What It Really Costs to Build a Life Somewhere Else

Being an immigrant is not easy. Choosing to build a new life with whatever you can achieve is not easy. Probably, people have different circumstances and reasons for moving to other countries, but that doesn't mean you have done less in life or that you are running away from your country.

Yes, I agree and understand the issues illegal migration has caused. But coming from a background where you start your journey by studying the language, then getting admitted to a college and paying a huge lump sum in order to trade your life for what you can only imagine achieving — that is its own kind of struggle. However, I don't want to diminish the struggle that students already in the country go through either; they probably have their own circumstances. I am here representing my real-life experience.

Once you complete your course, you need to build a life through work. The real challenge comes when you are in the job hunt. You know your own capacity, but because you don't have experience from that country, you have limited time to prove yourself. Coming from another country, struggling to find a job due to work restrictions, you put your blood, sweat, and tears into landing a job that can finally reflect your capability.

It's not just that you have to consciously prove your existence at the company to secure your work settlement and stay in that particular country. While the race is on, you've already forgotten your private life. Then you start to think about having a family, which is another struggle. While you're still adapting to the professional culture, you now need to adjust to a new life with your family. This is not easy, especially while you're working, when your job is tied to your ability to stay in the country. Having a family becomes another burden you carry you don't know whether to continue your private life or slow down your professional life, because you can't have both fully.

I know this isn't only the struggle of immigrants; any parent can relate. You have to perform at your best while your child is sick, while you haven't slept, because you need to be outstanding otherwise there's no place for you. Such pressure, trying to build a career while raising a family, living in a country where you can only stay if your company sponsors you, and you need to be an outstanding candidate for them.

This vicious cycle has led so many people through this every single day, especially immigrants.

Should Marijuana be legalize in the Nepal ?

Should Marijuana be legalize in the Nepal?

Cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana, is a plant species that is mainly known for its psychoactive effects when consumed – either through smoking, ingesting, or vaporizing. Being outlawed in most country (Marijuana: The Facts), it has since been falsely accused with many negative side-effects... almost none being scientifically proven. It causes a knowledgeable person to wonder why marijuana is kept prohibited, while harmful substances such as alcohol and tobacco are kept legal and supported by the government subsidiaries. Basing its legalization on another fallacy is illogical. However, basing its justification on sheer evidence and practical morals is quite the contrast.

There are many common misconceptions on marijuana; its’ supposed physically addictive properties being one of them. The hype around marijuana’s addictiveness is misleading to the core. In fact, marijuana has shown to be the least addictive out of 6 commonly used drugs – caffeine, alcohol, heroin, cocaine, nicotine, and marijuana (Markoff). Studies show that it can actually help patients who are dependent on ‘hard’ drugs, such as cocaine, in the battle on their dependence (Hess). Not only are its physically addictive properties a misconception, but also its psychologically addictive properties.

Studies have estimated that between 5 and 10% of those who try smoking cannabis will become daily users sometime during their life, but most of these smokers will have given up the habit by age 30 and few remain daily smokers after age 40 (Erowid). In fact, marijuana’s addictiveness is so highly disregarded by doctors that it is more than 3 times less addictive when compared to caffeine. Moreover, nicotine is more addictive than the 5 other drugs in the study – alcohol, heroin, cocaine, caffeine, and marijuana. In addition, alcohol is more addictive as well (Markoff). Making the addictive properties of marijuana a foundation in an argument supporting its prohibition is a true lapse in logic. When in comparison to the other 5 commonly used drugs, marijuana’s addiction is obviously insignificant. It leaves one standing shocked when pondering over the fact that nicotine and alcohol are still legal, even with proven negative side effects. It causes one to ponder to why alcohol and nicotine are legal with their high magnitude of addiction, whereas marijuana is prohibited.

