Submit your Article

Prashant Tamrakar has been turning heads in the fashion world for three decades. He isn’t just a model but also a choreographer, actor, and founder of Big Bell Edutainment and Fashion Network Nepal (FNN), which is an e-commerce and fashion business platform. Tamrakar is a trendsetter whose ingenious ideas continue to shape the fashion industry in Nepal. He is determined to make the fashion space a viable one for the younger generation.

“Fashion is a lifestyle. It’s not just about putting on nice clothes. It’s about expressing your desires, being inventive, and figuring out how to use what you have to your advantage. When basic needs turn into something luxurious, that’s when you’ve got fashion,” he says. Talking about his style, he says it reflects the confidence and ease he feels within.

Tamrakar was just 17 when he started modeling. It was a largely unexplored territory in Nepal back then. There were little to no opportunities. The decision to audition was a bold one, he confesses, one that he is now glad he took. But it wasn’t easy to make a name for himself. Connecting with the media, both national and international, was challenging. 

It also didn’t help that he didn’t have anyone to look up to during those early days. “We made lots of mistakes and learned things the hard way. I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’m in a good place and I want my work to inspire the younger generation,” he says.  

In 1994, he made history by becoming the first male model to represent Nepal on the international stage at Manhunt International in Singapore and Graviera in India. The international exposure introduced him to various professions like makeup artistry, event management, and fashion design. His foray into fashion choreography, however, came as a detour when he was training as a model under a Norwegian choreographer. 

Leveraging these global experiences, he officially ventured into the event management business and choreography afterward. His company, he claims, was perhaps the first event management company to get registered in Nepal at that time.

Tamrakar says when he started, 30 years ago, the fashion industry was more like a small club. There weren’t many people involved in it. But now Tamrakar, who is in his 50s, says everything is big-scale now. It takes a village to put up a show. From makeup artists, choreographers, and event managers to stylists and fashion designers, a lot of people are involved in the making of a fashion extravaganza. He sees this change as a huge win in life. 

As an entrepreneur, he is determined to take things even further and make the fashion industry in Nepal a big, booming business. He says he wants to give a platform to those with the skills and talent to take fashion forward. 

But Tamrakar doesn’t believe in limiting himself to just one thing which is perhaps why he took up acting as well. During his modeling days, he was offered quite a few movies. But due to his focus on his business, he decided not to take them up. When things were a lot more settled, he decided to give it a shot. 

In 2017, he took up the role of the villain in the movie ‘Aishwarya’. The movie was a hit and people took notice of Tamrakar. He could act and act well. That much was evident. Following that, he bagged roles in other movies like ‘Captain’ and ‘Ranveer’. As of now, he’s working on a few South Indian projects, including one titled ‘Hitman’, which will be out soon. 

The versatile actor, model, and choreographer is also busy with his reality show projects like Nepali Beauty Star and Nepal Fashion Festival. He is also the official choreographer of Miss Universe Nepal. “I focus on teaching good habits, building a strong work ethic, and emphasizing the importance of dedication,” he says. Working with his team, he aims to bring out the best in each young individual, emphasizing their uniqueness. 

Tamrakar also champions a few causes like cancer awareness, environment conservation, skill development, and education through his company that he founded 18 years ago. He is involved with a few social organizations and businesses as well. He has a lot on his plate and though juggling it all can sometimes be taxing, he says he wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Tamrakar says he is on a mission to give the fashion industry a makeover. He dreams of having a fashion council in Nepal to take industry issues to the policy level for investment and budget decisions. “We’ve got great talent, but we need a platform for the industry to grow,” he says.

As a staunch supporter of sustainable fashion, he says Nepal needs a fresh business approach that’s economically viable. This, he says, will ensure sustainability and stability in the market. He believes that investment in the textile, handlooms, and handicraft industries can boost the fashion market and thus the economy of the country. “Our old-school trends can integrate with the new fashion and tech trends to boost production,” he says. 

About 68,000 children and their families who survived Nepal’s deadliest quake in eight years need further humanitarian aid to rebuild their lives, UNICEF said on Sunday, 100 days after the tremors that devastated parts of west Nepal.

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck two districts of Jajarkot and Rukum West in the remote western region of Nepal on Nov 3, killing at least 154 people, more than half of them children.

The tremors, the deadliest in Nepal since two quakes killed about 9,000 people in 2015, flattened more than 26,000 houses and partially damaged 35,000 buildings, rendering them unfit to live, according to official estimates.

UNICEF said about 200,000 people, including 68,000 children, many of whom spent a cold winter in temporary shelters, still need humanitarian assistance to recover from the disaster.

