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Royal Alina’s Bakery Café is one of the oldest and most popular chain restaurants in the valley. It was jointly founded in 1992 by Arjun Bhandari and his business partner Shankar Gurung. Their first outlet was opened in Jawalakhel with an invest­ment of Rs 200,000. The initial space was small with only four sets of tables and chairs and they served piping hot coffee and food. “At that time, most people assumed a restaurant was a place only to gam­ble and drink alcohol. Also there were very few restaurants and not many people visited them,” recalls Bhandari. Royal Alina’s Bakery Café not only helped cre­ate unique restaurant experience in Kathmandu, but also motivated up-and-coming entrepreneurs to emulate its success story. Bhandari, who hails from Ramechhap district, started in the business by working at various restaurants under different capac­ities: helper, waiter, cook, cleaner, etc. He used the experience to acquire intimate knowledge about customer taste and the ambience they prefer.

Sensing untapped potential, Bhan­dari partnered with Gurung to open a family-friendly restaurant. After a year of opening their first outlet in Jawalakhel, they opened their second outlet in New Baneswor in 1993. “We created an environment where children could play inside our premises while enjoying hearty meals and soft drinks with their parents. We did not serve alcohol for the first seven years at Alina’s,” adds Bhandari.

Royal Alina’s has a long legacy of serving quality meals to its cus­tomers. “Our customers range from college students, dating couples, businesspeople, working class people, to government employ­ees,” adds Bhandari. Now, the café has managed to hold its own in terms of services offered, hos­pitality, customer satisfaction and unique coffee flavors.

“Right now, we’re conducting fea­sibility studies for two locations outside the valley. If everything goes well, we will soon be opening new branches in Pokhara and Chitwan,” adds Bhandari. “As veterans of the coffeehouse industry in the country, we plan to further integrate interna­tional norms and standards in our business.”

The distinctive feature of newly revamped outlets of the Royal Alina’s Bakery Cafe are the intri­cately detailed murals show­ing landscapes, villages, and the overall majestic beauty of Nepal. “This helps our customers know about various places of Nepal and motivates them, especially foreigners, to visit such places. We have also given names of the beautiful lakes such as Fewa, Rara and Begnas to our three meet­ing rooms, which are fully equipped with sound-proof materials to block outside noise,” explains Bhandari.

Asked about the challenges to managing a chain restaurant, Bhan­dari believes the key is to focus on customer satisfaction, quality con­tent, friendly ambience and efficient human resources. “If our service staff are happy, positive vibe spreads all around,” says Bhandari.

Sheshuka Rai made her mark as one of the youngest Karatekas in the country. She holds the rank of 3rd dan in Karate and is currently awaiting results for 4th dan. She had shot to fame in 2016 after winning the ‘Sports Icon Nepal’ award. In the same event, she also won the title of ‘The most confident personality’. Sheshuka, who has already won accolades in various national and international tournaments, also dabbles in modelling. Now, at the age of 25, Sheshuka has made a transition from being an active player to being a referee.

 Born and raised in a village in the district of Khotang, Rai moved to Kathmandu in 2007. She has been playing Karate since Grade II, and considers her aunt Bimala Rai a major influence. Sheshuka says she maintained a good balance between studies and sports and exceled in both.

 “My dad Shukra Bahadur Rai and mom Ishwari Rai encouraged me to take up Karate during my schooldays, although I wasn’t really interested. My parents always supported and motivated me with kind words,” says Sheshuka. Little did she know then where the sport would take her. She enjoys Karate a lot these days and considers it her lifeline. “Winning the Sports Icon Nepal award in 2016 has been the biggest accomplishment of my life, one that I will forever cherish,” she says proudly.

 She is happy with the increase in women’s participation in various sports. “Finally, women have started coming out from the confines of their homes, although they haven’t completely overcome the strong hold of conservative ideas that discourage them from playing a sport like Karate. If they get an opportunity, Nepali women can do just as well in sports—or in any field for that matter—as their male counterparts. Karate has helped me relieve anxiety and identify my strengths, weaknesses and potential,” says Sheshuka.

 She thinks better coordination among the government, players and trainers is necessary. “The state needs to invest more resource and formulate robust policies to invigorate the sports sector,” she says.

 Sheshuka says Nepal’s sporting arena is mostly dominated by football and cricket, so much so that “even when players of other sports bring home trophies and accolades, their success stories go unheard.”

