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“Time is the music and death is the applause in the dance of life. The beauty of our existence is defined by the way we move to the pulse.”

In this stage of life as mysterious as it seems, the perspective of time itself is bizarre. What is time? What we know about it is it started somewhere in the past (probably when you were born: at least for you this definition is true). But we can no longer describe anything on this day in such a generalized and isolated way. So, what actually is it? Even if it has no tangible effect, you can still feel its impact and it somehow propels you on, whether you like it or not. You were born 18 years ago and not probably 16 million kilometers in the past. We plan our whole life with respect to time which is like an object that is fixed with space and we are moving along it like a passenger taking a ride in a bus. Join me as we embark on three different perspectives on time, unraveling the complexities of time and savoring the moments it unfolds.

The typical frame of reference: What do you think time is? Objectively, time is the space between two events. You woke up, had a cup of tea. The very space between these two events is time. It could be five minutes or 30 minutes or an hour. But what may be an objective event for you may not hold the same significance for me. I could still be sleeping. We can see that time is a subjective experience and is not the same for everybody. Our calendar lies to us by showing only one Saturday, but there are as many Saturdays as there are humans on this planet. You could be scrolling TikTok on a Friday night, but I might be in a business meeting. So where are these observations leading us to? 

Time is relative and doesn’t progress linearly for everybody. On one hand, when you are in a state of flow—a state of focus and enjoyment— time flies. On the other hand, when we are very bored, either it is the event of going to school or daily reading, time moves very slowly for us. The pause in your watch does not halt the progression of time. This simplicity may not endure in the exploration of the remaining two perspectives.

The religious frame of reference: What mask could religion and monks possibly take off from the face of time that occupies a whole new section in this article, what is time? It is the space between two thoughts. Some Eastern philosophies, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, view time as cyclical rather than linear. The cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth (reincarnation) is seen as an eternal recurrence until spiritual enlightenment is achieved. It is common for monotheistic religions like Judaism, Islam, and Christianity to view time as a component of a divine design. It is believed that everything happens in accordance with God's plan, and that time passes linearly and leads to a preset destination that is frequently connected to ideas like salvation, judgment, or the afterlife. Religiously, time is viewed as an eternal illusion, a concept that accompanies us from birth to the tranquil embrace of death. 

The scientific frame of reference (Thanks for giving your precious time and question again): “What is time?” To answer this let’s imagine from the beginning with another question: “Did the universe have a beginning or it existed forever?” If it didn’t have one, then there would be an infinite period of time before any event and titling it like that would be absurd, right? Should there be any beginning? But why should time itself begin at one particular time?

We can relate time with the beginning of the universe or before the beginning of the universe as there may arise two sides where one could account on the theory that universe had existed forever or on the theory that it was set in motion at some finite time in such a manner as to look as though it had existed forever. Here we enter into the realm of scientific understanding of time apart from different theories of the beginning of the universe from this one discovery. But before we know about that discovery why on earth do we need to know about the universe in this very article about time. Here comes Einstein to defend my article by his theory of relativity where he relates time with space considering time to be the fourth dimension.

Being a three-dimensional creature, while it may be hard to imagine the fourth direction apart from the three-dimensional space which we can easily perceive, there is some evidence however which supports the idea of the existence of the fourth dimension and we are moving along it right now. Einstein proposed that space and time are interconnected, connecting the fourth dimension much like the three spatial axes. Without time our three-dimensional space wouldn’t move; it would rather be in one state at its time which allows us to move in it. This proves the importance of time even if we cannot see it (being out of our realm). But why can’t we see it?

Many objects are obscure to us, not because our perception is poor, but simply because these objects are outside of the realm of our conception. Let us consider that we three-dimensional beings are packed in a two-dimensional plane and the third plane being time. Now move that two-dimensional person upward in the plane of time considering that direction to be future and leftover direction to be past so the higher up our two-dimensional person gets, the older he becomes. This feels like our daily life. There is like a magical constant force that is pushing us towards that dimension at some constant rate and we sadly can’t control it. It may be misleading to say we cannot control the rate of time flow in our life because Einstein allowed us in his special relativity postulate equations to move slower with time as we move faster in space. Well, that’s the gossip for another article.

