Live Free in the Spirits of Birgunj

Birgunj, the second largest city in Nepal, is the focal point for trading and commercial activities. The city has unique sightseeing experiences for the visitors. The modest individuals and farmers provide the tourists a chance to accustom themselves with the way of Terai life of Nepal. It is situated about 3 KM from the Indian northern perimeter Raxaul. It is the focal entry point to Nepal from India through road transport. Majority of all the foreign goods shipped to Nepal by sea go through Calcutta (Haldia Port) to Raxaul to Birgunj then reach to main cities like Kathmandu. Hence, Birgunj is an important land entry point for goods to Nepal.

The population of Birgunj is about four hundred thousand (400,000). Many multi lingual and multi ethnic groups reside here. The city is simply taken as a stop-over place for travelers, businessmen and pilgrims going to other destinations in Nepal as well as India. In the northwest part of Birgunj, Town Hall or City Hall has been uniquely built. Its architecture combines the traditional Nepalese temple design, with those of a modern civic utility which was built in the year 1975-76. In the environs, one can find the swimming pool complex which is of International standards, along with a play ground. Nearby is a large pond, popularly known as Ghadiarba Pokhari Udyan, with a walkway leading to a Hindu temple, Surya Mandir in the middle. The main attraction of this place is beautiful musical fountain, boat-ride, green belt, walkway and a lot more. The Ghantaghar (clock tower) in the middle of the city is a dominant milestone. From here, the road to newly built bus park, which was shifted in 1994 from the old location, of the city is linked. In the out-skirts of the city, one can find the Vishwa Buddha Bihar. The term Vishwa is derived from the word Vicchu-wa which is translated as a resting place for vicchu(s) or Buddhist monks. The term Vishwa thus means a resting place. In the ancient times the pilgrims stopped at Birgunj in the midst of their journey between Lumbini and Bodh Gaya (India). Vishwa is actually shaped like a stupa and has engravings of Lord Buddha facing the cardinal directions of the universe. This place has a tranquil ambiance and it attracts those tourists who want to flee the bustling life of the city. 

Landlocked Nepal’s 'only' rail-connected Inland Clearance Depot (ICD) at Sirsiya became fully operational during 2005, as a result of an agreement reached with India on rail access. The rail link is a 5.4 km long spur from the border town of Raxaul. It is a multicultural city where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists and other ethnic communities live together in peace and harmony. Hindus and Muslims constitute the major portion of its population. It is a multilingual city, the residents of which speak Nepali, Bhojpuri, Hindi, Urdu, English, Newari and other local parlances. Places of worship like temples and mosques can be found at short distances in the city.

Apart from the Indian railway, this city has good links of roads by which all the Indian Metropolitan cities have become quite accessible. Simra is the nearest Airport from where one can fly and reach Kathmandu in about 15 minutes. Likewise, 24 hour bus services are readily available to and from Kathmandu. As for the climate, it is temperate with 8 degrees lowest in the winter and 37 degrees highest in the summer and the average rain fall registered during the rainy season is 80mm. Nice hotels and shopping centers can be found in the city. Royal Chitwan National Park is about 4 hours drive from here where one can go to enjoy the wildlife of Nepal.

Ace of Spades: Sanjaya Shrestha, the pop king!!

“You might be talking to the future Prime Minister of Nepal…” This is what he said when for the first time we encountered at Arian Media at Bhagwati Bahal, Kathmandu. He’s done background in nearly 80 movies and his iconic song Maya Meri Maya is what most of the younger singers grew up with playing on guitar. That’s right people he’s none other than our very own pop icon Sanjaya Shrestha we’re talking about. He’s the one who’ve composed the signature tune for NTC and UTL. 

Greetings and thank you for your time.

Namaste… The pleasure is all mine.

We haven’t heard from you lately. What’s keeping you busy these days?

