koon pictures? khoi kaha? yesto jhukyauna ta bhayenani bro! "This rally has generated vibrant and open debates on real issues that matter to the real people. It has contributed tremendously to a trend of open arguments -- including on the King --- among the people. This, in the long run, is priceless contribution towards a viable civil society. " I would be this optimistic or I'd be more cautiously optimistic. Out of the 500 people there, how many you think would go back to Nepal for good? How many would have enough confidence and skills necessary to publicize their views? Also out of 450, how many were serious about the rally? How many just showed up for the heck of it? If such a miniscule ( I apologize for the use of this word but there's no other way to describe it, and I am sure I can be free of terpidation in the board dominated by all-embracing democrats. Also note, I am not undermining the success of the rally) gathering of elites is going to contribute to a viable civil society in Nepal, then I am not very optimistic about Nepal's future. Democarcy has to be from below and the civil society, if we go by our political sciecne textbooks can only thrive in societies that are already doing well economically. Otherwise in a country like Nepal it will be merely reduced to the status of an elites club whose members assume the responsibility to teach the common people what to think and what not to think. And that does not in any way help in strengthening anything. I am in now way undermining the success of the rally though. I am happy to know that nepali people are becoming good at organziing such rallies because its difficult and extremely time consuming. Its also great to know that there's esprit de corps developing among the diaspora. It certainly is a wonderful thing.