Heimat Cafe
Address: 3-5-6-1F Megurohonchou Meguro Tokyo Japan
Duration: 31st May, 2010 to 30th June, 2010
Photos: Nepal photos by Pax Earth & Bhutan photos by Keys to Bhutan

1, Youth Outdoor Exposure (YOE)

The Board unanimously agreed to organize “Youth Outdoor Exposure” during 7-9 May 2010 at Dhulikhel Training Centre, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal. Similarly, the following decisions, regarding the YOE, have been taken:
a, A YOE management committee, consists of the following members, has been formed:
Committee Name: Youth Outdoor Exposure Management Committee
Committee includes

b, An activity committee for YOE, consists of the following members, has been formed:
Committee Name: Activity Committee
Committee includes

c, The Board unanimously made a decision to give the responsibility and authority of coordinating YOE to Mr. Laxman Prasad Neupane.

d, As per the recommendation of PD Schooling Committee (formed on March 13, 2010), the Board agreed to set the registration fee of YOE: Rs. 1500.00/pax. This fee includes foods and accommodations.

2, Making contacts with Schools’ authority for proposed educational and environmental activities

a, The Board made a decision to give an authority of making contacts with school authorities at Bal Byabasai Kendra Secondary School, Kathmandu and Shree Raktakali Primary School, Kavrepalanchowk for proposed educational and environmental activities to President Mr. Koirala.

b, The Board further gave an authority of making contacts with some schools of Kathmandu for environmental activities to Vice President Mr. Shreebatsa Basnyat and Joint Secretary Mr. Guna Raj Pyakurel.

3, Miscellaneous

a, Next Meeting
The Board agreed to hold the next Board Meeting right after the Youth Outdoor Exposure. However, no decision has been taken regarding the date, time and venue.

President Mr. Koirala expressed gratitude to all Board Members present at the meeting for their active and valuable participation and adjourned the meeting.

Board Members present at the meeting:
Sujan Koirala (President), Shreebatsa Basnyat (Vice President), Manohar Sapkota (Secretary), Guna Raj Pyakurel (Joint Secretary), Dipendra Dangol (Joint Treasurer) Laxman B. Pahari (Board Member), Harihar Sapkota (Board Member) and Binod P. Mainali (Board Member) and Prem Shah (Founder Member).

A PEN team consists of Honorary Member Mr. Nilambar Badal, President Mr. Sujan Koirala and Treasurer Mr. Bal Gopal Shrestha visited Bal Byabasai Kendra Secondary School (BBKSS) on April 25, 2010. Main purpose of the visit was to assess the needs and discuss on possible future collaboration on environmental activities. The PEN team met Principal Mr. Ram Hari Pudasaini and Vice Principal Mr. Bal Krishna Acharya and enquired about the health and hygienic condition of the students and the school. The team could also get the feedback of the garbage programme that was organized in the same school in September 2009. The feedback was positive and encouraging.

The team felt that the state of environmental and hygienic education among the students is really very poor. The semi-government school with nearly 700 students (mostly are household labours) needs awareness and proper education on different kinds of environmental pollution, garbage management, health and hygiene. Even their parents desperately need such education. Similarly, the students need a small behavioural training as well. The school authorities were also indicating the need of a teachers’ training regarding how to increase the effectiveness of the teaching.

After the meeting, the PEN team assured them to support and contribute in conducting some environmental workshops for the students and, if possible, for their parents and guardians as well. Once the relationship with the school and students grows older, PEN will see the possibility of supporting in other areas as well. The team further asked to provide a name-list of all students grade-wise. They have assured us to provide it within May 15, 2010. The team also inspected students, class-rooms and school premises. The meeting with the school authority was arranged and coordinated by Mr. Badal.

