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Individual
Responses for Tamagi Development Project/Tamagi: Stone Village
Resort
Individual responses have been received from the following:
Mr Vikram
Gurung
Mr Sundar Gurung
Mr Rachha Gurung MBE
Mr Hem Gurung, Norway
Mr Vikram Gurung, Hong Kong
Mr Sundar Gurung, Pokhara, Nepal
Mr Hem Gurung, Norway
Mr Rachha Gurung MBE, UK
Mr Vikram Gurung
I think, I owe an explanation to Mr Hem Gurung and possibly
many others who are still not quite clear about the concept of ‘The Stone
Village Resort’. I will try my best to make it as clear as possible. I have
tried to communicate my thoughts about it through Mr Rachha Gurung’s website in
the past. The first one ‘Tamagi - The Stone Village Resort’ was published back
in April, as far as I remember, and the second one ‘Tamagi Bikas Yojana’ was
published after the meetings in Kathmandu and Pokhara in September this year.
The guidelines for Tamagi Bikas Yojana was written in Pokhara
after the two meetings in Kathmandu and Pokhara and before the formation of ad
hoc committee before the third meeting. This document (Guidelines for Tamagi
Bikas Yojana) is meant to be read only by Tamagithemei as we are still at a
discussion stage on how to make this project better, therefore, it is not in the
website.
The main objective of Tamagi Bikas Yojana is to preserve and
conserve the natural and cultural heritage of Tamagi. And to achieve this
goal we need to convince people and persuade them to come back and live in the
village. In order to get people back in the village, we need to do something
that generates income so that people who work in the village can compensate the
earnings they can make by working in different areas of Nepal or foreign
countries.
This is where The Stone Village Resort concept comes in. The
resort concept is not the aim but the means or a process that will help us
achieve the objective. I think we will have to focus more on the resort plan in
order to get the whole thing going as this is going to be the backbone of Tamagi
Bikas Yojana.
The concern about lacking skilled manpower within the
community to run the resort and having to hire people from outside could result
into failure is a genuine concern, but I am sure there must be people who are
trained for such purposes in our community. If not, I’m quite optimistic that by
the time we start running our resort the younger generations will have studied
the relevant courses and trained themselves to take up the jobs on offer. Please
be reminded that one of the processes to achieve our main aim is to get the
younger generations involved in the project by providing them work. I understand
the concern about the sustainability of the resort without the younger
generations’ involvement in it. That’s why we have to do something that is based
on tourism in order to draw their attention. I get the feeling that it is
already happening after meeting with them in Kathmandu and Pokhara. They are
talking about it and are sharing brilliant ideas and are also willing to take up
responsibility. I think it is great and it is going to work!
I absolutely support the idea of not hiring people from
outside if we have the required skilled manpower within our community to do the
initial planning and research. But having said that, I also agree with Mr Rachha
Gurung MBE that we cannot rule out the possibility of inviting outsiders to do
certain jobs for certain time, because it is important to meet the required
standard to run a resort based on the concept of ecotourism and heritage
tourism. I have met with Hem (Lamchhane), Basudha, Sagar, Ramkaji and others in
Kathmandu and Pokhara, and I think they are all the right kind of people to help
the project in different areas and at different stages. We have all the support
that we need across all ages to materialize this idea. It is quite an
achievement already!
I have talked to Tamagithemei in Hong Kong about collecting
some funds as their initial investment in the project so that the ad hoc
committee can do their research and planning without having to think of
expenses. The ad hoc committee is already investing their time for all of us, so
the least we can do is collect some funds for them to work.
About going to Tamagi before Tamagi Bhela in Pokhara is a
good idea but I am not so sure how practical it is for some of us to be there. I
have Christmas break for about two weeks starting from the third week of
December and two long breaks between March and April and in August. I would
certainly be there if it coincides with my school holidays.
And finally, we from Hong Kong wish you all GOOD LUCK for the
success of the meeting in the UK this Sunday! Vikram Gurung, Hong Kong,
09/10/09
Comments from
the Web Administrator:
I am not
biased to anybody, but as expected, this letter clearly explains the main
purpose behind the whole idea. This letter also does not fail to explain who
the real beneficiaries are. I have some readymade points to add on what
has already been said and written, but only after our Tamagi UK Meeting!
