Sujata's Story for AAJA 2003

HOST INTRO

After graduation, most high school students want to do something exciting before going to college. The Beat’s Sujata Tuladhar became a radio disc jockey in Kathmandu, Nepal, where she was born. In a short time, Sujata had turned her fun job into a real life experience…one that drew her closer to her beloved Nepali culture.

TAPE: Station ID (:02- 012)


“Good morning, Kathmandu…” I would practice along with Saurya, my favorite radio personality, every morning. So, when Hits FM called me for audition, I was nervous and thrilled at the same time.

Act 1 (time: 23): “Summer kisses… winter tears. (song fade in) There is only one man, in my dreams in my eyes, in my life. For my man, the complete man, there is only one style. Raymond celebrated since 1925 (fade out)”

They made me do a voice over for “Raymond”, a high life-style men’s clothing chain for audition.

I got the job. My first job. But the show I was given was no prime time. In fact, I was playing American country music, something I knew nothing about. So I learned it. Are Faith Hill and Tim McGraw still together? Can Shania make her transition to pop?

I became the “Rodeo girl Sujata” and if I had any cowgirl boots, I would have surely put them on.

Six months later, I finally got to be the voice that wakes up Kathmandu and gets it going. Not even 20 and already a radio personality, I was living my dream ... at least I thought so.

I also dabbled in newspaper writing and that gave me the idea for my first true radio moment. On my assignment for nepalitimes newspaper, I was sent to cover the annual chariot festival of Bungadya, the god of harvest. This event is thoroughly woven into the lives of both Hindus and Buddhists in Kathmandu. It opened my eyes to the rich cultural heritage of my city, that I had taken for granted. Now, I wanted to celebrate and share my discovery. For this, radio was my best outlet and so came Kathmandu Cruising.

IQ: “And we meet again…another beautiful Sunday morning bringing us together one more time…to do what our hearts drive us to do; to sit down, breathe and direct our thoughts to that one thing so dear and so near to you OQ : and me, Kathmandu.” (1:22)

Walking around the alleys of Kathmandu, absorbing the sounds of the marketplace, the morning temple bells, the street children, the prayers, I felt a connection to the valley of Kathmandu that I had never felt before.

Every week, Kathmandu would dress itself up to welcome a new festival or jatra, as we call it and charm its residents and visitors with a new entrée of sumptuous delicacies.

I wanted to find the roots of these traditions. So, I spoke to the pujabis the priests in the temples. I also talked to historians, and people who grew up with the customs and traditions of Kathmandu.

TAPE: talking about a festival

(0:20 – starts w/ :03 of music…sneak and post to:

Gathamugha charhe is what is happening here on KC today and with you, I am Sujata. Now that we know the legend behind the day, we know that all the activities of the day are actually the celebration of the demon Gathamugha”

OC: … demon Gathamugha .”

(0: 36 take under tracks, then slowly fade)

With every show, I learnt about yet another jatra. Now I understood why the people of Kathmandu are so proud of what would be a waste of time to the rest of the world.

With Kathmandu Cruising, I became a true Kathmandu girl. No matter which part of the world I’m in– I feel a connection to my home city that is stronger than just memories.

For The Beat, I’m Sujata Tuladhar.

TAPE: 3: 25 (track 3)“Don’t forget my dream, my friend. The dream of happy Kathmandu. Keep on Kathmandu Cruising, my friend. That’s what I say. This is Sujata.

(Music “Kathmandu” Bob Seger….up and fade 4:01)