Another false belief of marijuana is its connection to various types of cancer, such as lung and oral cancer. This belief is supported by the fact that marijuana contains 50 percent more carcinogens (cancer causing substances) than tobacco (BBCNews). However, research has proven that marijuana use is not connected to a much higher risk of cancer. Many studies actually show no sign of increased risk at all (Boyles, Bates, and Gardner). Surprisingly enough, marijuana use causes a positive affect on cancerous tumors. The main ingredient in marijuana, THC, has been attributed to this positive effect, says the American Association for Cancer Research. (AACR).

Another myth about marijuana is its retarding of the human brain after long term use. It is believed that it causes brain cells to die, which is a side effect of consistent binge alcohol drinking. However, research says otherwise. Contrary to wide belief, marijuana use actually promotes neurogenesis - the growth of brain cells (University of Saskatchewan), and causes no negative cerebral structural changes (DeLisi), which is differing from the true hard drugs like meth and cocaine.

One of the major problems of common medical drugs is their addictive, and sometimes more harmful, side-effects. A solid testament to this notion is a painkiller known as OxyContin, whose main ingredient is oxycodone. If used consistently for a mild period of time, oxycodone causes dependence in the user (The Center for Substance Abuse Research). A prime example is a prescribed painkiller known as OxyContin, whose main ingredient is oxycodone. If used over a long period of time, oxycodone causes dependence in the user (The Center for Substance Abuse Research). On the other hand, marijuana not only helps with chronic pain in many patients, but it also sidesteps the negative side effects that come along with most prescription painkillers (Weiss). It is morally wrong to allow patients to continually suffer from the negative side affects of their prescribed drugs, when there is a safe and logical alternative – marijuana. Yes, as we perfect the medicines, sometimes the harmful side-effects cease, but for now we have a great alternative which only causes mild intoxication concerning motor skills.

Furthermore, not only does marijuana act as an analgesic, it also aids a variety, and can even prevent, of other illnesses. These include, but are not limited to: Asthma, Chemotherapy, Diabetes, Depression, Epilepsy, Heart and Cardiovascular Disease, Hepatits, Herpes, Multiple Sclerosis, Neuropathic Pain, Osteoporosis, and Post traumatic stress syndrome (Above the IGNORANCE). It is upsetting to most people not living in the medical marijuana states as they cannot take the safe alternative. Also, with all prescriptions, one runs the risk of an accidental overdose. However, with marijuana there have been no reported overdoses. According to government authorities, one would have to either smoke 1/3 of their body weight within a time span of 15 minutes ("Lethal Dose of Maijuana").

With marijuana’s multiple medicinal advantages, the question as why it is continued to be prohibited arises. But with all great things, come flaws, however miniscule in size. Compared to non smoking people, marijuana users had a slight difference in lung capacity. Compared to tobacco users, however, marijuana measured much better. While the lungs exposure to marijuana smoke over causes a slight decrease in lung capacity there are safe alternatives. One way is through the means of ingestion. There are a variety of ways to prepare marijuana in food, and it is a perfectly safe alternative to smoking. Another perfectly safe alternative is the act of vaporizing.

Vaporization is a technique for avoiding irritating respiratory toxins in marijuana smoke by heating cannabis to a temperature where the psychoactive ingredients evaporate without causing combustion. You inhale a mist instead of actual smoke (Marijuana Vaporizers). This allows for the same medical and psychoactive benefits of marijuana, without any harmful toxins being inhaled into your lungs. It leads one to ask “Why not?”

Another argument that the majority people support is that if marijuana were to be legalized, it would cause many “high-driving” incidents. The notion that people believe is that marijuana use hinders one’s driving ability. However, this has been unsupported by research. In fact, marijuana use has actually shown to increase caution in drivers, as they are aware of their state of mind. This causes them to drive slower and less riskily. Also, research has not been able to link a higher risk of a traffic collision in people who drive while under marijuana’s influence.

For example, a recent study sponsored by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) involving analysis of nearly 2000 fatal accident cases, found 6.7 % of drivers positive for marijuana. In more than two-thirds of those, alcohol was present and may have been the primary contributor to the fatal outcome (Zimmer). If one does not condone research as the foundation of the legalization of any potentially harmful substance, then what? Marijuana use should be legal within the private confines of an individual’s house. If not legal for all, marijuana should be legal as a medical drug for peoples. Marijuana has been proven safe and its prohibition is wrong on many levels.

