LGBT rights

What actually are Gay rights? According to ‘a gay rights activist’, gay rights mean “the legal and civil rights of homosexuals, especially the right to be treated without discrimination”. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is all-inclusiveness and non-separation cherished in article 1 which expresses that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights ". On the other hand, as Hillary Clinton, Ban Ki-moon and others have expressed in different ways, “LGBT rights are human rights, and human rights are LGBT rights”. It applies to all individuals in all nations. 

All individuals, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons, are qualified for appreciate the insurances accommodated by worldwide human rights law, incorporating in admiration of rights to life, security of individual and protection, the privilege to be free from torment, self-assertive capture and detainment, the privilege to be free from separation and the privilege to flexibility of expression, affiliation and tranquil gathering. 

The modern gay-rights movement follows its starting points to the Stonewall riots in New York in 1969. It took three more decades for nations to start permitting same-sex partners to marry. Today, gay marriage is perceived around a great part of the world. In the United States, 66 percent of Fortune 500 organizations give wellbeing protection to residential partners. 

Benefits/Rights that come with being a wife/ husband in Gay marriage

Gay marriage rights, benefits and privileges in American context

The benefits or rights that come with being a spouse in gay marriage can be discussed under the Government Marriage Benefits Available to Same-Sex Couples in the United States of America. Same-sex wedded couples might now fit the bill for government advantages that were already just accessible to hetero wedded couples. The DOMA decision Allows Same-Sex Married Couples to Receive Benefits nationwide. On June 26, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its choice in United States v. Windsor and struck down the segment of DOMA (Defence of Marriage Act) that characterized marriage as a "union between a man and a woman." The Supreme Court decided that the area of DOMA characterizing marriage as between a man and a lady damages the Equal Protection Clause and is in this manner unlawful. Accordingly, Justice Anthony Kennedy issued the dominant part conclusion in the 5-4 administering, which found that the 14th Amendment obliges a state to permit a marriage between two individuals of the same sex. In a legitimate same-sex marriage, gay couples qualified for government advantages under the Windsor choice. On the other hand, the standards for qualification will differ by government organization. These laws present rights, assurances, and advantages to wedded couples  from Social Security survivor advantages to government tax breaks to elected worker health and retirement advantages. 

Gay marriage is legitimately perceived in America, gay couples can exploit the 1,049 advantages granted to hetero couples when they wed. As per a report given to the General's Office Counsel of the U.S. General Accounting Office, here are a couple of the 1,138 advantages the United States government gives to legitimately wedded couples. Here are a percentage of the government advantages that same-sex wedded couples might now get.

Social Security Benefits

Married  couples get a major monetary help from certain Social Security advantage programs that have not verifiably connected to same-sex couples.

Spousal survivor benefit. A surviving life partner of a labourer qualified for Social Security retirement or inability advantages may be qualified for retirement advantages in view of the perished life partner's gaining record.

Spousal retirement benefit. For resigned wedded couples, a man whose Social Security advantage is lower than that of his or her mate may take a large portion of his or her mate's higher advantage, as opposed to get the sum computed from his own profit.

Lump-sum death benefit. A surviving companion gets $255 from the central government to help pay for memorial service courses of action.

Tax Benefits

Same-sex wedded gay and lesbian couples can now exploit government tax reductions. Here are only advantages' they might now get:

Filing joint income tax returns with the IRS: Documenting joint pay government forms with the IRS. Recording a joint return may offer focal points over discrete returns. Numerous unmarried couples lose a great many dollars for every year on the grounds that they need to document separate expense forms with the IRS.

Creating a family partnership: This federal tax law allows couples to divide business income among family members, again resulting in big tax savings. This government charge law permits couples to gap business wage among relatives, again bringing about huge assessment reserve funds.

Estate Tax and Estate Planning Benefits: There are a lot of home arranging advantages accessible to wedded couples.

