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In ‘Sex, Desire, and Taboo in South Asia: Religion, Culture of Ability, and Patriarchy,’ the author Dr Tulasi Acharya delves into the complex interplay of sexuality, societal norms, and religious doctrine that shape the sexual taboos in South Asia, especially Nepal and India. 

With a profound academic understanding, the book explores how historical shifts—particularly the rise of patriarchy and the evolution of religious perspectives—have led to a societal repression of sexuality, despite South Asia’s rich heritage of erotic art and literature.

The author offers a fascinating juxtaposition between the open depiction of sexuality in religious art—such as the vivid erotic sculptures found in temples—and the conservative societal attitudes that repress discussions of sex. This paradox, which has perplexed many scholars and travelers, is tackled with precision. The book explains that historically, South Asian societies were more open to discussions of sex and desire. However, over time, as patriarchal structures tightened their grip on women’s bodies and sexuality, these open expressions were overshadowed by moral and religious frameworks that associated sex with immorality and family dishonor.

The text emphasizes that, in contrast to European traditions where sexual taboos also exist but with a different societal framework, South Asian cultures have a more pronounced disconnect between public restraint and private religious expression. Temples, art, and ancient texts like the Kamasutra celebrate eroticism as a part of human life. But this stands in stark contrast to how sex is perceived in daily life. The author identifies this cultural schizophrenia as a product of both religious reinterpretation and patriarchal control, particularly the imposition of rigid gender roles and the regulation of women’s sexual freedom.

The book also discusses how these sexual taboos evolved. The author suggests that these shifts didn’t stem from economic or capitalist pursuits but rather from patriarchal norms that emerged and became institutionalized over centuries. This transformation is further compounded by religious interpretations that often serve to reinforce male power dynamics. As a result, sex became not a natural part of human existence to be explored and celebrated, but something to be controlled, particularly in relation to women and marginalized groups.

What makes the book particularly compelling is its exploration of the intersections of gender, religion, and power. The author provides a nuanced critique of both religious and secular texts, suggesting that while religion offers powerful narratives that could empower women (such as the reverence of goddesses like Kali and Durga), the dominant religious narratives overwhelmingly reflect male-centric values. 

By drawing on feminist scholars like Gayatri Spivak and exploring local subaltern perspectives, the author offers a refreshing and insightful critique of how patriarchal structures have influenced the perception and regulation of sexuality, despite Foucault’s sexual theory which helps understand the discourse of sex.

The book proposes that the key to breaking these taboos lies in education. A recurrent theme is the necessity for improved sexual education and awareness, especially in South Asia, where societal conditioning often stifles discussions about sex. The author argues that a better understanding of sexuality, its significance for human pleasure, and its role in society could lead to a more informed, tolerant, and accepting approach to sex, even within the religious contexts that traditionally promote its repression.

Despite these enlightening arguments, one question that lingers is whether the shift away from taboo and repression can truly happen within the religious framework itself or if it would require a broader secular movement to challenge these deeply ingrained norms. While the author doesn’t claim to have a definitive answer, he emphasizes that change will likely need to start from the grassroots—beginning with schools and educational systems that promote open discussion and understanding of sexuality. Only then, the author suggests, can South Asia move toward a future where sexual freedom and expression are no longer deemed taboo.

Sex, Desire, and Taboo in South Asia is a provocative and timely contribution to the ongoing discourse about sexuality, power, and culture in the region. It challenges readers to rethink the complex relationship between religion, culture, and patriarchal structures, offering new insights into how societal change may be achieved through education and greater awareness. 

Ecological well-being performance (EWP) is gaining power in an era where environmental sustainability is more important than ever. This novel metric is revolutionizing our understanding of the state of our ecosystems and the effects of human activity on the environment. By combining community feedback and scientific data, EWP seeks to present a comprehensive picture of ecological health and produce insights that may be used to inform resource management and policy decisions. Gaining an understanding of and improving upon EWP has become crucial as governments, corporations and communities work toward sustainable development.

