New group on the Block

I am so delighted to receive a number of emails almost everyday by our Women Blogger group and glad to see followers rising on my twitter account.

This is indeed a great idea to connect with powerful women from different corners who have been sharing their ideas and knowledge to make this world better place to live and help us visualize looking for valuable suggestions for social innovations and developments. Great job @Janna!

We are the participants of Women Bloggers Delivery competition for ‘Carbon For Water Campaign’. Congratulations to the winners, who are now traveling around Kenya and keeping us updated.

I am very pleased to know these ladies and be a part of the group. I really appreciate @Abby’s concept to create a spreadsheet where we all have put in our details, and how wonderful it is to get familiar with each other in just a simple click.

This is  simple yet powerful step, and with more innovative concepts like these, I believe, women being entangled in social norms and values forbidding them to speak up for their rights, deprived of education and opportunities, will soon be a history.

KUDOS to everyone in the group. This is what I say SOLIDARITY!

http://www.vestergaard-frandsen.com/carbon-for-water/

XOXO

Jo_tee

Everything happens for a REASON !

I could't fall asleep last night due to cold, in spite of gulping in the most powerful medicine available :-(  Though, this medicine induces sleep, I became a lil’ exceptional case as running nose and kinda sore throat kept me up till late.

Television offered its company to kill the time, but did not feel like watching TV; in fact I’m not a television person unless there’s some interesting like- reality shows, good movies or sports. Well, if I have to caste a vote for my favourite channels, I would choose #TLC & #Discovery. But last night none of those helped me to spend my time, I was dead bored flipping through channels.

Suddenly, I heard wind blowing & a thunder shower..WHOA!! it started to rain heavily again. It has been raining here since three days. My folks are complaining about the weather but I’m enjoying pre-monsoon. Cool weather & less power outage. It’s fantastic!!

Then, the only thing I needed was, something I can’t imagine my life without, “Internet” :-) Well, I can live without television and a cell phone, but if there's no access to internet, life hardly exists. I feel completely disconnected without it.

Multi-tasking has always been my attribute as a computer user, I thought to write as well as chat with friends on Skype/MSN. So, it was nature, me and my memories that were helping my finger tips dance on the keyboard. The ‘tip tap tip tap’ sounds of rain and wind striking on my window panes added some special effects to draw upon the beautiful memories that were revisiting my mind.

Back to back; glorious days, family functions, smile and enjoyment. Frustrating days, anxious moments and tough times, and I feel so proud of myself thinking of all those, but I've managed to stand tall and brave. Not flattering to myself!

And, when you’re going through bad time everyone just tries to console you with some true or hypothetical encouraging stories with one and only ‘moral of the story’- “Everything happens for a reason”. But this judgment really doesn't bring any relief at such moments, well if everything happens for a reason, I would say, I’m trying freaking hard to find that stubborn REASON.

I feel like blessed, this year has been a great year so far, full of rewarding opportunities. So glad that I got to meet and befriend such a lovely people from different countries, got a chance to see life so closely and eventually encouraged me to do something significant and worthy.

Progress was just a “Fairy tale word” that I read about, and now this is the time I’m really experiencing the high it brings.

Perhaps, these are actually the under wrapped REASONS for everything that happened. The reasons unfold now like flower petals…Beautiful!!

Now, I also witness that “Everything really happens for a reason”, I love to add, “don’t lose your hope and never quit”. And like my brother says- this is just a beginning and we’ve yet many miles to walk.

Yep! miles to go, destination is set, pitfalls might be on my way, but I’ll surely grab every good reasons stored in.

Halleluiah! I’m counting the days on my finger tips now..my upcoming trip..I’m super excited as it’s one of my dream countries to visit and am pretty sure it’s indeed every girl’s dreamland, if you believe in love and romance..Whoops Goosebumps!!

