15 Spoken Word Poetry You Cannot Miss Out On.

I like poems and find solace in reading, writing, and listening to poems. It has been few years I've been regularly listening to spoken word poetry. When I tell people, I listen to spoken word poetry so may reply 'me too.' I thought it would be nice to share something I find good. Thus, I have made an attempt to list out some of the most powerful spoken art poetry I often end up listening to on Youtube. 

Disclaimer: 

i) The poems are not in any order of preference. 
ii) I have adhered to the idea of one artist one poem. Do listen to other poems by the same artist. 
iii) This post is work in progress as I might have missed out on some and might want to add other later. 
iv) This post includes all sort of poems from break-up poems to the one you could use in Greenpeace's protest rally. 

So here goes the list: 

1. Michael Lee: The Addict, a Magician

This guy is underrated on youtube. Do listen to his other poems as well, you'll love it.

2. Neil Hilborn: OCD

Probably you've already heard this one :) 

3. Dave McAlinden: If I was your God

I only know this one from the poet. One of my personal favorite. 

4. Hannah Johnson: I'm Still Really Glad I Broke up with You

Smooth :) 

5. Harry Baker: Dinosaur Love

World Champion of Spoken Word :) 

6. Phil Kaye: Repetition

Listen to all of his poem and his Tedx talk.

7. Shane Koyczan: Instruction for a bad Day 

He is very popular and once you'll listen to his poems you'll know why. He also has delivered awesome ted talk "blueprint for a breakthrough". 

8. Sarah Kay & Phil Kaye: When Love Arrives

One of the most popular poems by the duo. You have heard of this too....my guess!!

9. Sarah Kay: The Type

Listen to her other poems as well. She has been to Nepal couple of times to perform too.

10. Aranya Johar: A Brown Girl's Guide to Gender

Very Powerful. 

11. Suli Breaks: Why I Hate School But Love Education

Very Insightful, filled with wisdom :) 

12. Rafeef Ziadah: We Teach Life, Sir!

This is how poets reply to some of the questions...

13. Baz Luhrmann, Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen 

This is a commencement speech (originally) and one of the best you'll hear. 

14. Kunal Kapoor: Sold Bodies

Words and Message...

15. Prince Ea: Dear Future Generation: Sorry

The Greenpeace one ;) 

16: Nawaraj Subedi: मेरो देश हजमोला बनाउछ 

How can I miss one from home? Explains the situation 

17. Ujjwala Maharjan: काली

I saw this performance live when this was recorded. Impressive and powerful. 

These are some of the poems that came to my mind when I was writing this blog. Feel free to add your favorite in the comment. Also, listen to other poems by same artists. 

Happy Listening. 

When are you getting married?

Asking questions is often easy but answering them may not necessarily be so. If you are from Nepal and you are in your mid-twenties, it is "the question" most have faced. Being in my early thirties, I encounter this question more than often. "When are you getting married?" This million dollar question has been bothering me since a few years now.  I face this question almost everywhere I go.  What I do not understand is why is everyone so interested about someone else getting married?

Family members, the girl I'm dating, sisters and close friends asking the question is understandable but what I don't understand is why your next door neighbor, your high school friend you haven't met in years, your distant relative, colleagues at work are so much interested in your marriage? Is this a generic question you tend to ask as a protocol for those who are not married yet? Or are people genuinely interested? Or is it that when it comes to marriage, everyone turns to "that aunt" whose only job is to ask people about their marriage.

This is a kind of question you can't settle for a quick answer because they come up with follow up question and a bulk of wisdom on why you should get married. At some point they seem to know about you more than yourself. Now that you have a job, what else are you waiting for? Do you have a girl or what? I hope in a few years' time they'll even start asking you if you're straight. I haven't been particularly fond of when other people are getting married, so I find it weird that so many people have the urge to know or the urge to ask.

May be you have good faith when you come up to someone and ask when are you getting married, but really??? What difference is the answer going to make? If someone is getting married, they will let you know (if you made it to the invitee list) or now we have Facebook, you can stalk on anyone without them knowing. I think this question tends to make people irritated after a while and then you might get that sarcastic answers or the look that tells you to mind your own business.