The majority of material, people, transportation and information flows produced by urban activities “are carried by infrastructure. Renowned primatologist and environmentalist Jane Goodall asserts that our health is inextricably linked to the health of the planet.” EWP provides a means of measuring this connection and directing us toward more environment-friendly behaviors. Ecological weighting (EWP) is a comprehensive metric used to assess the sustainability and health of ecosystems. Economist Jeffrey Sachs states that “creative approaches to development that respect and enhance natural systems are necessary to achieve high EWP scores.” Although a major obstacle still remains in striking a balance between ecological protection and economic development. According to a recent study of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), areas with higher EWP ratings typically have more resilient ecosystems that can support a variety of species as well as human populations. 

Using metrics from the HDI, which are regarded as globally authoritative, proved more persuasive when calculating the output of residential well-being. Even China’s most developed areas such as Guangdong, Shanghai and Beijing did not have the best EWP values. In the context of Nepal, this situation cannot even be imagined. It is not impossible if the politics of Nepal will be stable and the government will think about this aspect during the overall development and make that dream come true. It will definitely take a few years (decades even), it will be possible, otherwise we as citizens should wake up. Sometimes we have to know the way to the village that we never go to. So together, the six ecological input categories offer a thorough knowledge of human consumption trends and the effects they have on the ecosystem.

EWP is measured by employing a collection of metrics to evaluate the sustainability and overall health of ecosystems. These indicators shed light on a number of environmental factors, including pollution levels, resource usage and biodiversity. Here are some important metrics that are frequently used to assess EWP, along with explanation:

Biodiversity: It is the variety of life on Earth, including species diversity, genetic variation and ecosystems. It supports ecosystem resilience, provides essential services and is crucial for maintaining the health of the planet. Purvis, A, & Hector, A concluded that high species richness indicates a healthy, resilient ecosystem.

Habitat quality: Foley, J A, DeFries, R, Asner, G P, et al. stated that a decrease in natural habitat area signifies ecological degradation, the partition of ecosystems into separate, smaller areas. ‘Fragmented habitats support fewer species and are more vulnerable to environmental changes’, Haddad et al. wrote in their research article. 

Water quality: This actually means concentrations of nutrients in water bodies, according to Smith, V H, Tilman, G D, & Nekola, J C. Excess nutrients can lead to eutrophication, harming aquatic life. Also note what Bilotta & Brazier’s have to say: high turbidity can indicate pollution and poor water quality.

Air quality: The concentration of air pollutants such as PM2.5, NO2 and SO2 refers to the levels of these harmful substances in the air. Kampa, M, & Castanas, E also noted that poor air quality affects both human health and ecological well-being.

Soil health: The amount of organic material in soil, known as Soil Organic Matter (SOM), is crucial for maintaining soil fertility and supporting ecosystem productivity. This is the conclusion of Lal R. Per Pimentel D, the rate at which soil is lost due to wind or water, known as soil erosion, is a key indicator of land degradation and reduced soil quality.

Resource use: According to Foley, J A, Ramankutty, N, Brauman, K A. et al, the amount of water used per unit of agricultural or industrial output is a critical measure, with efficient water use indicating sustainable resource management.

Energy consumption: Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, essential for ecosystem health, resilience and providing crucial services like pollination, climate regulation and resources.

Waste management: Karak, T, Bhagat, R M, & Bhattacharyya, P argued that a high proportion of waste being recycled minimizes landfill usage and reduces the need for resource extraction.

Waste generation: In Hoornweg & Bhada-Tata’s opinion, lower per capita waste generation reflects efficient resource use and promotes sustainable consumption patterns.

Conclusion: The State of the Environment Performance is a guiding concept for a sustainable future rather than just a measurement. EWP gives us the ability to make decisions that are beneficial to the environment and people by offering a holistic perspective on ecological health. Adopting EWP can ensure that our choices result in a resilient and prosperous world for future generations, even as environmental problems continue.

The author is president of Forum of Development Journalists’ (FoDeJ), Nepal. Views are personal

Development discourse

Everyone aspires to live a happier and more fulfilling life. Physical, financial, social, cultural, spiritual needs, among others, should be met to achieve these goals. One of the main bases for measuring how developed a country is the quality of life (QoL) of its citizens. But, QoL is complex and encompasses a range of factors, such as personal well-being, health, education, environment, and economic stability. Actually, a person’s physical, mental and spiritual well-being, relationships, education, employment status, social standing, money, sense of security and safety, freedom, decision-making autonomy, social belonging, and physical surroundings are all common aspects of quality of life.