 But she is optimistic, both about the future of women and of sports in the country. She is hopeful that more women will take up Karate and that the media will play an active role in promoting and informing the public about other sports besides football and cricket. “I hope there will be more opportunities for our players to grow professionally and get financial stability, and that there will come a day when they won’t have to go abroad looking for greener pastures,” says Sheshuka.

Amar Nyaupane is a wellknown name in modern Nepali literature. The author of three path-breaking novels—‘Pani ko Ghaam’ (2009), ‘Seto Dharti’ (2012), and ‘Karodau Kasturi’ (2015)—Nyaupane has also penned poems, stories and memoirs. He had shot to fame after ‘Seto Dharti’ in 2012 got the prestigious Madan Purashkar. Nyaupane has been able to create a niche for himself due to his unique plots, characterizations and experimentation.

Aside from catapulting him to popularity, ‘Seto Dharti’ stayed atop the bestseller list in Nepal for weeks, and earned him acclaim from readers and critics alike for what was described as a unique portrayal of human suffering.

‘Literature has helped me express my inner voices and thoughts’

“Literature has helped me express my inner voices, thoughts and opinions easily through emotive storytelling,” says Nyaupane, 41. “My life, surroundings and mother nature inspire me to dabble in literature. Especially the evolution of plants with the change of season is something magical,” explains Nyaupane.

Born and raised in Parvatipur village, Chitwan, Nyaupane never dreamt of becoming a full-time writer. Instead he was interested in arts and crafts. It was his parents, father Eknath Nyaupane and mother Harimaya Nyaupane, who used to encourage him to take up creative writing since his schooldays. But even though he wrote a lot, he was too shy to show his writing to anyone else. He was so shy he never asked any of his teachers any questions right through his schooldays. Even now, he feels shy to ask questions.

He is delighted with the interest of the young generation in Nepali literature. “More and more of them are reading books and offering their invaluable feedback,” says Nyaupane.

For Nyaupane, literature is an outlet for the expression of one’s suppressed emotions, thoughts and opinions, which one cannot otherwise reveal in earnest. “Literature often connects the internal and external worlds, as well as opens portals to otherwise unimagined world,” asserts Nyaupane.

Who were his inspirations? “Diamond Shumsher Junga Bahadur Rana, Bisheswor Prasad Koirala, Guru Prasad Mainali, and Govinda Bahadur Malla ‘Gothaale’, among others,” he answers.

Nyaupane believes Nepali literature can attain even greater heights by including more voices, opinions and issues from the Mechi in the east to the Mahakali in the west. “Our literature can indirectly help raise public awareness and morals and nudge people into socio-cultural changes,” he adds.

stayed atop the best-seller list for weeks, earning him great acclaim

Nyaupane thinks Nepali literature has already undergone a metamorphosis, in terms of writing approaches, wordplay, characterization and connecting readers with literary works. He points out how there has been a massive overhaul in terms of audience segmentation, production, promotion and marketing of Nepali literature. Major publishers such as Fine Print, Book Hill, Shangri-La launch books amid much fanfare and extensive media coverage. Nyaupane believes youth-centric promotional tactics such as use of jacket ads, banner ads, expos, book tours, meetand- greet with acclaimed authors and interactive book discussions have been “major plus points” for all authors.

And what about the impact of social media on literature? “On the one hand, it has boosted awareness and sales of literary works among our youths. On the other, it has also helped reduce the circulation and readership of literature in urban areas,” Nyaupane says.

 Asked about the place of Nepali literature in the international arena, Nyaupane replies: “Nepal still lags in the international arena, as reading of Nepali literature is still limited among Non-Resident Nepalese (NRNs). Only a handful of literary works such as ‘Palpasa Café’, ‘Muna Madan’, ‘Radha’, ‘Seto Bagh’ and ‘Aaj Ramita Chha’ have been translated into other languages for non-native audiences.”

Nyaupane hopes the trend of translation gathers speed and more Nepali literature will be available for the global audience.

In the end, what is next for the acclaimed author? “I have finalized a draft of my next novel. But I am yet to get a launch date from my publishers”.

The adventure sport of paragliding has for many years been one of Pokhara’s major attractions. But now, paragliding has also been introduced in the Kathmandu valley in places such as Deurali Bhanjyang and Godawari, where it has been gaining in popularity among domestic and foreign tourists alike.

Shankharapura Paragliding, a company that runs the sport in Kathmandu, has been successful in breaking Pokhara’s monopoly on paragliding and creating a new market, thereby proving that commercial paragliding is viable in the national capital.

