|
|
|
|
by Ajay Pant

I would like to start letting you know about where I come from and how picturesque my country is. I want to give you a glimpse of Nepal and its characteristics and will gradually go deeper into the specific components of its diversity to give you an insightful photographic journey.
The title of this article: A “picture”sque country includes the word “picture” anyway. Many 1x members are aware of it. One can find amazing and brilliant images in the 1x archives.
Human interests are infinite, and this unlimited want and the desires for something have one common element which is the desire of exploration, in the interest of peace and intense focus on something. For me, no one or anything can more vigorously meet these expectations than the beauty and diversity of Nepal. Nepal, a polyphonic country where all the sounds of Nepalese seem to say “Proud to be Nepali”, a country that twiddles everyone with the root sounds of its diversity, a country where rich and poor consider themselves “egalitarian” and a country with an ambrosial smell of nature. Undoubtedly, Nepal is one of the most diverse countries in the world in terms of culture, traditions, ethnicity, language and much more. But the affinity of these diverse people towards one nation and their peaceful co-existence with mutual interaction is praiseworthy.
This abundant character is beautified by the topographical diversity full of breathtaking landscapes, ranging from about hundred meters above the sea level to the highest in the world. Here, the peaceful diversity among people is decorated by diverse landscapes that are to no one’s surprise truly astounding.
From the white, diamond-like mountains followed by bold green hills to the yellowish plain region of the Teri, all together make the beauty of Nepal like a beautiful woman who is smiling. To this wonderful beauty, add the sonorous voice of the respectful, decent and gracious attitude of the Nepalese who follow their own culture and traditions, celebrate Nepal independence as their festival, speak their own language and sing the National Anthem as their favorite tune. From the highest peak of the world, Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), wonderful hills and lakes that are no less magnets, to the National Parks and Wildlife Reserves with many ecosystems, to the unbelievably large Lord Shiva’s statue which protects us every day, to the temples, monasteries and Durbar Squares that represent our culture, heritage and traditions and also reflects the greatness of our ancestors, Nepalese have been blessed by all of this, which make us the luckiest inhabitants of the world. Every endangered species is protected here in Nepal, every hurt is cured, may it be of creed or caste, every greatness is respected in this small but diverse country.
As we all believe in the power of images that speak for themselves, I hope you enjoyed this selection of outstanding images to justify all of my above claims!
Cheers, Ajay
My website: Footprints Nepal Travels and Tours
 | Write |
 | Jef Van den Houte CREW Hi Ajay Pant.
Very nice article on your beautiful country.
I had the opportunity to visit it...but could of course discover only a small part of it.
I can only cherish the photographic beauties of it and the friendly people, we experienced there.
Your article is a beautiful tribute to it. |
 | Ajay Pant Thank you very much Jef for your appreciation. I believe the core human value, natural beauty and its existence is something we all need to cherish. I think I can relate your experience in Nepal with the mutual tolerance and peaceful coexistence that have been the basis of social harmony and cultural synthesis since the dawn of our country's history. Namaste! |
 | XXX Dear Ajay jee,
Thank you so much for this article about your country, which I also find a truly fascinating and lovely country. But I have to add a few comments. It is a very romantic and ideal national portrait you are painting. And I fully understand that. But when you write the following "But the affinity of these diverse people towards one nation and their peaceful co-existence with mutual interaction is praiseworthy", I have to say that it is not as simply as that. As you know much better than me, Nepal experienced a civil war for 10 years from 1996 to 2006 with fightings between the Maoists and the State. Many people were killed (33,000), many disappeared, were raped and tortured - many war crimes and atrocities were committed. Even today, many years after, the truth and reconciliation remains largely unaddressed - their is a political unwillingness to seek the truth and bringing perpetrators to justice. This conflict was also caused by inequality, injustice and the deep lack of inclusiveness in society. I am sure you are also aware of the tensions between the Madhesi people in the Terai and the Pahardi people (hill people) - a conflict that remains unresolved and that has also resulted in many killings, demonstrations and atrocities in recent years. Also after the adoption of the constitution.
Yes, Nepal has some of the most beautiful mountains in the World, temples etc., but there is also a another reality for many people, which is not that romantic and which we should acknowledge. Let's also not forget that millions of people have to leave their home country as migrant workers, because few investments are made and very few jobs created for the many youth.
I also have to question that "a country where rich and poor consider themselves “egalitarian”". It certainly depends on who you ask. Many people do not feel like that - I know for sure. Lack of inclusiveness of ethnic groups and other marginalised people in society is a huge issue today. Let's not forget that. I sound like a socialist, but I am not. I just want that we do not ignore realities and that we acknowledge these issues. Let's not ignore the reality of a large part of the population. We should have the strength and the encouragement to talk about challenges and face them as necessary.
I mention these issues, because I feel that this is my obligation. I am an old friend of Nepal and love the country and its people, but let's pay respect and recognise the struggle of so many people.
This became a longer comment than usual....... maybe because I lived in Nepal for more than seven years, both before and after the war and have experienced the many radical changes of the Nepalese society.
But I agree, Nepal is a picturesque and beautiful country and can be a paradise for photographers and other visitors. Thank you for the article and please bear with my comments.
Jan |
 | Ian Munro I did a month long trek in Nepal, to Base Camp. Brilliant people with hearts of gold. Nice article. |
| Ajay Pant Thank you so much Ian for your appreciation. |
 | Lyn Hungerford Really nice to read more about your country and a wonderful selection of images, many thanks.
|
| Lyn Hungerford ps. the refrigerator image is priceless! would never have dreamed of using a refrigerator at such heights! |
| Ajay Pant Many thanks dear Lyn. I equally had similar thought when I saw this image. Refrigerator at such height is priceless indeed. |
 | Piet Flour PRO most beautiful selection; and indeed, very picturesque place |
| Ajay Pant Thank you so much Piet! Indeed it makes me feel proud how diverse and beautiful Nepal is... Every time, when I go out on hikes, treks, excursion and trips, I am astound by the beauty surrounded. |
 | Yvette Depaepe CREW Fine article and beautiful compilation of images, Ajay! Congratulations with your first article, my friend. I hope will we see more soon. Cheers, Yvette |
| Ajay Pant Dear Yvette,
Thank you so very much for your support and encouragement. |