Everest Uncensored

Photo: Ravi Sharma
Report: ManojR/RajivS

Team D2 had taken part in a “Corporate Day Out” six a side soccer tournament organized by
Kgarira.com. D2 was selected in Group B along with Synergy Group and WWF(World Wildlife Fund).
Last Saturday was group stage matches of the tournament where D2 had to play against Synergy Group
and WWF to secure its position on quarter-finals.

First match for the day was with Synergy Group which started around 11 AM. Both teams were confident about winning the game. D2 made its intentions clear from the very beginning with several long shots towards Synergy’s post but non succeeded as Synergy goalie stood tall infront of the post. Synergy also made some attacking effort but they weren’t able to penetrate the D2 defense. Both teams had a lot to think about in the half time talks as the very action-packed but goal barren first 15 minutes ended.

In second half, both teams came with added energy to take a lead on a game. In the 28th minute of the game
D2 got a corner kick and that was the match decider. HiteshK’s corner kick went flying into TejR’s leg and he simply couldn’t miss it from a feet away right in front of the post.Time was running, and Synergy players were in a hurry to make equalizer but referee’s final whistle converted their desire into void.Team D2 won the game by 1-0.

In Second league match D2 had to play with WWF. After a tough victory over Synergy, D2 players were rising high with confidence and came into ground with a mission to defeat WWF as well. On other hand WWF had to win this game to enter into quarter final because they already had lost their first game against Synergy by 4-0, but there determination was crushed by Ptratik’s first goal on fifth minute of the game. Pratik netted in another two goals within half time and registered his name to became first player of the tournament to score a hattrick. WWF looked bit weaker than D2 as D2 had full control over the game. WWF’s some attempts make the ball kiss the net was fouled by D2′s golie Amendra.

In second half Bhabuk from D2 scored the fourth goal of the match for D2, which was followed by Rajiv’s superb fifth goal. Team D2 won the game by 5-0.

With both wins, Team D2 successfully entered into quarter-finals of the tournament by becoming group B topper. Quarter final has been schedule for Saturday, June 5.

A wider view

01 ready for the game

02 the ground

03 d2hawkeye

04 team d2

05 d2 vs synergy

06 the game starts

07 hiteshs move

08 running for the ball

09 down to the ground

10 roshanGs turn

11 handover of Captainship

12 save by synergy golie

13 synergys attempt1

14 d2s turn

15 ball in danger zone

16 pratiks magic

17 damn miss the ball1

18 good save by amendra

19 get ready guys

20 winning goooooal by tej

21 break time1

22 d2 vs wwf

23 WWF in trouble

24 winner of the day

25 what next

Game Title: D2 Cricket League – Final
Date: May 15, 2010
Game Location: IOE Ground, Pulchowk
Photos: Ravi Sharma, Suyesh Nepal, Sangharsha Bhattarai
Captions: Team
Report: Keshab Ghimire, Nishikar Sapkota
Creative Support: Sangharsha Bhattarai

After a week of general strike, the eagerly anticipated final of the 1st D2 Cricket League was finally scheduled to be held on Saturday, May 15th, 2010. Dubbed as the “War of the D2 Cricket Gods” all players and supporters were expecting a spectacular contest from the match between the two top teams R & D and Operations. It was nothing short of a historic battle. Here is how the day unfolded.

Operations won the toss and elected to bat first. The Operations team had always been heavily dependent on their openers to get them off to a good start and this time too the dynamic duo of Bishesh and Prajowal didn’t disappoint. They put on an opening partnership of 32 runs after which Prajowal was out leg before. Bishesh soon followed and R& D were beginning to see the possibilities of a middle order collapse. Once again the Operations middle order did not click and wickets started falling in a heap. The R & D bowlers and fielders looked to be on song when it mattered most. Although they did give away a lot of extras, they prevented the batsmen from scoring freely. Finally, it was Anish Tuladhar who performed a mini-rescue act for Operations with a timely innings of 15 runs. He was well supported by Prabhash “The Wall” Jha who proved that he could not only stay at the wicket but also hold his own when it came to scoring runs. Operations were eventually bowled out for 94 runs in the 19th over but at one stage it never looked like they could get that many.