The elements impacting QoL change as societies do, thus it's critical to continuously evaluate and redefine what a good life is. 

According to Charles Kennedy, ‘Quality of life actually begins at home—it’s in your street, around your community’. It is essential to consider the state of the human development index in order to live a quality life. Education, health, employment, per capita income and average income are some of the indicators of the quality of life. The human development index is based on similar factors, such as the satisfaction of fundamental needs and the dependability of security. “The reason I exercise is for the quality of life I enjoy” is the voice of Kenneth H Cooper. In this way, if a citizen starts living happily, he will definitely become creative. This is why the country will not be built until the citizens become creative.

This article delves into the key elements of quality of life, examining recent trends and the current state of affairs globally, 

Physical and mental welfare

Health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a condition of whole physical, mental, and social well-being as opposed to only the absence of sickness. A person’s capacity to lead a satisfying life is directly impacted by their state of health, which is the foundation of quality life. Additionally, mental health is being acknowledged as a vital aspect of quality of life.

Learning and lifelong acquiring

Education is essential for both sustainable development and the fight against poverty, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Why? Because education is a powerful driver of QoL that opens the door for better job opportunities, enhancing social mobility, and fostering personal growth. The brilliant light of education is a vital component for each and every person as well as family. This enables someone to act honorably, sensibly, and well. It contributes to raising families’ and individuals’ standards of living. In today’s world of rapid change, acquiring new skills, adjusting to a changing job market and engaging in lifelong learning are becoming increasingly crucial.

Employment and economic stability

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), high unemployment rates have a negative effect on QoL, since it can cause stress on one's finances, social isolation and worsen mental health. The key factors influencing QoL are employment security and economic stability. Even if there is a key factor, in the context of Nepal, due to the Covid-19 and the subsequent global economic recession, this problem is especially affecting the youth. However, the government has not taken any concrete initiative. Having a steady income makes it possible for people to pay for needs like housing, healthcare and education, which enhances their quality of life overall.

Quality of environment

Leo Tolstoy states, “One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between man and nature shall not be broken.” 

The environment plays a significant role in shaping QoL. Greenery, fresh air and water are beneficial for both mental and physical wellness. Climate change and environmental degradation pose serious dangers to quality of life, affecting communities all over the world through pollution, bad weather and biodiversity loss. Maintaining a good standard of living for future generations requires sustainable development and environmental preservation.

Social networks and community

One of the longest-running studies on happiness, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, discovered that strong relationships play a critical role in preserving one's physical and emotional well-being throughout life. A sense of belonging and involvement in community events support both social well-being and individual fulfillment. Strong, enduring bonds with friends and family boost life satisfaction and offer emotional support. Within a community, social trust and relationship networks promote collaboration and assistance among members.

In the case of Nepal, untouchability, blind faith and several other unscientific practices are destroying people’s quality of life. Beliefs that harm girls’ self-esteem and character development include elevating boys above other family members, viewing powerful families as having many sons, and claiming that if you don't have a son, you won’t enter paradise. In the same vein, celebrations that involve heavy drinking, feasting, dowries, witchcraft, etc, lower the standard of living. A regular supply of nutritious and balanced food is essential for a quality life.

According to the 2023-24 report titled ‘Ending the Deadlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarized World’ published by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Nepal’s Human Development Index (HDI) value has reached 0.601. Nepal stands in 146th position out of 193 countries covered against 149th position in 2021. Nepal’s HDI has increased by 0.010 since 2021. which is greater than the 0.004 global average index. Nepal falls in the medium human development category. A human development index value in the range of 0.550-0.699 is classified as being in the medium category. The research indicates that Nepal’s gross national income (GNI) per capita has varied by approximately 165.7 percent between 1990 and 2022.