I also have some inputs to make on the whole project, but that can only be best
served by having a face-to-face communication with all concerned. I am
sure there will be some important matters, which will come to surface after our
Tamagi UK Meeting here on Sunday 11 October 2009, and, as a result, the way I
look at the whole thing might change altogether.
However, one
thing for sure; I can certainly see some lights at the end of the tunnel!
09/10/09
Mr Sundar Gurung
The idea of having Tamagi Meet just before Tamagi Pokhara Vela is wonderful.
But, it can be a bit short notice for Tamagitheme abroad to manage, if Tamagi
Pokhara Vela takes place as usual; some time in February. Perhaps
the time for Tamagi Pokhara Vela can be flexible, if many people from abroad
show their interest to participate. The weather in Tamagi area is
perfectly alright until the end of Baiskakh for trek and jungle walk. I,
therefore, see the possibility of postponing the Tamagi Pokhara Vela
weather-wise, if other conditions permit. Why not explore the
interest of Tamagitheme living abroad. Good to read exciting ideas!
Mr Sundar Gurung, Pokhara, 07/10/09
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Mr Rachha Gurung MBE
I think we are all learning a great deal from, what I would now
like to call this an e-debate!
Exchanging of views by having an e-debate for the good of Tamagi
is certainly something we must all dwell on! However, with no
intention of locking horns with anybody!
Since, we all live a continent apart from each other, I think this
method of e-communication is the only way forward for the good of
Tamagi. Initially, everything looks blurry, but once we are able
to see each other's point of view, we can then see the goal post,
after which achieving the aim becomes a great possibility.
We, Tamagians, must be really proud of a plethora of highly
talented, qualified and experienced individuals and professionals,
we have in our community. It becomes highly essential for us to use
their invaluable advice and skills in this historic move.
The idea of mobilising the youth talents, which we are blessed with
in abundance, is something we must all be in favour of. Having
qualified and experienced individuals & professionals alongside the
team is even a great bonus. Respecting views of local people
and utilising the power of all these local human resources and
expertise must be of even highest of priority for the better
future of Tamagi. At the end of the day, they are the ones who knows ins and outs of Tamagi! Finding people with a good track record in their
specialised field from outside of Tamagi is also something we cannot
rule out at all, if it is highly beneficial to Tamagi and cost
effective at the same time.
No disrespect to anybody, but I think we still have a long way to go
on this.
In the best interest of Tamagi, and in order for the whole system to
function properly, is it something worth
considering to have a Tamagi Meet just before Tamagi Vela in Pokhara,
where all these important individuals, professionals, delegates and
dignitaries can come together and discuss the matter after the
steering, ad-hoc, working or whatever committee we might like to
call this (with due respect), and the study team comprising of
our youthful talents and experienced individuals make a report of
their findings to the meeting. I know the timeframe is very short
for this, but marrying up with the Tamagi Pokhara Vela seems to be
an attractive proposition for someone like me, who is very keen to
attend the Tamagi Pokhara Vela having done this once before for the
very first time in Pokhara in year 2000! Frankly
speaking, to be able to attend Tamagi Vela in Pokhara after a decade
with series of important Tamagi gatherings would be a historic event
in itself in my social calendar! I would grab this
opportunity with my both hands!
How about a week's programme involving the following activities:
Day 1 & 2 - Guided tour of Tamagi by all concerned, where we can
see Tamagi in the flesh! In the evening we can talk to each
other, and get to know each other better.
Day 3 - Return to Pokhara and R & R (Rest & Reflection, and
not Rest and Recreation!).
Day 5 - Tamagi Pokhara Vela.
I hope we are all heading in the right direction.
Mr Hem Gurung, Norway
In connection with the process after Kathmandu and Pokhara
meetings, I would like to elaborate the following, and
writing it point wise.
1. Developing and conserving Tamagi through ecotourism "The
Stone Village Concept" through a collective approach still
seems unclear for me. The objective is just fine, but
particularly in terms of establishing an institution and
thereby run/implement the work as per objective. My
concern is lack of skilled and professional manpower.
Further, the institution cannot only rely upon the hired
manpower brought from outside. Active participation,
engagement and interest of our own younger generation from
Tamagi therefore is very URGENT and important and this would
only make our efforts sustainable. Otherwise, I am afraid it
will be very costly and little achievement might be there.
2. Hiring consultant for the feasibility study: I would very
much suggest that our educated second generation members
could take this work instead of hiring people from outside.