But what's wrong in asking single people when they are getting married?

As far as my logic and experience can tell, most of the singles have no clue when they are getting married. It's just like you know someday you are going to marry but have no idea when that is going to happen.

Secondly, some single may not believe in sanctity or the necessity of marriage but I don't want to debate with you on this, yet. Some people just don't want to marry and that's the end of the story I guess. It's as simple as you love a particular flavor of ice cream. (I doubt this has any particular philosophical justification besides the mere fact that you like it).

Thirdly, some are trying to find a partner and them always asking is not going to help. Marriage is not like a birthday celebration where your presence is sufficient. Thus, to those who are looking for a marriageable partner, this question doesn't offer much solace.

Fourth, the most of the people who are of marriageable age know when it's time for marriage. It's just like peeing; the one in question is the one who knows the best time to get it done. There is no point in asking someone when he/she is going to use the restroom, is it? Sometimes you'll have to hold for a while even if you are desperate so that you'll find a proper place, just like finding the right person for marriage.

Finally, I think this is a question that you need to know when and how to ask and whom to ask. It not like a normal "hello?", "how have you been?" type of question. I think people need to understand that the question they are asking along with the "why they are asking that question."

We singles understand that you are concerned about us and care about us and want to see us all settled and happy. We appreciate the fact and are glad that we have you in our life. But asking when I am getting married is the last thing you want to ask me. I know it's about my marriage, but I am sure of the answer so stop fucking asking it.

I think people should limit this question to their children, someone they are in a relationship with, and someone whose wedding they are going to sponsor. I firmly believe this question needs to be excluded from the generic question you ask every single round.

And if you were here expecting answers, then I have no clue when I am getting married. I would have loved to tell you, but it's not Christmas which always comes around at the same time of the year. Anyone who is reading the blog, do a favor to us singles, stop asking this question, please.

सन्दर्भ: कानून दिवस र यसले उब्जिएका प्रश्नहरु

आज कानून दिवस मनाउदै गर्दा केहि प्रश्नहरु मनमा उब्जिए र सो प्रश्नहरुलाई आफुमै सिमित राख्न सकिन । यि प्रश्नहरुको आधारमा विषयगत कुराहरुको समेत उठान हुन्छ भन्ने मेरो बुझाई हो l यो वर्षको कानून दिवस अरु वर्षहरु भन्दा भिन्न परिस्थितिमा मनाइदैछ छ l कार्यपालिका र न्यायपालिकाको “महाअभियोगको विषयमाथिको शक्ति अभ्यासले” यो वर्षको कानून दिवसलाई गिज्याइरहेको अवस्था धेरैले महसुस गरेको होलान । तर केहि यस्ता महत्वपूर्ण विषयहरु छन् जसको सारभूत बहस हुनु आवश्यक छ l आज कानून दिवस सो बहसको थालनी गर्ने उपयुक्त दिन हुने मेरो आफ्नो ठम्याइ छ l

१.     नेपालमा कानूनी शिक्षाको अवस्था र सुधारको आवश्यकता 

वर्तमान अवस्थामा कानूनी शिक्षा तर्फ विद्यार्थीहरु आकर्षित हुदै छन् l तर कानूनी शिक्षाको गुणस्तरको विषयमा सरोकारवाला निकायले ध्यान पुराएका छन् वा छैनन् ? कानून अध्यापन गर्ने प्राध्यापक, उप-प्राध्यापक लगायतको संख्या के कस्तो छ ? बजारमा उपयुक्त र आवश्यक अध्ययन सामग्री छ वा छैन ? कानून पठन-पाठन हुने संस्थामा के कति कक्षा संचालन हुन्छन्? पठन-पाठनको गुणस्तर के कस्तो छ ? सायद नेपालमा कानूनी शिक्षाको अवस्था निकै राम्रो पनि हुन सक्छ वा कुनै सुधारको आवश्यकता रहेको पनि हुन सक्ला l यो विषयमा जिम्मेवार भएर नियमन र सुधार गर्ने दायित्व कसको हो?