Well, currently I’m working for my next album. I’m a regular facebook user and this very question has been asked by fans time and again. Almost 4 songs have already been composed. The name is still to be confirmed and hopefully, the album would be out soon. I’m dedicating this album solely to my fans who expect my songs or album. This is as a part of continuity of my musical journey that I’m dedicating my fans. It’s my responsibility to do an album for my fans who’ve been giving me an identity as a singer. I’ve tried to keep some rock number out of which Jay Desh Mero Desh is a rock patriotic number where you can hear choir by 25 individuals as well.

People you know you from the song Maya Meri Maya. How did it come?

Maya Meri Maya is a song that is composed with soft minor chord progression and plucking in guitar which carries simple sentiments. I realized that people acknowledge simplicity and it’s not necessary to include heavy literature in a song to make it meaningful. The song taught me that. The song is more like a national anthem to me. Everywhere I go, people want me to sing this song coz this songs carries my identity and I feel so happy to sing this song every time. The main thing is that the emotions of a song should be outstanding. Till date, I’ve six albums out i.e.  Naya Moad, Ghumda Ghumdai, Tadha Na Jaideu Timi, Euta Gaun Thiyo, Jau Timi Jau and Timi Bina. But still, the charm hasn’t gone and this song has been my signature song so far. Other songs like Eghara Bara Terah, Tadha Na Jaideu Timi, Euta Gaun Thiyo, Jau Timi Jau, Musu Musu Haasi Deu and lot more have been my identity. Still, composing and singing a song like Maya Meri Maya has been a challenge for me. I used to listen the songs of respected Om Bikram Bista Dai, Scorpions and Eagles and the simplicity of their simplicity, song and/or melody influenced much.

You said I might be talking to a future Prime Minister of Nepal. Please elaborate us.

The country is deeply affected by the current political scenario that has been ruining the lives of people around. Such things have touched me badly and I grew a rebellion nature within myself. In fact, every individual has such rebellion factor within themselves but some are scared to express. I am a straight and direct person. I have my devotion in King and my moral support and faith lays in Rastriya Prajatantra Party (Ra. Pra. Pa). May be I might officially join the political party and work actively for the nation. The nation needs peace and prosperity and it’s we, the people, who have to act the country from worsening. All the 601 members should be jailed and the country should be declared as the Hindu Kingdom restoring the King. An army ruled government should be formed and establishes peace and system for the next 10 years.

There’s no financial return in music. Still you came in music industry. Why?

I didn’t come to the music industry seeking the financial breakthrough. Before coming to the music industry, I had a travel and tour business and I was doing well. I used to earn dollars and money was not a reason for me to come in music. Instead, I sold the business to come into music. I almost ran the business for 12 years. I used to do the pampleting of my albums along with my brother myself. My passion for music dragged me to it. My career wasn’t just an easy ride. Those were the time when Modern Music was dominant in the country but still, people appreciated and loved my work. Pop music was in the evolving state. The industry gained the commercial value from the year 1992. Almost 80 percent Indian music market was displaced by the music of our fellow musicians. The main thing that I earned being in music was respect, love and appreciation. Those were the golden era in music. The level of music was way too much higher from todays. 

What are the flaws in today’s music scenario?

