Manchala Jha, a member of the Truth and Reconcili­ation Commission (TRC), made a rather depressing admission in an interview with us last week. “I now think the conflict victims will not get justice,” she said. Of the 63,000 cases registered with either the TRC or the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Per­sons (CIEDP), the twin transitional justice bodies, not one has been settled. Many now think the four years since the creation of these two commissions have been wasted. Their extended terms expire on Feb 10. It is unclear whether their tenure will be extended again, whether the two commissions will be restructured or if they will be replaced by a ‘high level mechanism’ comprising major stakeholders. Conflict victims are divided on the best way forward, as are human rights activists. But the longer these cases of alleged human rights violations from the conflict period drag on, the harder they will be to resolve, not least because vital evi­dence will be destroyed with every passing year.

It is unclear whether the two commissions’ tenure will be extended again

But as Jha hinted in the interview, the kind of strong political will needed to drive the pro­cess forward has always been missing. The former Maoists, now a vital part of the federal govern­ment, want none of their top leaders prosecuted, even in cases of grave rights violations. Ditto with the Nepal Army, which has as resolutely shielded its top officials who have been similarly implicated. Meanwhile, the leadership of the Nepali Congress, the main opposition, which was leading the government at various times during the 10 years of the civil war, is as happy with the status quo.

With such indifference of the political class, it is hard to see transitional justice make much headway in Nepal soon. This is dangerous. Those who lost their loved ones during the conflict deserve a sense of closure, however imperfect. The current strategy of the major parties seems centered on wearing them out. But if there is no justice even in the most heinous rights violations, the already troubling state of impu­nity in the country will further deteriorate. The government’s failure in the rape-and-murder of 13-year-old Nirmala Pant would shock were it not part of the continued indifference and inaction of the political class on law and order. This is a recipe for anarchy.

video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg00XuqHApY&t=218s

Tsechu Dolma

 Changing lives in the mountains

“I am a Himalayan American,” says Tsechu Dolma when asked about her nationality. At only 25, Dolma’s work and achievements are mountainously high, just like the terrains she loves to work in. A graduate of Columbia University, Dolma was recently listed among the ‘Forbes 30 under 30: Social Entrepreneurs’ for her pioneering work with farmers of the mountainous regions of Nepal.

Jan Salter

The passing of a Nepali legend

Jan Salter, 82, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in Lyme Regis, UK on April 29. To many, Jan Salter was both a marvelous and sensitive artist and the founder of the Kathmandu Animal Treatment Centre (KAT). Her paintings of different ethnic groups and peoples of Nepal, aptly entitled, “Faces of Nepal”, were taken from drawings she did while trekking around the country in the 1970s and ’80s.

Manohar Basnet

The lone pugilist

Manohar “Max” Basnet has lost count of how many tournaments he has won and how many times he has become the National Champion but, unfortunately, his dream of carrying the Nepali flag in international tourna­ments remained unfulfilled for a long time. The reason: his stubborn stand against corruption and his fight against the bureaucracy in Nepali sports. I took part in my first amateur bout at the age of 16,” recalls Basnet, now 32.

Deeya Maskey

What you see is what you get

Deeya Maskey is a popular name in Nepali film, theater and, recently, on the small screen. Right with her debut on the big screen with Bhusan Dahal’s ‘Kagbeni’, Maskey was able to establish herself as a potent movie actor. Today Maskey is one of the most successful Nepali actresses and also popular as a judge of the inaugural edition of Himalaya Roadies.

Sampada Malla

On Nepali media industry

Sampada Malla is an established name in Nepali media and entertainment industry. She is the creator of “Drishyansha” nationwide mobile filmmaking com­petition, as well as a journalist, writer, filmmaker and a board member of Sarwanam Theater. She is as well known in India as she is in Nepal. Most notably, she wrote the screen¬play for the popular Hindi tv serial ‘Ishq Ka Rang Safed’ that was broadcast in Colors TV.