Established in 2013, Shankharapura Paragliding has already catered to hundreds of adventurers. The number of tourists enjoying paragliding in Kathmandu has almost doubled in the past couple of years—from about 400 annual fliers a few years ago to about 800 now. Not long ago, starting a paragliding business in the Kathmandu Valley seemed a waste of money. But the success story of Shankharapura Paragliding has proven that notion wrong.   

Shankharapura Paragliding offers solo and tandem flights for its customers. “We have invested about 500 million in infrastructure, land acquisition and other expenses,” says Sharan Adhikari, its head of operations.

Every day, Shankharapura paragliding offers 16 flights, which last anywhere between 20 to 40 minutes. The take-off point is Deurali in Shankarpura village, at a distance of 5 km from Nagarkot and 25 km from Thamel. Deurali is situated at an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level. The landing takes place at Patap, which is a 30-minute ride in an off-road vehicle from the take-off point.   

The flight offers majestic aerial views of the mountains, hills, rivers, the lush green countryside, as well as the city’s bustling traffic, giving flyers an ‘unforgettable experience’.

The flight offers majestic aerial views of the mountains, hills, rivers and the lush green countryside

Shankharapura’s economy has been transformed too. The increase in the number of visitors means locals have more business opportunities. Hotels, homestays and eateries in the area are doing brisk business. Further, the company has trained and employed four local youths as pilots.  

“We have good relations with the locals, who have been supportive since the very beginning,” says Adhikari. “We aren’t very happy with government bodies though. There is a lack of assistance and support from the government, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the National Association of Travel Agents (NATA), the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) in promoting paragliding in Kathmandu.”

Kalyan K.C., a BBS student from Maharajgunj, says that Shankharapura Paragliding has helped him fulfill his long-cherished dream of enjoying paragliding.  

Imran Bashir, a Pakistani student, was thrilled to enjoy paragliding in Kathmandu. “Initially, I had planned to do it in Pokhara as I was not aware of paragliding in Kathmandu. My tour agent informed me about Shankharapura Paragliding, so I was able to experience the thrill here,” says Bashir.  

Despite attaining a measure of success, the company is not fully satisfied, as it has not been able to make expected profits. Currently, it offers a package of Rs. 10,000 to foreigners, which includes two-way transport, photography/videography services and a lunch, besides the flight costs. Nepalis get the same package for half the price, and students get another 20 percent discount. Also, on the occasion of the Valentine’s Day, the company providing a 20 percent discount.

Search for “Nepali stand-up comedy” on Youtube and you will be flooded with suggestions of various chan­nels and comedians. One of them will invariably be Apoorwa Kshitiz Singh. Apoorwa’s mini superstar­dom in the stand-up comedy scene is rising, thanks to the ever increasing hits on the Youtube of his satirical take on KP Oli government’s porn ban and of his self-mimicry of ‘Being a Madhesi’.

“What we are doing is urban stand-up comedy, which is performed in limited space, for limited audience, and with the use of slang words and adult content,” explains Apoorwa Kshitiz Singh, 25. “This makes it different to the traditional stand-up com­edy performed by the likes of Madan Krishna Shrestha, Hari Bansha Acharya, Jitu Nepal and Daman Rupakheti.” Urban youths do not feel offended by slang and strong language, he says.

Apoorwa was initially inspired by the growing pop­ularity of stand-up comedy in Delhi during his student years. He realized he too could use stand-up to increase aware­ness on social issues back home, while he also enter­tained young audiences. Apoorwa has been in this “creative indulgence” since June 2018.

With the help of his stand-up comedian friend Dipesh Dahal, Apoorwa managed to land a comedy gig with Com­edy Circle, and soon became popular for his unabashed wit. He has also performed stage shows for audiences in Pokhara and Bhairahawa.

“I am happy with the way Nepali stand-up comedy is gaining momentum and youth support. Compared to past years, comedy is getting better with more creative approach, youth-centric agenda and more innovative use of words,” says Apoorwa.

Born in a village near Gaur, Rautahat, the stand-up comic spent most of his childhood in Sarlahi district. He was always inclined to entertain his friends, teachers and rela­tives by sharing jokes.

The majority of his audiences fall under the age-group 16- 30, and come from various walks of life

For Apoorwa stand-up com­edy offers a sense of relaxation and helps him escape the daily absurdities of life. The major­ity of his audiences fall under the age-group 16-30, and come from various walks of life. “If we can mix satire and social message, it is sure to be effec­tive,” says Apoorwa.