All of these ideas that we are drawing about time and space are by assuming we are rational beings who are free to observe the universe as we want and draw logical deductions from what we see. Time is the most unknown of all unknown things. Time is like an arrow which moves forward piercing the space and heart of a physicist, trailing away a fundamental question: “Try to understand me, if you can!”

Kiran Paudyal

Grade XII

Trinity International College, Dillibazar

Himalaya Airlines, a joint venture between Nepal and China, inaugurated the Kathmandu-Shanghai-Kathmandu flight on December 2. The first outbound flight, H9 780, departed from Tribhuvan International Airport at 09:50 hours (local time) and reached Shanghai Pudong International Airport, at 16:31 hours (local time), with a flight duration of 4 hours and 7 minutes. A total of 137 passengers along with an infant boarded the first flight.

The inaugural flight event was graced by the Xie Yu, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the People’s Republic of China to Nepal as the chief guest along with Pratap Babu Tiwari, General Manager, Tribhuvan International Airport and with other dignitaries.Initially operating weekly flights on every Saturday effective December 02, 2023, the service will be increased to twice a week, on every Saturdays and Wednesdays, starting from December 20, 2023.

This historic event marked a significant milestone in Himalaya Airlines’ commitment to enhancing connectivity and promoting bilateral ties between Nepal and China, states the press release issued by the airline company. The new Kathmandu-Shanghai-Kathmandu route will offer passengers seamless travel options between the capital city of Nepal and the central coastal city of China, known for the country’s biggest city and a global financial hub. This direct link between the cities reflects Himalaya Airlines’ dedication in providing convenient, safe, and efficient travel, states the press release.

Vijay Shrestha, Vice-President of Himalaya Airlines said, “The longstanding aviation history shared by Nepal and China, spanning two decades since China initiated its inaugural passenger flights to Nepal. Over this extensive period, China has emerged as the leading contributor of airlines serving Nepal, with a total of six airlines from China operating alongside Himalaya Airlines.”

Tiwari congratulated Himalaya Airlines for the inaugural flight to Shanghai. “It is truly an exciting milestone for the airline and the airline’s commitment in providing outstanding service connecting passengers with new and diverse experience.” Tiwari wished the airlines all the success to spread their wings to new horizons and create more opportunities for travel and attract more Chinese Tourist to Nepal, connecting ties and relationship between the two nations. 

USAID in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Population has launched the Global Health Security Program, a strategic partnership to strengthen Nepal’s capacity to prevent, detect, and rapidly respond to emerging infectious diseases. The program will be implemented through one health, a collaborative trans-disciplinary approach that recognizes the interdependence among the health ecosystem, wildlife and domestic animals, and humans.   

This partnership will advance US efforts to strengthen technical capacities in 50 countries by 2025 as part of the Biden Administration’s goal to strengthen health security and pandemic preparedness globally, USAID said in a press statement. The Covid-19 pandemic was a strong reminder of the harm that an emerging zoonotic pathogen can have on human health and global economies, the statement says, the pandemic also showed us where and how our global health systems need to improve to better identify and contain health threats and fully realize global health security.

Speaking at the launch event in Kathmandu, USAID’s Assistant Administrator for Bureau of Asia, Michael Schiffer said, “This program marks a significant step forward in ensuring the health and security of the Nepali population and reflects USAID’s ongoing commitment to global health and pandemic preparedness.” 

Similarly, USAID and the Government of Nepal jointly launched a new activity—Feed the Future Nepal USAID Agricultural Inputs. With up to $24.5m in funding, this activity will work to streamline access to agricultural inputs and contribute to the overall agricultural development of the country.  The five-year activity will focus on four critical agricultural inputs—seed, fertilizer, irrigation, and agricultural mechanization—in 16 districts from the Sudurpaschim, Karnali, Lumbini, Bagmati, and Madhes provinces.