Peter John Karthak

In his own words

Peter John Karthak, 75, a musician, writer and jour­nalist, has indeed had an eventful life. He was born in Shillong on December 12, 1943. In 1965, Karthak came to Kathmandu, where he spent the next 25 years as a copy editor, feature writer and columnist. ‘Kathmandruids’, launched in March 2018, is Karthak’s latest and the first original novel in English which was shortly followed by “Nepali Musicmakers” in November.

Senu Ranjit

Cracking open a male domain

A female chef is someone you rarely find behind the kitchen doors of your favorite cafes and restau­rants in Kathmandu. Senu Ranjit, the chef at The Yard (restaurant) by Oasis Garden Homes in Sanepa, is a welcome exception. Ranjit trained for six months in culinary arts in Lagankhel, Patan and then worked in New Zealand as a cook for a couple of years.

Bipin Karki

The ace actor in Kollywood

Bipin Karki is one the most versatile actors in modern Nepali cinema. Karki, who has acted in over a dozen Nepali movies, is best known for his role as the local goon “Bhasmey don” in the acclaimed movie “Pash­upati Prasad”. It also earned him his first National Film Award. It was Karki’s love of literature that inspired him to act. A hard-worker who never compromises with his work, Karki has a special way of preparing for his roles.

Indira Joshi

Never fear of failure

Indira Joshi is best known mostly for her peppy numbers like “Udhreko Choli” and “Relimai,” and her electrifying stage performance. The singer, who rose to fame as a reality show contestant, is also known for her role as a judge in the popular Nepali reality show ‘Nepal Idol,’ in which she has been featured in 2 consecutive seasons.

Kanta Dab Dab

Distilling the sound of the valley

To confine Kanta Dab Dab to a restrictive genre like “fusion” or “classical” or any other broad term would be to undermine the vast talent of this trio of versa­tile musicians. For Kanta Dab Dab’s music encapsu­lates no less than the tradition, culture and musical­ity of the livelihood of the Kathmandu valley. Sunit Kansakar on sitar, Rizu Tuladhar on bass and Nikhil Tuladhar on drums/percussions form Kanta Dab Dab.

Work out cheap

Want to modify your old New Year resolution of staying fit by making it in-budget and specific? Calisthenics beckons.

Calisthenics is a set of exercises done using only a person’s own body­weight as the body mass itself provides resistance against gravity. It comprises of exercises like pull-ups, push-ups, muscle-ups, jump squats, dips, back lever and similar exercises that can be done without advanced equipment. Calisthenics routine is a compound exercise that engages more than one muscle at a time and, most impor­tantly, engages your core done using only a person’s own bodyweight. Cal­isthenics strengthens the body as well as improves flexibility, endurance and mobility.

At the moment, Shanti Park at Par­titar is the only outdoor calisthenics park in Kathmandu that makes cal­isthenics accessible and affordable to all. Anyone, from any age group, can come to the park and get started without paying any money.  

Get screened for cancer

According to WHO, cancer screening refers to the use of tests in a healthy population to identify individuals who have disease but do not yet have symptoms. These are tests specific to parts of body affected by cancer. Examples include mammograms for breast cancers, the ‘pap test’ for cervical cancer, and low-dose computed tomography (CT) for lung cancer.

Add cancer screening to your routine general checkup and get an early diagnosis. As the incidence of cancer is increasing even among the relatively young, it is advisable that all those above 40 and those in high-risk groups undergo regular screening. Early detection also implies less treatment and less recovery time. If you are in a high-risk group and can afford screening, go for it.

Craft your own little green haven

In light of dwindling greenery of Kathmandu and virtually no open space for gardens and backyards in its houses, a special store specializing in indoor plants has just opened. Located in Jhamsikhel, Plant Shop Kathmandu sells a variety of indoor plants like Succulents, Palms, Cro­tons, Snake plants and Monstera. But selling plants is just one of its fortes. Along with a myriad of plants for sale, the shop offers services seldom provided by other nurseries in Kathmandu.

Make a resolution to invest in a greener surrounding. The best way to do so is with indoor plants. You do not need much space in your home and you do not need to spend a lot of time and resources as well. Adorn your homes with decorative houseplants, flex your green thumbs and work out the balance between concrete and greenery.

