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Dr Prakash Gyawali, a 48-year-old senior consultant orthopedic surgeon, believes you should always be quick to seek medical help when you need it. People, he says, tend to endure pain for longer than necessary. It often puts them at a disadvantage and complicates cases. The doctor who has been working at Nepal Orthopedic Hospital since 2012 specializes in arthroplasty, orthopedic trauma, and accident cases. As the clinical coordinator, he also oversees academic activity at the hospital.

After getting his master’s in surgery in 2007, Dr Gyawali came back home to Nepal to better orthopedic care in the country. He went to rural parts of Nepal as these were places that needed medical care the most. He met Dr Katrin Hagen, a Swiss orthopedic surgeon, when working at a health camp. The two became good friends and she offered him an opportunity to undergo a training course in Switzerland. 

The training allowed him a chance to become well-versed in global orthopedic techniques. He even worked at Clinic Good in St Moritz, Switzerland for a while. He has been associated with Operation Walk, which is a volunteer medical humanitarian organization that provides free joint replacement surgeries at no cost. It’s based in Chicago, USA. 

According to the surgeon, the current methods and procedures for arthroplasty in the Nepal Orthopedic Hospital meet international standards but there is a need to invest in skilled manpower. Acknowledging the high costs associated with both implants and surgeries in arthroplasty, he remains dedicated to serving underprivileged people through collaborations with global organizations. Also, at the hospital, they’ve set up a system where patients are lined up for free implant services and donations from Operation Walk.

Dr Gyawali confesses he has always been a hard worker. He went to a government school and his dad, who ran an auto workshop, wanted him to become a doctor. Despite tough competition and having fewer resources than other boarding school children, Gyawali tried his level best to do well in his studies. “I had to create my own opportunities,” he says.

Now, he believes in creating opportunities for others through his work. There is a scarcity of skilled manpower in dealing with general orthopedic trauma. It isn’t because of a lack of knowledge. There is a lack of exposure, says the doctor. He has been fortunate enough to go abroad and train and that has helped him hone his skills.

However, Dr Gyawali adds he is grateful to Dr Chakra Raj Pandey, a highly regarded orthopedic surgeon in Nepal, for sparking his interest in orthopedics. He says it was Dr Pandey who taught him how to take care of patients and pay meticulous attention to all the little things that a surgeon needs to keep in mind. A mentor, he says, can change the course of your life. Dr Pandey has been that invaluable person in his life.  

As a person, Dr Gyawali is a stickler for discipline. He likes being able to do his job well and fulfill his responsibilities. He likes to plan. He finds he is better able to function at his best that way. He also makes it a point to be on time. In the medical field, discipline and punctuality matter a lot, he says. 

Dr Gyawali has conducted over 200 knee replacement surgeries and they have all gone without a hitch. This has cemented his reputation as a good surgeon and patients specifically ask for him. However, he believes a doctor needs to have the right attitude to provide good healthcare. He says that if a doctor is friendly and positive, the patients get better faster. “Surgery isn’t just about fixing injuries but it’s also about making patients feel comfortable. Some processes go beyond science,” he adds. 

He wants to help others through his services, especially focusing on those who are financially unable to afford healthcare or have deformities. And he wants to extend his services to rural areas of Nepal. He wishes to be able to set up surgical facilities in remote parts of Nepal. 

Another area of focus is arthritis care, he says. The condition is quite common in Nepal. However, the surgery is costly, which is why people often ignore their pain. The condition worsens over time. Dr Gyawali wants to change this so he constantly tries to make people aware of bone health. He has been working on a research paper to figure out how to tackle the situation.

He emphasizes the importance of reducing implant costs, suggesting measures like government-backed insurance policies, tax exemptions on equipment, and promoting collaborations. He believes the government must prioritize the health of its people by investing in dependable and high-quality equipment rather than heavily relying on international funds and charity. “The government must prioritize orthopedic care as the number of patients is rising,” he says.  

Purna Rai, the sensational singer and songwriter behind hits like ‘Sparsha Sangeet (raw)’, ‘Biram’, and ‘Dhurwa Tara’ has good news for his fans. In 2024, he is gearing up to release more new albums and songs than ever before. It’s his New Year’s resolution, he says. 

Rai has always had a connection with music. During his early days in Dharan, Rai used to play the drums at the back alongside his brother in musical performances at school events. Over the years, he took to singing. It surprised his family and friends as they thought his brother would be the one to pursue a career in music. 