In the morning, Japanese friends gathered at the house of President Sujan Koirala. PEN had a plan to begin “Holi” from the junction point at Mitrapark. However, people began to throw waters and colours right after leaving for the junction from Kapan (Mr. Koirala’s house). Several buckets of waters and colour powders were thrown to Nepali and Japanese friends en-route to Mitrapark. We were completely wet and colourful before reaching the junction. Most of the members and friends were gathered at the junction, had a couple of teas and began to wander around nearby areas. We exchanged greetings by putting colours and pouring water on each other. The celebration which began from Kapan, passed through Mitrapark, Gaurighat, Pashupatinath, Gaushala and ended at Mitrapark. It lasted more than 5 hours. We sang “Holi” song “Jo Gira Sararara…” in many corners of the streets. Friends from different corners of Kathmandu joined us in the street and made lots of fun.

We spent most of our time playing “Holi” at our friend Dipendra Dangol’s servicing centre. We were completely wait and colourful at the end of the celebration. This time, the “Holi” was a thrilling, exciting and memorable experience for us. Japanese friends were quite delighted to be a part of it and had a memorable experience of life time. They wished to visit Nepal in 2011 to celebrate “Holi” again. Including Japanese friends, more than 50 persons celebrated “Holi” with PEN.

Happy Holi, Happy Holi, Happy Holi!

Though we had eight board members present at the meeting, every member could express their remarks on both the visits. The review concluded that PEN played an effective role in successfully coordinating “Kadinche Tour to Nepal” and meeting all the schedules despite many challenges. However, in the words of Mr. Manohar Sapkota, “We need to wait a long to see the results of this visit.” Similarly, PEN could present an excellent schedule during Soichiro and his friends’ Nepal visit. Both the visits were coordinated by President Mr. Koirala.

The meeting discussed on the following agendas and took the decision accordingly.

• 1, Revision of budget

The Board reviewed the budget and activity plan for the year 2010 which was submitted to PEJ few months back. The meeting also discussed on the points raised by Shoyu Club. The meeting further reviewed suggestions and recommendations received from the new members and friends. As the activities for the year 2010 need to address the issues raised by Shoyu Club and the interests of new members and friends, the board members agreed to form a three member committee to revise plan and budget for the year 2010.

Committee Name： Plan and Budget Revising committee
Committee includes： Mr. Sujan Koirala, President / Mr. Manohar Sapkota, Secretary / Mr. Bal Gopal Shrestha, Treasurer
Deadline：22nd March, 2010

As per the instruction of the Board, the revised plan and budget should incorporate the interests of all the stakeholders, specifically of Shoyu Club.

• 2, Discussion on possible business models including PEN’s café

This time, the meeting was focused on the discussion of the café only. After a long interaction, the meeting agreed to start the café business after two months. As per Mr. Sapkota and Mr. Basnyat who are leading this business concept, the main challenge of starting a café is to find a room in a suitable location. The board members further agreed to participate in this venture by purchasing share of this business model. Mr. Sapkota and Mr. Basnyat will come up with a final model (including the budget, share structure, shareholders and so on). As PEJ has shown keen interest in this venture from the very beginning, PEN Board expects their active participation as well. The final model will explain how PEJ can participate in this venture. The Board unanimously agreed to donate 10 percent of the net profit to Pax Earth Nepal.

• 3, International Membership Criteria

There are few Nepali friends of Pax Earth Nepal who are residing abroad for their study and career but are constantly encouraging and supporting the Pax Earth Nepal although not yet financially. They have been asking us for the formal authority to work for Pax Earth in fulfilling its mission. They will not only spread the spirit of Pax Earth in abroad but also try to raise the funds for the activities of Pax Earth Nepal.

The board comprehensively discussed on the interest and encouragements shown by three friends of Pax Earth Nepal, Mr. Rajkumar Gurung, Mr. Purushottam Dangol and Mr. Saroj Ghimire. After a long interaction, the Board agreed to give them a general membership and further agreed to appoint as country representatives of PEN. They will be required to work in the spirit of Pax Earth and will be abide by its membership rules and regulations. The Board agreed to appoint Mr. Rajkumar Gurung as Country Representative for USA, Mr. Purushottam Dangol as Joint Representative for USA and Mr. Saroj Ghimire as Country Representative for Australia. They are required to fulfill a mandatory procedure to begin their work on behalf of PEN formally. Though we had talked about this while PEJ Secretary General Dr. Soko Aoki was in Nepal, PEN would like to have opinion of PEJ in this regard again.