Music industry has changed dramatically over the years. These days music companies, RJ’s and VJ’s are making money. An artist is just a mere tool for their business. Almost 80% of the songs have been killed and raped in the name of remix. Artist have killed the value of music singing in cheap Mo:Mo festivals and Street Shows. Also, the Medias have been diseased with politics. The videos made by a TV channel wouldn’t get enough airplay on other TV channels. What I believe is that privileges are not the part of Art. However, power and money counts these days in the media market. Here, everybody salutes the rising sun and other is neglected. A strong unit to filter music should be started. Prior to this, Radio Nepal was only the unit to run Voice Test to preserve the quality in music. Now, if you have power and money, every individual can be a singer. This hampered the eligible musicians which is a shameful thing. Medias are promoting the wrong person rather than the talented and gifted one. There are hundreds of recording studios in corners of valley who do recording of the ineligible singers. Though there are laws, no one is punished by law even though they are doing criminal activities in music. I was active in music till 2000. The new artists took music easily and for granted. The music industry slowly and steadily started to degrade. To earn fame is very hard and to maintain the given fame is even harder but the artists today don’t understand. They are just a part of such whim. Still, I’m very optimistic that after peace prevails in the country, the industry shall groom again. For instance, Rajesh Payal Rai is far better than Prasant Tamang but the audience even motivates such. There are lots of talented singers, but the organizers keep on giving priorities to the Indian singers no matter how low they are in standard comparatively with the Nepali singers in quality. They don’t appreciate and encourage the fellow musicians.

Who, according to you, are the most eligible artist of today’s context?

For me it’s Shiva Pariyaar, Sugam Pokharel, Hemanta Rana, Anju Panta, Sheetal Shiwani Moktan just to name some. I might have missed some but there are handful singers who’ve been doing a marvelous job. 

Sanjay Shrestha

There is always another side of an artist. What are yours?

Well, ever since I was a child, I used to have interest in art. Besides music, I love to do paintings. But I think I’m best in Charcoal Art. I have plenty of it and someday, I might arrange an exhibition of my art. This has been my hidden talent so far.

How hard is it to maintain status as a celebrity?

For me, I don’t think myself as a celebrity. I go out with my kids and my family to watch movies. I stop by at local Pani Puri stalls and enjoy it with my family. Fans come to me and talk to me. What I mean to say is that my fans gave me respect and recognition as an artist and I feel happy to interact with them. I’m an easy person on that. To some extent we should maintain status in our profession so that the younger fellow musician could follow us to keep the music scenario professional and biasness free. Show off is the negative factor in an artist’s personality.

What are your favorite time pass?

I love going out with my family as I said. Plus, body building is another passion. And I love to watch Katrina Kaif’s movies. I spent very less or no time at all in kitchen. I can boil water and tea (laughs). I love the typical dishes like daal, bhat, Maasu and Newari items. I am a Newar from Madhesh so the eating habit is somehow different than the typical Newar community of the valley.

Tell us about Arian media.

Well, I’ve been running Arian Media for the past 12 years. We make all sorts of TV and FM commercials. Till date, we’ve successfully ventured with companies like NTC, UTL, Wai Wai, Choco Fun, 2 PM Noodles just to name some. We did make the signature tunes for NTC and UTL. Working here is another part of my struggle. Every day when you wake up, a new door opens for your struggle to survive and Arian Media is just the same. 

What would be your reaction on the below mentioned names?

Om Bikram Bista: He’s a respected musician and a respected elder brother to me.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal: I hate Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

King Birendra: He was like a god.

Finally, and ending note…

I’d like to thank MuzBuzz Monthly Magazine. I think we need more persons like Anna Hazare who’s on severe hunger strike for abolishing corruption in India. The leaders here should learn lessons from him. Also, everyone should love and appreciate music of their fellow nation and peace and prosperity should be one unified goal of everyone.

Peaceful Simplicity: How to Live a Life of Contentment?

“Whatever the tasks, do them slowly
with ease,
in mindfulness,
so not do any tasks with the goal
of getting them over with.
Resolve to each job in a relaxed way,
with all your attention.”

In our daily lives, we often rush through tasks, trying to get them done, trying to finish as much as we can each day, speeding along in our cars to our next destination, rushing to do what we need to do there, and then leaving so that we can speed to our next destination. At the end of the day, we’re often exhausted and stressed out from the grind and the chaos and the busy-ness of the day. We don’t have time for what’s important to us, for what we really want to be doing, for spending time with loved ones, for doing things we’re passionate about. And yet, it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s possible to live a simpler life, one where you enjoy each activity, where you are present in everything (or most things) you do, where you are content rather than rushing to finish things.If that appeals to you, let’s take a look at some suggestions for living a simple, peaceful, content life:

What’s important. First, take a step back and think about what’s important to you. What do you really want to be doing, who do you want to spend your time with, what do you want to accomplish with your work? Make a short list of 4-5 things for your life, 4-5 people you want to spend time with, 4-5 things you’d like to accomplish at work.