In his experience, modern stand-up comedy is getting its due recognition, but “our comedians are still wary of talking about politics, com­munities, religions, celebrities and feminism”. Yet he is also delighted to see more women participate in the stand-up comedy scene in Nepal.

“The comedy scene has changed drastically. The advent of social media and seamless video streaming on platforms like Youtube is a boon for the current genera­tion of stand-up comedians,” says Apoorwa.

Asked if stand-up comedi­ans in Nepal face censorship, Apoorwa replies: “There has been a paradigm shift in comedy with regards to audi­ences, contents, platforms and issues. Today, there is no censorship. Few years ago, comedians used to be arrested for their satire of the state and those in authority.”

Apoorwa hopes Nepali stand-up comedy will fur­ther improve with bigger audiences, more interactions between the comics and their audiences, and more income for the performers.

Karma Tenzing is one of those few people who choose to come back home than settle abroad, however rosy their prospects there. After seeing the devastation caused by the 2015 earthquake and realizing he could do a lot more to help than what the NGOs were doing at the time, Karma decided “to return and give back to my motherland”. To do so he left lucrative jobs as a Wall Street banker and a college professor in New York.

Back in Nepal, Karma cur­rently owns and serves as the principal of the Kathmandu Valley School in Maharajgunj. Besides this, he operates such diverse companies as Mo:mo Karma in Nagpokhari, Naxal; Oceans Saving and Credit; KTM Entertainment; and Onward Nepal. Most recently, Karma was in inter­national limelight due to his multiple-award winning biographical documentary “Good Karma: An Immigrant Story”. It has been screened in 12 major international film festivals in the US and Canada and won ‘Best Documentary’ awards in seven.

“For me, the key to suc­cess is to be able give back to the community. I believe only by taking business and community together and cre­ating a synergy of sorts can one truly claim to be success­ful,” says Karma.

Karma was born in Kath­mandu but his family hails from Manang. After complet­ing his schooling in Darjeel­ing and Shimla of India, he went to New York University, and then attended Fordham University for his doctoral studies. He then worked at major investment banks such as Lehman Brothers and Mor­gan Stanley and taught BBA and MBA at the Metropolitan College of New York. After staying and working abroad for 18 years, Karma returned to Nepal to help with relief and rehabilitation works fol­lowing the 2015 earthquake.

"Only by taking business and community together and creating a synergy of sorts can one truly claim to be successful." Karma Tenzing, Entrepreneur

But the very first social cause Karma decided to take a stance against was the slav­ery of Nepali migrant workers in Qatar. He organized a rally attended by Nepali students and workers in front of the New York Times building in New York, to bring awareness to the issue. Around 34,000 individuals signed his signa­ture campaign on change.org aimed at ending the inhumane conditions of migrant workers in Qatar.

After seeing the horrific images of the destruction of lives and infrastructure fol­lowing the 2015 earthquake, Karma decided to invest his time and money in human­itarian and social causes in Nepal. He first organized var­ious fundraisers in New York.

Culture shock

Karma now wants to use his entrepreneurship skills and business acumen to give back to the community and increase the impact of his “Good Karma” initiatives. He uses income from his various business ventures solely for the betterment of the society.

“Unlike NGOs/INGOs which have operation and admin­istrative costs, employee commissions which seem to invest a lot of time on fund­raising, my initiatives have zero cost. All my money goes to the causes I support,” asserts Karma.

Karma hopes that he will be able to expand his vol­unteering and community activities and inspire the youth of Nepal and those in the diaspora to do something for their motherland.

“Everyone supported me in my endeavors and my fam­ily let me make the decision, whether it concerned moving back from the US or spending most of my time on social wel­fare activities,” says Karma.

Karma believes Nepali youth have the potential to succeed as entrepreneurs but there are barriers. When he came back to Nepal after 18 years, Karma had a kind of cultural shock. The work culture, infra­structure and way of life in Nepal were completely dif­ferent to what he had experi­enced in New York. For one, the Nepali government and bureaucracy were tardy and unreliable, he found.

Referring to recent govern­ment interference in Pathao and Tootle, he clarifies that there is “little government support for budding entre­preneurs”. Karma bemoans the absence of strong intel­lectual property laws, secure environment for investment, government support and respect for innovation. He thinks the entrepreneurial community in Nepal could also be more creative.