Cycle for wellbeing (and to make the city less crowded)

In 2020, Kathmandu is set to host the World Bicycle Forum, a yearly cycling activism event that brings together cycling enthusiasts from all around the world. They gather to discuss (and advocate for) bicycles as a mode for urban mobility. Kathmandu can be turned into a cycle-friendly city with minimal intervention and investment.

Cycling is the effective answer to help with the traffic congestion and the pollution. On a smaller scale, cycling is the answer to your physical inactivity and fuel budget. All in all, clogged trans­port channels or possible clogged arteries, cycling can be the solu­tion. Cycle more or start cycling in 2019. No excuses, because in Kathmandu to get to the city cen­ter from any point on the periph­ery on a bicycle, it takes a maxi­mum of half an hour at a speed of 8 km-per-hour.

Hitch a ride (or give one)

Perhaps the biggest vic­tims of the rush hours in Kathmandu are those who do not own vehicles. During the peak hours the public vehicles tend to be merci­lessly crammed. Often, there is no space even to stand. But couldn’t at least some of them simply ask for a lift to their desired destination, just like people did during the five months of the blockade in 2015-16?

Research shows that a range of problems like traffic congestion, crammed public vehicles, high expenditure on petrol products and even divorce can be controlled by a healthy lift culture. Starting this New Year, ask for lifts and be open to giving lifts. Safety may be an issue but if you take some precautions, the risks can be minimized. And not everyone always needs privacy.

Invest in your health and hygiene

Menstrual cups cost Rs 2,200 and are more expensive than the conventional sanitary pads or cloths. But given their durability and health benefits, this might be an investment worth making for women.

Choose to switch to the environment and user friendly option for that time of the month. No worries about the stains, it is comfortable and portable and you are free to jump, run and even swim. It is also cost effective in the long run as it lasts for a decade. And spread the word.

HANGOVER-Welcome 2019

8 pm-4 am, Monday, Dec 31-Jan 1

Club Deja Vu

Durbar Marg, Kathmandu

After seven successful editions of the biggest, baddest, and maddest party in town, the Hang­over party is back with the 8th edition to give you a night to remember!

KTM Live and MN Entertainment is presenting ‘Hangover—Bringing Back the Madness’ with international performers, DJs, artists, exquisite decor and more!

Pre-sale tickets at

Rs 1,000: General Attendance with 1 compli­mentary drink

Rs 1,500: VIP with 1 complimentary drink

Tables on request.

Tickets available at http://www.tktmonkeys.com

The Party Cartel-NYE Exclusive

9 pm-4 am, Monday, Dec 31-Jan 1

Karma Bar & Lounge

Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal

The Party Cartel is back with its second edition, an exclusive New Year’s Eve event with mind boggling cartel style décor. Dress stylish in black and red to match the theme and enjoy the music of international and local DJs through the night.

Couples: Rs 2,500

Stag Entry: Rs 1,500

Tickets available at http://www.tktmonkeys.com

Back to the Teens-Forever Young

8 pm-1:30 am, Monday, Dec 31-Jan 1

Soaltee Crowne Plaza

Tahachal, Kathmandu

Relive your teen years and go back to being nine­teen while you welcome the New Year 2019 with the groovy performances of Funky Boyz!

Single: Rs 12,000

Couple: Rs 22,000

Includes free flow of premium beverages, snacks and dinner.

For reservations, call 01-4273999 Ext: 6910/6922

NYE Party with Hotel Shangri~La

7:30 pm-1 am, Monday, Dec 31-Jan 1

Shangri-La Hotel

Lazimpat, Kathmandu

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Shangri-La Kathman­du’s Pavilion and The Courtyard with live perfor­mances by MT 8848 band, celebrity dancers and DJ sessions. Also enjoy unlimited drinks from the sponsors between 7:30 pm-10:00 pm only.

Single: Rs 9,000 Nett

Couple: Rs 14,000 Nett

Reservations: Call 01-4412999

New Year Eve 2019 @ Royal Empire

5 pm-2 am, Monday, Dec 31-Jan 1

Royal Empire Boutique Hotel

Subarna Shamsher Marg, Kathmandu

Start your Page 1 of 365 at Royal Empire Boutique Hotel so that your remaining days are spent in a Royal way. Make the last day of this year memora­ble with Bibek Lama, the finalist of Voice of Nepal performing, just for you.

