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"Tamagi
- Stone Village Resort"
Feedbacks and Comments
A long overdue 'Thank You' to Pushpa dai (Australia),
Santosh (UK) and Narayan (UK) for coming to the
forum. Thank you very much for your input, which will surely
inspire people who are going to make this dream come true.
Just to let you all know that I had a chat with Tamagithemei
in Hong Kong and they are all very positive about the idea.
Vikram
Gurung, Hong Kong
Here is what everybody has to say about the
"Tamagi - Stone Village Resort",
"Future of Tamagi"
and many other issues surrounding Tamagi:
तामागी हाम्रो बिगतमात्र हैन, हाम्रो भविष्य पनि हो । त्यसैले
हामी सबै एक जुट भएर यस गाउंको संरक्षण, सम्बर्धन र भौतिक
बिकाशमा सहभागी हुन अत्यन्त जरुरी छ । बिहेवारीमा मात्र हामी
कुटुम हौं । अरुबेला हामी सबै दाज्युभाई अनि दिदीबहिनी हौं ।
यसमा हामी दुई मत नभएकोमा हामी आफैले आफैलाई शौभाग्यशाली ठान्नु
पर्दछ ।
R Gurung MBE
सर्वप्रथम,
तामागीबासीहरुले आफ्नो तामागी गाउंको बिकास, संरक्षण र
सम्बर्दन कसरी गर्ने भनेर तामागी वेभसाईट मार्फत आफ्नो बिचारहरु
आदान प्रदान गर्नु भएकोमा मलाई अतिनै खुशी आभाश भएको छ । यस
प्रकारले बिचारको आदान प्रदान अनि छलफल गरेमा हामी अवश्य पनि
हाम्रो लक्ष्यमा पुग्न सफल हुन्छौं होला भन्ने मलाई पुर्ण
विश्वास छ ।
आजको यो एक्काईसौं शताब्दीमा हामीले कुनै कामको शुरुवात
गर्दा Partnership मा गरेमा सफलता हांसील गर्ने सम्भावना धेरै
हुन्छ । उदाहरणको लागी
Local Government, गाउं बिकाश
समिती, जिल्ला बिकाश समिती, केन्द्र सरकार अनि
Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) का
साथसाथै International Non Govermental Organisation (INGO)
संग मिली अघी बढेमा हामी अवश्य पनि हाम्रो लक्ष्यमा पुग्न सफल
हुन्छौं होला। जस्को फलस्वरुप हाम्रो गाउं हाम्रो देशको लागी
एउटा नमुना बन्न सक्दछ ।
अन्तमा, गत बर्ष हामीहरुले भदौरेको
माध्यमीक स्कुलको लागी नेपाली ७३ हजार २८३ रुपैंया चंदा संकलन
गरी पठाएकोमा स्कुलको संचालक समिती साथै प्राधानाध्यापकको
तरफबाट धन्यवाद पत्र प्राप्त भएको थियो,
जुन यहां मैले संलग्न गरेको छुं
।
मेरो तरफ बाट पनि चंदादाताहरुलाई सहयोग गरी दिनु भएकोमा
मुरीमुरी धन्यवाद टक्रयाउन चाहन्छु ।
श्री भक्त बहादुर गुरुङ, नि०अध्यक्ष भदौरे तामागी गा०बि०स०
Without any question, this is a great
idea, which will help us preserve our village from turning it into
ruins, and make Tamagi a "namuna" village to the eyes of the
others. The success of the project is entirely in our
hands. I would be pleased to be a part of this proposal.
I give my fullest of support to this grand idea.
Narayan Gurung, Yateley, UK.
As I read all e-mails, I feel really
excited. All the ideas are positive and wonderful thoughts
for our village. I would like to appeal to all the villagers
to support on this kind of venture. I hope all our villagers
will be part of this project and provide necessary support in
making all our dream come true.
Santoshkumar Gurung, Camberley, UK
It
seems at present we are all brain storming about various projects
in highlighting Tamagi and restoration of our cultural heritage.
It's all good. I like it how every one is motivated, excited
and getting involved.
