the children to impress me – the guest- with their singing skills!

I asked the lady teacher if she had heard from the local volunteer, Meena, who was supposed to distribute VAC to the children between six months and five years of age. She informed me that the Meena distributed VAC six months back but that she hadn’t heard from her this time. After making several calls at the Nepali Technical Assistance Group (NTAG) office – which provides technical assistance in the country’s Vitamin A Capsule program (VAC program) – I finally managed to find out Meena’s

Abhishek ShresthaShared Distribution - UN Branch

The Story of the Homeless,

E X P E R I E N C E

My Heart’s Happinessour National Programs and

The whole experience

was an eye-opener

for me- to the reality

of the homeless,

to the underrated

effectiveness of our

national programs

and finally to the

things that really

make my heart happy.

The narrow lane of the temporary habitation on the banks of Bagmati River


E X P E R I E N C E

the bridge to help. As I walked away from there, a very strange feeling started taking over my mind and held me back. The thoughts started to stifle my legs. It was then that I realized I actually started missing the children whom I’d seen at the school. I thought to myself, “What about these children? Did they deserve to be deprived of VAC and thus of good health? Aren’t they already deprived of lot many things in life?” I thought it would be selfish on my part to walk away and be in a comfortable position to help in an area where the distribution had already started.

So I made a few calls to the NTAG coordinators and requested them to send the capsules to the venue. I also requested Meena to come to the venue. My efforts saw their fruition after about 45 minutes when the capsules arrived and so did Meena.

distributed along with the VAC), I felt a sense of satisfaction. The children seemed very excited to receive their dose, as though they were receiving candies from us.

We had been informed at the orientation at NTAG office that the National Vitamin A Program of Nepal was one of the most successful ones in terms of its reach – the average reach being 98% of the targeted children (between the age bracket of 6 months to 5 years). In the two days of volunteering we distributed 70+ capsules in the temporary habitation under the Bagmati bridge alone and hence, the data did not seem too stretched, anymore!

The whole experience was an eye-opener for me- to the reality of the homeless, to the underrated effectiveness of our national programs and finally to the things that really make my heart happy.

By that time, I had already put my creativity to test by decorating the venue with whatever little posters I had received from NTAG. Without wasting further time, we started distributing the VAC, with the number of children increasing by the minute. Everytime Meena ji or I fed a child with a VAC and the deworming pill (which is also

mobile number. When I called her, I was shocked to hear that she had apparently dropped the idea of VAC distribution plan in her area this time since she could not manage to get the capsules from the local ward office this year.

I then decided to go to the other distribution center on the other side of

The children at the local school during their assembly time

Distributing VAC and Deworming pills to the children

sl7g eof]Madhab Regmi

Legal, Compliance and Assurance

a8f] cK7\of/f] ;do cfof]hLjg rnfpg s7Lg eof] .

;+/Ifs s;/L aGg] ca;+/lIftnfO{ arfpg s7Lg eof] .

aflx/ hfg glbpF t lar/f3/}leq y'lgg] eP .3/d}F y'g] klg t s]

Kfx'gf agL cfpg]af6} pgLg] eP .

s:nfO{ kTofpg' ca nf}ljZjf; s;}df ug]{ s7Lg eof] .cfˆg} dfG5] xf] eGof] t/ p;}af6;+/lIftnfO{ arfpg s7Lg eof] .

s:nfO{ eGg' / v} cleefjsn]ck/fwLs} t z/0f eof] .lkm/f}tL glbP/ s] ug'{

cfˆg} ;Gtfgsf] ckx/0f eof] .

ck/fwsf] klg wd{ x'G5 eGy]kTofpg} s7Lg eof] .

lkm/f}tL ;f/f a'emfP klg;+/lIftnfO{ arfpg s7Lg eof] .

s:tf] c;xfo 5f}F xfdLjf:tjdf xfdLnfO{ cfefif 5}g .

Tof] Joxf]g]{nfO{ x]/f}F tdfly cfsf; tn hdLg 5}g .

csf{sf] ;dfrf/sf] s'/f u5f}{F8'a]/ x]bf{ t af]Ng} s7Lg eof] .

cfˆgf t 7Ls} 5g\ h:tf] nfU5 t/;+/lIftnfO{ arfpg s7Lg eof] .

xfdL s]xL ug{ ;Qm}gf} t o:t} /dLt] dfq agL /xg]<<

xfdL k:g kvL{ a:g]ck/fwLn] vfN6f] vgL /xg]<<

x/]s To:tf 36gfsf] lt/:sf/ u/f}Fck/fwLsf] alxisf/ u/f}F .

g]n 7f]sf}F, xTs8L nufcf}F ;f/f ;dfh h'6fcf}F .ef]nL s;}n] em'lSsP/ klg glrtfcf];\

To:tf] sf/jfxLsf] dfu p7fcf}F .laGtL u/f}F eujfg\;Fu a?

l3:ofP/, em'08\ofP/, kftf kmsf{P/ n}hfp k|e'ltd|f ;8] un]sf, lau|] eTs]sf, s'lxPsf uGxfPsf l;h{gfx?