For details and reservations: 01-4000538/ 01-4000542

Serendipity NYE 2019

6 pm–12:30, Monday, Dec 31-Jan 1

Radisson Hotel Kathmandu

Lazimpat, Kathmandu

Ring in 2019 with full-board entertainment, including live music by Mingma Sherpa and The Juke Box Band, dance performance by Wild Ripperz, flair bartending, and back to back sets by DJ Rupesh & DJ Sishir. Enjoy sumptuous snacks and lavish buffet with unlimited drinks.

Tickets: Rs 7,999

For reservation: 01-4411818

NY Celebrations at Fairfield Marriott

6:30-10:30 pm, Monday, Dec 31

Fairfield by Marriott, Kathmandu

Thamel, Kathmandu

Bring in the New Year celebrating a timeless tra­dition at Fairfield by Marriott, Kathmandu, with a live musical performance and culinary offerings.

Wrap up 2018 with your near and dear ones, accompanied by local and international gas­tronomic spread of food complimented with unlimited spirits to make this New Year truly memorable.

Rate: Rs 2,500 Single and Rs 5,000 Couple (Pric­es inclusive of taxes)

For reservation: 014217999 or 9801227613

NYE Party @ Shangri~la Village Resort, Pokhara

7:30 pm-1:30 am, Monday, Dec 31-Jan 1

Shangri-La Village Resort

Pokhara

Celebrate and welcome the New Year 2019 at the Traders Hall & Sanctuary Garden with live perfor­mance by Audio Farm and DJ sessions along with a lavish gala dinner.

Prices:

Single: Rs 4,000 Nett

Couple: RS. 6,000 Nett

GETAWAY

Paragliding at Godawari

8 am, Dec 28-Jan 3

Kathmandu Paragliding

Godawari, Lalitpur

Now you can enjoy paragliding at Godawari with Kathmandu Paragliding. You will get a panoramic view of highest peaks and moun­tains and fly above 2,400m without having to jump off a cliff. Get an eagle view of the famous botanical garden for Rs 6,500 in this New Year offer, which includes pick up from ring road, photos, videos and paragliding. Call 980-1016590 for more details!

20th Pokhara Street Festival

11 am, Dec 28-Jan 1

Lakeside Pokhara

The Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal (REBAN) Pokhara is organizing the 20th Pokhara Street Festival. Purportedly the largest festival of its kind in Nepal, millions of people come visit and savor food, music and local culture. This could be your perfect getaway! Call 061-466893 to be a part.

TOUR De' Pokhara-2018

7 am, Saturday, Dec 29

Cyclecity Pokhara

Gandaki, Pokhara

Cycle City Pokhara is organizing its fourth annual cycle event with this year’s theme of “BURN Fat Not FUEL”. Participation fee is Rs 100 and registration with facilities (jacket, breakfast, medal) is Rs 1,000. Contact 061-466893 for details!

New Year Celebration

4 pm, Monday, Dec 31-Jan 1

Milestone Village Resort

Benighat, Dhading

Enjoy the New Year eve with this perfect getaway package which includes rafting, DJ, BBQ, camping and swimming Organized by Utkrishta Travels and Tours. Contact Milestone Village Resort for this chilled getaway that is perfect for families and couples!

New Year Hike

6 pm, Dec 29-31

Godawari, Phulchoki

Hosted by Nepal Trek & High Adventure Pvt. Ltd and MARK Enter­tainment and Events, this one-day hike from Godawari to the top of Phulchoki and over­night stay at Gurdum Danda with firecamp is sure to refresh your mind and body. Contact 01-4212843.

DINNER

Live barbeque with live music

3 pm onwards, Dec 28-31

Bajeko Sekuwa

Battisputali, Kathmandu

This New Year Eve, Bajeko Sekuwa invites foodies to celebrate New Year and make the cold weather warm with live barbeque, music and drinks. If you want to hang out near Battisputali, then you can enjoy a cozy dinner there until 11 pm. For reservation: 9801188452

Special dinner at Lakeside

6 pm, Monday, Dec 31-Jan 1

Zorba Restaurant

Lakeside Pokhara

Start 2019 with a food-and-drink treat at Zorba. Accompanying you will be the soothing music of Prashna Band. A calm evening at the lakeside, guaranteed! Call 061-462080 for details!