Rai says it all started when he was doing his Bachelor’s in Darjeeling, India. His college friends pushed him into the spotlight, urging him to be the lead singer because of his good vocals, while he had just wanted to chill as the background drummer. But after giving singing a shot, he was hooked and he soon became interested in songwriting as well. He got into the habit of pouring his feelings into his lyrics, drawing inspiration from his days in the bustling city of Darjeeling. 

Rai, now 27, believes he connects with songs that are about nature. “When I’m just playing around with chords, words start flowing and lyrics just pop into my head,” he says. He jams out tunes on his guitar, turning those lyrics into full-blown songs. He says that is why people think he has a real knack for songwriting.

Right now, he’s releasing songs that he wrote during a heartbreak period, mainly love songs. He’s aiming to explore various musical genres, but currently, he’s putting out folk tunes. When he started singing, he had no official band members with him. Now he considers himself fortunate enough to have some musicians on his side. 

“I feel like music is a part of who I am,” he says. Trying to make a name in music is tough, but he’s all about finding what people like while sticking to his style. Talking about his track  ‘Sparsha Sangeet (Raw)’ he says, “It took off on TikTok and social media, giving me a big boost.” Now, he’s excited about dropping its official music video soon. Balancing what sells with staying true to art can be tricky but he says, “It’s a challenge and I’m up for it.” And he’s not stopping there, he wants to explore more beats and styles to connect with his audience.

His first song, ‘Ma’ came from his time in Darjeeling. It was about figuring out life in a new place. Then he poured his heart into ‘Biram’ after a tough breakup. After that, he kept coming up with hits like ‘Manaka Kura’, ‘Dhurwa Tara’, and ‘Kalo Seto’. Turns out, his lyrics are all about his own life and he even throws in conversations to give them a more personal touch. When he dropped a short snippet of ‘Kalo Seto’ on TikTok, it got a lot of views and people were soon requesting a full music video.

Since 2023, he’s been very active in the music scene, hitting up concerts, festivals, and shows while working on new releases. He’s not just a performer. He vibes with the music and passes those good vibes to the crowd. The best part for him is when the audience sings along. Regarding this, he shared a funny incident about the police turning down the music system in the middle of a late-night show. Even with all that, the crowd kept on singing. “It was wild and the energy stayed sky-high,” he says.

He’s quite reserved and doesn’t engage much on social media. However, his involvement in music has completely transformed his social dynamics, pushing him out of his comfort zone. He’s in the process of learning to be more outgoing, a step he believes is crucial if he wants to stay in the industry in the long run.

Rai is not running after being viral or trendy. His focus is on making songs that stick with people, ones they’ll remember long after he’s gone. He’s all about leaving a musical legacy rather than going for short-lived popularity. Music, for him, is like pouring out his feelings and telling his own story. When he writes songs, he goes deep into the details and scenes of everyday life. He wants his lyrics to do more than just sound good and expects his audience to see and feel the emotion behind the song. 

Even though his parents weren’t initially happy about him pursuing music, his hit song on the internet changed their minds. Now, when they come to his concerts, it’s a big win for him. Reflecting on his experience in the music industry, he says, “Music needs strong dedication and meditation.” He believes that music isn’t something to be forced but flows naturally as a natural expression, guided by the mind to convey artistic truth.

Aayushma Rana was awarded the ‘Ratna Devi Covid Hero Award’ in 2021 by The Zonta Club in Kathmandu. Rana, who is a mother of two, worked tirelessly and selflessly to provide essential items and other necessary things like sanitary pads and such to those who needed them during the Covid-19 lockdowns, focusing mainly on new mothers and infants. 

She lost her husband during the second wave of Covid but that didn’t stop her from helping others. In fact, she felt she had to do even more after his death, to honor him and in some ways to forget the pain, albeit momentarily. 

Today, Rana who is 39, runs her own social organization the Maya Mamata Foundation. She also has an event management company, Aaravi Events. When she was a child, she looked up to Mother Teresa and would often tell her mother that she wished to be just like her when she grew up. Despite her father’s objections, she pursued her passion for social work and earned a degree in social work from St. Xavier’s College in Maitighar, Kathmandu. 

 Before establishing the Maya Mamata Foundation, she was a teacher. She had started working right after finishing high school. For a decade, she worked with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) where she assisted Bhutanese refugees and those affected by earthquakes.