34 Panchatatwa

Teej is the most celebrated festival for Hindu women in Nepal. It takes place in the month of August or early September for marital bliss, well-being of spouse and children and purification of own body and soul. The festival is a combination of feasts as well as rigid fasting. The day before Teej is called the "Dar Khane Din". On this day women, both married and unmarried, assemble at one place, dressed in their finest red attires celebrate the festival with galore of dancing and singing of devotional songs. Grand feast takes place. The feast often goes on till midnight, after which the 24 - hour fast begins.

The following day is for fasting. Some women stay without food and water while others take liquid and fruit as per an individual’s wish. They dress in red and visit Shiva-temple. The Pashupatinath temple is flocked with devotees. The main puja is offered to Shiva and Parbati, beseeching them to shower their blessing upon the spouse and family. The important part of the

puja is the oil lamp which should be kept burning throughout the night for it is synonymous with the longevity of their spouses’ lives.

TWO HOURS JOURNEY TO LIFE AND LIVINGAnd there we stood, glaring at our destination.

On the occasion of Teej, the D&I committee, organized a small gathering at Karun Bhawan, a shelter for HIV positive women and their children. Each one of us was elated to be part of this team in whatever little ways possible. However, as the destination neared, all kinds of mixed feelings were running through our minds. We didn't know whether to be happy for getting involved in such a joyous philanthropic activity or feel bad because of the background of people we were to meet. But amidst those mixed feeling, one thing was for sure—that this was going to be the most memorable two hours of our lives.

Ibha BaidyaConsumer Banking

F E A T U R E

The important part of

the puja is the oil lamp

which should be kept

burning throughout

the night for it is

synonymous with

the longevity of their

spouses’ lives.

Festival The Red


F E A T U R E

As we entered the premise, the joy with which the children were clapping for us made me, for once, forget the fact that most of them were HIV positive and fighting for existence. The gifts were distributed, we danced to some Teej tunes- some of the children performed a dance number especially for us; we took some pictures and were ready to bid adieu. It was suddenly then that my heart went out to all those who must be fighting with the deadly virus all alone. Those kids and women at least have a shelter to live in, the nuns to care of them and a few visitors like us to share some moments of happiness. But what about hundreds of those, who have been dejected from their family and society and have nowhere to go?

We see so many NGOs and INGOs set up solely to work for the AIDS victims, but I truly wonder how many are working honestly for the cause. I am not sure if the number of AIDS victims in Nepal is declining, but I definitely know that in the name of these people, the numbers of Development Organisations have risen tremendously.

Our two hours stay at Karuna Bhawan definitely triggered change in our perspective towards life. It felt sad to see kids as small as 5 to 6 years old have this dangerous disease. But seeing them so unaware of the reality, enjoying chocolates, enjoying their lives made us forget the harsh reality for a moment.

We so often, take our lives for granted and only upon certain mishaps, do we realize its value. We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same. Life has become so busy and complicated that in between the tussle for our goals and ambitions, we tend to forget that there is still a thing called life which has to be lived and enjoyed.

Thank you D&I Committee and everyone at Karuna Bhawan, for giving us the opportunity to reinforce in us, the beauty of life and living.

TEEJ AT STANDARD CHARTERED BANK NEPAL

To celebrate the occasion, an initiative was undertaken to greet our priority banking women customers, as well as Diva customers with boxes of sweets and bangles as a token of appreciation. This warm and thoughtful gesture of ours was well received as many of them openly expressed their happiness and gratitude for a cause that even they took so much to heart.

Needless to mention, the momentum of “Dar” has been kept alive by our male colleagues in the various branches and departments. Celebration spread over the whole week beginning from 17th August. As in the previous years, our men religiously and dutifully provided a feast of food and sweets to celebrate Teej amongst the women staff, making each one feel special and supported.

36 Panchatatwa

contiguous broad monetary variables. The dynamics of the exchange rate is seen to be compatible with inflation rates, interest rates and trade flows between the two countries in the past and is expected to follow the trend in the future as well.