“The Nepal Human Development Report 2020: Beyond Graduation: Productive Transformation and Prosperity” comes in the context of the upcoming graduation of Nepal from the least developed country category. Nepal has been committed to attaining a smooth, sustainable, meaningful and irreversible graduation, recognizing that for more inclusive development, it is important to look beyond the economic yardsticks and toward more ingrained social and environmental factors of development,” Prof Puspa Raj Kadel, former vice-chair, National Planning Commission, wrote at Nepal Human Development Report 2020. According to a UNDP report, nine out of every 10 citizens around the world support democracy. More than half of the people surveyed said they had no or limited control over their lives. Prof Kadel said that the contradictions that have appeared in global democracy are hindering collective action.

Conclusion

The concept of quality of life is a complex, dynamic concept, shaped by a multitude of interconnected elements. An individual’s well-being is greatly influenced by their social networks, schooling, health, and environmental conditions. Reducing inequalities and guaranteeing that everyone has the chance to live happy, healthy and successful lives are critical as societies develop further. 

Moshe Feldenkrais says, “Movement is life. Life is a process. Improve the quality of the process and you improve the quality of life itself.” 

Let’s wrap up this quote with another quote from Feldenkrais: Improve the quality of the process and you improve the quality of life itself.

“Every good citizen adds to the strength of a nation.” - Gordon B Hinckley

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

Numerous citizen science initiatives have already proven to have the ability to promote sustainable development. Thousands of volunteers participate in the UK’s annual Big Butterfly Count to track butterfly numbers. This information has proven crucial in formulating conservation measures and evaluating the state of the environment. Similar to this, volunteers are recruited by the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) in the United States to track marine bird populations and beach litter. Understanding and reducing the effects of marine pollution and climate change on coastal ecosystems has been made possible, thanks in large part to the information collected thus.

Often working in tandem with professional scientists, citizen science involves the general population in scientific research and data collection. As it involves communities in the management and observation of environmental resources, raises awareness and participates in policy formation, it can be extremely important for sustainable development. The goal of Citizen Scientific is to break through the conventional silos of ‘public’ and ‘science’. Therefore, consideration is given to both the ‘public understanding of science’ and the ‘scientific understanding of the public’. 

Technology and science have a significant role in our daily lives. They aid in organizing our interpersonal and professional interactions. They present fresh opportunities as well as fresh risks.

The concept and roots of the term ‘citizen science’ are not the same. In the mid-1990s, Rick Bonney from the United States and Alan Irwin from the United Kingdom independently described it for the first time. “Developing concepts of scientific citizenship which foregrounds the necessity of opening up science and science policy processes to the public” is how British sociologist Alan Irwin describes citizen science. Irwin aimed to recapture two aspects of the citizen-science relationship: 1) Science should be receptive to public wants and concerns, and 2) Citizens themselves should be able to generate credible scientific information. Citizen science has proliferated in the last decade, becoming a critical form of public engagement in science and an increasingly important research tool for the study of large-scale patterns in nature. 

Although citizen science is already interdisciplinary, it has untapped potential to build capacity for transformative research on coupled human and natural systems. They draw a conclusion as new tools have begun to collect paired ecological and social data from the same individual; this allows for detailed examination of feedback at the level of individuals and potentially provides much-needed data for agent-based modeling.

Anne Toomey concludes in an 2011 article titled ‘How citizen science will save the planet’: “If we look deeper into the meanings of science and citizenship, we realize that encouraging non-experts to participate in the building of knowledge about how our world works may have profound implications for the way we, as a global community, will relate to our natural environment”. But this writer has linked citizen science to overall development in this article, and has tried to explore the involvement of citizen science in sustainable development. Perhaps the slogan ‘Save the Planet’ is also a reflection of sustainable development.

Citizen science contributes to sustainable development in several ways, including environmental monitoring, resource management, public awareness and education, disaster response and preparedness, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation and policy influence. Data on local environmental conditions, including biodiversity, air and water quality, and the effects of climate change, can be gathered by citizen scientists. This information supports conservation efforts by tracking changes over time. Natural resource management, including the management of forests, waterways and agricultural land, can involve communities. They can guarantee sustainable use and stop overexploitation by keeping an eye on these resources.