Operations skipper Ashutosh Mishra, however, was optimistic about his chances at the interval. He certainly felt that the bowlers had something to bowl at. R & D, on the other hand, were without key batsmen like Subodh Gurung and Ashish Lamichhane but they did have Ritesh Sapkota and Tejaswi Rana who could easily knock the runs off for them. Both sides looked to be geared up for the challenge. 94 runs looked like a competitive score and it set the stage for a cracking 2nd innings.

R & D’s reply started with a fierce shot to the boundary by Asim Khanal but he was soon out leg before to some fiery bowling by Suman Shrestha. The Operations bowlers were exemplary. There were very few wides and extras and they managed to maintain an exceptionally tight line to the R & D batsmen. They were simply not allowed to get away and could only manage 30 odd runs in the first 10 overs. The target of 95 runs which at one stage looked quite ordinary now seemed to be getting out of reach for R & D. With more than a run a ball needed it was clear that the batsmen had to step up a gear. And that they did! With Ritesh and Tejaswi at the crease R & D launched a brutal attack on the Operations bowlers. The boundaries started to flow and the tide seemed to be slowly but surely swinging in favor of R & D. It certainly looked like they were going to cruise to victory. However with just a few overs remaining and still a run a ball to get, Tejaswi mistimed a vicious drive and skied the ball to Bhuwan Gautam. Bhuwan was more than up for it and held on to the catch. It was game on once again and Operations were back in it. Now all hopes for R & D rested on the shoulders of the skipper Ritesh Sapkota. It was clear that the final was going to go down to the wire. The tension was mounting. With just 2 overs to go there were still 13 runs to get for R & D. Even Mohana didi who had arrived for the prize distribution ceremony seemed to be gripped by the action on the field. Suman Shrestha, who was entrusted with bowling the penultimate over was relentless with his line, length and pace and that left R & D still requiring 9 runs off the final over. Finally it all came down to captain, Ashutosh Mishra who was going to bowl the final over. Some supporters even speculated the possibility of a tie. What would happen in the eventuality of a tie? Some said “Bowl-out” and others said “Super-Over”. There was nervous excitement all around. Spare a thought for the umpires too who were under the heat in every sense of the phrase. But Ashutosh came in and maintained a tight line with an uncharacteristic calmness and composure that prevented the batsmen from hitting a boundary. Six runs were required off the final two deliveries. Ritesh played a well timed shot but straight to the fielder. No run! After weeks of planning, struggling for the ground and some tightly contested matches between the three teams in the league stage, it all came down to this – one captain to another, one ball, six runs! Who was it going to be? Could Ashutosh still keep his cool and seal it for his Operations team? Could Ritesh hit it over the boundary for a fantastic victory for R & D? The spectators were at the edge of their seats. Ashutosh ran in and bowled a near perfect delivery. Ritesh could only get it away for a single. It was all over. Operations had beaten R & D by 4 runs. The Operations players and supporters soon invaded the ground. The stumps were uprooted and thrown. What a final it was – an incredible end to a fantastic tournament.

At the end of the both teams provided some terrific entertainment for us all; not to forget the QC team as well who only narrowly missed out on the finals after some tight games. Kudos to all players, scorers, umpires, photographers and supporters who came together to fulfill the motto of the tournament “maximum participation and lots of fun”! Hail QC! Hail R & D! Hail Operations! Hail D2!!

Hope to see you all once again in Season 2. Cheers!!

Scorecard:

D2Hawkeye Cricket league -1
Final
Operation Vs R&D
Operation won by 4 runs
Played at Pulchok Campus Ground
15-May 2010 (20-over match)

Match details
Toss Operation, who chose to bat
Series Operation won the series
Player of the match Bishesh Manandhar (Operation)
Player of the series Bishesh Manandhar(Operation)

Umpires Aakash Deep Shakya(QA), Manish Dhakal(QA)
Score keeper Keshab Ghimire, Sagar Adhikari

Series Best Performance
Batting

Bowling

One of the ex-employees told this freelance IT blogger that F1Soft (www.f1soft.com) is a lousy place to work. They never give salary on time, occasionally months late. A couple of locally trained guys who lacks global IT perspective think they run the IT of Nepal. One of its so called owners with last name Dhakal recently went on to media and bashed another IT company which has entered into its competitive landscape with intense brute force and second to none acumen. That Dhakal guy did not know that something he thought of pioneering had been in practice in the mobile technology for years. And what background and knowledge this guy has that he can develop mobile technology. It is said that he just stole from open-source and sold it to banks. He has violated open-source licenses. His software could be banned from distributing commercially. I was told that other company is developing from ground zero and application is 100 times superior to what F1Soft put together by stealing open-source codes. What a loser! It is also said that F1Soft hired one of D2’s mediocre employee (who was struggling in D2 getting no promotion and raise) when its star employee quit and join another reputed firm in Kathmandu. Stay away from these guys. That’s what my friend told me. If you do not believe, talk to the F1Soft ex-employees.

