Bridging Worlds: Christmas, Commerce and AI

Participating in the international seminar "Beyond the Border" held in Magdeburg on December 23, 2022, remains a cherished memory in my mind. Amid the festive season, the event seamlessly combined the spirit of Christmas celebrations with a profound intellectual endeavor. Engaging in lively discussions on global economic dynamics and international trade, I gained a broader perspective that transcended borders. The experience was further enriched by the vibrant Christmas festivities, highlighted by a spirited Christmas party. This unique blend of festive merriment and intellectual exploration resulted in an unforgettable memory, encapsulating not only the joy of the season but also the growth of my global understanding, making it an exceptional and enlightening chapter in my life's journey.

Few more photograph for memory:

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Unforgettable Weimar: Seminar on Human Rights

Participating in the international seminar "From Locking Up and Locking Away – Prisons, Human Rights and the Right to Freedom" held in Weimar from December 11th to 16th, 2022, was an enlightening experience. Beyond the insightful discussions on prisons and human rights, the seminar also provided the chance to immerse myself in the rich history of Weimar, the birthplace of Weimar Classicism, a pivotal cultural movement that emphasized humanistic ideals. The combination of thought-provoking sessions and the exploration of this historic city made the event truly unforgettable.

Few more photograph for memory:

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Rent Rebels - A Testament of Solidarity and Struggle

Rent Rebels is a compelling documentary that sheds light on the harrowing experiences of displaced tenants in Berlin, Germany. Based on true events, the film weaves together the stories of individuals who have fallen victim to the city's skyrocketing rents, unjust evictions, and the ruthless prioritization of housing as a mere investment. With a poignant focus on a disabled elderly woman's tragic eviction and subsequent death, Rent Rebels serves as a rallying cry for change and an urgent call to address the dire state of affordable housing.

Once known as the heart of Europe, Berlin has transformed into a city that caters primarily to the affluent, leaving little room for those without significant financial means. This documentary presents a vivid depiction of the dire consequences of the city's unchecked rent hikes. It highlights the plight faced by residents who struggle to find suitable housing, are burdened by exorbitant rental prices, and are vulnerable to forcible evictions. Rent Rebels effectively captures the essence of the anti-rent movement that has emerged from this turmoil, revealing a community unified in its fight for tenant rights.

The strength of Rent Rebels lies in its ability to transcend societal boundaries, proving that the struggle against housing injustice knows no age, language, religion, gender, or origin. It showcases a diverse collective of senior citizens, young individuals, women, and newcomers united by a common cause. By highlighting this unity in diversity, the film effectively conveys the message that combating housing injustice is a shared responsibility and a sign of solidarity.

Moreover, Rent Rebels draws a direct link between the city's housing crisis and the broader issue of land use. As rents continue to skyrocket due to a shortage of housing, the film exposes the alarming rate at which Berlin's residents are being displaced. Through the lens of common initiatives, solidarity, and grassroots struggles, the documentary offers a glimmer of hope amid the despair, showcasing how the collective efforts of the tenants have yielded positive improvements and halted numerous eviction activities.

Watching Rent Rebels evokes a profound sense of empathy and reflection. It starkly reveals the heart-wrenching reality faced by those who find themselves marginalized in the face of capitalism, modernism, and urbanism. The film serves as a wake-up call, challenging viewers to examine their own role in perpetuating a system that places profits over people.

Directors Gertrud Schulte Westenberg and Matthias Coers has done an exceptional job documenting the raw emotions and personal narratives of those affected by Berlin's housing crisis. The cinematography effectively immerses the audience in the gritty reality of the tenants' struggles, while the interviews and testimonies provide a heartfelt and thought-provoking narrative.

Rent Rebels is a documentary that everyone should see. It exposes the inherent injustices within the housing system, while also offering hope for change through collective action. By shining a spotlight on the struggles of displaced tenants and their fight for tenant rights, the film serves as a powerful catalyst for social awareness and a reminder that the strength of unity can conquer even the most entrenched societal challenges. After watching Rent Rebels, audiences will undoubtedly be compelled to reevaluate their own roles in creating a more equitable and compassionate society.  

Reference
Rent Rebels Movie

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हिँऊ फुलेको याममा पिरती फुल्दछ मनैभरी

Amidst the gentle cascade of snowflakes, memories of love and laughter come alive. The delicate dance of snowfall mirrors the intricate journey of love, both tender and fleeting. As we playfully embrace the cold, our hearts warm with the old shared moments with loved one. With every snowflake that settles, it is as if the very essence of love crystallizes around us. As the snow blooms, so does the love within our hearts; which remind us that in the quiet serenity of a snow-covered landscape, our emotions unfurl like the petals of a winter bloom, pure and unyielding.

