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Embrace of death only as sweet

As coffee is with sugar

The reality of life only as harsh

As thorns are to a flower

A soul judged by fate

Can it really stay true to its desire?

The scars that run deep into the soul

To be healed does it aspire?

Love with all its beauty

Why does it crush the heart till it’s broken?

Pain with all is misery

Why does it bring happiness I wonder?

Through countless lives, through countless hours

What is life I do wonder

Leaves the soul drowning so deep

With not a single ounce of strength to save her

Arnav Shrestha

A Level

LA College

In the heart of Nepal, where traditions run deep and societal norms often remain unchallenged, a silent epidemic continues to shatter lives behind closed doors. Domestic violence, a persistent blight on the social fabric, affects more than just the women who are often its primary targets. Its echoes resonate deeply in the lives of children, turning homes into battlegrounds and childhoods into harrowing tales of survival.

Recent data from the Nepal Police reveals that 80 percent of gender-based violence cases are categorized as domestic violence. Among these, 53 percent involve physical harm, while 47 percent are rooted in psychological abuse. Yet, the statistics only hint at the extent of the problem. Hidden within these numbers are children—those who, far from being mere witnesses, are often primary victims of the violence. Children suffer silently as they endure physical, emotional, and even sexual abuse in environments meant to nurture and protect them. In urban areas, violence is often concealed behind closed doors, while in rural regions, societal stigma further discourages victims from seeking help. Reasons for abuse range from perceived disobedience and academic struggles to deeply entrenched cultural preferences for male heirs. Families often inflict physical and emotional abuse on mothers and daughters in their quest for a male child, perpetuating cycles of trauma.

The story of Maya, a 10-year-old girl from a rural village in Nepal, paints a vivid picture of this harsh reality. Maya’s mother was subjected to daily abuse by her father for failing to produce a male heir. Witnessing her mother’s suffering, Maya often became a target herself, enduring harsh beatings for minor missteps. Her father’s anger escalated to the point where he stopped paying for Maya’s school fees, effectively cutting her off from education. Maya’s dreams of becoming a teacher began to crumble as she watched her mother’s resilience falter under the weight of continuous violence. The cycle of abuse seemed inescapable, leaving Maya to wonder if she would ever find a safe and nurturing environment.

In some horrifying cases, children like Maya are involuntarily thrust into the role of protectors. A study from Cape Town’s Red Cross Children’s Hospital found that 40 percent of children admitted with brain injuries had been used as "human shields" during domestic disputes. These children bear not only the physical scars of violence but also the psychological weight of being pawns in a battle they never chose to fight. The situation is no less dire in Nepal. Here, children are frequently used as leverage in abusive households, with threats of harm or removal from the family often silencing mothers who might otherwise report the abuse. Fear of losing custody or being unable to support their children traps many women in cycles of violence, leaving children exposed to prolonged trauma.

The effects of domestic violence on children are profound and far-reaching. Studies have shown that children exposed to such environments often struggle with cognitive and emotional development. They may experience depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues, including aggression and withdrawal. In the long term, these children face an increased risk of developing chronic health issues such as heart disease and diabetes, perpetuating the intergenerational impacts of abuse. Preschool children often regress to earlier developmental stages, displaying behaviors such as bed-wetting or excessive crying. School-aged children may grapple with guilt, believing they are responsible for the abuse. They often struggle academically and socially, while teenagers may engage in risky behaviors, from substance abuse to delinquency. The psychological scars of domestic violence frequently manifest in adulthood, shaping how survivors perceive relationships and conflict.

Nepal’s legal framework acknowledges children’s rights but falls short of addressing their specific vulnerabilities in the context of domestic violence. Article 39 of the Constitution guarantees children the right to education, health, and protection. The ‘Act Relating to Children, 2075’ emphasizes the need for care, protection, and education. Section 7 of the Act mandates that every child should receive proper care, maintenance, and love from their families. It also obligates the state to intervene when children’s rights are at risk. Furthermore, the National Child Rights Council operates services like Child Helpline 1098, yet these initiatives often fail to reach the most vulnerable due to limited outreach and insufficient implementation.