• 4, Membership Renewal

The Board made a decision that all members are required to complete the renewal of their membership within the end of Nepali Year 2066, i.e., within April 13, 2010.

• 5, Communication System

PEN has been facing some communication problems of not reaching the right information to the right person at the right time due to network and other technical problems despite adopting all modern communication mediums. After an intensive discussion on the present communication system, the Board made a decision to foster human to human information system in addition to the present communication system.

• 6, Miscellaneous

a, New Event
In order to address the constant request and interest of new members, friends and even board members, the meeting unanimously agreed to hold a “Personality Development Schooling” in May 2010 which is an advance version of “1st Youth Leadership Development Camp” held in September 2008. We expect this very event will help boost the leadership, personality and team-building skills besides providing refreshment. A three member committee has been formed to plan and budget the activity.

Committee Name: PD Schooling Committee
Committee Members: Sujan Koirala, President / Laxman B. Pahari, Board Member / Harihar Sapkota, Board Member
Deadline:Next Board Meeting

b, Pax Earth T-shirt Printing in Nepal
In PEJ last visit, Secretary General Dr. Soko Aoki had insisted PEN members to see the possibility of printing Pax Earth T-shirt here in Nepal to avoid high cost of printing in Japan. The Board briefly discussed on this issue and wanted Mr. Basnyat to lead this task.

c, Next Meeting
The Board agreed to hold the next Board Meeting of PEN on Saturday April 10, 2010 at 16.00hrs at the residence of Board Member Mr. Binod Prasad Mainali, Chabahil, Kathmandu.

President Mr. Koirala extended hearty thanks to all Board Members present at the meeting for their active and valuable participation and adjourned the meeting.

Board Members present at the meeting:
Sujan Koirala (President), Shreebatsa Basnyat (Vice President), Manohar Sapkota (Secretary), Bal Gopal Shrestha (Treasurer), Guna Raj Pyakurel (Joint Secretary), Laxman B. Pahari (Board Member), Harihar Sapkota (Board Member) and Binod P. Mainali (Board Member).

PEN President Mr. Sujan Koirala and board members warmly welcomed them at Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu. Although Kadinche Team had a week long trip, they could spend only three full days in Nepal. The main objectives of their visit were: to meet heritage and tourism related people (especially at UNESCO), to interview IT professionals (especially Mr. Mahabir Pun) and to visit world heritage sites (including “Namuna Ghar”) of Kathmandu valley and take panorama photos.

• 4th Feb. 2010

After an hour of rest at Fuji Hotel, Kadinche Team left for a meeting with CEO of Agile Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Surya Aryal at Agile’s office, Old Baneshwor, Kathmandu. Kadinche Team could take the interview on IT sectors and enquired about the possibility of exploring Kadinche technology’s market in Nepal. The Kadinche team showed a demonstration of their technology. Besides, the team took the panorama photos of the indoor setting of Agile. The meeting lasts for one and half hours. PEN President Mr. Koirala, VP Mr. Shreebatsa Basnyat and Board Member Mr. Laxman B. Pahari were present on the occasion.

In the evening, the team met Mr. Indiver Badal, an IT expert, who has been in this profession for the last fifteen years at Fuji Hotel. He has worked with Mr. Mahabir Pun in so many occasions. Dr. Aoki interviewed him about present state of IT sector in Nepal. Similarly, he enquired about the initiative taken by Mr. Mahabir Pun in the Himalayan regions. The team could get ample information about the state of IT in Nepal. They are surprised to know the progress that has been made in the IT in Himalayan regions. Kadinche team also had a demonstration of their technology on the occasion. He interestingly watched the demonstration and appreciated the technology. Besides Kadinche team and Mr. Koirala, Mr. Basnyat and Mr. Pahari, Secretary Mr. Manohar Sapkota was also present on the occasion.