Kumar
Pushpa Gurung, Adelaide, Australia
"I will be
glad to learn about the project in greater detail. I am based in
Kathmandu and into travel & tourism business. Family and
friends stopping over or passing by Kathmandu, and willing to learn
and share information on Tamagi; please don't hesitate to e-mail
me or call me at 98460-50211".
Sagar
Gurung, Kathmandu
"The most important thing we need to focus on is: how we can bring
a sense of ownership among our community. As long as people do not
feel they are part of the team, the issue of participation of the
local community will always be challenging. We need to maximize
the active participation of our community no matter whether they
are rich or poor and so on. We have to create a platform where
each and every individual from our society can contribute
something in order to make them a part of the family".
Gautam Gurung, New York
"I would certainly like to join in and
contribute something for Tamagi, if chances came along to work on
a dream project like this".
Mrs
Sushma Gurung, Sydney, Australia
"I wish to fill in the questionnaire on Tamagi". Sundar Gurung, Chitwan
"I have the feeling that a new kind of vibrations has emerged in
our community. I hope such vibrations do not disappear on the
way".
Hem Gurung , Norway
"The issue is very much welcome for healthy discussions among all
of us for the FUTURE of our village. If we do not act now
then the village houses itself will become ruins after few
years".
Capt(Retd) Hombahadur Gurung, Kathmandu
"I
think the idea of forming a committee to take turns to look after
the village and its surrounding had come up in the past but it
never took off. We can still work on that. The main point of
my proposal is to conserve and preserve Tamagi's heritage, develop
organic farming and introduce ecotourism by developing it into a
resort. I see a mine of opportunities there. I think if you cannot
generate income in the village it is most unlikely that people
will come back to live there.
If we agree on the resort plan, I think there are ways to protect
the dilapidated houses for those who cannot or have not been able
to rebuild them".
Vikram Gurung, Hong Kong
"After visiting Tamagi in December last year, I was devastated to
see the state of our ancestral home, which are almost turned into
ruins! I just remained brave and tried to hold back my
tears! Please do not just sit back and do nothing!
Have your say! Please be positive, and ensure your voice is
heard loud and clear as far as Tamagi and "Bhir Pakhas", as the
future of Tamagi rests entirely in your hands. Does anybody
realize that their houses have been turned into "Vakara" (animal
shed)?"
Rachha Gurung MBE, UK
- : : -
Let's
call this a forum - "Tamagi - Stone Village Resort Forum".
Welcome aboard Gautam (New York), Sagar (Kathmandu) and Sushma
(Sydney). It's great to have you in the team. It makes
us seven in total so far: Capt Hombahadur (Kathmandu), Hemji
(Norway), Rachha (UK) and myself (Hong Kong). I know there
are more willing to join in. It's a great start and let's
keep it up!
Vikram,
Hong Kong
Dear
Tamagithemei,
I have
a dream about our village and I would like to put my ideas across to
you through this website to every member of Tamagi around the globe. I
hope you will read it and give a careful thought and express your views
to make this dream come true. I am sure I am not the only one who can
see what I see. So, here is what I have to say.
Proposition
Tamagi,
once a robust village with plenty of people, farming activities and
visiting barter traders has become a ‘deserted village’ now. Every
year I visit Tamagi. Sometimes I go by myself and sometimes with
friends. These days more and more friends have accompanied me to
Tamagi. It makes me sad to see only two of the original residents of
the village. I wonder if it would have been possible to spend even a
night if they had also left the village. Thanks to Deo Bahadur dai and
Mhathemei Cho, who for some reasons are still up there.
Everyone who has visited Tamagi has a lot of good things to say about
its natural beauty and its location, and after many years of
contemplation I am convinced that Tamagi can be brought to its former
glory. I am confident that Tamagi can lure, at least, some of its
original residents and their descendants and change it into a lively
and thriving village again if you can see the opportunities it has to
offer.
I am
confident that we can make Tamagi village a mine of wealth by sharing
its beauty with local and foreign tourists if you allow me to do so.
Therefore, I propose to convert Tamagi into a tourist destination, and
we will call it ‘Tamagi - Stone Village Resort’.