Globally, conventions like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) set benchmarks for child protection. The CRC emphasizes that all children should be safeguarded from violence, abuse, and exploitation. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and other international frameworks also mandate special care and assistance for children. The CRC’s guidelines are clear: children should grow up in safe, nurturing environments. However, while Nepal aligns with these standards on paper, execution at the national and community levels remains a challenge. Insufficient funding, lack of trained personnel, and cultural resistance often hinder meaningful implementation.

Breaking the cycle of domestic violence requires a multifaceted approach. Legal reforms must explicitly recognize children as primary victims of domestic violence and enforce stricter penalties for perpetrators. Community-based interventions, involving local organizations and leaders, can establish safe spaces and support networks for affected families. Awareness campaigns should educate families about the long-term harm caused by domestic violence, fostering a culture of accountability and empathy. Equally important, accessible mental health services are essential to help children recover from the trauma of abuse. Schools can play a pivotal role by implementing programs that teach children about their rights and encourage open dialogue about abuse. Empowering children to speak out, coupled with robust support systems, can significantly mitigate the impact of domestic violence.

Children are the bedrock of any society, embodying its hopes and aspirations. Yet, for many in Nepal, the shadow of domestic violence dims their potential. The story of Maya and countless others underscores the urgency of acknowledging and addressing their suffering. By transforming policies and societal attitudes to create safe, nurturing environments, we can ensure that no child grows up shielded and scarred by the violence that once defined their home.

Akansha Karmacharya

BA LLB IVth Year

Kathmandu School of Law

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 19.56 points to close at 2,698.03 points on Sunday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 3.54 points to close at 453. 42 points.

A total 20,984,440-unit shares of 309 companies were traded for Rs 9. 47 billion.

Meanwhile, Wean Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (WNLB), Gurans Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (GLBSL), Nepal Finance Ltd. (NFS) and Janaki Finance Company Limited (JFL) were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Likewise, Nyadi Hydropower Limited (NYADI) was the top loser as its price fell by 10.00 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 47 trillion.

For those of us who love books and music (and quite frankly, who doesn’t?) it’s always a good idea to be surrounded by them. It will make us want to read more, discover new artists and music, and thus live an inspired life. In most homes, despite housing voracious readers and music aficionados, books and music take up good space but aren’t really a part of the decor. They are there as essentials. But these elements can be incorporated in different parts of your house to make your home feel lived in, cozy, and like an extension of your personality. Here’s a quick guide on how you can use books and music seamlessly around the house.

Books make great coffee table decor

Coffee table books make an artistic statement. Choose one (or a few) you like and make sure it has a striking cover and place it on your center table as a focal point. You can choose to use multiple books and create a little stack with a decor item or a wooden box on top to hide your remotes and controllers.

Display your cookbooks

Every house, where books are loved, is sure to have a few cookbooks. Dedicating a corner of the spice rack to these treasure troves of recipes or even just putting them near the chopping board on the counter works as a stunning and functional decor idea. They will look nice and you will be inspired to whip up delicious meals.

Get a simple sound system

There’s nothing better than having soothing music playing in the background as you work or when you have guests over. These days, thanks to smartphones, we rely on our phones and tablets to listen to music. While there is nothing wrong with that, a good sound system however, with speakers in multiple rooms, can change the vibe of your space.

A wall of vinyls or covers

These work well with book covers too but a wall especially dedicated to old records or their covers adds a lot of intrigue to a space. Create a gallery with your favorite records or if you are still playing them, use a single shelf to display the cover of the record you are currently listening to.

Use books as stands and risers

Under a vase or a favorite decor item or as something to elevate a photo frame, books as stands can be a great way to store books as well as create a stunning display. You can stack books on your nightstand, shelves, and countertops to prop up other things like lamps, candle stands, or even plants. It adds an interesting dimension to the display.

