Corona Virus: The Mayhem

The world is in chaos right now because of the much heard Corona Virus. Less than 3 months ago, this virus caused mayhem in China and now it has ‘travelled’ to all parts of the world and it is spreading like wildfire. Every day there are new cases of infections and deaths. People all over the world are panicking, hoarding up on hand sanitizers, soaps, liquid hand wash, masks, and toilet paper in Australia. Seriously, though for the last one? Entire countries are being locked down for the safety of their citizens. And what is Nepal, our bordering country to China, doing? Well that is interesting.

Nepal has only reported one case of Corona Virus so far, that too which has been recovered. Hmm….suspicious much, isn’t it? Is it that the Nepalese are being ignorant about this? Or is that the government is not taking proper measures that they need to? Newsflash: it is both. The international airport did not properly check the passengers. And a few days ago only, the Visit Nepal 2020 was postponed. A good move, but should have been done sooner. We have a much bigger problem at stake.

It’s actually scary if you think about it: much bigger and powerful countries have this virus out of control. How is that Nepal, a country where health system is literally shitty, getting along with just one case? There are rumors that the government is trying to cover it up, that there are in fact cases already but it’s being tried to hush up. The government has taken a few measly steps like pamphlets of the virus and precautions against it; the said isolation beds ready, the toll number; and now all non-essential services have been shut down. But how prepared is Nepal medically? Are there proper equipment? It is obvious we are no China to build a huge hospital in weeks’ time. What should we do?

Is it time to panic? No. Is it time to be ignorant? Hell no. But it is time to be extremely precautious. It is of no use crying over spilled milk. Better be safe than sorry. Take care of yourself and those around you.

Comments

Rajamati

I think we’ve all heard the song of Rajamati growing up. It is so popular that many people in Nepal claim this is the only Newari song that they have heard. The song was written some 200 years back. The first few lines go like this, which I’m sure you must have heard of, unless you’ve been living under a rock: Rājamati kumati, jike wasā pirati Hāya bābā Rājamati-chā Rājamati mabila dhāsā Kāshi wane tela bubā Hayā biu Rājamati-chā. San dhāsā kuli kuli, mikhā dhāsā bālā bālā Sakumi yā mhyāy machā lā Khwā dhāsā tuyu khwā, khwālay niga tee du Tāhā Nani yā Rājamati-chā. It is said to be written by or rather from the perspective of a man who was infatuated and in awe of the beauty of Rajamati. He describes with great admiration: her hair, her eyes, her complexion and the little moles on her face. However it is unknown who the writer of this beautiful song is. The song rushed into popularity after it was played in England in 1850 when Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana vi...

Everyday Phases by my Mother part 2

I have been meaning to write this part 2, especially after Every Day Phrases by my Mother , the first part was liked by so many and also because, well, the phrases and the dialogues never end with my mother. I did tease her about writing a book or making a scrapbook about all her phrases, but we never got around to it. So here we are, after almost 4 years, apologies if the Nepal bhasa wordings are incorrect somewhere Ne tha ne masau Bhwauthau pwa This is basically saying, not being able to take advantage of the situation or not doing what you are supposed to do at the event. If you get invited somewhere that has food, you should eat there. Neu twanyu tha yu yethe, jui chwanyu kata pinyu yethe I have heard this one many times. In the society that we live in, impression and your social image matters a lot, especially when it comes to family prestige. So it does not matter what you do at home but once you step outside, there is this social obligation of dressing appropriately, behav...

The Oldest Kumari

Dhana Kumari Bajracharya resides amidst the hustle and bustle in Gabahal, Patan. She is a 70 year old woman, who you would think is much younger at age, if you look at her. Age seems to have done justice to this beautiful woman. What makes this wise old woman different than other wise old women in Patan? She is the oldest Kumari of Patan. Kumari, the living goddess is a tradition or a practice that has been around for many years and that has been celebrated widely in the Kathmandu Valley. The very first Kumari goes back to 17 th Century. The process to choose the Kumari is divine and a girl must go through several tests to get chosen as the Kumari. Dhana Kumari Bajracharya is the longest serving Kumari of Patan having been established as the Kumari from 2010 B.S to 2042 B.S. A whooping 32 years. Perhaps her case is the most rare that we might come across. A girl serves as a Kumari until she reaches puberty, or she has her first menstruation. After that, it is believed that th...

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