 After working in humanitarian service for a long time, she always dreamed of starting her own NGO. She spent a part of her earnings to give food and other supplies to people. She started with a hundred people and then went on to help more on a regular basis. When the pandemic hit, she decided to start her own foundation so that she could help those who were suffering. 

 During the initial days, her organization functioned at random. She would come to the aid of those on the streets without a plan of action. The management was still finding its feet, she says. After she lost her husband, she became intent on helping women and children. “As a widow and a mother, I could feel their pain and wanted to do whatever I could to ease it a little,” she says. She even used the funeral fund to help others, proving that even in tough times, kindness finds a way.

 “I’m worried about widows, new moms, adolescent girls, and infants. I want to make sure they have proper sanitation and access to nutritious food,” says Rana. The name of her foundation ‘Maya Mamata’, translates to motherly love and care, and that is what Rana has been providing to women who have nowhere to turn to in times of need. 

 Even the profits she makes from hosting events under the banner of her event management company get funneled into the Maya Mamata Foundation. She is also focusing on the skill development of widowed women as well as teaching children. Apart from providing essentials to new mothers and infants, Rana also distributes clothes during winter. One of her favorite things to do is give socks to children. “It’s a small thing but it makes them so happy,” she says, adding children’s faces light up when she gives them these lovely, warm socks. 

The Maya Mamata Foundation is still in its nascent stage so, Rana confesses, they can’t organize big workshops. But she does plan to train as many women as possible and increase the number in the future. As of now, they haven’t collaborated with other organizations, choosing to stick with individual donors who want to help others but don’t know where to begin. 

“When I started, friends and family helped with small contributions and that is still largely the case,” she says. In recent times, the foundation sent relief materials for the victims of the Jajarkot earthquake. She is also teaming up with the Karma Yog Foundation to create makeshift schools. 

There is no denying that Rana is passionate about the work she does. She is always more than willing to lend a helping hand. Her family thinks of it as both her virtue and her vice. She confesses she can sometimes be consumed by it all. But her work adds value to her life, she says. It gives her a purpose. It redefines what she knows of love on so many different levels. 

“After being together for 19 years, I lost my partner. I don’t think I will ever be the same but doing what I love makes life bearable,” she says, adding she not only intends to be strong for her children but also inspire them to be the best versions of themselves. 

 Rana is on a mission to help women and infants by talking about it, acting on it, and doing whatever is possible to uplift them so that they can fend for themselves.  Understanding the challenges faced by some widowed mothers who choose prostitution for survival, she’s spreading awareness as well as trying to provide better alternatives and opportunities. Also, she’s making a difference in the lives of 30 children by providing for their education as well as giving them nutritious food. 

 The Maya Mamata Foundation, she says, is her third baby and she has many plans for it. Whether they will materialize remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure, Rana will continue helping people in whatever capacity she can. “It is what drives me and I can’t and won’t stop,” she says. 

Sareeka Neupane is the face behind the Instagram page, ‘lil.foodie_’ which has 160K followers and over 1,500 posts. She started food vlogging four years ago, after finishing her 10th-grade exams. She is just 20 years old. Currently pursuing a degree in BHM (Bachelor in Hotel Management), Sareeka aspires to own a restaurant in the future and continue exploring new places for compelling food vlogging content. Babita Shrestha from ApEx spoke to Sareeka to find out how she makes content that is relevant, interesting, and fun. 

How do you brainstorm and come up with ideas for food vlogs?

Coming up with ideas for my food vlogs is pretty spontaneous. I just chill, observe things around me, and the idea for the content kind of just pops into my head. Recently, I heard about Tamu Lhosar, so I thought, why not go all out? I rented a Gurung dress and headed out to capture some cool content. I prefer to visit locations and make content for their exceptional food menus and inviting ambiance. I also create paid promotional content for places that reach out to me. I like to mix in some information along with the visuals of food. I like to, as they say, ‘go with the flow’. If you’re starting and feeling a bit unsure, you could start by basing your content on the ongoing festivities or the time of year. Since it’s winter now, I’ve been dropping some cozy winter recipes. 

Are there specific strategies you used to attract and retain followers?

The deal on getting and keeping followers is all about being consistent with your posts. You’ve got to keep your audience engaged by regularly sharing content. I drop my reels and videos every morning and post other food-related content throughout the day. If you want to boost your followers, post some reels with trendy songs. For paid promotion, I like to do voice-overs in my reviews, and for the regular posts, I go with some catchy music. Also because people love to learn, I focus on informative content details like presentation, ambiance, taste, reviews, location, pricing, and even parking information. Gaining followers can be pretty stressful at first but if you keep updating reels and posts, exposure and followers are sure to come by.