Mukam Ranamaidan

Mohan Mainali

History

Journalist and writer Mohan Mainali, who travels around the country and writes about the people he meets, has this time written about the fierce battle between Nepal and the British 209 years ago. For this, he has relied on the statements of people who fought, experienced, and witnessed that battle. He relies only on the wisdom of the people who hear and know things. He has not written accounts narrated by those who spoil the facts by getting carried away by emotions.

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop

Satoshi Yagisawa

Contemporary

When 25-year-old Takako’s boyfriend reveals he’s marrying someone else, she reluctantly accepts her eccentric uncle Satoru’s offer to live rent-free in the tiny room above his shop.

Hidden in Jimbocho, Tokyo, the Morisaki Bookshop is a booklover’s paradise. On a quiet corner in an old wooden building, the shop is filled with hundreds of second-hand books. It’s Satoru’s pride and joy, and he has devoted his life to the bookshop since his wife left him five years earlier. Hoping to nurse her broken heart in peace, Takako is surprised to encounter new worlds within the stacks of books lining the shop. As summer fades to autumn, Satoru and Takako discover they have more in common than they first thought. The Morisaki bookshop has something to teach them both about life, love, and the healing power of books.

The Compound Effect

Darren Hardy

Business/Self-help

This book reveals the core principles that drive success and presents the fundamental principles that have guided the most phenomenal successes in business, relationships, and beyond. This is an easy-to-use, step-by-step, no gimmicks, no hyperbole, no magic bullet operating system that allows you to multiply your success, chart your progress, and achieve anything you desire. It’s based on the principle that decisions shape your destiny and how little, everyday decisions will, by default, either take you to the life you desire or to disaster. If you’re serious about living an extraordinary life, use the power of The Compound Effect to create the success you want. This book will teach you how to win every time, eradicate your bad habits, and how to get yourself to do things you don’t feel like doing. 

All these titles and more are available at Bookverse, Civil Mall, 4th floor, Sundhara, Kathmandu.

You will get 10% off when you buy four or more books and 15% off on Nepali books.

We all want our homes to look beautiful and stylish. But we might not always have the time or the resources to opt for a complete makeover. Figuring out how to spruce up your home can sometimes be overwhelming. If your home is due a makeover, we are here to break things down for you. Focus on one area at a time. Details matter when doing up a home. Even if it’s wallpapering an area to give it a facelift or adding throw pillows on the couch, little things, done tastefully, can over time elevate your space. Here is a list of some great ideas that can get the ball rolling.

Use throw pillows

Adding some throw pillows or cushions can instantly change the mood of a space, making it feel more relaxed. Try playing with different colors and patterns. Whenever you get bored, you can simply swap the pillows or use different covers and change the look and feel of a space. Choose soft-to-touch fabrics like velvet if you want a classy touch.

Create a bar

It doesn’t have to be elaborate and lavish. A small table with a couple of bottles of good liquor or wine and a few glasses with a small decorative item or a flower vase can serve as an area of interest in your living room. Or you can also repurpose an old cabinet to create a proper bar area.

Add a floating shelf

Not only do floating shelves look great but they are easily one of the best home decor ideas that create more space on your walls and serve as easy ways to display your favorite things. Find a spot that could use one and create a small art and books gallery wall. You can rotate the items on display to change things up.

Decorate your coffee table

The coffee table is generally the focus of your living space. It’s, after all, mostly placed at the center of the seating area. So do it up and make it pretty. Use a table runner or a pretty tray and decorate it with books, vases, and flowers to give it a Pinterest-worthy look. Play around with scale for a great visual effect. Like throw pillows, you can occasionally change the items to refresh the look.

Wallpaper a small space

You don’t have to wallpaper an entire room. Just a small wall or a corner will do. There are many patterns and prints available these days so you can pick one to match your style. It’s fast, easy, and makes a world of difference. Go for just a hint of shine with a semi-gloss or luster sheen to keep it classy.