• 5th Feb. 2010

In the morning, Kadinche team left for sightseeing of Boudhanath and Swoyambhunath. However, due to traffic jam they shortened the sightseeing and only visited Boudhanath. They were accompanied by Mr. Basnyat.

Then after, they left for Bhaktapur picking Mr. Koirala in Balkhu. There Kadinche team had a plan to visit “Namuna Ghar” recognized by UNESCO. We met our friend Rikesh Raj Bharati who was taking care of this model house. Kadinche Team took the panorama photos of whole building, rooms and interiors. The team could obtain necessary information of the house from Mr. Bharati. Besides “Namuna Ghar”, the team took panorama photos of different temples and monuments of Bhaktapur.

After Bhaktapur, we left for UNESCO Office at Jawalakhel where we had an appointment with Ms. Nipuna Shrestha of Cultural section at 4pm. Besides having interaction with her, the team had a demonstration of their technology at UNESCO as well. Kadinche team could get good feedback for their technology. She also referred some institutions in which Kadinche technology is useful. Mr. Koirala and Mr. Basnyat accompanied Kadinche team at the meeting.

• 6th Feb. 2010

In the morning, the team left to meet advisor of PEN Prof. Dr. Hari Prasad Shrestha who is also the Executive Member of Nepal Mountaineering Association. The team had a small demonstration of the technology out there. Prof. Shrestha and his family interestingly watched the demonstration. Prof. Shrestha highly appreciated the technology.

After the meeting, the team was divided into two groups; one consisted of Dr. Aoki and other consisted of remaining three members of Kadinche. Mr. Pahari took three members team to various world heritage sites: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath and Patan Durbar Square to take panorama photos so as to create digital archives of these sites.

Dr. Aoki represented PEJ in the joint meeting between PEJ and PEN in the afternoon. We talked about various issues of Pax Earth including activity, budget and funding for the year 2010 as well as business models for self-sustaining Pax Earth activities in future. Both PEN and PEJ agreed to revise the budget. However, the PEN members insisted PEJ to continue the youth exchange programme between Nepal and Japan. They also requested Dr. Aoki to highly consider the budgeting.

In the business model, we discussed on café, Japanese university students study tour, promotion of Kadinche technology in Nepal and education consultancy. Mr. Basnyat and Mr. Sapkota agreed to lead the café project, Dr. Aoki from PEJ and Mr. Koirala from PEN agreed to lead the study tour project. For this, we agreed to submit a proposal to International Christian University in April 2010. Mr. Koirala has also shown interest to explore Kadinche technology here in Nepal. Mr. Guna Raj Pyakurel has opened an education consultancy and he is quite interested to explore the possibility of sending students in Japanese university. Dr. Aoki has assured us to explore the possibility of this business in Japan as he is also lecturing at Keio University in Japan. Mr. Koirala shared his opinion on Kadinche technology and provided feedback to improve. PEN members insisted Dr. Aoki to make the Kadinche website in English as early as possible. Eight persons were at the meeting.

In the evening, thanks to efforts of Mr. Indiver Badal, we could have an appointment with Mr. Mahabir Pun, Ramon Magsaysay Award winner for Community Leadership in 2007. Mr. Badal directly brought him to Fuji Hotel from the airport. Mr. Pun was in Pokhara. Dr. Aoki took interview of Mr. Pun for about an hour. He asked about the history, benefits for village people brought from Mr. Pun’s initiative, future plan and challenges. Mr. Pun gave a complete reply of each and every question of Dr. Aoki. Everyone present was quite amazed to know the progress made in wireless computer technology in remote mountain areas. Mr. Pun highlighted the benefit that the wireless technology has highly contributed in education, health and communication. Furthermore, the technology has facilitated in remittance, monitoring air traffic and getting information on climate. He further shared that he is planning to start virtual ATM service in these remote villages with the help of service providers employing the same technology. Dr. Aoki who is also the Contributing Writer of JB Press obtained permission from Mr. Pun to publish his interview in this Japanese online business media.

