We, at the association of Nepalese in Midwest America (ANMA), are very happy to be part of this joint publication of Viewpoints in collaboration with Diyalo. It is a common knowledge among Nepalese living in North America that Diyalo has consistently produced a high caliber news/feature magazine, both in it's content and layout for the last 6 years. It has served well for Nepali community. Viewpoints on the other hand is a newsletter of ANMA and it has seen its fair share of ups and downs. But it too has been consistently in circulation in for the last 17 odd years.

This joint issue provides us with a wider readership and instead of being limited to our own views we get to hear from a larger group of people. In other words, instead of speaking "out of a box" we get to use a 'common forum". For example, recently the Everest, another magazine out of Toronto, was published in collaboration with Association of Nepalese in Americas (ANA). Through this collaborative effort we got to hear from Mr. Kamal Mani Dixit, a leading proponent of the Nepali culture and language, about what is being done to keep the Nepali cultural heritage alive in Nepal. We got an excellent synopsis of the ANA annual convention in Greensboro, North Carolina. Finally we got a first hand narrative on Dr. Kunjur Sharma's heroic finish of the marathon run for the benefit of the Nepali community.

We hope to have similar exchange of ideas in this issue of Diyalo. Viewpoints has a variety of articles: Mr. Rajan Rajbhandari, a second generation Nepalese-American, has explored similarities of Hindu mythology to that of Star Wars and in doing so has shown us yet again that we have an inherent propensity to identify ourselves with our roots; Dr. Padam Sharma has given a very informative article on the Empower Nepal Foundation (ENF) and has shown us how a little coming together nay mean a lot for our fellowmen in the far corners of Nepal; Dr. Murari Suvedi, by giving us a synopsis of a Nepal abroad program, has given a glimpse of what has been done to increase an awareness about Nepal at the Michigan State University. Finally, Dr. Prahlad Pant has produced a succinct report on the Nepalese American Council (NAC): its historical background, recent revitalization efforts and future expectation of the Council. It is indeed very heartening to all of us involved in a Nepali community service in North America to hear from the principal architect of the NAC, Dr. Pant, that the NAC is an all inclusive organization and it would be a fallacy to associate NAC with any single individual organization in North America. All these articles are woven by a common thread of "Nepaliness".

The raison de etre of ANMA is to nurture the Nepali heritage and we are happy that the Viewpoints' articles reflect that sentiment. We hope Viewpoints collaboration with Diyalo along with other Nepali organizations in North America will be well received by our learned readership.

Thank you.

Gaury S Adhikary, M.D., FRCA (UK)

President, ANMA

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

by

Rajan Rajbhandari

It is a very little known fact that George Lucas, the creator of the Star Wars world, has some Hindu beliefs. Just as Hinduism affects our lives, so has it affected his, which can be shown by the fact that he has incorporated Hindu themes throughout the Star Wars trilogy. This essay will touch, through various examples, the way Lucas has weaved Hinduism into his movies.

Of the trilogy, The Empire Strikes Back seems to portray Hinduism in the fullest sense. Specifically, the part when Luke Skywalker goes to find Yoda. When he first arrives, Luke finds himself in a forest, looking for the old, wise Yoda to learn the ways of the Jedi. This is very much like the Hindu Bartaman (Nepali), where young males run to a forest in search of the old, wise yogi, who would provide great knowledge. Just as a yogi "tests" potential students on their patience to enter into the arduous task of learning, so does Yoda "test" Luke by not telling him who he is. His purpose, of course, was seeing if Luke had patience or not.

As the training progresses, Luke learns to control what is called the "Force". Yoda explains that everything is part of the Force, such as "...the tree, the rock..." etc. This Force is very similar to the Hindu concept of the One or the Universe (in essence Om). In Hinduism it is said that we are all part of the One, just like what Yoda said about the Force. Simply put, it is concluded that Yoda was referring to the "Force" as the Force of the One.

Luke also learns about illusion. In one scene, he tries to pickup his X-Wing (fighter jet) with the Force, but fails. Yoda explains that one should not judge anything by its size (in essence, what we see is an illusion). He calls all material items "crude matter" and that these are not the things to judge with. This scene illustrates the Hindu concept that life is an illusion (or Maya).

During the same training scenes, Luke gets a vision of his friends in trouble. Luke then prepares to leave to save his friends. Yoda persuades him not to go by saying that he must finish his training because it is more important. This exemplifies the Hindu concept of duty over family. The duty over family lessons can be seen in stories like the Bhagavad-Gita, where Lord Krishna tells Arjun to fight his cousins, despite his feelings for them, because it is his duty.

At the end of the training scenes, as Luke is leaving, Ben Kenobi warns Luke to never "give into anger and hate." This lesson of benevolence is also taught by Mohandas Ghandhi, which he derived from Hinduism.