This time around we thought of a different team building activity, something different from regular gathering, music and party. It sure turned out to be a nice and engaging team building for everyone in services department. The idea was fairly simple; GO-KARTING. Even though this sport is just starting to get popular and most of us were doing it for the first time, the thrill and excitement of a race could not be lesser. We had twelve groups each with four competitors competing to reach the semifinals, then three semifinal races each yielding to 3 finalists to race it out.

The activities began with practice sessions for everyone to get a feel and may be plan out their strategies. Not to mention that apart from the race to semi-finalists, a different league of betting was going on for the winner of the race.

There was flow of good food throughout the event which concluded with a nice dinner towards the end.

I would have written a long post with every details of the event, but then thought not to, as the snaps below will be much fun for all.

P.S
Finalists: Anup Basnet, Ritesh Khanal and Prabin Shakya.

Winner: Prabin Shakya

Winner from Ladies: Barsha Poudel

Date: June 28,2009

Last Saturday Pirates were in mood to win the game; they had to win this match to keep their dream of winning the tournament alive. On the other side, Rhinos had completely different plans. They have been showing their toughness and aggression in the recent times of the tournament. They were in no mood to let Pirates win this match. Though they lost their first leg against Pirates, they had a hope that they would win this match because they had brought SujanB as their left winger. Combination of SujanB and RamW might help them to win this match.

“Both the teams were thinking they deserved to be leading the score-line, but…”

From the very start of the game, Rhinos made some great move. Starting with a perfect pass from RamW to RoshanS, the ball was struck beautifully only to be blocked by KeshabB(Pirates GK). Rampant Rhinos were running wild on the glossy green ground but Pirates were not intimidated by their opponent and gradually took control over the game. Combination of RajivS, BhabukK and VinayaS: key front liners of Pirates gave Rhinos’ Defense a hard time. Their counterparts; RamW, SujanB, VishnuK, HimalK and RoshanS were playing beautiful passes and kept Pirates defenders busy all the time. By the time, Referee decided it’s the time to stop the game for half time, both the teams were thinking they deserved to be leading the score-line, but the actual score of 0-0 was resonating on both team players’ head like the sound of ungreased machines.

Both the teams were loaded with some new tactics for second half. It seemed that whoever scored the first goal might win the game. The deadlock ended in 20th minute, when RajivS stole the Rhinos goal-kick from their player and rolled a perfect pass to VinayaS, which he was so determined to capitalize on that he delivered a thunderous kick to the ball. It moved like an A-train hurrying to kiss the back of the net. Pramod’s diving effort seemed helpless to stop the goal. Celebration started on Pirates side but their celebration lasted only for 5 minutes when ManojR’s hand gave Rhinos a free kick in a formidable position. SujanB took that free kick which was saved by Pirates Defender but the ball was still on Pirates D-Area. After some mess inside the small D, ShankerS pushed the ball behind the goal-line that made Pirates’ dream sink like a cannon ball. The game ended 1-1 draw which provided Rhinos second 1 point of the tournament, still not enough to take them out of the bottom position in the league table. The other camp, however, looked more disappointed to receive a major blow to their feeble title hope.

Match Statistics:
D2-Football League Gameweek12: May 16, 2009

Products Pirates      1-1       Verisk Rhinos

=================Half Time 0-0==================

Vinaya(50′)                                    

                                    Shankar(55′)

================Final Score 1-1==================

Lineup and Subs:

Products Pirates: 1.KeshabB(GK), 2.PrajwalS, 3.ManojR, 4.ManishS, 5.AkashS(13.JeevanB, 35′), 7.BhabukK, 8.RajivS(C), 9.VinayS, 10.SakarS, 12.AsimM, 14.BabinsS

Verisk Rhinos: 1.PramodG(GK), 2.HimalK, 3.RamW, 4.SirisB(C), 5.VishnuK, 6.RoshanS, 7.UjjwalH(13.BishwaR,50′), 8.BhimS, 9.SujanB, 10.ManojK(14.ShankarS, 38′), 11.SurendraM

Match Report By: ManojR
Photos By: Santosh Pradhan

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Devilz were heading towards lifting the title, leaving everyone far behind. It was a perfect situation to move one step closer to laying their hands on the trophy. Consequently, it was a do-or-die situation for the Bigfoots. A win would’ve surely ended the hopes of the rest to challenge the Devilz for the title. Neither of the team was in a forgiving mood.