What factors do you consider before entering into a brand partnership?

Usually, brands reach out through emails and PRs. Some brands prefer a barter system, offering freebies like food, services, or accommodation in exchange for promotional posts. While some food bloggers even approach brands for collaborations, I haven’t done so yet. If you don’t have a huge following, you can reach out to brands with persuasive pitches for mutual growth. If you’re a beginner looking to grow, I can even assist with collaboration opportunities.

How do you work on your videos?

I often take help from my mom with homemade food content. Getting recipes from family members who know their way around cultural cuisine adds a nice touch. I recently shared a video on ‘Gheu Chakhu Bhaat’, a perfect winter dish that got a good number of views on Instagram. In addition, I spice up the reels with some interesting information, sharing memories and personal stories to make each post more engaging.

If we are shooting at a restaurant, I make sure they are pre-informed and we stick to our schedule. Once we’re there, I talk to the staff to decide on what to eat, especially focusing on seasonal and special dishes. I like to capture everything so I ask them to let me know when they’re plating the food. When the dish is on the table, I take close-up shots and pictures of myself enjoying the meal. Later, when I’m editing, I add my thoughts and reviews.

Can you share any specific filming techniques or tips that you find effective while vlogging?

When it comes to filming, especially if you’re just starting, I believe that your phone is all that you need. It’s more about capturing things aesthetically with the right angles and keeping your hands steady. I’ve shifted to using an iPhone now because it helps with stabilizing motion, managing lighting, and getting those close-up shots, especially in 2x mode. I also bring along LED lights to ensure good lighting in darker places and during the nighttime. When shooting food content, it’s better if you focus on food rather than the background. Even if your phone is moving, make sure the focus on the food remains steady. For best results, shoot in natural light. Shooting in sunlight maximizes the wow factor of any shot.  

Is there a way to monetize food vlogging?

As of now, I haven’t started making money directly from my food vlogging channel. My current earnings come from brand promotions. However, if you’re looking to monetize your page, you can check the rules and guidelines on the platforms where you share your content. When it comes to featuring local places, I don’t charge them. I love to explore local cafes and help boost their business. But for small cafes and major brand promotions, I do charge a fee based on the collaboration.

Urmila Koirala, 39, is a poet from Kavre. She also runs a business and is actively involved in Pushparag Literary Institute, a social literary organization. She is a former secretary and member of the Kavre Service Society and has been a correspondent at the Chesta Weekly for almost a decade. 

Koirala is renowned for her ghazal anthologies, including ‘Pratinidhi Nepali’ and ‘Haisiyat’. Her ghazal ‘Dil Ko Gajur’ is hugely popular and now, she is set to release another collection titled ‘Gham Mathi Gham Ko Kiran’. In a chat with Babita Shrestha from ApEx, Koirala spoke about the cathartic power of poems and ghazals.

What sparked your love for poetry?

I’ve had a passion for writing poems ever since I was a child. But life took a different turn after I got married right after SLC. I had to put my education on hold to take up the responsibilities that come with being a wife and mother. It wasn’t until my daughters started going to school that I decided to pick up my high school studies again. Life has thrown so much at me and at such times, poetry has been my constant companion. It helps me understand my feelings and express myself. It gives me a sense of comfort by helping me express myself in ways I am unable to in regular conversations. It’s my way of finding solace and sharing my perspective. Last year, I completed my MA in Nepali literature from Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus and now I write songs and poems more often.

Could you run us through your writing process? 

When I write, it’s all about capturing my feelings and finding some peace in that process. When a strong emotion hits me, I sit down and start putting it into words. Sometimes, it all comes out in one go. But I go through it multiple times until it feels just right and matches the emotions  I want to convey. I mostly write about people and their feelings, but being a daughter, mother, daughter-in-law, wife, and woman, I tend to focus a lot on women’s issues. Some critics even call me a ‘society reporter’ as my pieces also touch on patriotic stories, societal struggles, and the challenges faced by laborers and marginalized communities in society.

Are there any figures who have influenced your style and approach to poetry? 