The crux of our analysis on NC-IC exchange dynamics lies in subjecting its flow to three core theories central to international macroeconomics: The relative Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), the Uncovered Interest Rate Parity (UIRP) and the International Fisher Effect (IFE) theory. The relative PPP theory relates the inflation rate in a country to the change in market interest rates. The exchange rate between countries adjusts to accommodate the difference in general price level between the countries over time under PPP norms. Similarly, the UIRP equates the nominal interest rates between two countries to the rate of change of their exchange rate. The theory predicts that high yield currencies (in nominal terms) are expected to depreciate. Lastly, the IFE establishes nominal interest rate as the sum of real interest rate and the rate of inflation, thereby indicating that a real interest rate increase is positively correlated with appreciation of a currency. Put simply, these parity conditions advocate the equalization of rate of return of financial assets across countries to prevent arbitrage opportunities in the money and FX markets.

The NC-IC translation has a number of features that makes the three theories

relevant in the context. The easy and unlimited convertibility of the currencies, the long and open Indo-Nepal border and the free movement of people stand prominent amidst those. Illustration 1 and illustration 2 depict the movement of nominal exchange rates and inflation rates respectively from 1972 – 2007 between Nepal and India. Average 1 year commercial deposit rates have been taken as reference nominal interest rates since it can be considered as the most basic form of investment available at normal household level. Additionally, one year fixed deposit can be easily matched with annual inflation levels to facilitate the calculation of average annual real rate of return. Meanwhile Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Nepal and CPI – Industrial Workers (IW) for India has been taken as benchmark inflation indicators for the two countries. The CPI indicators measure the average change in price of consumer goods and services purchased by households.

Based on the illustrations, we can observe that the nominal interest rates for Nepal remained fairly higher compared to India till the beginning of the 1990’s after which interest rates were fully deregulated in Nepal. Following the period, the nominal interest rates went further down in Nepal and remained relatively lower than in India. The difference in the rates is seen to be widening especially after 2000. Consistent with the general theory of UIRP, the NC rate has steadily depreciated vis a vis the IC between 1970- 1990 when nominal rates were high in Nepal. Ignoring the structural

Rabi RayamajhiFinancial Markets Operations

The Dynamics of

NC IC Exchange Rate

R E S E A R C H

Nepal and India through decades have shared common economic values consistent with their geographical and socio cultural proximity. One distinct facet of the Indo-Nepal economic relation is the NC-IC exchange rate; the translator of economic fundamentals of one to the other and vice versa. The importance of the NC-IC rate has prevailed since long and especially after the establishment of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) with clear motives to put an official price tag on the Indian currency that dominated the currency usage in Nepal before the 1960’s.This importance of the NC-IC rate gains momentum even today as a de facto variable affecting the monetary stance of Nepal. However, achieving the right and stable rate has been a challenging task for the regulators. Though the official rate has been best kept at a peg since the last five decades, it has seen adjustments over time in response to changes in its


R E S E A R C H

adjustments at the beginning of the 1990’s that led to the devaluation of the IC, the revised peg at 1.65 and 1.60 from 1.68 in 1990/91 can be hypothesized to have sustained due to comparatively higher nominal rates in India after the period.

At the inflation front, CPI’s across the two countries have moved in tandem largely due to the fixed exchange rate regime. Between the 1980’s to the 1990’s, the divergence between the two has been particularly significant against Nepal’s favor and counterbalanced by a sharp depreciation of NC – a semblance of the relative PPP theory at work, ceteris paribus. It can also be noted that inflation in Nepal, though borrowed from India remained comparatively lower than India till 2004-2005 after which they are at an increasing trend. The resultant of the two graphs is the real rate of return graph shown in illustration 3 . The combination follows the international Fishers effect as follows

(1+N)= (1+R)(1+I) N ≈ R + I (approx) Where N= Nominal rate of return R= real rate of return and I= Inflation rate

The real rate of return graph illustrates the IC NC dynamics more vividly from the PPP and UIRP perspectives combined. The NC is seen to have progressively depreciated against the IC as the real interest rates in Nepal declined compared to the Indian rates. Subsequently, The IC NC exchange remained at a level between 1.68- 1.60 for almost 25 years, the period from the later 1980’s to the early years of the new millennium. This period is also seen to be associated with the convergence of real rates of return between the countries and can be interpreted more as a “NC IC equilibrium era” as convergence of real rates prevented capital mobility between the two countries.

Likewise, another distinct observation can be made in all three illustrations

after the year 2000/2003. Inflation level in Nepal is seen to be higher and at an increasing trend compared to India and nominal rates to have plunged in significant proportions, causing t negative real interest rates after the period for Nepal. These movements have created a notable variance between the real interest rates between the two countries. However there has been no correction in the exchange rates in line with the basic PPP and UIRP fundamentals. Studies made by the Nepal Ratra Bank on the cause and effects of NC IC rate adjustments in the past have specifically pointed interest rates between Nepal and India to be a governing variable in influencing the NC-IC exchange rate adjustment (Maskey, 2001). Another similar study made by the IMF concludes that monetary policy in Nepal can play only a limited role in the long run to tame inflation in Nepal given the open border and pegged exchange rate regime (Ginting, 2007). The implications of these studies supplemented by our observations, both historically and after 2000/2003 strongly suggests that the NC IC pegged status at 1.6 is under severe strain at current times. Additionally, the soaring trade deficit with India and the recently seen price shocks in Nepal, completely decoupled with the inflation rates are sure to support the devaluation of the NC. The leakages of today’s “fundamentally non compatible NC IC exchange rate” have already been around the market in the form of informal capital flight to India. These can be expected to be visible even more as equity markets in India revive after the recession and India is able to live up to its continuous commitment of taming domestic price levels.