Besides the training scenes, there are other areas of Star Wars that portray Hinduism. For example, the concept of destiny. In Star Wars, the word "destiny" is used many times in the context of fulfilling one's destiny. This is very similar to duty. Another example is the father-son relationship between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. This parallels with Krishna and his uncle who are both related and each other's nemesis. Finally, one last example, Luke, being the only son, cremates Darth Vader at the end of Return of the Jedi. Although I have heard of other religious cremating, it is predominantly a Hindu ritual.

In the above examples, I have suggested a few connections between Hinduism and Star Wars. Of course, these are arguable, but they are a starting point in which to provoke thought.

Rajan Rajbhandari rrajbh1@uic.edu; http://www.eecs.uic.edu/~rrajbhan.

By

Dr. Murari Suvedi

Michigan State University (MSU) was the leading University to provide technical assistance in the development of Nepal's Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Tribhuvan University, between 1975-1984. Several MSU faculty assisted IAAS staff in curriculum development, classroom teaching and applied research activities. During this project, more than 75 IAAS faculty received degree level training in the USA, India, and the Philippines. Several non-degr

ee training courses were also organized for Nepalese faculty. The project was instrumental in developing the academic infrastructure including classrooms, laboratories, library and housing facilities for students and faculty at IAAS, Rampur. This technical assistance project was funded by the US Agency for International Activities (MUCIA) and MSU was the leading institution to implement the project activities.

Two years ago Michigan State University started a semester-long overseas study program in Nepal. The overseas study program is based in Pokhara. The program utilizes Nepalese faculty from Tribhuvan University to teach MSU courses. We work closely with the faculty at the institute of Forestry, Prithwi Narayan Campus, Pokhara. Twenty-two MSU students participated in the program during the Spring Semester, 1997 and 25 students participated in 1998. In January of 1999, 31 MSU undergraduate students plan to go to Nepal to participate in this program. The program is jointly offered by MSU's Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Social Science.

In addition to the overseas study program, MSU's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is assisting Nepal's Institute of Forestry in developing its strategic plan. A team of MSU professors will be traveling to Nepal in January 1999 to work with the Institute of Forestry faculty.

Nepal's Council for Technical Education and Vocational training (CTEVT) has requested Michigan State University to work with them in the planning and implementation of the proposed "Employment Promotion and Training Project."

Senior Staff members from CTEVT have visited MSU and observed the vocational training centers throughout Michigan. MSU faculty members have participated in planning this educational initiative to be funded jointly by the Asian Development and Cooperation. This project has a strong potential to transform the technical training program's needed for Nepal's development and we are looking forward to working with the CTEVT staff in implementing this project

If you are interested to know more about MSU's involvement in Nepal, contact Dr. Murari Suvedi at suvedi@pilot.msu.edu or call 517-432-2210.

Prahlad D. Pant

The Association of Nepalese in Midwest America (ANMA) always has been a strong supporter and advocate of the Nepalese American Council (NAC).

In May 25-26, 1991, ANMA organized the First National Convention of Nepalese and Friends of Nepal in North America at the University of Maryland. The convention was co-sponsored by six other Nepalese and Nepal-related associa

tions. The first step in establishing the Nepalese American Council was taken at this convention by passing a resolution that was approved by the general membership and representatives of six associations and one abstention. An ad-hoc committee for the purpose of drafting the bylaws of the NAC was formed.

Five years later on May 25-26, 1996, the Second National Convention of Nepalese and Friends of Nepal in North America was held at the University of Maryland. On this occasion, the proposed bylaws of NAC were approved and signed by the President's of twelve associations. Additionally, the President's of five associations who could not be present at the convention sent their support to NAC. Soon after the signing of the bylaws, the first Executive Officers of NAC consisting of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Joint Secretary, and Treasurer were elected. Unfortunately, no significant activity occurred during the two years following the signing of the bylaws and the election of the Executive Officers.

In August 1998, the Executive Committee of ANMA asked Dr. Prahlad Pant, who had chaired the two national conventions described above, to take necessary steps to revitalize the NAC. Dr. Pant began the revitalization process by

personally contacting the President's/Past President's of seventeen Nepalese and Nepal-related associations who co-sponsored the Second National Convention. On September 18 1998, he sent e-mail memos to these individuals with his suggestions for revitalizing the NAC and asked them for their comments and feedback. It was an open and transparent process whereby each person received the comments from other persons.

Many valuable comments and suggestions were received during the two and one-half months after the circulation of Dr. Pant's memo. Again, the need for NAC was unanimously reinforced.

A landmark meeting of the NAC was held on November 28 1998 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Prahlad Pant chaired the meeting in the absence of the outgoing President. Two weeks after the meeting, an election of the New Executive Officers of NAC was held. Details of the outcome of the meeting and the election are described on another page of this issue of Diyalo.

ANMA is pleased to have played an active role in the establishment and recent revitalization of the NAC. Its members strongly believe that a national coordinating body like the NAC is vital to the Nepalese community in the U.S. and Canada. Today, there are many Nepalese and Nepal-related associations in North America and it is a safe bet that there well be more in the future as the Nepalese population keeps growing. While participation at the grass roots is essential for the success of these associations, there is also a need to provide a national forum for coordination of activities among these associations. The NAC fulfills this gap of the Nepalese community in North America.