But that’s not only the reason behind my excitement and enthusiasm; the most important one is, I’ll be meeting all the people who actually made my dream come true. I’m so looking forward to learn a lot from them and get back with bag full of memories, knowledge and skills. Let’s see if I would be able to bring them all in my bag, provided the baggage limit is 23kg, or may be I have to charter a cargo to carry them..well definitely not!! lol

18 Days to go…….

“Never regret something that once made you smile”

XOXO

Jo_tee

Flesh trade in Nepal- Picture of inhumanity

 “Real men don’t buy & sell girls. Real men love, care for and protect girls.”

This sentence has been quoted by Hollywood actress #Demi Moore during her recent trip to Nepal to work on CNN’s Freedom Project. Ms. Moore & her beau #Ashton Kutcher have recently launched their own foundation to address and combat the issue of child sex trafficking.

Well, I am not blogging about the Celebs or to appreciate their work here. As my blog has now hit 1000 previews from across the continents, I just decided to bring some social concerns in front of everyone. This is just my small effort to enlighten people from every corner of the World to raise their voice against human trafficking, and I am sure this is not the issue of my country alone.

#Maiti Nepal is a NGO based in Kathmandu, Nepal that was established in 1993 to protect Nepali girls and women from domestic violence, trafficking for flesh trade, child prostitution, child labor and various forms of exploitation and torture. #Ms. Anuradha Koirala, the chairperson of Maiti Nepal has been voted as CNN hero of the year 2010 by people worldwide in an online poll that ran for eight weeks on CNN.com. (I would love to work with Maiti Nepal someday !)

I am doing some research on the internet about human trafficking in Nepal (though it’s not a part of my course of study as of now), I am really surprised to come across some awful facts-

NGOs estimate that 10,000 to 15,000 Nepali women and girls are trafficked to India annually, while 7,500 children are trafficked domestically for commercial sexual exploitation. In many cases, relatives or acquaintances facilitated the trafficking of women and young girls into sexual exploitation. Women and girls are also trafficked to other Asian destinations, including Malaysia, Hong Kong, and South Korea for commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor. Also, NGOs report that some police, border guards, and other officials routinely accept bribes to turn a blind eye to activities of traffickers. Many dance bars, “cabin restaurants,” and massage parlours in Kathmandu that facilitate sex trafficking are reportedly co-owned by senior police and army officials.(courtesy: various sites)

Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act, 2064 considers an act as Human Trafficking and Transportation, if anyone sells or buys a person for any purpose, forces someone into prostitution, with or without pay removes human organs except otherwise determined by law.

So here is an Act declared in our law to protect against this and to raise the issue on court.

But, I wonder how many cases have been filed so far and how many people have received justice. The main two causes for these increasing criminal activities, I think, are unemployment & lack of  proper education. Had there not been those problems, majority of people might not have opted for alternatives like; risking their life for jobs in foreign land, or women might not have chosen to work in night clubs or dance bars.

My question here, who is responsible for these outrageous crimes? Should the blame completely be thrown on our paralyzed government or the political instability? Or on those who has lifted up their living standard overnight by virtue of being involved in this flesh trade? Or on parents who completely trust those frauds & send their children abroad for work? Or the victims themselves who are less conscious about what is happening?

Also, if we are now trying to stop these social discrepancies, do we have any alternatives for those who, by now, are completely dependent on this profession to earn breads & butter for their family?

Above all, I think, there has to be stringent laws to curtail any sort of crimes against women and children. Not only they should be protected, Government should also empower women who have suffered through this. 

Women in Nepal need someone to help and encourage them to come out from their discouraging social boundaries and speak up for themselves.

But most importantly, this is our responsibility to bring a change in our society. Yes, we have voted our leaders to bring this change, but when they are quiet pathetic to impart their duties, we should not wait for them to wake ourselves up! It’s time to speak up! Let’s not wait till anyone from our own family becomes a victim, let’s not wait for anyone to bring a change……This is our problem and we need to put on our every little effort that we can make, after all, “every small effort brings big changes”.

