Prachanda: WILL TURN NEPAL INTO WORLD’S DUTY FREE COUNTRY

Standing in front almost 500 people, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Nepal’s maoist leader appeared calm and determined. In black suit and red tie with an oversized knot, the man who once commanded thousands of Nepali soldiers into bloody battles, sported a smile. He read his speech in English with a strong Nepali accent, which was almost comical. But his tone was anything but light-hearted. 

Prachanda stressed on economic development and said he will turn Nepal into the ”world’s duty-free country”. In just five years, Nepal will prosper with strict rule of law, he said. He harped about Nepal’s water resources, scenic beauty, its ethnic diversity, and everthing that he said should have made Nepal the most attractive place to live in.

Prachanda’s speech, though full of promises, did not address issues gnawing at the country. But he did not share the relief plan for the Kosi flood victims; did not reveal the federal future of Nepal; did not address the human rights violation; and forgot about people who disappeared during the decade-long war.

But watching the new prime minister ’s confidence, patriotism and promises on Samudaya.org, I almost want to believe I’m looking at a leader who can deliver.

Learning English the “American” Way

Learning  English is not good enough for many immigrants in the U.S. They want to sound just like an American. Some want to be understood better and others are simply tired of being asked where they are from. So many working professionals and students are taking “accent modification” training to do away with their native accent and acquire an American one.

Here’s my audio story about non-native English speakers in Boston, aired on WBUR 90.9, Boston’s National Public Radio.