New Year Gala Dinner

7: 30 pm, Monday, Dec 31

Hotel Barahi

Barahi Path Lakeside, Pokhara

Enjoy live performance by Mandavi Tripathi, and Kamal K Chhetri. After the dinner, there will also be lucky draw and gift hampers for winners. At Rs 4,000 per person, you get unlimited BBQ/snacks and Levis food in buffet. Call 061460617 for details.

New Year Eve 2018

6 pm, Monday, Dec 31

The Durbar Lawn

Yogikuti, Butwal

Enjoy New Year Eve dinner with Nepal Idol con­testant Sujata Pandey, Voice of Nepal popular contestant Santosh Rana, Zero Effect Band, Con­cept Dance Group of Bageshwori Sangeetalaya, as well as Pradarshani Idol Shushil Acharya. To book your ticket, contact 071-420467 and 9857042808.

Nepal Lube Oil limited, a licensee of Gulf Oil International, which manufactures and distributes Gulf Lubricants in Nepal organized its 27^th AGM on Dec 27 at Yak Palace, Pulchowk. The AGM was held in the presence of Company Chairman/MD Arun Kumar Chaudhary, the Board of Directors, Company Secretary and shareholders.

The company made a major announcement of distributing 40% dividend to its shareholders—Rs.30 (Proposed Cash Dividend per share) and Rs. 10 (Proposed bonus per share).

As we bid adieu to 2018, it is worth recalling some notable events of the year. On Feb 15, KP Sharma Oli replaced Sher Bahadur Deu­ba as the country’s prime minister, follow­ing a thumping win for his communist alliance in the three-tier elections in 2017. Expectations were high as Oli, widely hailed for standing up to India during the 2015-16 blockade, came to power with over two-thirds majority in the federal legislature and with his alliance controlling six of the seven provinces. And yet the per­formance of his government has been rather patchy.

Another important event was the formal merger between the two largest communist forces of the coun­try back on May 17. People hoped the merger would make the ruling party stronger still, giving it the power to enact sweeping reforms. But unity between two par­ties that until recently were at loggerheads has proven to be rather tricky: while the merger has been consoli­dated at the top, the grassroots remain bitterly divided. Nor has government functioning improved.

At the end of the year, Nepali Congress, the main opposition, at long last held its Mahasamiti meeting. The shambolic event was the perfect example of a party in disarray. In this year time the government also banned porn, regulated alcohol products and brought a ‘revolutionary’ social security scheme. People are unconvinced any of these measures will have the desired effect. Dr Govinda KC had to sit on yet anoth­er fast-unto-death to get health reforms enacted, and again to no avail. Likewise, the unresolved rape-and-murder of Nirmala Pant is another blot on the govern­ment. Meanwhile, the economy remains wobbly.

However, this was also the year Nepal welcomed over one million tourists by air, for the first time, which augurs well for tourism and Visit Nepal 2020. Sand­eep Lamichhane, the 18-year-old leg-spinner made his long-awaited IPL debut—and impressed everyone. The second half of the year saw two Nepali beau­ties (with ample brains), Shrinkhala Khatiwada and Manita Devkota, shinning on the global stage in Miss World and Miss Universe pageants, respectively. Sub­sequently, Mahesh Maharjan bagged gold at the 10th World Bodybuilding Championship. It was heartening for Nepali youngsters to see home-grown talents hold their own against the best in the world.

On the whole, it was more misses than hits for Nepal in 2018. Hopefully 2019 will be better, and not just because Lamichhane will once again take the field for the Delhi cricket franchise.

Christmas is here and Nepalis are in a mood to celebrate. Forget its religious import, Christmas has become a part of global pop culture and experts as we are at celebrating, we’ll surely get into the thick of things. APEX has info on the best Christmas celebrations in K-town and other touristic cities.