KIRAN PANDAY
SEARCHING: Treasure-hunting in the Sali River in Sankhu, Tuesday
It's been a fortnight since the High Level Political Mechanism was formed. It has accomplished nothing save stir up controversy and confirm the self-serving nature of our politicians, both included and excluded from the party. With the Maoists' Standing Committee now sitting down to discuss the way forward - presumably to decide on a united front on the political deadlock and the various unresolved segments of the peace process, including the constitution - we can only watch and wait, get on with our lives, and be thankful there's more to it than politics.

There's a lot to look out for. The Jaipur Literature Festival, held over five days in the charming Pink City last week, was one such affirmation of life both transcendental and grounded in social realities. If Nepali representation at the festival was limited to observer status, the same can't be said for the ongoing Himalayan Film & Cultural  Festival in London.

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