I would propose that a study team is formed comprising
persons like Basudha, Sagar, Lamchhane Hem, Kapun, Ram Kaji
and several others. Some of our second generation like
Gautam in NY and other living in UK, Australia could also be
member and the team could communicate through email. Other
members interested could provide their comments and inputs
through emails to the study team.
Basudha and Sagar could take care of professional
responsibility in collecting data, preparing questionnaires
and organise it in a professional manner. What they produce
out of this study/work could be used later for presentation
and also for fundraising purposes while lamchhane Hem
together with other business dignitaries could provide
inputs in the business endeavours. Basu and Sagar have
excellent professional knowledge than most of the
consultants available in Nepal today and are much more well
adapted in the contemporary world. Ramkaji together with
other well anchored younger generation members in the
community could be very valuable persons in coordinating and
disseminating information in the community level. I am sure
there are other second generation as well who are interested
to participate in it, like students in UK of bachelor level
or higher. This, just only an idea I came across. With such
initiative sustainability among our second generation would
be even better. The team would perhaps consider to carry out
this work voluntarily or for a minimum charge, like support
in travel cost etc. I would be prepared to contribute some
amount for this specific study if the plan is materialised
by the present ad-hoc committee. The ad-hoc committee could
allocate some amount from the already collected Tamagi fund
for this purpose. I am sure some other contributors will be
ready as well. The team could for example be offered a time
frame of six months for completing the study.
3. Few feedback words to the previous responses like
Sundarji, Vikramji and other..
I agree with Sundarji's suggestion on modifying the title
regarding the conservation approach. This is of course a
good suggestion and very relevant as well. I also understand
the sentiment of Vikramji on allocating Mr. Deu Bahadur's
ghaderi area as a meeting place for the community. I am sure
this will not be a contradictory issue and we have still
long time to go. To my mind both are possible. Building a
STUPA would of course be a matter of cost as well.
One important point regarding fundraising strategy for
Tamagi FROM OTHER SOURCES than Tamagi people themselves, I
would like to indicate and need to be considered that we
have to develop a sustainable institution and excellent
project strategy document with good and sustainable vision
before any of us approach to the funding agencies -
nationally or internationally. Having said this, I am afraid
our institution has still long way to go to come into a
sustainable stage.
Therefore our own efforts (Tamagithemei's efforts) in
collecting fund in the various level for the conservation of
Tamagi need to be CONTINUED and sustained in various part of
the world.
Finally, right after I had completed this email, I received
the email informing about plan on holding Tamagi Annual
Meeting in UK on Sunday 11th October. This is wonderful to
learn, and I hope that you all will have a fruitful and
constructive meeting for the sake of Tamagi's future. I wish
you all a good meeting with delicious Nepali dinner after
that as well.
Regards, Hem in Norway, 04/10/09
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Mr Vikram
Gurung, Hong Kong
I think the space where late Mr
Deo Bahadur's house used to be will well serve as the
village square for the Stone Village Resort. It can
be used for many purposes such as a reception area, a
village meeting square and an open theatre where cultural
programmes can be held. It is a very useful piece of
land for the resort. I would, therefore, suggest
that this piece of land be used for the resort.
Besides, there is already a stupa built by Mr Hem
Gurung, and it looks quite nice above the village. If
another stupa has to be built (I'm not so sure if we
need another one), it could be somewhere where it can be
seen from miles away. I appreciate Mr Hem Gurung's and
Mr Sunder Gurung's idea of the stupa sitting in the
middle of the village to remind people of Lord Buddha's
teachings, but I think this purpose can be even better
served by having it on a higher ground above the village.
Comments from the Web Administrator:
The concept of "Tamagi Village Square" will surely
compliment the Stone Village Resort absolutely beautifully!
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Mr Sundar Gurung, Pokhara, Nepal
Good to read the thoughts from Mr Hem Gurung regarding
Tamagi conservation. My sincere appreciation to Mr Hem
and many others from Tamagi, who have given so much thoughts
and energy that inspired our young people to be proud of
their ancestor village.
This in only to give a comment on Mr Hem's thought.
Though, Mr Hem has come up with wonderful thoughts, I wonder
whether the title be slightly changed so that the scope of
work and fund raising could be broadened. For example:
"Tamagi Initiative for Conservation of Nature and Cultural
Heritage". Surely, the onus lies on us
conserving our village and culture.
Nevertheless, both nature and culture are the world
heritage, which we share with all human kind.