Projects involving citizen science increase public knowledge of sustainability and environmental challenges. In order to promote an informed and involved public, participants learn about scientific methodologies and the significance of data in decision-making. By contributing real-time data during natural catastrophes like floods, earthquakes, or wildfires, citizen scientists can support disaster response efforts. Effective response and recovery operations require the knowledge of this information. Monitoring species and habitats is a useful tool for tracking biodiversity and identifying regions that require conservation. Maintaining ecosystems and the services they offer requires doing this. By monitoring changes in local ecosystems, tracking weather trends and taking part in carbon-reduction campaigns, citizen scientists can make significant contributions to the field of climate change research.

The greatest achievement of citizen science is policy influence. This is because local, national and international policy can be influenced by the data gathered by citizen scientists. Governments and organizations may prioritize sustainability projects and give evidence for policy changes with the use of dependable, large-scale data sets. By enabling people to actively participate in scientific research and environmental stewardship, citizen science has the potential to make a significant contribution to sustainable development. In the future, citizen research will need to be included into formal scientific frameworks and policy-making procedures. Institutions and governments need to appreciate citizen-generated data and use it in their decision-making procedures.

‘Citizen science’ refers to a broad range of activities where people produce scientific knowledge outside of traditional scientific institutions. From mapping natural phenomena to analyzing scientific data, sharing health information, and making new technologies, citizen science occurs across all the disciplines of science and involves a number of different methods of inquiry, both orthodox and alternative. So we can make a conclusion that citizen science is the practice of conducting scientific research outside of established academic organizations, charting phenomena, analyzing data, disseminating health information, and developing interdisciplinary technology.

In conclusion, an effective and inclusive strategy for tackling the many problems associated with sustainable development is citizen science. In the days to come, the government of Nepal, the government of all the seven provinces and 753 local governments will have to implement citizen science in many dimensions of development. If this can be done, the country’s long-term development will be possible. We can say this by analyzing the world environment. By combining the global efforts of people, we can collect the information required to make wise judgments, promote environmental responsibility and eventually build a more sustainable future. Adopting citizen science may prove to be one of our most successful tactics as we tackle the world’s environmental problems.

The author is the founder president of Forum of Development Journalists’ (FoDeJ), Nepal

Sabitri Bhatta of Dhangadhi was elated to participate in a ‘Kumbhaa Snan’ in Barahakshetra of Sunsari. Bhatta, who hails from Dhangadhi, had been participating in ‘Kumba Snan’ in India. 

“I got to take a holy dip in the Kumbha Mela in Nepal itself,” Bhatta said, after taking a bath in the Kaushiki River on the  Barahakshetra. “After listening to the discourse of Jagadguru Balsanta in Chatara, I understood the importance of this place and holy dip.”

The ‘Maha Kumbha Mela’, which is observed every 12 years, is currently underway in Kaushiki (Koka) River in Barahakshetra Municipality. The month-long event concludes on May 10. 

According to Chandra Magar, the secretary of the main organizing committee, nearly 4 million people from Nepal and India have already participated in the Mela.

Minbahadur Khadka from Birtamod, Jhapa, has been continuously participating in both the half and full Kumbha Melas since they started in the early 2002s. “I have had the opportunity to take a holy dip in every Kumbha Mela held in Nepal since it started,” the 55-year-old, who came to Chatara for the Kumbha Mela with his family, said. According to Khadka, he has learnt from different scriptures that the main portion of the elixir dropped from heaven here and only a few drops in places like Haridwar, Ujjain and Prayag in INdia.

The organizing committee has set up five areas for the devotees coming to the Maha Kumbha Mela for the holy dip. The organizers claim that arrangements have been made for more than 5,000 people to take a dip in the Saptakoshi River at once. Accommodation and food arrangements have been made for the devotees. The Marwari communities of Dharan and Biratnagar have arranged free food distribution. Likewise, medical teams are on standby to respond to any emergencies.

The Maha Kumbha Mela is organized with the belief that taking a holy dip in the Kaushiki (Saptakoshi) River at Pindeshwar, where the elixir is said to have dropped from the heavens, will free one from sins and fulfill their wishes. According to the scriptures, the Kumbha Mela originated from the struggle between the Devas (deities) and Asuras (demons)  to possess the celestial pot of elixir that emerged after the churning of the cosmic ocean. The elixir got spilled at various places during this tussle, giving rise to the Kumbha Mela at those locations. 