Subin (GK) failed their evil plans to take an early lead by making strings of spectacular saves..

The game started with high adrenaline but in no time the Bigfoots were in back-foot as the Devilz took complete control of the game. For the first 10 minutes the Bigfoots seemed lost, no coordination. Maybe the pressure was too much for the Bigfoots. Devilz took full advantage of the situation and ruthlessly attacked Bigfoots. It looked like the Devilz would devour the Bigfoots. Even though the Devilz penetrated the defense of Bigfoots, Subin (GK) failed their evil plans to take an early lead by making strings of spectacular saves. Pratik nearly gifted the Devilz an early chance to take a lead, but Milan could not capitalize. Meanwhile Roshan (Bigfoots) tried to calm things down among his team members. His effort was not wasted as Bigfoots slowly crawled back into the game. Now it was the Devilz who were on the back-foot. Shortly after it Devilz conceded a free-kick 35-yard out. Pratik stepped to take the free-kick. He made a brilliant attempt on the top left corner of the goal post but Khagendra (GK) was equal to it. The referee blew his whistle to retake the free-kick as the wall moved inside the 10-yard area before the free-kick was taken. Another chance gifted to Bigfoots. This time Pratik curled his shot towards the left goal post, Khagendra again denied him. Meanwhile Richan (Devilz) spear headed the attack with Milan as they constantly proved to be a major threat for the Bigfoots. Amit was substituted in the 23rd minute. Neither of the team could score as the first half ended 0-0. Both team had their fair chances of scoring but neither team succeeded.

Heartbroken on one end of the field and joy on the other…

The second half started in similar fashion. Both teams were in a very attacking mood. Trying to make amends to their missed chances in the first half, both the teams pressed forward trying to score but the defense cancelled out the attacks of their counter parts. In the 15th minute Devilz conceded a corner. Roshan delivered the corner. The ball bounced off the big defender Suresh (Devilz) and Pratik was quick to react as the ball bounced off his knees into the net. Devilz defender could do nothing as Bigfoots celebrated their goal. Shortly after Milan and Richan made some brilliant effort only to be thwarted by the Bigfoots keeper. Devilz made some tactical changes as they introduced Kumar in 20th minute of the 2nd half. Kumar has proven to be a dangerous player with his swift dribbling skills and pin point passing. With his introduction Devilz kept the Bigfoots under constant pressure. In order to answer back the Devilz attack Bigfoots introduced Shankar in place of Sanjeet however they failed to put the Devilz under pressure. In the dying moments Bigfoots conceded a corner. They failed to mark Milan who was wide open. He received the ball and unleashed a thunderous shot towards the goal as it went just above the head of Pratik and Aashish and into the back of the net. A huge blow for the Bigfoots in their title bid, a huge step forward for Devilz to laying their hands on the coveted trophy. Heartbroken on one end of the field and joy on the other. The Devilz supporter went berserk as they scored the last minute goal, so did the players as the Bigfoots watched in agony. Bigfoots had one last opportunity as they were gifted a corner. Devilz defenders failed to clear the ball as it landed in front of Pratik. But his shot sailed high over the crossbar. That was the last action of the game because shortly afterwards the referee blew his whistle to signal the end of this enthralling and captivating game. Neither team could emerge victorious as the game ended 1 a piece.