Secondly, if the kins of late Deo Bahadur Gurung agree, then
constructing a Stupa in the middle of the village
would truly keep reminding every layman in the village on
lord Buddha's teachings.
Hearty Dashain and Deewali greetings to Tamagithemai and
viewers of Tamagi website!
Mr Sundar Gurung, Pokhara, 29/09/09
Comments from the Web Administrator:
I have no reservation about supporting this wonderfully well
thought out idea!
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Mr Hem Gurung,
Norway
Dear Vikramji and Tamagithemai,
I just read your note in the website after meetings in Kathmandu and
Pokhara. Very nicely written indeed. Yes, I enjoyed
reading it.
It seems that the process on conserving/developing Tamagi is taking
its shape gradually. Hope that the action by the interim
committee does not take too long time before some kind of work is
being implemented. May be, I am too impatient in seeing some
changes in our village before it falls into ruin. This in
terms of conservation.
I fully agree with your suggestion on what I propose to the Tamagi
Community in UK. From my side, it was meant an initiate for
sharing some ideas, particularly in terms of raising fund and do
some more work for taking care of our community. Yes, many of
my suggestions fall under the discussion you all had in Pokhara and
Kathmandu. The interim committee should just consider my
proposal as a suggestion not as a project.
I am very much in favour of contributing my capacity for the
collective efforts in conserving and developing Tamagi.
Best regards, Hem Gurung.
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Mr Rachha Gurung MBE,
UK
I have been asked to forward the recent letter to as many
people from Tamagi as possible, so that they are all informed
about the new development. I hope the initiative will allow everybody
to participate equally, and also allow them to have their
important say on various plans and proposals, which have
been put forward for discussion in the public domain.
We may all have different ideas and perceptions towards various things,
but let us not forget that our ultimate aim/destination is the
same, which is to see Tamagi and Tamagians prosper.
I tried to muster as many names and their e-mail addresses as
possible in order to update them with the new developments.
I then sent a copy of the letter to all of them.
Unfortunately, I could not reach everybody. If you think
you are one of them, please do not hesitate to ask for a copy by
making a request to: tamagi@hotmail.co.uk
In the process of passing on those important information to all the
important people of Tamagi through that e-mail, I could not hide
my feelings and added few lines myself, which are as follows:
I am full of admiration to all the people involved; Mr Hem
Gurung, Mr Vikram Gurung, Inspector Tejbahadur Gurung, Captain
Hombahadur Gurung, the steering committee and all other
important people for the initiative they all have taken to focus
on the future of Tamagi. Seriously speaking, Tamagi has to be a
cause for concern for everybody now. It is a matter of NOW or
NEVER.
I do not want to waste any more of your valuable times by dragging
the matter further and beyond, which has been well documented in
the various correspondences, literature and photographs by
various important people in the past.
I am well aware that all the people from the Tamagi fraternity
are fully behind the idea of preserving our identity, culture
and heritage. There is no doubt about that. How do we go
on about this then? The answer is very simple. By simply
joining in, and expressing yourself. Recent pictures from Tamagi speak volume.
I know we are all as committed as ever. However, I want to make a
personal appeal to all the Tamagithemai including various
professionals, ama toli and most
importantly all the youths from Pokhara, Kathmandu, Chitwan,
Bhairihawa, UK, USA, Europe, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Norway,
India, Middle East and many other countries to join in in this very
historic move for an worthy cause.
We may not be able to achieve all our goals instantly due to
various teething problems, which we are most likely to face
along the way, but once the foundation has been laid with the
help and support of all parties concerned, the pace will gather its momentum. It
is well worth our effort, rather than just sit back and do
nothing.
I am sure that the steering committee in Pokhara would do
everything in their power to make sure that every avenue is
ventured to ensure no stone is left unturned.
Finally, let us not get sidetracked by any difficulties we might
face along the road to achieving our ultimate goal. Legend has
it; when things go tough,
Tamagians get going!
I cannot add anything more than this at this time of the moment,
as I can only speak for myself.
However, I can assure you that we in the UK are also due to hold
a meeting very soon to discuss these and many other issues
surrounding us here in the UK and back home. I hope we can make
our position very clear after that meeting.
I personally hope that we can all make a significant
contribution on this very historic move for an worthy cause.
Let us not wait until it is too late - let us all
keep the ball rolling.
Happy Dashain and Tihar to all.
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