Examine your commitments. A big part of the problem is that our lives are way too full. We can’t possibly do everything we have committed to doing, and we certainly can’t enjoy it if we’re trying to do everything. Accept that you can’t do everything, know that you want to do what’s important to you, and try to eliminate the commitments that aren’t as important. See this articlefor more.

Do less each day. Don’t fill your day up with things to do. You will end up rushing to do them all. If you normally try (and fail) to do 7-10 things, do 3 important ones instead (with 3 more smaller items to do if you get those three done). This will give you time to do what you need to do, and not rush.

Leave space between tasks or appointments. Another mistake is trying to schedule things back-to-back. This leaves no cushion in case things take longer than we planned (which they always do), and it also gives us a feeling of being rushed and stressed throughout the day. Instead, leave a good-sized gap between your appointments or tasks, allowing you to focus more on each one, and have a transition time between them.

Eliminate as much as possible from your to-do list. You can’t do everything on your to-do list. Even if you could, more things will come up. As much as you can, simplify your to-do list down to the essentials. This allows you to rush less and focus more on what’s important.

Now, slow down and enjoy every task. This is the most important tip in this article. Read it twice. Whatever you’re doing, whether it’s a work task or taking a shower or brushing your teeth or cooking dinner or driving to work, slow down. Try to enjoy whatever you’re doing. Try to pay attention, instead of thinking about other things. Be in the moment. This isn’t easy, as you will often forget. But find a way to remind yourself. Unless the task involves actual pain, there isn’t anything that can’t be enjoyable if you give it the proper attention.

Single-task. This is kind of a mantra of mine, as I talk about how to single-task all the time. But it’s an important point for me, and for this article. Do one thing at a time, and do it well.

Eat slower. This is just a more specific application of Tip #6, but it’s something we do every day, so it deserves special attention. Eliminate stress. Find the stressors in your life, and find ways to eliminate them.

Create time for solitude. In addition to slowing down and enjoying the tasks we do, and doing less of them, it’s also important to just have some time to yourself. Read this article for more. Do nothing. Sometimes, it’s good to forget about doing things, and do nothing. 

Sprinkle simple pleasures throughout your day. Knowing what your simple pleasures are, and putting a few of them in each day, can go a long way to making life more enjoyable. Here’s a list of 75 simple pleasures.

Practice being present. You can practice being in the moment at any time during the day. Find inspirations. Learn from the best.. Make frugality an enjoyable thing too. Instead of delayed gratification, tryenjoying life now while saving for later.

Wackiest fact about Angelina Jolie!!

Angelina Jolie rarely brushes her hair. The ‘Kung Fu Panda 2′ actress – who raises six children with partner Brad Pitt – is regarded as one of the most beautiful women in the world, but insists she keeps her efforts to look good to a minimum.

She said: “I my life, I hardly brush my hair very often. I try to be as low-maintenance as possible because of my kids, so I can just get up and get ready and do things and not take too much time.”

In keeping her with her no-fuss beauty regime, it was previously claimed that Angelina keeps her lips in good condition by using Shea Terra’s Menthe Orange Organic Shea Lip Butter, which costs just $4.

The lip balm boasts a variety of unusual products including raw golden beeswax from Uganda, virgin coconut cream oil, African potato, Namibian tsamma melon seed oil, rooibos, chamomile flowers and wild Namibian plum oil.

A source previously said: “Angelina stockpiles the lip butter to preserve her to-die-for pout. She likes it because it also helps to freshen your breath and Angelina hates chewing gum.”