 Estate and gift tax exemption: Government law exempts a sure measure of cash from elected inheritance assessments and elected blessing duties for all property left to a surviving life partner (as of now the exception is $5 million). The surviving life partner does not pay charges on any sum he or she gets from the dead partner that is under accepted limit.

Estate Tax "Portability." Married couples can consolidate their own home duty exceptions. This implies that the second life partner can surrender property worth over to $10 million free from government home duty. Unmarried couples don't get the portability, so that the second partner in a relationship can leave just $5 million expense free.

Life estate trusts. Married couples can make life home trusts, including QTIP trusts and QDOT trusts, which give particular tax interest upon the passing of one mate. For instance, the QTIP trust permits surviving life partners to utilize trust property expense free in specific circumstances. The QDOT trust permits a non-U.S. resident surviving life partners to put off paying any domain charges over the exception sum.

Veteran and Military Benefits

Spouses of dead veterans are qualified for various advantages, including human services, passing annuities, instructive help, home credit ensures, professional preparing, and loss guiding. Life partners of living military faculty may be eligible for human services, family partition pay, and movement help, among numerous different advantages.  

Since DOMA has been toppled, same-sex wedded life partners ought to additionally be qualified for these administrations and advantages

Federal Employment Benefits 

Huge numbers of the occupation advantages that the central government gives to its workers and their families are fixed to conjugal status. These advantages, which are a representative's piece remuneration bundle, are denied to unmarried workers. These advantages include: Health protection for companions, and wages, laborer's remuneration, wellbeing protection, and retirement arrangement benefits for the surviving life partner of a perished government specialist.

Immigration Benefits

Numerous migration advantages are fixed to married couple. For instance, a non U.S. citizen may get a non-immigrant visa or a green card, and later citizenship status, when connected with or wedded to a U.S. subject

Gay marriages rights and benefits in Australian context

Gay marriage in Australia is recognised by a few states however not the government. Same-sex unions are dealt with as de facto unions under the Australian government law; however each Australian state and domain is qualified to make their own laws regarding same-sex relationship registers and same-sex association plans. Same-sex couples are kept from wedding by the meaning of marriage contained inside of the elected Marriage Act (1961), as altered in 2004 by the Howard Government. The Marriage Act [Section 5 (1)], corrected in 2004, characterizes marriage "the union of a man and a lady to the prohibition of all others, intentionally went into for life."[10] Section 88EA of the Act likewise stipulates that any outside relational unions of same-sex couples "should not be perceived as a marriage in Australia". 

On Gay marriage, the privilege to wed is the one huge contrast between the lawful treatment of same-sex and hetero relations in Australia. Even though same-sex marriage stays uncertain, there has been a movement in group and political decision and the issue is likely to be on the new Parliament's outline. Gay marriage has been on the political agenda in Australia for quite a long while, as a feature of the more extensive civil argument about the lawful acknowledgment of same-sex relations. The extension of lawful rights and insurances stood to same-sex couples in Australia is all around created at both government and state level. For instance, enactment now exists in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory that accommodates the legal recognition of relationships, including same-sex unions.

In this manner, civil unions and domestic accomplice registries are viewed as inadequate and, for genuine fairness, same-sex couples must have the privilege to wed. Without a doubt, for some in the group, the idea of same-sex marriage is perplexing and dubious, raising social, religious, good and political inquiries

At the government level, in 2008 and 2009, there was a far reaching suite of changes to give break even with privileges and obligations to same-sex couples in zones, for example, social security, job, tax and superannuation. In any case, there stays one critical territory of contrast between the treatment of same-sex and hetero connections, and that is in connection to the foundation of marriage. While there are less and less rights and commitments appended to wedded couples which don't join to true couples—a status as of now enveloping same-sex couples in most legitimate connections—supporters of gay rights contend this is insufficient, and that the remaining contrasts are inadmissible.