कानूनी शिक्षाको विषयमा धेरै छलफल गर्न सकिने विषय हो तर एउटा कुरामा भने कसैको विमति नहोला, “कानूनी शिक्षाको गुणस्तरीयताले नै देशको कानूनी अवस्थाको निर्क्योल गर्दछ l कानूनी क्षेत्रमा दीर्घकालीन सुधारको एक पाटो भनेको कानूनी शिक्षा हो l यो बारेमा छलफल र आवश्यक योजना तर्जुमा गर्नु पर्ने बेला भएन र ?

२.       न्यायपालिकामा राजनैतिक प्रभावको न्यूनीकरणको आवश्यकता र सम्भाव्यता

यो विषय निकै गम्भीर र निक्कै छलफल भइरहेको विषय हो l अबको छलफल न्यायलयलाई कसरी राजनैतिक प्रभावमुक्त गर्न सकिन्छ भन्नेमा केन्द्रित हुनुपर्ने होइन र? हालैको घटनाक्रम हेर्ने हो भने “न्यायालयमा सुधारको आवश्यकता छ” भन्नेमा कसैको विमति नहोला l अबको बहस त्यो सुधार के हो र कसरी सम्भव छ भन्ने तर्फ केन्द्रित हुनु पर्ने बेला भएन र ? न्यायालयलाई राजनैतिक प्रभाव मुक्त राख्न सकेमा मात्र स्वतन्त्र न्यायपालिकाको अवधारणाले मुर्तरुप पाउने देखिन्छ l

३.       कानूनी पेशामा व्यवसायिकताको आवश्यकता

कानूनी पेशा आजको दिन सम्म आईपुग्दा कति व्यवसायिकताको विकास भएको छ ? के हालको कानूनी पेशाको  व्यवसायिकता र विशेषज्ञता सन्तोषजनक छ त ? कतै कानूनी पेशा विशेषज्ञता भन्दा व्यक्ति केन्द्रित त छैन ? यस पेशाको पेशागत मर्यादाको अवस्था के छ ? नेपाल बार एसोसिएसन लगायतका सम्बन्धित निकायले यस तर्फ ध्यान दिएका होलान भन्ने आशा गरौ l तर कानूनी पेशाको विषयमा पनि सम्बन्धित सरोकारवालाहरु बिच घनिभूत छलफल हुनु अपरिहार्य भइसकेको छ l

४.       सङ्क्रमणकालीन न्याय

सङ्क्रमणकालीन न्यायको विषय पनि यो वर्ष निक्कै टड्कारो  विषयको रुपमा रहेको छ l संक्रमणकालीन संयन्त्रको सिमित कार्यअवधि बाकीं रहेको हुदा नेपालको संक्रमणकालीन न्यायको विषयलाई कसरी टुंगो लगाउने भन्ने बारे सार्थकबहस हुन आवश्यक देखिन्छ l देश स्थानीय तहको निर्वाचन लगायत अन्य मुद्दामा केन्द्रित हुदा सङ्क्रमणकालीन न्यायको विषय ओझेलमा परेको त होइन? न्यायको लागि पीडितहरुले अझै कति समय पर्खिन पर्ने हो ? के सङ्क्रमणकालीन न्यायको विषयलाई महत्व दिएर हेर्न अबेर भैसकेको छैन र? कानून दिवसको अवसरमा हामी यो विषयमाथि छलफल नगरी आगाडी बढ्ने अवस्था छ त ?

५.       कानूनी शासनको प्रत्याभूति

देशमा कानूनी शासनको प्रत्याभूति कसरी गर्न सकिन्छ? यो विषयमा के कस्तो सुधार आवश्यक छ? जिम्मेवार निकायको यो बारेमा कार्ययोजना के छ र आगामी दिनमा हामीले के अपेक्षा गर्न सक्छौ? यो विषयको गम्भीरता अनुरुप छलफल भइरहेको छ वा हामी योजना बिहिन फुस्रा सपना बुन्दै छौ? हाल कानूनी शासनको अवस्था के छ र कसरी यसमा सुधार गर्न सकिन्छ भनेर दिशानिर्देश गर्न पर्ने अवस्था आइसकेको छ, यो बारे बहस-पैरवी हामी सचेत र तयार छौ? कानून दिवस मनाउने क्रममा यो विषयले ठाउँ पाउनु पर्ने होइन र?