President Ram Chandra Paudel inaugurated the 12-year event. Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, he emphasized the need for all three tiers of government to prepare a long-term development plan for the Baraha Kshetra and contribute to its development through their annual policies and programs. He expressed confidence that the Kumbha Mela would help develop the Baraha Kshetra as a religious and tourist destination while promoting goodwill among all castes, religions, sects, and linguistic groups.

The first Kumbha Mela in Nepal was held in Barahakshetra in 2002. 

“According to religious scriptures, the Barahakshetra, on the banks of the Koka-Kaushiki River is where Lord Bishnu incarnated as the first avatar, Baraha, to rescue the Earth from the clutches of the demon Hiranyaksha. This is why the area is called Barahakshetra,” explained Bihari Sharan Upadhyay, the manager of the Jagadguru Peeth. “The Maha Kumbha Mela is held on the banks of the Kaushiki River in Chatara Dham, Sunsari.”

“Nepal has many histories. It has histories of the Malla era and the Shah era, but a comprehensive history of the country is lacking. So, there is no history uniting the Mechi in the east Mechi with Mahakali in the west….” This is the gist of what the renowned historian Surya Vikram Gyawali said to Kedar Man Vyathit right after the latter’s appointment as the Chancellor of Nepal Rajkiya Pragya Pratishthan about 54 years ago in his capacity as a member of the Pratishthan, stressing the need to connect the Nepalis with the history of Nepal.

Even after the erstwhile Royal Nepal Academy got a new name, Nepal Prajna Pratishthan, after a wave of political changes that occurred about 17 years ago, Gyawali’s words remain relevant. 

Fifty-four years later, Gyan Vallabh Jwala, who was with the academy back then, cited this communication at a program that Pashupati Area Development Trust had organized recently to collect opinions from scholars for the establishment of a Shri Pashupati Hindu University. 

Gyawali’s communication with Vyathit features in ‘Vichar-patra’ of a committee formed to step up preparations for the establishment of the university and also in this journalist’s recently completed MPhil dissertation. 

My research is based on a unique perspective of Professor Harold A Innis, a Canadian scholar associated with communication theory, in particular ‘The Bias of Communication’ and ‘Time-Biased Communication’. This theory is based on the premise that the identity of a nation is built upon its own cultural heritages and civilizations. 

So, the plans for the development of a Shri Pashupati Hindu University have this journalist naturally elated. Indeed,  the Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO world heritage site, is one of the several religious-cultural-spiritual heritages that makes Nepal known to the world. If the university manages to emerge as the very best among similar other institutions in due course of time, with support from the government and other stakeholders, it will further boost Nepal’s image globally. 

At this point, it will be contextual to quote the author Stephen R Covey. He says, “What you do with what you know is far more important than what you know. If you do not use what you know, you can forget it or lose it. To share what you know is like planting a seed. If you plant a seed in the soil, it will germinate in the soil, grow in the field, and go to another place, and it will not die. If you throw it in the mud, it will rot, and if you throw it elsewhere, it will dry up. The seed will not germinate.” 

This statement points out the need to apply the acquired knowledge in the right time and place for desired outcomes. In the ocean-like span of Pashupatinath, my research may be a drop of water, but then drops of water collected from various pilgrimages have significant worth, don’t they? 

Also, let me recall a high-level promise to accelerate the process of establishing a Children's Literature Institute in Nepal. This wonderful plan is getting nowhere, with the ministry concerned not bothering to take initiative toward this end. 

But the proposed university should not suffer the same fate. 

Active involvement of the President in this project has given a glimmer of hope and so has the Culture Minister’s remarks implying that the government has attached due importance to the project. 

If the university materializes and, in course of time, manages to establish itself as a reputed institution, it may not even need government funding, for it can generate enough revenues by drawing students from far and wide, making it a self-sustaining institution.  

The onus is on the government and other stakeholders to turn this wonderful plan into reality. 

After birth, how does a human being stay safe? How long will the individual’s life be? And how does the moment of death arrive? These three questions remain enigmatic. They are explored in a tale penned by the esteemed English author, Leo Tolstoy.