Match Statistics:
D2-Football League Match: May 09, 2009

QA Bigfoots      1-1       D2 Devilz

=================Half Time 0-0==================

Pratik Joshi (45′)                                    

                                    Milan Gothe (59′)

================Final Score 1-1==================

Lineup:
QA Bigfoots:
Manager: Sanjeet Baidya
Subin Shrestha,Aashish Adhikari ,Prajwal Hada ,Pratik Joshi ,Roshan Gyawali (C ),Amit Adhikari ,Shankar Sharma ,Prabin Chitrakar ,Abhishek Shrestha ,Hitesh Karki (VC) ,Manish Dhakal ,Sanjeet Vaidya, Prashanta Shrestha ,Manik Madhikermi ,Prabhat Sainju ,Sashi Acharya ,Mahesh Kansakar ,Kamal Silwal, Prajowal Manandhar ,Roshan Sharma ,Dipesh Shrestha

D2Devilz :
Manager: Rajendra Banjade
Khagendra Koirala, Subash Tamang, Abhisesh Joshi , Bishwa Shrestha (C) , Pradeep Gurung , Suresh Maharjan, Tejaswi Rana (VC) , Raju Thapa Shrestha , Milan Gothe , Bhuwan Gautam , Richan Shrestha , Anup Sharma , Bishwadeep K.C. , Pravinda Ranjit , Kumar Pradhananga , Shishir Raj Adhikari , Pragya Ratna Bajracharya , Aashish Man Shrestha , Nischal Shrestha , Ishwor Manandhar , Suresh Thapa

Substitutions:

QA Bigfoots            D2 Devilz

In: – Prabin Chitrakar                                    

Out:-Amit Adhikari                                    

(23′)                                    

=================Half Time=====================

                                    In: – Kumar Pradhananga

                                    Out: – Subash Tamang

                                    (35′)

In: Shankar Sharma                                    

Out: – Sanjeet Baidya                                    

(53′)                                    

=====================================================

Match Report By: Pratik Joshi
Match Statistics By: Awanish Ranjan
Match Photos By: Dhilung H Kirat and Ravi Sharma

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Everyone expected it to be a sunny Sunday morning, but the day started with some pretty heavy rain. It looked like the rain would prevent D2 from playing a friendly match with UNMIN (United Nations Mission in Nepal). But strong desire and passion for football prevailed over the treacherous weather condition. D2 were supposed to have a strong starting line-up with wonderful players on the substitution list. However, because of the weather condition only 11 players were available for D2.

But strong desire and passion for football prevailed over the treacherous weather condition.

Though it was raining the players reached the ground by 8:00am. Roshan (D2) forgot to bring his football boot so we had to wait for another 15 minutes till we could provide him proper shoes. Finally all the players were ready and the game started at 8:30am. It was decided before the game that there will be unlimited substitution but because D2 had only 11 players it meant no substitution for them whereas UNMIIN had few players on the bench and they made sure they utilized their subs during their game.

It was a friendly match and the winning team was supposed to receive a breakfast feast from the other team.

It was a friendly match and the winning team was supposed to receive a breakfast feast from the other team. With breakfast in mind both the team played some attacking football. The game was evenly poised as both the team tried to take an early lead. However, Prashanta (D2) managed to sneak a goal past Oscar Perez-Figueroa (GK, UNMIN) as the ball danced amid a host of players in the D-Box area of UNMIN in the early moment of the game. Midway through first half Hitesh took the ball from the right side and drove towards the top left corner as D2 extended their lead to make it 2-0. Shortly after that D2 won a free-kick near the D-Box, Roshan (D2) made a brilliant attempt to curl the ball on the top-left corner but his attempt was wide as D2 was again agonizingly close to extending their lead. Meanwhile, UNMIN made some brilliant moves from their right side, Claudio being the key architect. He proved to be a constant threat as D2 tried everything to stop him and his teammates to cut the lead. In doing so, UNMIN conceded a free kick on the left side near the D-Box area. Pratik (D2) stepped up to take the free kick. He drove a powerful drive that penetrated the wall of UNMIN as it flew straight towards the left of the goal post. The score line was D2 3 – 0 UNMIN. UNMIN made some brilliant moves but were unable to finish their moves.

Shortly after that D2 won a free-kick near the D-Box, Roshan (D2) made a brilliant attempt to curl the ball on the top-left corner but…

Second half started in similar manner but with the introduction of Steven Nyanti things began to change as this veteran made life difficult for D2 defense with his dribbling skills. He showed some brilliant dribbling skill that left the D2 defense at sixes and sevens. With the strong physical presence of Emmanuel Kapoi and Elgaili Zayid, UNMIN pressed forward to score goals. Eventually they were rewarded with a goal as Steven Nyanti tapped in a low cross from the right. It was a well deserved goal. In the late minutes Manik (D2) moved in as left defense to strengthen things at back. Up front Roshan and Bhuwan tried to score goals but the strong defense of UNMIN prevented them in doing so. Pratik made few surges down the right flank but UNMIN defense cancelled out the attack of D2. UNMIN pressed D2 mostly from their left flank with Steven and Srijan being the key figures.