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जहाँ हिउँ फुल्दछ खुलेर; जहाँ घाम झुम्दछ रमेर !

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My First Job in Germany: Balancing Scholarship and Employment for a Fulfilling Academic Journey

Upon my arrival in Germany on September 27, 2021, as a recipient of the DAAD scholarship for an Master degree program, my initial focus was on adapting to the German academic milieu. During the initial three months, I dedicated my time to familiarizing myself with the intricacies of the academic culture and immersing into the first semester of my course. 

However, a turning point emerged when I chanced upon a part-time opportunity at marketing department of our University. Leveraging my expertise as a proficient graphic designer skilled in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, coupled with my adeptness in manipulating data using tools like Excel, MySQL, PHP, and Python, I secured a role as a Graphic Designer cum Assistant Data Analyst. 

This endeavor, synergized with my DAAD scholarship, facilitated the financial support crucial for sustaining both my living expenses and educational pursuits. This harmonious balance allowed me to concentrate wholeheartedly on my studies, resulting in commendable academic achievements during the initial two semesters. 

My dedication was rewarded further when I was granted the "Deutschlandstipendium" an additional scholarship that propelled my academic journey in Germany to new heights. I am immensely grateful for these opportunities that have enriched my academic and personal growth. 

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प्रकृति र जीवन

प्रिय कवि हिमाल दाजुको मलाई मनपर्ने एक कविता

"प्रकृति र जीवन"

मलाई सधैं पहाडले तानिरह्यो

जसरी तान्दछ चुम्बकले फलाम;

मलाई पहाडको उचाइले आकर्षित गरिरह्यो

अझ भनौं उसको गम्भीरता र दृढताले खिचिरह्यो ।

सधैं सधैं मलाई लागिरह्यो 

कहाँ पुगेर थकाइ मार्दा हुन्

नदीका यी उत्ताल छालहरु;

तिनकै बुइ चढेर

थकाइरहित यात्रामा 

निस्किने रहर लागिरह्यो सधैं  ।

मलाई भीरमा फुल्ने गुराँसले

सधैं सधैं मोहनी लगाइरह्यो;

र सोचिरहें 

घामपानी र असिनाको चुटाइ सहेर पनि

कसरी अपूर्व सौन्दर्यको लाली छर्न सक्छ गुँरास

त्यो पनि अक्करे भीरपाखामा ?

हिलोमा फुलेको कमलले 

मेरो मन नै चोरेको छ;

सफेद परिधानमा 

दुर्गन्धित मन भएकाहरु देखेर

सधैं मलाई लागिरह्यो 

कसरी निर्मल र बेदाग रहन सक्यो कमल 

त्यो पनि दुनियाँको नजरको हिलोमा ?

मलाई जूनकिरीसँग 

सधैं मीत लगाउन मन लागिरह्यो;

दिउँसै रात पारेर

कालोलाई सेतो र सेतोलाई कालो बनाउनेहरु देख्दा

अँध्यारोकाविरुद्ध

सम्झौताहीन संघर्ष लडिरहने

जूनकिरी हुन मन लागिरह्यो ।

मलाई बादलले लोभ्याउनुसम्म लोभ्यायो

पलपल कोरिरहने बेजोड चित्रकारीले 

सधैं जब बादललाई नियाल्छु

त्यहाँ अर्कै दुनियाँ देख्छु;

बादलको अनुपम सिर्जनशीलताबाट म कायल हुन्छु ।

मलाई अझै गहिरो संझना छ

सानो छँदा जून हेरिरहन्थें म

जूनले मलाई छक्याइरहन्थ्यो

जहाँ पुगे पनि जून मसँगै हुन्थ्यो 

थाहा थिएन

जून मलाई पछ्याउँथ्यो कि म जूनलाई पछ्याउँथे ?

तर 

जूनसँगको मेरो पिरती प्रगाढ हुँदो छ ।

मलाई थाहा छ, म हुन सक्दिनँ

तर मलाई सधैं आकाश हुन मन लागिरह्यो

आकाश देखेर

आकाशको अनन्त फैलावट देखेर

आकाशको अदभूत विशालताले छोएर

आकाशको असीम विनम्रता भोगेर

मलाई सधैं सधैं ईर्ष्या लागिरह्यो;

हो, म आकाश हुन नसकूँला 

तर त्यही आकाशको महाशून्यताको

विराट विस्तृतिभित्र हराउन सकूँ

यही छ मेरो एउटै कामना...!

© हिमाल चन्द्र बराल

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