After the interview, Kadinche team had a small demonstration of their technology. Mr. Pun highly appreciated the technology and took no time in providing a feedback that it can be used in education as a virtual study.

Dr. Aoki thanked Mr. Pun for his valuable time and wished to work together in future. On behalf of PEN, President Mr. Koirala thanked Mr. Pun for his valuable presence in spite of his very tight schedule. He highly appreciated Mr. Pun’s effort and told that his effort has brought tremendous changes in the remote villages of mountain regions. He added that he is an inspiration for the youths like us. Everyone present in the meeting was honoured to meet him. He further extended best wishes for his future endeavours. He further assured to follow the footprint Mr. Pun has set. Including Kadinche team, a large number of PEN members were present at the meeting.

After the meeting, PEJ and PEN members had the dinner together. On the occasion, Dr. Aoki declared Mr. Laxman Bahadur Pahari as the best performer of PEN for the year 2009 and awarded a token of love as recognition.

• 7th Feb. 2010

In the early morning, Kadinche team left for Bhutan. President Mr. Koirala and VP Mr. Basnyat bid them a farewell for Bhutan trip.

• 11th Feb. 2010

President Mr. Koirala, VP Mr. Basnyat and Mr. Pahari could meet Kadinche Team at the airport who were en-route to Bangkok from Bhutan but required to change the flight. As their flight was of the afternoon, PEN members could spend few hours with the team. Besides having a cup of tea, PEN members could get feedback of their visit to Bhutan. Mr. Koirala, Mr. Basnyat and Mr. Pahari bid a farewell to them and wished a happy journey back to Japan.

Though they have a very tight schedule, PEN could manage all the schedules on time. Nevertheless, PEN put its utmost effort to make this visit fruitful and meaningful. The whole programme of Kadinche was coordinated by President Mr. Koirala.

PEN believes that this is just a beginning of a long race for Kadinche. It will slowly and gradually flourish in the days ahead. Good luck Kadinche!

• Inauguration ceremony
Vice President Mr. Shreebatsa Basnyat cordially welcomed special guest Mr. Nilambar Badal, representative from Fuji Hotel, Mr. Laxman Kunwar, board members, chartered member and general members of Pax Earth. In his very short speech, he expected an active participation from all members and stakeholders.

Treasurer Mr. Bal Gopal Shrestha presented the Income/Expenditure Statement of FY 2065/66 including the audit report. The statement revealed that the actual income and expenses of PEN during fiscal year were Rs. 159,375.58 and Rs. 136,547.89. There is a net cash balance of Rs. 22827.69. Out of the balance Rs. 22827.69, Rs. 2322.69 is at bank while Rs. 20505.00 is at cash in hand. Similarly, Treasurer Mr. Shrestha proposed a budget of Rs. 468,500.00 for the FY 2066/67.

On behalf of Pax Earth Executive Board, Secretary Mr. Manohar Sapkota presented the Pax Earth Annual Report 2066/67. He highlighted the major activities carried out by Pax Earth Nepal during FY 2066/67. The major activities held during FY 2066/67 were:

• First Youth Leadership Development Camp (September 2008)
• Certificate Distribution Ceremony (October 2008)
• Deusi Bhailo 2065 (October 2008)
• Pax Earth Picnic 2008 (November 2008)
• Field visit and Educational Material Distribution to Kot Timal, Kavrepalanchowk (December 2008)
• Initial General Meeting (January 2009)
• Participated in Interaction Programme on “Youth Policy for Rural Youths” organized by Migration Network jointly with UNIFEM (January 2009)
• Participation in Blood Donation Programme jointly hosted by Lions Club of Kathmandu Miracle, OCCED Nepal Youth Club, Kathmandu and Arirang Nepal Multipurpose Cooperative Organisation Ltd. (March 2009)
• PEN Holi 2009 (March 2009)
• Pax Earth Nepal (PEN) meets Pax Earth Japan (PEJ) (May/June 2009, Japan); Activities highlights: Meeting and Presentation at Shoyu Club and International Christian University, Joint meeting between PEJ and PEN, visit to Kyoto (World Heritage sites), Nigata and many touristic sites of Tokyo and surroundings.
• Extended technical support in Educational Materials Distribution Programme organized Kantipur Open Rover Crew in association with Nepal Scouts DHQ and Make-A-Wish Foundation, Nepal (June 2009)
• PEN Toastmasters Programme (five editions during FY 2066/67)
• Board Meetings of PEN (four times after the executive board being elected from Initial General Meeting)