Constitutional and state issues regarding the same-sex marriage laws

Demonstrating same-sex marriage at a state and region level has been seen as a fall-back position for marriage equity advocates. New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory have all displayed ability to present same-sex marriage laws. The authentic weakness is not obliged to the states. The Constitution gives the administration parliament control over 'marriage'; however the High Court has not said what this term suggests. George Williams, educator of law at the University of New South Wales, says the essential concern is that whichever parliament first establishes for same-sex marriage, High Court tests will most likely many. The Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws—Superannuation) Act 2008 and the Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws—General Law Reform) Act 2008 gave privileges to same-sex couples in territories, for example, and veterans' qualifications, job qualifications, superannuation, laborers pay, joint access to the Medicare wellbeing net joint standardized savings, clinic appearance, movement, legacy rights and the capacity to document a joint assessment

 Taking after the Australian Human Rights Commission's 2007 report Same-Sex: Same Entitlements and a review of Commonwealth enactment, in 2009 the Australian Government acquainted a few changes planned with level treatment for same-sex couples and same-sex couple families. The changes revised 85 Commonwealth laws to wipe out victimization same-sex couples and their kids in an extensive variety of ranges. The changes came as two bits of enactment, the Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws-General Law Reform) Act 2008 and the Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws-Superannuation) Act 2008. These laws corrected a few other existing Commonwealth Acts  even out treatment for same-sex couples and any kids such couples may be raising as for the accompanying ranges are Taxation, Superannuation, Health Insurance, Social Security, Aged care and child support, Immigration, Citizenship, Veterans' Affairs. A same-sex couple gets the same rate of government managed savings and family help instalments as an inverse sex couple. Such changes in any case, don't totally level treatment for same-sex couples. Despite equality rights, Australia does not have a national enrolled organization, common union or same-sex relationship plan.

Same-sex couples have admittance to distinctive relationship acknowledgment plans in Australia's eight states and regions. Under government law, these connections are dealt with as accepted unions. Unless the states and regions enacted something else, these plans would stay set up as a possibility for same-sex couples in the occasion Australia passed a government marriage equity law. As of now, just the Australian Capital Territory furnishes same-sex couples with the privilege to get to a civil union. Under the government laws, these unions are dealt with as true unions.

Same-sex couples have entry to local organization registries in New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland. Same-sex couples don't share that right in South Australia, however such couples are alluded to in state enactment as “Domestic partnerships" and may make a composed understanding, called a Domestic Partnership Agreement, about their living courses of action in order to be perceived by the state as local accomplices.

In Victoria, in August 2001, the Statute Law Amendment (Relationships) Act 2001 and the Statute Law Further Amendment (Relationships) Act 2001 altered 60 acts in Victoria to give same-sex couples, called "residential accomplices", a few rights equivalent to those appreciated by accepted couples, including doctor's facility access, therapeutic choice making, superannuation, legacy rights, property charge, landowner/tenure rights, psychological well-being treatment and casualties of wrongdoing methods.

In Queensland, in December 2002, the states' Discrimination Law Amendment Act 2002 created a new and non-discriminatory definition of "de facto partner", affecting 42 pieces of legislation. This gave same-sex couples the same rights as de facto couples in most instances. Queensland law does not include access to adoption for same-sex couples.

In South Australia, since 1 June 2007, 97 sections of legislation took effect which provide superannuation entitlements under four superannuation Acts, as well as rights concerning property ownership, inheritance, financial affairs, hospital access and other entitlements under South Australian law. South Australia legislation does not allow equality for same-sex couples in three areas, such as access to adoption, IVF and altruistic surrogacy.