The mysteries of life are abundant, yet not everyone chooses to address them. Some quietly relish life, while others share it with their families, friends and loved ones. Even when faced with the loss of grandparents or parents, we often limit ourselves to a brief reflection. Writing a book on death necessitates courage. Tulasi Acharya, in his work titled ‘Mrityu Diary’, meaning the diary of death, exhibits the courage to delve into the subject of death, the accompanying loss, grief and the transformation of sorrow into a creative force.

Dr Acharya, the author, has inspired others like him to share their diverse experiences. He has made individual experiences public, creating a history of family events. His contribution is noteworthy. What he has penned in ‘Mrityu Diary’ has become universally relatable. Every moment of life can be seen as a moment of impending death for an individual. With each passing moment, we also experience a kind of internal demise.

This is a universal truth we all encounter. When viewed from this perspective, every person is essentially writing a book, however small, within their finite time. Those who make life extraordinary for themselves should explore the concept of a ‘sharing culture’. In this regard, the author has excelled. 

Time has the capacity to change life, but life cannot alter time. These words resonate deeply within his book.

A person might easily forget that one day they will leave everything behind. However, when one comprehends the realities of life, they cease to be selfish. Individuals in positions of power may believe they are integral to society, but when the day arrives for them to relinquish that power, they become akin to shooting the stars in the sky.

Serious illness, confinement to a hospital bed, or grappling with a deadly disease can drastically alter one’s perspective on life. Acharya’s ‘Mrityu Diary’ delves into this aspect. Dennis author Hans Christian Andersen once said, “Living is not enough; one must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower.” Of course, perspectives can change, especially in the context of illness. In the book, Resham Lal’s life serves as an inspiration and aids in our comprehension of life and death.

Life is an ongoing battle against death, and escaping death is no easy feat. The book provides a poignant example of how a surgeon, who encounters death daily, must also confront his own mortality. It sheds light on the experiences of family members who perform cremations in the crematorium, the moments they endure, and the agony they face. Death visits everyone, sooner or later.

This is the story of Resham and Geeta, and more importantly, the story of their daughters Kripa and Suman, as well as the tale of all individuals who have confronted death. The book delves into human emotions and practical life experiences when facing death, with the lesson that death doesn't always bring curses; it can also bestow blessings. Every page of the book resonates with the hearts of its readers.

Reading this book feels like watching a movie, thanks to its vivid presentation. It's like savoring a well-prepared dish, each bite tingling with anticipation of what comes next. This suspenseful narrative creates tension and captivates the reader wholeheartedly. These questions ignite the reader’s curiosity. The author also encourages open discourse about death. He candidly shares his own experiences regarding sex, life and death.

The author’s honesty in revealing his findings is apparent, leaving nothing concealed in his narrative. He provides readers with two dimensions—one of emotions and the other of local colloquialism in writing and dialogues. This blend adds to the book’s enjoyment as the colors mix and merge seamlessly. Readers can easily absorb and appreciate the various facets of death, allowing them to arrive at their own conclusions.

The author’s prowess shines as he steps out of his familial context and delves into the wider world. He covers topics like cancer, its various types, chemotherapy, the deaths of many individuals related to it, and various personalities discussing the subject. This lends his writing a unique dimension.

The book also  chronicles the lives of those who are still living and the hardships they have endured. It imparts the ultimate truth after birth to them as well. The author has transformed his personal subjects and characters into 'universal' figures. Even in the lives of survivors, ‘Mrityu Diary’ imparts valuable lessons.