Executive Member Mr. Harihar Sapkota briefed the activities carried out by PEN from Mid-July 2009 to till date. The major activities carried out during this period were:

• 1st Anniversary of PEN (July 2009)
• 5th Board Meeting of PEN (August 2009)
• 6th Pax Earth Toastmasters (August 2009)
• Keio Students in Nepal (September 2009)
• Pax Earth Japan (PEJ) meets Pax Earth Nepal (PEN) (September 2009); Activities highlights: garbage management, pack test, air test, tree plantation, home-stay, visit to cultural and heritage sites and so on.
• Greeting Exchange Programme (September 2009)
• Participated in Blood Donation Programme hosted by Prisma Advertising (October 2009)
• PEN marked World AIDS Day (December 2009)
• 6th Board Meeting (December 2009)

Mr. Sapkota also presented the proposed programme for the next seven months, i.e. for remaining period of FY 2066/67.

General Members Mr. Rabindra Neupane, Mr. Laxman Prasad Neupane, Mr. Prabhakar Acharya, Mr. Debraj Ghimire and Mr. Sudarsan Risal also spoke on the occasion. They are happy to be a part of Pax Earth team and assured to play an active and contribute their level best in every activity and endeavour of Pax Earth in Future. Mr. Acharya insisted PEN to involve in more and regular activities in the future.

On the occasion, Special Guest Mr. Badal handed “Token of Love” to new members of PEN. Out of eleven new members, nine members were present to receive the “Token of Love.” Mr. Badal also handed a “Token of Love” to representative of Fuji Hotel. President Mr. Koirala honoured Mr. Nilambar Badal with a “Token of Love” recognizing his valuable support and suggestion extended for PEN.

Special guest Mr. Nilambar Badal congratulated Pax Earth members for successfully holding the first annual general meeting. Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Nilambar Badal appreciated the activities carried out by Pax Earth Nepal. He is really impressed with the enthusiasm, commitment and cooperative attitude of all the members. He said that the key to Pax Earth success is the unity. He promised to extend all possible support if Pax Earth is interested in organizing eye camps and any leadership or behavioural training for the youths of slum areas of Kathmandu. He has assured to avail himself in all activities of Pax Earth as far as possible. Mr. Badal wished for the progress and prosperity of Pax Earth in the days ahead.

President Mr. Koirala extended vote of thanks to special guest Mr. Nilambar Badal, representative of Fuji Hotel, well-wishers, board members, chartered member and general members for their valuable presence and active participation in the meeting.

Mr. Koirala recalled how the Pax Earth was founded. He thanked all board members, chartered member and general members for their support, cooperation and efforts in bringing Pax Earth to this successful state. He is also grateful to all friends and well wishers for their continued support, cooperation and advice for Pax Earth. He appraised the role played by PEN advisor Prof. Dr. Hari Prasad Shrestha, Dr. Ganesh Gurung, Assoc. Prof. Hriseekesh Upadhyay and Mr. Nilambar Badal and hoped for the continuous support, cooperation, guidance and suggestion in the days ahead.

Mr. Koirala owed a debt of gratitude to Dr. Soko Aoki, Secretary General of Pax Earth Japan, PEJ advisors Mr. Katsunori Kuno and Mr. Masaya Arao and all PEJ members. He also thanked Shoyu Club for providing financial support to Pax Earth.

