Nepal Speaker Sat Oct 22
STRUGGLE FOR DEMOCRACY IN NEPAL:
ROLES OF, AND CHALLENGES FOR, YOUTHS
Interaction with Gagan Thapa

Co-Sponsors:
Human Rights Working Group, SIPA, Columbia University
South Asian Institute, SIPA, Columbia University

Gagan Thapa is a former General Secretary of Nepal Student Union,
student wing of Nepali Congress — the largest political party in
Nepal. He is undoubtedly the most prominent student leader who has
become one of the leading figures in the current struggle for
democracy in Nepal. He was jailed numerous times after the February
1, 2005 royal takeover on charges of “sedition against the state”
for his outspoken stance against King Gyanendra’s regime. Amnesty
International had declared him a “prisoner of conscience,” since he
had been detained despite his peaceful and legitimate activities in
support of democracy and human rights in Nepal. His release was
procured on each occasion only un der tremendous pressure from
various human rights organizations and international governments.

*Mr. Thapa’s presentation will be in Nepali. Written English
transcripts of his major points will be available for non-Nepali
audience.
** Q & A session will be held in English, with a translation help
from the moderator if needed.
***A 20-minute video footage of the student demonstrations in
Kathmandu will be featured before Mr. Thapa’s presentation

Venue:
Prentis Hall
632 West 125th Street
Room # 312 (Third Floor)
Columbia University,
New York, NY 10027
Subway:
# 1 (#9 is not currently operating) to 125th Street Station.
Walk half a block west of Broadway.

Time: 2:00 pm

Date: Saturday, October 22nd, 2005.

Admission: Free

Questions?
Call Anil: 917-670-1057; Sanjaya: 917-902-2667; Mridula:
917-604-6260; Ashmina: 917-628-7491