Dashai festival then and now

How Dashain celebrations have changed over the years?Born and raised in the north east India I could relate with the feeling and sentiment of Durga Puja also known as Dusherra (North India) or Viyaya Dashami (South India) and Dashain (in Nepali) as a young boy growing up. I grew up celebrating many festivals, but Dashain and Di(pa)wali always felt special. The celebration was vibrant and joyful not limited to one thing but many — such as participation in kite flying, buying new clothes, delicious foods, lots of different sweets, fascinated with cap pistol or gun— guns of course, were not real but the bangs were—where we as kids have yelled “Bang! Bang! I got you!” while playing cowboys and Indian or cops and robbers or whatever other violent game was in vogue, crackers and fireworks and more importantly the spirit of the festival itself was so special and unique that it made the whole festival memorable and world last for months. Reflecting on those days makes me nostalgic and grateful to have been part of it. The joy of celebrating Dashain was a unique and beautiful feeling—one that’s hard to find now.
Time brings change, and while that is mostly good and perhaps the only way forward, we wish something would remain the same. Dashain festival seems to evoke that sentiment. Most people born in the 90’s would somehow agree that there was a time when Dashain was a highly anticipated festival, and while the fun is still there, the vibe isn't the same. Back then with the arrival of Dashain, people gathered to paint their houses with white cement and clear their yards of overgrown bushes and decorated their home. After Ghatasthapana, families with bamboo would share it to build swings, filling the community with excitement. The return of loved ones from abroad infused the air with energy. Dashain fostered a strong sense of community and togetherness. The unanimous memories of Dashain were more heart warming than how we celebrate the festival today. Dashain holidays were all about meeting friends and family, playing games and eating a lot of (sweet) meat. While we still do that, the charm and excitement have largely been lost because it's not a new thing for today's generation. But now, in this digital age, kids no longer feel like going out to play. Instead, they spend time making reels for instagram, YouTube, TikTok videos and other social platforms to promote themselves on the social networks. With most of the relatives abroad, being online has helped people stay connected—they can send wishes and receive blessings digitally. Dashain doesn’t feel complete until people post a selfie with tika and wearing jamara (barley seedlings).

During my childhood, Dashain was a time of immense joy. The highlight was wearing new clothes, and the atmosphere buzzed with relatives visiting to apply tika in a single day. Today, Dashain feels less vibrant. Children can enjoy delicious food and buy new clothes at any time. Many prefer solitude, retreating to their rooms with gadgets instead of socialising during the festival. When I was young, Dashain celebrations began a month before, uniting everyone to clean the roads and plant flowers around homes. Dashain was vibrant and joyful, bringing our family and relatives together under one roof. Reflecting on those days makes me nostalgic. Nowadays, Dashain comes and goes without the same joy and excitement, leaving me saddened as I see relatives refusing to participate in traditions. 

I remember my Dashain in my early days, swinging in the street with my friends and family. Every Dashain, we worshipped at the temple and at the Durga Pandal, where handmade statues of Durga and other gods were displayed. From Ghatasthapana, we prepared for rituals, participated in the Kalash Yatra, and dressed in new clothes until Phulpati, after which we wore new clothes daily until Nawami. We lit incense sticks with parents each evening, recite bhajans enjoyed eating prasad (sacred or blessed food offered to Gods) and visited the temple till the festival was over. Most of all, I cherish family gatherings, which are rare at other times.We eagerly anticipated buying new clothes, visiting the market, and gathering food and supplies for home. During Dashain, we had less household work, allowing us to enjoy swings, fly kites, and hang out with friends. Tika days were significant, as I received money and blessings from elders, indulged in sweets, and enjoyed quality time with my family. 

Dashain is a time for family gatherings, and while we can enjoy good food, hang out with friends, and engage in activities anytime, finding time to be with family and relatives has become increasingly rare. For me, Dashain is about cherishing moments with family and friends. Nowadays, the festival often feels more like an occasion for showboating, with many focused on capturing perfect pictures and videos for social media. The celebration of Dashain now seems limited to playing cards and wearing jamara (barley seedlings).

Today it's more of responsibility than fun. We used to fly kites and try to cut the threads of those from our neighbourhood. We would run after the kites as they gently fell on the ground, it was believed that the first signs of Dashain were the kites appearing in the sky. Kite flying and also playing on the swings were the most important and fun activities of this festival.While we were kids, we used to sit in the lap of the elders on a large swing as we were scared. But now we can clearly see the change. It is no longer a big deal to have food on the table and we rarely see kites flying in the sky or the swings swaying in the fields. We used to get new clothes once in a year during the time of Dashain, but now we buy clothes every month.There is now no difference between the normal days and Dashain. 