Finally the referee blew the whistle to signal the end of a grueling and exciting game. It ended 3-1 and everyone looked tired but everyone enjoyed the game. Nevertheless, as someone said “It rained but it’s worth the pain”.

Overall it was a wonderful match. UNMIN players looked a bit rusty and with few training sessions they’ll be a formidable team. Oscar (GK) was wonderful with the gloves as he made some brilliant saves to deny D2 to extend their lead. He truly impressed everyone with his skill. Gabriel, Emmanuel and Elgaili were pretty solid in the middle. Clovis, Joseph and Fulgence proved their position at the back ably supported by Munish. Steven was probably the star of the match as he made life difficult for D2 and Srijan supported him pretty well. Claudio made some brilliant moves down the right flank and Cassio made some brilliant run up front but both were unlucky not to have scored.

Both the team agreed to play again in near future and UNMIN must be ready to get back on D2 next time.

Match Statistics:
Friendly Football Match: May 03, 2009

D2HawkeyeServices      3-1       UNMIN

Prashanta Shrestha (17′)                                 

Hitesh Karki (23′)                                     

Pratik Joshi (30′)                                     

=================Half Time 3-0==================

                                            Steven Nyanti (52′)

================Final Score 3-1==================

Lineup:
D2HawkeyeServices: Prashanta Shrestha(C), Hitesh Karki, Manik Madhikermi, Pratik Joshi, Bijay Karki, Roshan Gyawali, Tejaswi Rana, Milan Goethe, Bhuwan Gautam, Pragya Ratna Bajracharya, Amendra Shrestha (GK)

UNMIN : George Wah Taplah (C), Stephen Nyanti, Shrijan Pradhan, Mingma Sherpa, Oscar Perez-Figueroa, ARUN, MUNISH, Gabriel Alexandru, Emmanuel Kopoi, Elgaili Zayid, Guedje Dontsop Clovis Constant, Joseph Karnwhine, Claudio A.X. Dos Reis Magno, Cassio Coutinho, Fulgence Hatungimana, Geetanjali Rai(Team Manager)

Match Report By: Pratik Joshi

L to R (Standing): Milan Goethe, Manik Madhikermi, Tejaswi Rana, Bhuwan Gautam, Bijay Karki, Roshan Gyawali, Pragya Ratna Bajracharya
L to R (Sitting): Prashanta Shrestha, Amendra Shrestha, Pratik Joshi, Hitesh Karki

L to R- Stephen Nyanti, Shrijan Pradhan, Mingma Sherpa, Oscar Perez-Figueroa, ARUN, MUNISH, Gabriel Alexandru, Emmanuel Kopoi, Elgaili Zayid, Guedje Dontsop Clovis Constant, Joseph Karnwhine, Geetanjali Rai(Team Manager)
L to R (below)- Claudio A.X. Dos Reis Magno, Cassio Coutinho, George Wah Taplah, Fulgence Hatungimana

January 28, 2009

Open Software Challenge Nepal made a press release at Reporter’s Club today.  Amidst presence of Nepalese journalists, details of Open Software Challenge Nepal 2009 were officially unveiled to the media.

Following individuals were present in the press release.

1. Prof. Dr. Shashidhar Ram Joshi – Head of Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk
2. Sajan Sangraula – DOE, D2HawkeyeServices Pvt. Ltd.
3. Shankar Sharma – Coordinator, OSCN
4. Mr. Jitendra Kumar Manandhar, Deputy Head of Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk
5. Dhilung H Kirat – Technical Coordinator, OSCN
6. Subir Pradhanang- President, FOSS Nepal

Speaking in the event, Prof. Dr. Shashidhar Ram Joshi said that OSCN is the first initiative focusing on the collaboration of software industry and academia in Nepal. He expressed that such an amalgamation will lead to the better development of Nepalese software industry. Citing the importance of media, he mentioned that OSCN is a perfect opportunity for media houses to spread the awareness of software industry present in Nepal.