६.       कानून र कानूनकर्मी प्रतिको दृष्टिकोण

कानूनकर्मी र देशको कानूनी अवस्था बारे सेवाग्राही र आम जनमानसको दृष्टिकोण के छ? विश्वभर मर्यादित मानिएको कानूनी पेशा बारे आम व्यक्तिको धारणा के छ ? कतै अझै “वकिल भनेको कालोलाई सेतो र सेतोलाई कालो बनाउने पेशा” भन्ने धारणा त विध्यमान छैन? हामीले कानूनी पेशा र कानून प्रति सेवाग्राही र साधारण नागरिकको विश्वास हासिल गर्न के कस्तो कार्य गरेका छौ? कतै कानूनी पेशा र कानूनकर्मी प्रति समाजमा नकारात्मक धारणा त विकास भएको छैन ? कानून दिवसको अवसरमा हामीले सोध्नै पर्ने हुन्छ, यो पेशा र व्यवसायलाई मर्यादित बनाउनको लागि हामीले के योगदान गरेको छौ? यो विषयमा हाम्रो रणनीति के हुने ? कसरी हामीले कानून र कानूनकर्मी प्रति आम जन-मानसको दृष्टिकोण सुधार गर्न सक्छौ?

७.       गम्भीर मानव अधिकारका विषय

कानूनको कुरा गरिरहदा हामीले भुल्न नहुने एक विषय मानव अधिकार संरक्षणको विषय हो l यसबारे हामीले के-कस्तो भूमिका निर्बाह गर्दै छौ ? नेपालमा मानव अधिकार सम्बन्धि विभिन्न विषयहरु गम्भीर समस्याको रुपमा रहेका छन् र कानूनी रुपमा ति समस्याको समाधान तर्फ लाग्नु आवश्यक भइसकेको छ l यो विषयमा हाम्रो छलफल केन्द्रित हुनुपर्ने हो वा होइन ? मानव अधिकारको विषय राष्ट्रिय महत्वको विषय हो वा होइन? कसरी नेपाली नागरिकको मानव अधिकारको सुनिश्चितता गर्न सकिन्छ? यो विषयलमा कार्यगत दृष्टिकोण र योजना तर्जुमा हुन पर्ने हो वा होइन?

८.       जवाफदेहिताको प्रश्न

गएका वर्षहरुमा कानून दिवसको अवसरमा गरिएका प्रतिबद्धताहरुको अवस्था के छ ? हामीले सोचे अनुसारको के के सुधार हासिल भयो ? यो विषयमा सम्बन्धित निकाय जवाफदेही हुनु पर्ने हो वा होइन? के कानून दिवस केवल कर्मकाण्डी दिवसको रुपमा परिणत भएको त छैन ? कानून दिवसको औचित्य केवल एक दिनमा मात्र सिमित त भएको छैन? यो बारेमा हामी जवाफदेही हुन पर्ने होइन र ?

९.       संविधानको कार्यान्वयन

यो वर्षको कानून दिवस मनाईरहदा संविधान कार्यान्वयनको विषय हाम्रो लागि अवसर र चुनौतीको रुपमा देखिएको छ l सबै निकायहरुको सहयोग र समन्वय द्वारा संविधान कार्यान्वयन गर्नु हामी सबैको साझा दायित्वको रुपमा रहेको छ l के हामीले यो विषयलाई उचित महोत्वका साथ हेरेका छौ ? ऐतिहासिक रुपमा पाएको संविधान कार्यान्वयन गर्न गराउन हामीले के योगदान गरेको छौ ? आजको दिनमा यो विषयको मूल्यांकन समेत हुन पर्ने हो वा होइन?