Mr. Koirala is very happy with the enhanced relationship between Pax Earth and Fuji Hotel. He thanked the owner and the staffs for providing meeting hall for the initial general meeting, annual general meeting and other meetings as well as taking good care of friends coming from Japan for the last several years. He also thanked Master of Ceremony Mr. Guna Raj Pyakurel for smoothly running the meeting. He said, “If each and every member put utmost efforts, we can escalate a greater height in the days ahead.” He concluded his remarks by stating, “United we stand, divided we fail. Let’s join hands and contribute the level best in bringing peace on earth with the theme: ‘With pax, for the earth’.”

After his vote of thanks, President Mr. Koirala adjourned the first session.

• Closed session
After a break of five minute, the closed session of the Pax Earth began. The second session was focused on main agenda. The following decisions were taken in the session.

1, The floor unanimously passed the audit report as well as income/expenditure statement of the FY 2065/66 presented by Treasurer Mr. Bal Gopal Shrestha. The floor also passed the proposed budget for the FY 2066/67.

2, The floor unanimously passed the Pax Earth Annual Report 2066/67 which was presented in the first session by Secretary Mr. Manohar Sapkota on behalf of Pax Earth Executive Board.

3, The floor passed the report of the activities carried out by PEN during the first five months of the fiscal year 2066/67. Similarly, the floor seconded the proposed activity for the next seven month of the FY 2066/67. Both the reports were presented by Executive Member Mr. Harihar Sapkota in the first session.

4, The floor made an unanimous decision to give a mandate of making decision on the appointment of auditor and finalizing his remuneration to the Executive Board as and when require in future.

5, The floor made a decision to assign President Mr. Sujan Koirala, Secretary Mr. Manohar Sapkota and Treasurer Mr. Bal Gopal Shrestha on behalf of Executive Board and Mr. Laxman Prasad Neupane and Ms. Rina Manandhar on behalf of general members as representatives for endorsing the decision made in the first annual general meeting.

6, Miscellaneous:

• i, President Mr. Koirala proposed a special proposal to form a three member advisory committee of PEN. The floor unanimously seconded his proposal. The advisory committee includes Prof. Dr. Hari Prasad Shrestha, Dr. Ganesh Gurung and Associate Professor Mr. Hriseekesh Upadhyay.
• ii, Secretary Mr. Manohar Sapkota proposed a special proposal to award an honorary membership to Mr. Nilambar Badal for his valuable support, cooperation and guidance. The floor unanimously seconded the proposal. With this decision, Mr. Nilambar Badal has become the first honorary member of PEN effective from December 26, 2009.
• iii, Vice President Mr. Shreebatsa Basnyat proposed a special proposal to award an honorary membership to Fuji Hotel for its cooperation and support for the last few years. The floor unanimously agreed the proposal. This decision made Fuji Hotel the first institution to be awarded with honorary membership of PEN.
• iv, President Mr. Koirala once again thanked all the guests, well-wishers, board members, chartered member and general members for their active participation and valuable suggestion in the closed session and adjourned the session.

The meeting was successfully completed with the active participation from all the members. Joint Secretary Mr. Guna Raj Pyakurel fabulously handled Master of Ceremony. Altogether twenty-one persons were present at the occasion. Teas and snacks were served after the second session.



Note: Nepalese Fiscal Year (FY) 2065/66 began on July 16, 2008 and ended on July 15, 2009. Similarly, FY 2066/67 began on July 16, 2009 and will end on July 15, 2010.

]]> http://pax-earth.org/2010/02/first-annual-general-meeting/feed/ http://pax-earth.org/2010/02/changu-narayan-picnic-november-8th-2009/ http://pax-earth.org/2010/02/changu-narayan-picnic-november-8th-2009/#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:02:12 +0000 admin http://pax-earth.org/?p=334 Pax Earth Nepal members, well-wishers and friends went for a splendid picnic at Changu Narayan, Bhaktapur on Saturday January 16, 2010. Last time, PEN had a picnic on November 8, 2008.