On a final note it has to be admitted that the dynamics of the NC IC exchange rate is anything but simple. The rate commands a prominent role in Nepal’s macroeconomic policy due to which NRB has often opted, lobbied and worked for its stability. Nevertheless, economic fundamentals have to be acknowledged and deviations have to be timely addressed to achieve

the same over a long run. Given its limitations to directly intervene in the money markets and tame domestic inflation levels, NRB is currently seen to be left with very few cards to play with. The adjustment in the IC NC rate is hence an inevitable change the regulator has to welcome at the end of the game. The only question in this regard is how long is it going to last?

Source: RBI database (rbi.org.in) NRB research division and NRB Quarterly economic bulletin

Note: All Illustrations are based on 4 year average figures

Illustration 1

14.00%

12.00%

10.00%

8.00%

6.00%

4.00%

2.00%

0.00%

1972/1975

1976/1979

1980/1983

1984/1987

1988/1991

1992/1995

1996/1999

2000/2003

2004/2007

Nepal Nominal India Nominal

Illustration 2

16.00%

14.00%

12.00%

10.00%

8.00%

6.00%

4.00%

2.00%

0.00%

1972/1975

1976/1979

1980/1983

1984/1987

1988/1991

1992/1995

1996/1999

2000/2003

2004/2007

CPI-Nepal (l1) CPI-IW-India (l2)

Illustration 3

8.00%

6.00%

4.00%

2.00%

0.00

-2.00%

-4.00%

-6.00%

-8.00%

1972/1975

1976/1979

1980/1983

1984/1987

1988/1991

1992/1995

1996/1999

2000/2003

2004/2007

Nepal-real rate India-real rate

Illustration 4

1.8

1.6

1.4

1.2

1

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0

1972/1975

1976/1979

1980/1983

1984/1987

1988/1991

1992/1995

1996/1999

2000/2003

2004/2007

INR/NPR level

38 Panchatatwa

M I S C E L L A N E O U S

UNEXPRESSED WORDSSushil GautamConsumer Banking – Credit

I wonder why sometimes

I feel there is something amiss

When there is everything I ever wanted

Why is there vacuum in the abyss

Why do hopes from cherished ones

Translate to discontent later?

Or is the inability of the other

To comprehend greater

A talk will lay buried

Words will remain unspoken

Odd manifestations and

Dismal smiles betoken

As thoughts sometimes are

Like undying blemishes

When emotions divulge

Only the world relishes

Wounded is the one who hears

Wounded is the one who says

Silence comes by wisdom

Have heard the same always

So should true feelings die a slow death?

And sentiments lodge in the unknown?

Isn’t it then unfair to call it love when

It is sorrow in the heart sown

But kept hidden somewhere

Expecting this too shall pass

Hoping things will change

Collecting inside a grey amass

Which one day might explode

With exasperation and tears

In willows doubt and question

Is what one fears

So why is the other unwilling

To make way and understand

The silent spasms each day

And lend a warm hand

Then why let the talk lay buried

And why should words remain unspoken

Emotions make a lot of noise

Why lie when time is to be woken

As compromises are like

A dissonance cove

The more you judge

Is the less you love

In an effort to support our community and SCB-Group’s commitment, Walkathon 2009- “A Walk for a Brighter Tomorrow”, was successfully held on 21st November with great zeal and enthusiasm. This annual event is Standard Chartered Bank Nepal’s flagship initiative to support visually challenged people and those living with HIV by means of raising fund in partnership with its stakeholders. Major portion of the fund so raised is contributed to the bank’s “Seeing is Believing” initiative and the rest to other focus areas including HIV/AIDS, environment and education. More than 450 people including our bank staff, staff from our partnering organizations, visually challenged students and people living with HIV-AIDS enthusiastically participated in a five- kilometer walk from our Head Office to Lazimpat Branch as part of the event. Among the special guests for the event were David Thomas, Head-Country HR for Asia and Manish Menda, Head-HR Service Delivery, South Asia.

Walkathon 2009 'A Walk for a Brighter Tomorrow'

Prayash ShresthaCentral Operations

"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."-Mother Teresa

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