Another speaker, Sajan Sangraula, said that OSCN is driven by the objective to foster the development of open source community. He mentioned that OSCN will be rewarding the highly talented individuals in the field of software in Nepal. He further added that OSCN will help in the overall development of upcoming open source community. He also said that OSCN is an ideal platform that will bring together the community and Nepalese software industry.

In order to encourage the Nepalese youths involved in software field, D2HawkeyeServices Pvt. Ltd. along with Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk is organizing Open Software Challenge Nepal 2009. The prime objective of this competition is to foster the developing open source community in Nepal. D2Labs and FOSS Nepal will be actively supporting the event throughout its entirety.

First prize winner of this competition will win cash prize of Rs. 100,000, similarly Rs. 50, 000/- and Rs. 25, 000/- will be received by second and third prize winners respectively.  Similarly a separate cash prize of Rs. 30, 000/- will be awarded in designer project category.

Please visit http://www.d2labs.org/oscn for details about the competition.

Report: Anup Sharma

Photographs: Rina Maharjan

Back at the turn of the century, outsourcing was not much of a global phenomenon as it is today, and businesses and governments alike were skeptic of transferring bulk of their IT works to the other side of the world. Outsourcing has now flattened the world to a large extent, and is playing a pivotal role in bridging the digital as well as economic divide among the developed and the developing countries.

But outsourcing sounds so 2003, and the technological advances continue to leap forward like never before. With the proliferation of internet to the masses, the skill set and infrastructure that traditionally demarked the professional and the amateur are only getting blurrier. Encyclopedias were traditionally thought of as the playing fields for a few experts, but Wikipedia, with over 2.5 million articles (and growing) online, has taken the task of content creation, refining and ownership to the mass. Wikipedia has fuzzed the difference between content producer and consumer, and an increasing number of readers on Wikipedia now share their knowledge to further enhance the content. YouTube and Flickr have extended what Wikipedia has done to content to video and images. Any enthusiast can now get her hands wet by writing an article, producing a video or clicking an image without any upfront investment, and have the whole world review her work. Social Networks and Web 2.0 technologies have only extended this further, as is evidenced by tens of thousands of music albums in MySpace and the number of applications written for Facebook. From GPS to search engine, entrepreneurs are always coming up with new ways to come up with creative business ideas that harness the contribution from the mass. Crowdsourcing is now the buzz.

The idea of open source development is rooted on the fundamentals of crowdsourcing. Eric Raymond, in his 1999 essay The Cathedral and the Bazaar, formulated his proposition “given enough eyeballs, all bugs are shallow”. The observation came from the development methodology of the Linux operating system. Linux is credited to firmly establish the open source development methodology as a viable and practical mode of software development. Software gurus of the 1990s were doubtful of the idea that the complex act of developing software could be executed by a largely distributed pool of developers without central chain of command and control. The idea that self motivated people will contribute time and effort for the development of open source software with no immediate return was also highly discredited. But this has already been proven wrong by the vast number of successful projects contributed by open source developers in the past years. Almost all proprietary software have open source equivalents now, and open source software range from small utilities to Operating Systems and Banking solutions.

Realizing the benefits of Open Source Software and its potential to shape the IT landscape of Nepal, D2hawkeyeServices started its initiative in that direction from mid 2007, primary inspirations coming from its CTO Rudra Pandey. A collaborative platform, D2Labs, was set up and D2HS’s employees were encouraged to register and execute projects in D2Labs. But for a myriad of reasons, the concept failed to generate mass interest and only a dozens of projects were registered and delivered through D2Labs. The platform has since been used regularly by IOE final year students for their project.

To speed up the adaptation of D2Labs and to increase public awareness on the impact of collaborative open source development on the community and individual developers, D2HS has come up with the Open Software Challenge Nepal 2009. The challenge is primarily targeted towards IT students and professionals, and is expected to trigger a movement towards the adaptation of open source philosophies and standards among the students and professionals in Nepal.  The contest is currently in proposal submission phase, and deadline to submit proposal ends on the 19th of Feb, 2009.

We encourage all IT enthusiasts and developers to actively participate in this mega event in whatever event you can. D2HawkeyeServices is co-organizing this event with Institute of Engineering, and D2Labs is the hosting platform for the contest. FOSS Nepal is an organizing partner, reflecting the interest of the open source community in the event.

For any queries and concerns for the contest, please write to oscn@d2labs.org.