"Prohibition...goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded." Abraham Lincoln December, 1840

 
References
Cannabis Research." Above the IGNORANCE. Above The IGNORANCE. 9 Dec 2008 http://www.abovetheignorance.org.
American Association for Cancer Research. "Marijuana Cuts Lung Cancer Tumor Growth In Half, Study Shows." ScienceDaily 17 April 2007. 9 December 2008 http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2007/04/070417193338.htm.
Bates, Karl. "Study fails to find link between marijuana use and cancer." The University RECORD Online 16 Oct 2006 9 Dec 2008 http://www.ur.umich.edu/0607/Oct16_06/01.shtml .
Battle, Allen. Web Chat interview. 15 May 2005. http://www.utmedicalgroup.com/pages/webchat_addiction.html
Boyles. Salynn. "Marijuana Does Not Raise Lung Cancer Risk," FOX News 23 May 2006. 9 Dec 2008 http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,196678,00.html
"Cannabis smoke 'worse' than tobacco," BBCNews 11 Nov 2002. 9 Dec 2008 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2419713.stm
DeLisi, Lynn. "A preliminary DTI study showing no brain structural change associated with adolescent cannabis use." Harm Reduction Journal 3:179 May 2006 9 Dec 2008 http://www.harmreductionjournal.com/content/3/1/17.
Erowid, "Cannabis Basics." EROWID. 8 July 2007. Erowid 9 Dec 2008 http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_basics.shtml
Gardner, Fred. "Smoking Cannabis Does Not Cause Cancer Of Lung or Upper Airways, Tashkin Finds; Data Suggests Possible Protective Effect." California Cannabis Research Medical Group 2005 9 Dec 2008 http://ccrmg.org/journal/05aut/nocancer.html

Hess. Michael "Moderate Marijuana Use Helpful in ADHD Cocaine Addicts," BBSNews 10 Dec 2006. 9 Dec 2008 http://bbsnews.net/article.php/20061210235129584
"Marijuana: The Facts." Drug Policy Alliance Network. Drug Policy Alliance Network. 9 Dec 2008 http://www.drugpolicy.org/marijuana
Markoff, Stephen. "Is Marijuana Addictive?" Is Marijuana Addictive? 15 May 1997 9 Dec 2008 http://www.drugsense.org/mcwilliams/...om/toc/addicti v.htm
"Profile: Oxycodone." cesar.umd.org. The Center for Substance Abuse Research. 9 Dec 2008 http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/pubs/oxy.pdf (University Of Saskatchewan)
"University Of Saskatchewan Research Suggests Marijuana Analogue Stimulates Brain Cell Growth." ScienceDaily 9 December 2008 http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2005/10/051016083817.htm
Weiss. Rick. "Research Supports Medicinal Marijuana AIDS Patients in Controlled Study Had Significant Pain Relief," Washington Post 13 Feb 2007. 9 Dec 2008 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/12/AR2007021201332.html
"What is the lethal dose of marijuana?" Schaffer Library of Drug Policy. 9 Dec 2008 http://druglibrary.org/schaffer/library/mj_overdose.htm

Speaking Against Sexual Harassment

Speaking Against Sexual Harassment

In the process of video making, during the literature review, we came across the fact that there is no separate law for sexual harassment. There are scattered laws where sexual harassment is explained as a punishable act. However, there is no exact definition of sexual harassment. The definition of sexual harassment differs from person to person. For some, it can be just an inappropriate staring whereas some might feel sexually harassed through the physical contact.

Women facing sexual harassment go through various problems on personal level. Sexual harassment may psychologically disturb a woman and thus make her unconfident as well as reduce her social skills of interaction. A woman sexually harassed in her work place may even quit working if she goes through continuous sexual harassment from her boss or her fellow colleagues. We frequently hear cases of students being sexually harassed to the point where they commit suicide. Therefore, the concerned authority should not only define laws and policies to control sexual harassment but also implement them with proper orientation regarding the issue.