To
make this dream come true I am going to need your help. I have already
met some of our village people who are willing to go back to Tamagi
for this good cause.
(The
name ‘Stone Village Resort’ came up in a conversation about the resort
with my childhood friend littérateur Sarubhakta who has been to Tamagi
on many occasions, and I liked the name.)
Why
a tourist destination?
a.
A panoramic view of the Himalaya range. The majesty and the
beauty of Annapurna range and Mt. Machhapuchhre can be felt and seen
from Tamagi. It’s even more beautiful on a moonlit night.
b.
A magnificent view of sunrise and sunset.
c.
A splendid view of Fewa Lake and Pokhara valley from your ‘aangan’
(forecourt).
d.
Depth of scenery of villages and places around Tamagi.
e.
A cluster of stone houses.
f.
It is only a few hours drive from Pokhara. (Thanks to the
people who were and are involved in building a road into Tamagi.)
g.
It can be a night stop for avid trekkers and also for novices.
h.
Inspiration for photographers, writers, artists and composers
from around the world in all seasons.
i.
Short hiking trails and seasonal fruit like chuturo, ainselu,
etc.
j.
Most importantly visitors can see Tamagi in its original
setting from the time of our forefathers.
The list will never end here.
Concept of ‘Tamagi – Stone Village Resort’.
Tamagi
will be resurrected to its former glory by maintaining its surrounding
and the village itself. Anything not indigenous to the village will be
weeded out. Or anything that destroys the beauty of the village will
not be on the construction list such as swimming pool. However, some
modern technology such as electricity, Internet services and road will
be considered vital for the running of the resort.
Visitors will come to stay at the resort thinking that they will be
able to enjoy organic food at every meal. An organic farm will be
developed to feed the visitors. Visitors who come at different times
of the year will be able to enjoy the farming culture of Gurungs such
as rice plantation, harvest, animal husbandry, etc.
They
will also have the opportunity to walk around coffee (and tea) gardens
which will be a part of the resort. Experts of coffee (and tea) claim
that Tamagi is an ideal place for such kind of farming.
Old
forest trails will be repaired and new ones will be developed for
hikers who wish to explore the forests of the village.
Develop view points for visitors to take leisurely walks in the
surrounding area of the village.
Encourage trekking agencies to introduce Fewa Panchase Circuit in
which Tamagi will be a part of the trekkers night halt. This trek will
start from Pokhara and will include Sarangkot, Naundanda, Bhadaure,
Deurali, Tamagi, Panchase, Bhanjyang, and Bhumdi and will end at Fewa
Tal.
A
website will be introduced to promote the resort.
How do we develop it as a tourist destination?
Phase
1
a.
The first thing we need to do is to repair all the buffalo ponds which
are vitally important to protect the landscape of the village.
b.
Maintain all the natural springs such as ‘kyu mula’, ‘pyagu,’
etc to its former state so that water is plenty in supply even in dry
months like Falgun and Chaitra. We might need to build a reservoir for
emergency times.
c.
Plant more trees as necessary.
d.
Repair the remaining houses using a new technology in which the
exterior remains intact and the interior is redesigned for visitors.
(An example of it is ‘Namuna Ghar’ in Bhaktapur.)
Phase
2
a.
Farm land will be cultivated to produce organic crops, fruit
and vegetables.
b.
Animal husbandry will be set up and anyone who wishes to run it
will be encouraged and supported by the resort management.
c.
People interested in Coffee (and tea) farming will be trained
and supported by the resort management.
d.
Farming of medicinal herbs is another possibility.
e.
Introduce hiking trails around Tamagi and trekking route in and
out of Tamagi.
Management:
1.
Tamagi- Stone Village Resort will be run as a village
cooperative. Every resident of the village will have the ownership of
the resort, but the size of the share will depend on their investment.
The minimum investment by an individual will be their house and
forecourt (angaan). House owners will repair their houses themselves
in line with the new technology as mentioned above in Phase 1d and
hand it over to the management. Individuals will gain extra shares
depending on the size of land cultivation and its use by the resort.