I like poetry books, especially the Nepali classics. I dive into works like Mahakavi Lakshmi Prasad Devkota’s ‘Shakuntala’, Gopal Prasad Rimal’s ‘Aama Ko Sapana’, Bhupi Sherchan’s ‘Ghumne Mech Mathi Andho Manchhe’ and other timeless novels like Parijat’s ‘Shirish Ko Phool’ and BP Koirala’s ‘Sumnima’. Their works have left a deep impression on me, shaping my style and helping me bring originality to my writing. 

How do you come up with new ideas and styles? 

I study society. It’s not just about putting down data and facts but also blending them with the underlying feelings. Real life, diverse people, and experiences are what I value the most. My approach is not just about observing society but  I also try to add my honest touch to my poetry so that my readers can relate to it and find their meanings in it. I avoid making up fabricated stories because I don’t write to flatter the audience. I try to stay true to my style. 

In your opinion, what is the relationship between poetry and social change? 

Poetry is a medium to tell the stories of everyday people in society like the homemakers, workers, farmers, porters, and others who often face oppression. I think their struggles and emotions should be portrayed in literature, not by making things up but by actually mirroring them. Through literature, we can bring out their presence and hardships, validating and recognizing their struggles. For me, it’s the light of consciousness. That’s why I believe that poetry is a powerful tool to capture social movements that might be easily overlooked.

What do you think is poetry’s purpose and significance in today’s world? 

Poetry is timeless. Though the style and topics in poetry have changed over time, the essence of poetry will always stick around. Even nowadays, through poetry, you can see many writers gaining recognition after years of dedicated work. It is how they are making a mark with their artistic talent and contributing to society. Take my experience, for instance. My work ‘Dil Ko Gajur’ was awarded by a prestigious organization like the Songwriter Association of Nepal. That recognition pushed me to keep honing my creative and original side. I believe that poetry is a medium to bring about positive change in society while encouraging new talents.

Much like how we wash our hands to stay healthy, practicing good cyber hygiene helps protect against online threats. As we use digital technology for various aspects of our lives, from communication to financial transactions, practicing good cyber hygiene is important. It lets users navigate their digital experience while mitigating potential risks.

SP Pashupati Kumar Ray, 48, has been working in the Nepali Police Cyber Bureau for 27 years. He looks after cybersecurity-related issues and is involved in cybercrime investigations. Babita Shrestha from ApEx talked to Ray about how to deal with and respond to problems in cyber security.

What should we do to secure our devices from cybersecurity threats?

First make sure you regularly update the operating system, antivirus software, and application as it will fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. But at the same time, you should be very mindful of the software you use. Be careful about using pirated software because it often lacks proper security features, making it easier for hackers to find a way in. Some free apps we download might also try to take our information, so it’s good to check and control what data they can access. Also when you set a password, make it strong and unique by mixing letters, numbers, and symbols. I would recommend you turn on two-factor authentication to give extra protection which asks you for a second verification besides the password. Be cautious about clicking on links or downloading things, especially if they come from unknown sources in emails or messages, as they might be harmful.

Are public Wi-Fi networks secure?

While using public networks, it’s best not to do important things like accessing or transmitting highly confidential data, such as online banking or sensitive work information. Don’t use public Wi-Fi when you have to put in your username, password, or OTP. It’s risky because someone could easily steal that information. So I would say it’s better not to use public Wi-Fi for anything related to security, privacy, or transactions with sensitive information. Public Wi-Fi networks are okay for simple internet browsing but it’s still good to check if it’s secure.

How can we avoid phishing attempts or any social engineering attacks?

If you’re receiving phishing attempts, then you should look for signs in email like unfamiliar senders, misspellings, or suspicious URLs. Phishing is all about trickery and stealing information, so it is better when you verify details by making a call if something seems off. Nowadays, AI spots emails that might be scams and pre-inform you about them. It’s always a good idea to double-check if someone asks for personal or financial details unexpectedly.

How can we recognize and avoid fake websites and phishing URLs when browsing the internet?

Fake website links can be tricky. Check if the website’s address has misspellings or extra characters. Make sure the website starts with “https://” and has a padlock icon in the address bar. Use browser security features and antivirus software to stay protected. Make it a habit to double-check. It can help you avoid scams and keep your personal information safe when browsing the internet. Sometimes you also need to trust your instincts about making friends online. Don’t talk to people you don’t know, stay away from suspicious links, and be careful about sharing too much. ‘Stop, Think, and Connect’ before clicking or sharing anything online.

Is there a way to prevent unauthorized access?

