Eyewitness to a Revolution in Nepal

NZ speaking tour by Ben Peterson

21-26 March 2010

Ben Peterson is a young Australian socialist who spent one year in Nepal in close association with the revolutionary forces who recently overthrew feudalism and are today confronting capitalism and imperialism. Ben is crossing the Tasman for a speaking tour of New Zealand from 21-26 March. His visit will be a great opportunity to learn more about the exciting events in Nepal.

Ben has this to say about the struggle:

"In 2006, a Peoples’ Movement overthrew Nepal’s ruling monarchy. They’re fighting to build a new Nepal free of poverty, oppression and discrimination by sex, caste or race.

When I was in Nepal I met amazing people, peasant farmers, workers, students, youth, and the elderly, all fighting for a democratic future. Everywhere I went there was a common desire for something better.

Leading the struggle is the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), who built on support earned during the Peoples’ War (1996-2006) to win a majority of votes in democratic elections, enabling them to form a revolutionary government. That government was undermined by forces hostile to the Peoples’ Movement.

Today, the struggle continues at all levels of Nepalese society. It’s not over, but the people of Nepal are experiencing more control over their lands and communities. And if this 21st century revolution continues it will impact on the lives of many more.”

To find out more about Ben's experiences and the Nepal Revolution go to Ben's blog: http://maobadiwatch.blogspot.com/ 

Activists from the Workers Party and Socialist Worker are organising the tour, with meetings planned in Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

We're inviting other interested groups and individuals to support and promote Ben's tour. If you would like to help out, contact these regional and national coordinators:

Auckland - Daphna Whitmore, wpnz(at)clear.net.nz.

Hamilton - Jared Philips, jared(at)unite.org.nz, 029-4949 863.

Rotorua - Bernie Hornfeck, bernieh(at)clear.net.nz, (07)345 9853.

Wellington - Alastair Reith, alastair.reith(at)gmail.com, 027-711 9591.

Christchurch - Phil Ferguson, philp.ferguson(at)canterbury.ac.nz, 021-443 948.

Dunedin - Andrew Tait, andrewmtait(at)hotmail.com, 027-606 9549.

National coordination/publicity - Vaughan Gunson, svpl(at)xtra.co.nz, 021-0415 082.

As meeting details are finalised a full tour itinerary will be circulated.

You can join the Facebook group: Ben Peterson NZ Speaking Tour. More information and links will be posted there.

A PDF publicity flyer can be downloaded here. 

LINKS ON THE NEPAL REVOLUTION:

Mike Ely, Eyes on the Maobadi: Four Reasons Nepal’s Revolution Matters.
Introductory PDF pamphlet - A Revolution at the Brink: Stand with Nepal.
More in depth PDF pamphlet - Kasama Articles: On the Maobadi and the Crisis in Nepal.