Timer,

The problem with your argument is that you are trying to fudge the issue. Cynicism is representative of global mental frame, not specific to Sajhaites or Nepalese; in deed, I have found Americans to be even more cynical about everything including their leaders.

I have a clear view of everything here, and I reject both your and Pixie (who happens to equate Pushkar's case with Devkota's case, ha!)'s view that somehow in some way Pushkar is a holy cow. Look, the dude's interview came out a few days ago, and he cleared said that he wanted the state to give him something. Now I have a philosophical position on how a state must be governed, and #1 in that happens to be safeguarding national exchequer. I am tired of our state doling out money to sick leaders or poets or whoever is closer to the prime minister, including the journalists.

I think people should choose their career wisely. They must think about their future. If poetry doesn't have future in the country, then they should learn something other than poetry so that they have something salable skill in their possession. Similarly, what Pushkar Shah did may inspire some of you, but look, the era of expedition is gone long ago. Read the history, Magelan, Columbus, Vasco De Gama, Amundsen, Lewis Clark, Hillary Tenzing... these terrestrial travellers are gone long ago. Biking in the world can't be anything more than just a personal hobby. Pushkar might have derived personal pleasure, but what he did in his bike hardly made any difference in Nepal or in the world.

Still, with all the publicity, if he can get some private firm to employ him, good for him. But, in a country where people are dying of diarrhea , I am dead set against any arbitrary doling out of charity to any one. This is not negativism; it is a matter of principle, a principle that govt money should be regarded as the most sacred thing.