Before Dashin created memories, but now it's more like capturing the moments. Dashain is more for the photos. It's not a bad thing, but only giving priority to photos to show off and not enjoy the moment is not good. Before, so much value was given to blessings bestowed to us by our elders, but today children are only interested in the money that is given as gifts. It's not that today's generation has completely forgotten the importance of Dashain. But slowly, but surely the charm of the biggest Hindu festival is waning. The vibes and that feel are going down. Certain circumstances make travel difficult, and customs like jutho and sutak have further strained family connections, making it hard to celebrate Dashain together as we used to. 

Dashain has become more Westernised and influenced by alcohol consumption. We find ourselves between traditional rituals and modern celebrations, which can be confusing. Despite the changes, Dashain still holds special meaning. We enjoy shopping for traditional clothes, spending time with family, and playing games together. Last but not the least, change comes with time, and we should move accordingly, but we should never forgot our identity, our traditions and festivals, which create great memories.

All I can say is “Thank you”

Aama you mean the world to me.

Offering me good advice and keep me grounded 

You have always been there for me— hugs, resilience, guidance gave me wings to fly.

You opens up many memories and doors—

Thoughts, feelings, and gratitude surface that were never present before.

And the first word “aama” moments come to light,

Such as the endless depth of unconditional and inexhaustible love,

There's nothing as great as the unbounded love of your.

And for that, and everything, I say, "Thank you”, You really mean a world to me.

There's nothing in this world that I could do

To pay you back for all you do.

Di(pa)wali: a festival of lights

🪔🪔🪔

On a dark no-moon day, comes Dipawali— festival of lights.

Singing joyfully, "jhilimili jhilla dheusure”.

Children and adults all have the same excitement and enthusiasm for the occasion.

Tiny lamps, with beautiful, colourful rangolis and diya lights the streets make the night bright.

Indeed this is a beautiful, eye-pleasing sight.

Fire-works add shiny and shimmering flavour

To dispel darkness like light, in life to add bond of love, harmony and prosperity among all beings.

Plenty of sweets, delicacies for taste-buds to savour 

There’s fun, there’s frolic and there’s prayer, brings happiness and joy in every corner to celebrate this festival every year.

Farewell and goodbye

The weather on the day was partially dark with thick cloud cover, dampness, chilly, windy and rainy conditions. I was with other participants that day. RN Abby called me as I walked past her ( in the nurse station) and said, Are you going to Mark’s funeral? The funeral was arranged one week after he passed away or has anybody come to you and said if you want to go? You were working with him most of the shift, I mean you worked most of the shift with him. I said nobody told me about it until and she was like well it’s not that you have to but if you’re interested you should. Mrs Craigen would be happy to see you and would appreciate your support and presence, she said. I thought they would live stream it for the fellow participants to watch or some other might go to the funeral service; however they were not. 

During lunchtime I went to the dining room to get some food for the client I was supporting. Suddenly, Tamara, one of the colleagues asked me, Navin, are you coming to the funeral? I would love to but I’m with Peter today. She said well I thought you might be coming over. If you are interested in going, go and talk to Maria—team leader and tell her that you want to go. 

I went to see her in her office and she was kind of busy talking to someone and I just sneaked in knocking on the door. As they were into conversation I waited for them to finish talking and then asked her if anyone from Eskleigh was going to the funeral. Yeah some of them were, she replied. I told her if I could go as well. Okay I’m just going to get someone else to take care or take over from you. She went to the activity TL Kendra and asked her if she could help with allocating the participants after 1330 hours and then she asked me to fill in the timesheet for the partial leave. 

I got into Tamara’s car as she was willing to take her car and then drop me back to Eskleigh once the funeral service was done. 