While we realize it is misconduct, we lack courage to raise our voices against it. Hence, a person who is a victim does not get justice due to lack of evidence. The culprit will repeat his action again unless he/she is punished. Laws and policies are not sufficient until the need of civic responsibility is realized.

A one day long interaction program on climate change

A one day long interaction program on climate change

On fifth of Poush, a group of four people, Man Bahadur B.K, Aavash Shrestha, Dinesh Dangol and Basudev Paudel had gone to Kafre Chhap, Bisankhu-7, Lalitpur on a one day interaction program on climate change and human health.

They talked with a group of people in Kafre Chhap, asked them if they have seen any significant change due to climate change and what could be its cause. The people seemed pretty much aware of the topic. They expressed that climate change could be due to deforestation, water boring and industrialization. They told us they could clearly see the impacts of climate change in their day to day life. Fluctuating rainfall, fog, almost eradication of “pakha bali”; cultivation in hills, infestation of crops by small black insects “lai”, drying up of water resources, decrement of snow in Himalayas, sheer cold in morning and night and extreme hot at day time, and wasting of crops if not spread pesticides. They seemed pretty sure that all these were happening due to other environment inconsiderate people and they are compelled to be victim of some others' misdeed. According to them, they seem to face health problems too due to climate change. If a person gets a headache, it would spread all over the village, new diseases would attack them, common cold, pneumonia, fever, cholera, chicken-pox has started to seem pretty common. Even small-pox, which is believed to have been eradicated, has come up there.

They seemed quite aware of the problem and seemed to have their own understanding related to climate change. They believe to the fact that government won’t hear few people’s talk. “If you want to get attention or want to get heard, then you need to collect people, make a big group and go to the government and for the time being and should go for adaptation.”

In a discussion program with elderly and women, they proved quite enthusiastic with the subject of discussion. They told that women and men have to learn of all the things that climate change could affect them directly or indirectly in pregnancy. They were aware that decreasing population would help in environment conservation. Gokul Bisunkhe, Chirinjivi Silwaal, Gita Silwaal, Rita Khawas who are in the committee member actively participated and were helpful. All the villagers expressed the students of Kathmandu University gratitude for interacting with them and letting them share their views on climate change.

DEVELOPMENT

Synonymous terms of development-
Uplift or Advancement
It’s not just GNP and GDP increment
But, also counts education and other social aspects’ attainment

Every person has a latent potentiality
As Amartya Sen said, for that we must respect their agency
Not wearing the mask of hypocrisy
Removing the gender disparity

One day, we can surely see the developed nation
Where the homes have 24 hrs light and people doing innovation
No conflict and no terrorism
People, not being guided by instinct but by wisdom.

The nation with fraternity and ideal democracy
Voting rights and even third gender with their own identity
There will be no caste, class, chauvinism and supremacy
All people getting education and no aristocracy.

Marginalizing anyone on the ground of any reason
Is nothing more than discrimination
As a good citizen of the nation
Lets embrace all the nationality and show others
Nepalese are ornamented with bravery and heart full of consideration

A Right Political Move

The year 2006 brought an unprecedented change in the history of Nepal thereby bringing end to hundreds of years long monarchy and establishing an absolute rule of people, raising a hope among people about a new dawn of change to come.

But as always things do not go the right way when it comes to politics in Nepal. Democracy in Nepal has always been a political game and nothing more. The most common flaw in our politics, our politicians seek for power but once they grab it they tend to forget the responsibility that comes along. Looks like they have forgotten that with an absolute power come equal responsibilities which need to be fulfilled with every caress. Even after 5 years of Comprehensive Peace Agreement, we are still lingering and are not sure whether we are moving towards peace or towards civil war. It’s a terrible feeling to see my once peaceful nation ripped apart by internal political turmoil. There is no doubt that these kinds of thoughts has accelerated exodus in Nepal. Having seen these lawlessness and despicable attitude of the leaders, with an utter dismay it has to be said that we are yet to see such leader who possesses the qualities of leadership.