(Watch #Nepal's Stolen Children on CNN or Youtube)

                                                                                                            

                                                                                                          -Paulette Kelly  

“I Got Flowers Today…”  

I got flowers today. 
It wasn't my birthday or any other special day. 

We had our first argument last night, 
and he said a lot of cruel things that really hurt me. 
I know he is sorry and didn’t mean the things he said. 
Because he sent me flowers today. 

I got flowers today.
It wasn't our anniversary 
or any other special day. 

Last night, he threw me into a wall 
and started to choke me. 
It seemed like a nightmare. 
I couldn't believe it was real. 
I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over. 
I know he must be sorry. 
Because he sent me flowers today. 

I got flowers today, 
And it wasn't Mother's Day or any other special day. 
Last night, he beat me up again. 
And it was much worse than all the other times. 
If I leave him, what will I do? 
How will I take care of my kids? 
What about money? 
I'm afraid of him and scared to leave. 
But I know he must be sorry. 
Because he sent me flowers today. 

I got flowers today. 
Today was a very special day. 
It was the day of my funeral. 
Last night, he finally killed me. 
He beat me to death. 
If only I had gathered enough courage 
and strength to leave him, 
I would not have gotten flowers...today!

XOXO

Jo_tee

Happy New Year 2068 B.S (14th April 2011)

Last night, I was skype-ing with my best friend “Sanju” & I didn’t realize we video chatted till four in the morning (Nepali Time), but it was just 4 PM at her end (in Texas). The sleepless night made me feel drowsy & dizzy at work today.

We talked about our Uni days(all healthy gossips), classmates, families & my recent trips.  Those carefree days and the giggles! We didn’t feel for a second that we were actually in two different continents, in different time zones. Technology makes it easier to stay in touch wherever you are. 

The main topic of our discussion was “Jyoti! settle down now”. Every time we meet or talk online, she has to say, “It’s high time for you to select someone (yeah, she doesn’t say FIND) & settle down”. She has a strong reason (that she thinks)- “all our friends are married & have kids now. So you also have to think about it seriously”. As always, I try convincing her, “Though I appear to be with “the one who is kinda’ Mr. Right NOW”, but still, I’m waiting for my Mr. Right”. Lol.

She grew up with the concept that every girl should get married, and at the right age… (Nothing to do with finding the right person) whereas these stuff are secondary in my life. In exceptional circumstances, I might also be ready to compromise or make a commitment, but for me, my career & my freedom come first. I have still a long way to go. It’s just a beginning sweetie! :-)

Our best friend Roshni, who is also married by now & has a son, is almost lost these days. She comes in our contact like once in a blue moon. She appreciates my concept of living and what I am doing. We understand her situation; husband, kids, in-laws & job….but we miss her presence.

Inscribing about my gfs, my thoughts run decade back into the New Year Eve Celebration (Nepali New Year). We (Sanju, Roshni & I) had celebrated the Eve at Sanju’s place. The real party begun after her folks fell asleep. Every silly things we did were so funny, especially, calling one of our EX in the middle of the night to vent our anger to show him where he stands (sorry dude! whereva u are).

Tomorrow is our Nepali New Year Eve, Girls! I have ample reasons to reminisce our days. Wish you a very Happy and prosperous New Year 2068 (Baishak 2068 B.S) & all the happiness in your married life. I know both of you are proud of me & so am I. No doubt, you are great wives & loving moms.


No worries, I too will be on the league one day!! ;) ;)

Naya Barsha 2068 ko mangalmaya Subhakamana
(Nepali version of Happy New Year)

XOXO

Jo_tee

Survival of the fittest- In a wrong way!

It’s getting hard to me to cope with some of the issues which are going around. I don’t give a shit(sorry for my expression), but I really feel like suffocated and helpless at some point because I see everyone suffering ‘coz of it.