NAC is everyone's association. ANMA has just been a facilitator in the establishment and revitalization process of NAC. If there is a perception among anyone that NAC is directed against a particular association, that is a total myth. Let us join our hands and work together for the Nepalese community, for our children, and for the future generation.

by

Padam P. Sharma, Ph.D.

Situated on the lap of the majestic Himalayas, Nepal is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Nepal is about to enter the 21<+&>st<-&> century while facing serious challenges to the path of sustainable development. Increasing pressure from an expanding population is impacting socio-environmental and quality of life at an alarming rate.

Empower Nepal Foundation anticipates sponsorship from a volunteered Network of individuals of Nepali ethnicity, Peace Corps volunteers, expatriate consultants and advisors, trekkers and mountaineers, visitors, academicians, students, friends, and individuals who care about sustaining the beauty of Nepal for generations to come.

The guiding philosophy of ENF is based on the premise that given information, education, and vocational opportunitie, Nepali individuals can excel to their best, earn a decent living, and pursue happiness through investments in further education of their children and welfare of their family, friends, and community. Only by investing on education can the country of Nepal tap the unlimited potential of human and natural resources and scale the Sagarmatha of human dignity and environmental quality

Registered with the State of Minnesota (USA) as a public supported non-profit organization, ENF is run by individual Nepalis and friends of Nepal volunteers. During 1997-98, ENF made the following progress:

• Incorporated the organization, instituted the Board of Directors; passed bylaws and directives for fiscal responsibilities and administrative frugality.

• Received IRS approval as a public supported non-profit organization under US Internal Rev. Code 501(c)(3)

• In two years, ENF has raised about $7200 through individual contributions and fund raising activities. The ENF Board of Directors includes professional Nepalese and friends of Nepal individuals living in the Twin Cities Metropolitan area. In addition to the Board, other volunteers serve on different ENF committees, which help to bring together ENF programs and activities.

• Scholarship for secondary school children: With $50 per student per year, ENF has started supporting five children from socially and economically underprivileged families to attend middle school classes at Nangi (a Magar village) in the Myagdi District of mid-western Nepal. The plan is to support these children through high school and add more students into the program at Nangi and elsewhere.

• Women's socio-economic development. With $350 per group, ENF is sponsoring two women's adult education programs at Thulagaon and Dandagaun (Gurung and Tamanng villages) in Rasuwa District. Educate the Children (ETC), a non-profit organization from Ithaca, New York and Kathmandu, administers the program. Besides literacy, the women participate in income generation, health, sanitation, environmental restoration, and community development activities.

These projects are very small but important beginnings for ENF as it begins to show examples of how a sponsor's contributions are being used to help Nepal. The plan is to add more students and adults into the education program each year. As more seed money is collected, ENF intends to develop and fund other projects on education, environmental restoration, and socio-economic development.

At this time, ENF is looking at a two-track approach towards funding these projects: (1) through annual contributions from individual sponsors, and, (2) through development of an endowment fund that would generate income for future projects. For example, any specifically designated contribution and 20% of general contributions made to ENF are currently set aside to develop the endowment fund for the Scholarship Project.

ENF is developing a general criteria for selecting projects it wants to support in Nepal. The primary focus areas include education and public health, environmental stewardship, and socio-economic development. The nature of a specific project depends upon availability of resources, the interest of a sponsor, and the level of local participation. Priority will be given to match funding for projects that would encourage and facilitate efforts by an expatriate sponsor (such as a Nepali individual or groups of Nepalis and friends of Nepal) to look for ways to help Nepal. By working closely with the sponsor and the recipient community, ENF strives to maximize the effectiveness of individual's hard-earned dollars and minimize the misuse of project funds.

ENF is asking for monetary support from expatriate Nepalis and friends of Nepal in this noble endeavor of building a resource base which community leaders in Nepal can tap into. For example, with $15, we can double the annual budget for teaching materials of a public primary school in rural Nepal. With $50, we can sponsor a child from a poor family to stay in school for a year and help the school buy the teaching materials. With 100$, we can buy materials to paint the school or add books in the library. With 1000$, one can help a 4th grader graduate through high school or renovate the school building the child goes to. We can support women's socio-economic development programs, build in drinking water projects, sponsor immunization and sanitation programs, or help develop a cooperative business. We can help plant trees, conserve soil, build community parks, and clean neighborhoods.

The needs are abound in Nepal, and the list of things we can do is limitless. In Mother's Teressa's words, "While we cannot do the right things that we want to do at once, we can surely do small things with great love", one quality project at a time.

Further information and updates of ENF programs and activities are available at its Web site:.......... Letters and contributions to ENF can be sent to the Empower Nepal Foundation, 2000 Como Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108.