The UN agency said it is appealing for $14.7m funding to support these children.

“Thousands of children affected by the destructive earthquake are still dealing with the trauma of losing loved ones. Their development is at risk as they lost their belongings, homes and schools, among others,” Alice Akunga, UNICEF representative to Nepal, said in a statement.

“Even as temperatures rise, the needs are still high as children require nutritious food, clean water, education and shelter. One of the best ways to rebuild children’s lives and restore a sense of normalcy is to get them back to school and learning, so that they can play with their friends, learn and heal,” Akunga said.

Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that time demands all forces that advocated for and contributed to bring about change to unite.

In his address to a party program on the occasion of the 29th People's War Day here today, leader Dahal was of the view that institutionalization of the political achievements so far is possible only through unity among progressive forces.

He also utilized the moment to call on Maoist leaders and cadres to take responsibility for protecting the achievements of the people's war. Highlighting the challenges faced, he warned that some forces are attempting to reverse the accomplishments made in the areas of socialism, good governance, social justice, and prosperity.

Party Chair Dahal also welcomed newcomers to the party from Dang and Surkhet who formally joined the party.

Party Standing Committee member and Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, was also present on the occasion.

The party observed Falgun 1 each year in the Nepali calendar as the People's War Day in commemoration of the formal commencement of the people's war (1996-2005).

Individuals climbing Mt Everest will now have to clean up after themselves, meaning no more disposing of their poo in the mountains. Mingmar Sherpa, chairman of Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, said climbers will be required to bring back all their waste to the base camp for proper disposal. 

He added that climbers must mandatorily carry poop bags or eco-friendly receptacles along with special chemicals to make sure that their waste is safely contained and odor-free.

The initiative is aimed at mitigating pollution and health hazards posed by human excrement on Mt Everest. There is a lavatory facility at the Everest base camp, but as the climbers make their way up to the world’s highest peak, the only place for them to answer nature’s call is out in the open.

Sherpa had earlier told the BBC about the complaints of visible human stools en route to the summit and some climbers falling sick. “This is not acceptable and erodes our image.”

The decision has also been implemented in Lhotse, Nuptse and Amadablam mountains. According to the new rules,  climbers should now bring back eight kilograms of waste from Everest, Lhotse and Nhuptse and three kilograms from Amadablam. A list of items necessary above the base camp should be prepared and registered. The rural municipality has also made it mandatory to bring back the equipment and ropes used during the expedition.

Additionally, to keep the base camp area clean, every expedition team has to conduct regular cleaning campaigns around the camp.

Other rules for the base camp include a maximum of four toilet tents, two urine toilet tents and two shower tents for a group of 15 people. Each expedition should also ensure a sleeping area of maximum 80 square feet and 10 square feet for dining. Lighting bright lights visible from a long distance have also been discouraged.

The National Assembly today endorsed the 'Martyr Dashrath Chand Health Science University Bill, 2080 BS'. 

The Minister of State for Education, Science, and Technology, Pramila Kumari, proposed the meeting to pass the bill, highlighting the government's objective to ensure quality health services for citizens through the establishment of the university.

Prior to this, various lawmakers took part in the deliberations on the bill and in response to their queries, the state minister said the bill aimed to provide quality medical education and healthcare facilities, particularly focusing on the Sudur Paschim Province.

Madan Kumari Shah (Garima), Dil Kumari Rawal Thapa (Parbati), Yubraj Sharma, Suresh Ale Magar, and Kamala Panta contributed to the deliberations.

Furthermore, the meeting unanimously accepted a proposal to amend some acts related to preventing money laundering and promoting a business-friendly atmosphere in the country.

The proposal was tabled by Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Dhan Raj Gurung.

Bhagawati Neupane, Dr Bimala Rai Poudyal, Dil Kumari Rawal Thapa (Parbati), Radheshyam Paswan, Bhairav Sundar Shrestha, Tulasa Kumari Dahal, Ram Chandra Ray and Devendra Dahal took part in the deliberations,

In response to queries raised during the deliberations on the proposal, the Minister said the bill aimed to strengthen laws against financial crimes. Besides, it is expected to be helpful in promoting financial transparency, building an investment-friendly atmosphere and establishing good governance, according to him.

The minister highlighted that the bill is proposed to discourage illegal financial practices such as the Hundi business, transactions involving crypto currency, and activities related to terrorism.

During the meeting, Sustainable Development and Good Governance Committee President, Prakash Panth, tabled the committee's annual reports for the fiscal years 2079-80 BS (2022-23).

The NA shall meet again at 1:01 pm on Sunday, February 18. 

The Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that there will be no public holiday on Falgun 1 (February 13) this year.

In a notice issued today, Ministry's joint-secretary and spokesperson, Narayan Prasad Bhattarai informed that the decision to revoke the holiday is being based on the Supreme Court's ruling.

Earlier, the government had announced a public holiday on Falgun 1 to commemorate the 'people's war day'.

However, the decision was challenged in the Supreme Court, leading to the apex court's directive ordering the government to rescind it.

Consequently, the Council of Ministers on February 8 officially decided to discontinue the provision of a public holiday on Fa;gun 1 each year.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also the Chair of the National Security Council, called on President Ramchandra Paudel today to present the Council's annual report.

Upon receiving the report, President Paudel expressed hope that the Council would consistently act with caution in promoting the interests of nationality, sovereignty, independence, integrity, and national security.

During the meeting, the President spoke of the need of enhancing the nation's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and autonomy.

He also stressed the need for promoting cultural, religious, linguistic, and communal harmony, social tolerance and unity, and strengthening the national social security system. Furthermore, he underscored the effective implementation of the national security policy.

President Paudel commended the Council for presenting the report with a strategic outlook concerning nationality, sovereignty, integrity, and security.

According to Article 266(3) of the Constitution, the Council is mandated to submit its annual report to the President.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Purna Bahadur Khadka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat were present on the occasion.

Chief Commissioner of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Prem Kumar Rai has called for support from all sides to combat corruption.

Addressing an event to mark the 33rd establishment day of the CIAA in Kathmandu on Sunday, Rai said CIAA has been playing an active role in checking corruption and promoting good governance in the nation.  

Noting that there is a widespread public complaint that the country’s good governance situation has not improved as expected, the CIAA chief stressed the need for all to work actively and responsibly for good governance.

“The fight against corruption is not that of CIAA alone; there is a need for collective efforts as it is a multi-dimensional topic. Every citizen should play an active role for the establishment of good governance,” reiterated the CIAA Chief Commissioner.

According to Rai, a significant number of complaints have been lodged at CIAA after implementation of federalism began. He said the plaints are related to misuse of public assets in development and construction works, budget appropriation, subsidy distribution, service delivery, among other works, to giving and taking of bribe and inducements, to carrying out works with the ill intention of taking illegal benefit and amassing illegal assets at all the three tiers of the government 

The CIAA chief stated that transparency is not seen in public procurement and construction, and called on responsible authorities and office-bearers to become more responsible for fulfilling their legal duties on protecting and preserving public property. He noted that the misuse of public land has increased and the tendency of selling government land for personal gains has also been observed.

Rai said the CIAA is moving ahead with all seriousness toward expanding its jurisdiction and carrying out effective investigations related to the quality of infrastructure in view of growing public complaints of misappropriation in this sector. 

He stressed the need to put an end to anomalies and aberrations seen in public entities promptly and to promote good governance in the country so as to increase the citizens' faith in the government.

Rai said CIAA will move ahead to bring those involved in illegal activities within the purview of law. 

Reminding that it would be difficult to achieve expected success in corruption control until the political officials in the executive role in all the three tiers of the government, the civil servants and the general public realized their responsibility, the CIAA chief called upon all to contribute from their respective fields to the national campaign aimed at controlling corruption. 

The CIAA marked its 33rd establishment day today around the theme—‘Let Us Improve Mindset, Culture and Attitude: Corruption Will Come Under Control.’

President Ramchandra Paudel, Vice-president Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Chief Justice Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha, Speaker of the House of Representatives Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chair Ganesh Prasad Timilsina, Deputy Prime Minister, lawmakers, government high officials, among others, were present on the occasion.

At the program, President Paudel launched the CIAA Souvenir-2080. Journalists associated with different media outlets were presented with a cash award of Rs 20,000 each and a letter of commendation in recognition of their contribution to corruption control and promotion of good governance through news dissemination. The recipients are Matrika Dahal of Kantipur daily, Jaya Kumar Mishra (Anuragi) of Lokantaar.com, Subash Gotame of Ratopati.com and freelance journalist Sudarshan Acharya. 

CIAA also honored Rajesh Kumar Das, Deputy Superintendent of Police Prakash Budhathoki and deputy attorney Niranjan Sthapit with the Outstanding Investigator and Outstanding CIAA Service Award carrying a purse of Rs 35,000 and a copper plaque each. 

The constitutional ombudsman, CIAA, has been adopting control and promotional strategy, in addition to preventive measures for corruption control and promotion of a culture of integrity. It has been conducting an awareness program against corruption, in collaboration with the three-tier government, the civil society, public organizations, schools and the media.