"___________"

Your story is a stark reminder  of the perils of social snobbery. I guess you never know when that snobbery - perceived or real -  may come back to bite you. However,  I suppose no one is perfect.  Mr Shakya I am sure has his flaws.  As do you and I and all the numerous speakers before him who have spoken at Nepali functions in Boston.  I can, however,  vouch that he is a man with interesting ideas and opinions - not sure if you got to see that part of him in your interactions with him.

To the larger point in the thread, I feel attending  a talk program of this nature - with two-way conversations -  doesn't mean you have to like the speaker or agree with him. Showing up should not be construed as an endorsement IMO. Listening to someone, asking questions of them and engaging in meaningful discourse is a great way to take in new ideas and gain new perspective. More so if you disagree with the speaker.  I found Prachanda's and Baburam's   talk programs  terrific - precisely because I disagreed with them about most things

Shirish and Bathroom Coffee - 

Hi there - it's been a long time :) Hope you guys are well.