Although there are numerous reasons to take pride in Nepal, Nepali people are currently experiencing more suffering than happiness. Nepal boasts an abundance of natural beauty, with thousands of breathtaking places to explore. However, due to our inadequate knowledge in marketing and promoting our tourist attractions, we are losing out on millions of potential tourists each year. Furthermore, despite being the second-largest country globally in terms of water resources, we have neglected our hydropower potential for several decades. Similarly, Nepal is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, yet we have been unable to harness even 10 percent of its value. Despite being an agricultural nation, Nepal has failed to capitalize on its farm potentials. Many farmers struggle to feed themselves throughout the year. In contrast, countries like Israel have managed to feed most of their population with just two percent of their population engaged in farming. If utilized property, Nepal’s fertile land in the Tarai region can also feed the country. There are numerous areas where Nepal can excel if there is a right focus and commitment. Unfortunately, our leaders seem more focused on trivial matters rather than unlocking our nation’s true potential. Nepal possesses immense potential and capability, which could position it as a leading country in Asia. However, political parties, their workers, and supporters seem to prioritize their own self-interests over the development and prosperity of the nation. This self-centered approach has contributed to Nepal’s current status as one of the poorest countries in Asia and even globally. However, if the representatives across the 761 governments in all three levels demonstrate the will to prioritize the country’s progress, Nepal could unlock the door to prosperity within a decade. In order to drive progress, Nepal must devise a new agenda for development, which will serve as the fundamental framework for growth. It is imperative for our political leaders to take the lead in crafting an agenda that prioritizes the nation’s development and prosperity. This agenda should be free from personal interests and controversies. Setting clear deadlines for each task is crucial to ensure its timely completion and effective implementation.  Moreover, it is important to anticipate and address potential challenges that may arise during project implementation. All parties involved should actively facilitate solutions and work collaboratively to overcome obstacles. After formulating the development strategy at the local, provincial, and federal levels, it becomes crucial to create an environment that encourages investment. Nepal, like many developed countries in Asia, should strive to establish a favorable climate for foreign investment and attract a skilled workforce to contribute to economic growth. To achieve this, it is essential to study and research the development patterns, investment strategies, project selection criteria, implementation methodologies, and utilization of opportunities post-completion adopted by various countries across Asia, Europe, Canada, America, Australia, and other successful nations. The country needs to embark on the path of development and prosperity that aligns with Nepal’s geography and culture. Concurrently, it is crucial to create an environment that provides opportunities for the unemployed youth to work within their own country. Despite a challenging political landscape and bureaucracy, which can disrupt the situation in Nepal, there are still millions of individuals who wholeheartedly love Nepal. They aspire to witness a strong and prosperous Nepal. We need to harness the potential of this group to create a conducive environment within the country. To achieve the outlined goals, the first step is to strengthen Nepal’s economy and prioritize the national objective of poverty alleviation. Our financial situation has not gone beyond our control as many are saying. By gradually increasing revenue collection, the government can boost spending in the development sector accordingly. Corruption should have no place in Nepal, and the accumulation of unsettled accounts must be addressed. Policies should be formulated in a way that it discourages the practice of cutting development expenses in favor of unnecessary expenditures. Special attention should be given to public expenditure management, ensuring that it is planned and implemented with a focus on medium and long term. Our think tanks should analyze successful models of fiscal federalism adopted by countries that have prospered through federalism. Foreign trade is indeed a crucial area that can significantly contribute to the development of Nepal’s economy. By focusing on various products, ranging from food products to medicinal herbs, Nepal can utilize foreign trade as a powerful tool for economic growth. Mobilizing the youth in the agricultural sector can reduce reliance on foreign goods. If all 753 levels of government in Nepal devise special plans and initiatives in these and similar areas, domestic income can double in a short period of time. This would provide relief to people from the heavy tax burden imposed on them. It is unfortunate that many local units have not explored revenue sources beyond excessive taxation even though they have already completed the first year of their second five-year term. The lack of progress in exploiting these potentials is not due to a dearth of potential itself. Rather, this is due to the lack of action and initiative. The federal government should proceed with caution and strategic planning to align Nepal's economy with the high economic growth witnessed in China and India. In our development initiatives, it is essential to prioritize the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a central focal point. Nepal possesses a diverse foundation for economic development, with key sectors such as agriculture, industry and trade, tourism, electricity and energy, and remittances playing significant roles. Additionally, regions like the Pashupat, Lumbini region, Janakpur region, Pokhara region, Kathmandu valley region, Dhangadhi region, Nepalgunj, Biratnagar region, and Birgunj contribute to this foundation. In order to achieve development and prosperity, it is vital to effectively manage both natural and other resources, involve citizens at all levels, and adhere to principles of good governance. Let’s set 100 ambitious goals with specific timeframes. This will lay a solid foundation for Nepal’s development and prosperity. The author is the President of Forum of Development Journalists-FODEJ Nepal