अन्तमा, कानून दिवसको सन्दर्भमा माथि उठान गरिएका बाहेक अन्य धेरै विषय र प्रश्नहरु हाम्रो सामु व्याप्त छन् l कानून दिवसको अवसरमा यस्ता विषयलाई ध्यानमा लिदै, समग्र कानूनी क्षेत्रको अवस्थाको विश्लेषण गर्दै, सुधार तर्फ आघि बढ्नु पर्छ भन्ने मेरो व्यक्तिगत धारणा हो l कानून दिवस कानूनी क्षेत्रको लागि आलंकारिक महत्वको मात्र भएमा यसको खासै औचित्य रहदैन l त्यसैले कानूनी दिवसलाई हामीले “कानूनी क्षेत्रको अवस्था के छ, के सुधार गर्नु आवश्यक छ भन्ने पहिचान र सो विषयलाई गहन रुपमा उठान गर्ने दिनको रुपमा लिनु पर्छ l 

An outcry of an ordinary Nepali Citizen: Have we lost it all?

Some time back in a different context I wrote: "What is the rationale of asking the question of accountability in a country [Nepal] plagued by impunity?" While writing this blog, I exactly feel the same. This post does not mean anything other than venting my frustration as an ordinary Nepali citizen.

This week showed us how things can go wrong one after another in a short span of time. First, the motion to impeach a Chief Justice who in plain sight was far away from facing such allegation was filed before the Constituent Assembly. The motion, without a doubt, was a blatant attack on the Independence of Judiciary. It also showed to what extent our political leadership can sink for their anticipated gain. Secondly, the Interim Order issued by the court today (5th May 2017) to reinstate the suspended Chief Justice. The decision came as unexpected as the motion of impeachment, at least for me.

I am in no way supporting the motion of impeachment but the decision today nearly raised some eyebrows and has presented more complex issues that need answers in days to come. Some of which I feel pertinent are:

i) The question of separation of power and adherence to the rule of law. The interim decision may have yielded a result most of the people wanted, but the question is what the underlying cost is? Have we compromised the notion of separation of power twice in the same week? The motion of impeachment and the grounds did violate the most sanguine principle and a cornerstone of the democratic system that demands the separation and balance of power. Hasn't today's decision done the same?

ii) How will this week affect in long run in the context of independence of judiciary, separation of power and the use of impeachment? Is the motion of impeachment a new tool in the arsenal of those with seat in parliament to use it against justices and other office holders when they want to? Has the motion of impeachment lost its feature as rare but available means of scrutiny in exceptional circumstances to mere scrutiny mechanism?

iii) How will the "conflict of interest" shape up in coming weeks in judiciary as the CJ against whom the impeachment is motioned will have direct/indirect say on the hearing of the case that determines the legality of impeachment itself? The situation in face appears to be an extraordinary situation of conflict of interest. How will all this be unveiled in days to come?

iv) The most important question for me is the question of accountability? In an ideal world, how would those who presented and signed the motion of impeachment respond to this? As the court decided the motion was not founded on the legitimate ground are those primarily involved in the motion have answers to give.

v) Other dynamics of the entire episode is how the information is polarized. With many online portals and different opinions and information flooding, how can an ordinary person form an opinion? The news coverage and the surficial information is confusing the common people regarding the entire thing.

vi) With the local election in hand, what on earth is going on in this country and who is accountable for the turmoil? Does the context even bother our leaders?  Who are our leaders accountable towards? Is the accountability aspect missing entirely?

vii) Heart versus Head: While decided the cases do Justices follow the language of Law or follow their feelings? The legal profession has its unique features which barely gives room for emotion or feeling of judges concerning the judgment. In this case, the text of the interim order of Supreme Court has left enough rooms and questions to ponder about. Was it necessary for the judge to reflect his feeling while deciding the case? Does it even have any significance? What does order demand, detailed reasoning on why the order was made or the background context reflecting feelings and emotions? What precedent the text of the interim order establishes is yet to be seen.

There are many other questions the events of past few days will eclipse the future with, fundamental among which being separation and balance of power, use of impeachment, accountability, the credibility of journalists, etc.

It is unsure how these events will unfold but one this is certain this week. Separation of power was defeated twice by two different players, and this will come back and haunt Nepali state organs time and again. [I pray that my understanding has failed me and no such thing will ever occur].

In closing, means can never justify its ends; means needs its own justification and legitimacy.

Disclaimer:

i) The post does not intend to disrespect any state organs.