NESOCA Nepal received following concept paper summary from our contact Bhaju Alok Siddhi Tuladhar for circulation to NESOCA contacts. We hope the paper will be of interest to our viewers.
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Concept Paper Summary

Visual Documentation of Jana Bahaa

Introduction: It is believed that Karunamaya Lokesvara (or the compassionate one) came to earth in prehistoric times for the elimination of the sufferings of all sentient beings and for the welfare of mankind, and is considered to be a protector of the world. The Newar Buddhists have worshipped the four prominent Karunamayas of the Kathmandu valley since ancient times. The most important of the four Karunamayas is Aryaavalokitesvara located in the courtyard of Jana Bahaa in central Kathmandu. He is also called the Seto (white) Machhendranath or Jana Bahaa Dyo, and is especially honored as a deity capable of liberating all conscious beings, and for the virtue of prolonging longevity of one’s life.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to bring about positive changes in and around Jana Bahaa with the intent of solving the multitude of issues faced by this sacred neighborhood at present. This lofty goal will be achieved over the long term by increasing the awareness of the community so that community members themselves will get a grasp on the problems and will come up with the solutions on their own, or at least willingly participate in the solutions presented to them by community leaders.

The Community: The community comprise of people who have anything to do with Jana Bahaa, such as:

n the devotees

n the priests

n the residents of and around Jana Bahaa

n the vendors

n the hermits

n the tourists

The Issues: The following issues have been identified so far, and each has to be expounded and dealt with separately with long- and short-term objectives and with appropriate progress measurement mechanisms:

n physical and spiritual sanctity

n preservation of cultural and architectural heritage

n increasing commercialization

Funding: Funding for this project will be raised locally from within the community.

Project guidance: Titha Dhar Tuladhar, renowned social worker and benefactor of Jana Bahaa, will be in charge of overseeing this project, and will provide direction and guidance to this project.

Team members: Dr. Sampuna Man Tuladhar, Surendra Sthapit, Tulsi Tuladhar, Sunil Shrestha, Pabitra Kasaa, Alok Tuladhar, Yubakar Rajkarnikar.

Project output: The initial tangible output of the project will be the development of a series of multi-lingual video documentaries with the community as the target audience highlighting the issues presented above and their possible solutions. The documentaries will be shown inside Jana Bahaa on a daily basis and will be projected on a large screen during special occasions. To reach a larger audience, the possibility of broadcasting these documentaries in the national and international media will also be explored.

For further information: Alok Tuladhar (alok@unlimit.com)
October 2005, Kathmandu.