2.
More investment will be needed to build the infrastructure of
the resort such as trails, viewpoints, office (in the centre of the
village), restaurant(s), coffee farming, animal husbandry, etc.
Village people will be encouraged to make extra investment, and if it
is still not sufficient, bank loan will be sought. And if individual
investment and bank loan is not enough, investment from people outside
the village will be accepted. I am sure if we have the hearts and
minds for it, we can support the project. (There are plenty of
investors who are interested in this project and we could invite them
if need be. This is something we need to discuss with everybody
whether we will be willing to accept people from outside our village.)
3.
A small group of people who are willing to live in the village
will sit on the committee and live in the village to run the resort.
People with various backgrounds and experiences will be invited to sit
on the advisory board.
4.
People of the village will be encouraged to take up the jobs on
offer for different positions. The management will send them for
training if need be.
5.
Employees will be paid relatively high salaries compared to
other jobs in Nepal and their labour will be used to the fullest
extent. For example a waiter can serve food at the restaurant at meal
times, clean the dishes, work as a house keeper at less busy hours,
and help on the farm as necessary.
6.
The management will also look after the upkeep of the ancestral
monument which is yet to be built.
Health
and security:
a.
A health clinic will be run for the visitors and the residents
of the resort.
b.
Security measures will be taken for the safety of the village
and its people at all times.
There
is nothing to lose by converting Tamagi into a tourist destination.
The
village is almost empty, and it looks like more than two third of its
residents will never go back to live in it anymore. Although the
houses are almost in ruins, people still want to keep it upright so
that once in a while they could go and spend a night or two if
possible or maybe out of sheer love of the place we keep maintaining
it by spending a few hundred thousand rupees. And again after a few
more years we have to spend another few hundred thousand rupees for
its upkeep and repeat the same procedure of rebuilding it.
Given
the situation I think it would be beneficial to handover the houses to
a group of enthusiast who are willing to protect your houses and
village and generate some income for you in return. You will always
have a place to come and spend your holidays because it is your
property and nobody is taking it away from you. And everybody can do
their best in their own capacities to keep the business running
regardless of where you are either in Pokhara, Australia, the UK, Hong
Kong, Arab countries or the US or anywhere in the world.
It’s
even a better idea if you decide to spend the rest of your life in the
village instead of handing your property over to the cooperative. It
will give the visitors an opportunity to see for themselves what a
Gurung village life looks like. It would be a wonderful experience for
the visitors to interact with the village people in action and will
have something to take back with them to their countries.
Some
benevolent village people have already contributed a lot by building a
road, supplying electricity and drinking water. Now leave the rest to
us and we will bring the glory back to you.
I
would like to have as much feed back as possible from all of you to
make it a success. I am going back to Pokhara and to Tamagi in August
2009 and I hope to have a gathering of our village people to listen to
their views so that we can move on from the concept stage to planning
stage.
Here
is a verse from a famous 18th century poet Oliver Goldsmith
who wrote about his village when he saw it empty during the industrial
revolution of England. People left their villages for cities just like
we did for better prospect and future.
‘The
Deserted Village’
“Sweet smiling
village, loveliest of the lawn,
Thy sports are fled, and all thy charms withdrawn;
Amidst thy bowers the tyrant's hand is seen,
And desolation saddens all thy green:
One only master grasps the whole domain,
And half a tillage stints thy smiling plain:
No more thy glassy brook reflects the day,
But choked with sedges works its weedy way.
Along thy glades, a solitary guest,
The hollow-sounding bittern guards its nest;
Amidst thy desert walks the lapwing flies,
And tires their echoes with unvaried cries.
Sunk are thy bowers, in shapeless ruin all,
And the long grass o'ertops the mouldering wall;
And, trembling, shrinking from the spoiler's hand,
Far, far away, thy children leave the land.”
Vikram Gurung, Hong Kong
We sincerely hope that you will all
have your say, and make your views count.
We recognise
that not everyone has access to the internet facility. If someone wishes to
submit his or her views but are unable to do so, please help them
make their views count. Thank you.
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