Hang art

You don’t have to go out and buy art. You can simply frame some of your favorite pictures or postcards from your travels and display them on your walls. Buy some matching, sleek frames and create a gallery wall that will make you smile while adding a nice personal touch to your space. For a cohesive look, choose frames that work together. Picking two or three colors like black and gold or silver and white will help the display look coordinated.

Bring in the old

We tend to toss out the old and bring in new stuff but antique pieces can be great conversation starters. A black and white portrait of your grandparents, that vinyl record player that has been gathering dust in your parent’s store room, or the old teapot set—sometimes adding an old item into your space can make it charming. Just make sure it means something to you.

Switch out a light fixture

Light fixtures are often referred to as the ‘jewelry’ of a home. They can add a wow factor in the most serious of spaces. Wicker shades are in trend. Paper lampshades, especially large round or oval ones, can work beautifully in small spaces. Alternatively, you can also add a floor lamp to a room to give it a regal touch.

Move things around

Sometimes the easiest way to spruce up your space is to just move things around the house. You don’t have to buy anything new. Change the placements of the things you already have. It doesn’t sound like much but it works wonders in making a space look and feel different. Try it, you will be surprised.

Pick pretty towels

There might not be much you can do to revamp a bathroom on a low-budget but pretty towels or an area rug under the sink can work their magic. Ditch boring towels in favor of interestingly patterned ones. Add a small jute rug under the sink and top it with a pair of lush bathroom slippers for a relaxed feel to the space.

Keep your space clean

Follow the rule of threes (objects look best when organized in odd numbers, especially threes) and leave a generous amount of white space on your walls and surfaces. When it comes to looking elegant, less is always more. File paperwork out of sight, stow away cables when not in use, find a home for everything, and get rid of clutter.

Is it a common experience for individuals to undergo negative emotions in a relationship when apart from their partner, potentially influenced by past relationship issues? Furthermore, can feelings of insecurity and overthinking, stemming from past relationships, contribute to arguments with one’s current partner?

Answered by Rishav Koirala, researcher and physiatrist 

Occasional occurrence of negative emotions when separated from one’s partner may be a common feeling in many people.  But when it’s associated with overthinking even small things leading to anger and argument, we have to explore psychosocial issues.

Everyone’s current experience is influenced by past experiences and in a few it may lead to imprinted emotions which might have a negative influence on current situations. The first step to deal with it is by engaging in a thoughtful exploration of these emotions by yourself. Start by reflecting on the specific aspects of your past relationship that might be impacting your current one. Identify any negative experiences or unresolved issues that could be contributing to these feelings. Self-reflection can be a valuable first step in understanding the root causes of your emotional responses.

Following self-reflection, consider addressing these identified issues. Open communication with your current partner is key. Sharing your concerns and feelings fosters understanding and support. Be transparent about the impact of your past experiences and work together to create an environment of trust. Discussing these matters openly can contribute to a healthier and more empathetic connection.

Recognize the potential role of personality traits, such as attachment styles, in influencing your emotional responses. Individuals with anxious attachment styles, for instance, may experience heightened concerns about separation. Another aspect could be Borderline Personality Traits that have a substantial impact on the relationship of the sufferer. Insecurity, increased emotional sensitivity, and impulsive behaviors may lead to arguments and relationship issues if one has these traits.

Understanding these traits, both in yourself and your partner, provides valuable insights into the dynamics of your relationship. If your past relationships have had a big impact on you, it might have led to anxiety issues. People with anxiety issues tend to misinterpret things and have negative thoughts that can lead to negative emotions such as anger and irritability. This might also be one of the reasons why you jump into arguments by overthinking minor things.

If you are not able to resolve the issues by yourself or with the help of your partner, seeking the guidance of a mental health professional is highly advisable. They can help you to delve deeper into these emotional complexities and develop effective coping strategies. A psychiatrist or therapist can assist in identifying and addressing specific concerns related to your past experiences, attachment styles, and any anxiety you might be experiencing. This professional support can contribute to personal and relational growth, providing tools to manage and overcome these challenges. Simple modalities such as meditation, and relaxing exercises such as yoga can also help you achieve these goals to some extent.