Changu Narayan is a pagoda-style Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu located near the Changu Narayan village in Kathmandu Valley. It is 22 Km away from Kathmandu. The temple is one of the oldest temples in Nepal came in existence in 4th century. The temple is adorned by some of the best specimen of stone, wood, and metal craft in the valley. The temple stands as the epitome of culture, religion, history and faith of the Kathmandu valley. The Changu Narayan Temple is one of the seven structures cited by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in the Kathmandu valley.

Though we planned to leave at 8am in the morning, some technical difficulties kept us 1.45 hours away from the scheduled time. With the special picnic banner stuck on the front of the bus, the journey began at 9.45am from the junction point Mitrapark and could reach at the destination at 10.45am. We had rented a bus for the whole day. We all were so hungry and had the breakfast at 11.30am. The distance between picnic spot and the temple is 10 minutes on foot. We had to descend from the bus-park which is situated at the middle between Changu Narayan temple and the picnic spot.



The spot is enriched with green hills, forests, landscape and a peaceful environment. However, we were not lucky enough to see any white mountains due to foggy environment. Each and every individual could breathe a pure and fresh air and relax a while far from the pollution, noise and crowd of Kathmandu valley. Load-shedding was about to hamper the musical environment but a spot keeper made the electricity available by adding generator throughout our stay. We had lunch at 3pm where we could have varieties of tasty foods.

Bingo, music, cards and foods were the major attraction of the picnic. Mr. Laxman Neupane made the moment exhilarating and thrilling with his extraordinary skill of conducting the bingo. He is equally supported by Nilambar Badal. Everyone was so involved, excited and attentive to hear their number in the lottery chit. This event had increased the nerve and heartbeat of everybody who were expecting their number to be announced. This single event had provided a breathtaking entertainment for one and half hour.  Laxman B. Pahari, Prem Shah, Bal Gopal Shrestha and Bijay Thapa were the winners of the bingo. We had lots of fun visiting cultural and religious sites, playing cards and ludo, listening to music, snapping landscapes and panoramic views and gossiping.



We could have a small formality as well. Mr. Badal who is also a PEN honorary member, handed over the Token of Love to new members Mr. Arun Khadka and Mr. Bijay Thapa who could not attend PEN 1st AGM. It was also the birthday of Joint Secretary Mr. Guna Raj Pyakurel. We celebrated his birthday cutting a cake.

Since the day was short, the venue began to turn dark little earlier. Hence, we left for Kathmandu at 5.30pm. We had an exhilarating entertainment singing, dancing, joking and caricaturing in the bus en-route to/from the picnic spot. The journey began at 9.45am came to an end at 7.00pm right after reaching the Mitrapark café.



We had several round of discussion while deciding the venue/spot of the picnic. Out of four spots: Tribhuvan Park, Bajrayogini, Nagarkot and Changu Narayan, we picked Changu Narayan on the basis of specific criteria: a) availability of water, b) electricity facility c) space availability, d) religious and cultural importance, e) distance, f) en-route traffic jam, and g) fare.

It was the initiative of Laxman Prasad Neupane and strong support from all well-wishers and friends, we could have a fabulous, entertaining and memorable picnic. Thank you Laxman. We would also like to thank Mr. Ashok Malla and his catering team for feeding us with tasty foods throughout the day. Thanks to the spot boy who made the electricity available throughout the day. This time, forty persons (including the cooking team) attended the picnic under the PEN umbrella. We expected reasonable participation from female, however, succeeded to have only two lady friends.



We had a wonderful and memorable picnic once again. The picnic has contributed a lot in enhancing friendship, cooperation and understanding among the friends and the members.

It has also brought cheers and smiles in every participant. The conclusion of the picnic is the same as last picnic: “Once is not enough.” We look forward for another exciting picnic in the near future. We recommend everyone to visit Changu Narayan at least once in a life.

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