All we want is to live our life and enjoy the feeling of being a Nepali. We are not asking anything unusual, are we? Peace is what we want, just peace. We would not have to worry about our self and our country, had the political leaders been able to maintain a stable political condition which could have very easily paved a way towards peace. Political instability has given the externals with vested interest to move their player which certainly is very detrimental to Nepal.

There is no short cut, neither in life nor in politics. Therefore, fetching the way of consensus is the only way out; only through which we will be able to achieve what we have intended. If we fail to go through the way of consensus then the comeuppance will be extreme for all of us. Let’s not down our prestige and dignity which our ancestors have gained with their absolute best. It not only feels ok; in fact it feels great to be a Nepali and to be living in Nepal. It will be a disgrace if we fail to save our integrity and sovereignty because our identity lies within our nation; we will be there only if our country is there. Now, the entire spotlight is on our leaders who currently have an extremely significant role to fulfill because the future of this small nation lies in the hand of the political leaders and all we Nepalese are scrutinizing every political move; in fact frantic to see a right political move from our political leaders.

Informal squatter settlement problem in the valley

The haphazard growth of settlements in the Kathmandu Valley is the result of rapid urbanization, growing poverty, and the high cost of land and construction. This has enforced the urban poor and economically disadvantaged groups to live in slum and squatter (Shrestha, 2010). Rapid escalation of the informal squatter problem in Kathmandu valley has mounted the plenty of risks along with it. Effective role of the government has not been witnessed and hundreds of local bodies and NGO’s have been proved futile to counter this issue.
Urban environment in most Nepalese cities is declining day by day over last couple of decades due to rapid uncontrolled urban growth and undoubtedly Kathmandu ranks the highest when placed accordingly. Numerous government organizations and local bodies are responsible to manage the areas in the valley but these sectors have been proved futile to make any remarkable changes in the situation. Mounting trend of migration in the valley is one of the key issues related to uncontrolled urban growth. Effective role of the government has not been witnessed and hundreds of local bodies and NGO’s have proved ineffective to counter the problems that are raised from the informal squatter settlements.

There are altogether 45 squatter settlements in the valley where 5 settlements are basically considered as indigenous settlements rather than squatter settlements. In these 40 settlements about 12,726 people are residing in 2,735 households and the average household size is 4.7. Out of 40 squatter settlements 24 are along the river banks of Bagmati, Bishnumati, Hanumante, Dhobikhola and Tukucha whereas 16 settlements are on the other locations rather than riverside (Lumanti, 2008). The settlements that are along the river side are highly vulnerable to the tainted environment and floods. River banks appear to be that area which highly attracts the squatter communities and the settlements are allowed to live and grow without government getting involved in tenure issues and improving the condition. Rapid urbanization, low socio-economic growth, inadequate capacity to cope with housing needs and poor governance has caused increase of urban poverty and slums and squatter settlements in the Kathmandu valley (Lumanti, 2008).
Rapid urbanization and deficient capability to the housing needs of people in urban areas have contributed to the expansion of informal squatter settlements. Almost 6.6% of the total population of the country enters the Kathmandu valley each year with the hope of getting better opportunities. The growth rate of squatter settlements in the Kathmandu valley is 12% to 13% which stimulates the flaming issue by adding fuel to the firewood (Shrestha, 2010). People residing in a squatter area tend to be highly vulnerable to the tainted environment and natural disaster risks. Squatter residents are prone to infectious and vector borne diseases. So it is a high time to think in this issue.

References
1. Shrestha, Bijaya K., Urban Landmark Conference, 2010. Retrieved online from: http://www.urbanlandmark.org.za/conference/2010_presentations/16.pdf
2. Status of Squatter Communities along Bagmati River and its tributaries in Kathmandu Valley, February 2008, Lumanti, Tahalchal.