Birth: March 14, 1942

Death: November 19, 2023

Krishna Bikram Nembang, who spearheaded an armed revolution against the 1960 royal coup, has died. He was 82. 

At the heart of the tumultuous events of December 1960, Nembang, then studying in Darjeeling, stood against King Mahendra's coup and protested the incarceration of Nepali Congress leader BP Koirala. After returning to Nepal, he became an unwavering force, writing leaflets to enlighten the public about the injustices and advocating passionately for democracy.

Born in Panchthar district, Nembang was involved in politics from his school days. During his teens, he had stood up against the Rana regime.

Though a committed member of the Nepali Congress, Nembang chose a life of service over power. He made his name as a historian and researcher. He used to say that he had lived three lives: of a student, a revolutionary and a historian.

He penned his experience and the situation of the 1960 revolution in his book ‘Satra Saalko Krantiko Samjhana,’ vividly detailing how the revolutionary fighters under his leadership confiscated the weapons from the police who were traveling via the Sukiya jungle. He also wrote about the culture and history of the Kirat people.

Nembang also possessed an extensive knowledge on human development, social development and geography. His writings delved into the depths of history, exploring Indus and Ganges civilizations, and offering detailed insights into Rigveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda, and Samaveda.

His notable literary works include ‘Diaryma Belayat,’ ‘Aakshep ra Pathak Pratikriya,’ ‘Smiritima BP Andolan,’ and ‘Limbu Itihas: Tibatti, Lepcha, Koch, Sen ra Roy Sambandha.’

Writer Hari Gautam aptly remembers Nembang as a man of morals, a practitioner of non-violence, and a devoted soul who found his life and happiness in the Nepali Congress. For the past decade, he embraced a hermit's life, devoid of anger or hatred.

Nembang breathed his last at the Nepal Cancer Hospital on November 19.

Survived by three sons and four daughters, Nembang's legacy extends beyond the pages of history.

Seven years after the first Constituent Assembly election, Nepal promulgated a new constitution in 2015, formally transitioning the nation into a republican federal state. This significant milestone could be achieved only by reaching a compromise among major political actors. The major political parties demonstrated considerable flexibility in their party positions to reach a consensus on contentious issues of the constitution. While all parties had reservations about the constitution, there was a sort of realization that a constitution dominated by a single party was untenable within the existing political landscape. Nevertheless, Madhes-based parties initially refrained from taking ownership of the constitution stating that their demands were not addressed. 

Later, after the first amendment in the constitution, Madhes-based parties too, in a way, took the ownership by participating in elections under the new constitutional framework and also joined the government. Despite some shortcomings, the international community has commended Nepal's constitution, hailing it as one of the most progressive in South Asia. Notably, in terms of securing the inclusion of women and marginalized communities, the 2015 constitution surpasses those of many advanced democratic nations.Of late, the constitution is facing increasing attacks,  primarily from royalist and Hindu fundamentalist forces. These forces, who are unhappy with the removal of monarchy, want to revive the constitution of 1990. Despite the promulgation of a good constitution, major political parties have faltered in delivering good governance and initiating the long-awaited journey toward economic prosperity. Similarly, the major parties have failed to ensure government stability and they seem reluctant to mend their ways. This has created a deep frustration among the populace toward these parties. And some regressive forces are trying to exploit this discontent to advance their agenda, trying to portray the 2015 constitution in a bad light.

It is imperative for major political parties to rectify their course. The emergence of new political entities in national elections and the increasing public dissent should serve as a wake-up call for the political parties. Any flaws in the 2015 constitution can be addressed by reaching consensus among political parties. However, its fundamental tenets such as secularism, federalism, and inclusion should remain intact, at least for now. Attempts to alter these foundational principles  would be like opening Pandora's Box and pushing the country into another cycle of conflict and instability. All parties that played pivotal roles in drafting the 2015 constitution must unite once again to protect the constitution. If the 2015 constitution is dismantled, it is not sure the new constitution will be drafted and that it will be a better replacement. Therefore, now is the time to stand up in favor of the 2015 constitution. Reversing the current course is not a solution to our current ills.