Friday 30th of June 2023 was the day we went to Longford Catholic Church for the funeral of Mark Alexander Craigen. Mass of Christian Burial for the repose of the soul of Mr Mark Alexander Craigen at St Augustine's Catholic Church, Goderich Street, Longford on Friday, 30th June 2023 commencing at 2pm. The interment will follow in the Longford Catholic cemetery.

Tamara and I just arrived at the Catholic Church and saw the T.M. Foley Funeral service car parked just at the entrance to the church where the coffin was placed. As we felt that we were the first to arrive at the church and then we decided to take another step back. The service was supposed to start at 1400 hours. A lady from the funeral service standing just at the entrance advised us to come in and enquired if we were from Eskleigh. She said it is quite warm inside rather than standing in the freezing cold outside. We made our way to the front door and entered the building with a small group of people who were standing in front of us. The priest and the people from funeral services were all busy with the church ceremony so they were seen walking down the hall getting things together for the funeral. 

We took our seats in the back of the room with a few people standing around waiting for them to come. After some time Mrs Craigen, Daniel and Jenifer and other members of the family arrived. They were greeted by their family members at the church where they had gathered to celebrate the life of their beloved son. As she walked through the church she saw me and said hello, how are you? To which I said good. She said to the other lady who I suppose was her sister. He looked after Mark in MGH and in Eskleigh. Thanks for coming, suddenly she said Is she your wife? to Tamara who was sitting next to me. Before I could even answer her question she ( Tamara) laughed and said that she was her “work wife”. Later she told everyone she knew about it that Navin is my new work wife. 

After some time saw Lisa Harris and Cameron Martin join the service followed by Kevin Martin Sanchit, Harry and Daniel. 

The funeral service started at 1400 hours and the priest performed the ceremony with rituals and other things to celebrate his life and death. It was followed by eulogy by his sister and brother similar to the poem I wrote for him As I see you drifting ever closer. They shared their happy lives, stories of their brother and their memories of growing up together in a family home. His favourite songs ( ABBA) and favourite food( sardine, pickled cucumber, smoked fish). The verse and hymns from the bible were also sung by the people attending the ceremony. With all Christian traditions and rituals Mark was bid farewell by his mother, brother,sister and everyone else at the funeral. The priest said that anyone who wanted to come to the burial would have to walk away from the church road or drive to the cemetery. We made way for the coffin to be escorted first and his mother walked out with mixed emotions as she was kind of dancing with the ABBA music played at the background that’s my son— he loved this song, as she was singing I saw tears in her eyes when she was trying to hide her feelings and trying to find out what was happening with her heart.

We all walked together to the cemetery where Mark would be laid to rest ( Buried) according to the Christian traditional way 

Daniel: Hi Kevin (Kev) how are you! You good. Good to see you here. Thanks for coming over.

Kevin: Okay! Nods his head and chuckles as he looks at him with wide open eyes.

His coffin was placed at the bottom for Christian burial and as we went close to the cemetery to see him for the last time, Mrs Craigen just sneaked into the cemetery where Kevin and I were standing, pointing at Mark’s coffin said, in a low voice “son you wait for me, I am coming and see you soon”. It felt so strange hearing that the world for her had changed and she didn’t want to be around anymore because her only son whom she loved so much and created fond memories with was in a different world.

Later when the proceedings are done and everyone starts to go back Mark’s sister Jennifer saw Kevin and she called him ohh Kevin you are here. How are you? Thanks for coming over today. Kevin’s response was good. 

Jenifer calls her mom Leonine, mum look look Kevin is here 

She goes close to her. How are you doing Kevin?

Kevin: I am good.

She could not control her emotions at the sight of seeing him. She was so happy and pleased to see him at her son’s funeral. She asked him Can I come over to Mowbray sometime to see you? To which Kevin said yeah. 

Do you like cake or something else, chocolate?

Again he replied yeah with excitement. When are you coming?