Leave a book open

A super easy way to decorate with books is to leave one open. Whether it be in the bedroom or the kitchen, leave a book open to your favorite page. It could be a photo book or a page with something that resonates with you. You can also use a bookstand in the kitchen to keep a cookbook open on your favorite recipe or the one you are thinking of replicating.

Musical instruments as functional pieces

If you have a drum set or a tabla lying around or if you know someone who does and who is ready to part with it (or you can even check out online second hand deals), then you can repurpose these into coffee or side tables. You could also display vintage musical instruments as decorative items. These days you can also make musical instruments inspired furniture items like dining tables or consoles.

Add a pop of color with books

Books can be used to add a pop of color to a monochrome setting. If your living room has a neutral tone like white, beige, or brown, choose to create a pile of books in a particular color like royal blue or orange to add a pop of color to it. Choose books where the colors of the spines match but ensure they are of different sizes.

Flutes make a playful display

You can get these for cheap anywhere in town and they make for a great table arrangement. They are usually not that large so they can fit anywhere without getting in the way. They are also symbolic as they are tied to spirituality and transformation in many cultures. In Hinduism, we associate it with Lord Krishna. Consider displaying it with some peacock feathers to give a nod to your heritage.

Frame your favorite poster or lyrics of a song

This is perhaps the most underrated but impactful way to incorporate your favorite music and pay homage to your favorite artist. Simply get a poster of a band or an artist you like and frame it to hang somewhere in the house. The larger the poster, the better. You can also print the lyrics of your favorite song and get that framed. 

President Ram Chandra Paudel has inquired about the health condition of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel and Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya who are undergoing treatment at the Burn Hospital in Kirtipur.

DPM Paudel and Mayor Acharya were injured when a hydrogen balloon exploded while inaugurating a program organized for the promotion of tourism in Pokhara on Saturday.

Both are being treated at the intensive care unit in the Burn Hospital.

Health Minister Pradeep Paudel, Health Secretary Dr Roshan Pokharel and Director of the Hospital Dr Kiran Kishor Nakarmi, along with the doctors involved in his treatment, briefed the President about the health condition of DPM and Mayor.

Dr Nakarmi shared that though the health condition of Paudel and Acharya is becoming normal, they should be kept under the supervision of doctors for some time.

He further emphasized that the hospital should be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technology for the treatment of burns.

A Nepal Police Sub-Inspector Dhanraj Khatiwada was found dead at Bhadrapur-based District Police Office, Jhapa.

Khatiwada (49) of Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality-4, Bhojpur and currently residing at Kanepokhari Rural Municipality-7, Morang was found hanging from a ladder of the office.

Acting Information Officer and Inspector Bijay Chauhan of the police office informed that Khatiwada was found hanging in the police barrack this morning.

The cause behind his death is yet to be established.

The body has been sent to the Provincial Hospital in Bhadrapur for postmortem.

The death toll in a cooking gas cylinder explosion that occurred at a Kamalpokhari-based eatery has climbed to four.

According to the Spokesperson for the District Range Kathmandu and Superintendent of Police, Apil Raj Bohora, the latest victim is Chhiring Lama (25) of Dhunkharka, Bethanchok Rural Municipality, Kavre. He was temporarily residing in Kamalpokhari.

He succumbed to burn injuries last night.

Others seven injured in the incident that took place on February 5 are undergoinh treatment. 

Other deceased in the incident are Pradip Tamang (22) of Udayapurgadhi-7,  Udaypur, Rabin Rai (18) of Manahari Rural Municipality-5, Makawanpur, and Bhim Bahadur Ghale of Galtar of Katari Municipality-8, Udayapur.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 2,700 per tola (11.66 grams) in the domestic market on Sunday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 167,500 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 170,200 per tola on Friday.

Similarly, the price of silver has dropped by Rs 15 per tola and is being traded at Rs 1, 955 per tola.