This thread is likely to be viewed by STX alums and friends. As such, this may be of interest to viewers/readers here. I got this from Anil Chitrakar, Class of 1978, and I understand that the thoughts expressed below represent a sentiment as of mid-April 2007. The GAA is going ahead with this program. Please do your bit to contribute ideas. Those of you who are/will be in KTM on May 12 may wish to attend this. *************************** Invitation to the GAA Convention 2007 Context The past decade has been a very difficult time for all Nepalis and a very heavy price has already been paid to get us to where we are today. What Nepal will be in the future is too important for all of us to just sit on the side lines and watch anymore. It is not the time to be passive or reactive; but to actually be proactive. GAA in 2007 The Godavari Alumni Association’s real strength is the members who have had the good fortune of receiving a really good education and are in a position to do a lot for ourselves, our work and business and by doing it really well, for the rest of Nepali society. Individually and collectively we are in a very good position to help create the Nepal and Nepali society we seek. If we do not take the initiative, then others will do it for us and then we should be prepared to take a back seat. We should then at least stop complaining. The GAA Convention On May 12, 2007 (Saturday) GAA wishes to invite you to take part in the GAA Convention where we wish to present, discuss and then resolve to undertake two major decisions that will place us in a key position to do things proactively for the Nepal we seek. The first is that we want GAA to be a serious voice that will count in the new Nepali society. This voice and our ideas, arguments and positions will be taken seriously because we are organized as a think tank for Nepal. We shall achieve this by creating various professional groups within the Alumni and facilitating them with leadership from within the members. We shall also have effective means to communicate the products and services of the various GAA think tanks to the wider society. The second agenda we wish to set for the convention is GAA’s role in creating a Nepali professional society that is merit based. Nepal is paying a very heavy price currently due to mediocrity resulting from appointments and work practices based on political patronage. Nepalis are trapped in a chicken and egg situation where the best and brightest are marginalized and the mediocre and incapable are put into key positions. The workplace has also become so politicized that productivity, profits and new ideas get side lined for short term political gains. This has to change. It has to change if Nepal is to get on the path to prosperity. Without wealth creation, there can be no wealth distribution. You cannot re-distribute nothing. The work place has to recognize achievements and moving up the corporate or government ladders must be merit based. Hiring and exits have to be based on the same. This way, in the medium term, brain drain will become brain gain for Nepal. We need to create a competitive workplace where the best are at the top. Do not miss this event A. Convention B. AGM C. Dinner (optional)