I will come next week to see you. Promise. Not this week as I am busy and have some other things to do.

Kevin: Ok! I will be waiting (to see you) for you.

Leonie departed promising that she would visit him soon. She got into the car and we also made our way back to the car. 

Kevin was so well behaved that he had a good conversation with Tamara soon after she gave him a cigarette and they both lighted the cigarette together and she said I promised him that I would give him once the proceedings were over. We walked together to the church before we went our way home.

As I see you drifting ever closer

Many times in our life, nature flags its power, our inferiority and future's uncertainty. I have written this poem in remembrance one of the clients (bariatic)  in Eskleigh, Mark Cragein (13/03/1971-23/06/2023). I have worked and known him for three years and he was always a good man to work for (he had severe autism). I wrote this poem closely observing him as well as the fact that he is very close to the end of life and his struggle during the last few days of his life had stirred my heart with agony and distress.

Today I watched you make your way

Fighting…

Drifting ever closer...

watching…

Breathing was a struggle, but I knew your skin was thick.

You don’t look like the Mark Craigen we all know

Then noticed something different, but did all we could.

There is helplessness and despair in the face

Something has made you feel this way

You’re in such a disarray that you can’t get out of bed

Come on show your tantrums, freaks and meltdowns

Those words “noiee”, “noiee”  in a lovable unique way

Attention, distraction and diversion are the only prescription you needed every day

Your love of food and drink is so much fun, to watch you eat will always make me smile be it in

Your articulations of food that you love to eat —Sarrrdinnn, miiillllkkkk,weebiixxx, mandarinnn, corrrdddiiiaall, cupa teaaa, wateerrrrr will always echo your sentiments about food and have us smiling anytime.

His mum throws her heart into bamboozling him through the worst possible times in her endeavour to make him happy

Patience is a virtue and he has no desire to change

 

Strategies and technique often failed when you don’t want it done your way

Your innocence never changed your ways and your actions

What does mama say? Mama says, Quiet! is what we all prompted

Perhaps there's a reason you’re made this way

— then the approach

That was the spectacular treasure of this day.

A DAY IN JAWLAKHEL ZOO

On 26^th of July ’08 (i.e. 11^th of Sharwan 2065 BS) Saturday , went to Jawlakhel to worship Rato Machendranath and also visited the zoo –  for a sort of picnic with gharveti didi (Radhika Maharjan) with her two daughters and her kith and kins along with suman dc and Mahesh airi. This was the first outing for me (i.e. any site seeing or in a public place) after coming to Kathmandu , to persue higher education in Tribhuvan university. We started at, say around 10 am in the morning, in a bus full of families to go to Jwalakhel. After reaching there we first offered prayers and worshipped Rato Machendranath and thereafter went inside the zoo. Saturday being holiday there was a large mob of families and it was very difficult to get inside the zoo but anyhow Abin Maharjan and myself got inside and found many group of families occupying(sitting) empty space inside the zoo, almost every corner of the park were occupied and Suman and myself was asked by Radhika didi to go ahead to look for vacant place but there was hardly any open area. At last we got one and brought everything/belongings to the mentioned place and then after arranging, we all sat down and started eating different delicacies prepared by our tenant and her relatives. The atmosphere/environment over there was so over whelming that everyone were busy in their world enjoying every bit of it. Mahesh, Suman and myself went further inside the zoo to see different types and species of animals and birds. Somewhere even found people dancing and singing their traditional folk dance. Mostly people inside were from newar community. I enjoyed every bit of it inside the zoo. Eventually, at around 5 pm we packed our stuff and came out of the park and just after 10 min walk saw some people especially elderly offering water to the passerby which was very pleasing to see. On our way back our tenant and her kins decided to walk on foot all the way to Kirtipur via shortcut route they knew rather than going in a bus, on which we agreed and decided to accompany them. And we reached our place around 7pm in the evening after nearly 2 hours walk from Lalitpur. This is how the day went about.