Though I was aware of the consequences I fought for justice; I raised my voice for everyone’s dignity, but in the race of “survival of the fittest”, I was constantly proven wrong and left behind. I make no apologies for that.

How can people be so selfish? How can they humiliate others just to prove them superior??...... And sometime I think why I am expecting them to be humans. Why I am letting them rule my mind while my own issues are paramount right now.

Morality, they define in a different way, that changes with their every effort to save their heads, statements they spoke are unspoken, exploitation they resort to when they feel their own jobs are at stake, responsibilities they explain in their own words of brutality; and this fight no longer becomes a battle of truth; not a war to prove how wrong they are, but a struggle to prove how true I am. And, my inner voice says, they don’t deserve a fight, so I have now backed off; chosen to remain silent…not because I am defeated or I am weak, but I don’t want others to suffer though this battle is not my alone. I am swimming against the tides of humanity and dignity.

I hate this bureaucracy. I abhor this favoritism, but I have faith that one day everyone has to pay for what they do.

Well, bringing dirty laundry in public is not my concept of blogging; I just wanted to express what I have on my mind now (Human Rights- RIGHT TO EXPRESS).  

Anyway, God bless their souls!!

XOXO

Jo_tee

I still....

Back in Nepal, back to work and back to life.

I am still struggling to move on with my real life after a month long journey.

Sometime I feel like I am in a dream and would soon be awake. And, I have to get back to my scheduled placements, plan my lesson and be ready for debriefing in the evening at the balcony with my housemates.

JORDAN’s nearly perfect and funny Vietnamese accent still echoes in my ears. JENNIFER’s non-stop speedy talks still strike through my earphone. THERESE’s lively nature still make me feel oh dear you rock!! Love u all :)

Still feel like Qyun (our cook, I know am spelling out her name incorrect) gonna shout out “Dinner- Lunch” from downstairs. “Okay”…”Yeah Okay”- thumbs up!

I cried, laughed, shared and cared….Oh I lived wonderful 30 days of my life. Now, I have ample stories to tell my and my sister’s future kids. wink wink ;)

I know this is my first week back in Nepal and it would take little time to get back. Life is calling; I will remain occupied to make my way now. Sigh..

Love – Peace- Humanity.

XOXO
Jo_tee

Back in NEPAL with a dearest friend of mine, Sangeeta Karmacharya Shrestha



" I believe everything happens for a reason.
People change so you can learn how to let go.
Things go wrong, so that you can appreciate them when they're right.
You believe lies, so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, & sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."

Exploring Singapore

Awesome, exhilarating and tiring day in City of life, Singapore.

I am staying at Wei fen's house with her parents who are really a great and loving people to be around with. Though this is the first time I’ve met them, they are making me feel like I’m home. Her sisters (Weizhen and Claire) are very pretty and so friendly. As soon as I reached here, I was greeted with a welcome note “Welcome Jyoti” sketched with the map of Nepal, I was so surprised, made me feel wow!

After more than a month in Vietnam, where traffic rules were rarely followed, I got the very first glimpse of tight traffic rules here, people don’t honk unnecessarily. Wish these rules were followed even in my country where people often enjoy blowing horns as if they were playing some musical instrument.

There are shopping malls at each and every corner of the city where you can shop whatever you want till you drop. It’s better if you leave your credit / debit card back home else there are high chances you will get bankrupt. It’s the ultimate shopping destination. (I can't say how much I spent today) :(
Wandering around, shopping (windows & door shopping what I call it  :)), boat ride in Clark Quay, Italian cuisine for lunch and Indian dinner (last night’s menu was Korean), visiting museum and experiencing extreme reverse bungee (that cost me SIN 45$,  oh hell yeah!) are the activities that occupied my day. What an amazing time!

Tomorrow Wei fen's mom is taking me for a Singaporean food, yum yum. Sentosa Island (hoping to do para flying there) is next on the list, I’m loving Singapore..... 

XOXO
Jo_tee