To keep your online accounts safe, use strong and different passwords for each one of them. If you can, turn on two-factor authentication. Change passwords regularly and avoid using easy-to-guess details like birthdays. Make sure to adjust privacy settings on social media and other accounts. Also, be cautious about what you install on your devices and check what it’s allowed to do before saying ‘yes’. I suggest you get your application from trusted places to avoid downloading malicious software.

What are your thoughts on virtual private networks (VPNs)?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are good for keeping your online stuff safe. But, again, you need to be careful where you get them. For example, when TikTok was banned in Nepal some people downloaded VPNs for free to use it. The VPN itself isn’t bad, but if you download it from the wrong place, like for free, it might bring harmful stuff like spyware or malware software along with it. This can harm your computer and even let hackers in. So, it’s better to be safe and get your VPN from a trusted source, especially if you’re using it to keep your data safe.

What resources are available for reporting online harassment or cyberbullying in Nepal?

If someone is bothering or bullying you online, I suggest you save messages or take screenshots to prove what’s going on. Report the problem to the Nepal Police by filing a complaint. You have to explain the situation and show any evidence you have. The police will look into it and take action against the person causing problems. But you should act within 35 days of the incident. Otherwise, the case might get dismissed as per the Electronic Transaction Act. The Nepal Police are here to help so don’t hesitate to contact them if you’re dealing with online harassment.

Bibek Kumar Yadav is a cricketer who plays for the Nepal national team. The 20-year-old first came into the limelight when he was picked in the Twenty20 International squad in 2022. The right-hand batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler has now secured a spot to play in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. 

Yadav never dreamed about being a cricketer. He wasn’t even into the sport as a child. But things changed when schools shut down after the 2015 earthquakes. Yadav returned to his hometown, Rajbiraj, and started playing cricket when he was bored. He realized he actually enjoyed it and also had a natural flair for the game. 

Seeing him play well, one of his brothers took him to a cricket academy. Since there were way too many seniors there, Yadav didn’t get enough chances to bat. He would sneak away and play with his friends instead. That is how he practiced batting. Yadav admired Paras Khadka, who was the captain of the Nepali Cricket team from 2008 to 2019 and wanted to be as good as him. “I always tried to imitate his batting style,” says Yadav. 

In the eight years since he first picked up a cricket bat, he believes he has achieved a lot. He was ecstatic to have been selected for the national team. He didn’t make it on the first try and even thought of leaving cricket and studying engineering. He is glad he didn’t take that route.

In 2019, he made his debut in the Nepal national under-19 cricket team during a match in Hyderabad, India. In 2020, he earned the title of ‘Emerging Player’ in the PM Cup National tournament. It gave him the needed exposure to go on to play in various domestic and international matches. He has also been a regular player for the Madhesh Province Cricket Team in domestic cricket. 

After the lockdown, he participated in the Asia Youth Cup U-19 in the UAE. His impressive performances earned him a promotion to the senior team and he was later selected for Nepal’s Twenty20 International (T20I) team. In 2022, Yadav made his T20I debut against Oman.

Yadav’s breakthrough moment was when he took his first international wicket against Zeeshan Maqsood, the Pakistan-born cricketer who plays for the Oman national team and is also its captain, in the ICC T20 World Cup qualifier match against Oman. Before that, five sixes in various league matches had already earned him a steady fan base. 

But in the world of sports, his achievements don’t amount to much, he says. He still has a long way to go and a lot of hard work to do. His father, a volleyball player at the local level, always wanted to be a cricketer or a national-level sports player. Yadav says his father is now reliving his dream through his son. “My father is also my biggest supporter and motivates me to practice and give it my best,” says Yadav. 

Yadav says AB de Villiers, former South African cricketer, is his idol. He wanted his national team jersey number to be 17, just like de Villiers. When he couldn’t get that number, he settled for 71, the reverse of 17. He wishes he could have had the chance to play with de Villiers and laments that dream might never come true. 

His biggest setback to date was when he suffered a knee injury during a match in Kenya. It took him almost five months to recover. He says constant injuries, pain, and recovery are all a part of a sportsman’s journey but it can be tough to stay motivated and upbeat when everyone else is on the field. “I used to watch Indian cricketer Virat Kohli’s recovery videos for motivation,” he says, adding his family and friends have been huge support systems throughout the ups and downs. “Meditating before a match also helps me stay calm,” he says. 

Yadav doesn’t believe that a career in cricket in Nepal isn’t stable and lucrative. He says the landscape of cricket in Nepal is about to change and urges those with a passion for the game to keep practicing. Things, he says, are about to get bigger and better.

Having recently competed in T20 and ODI matches, Yadav dreams of playing in test matches in the future. With 14 matches under his belt, he says, “Cricket, for me, goes beyond batting and bowling. It makes me a better human being, fostering resilience, discipline, and ambition. The field is my classroom, and every ball is a lesson.”

Drawing on 15 years of experience in psychiatry, Dr Kanchan Dahal passionately poses the question, “What’s a better way to live than by helping people live a life full of health and well-being?”

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Dahal, currently works at the Central Jail Hospital, concentrating on the mental health of prisoners. His focus extends to studying and treating their mental illnesses while actively engaging in forensic psychiatry. Notably, he played a role in Nepal’s first-ever criminal case involving brain mapping. His primary expertise lies in cutting-edge therapies, particularly modern psychoanalysis and the recently introduced Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (RTMI), aimed at addressing severe psychiatric problems.

Before starting his job at the Central Jail Hospital, he worked at the mental health department of Bhaktapur Hospital and even had a stint on Guraidhoo Island in the Maldives. The foray into the mental health sector began during his MBBS days when he got curious about the healthcare system. Instead of just idling away time during vacations, he used to travel to rural areas and there he witnessed lots of people dealing with mental health problems because of social and economic issues. That’s what convinced him to jump into psychiatry, even when there wasn’t much scope for it back then.

In 2006, as a recent graduate of the MBBS program, Dr Dahal joined the psychiatry team at B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Science in Dharan in Eastern Nepal for three years. He was a trainee but he had discovered his passion. He then joined the Mental Hospital at Lagankhel as a medical officer. His reach extended beyond the walls of the hospital as he voluntarily signed up for many mental health workshops, programs, and camps in various parts of rural Nepal. 

While working in the Maldives, Dr Dahal was excited to learn about modern psychoanalysis and even underwent training for it. “Theory and experience in the field naturally distinguish themselves when it comes to treatment. While treatment protocols may be similar everywhere, the approach to it is what truly shapes the outcome,” he says.

His time in various health facilities and diverse experiences have ingrained in him the importance of a patient-centered approach. He’s more concerned about the social factors affecting mental health and prioritizing patient care with new practices and technology than anything else. Currently, he says he is trying to align new treatments and practices in Nepal with ongoing global advancements. He says the training he received in China gave him a deep understanding of psychiatry. 

The stigma surrounding mental health made seeking help for issues difficult in Nepal. There was a time when he didn’t have many patients and there weren’t many forms of treatment either. But now, he claims people are more aware of mental health issues, and seeking help isn’t frowned upon as it once was. He also says science and research are improving psychiatry, especially with treatments like Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation becoming easier to access.

Dr Dahal was inspired by Hyman Spotnitz, a famous psychiatrist known for psychoanalysis. “Learning behavioral studies through modern psychoanalysis has been my guide,” he says. He says he is deeply troubled by how global economic strains, workplace stress, and societal prejudices are affecting people’s minds. So, he strives to give his patients a sense of validation and peaceful living. Even when addressing criminal cases, he tries to break down guilt as he feels acknowledging their emotions is vital for their mental well-being.

“There is still a lot of stigma associated with mental health and in many places, it’s difficult to break,” says Dr Dahal. He laments that he hasn’t been engaged in as many community programs due to his responsibilities at the hospital. “Most of my time goes to clinical and hospital-based care and I want to change that,” he says, adding he is still trying to travel as much as he can to study behavioral patterns in rural areas. He wants to help by recommending feasible solutions in government projects regarding mental health.

Dr Dahal is on a fascinating mission of not just improving mental well-being but also offering personalized vocational training. Currently, he’s exploring creative solutions for the challenges faced by those with mental health issues unable to find tailored care.

He’s also pretty good at juggling his to-do list without letting it interfere with his work. He’s got a smart approach of keeping his personal life and job separate to keep stress at bay. And when he’s off the clock, he’s all about quality time with family and friends to give his mind a much-needed rest.

“Taking care of our mental well-being is as crucial as looking after our physical health,” he says. Emphasizing the impact of a troubled mind on our lifestyles, he urges everyone to recognize stress, acknowledge it, and find creative ways to tackle it. “Our main focus in life should be our mental health because everything else pretty much depends on it,” he says.