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Have you ever stopped to wonder why our city seems perpetually shrouded in pollution and mired in chaos? Kathmandu now ranks as the seventh most polluted city in the world. The air we breathe has become increasingly unhealthy, but what alternatives do we have? Unfortunately, there are very few. We’re forced to inhale harmful pollutants with every breath, trapped in a cycle of environmental degradation.

Dust permeates every corner, with masks now a ubiquitous sight reminiscent of the Covid-19 pandemic. The beautiful city of Kathmandu has turned into a dusty, polluted landscape where even breathing is a struggle. Is this the fate we’ve resigned ourselves to? What’s behind this alarming deterioration?

Our carbon emissions are going up. It seems that a bike is necessary for a simple trip to the store, and a car for city exploration. Few are willing to rely on their own two feet for transportation, exacerbating the problem. The emissions from vehicles, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) significantly degrade Kathmandu's air quality, posing serious health risks.

Furthermore, the widespread use of air conditioners only adds to the environmental strain. The haphazard construction of buildings, often at the expense of trees and hills, coupled with the indiscriminate burning of plastics and waste further compounds the issue. The once-clear view of the mountains is now obscured by polluted air.

Kathmandu, nestled like a bowl amidst verdant hills, traps pollutants within its confines, exacerbating the problem. Dust and dirt pervade every aspect of life, turning even a white T-shirt black by day’s end. It’s disheartening to witness the accumulation of grime on items left outside.

Blame cannot solely be placed on the government; individuals must also take responsibility for their actions. Those who fought for democracy and brought about change in our country must be able to effect change once again. By uniting, we can make a difference. What if we opted for communal transportation like buses instead of individual vehicles? What if we chose to walk short distances rather than rely on motorbikes?

We’re all too familiar with the health consequences of living in such a polluted city: Asthma, heart diseases, lung cancer, and more. It’s imperative that we assess our carbon footprint and remain conscious of our actions. The environment cannot wait for us to act; it’s time to transform our dusty bowl into a harmonious sanctuary. Our environment profoundly impacts our health, and it’s up to us to improve it. Though it may not have been our top priority, the environment cannot be neglected any longer.

Fashion has always represented liberation. People have distinct dress codes for different occasions, such as official and informal gatherings, parties, and more, which they refer to as fashion. However, fashion is subject to change over time and in line with emerging trends.

Fashion is an individual’s individuality, not merely a fad. Who asserts that individuals lack the autonomy to select their identity? No matter what group, gender, age, nation, or location we belong to, we are free to adopt any trends we like. The way we present ourselves increases our self-esteem. And that’s their liberty, is it not?

To be accepted by society, we don’t have to dress up or adhere to a certain style. We can be ourselves.We need to make decisions based on our own needs, not those of others. Many people’s perceptions have been affected by stereotypes for millennia. Individuals make assumptions about other people based on their preferred clothing choices or style. It is not required to adhere to the conservative convention. Nothing compares to “for a specific body type.” Since everyone should be able to wear whatever they like, it shouldn’t exist.

Women in Nepali society are frequently made fun of for the kind of clothing they choose to wear. Because wearing a saree or kurta is supposed to be representative of the so-called ‘society’, the traditional society still holds this belief. However, why? What's wrong with not donning a saree instead of just a t-shirt and pants? Setting someone up with a dress code is inconvenient. Everybody is aware of the boundaries and the degree to which they must be adhered to.

Let’s discuss something else regarding fashion. Your favorite thing to do is fashion. For instance, in certain societies, having a tattoo is seen as defying social standards. In many cultures, it is also considered odd for a boy to have long hair or a nose piercing. Similarly, certain societies do not accept girls who wear their hair short; they believe that girls need long hair. Why is this the case, and how can it be changed?

Is it convenient?

It’s acceptable for fat individuals to wear fashion, for ladies to wear short skirts, for tattoos and belly piercings, and for boys to have long hair without anyone objecting to it being inconvenient. Instead of being a tyranny that you are forced to follow, fashion should be democratic. Breaking the mold of what men and women should look like in their ideal attire, we need to be willing to try new things in our quest to find the perfect style—fashion that adheres to conventions while also being personal. It is not possible for people to start adopting trends based on the opinions of others. Acceptance of oneself is more important than acceptance of others.

Being democratic and free to make any decision you wish is more significant. One way to express oneself is through fashion. That’s what gives you comfort, empowerment, and confidence. It goes beyond clothes alone. Your favorite haircut is a component of fashion as well. The significance one has on dress speaks volumes about oneself. Making clothes for yourself will also provide you happiness. Everyone ought to pursue their personal interests. If someone else isn't fond of it, that’s fine too. You have the flexibility to wear whatever makes you feel good about yourself and to follow your own style. You are free to select items that accentuate your identity and give you a sense of confidence.

Even though history records and explains past events, it is a continuous process. History is not confined to one period or nation. It deals with all the aspects of human life—social, economic, political, physical, religious and aesthetic—giving a clear sense of global events. We are the product of our history. Therefore, ignoring history wouldn’t be a wise idea and taking account of history would always guide us to a better future.

Ignoring history is being blindfolded which takes us nowhere. If we aren’t well aware of historical events it will be like taking steps without knowing the right path which might be dangerous. For example, if the world hadn’t known about what the World War led to, the nations around the world would not even think twice to start a war today. Since we are well aware of the past, different countries would not dare to take steps without thinking twice because the world has understood what results in aggression, fight and wars.

If we choose to ignore our past and fail to learn from history, we will be doomed to repeat the mistakes that our ancestors made. The sentiment that history repeats aspires to common sense and is hard to disagree with. 

People who don’t learn from their mistakes don't mature. The same goes with the politics and scenario of the world. Imagine if Japan starts a war again against the USA or any other country without knowing how their important cities were destroyed, they would probably create a mess out of their present affecting their future without knowing what mistakes they had made in the past by provoking the USA resulting in severe consequences.

History helps us understand and develop a better understanding of the world. It teaches a working understanding of change. We can realize how changes took place and how the world has evolved from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic era. If we didn’t have history, we wouldn’t have an idea about how the world reached this stage, how our ancestors survived, how human settlement began. History is what makes us understand everything—history of the Earth, history of human existence, history of biology, history of chemistry, etc.

History also helps us predict what shape the future will take. It gives us knowledge to understand and accept the change. Living in the present is not at all possible without an understanding of the past. The past allows the people of the present and the future to learn without having to endure. We can see how others coped; we can see that others survived hard times. The past gives us courage and it protects us. For example, realization that our country, Nepal, had hard times where people were killed brutally during the wars and weren’t safe at their own houses has given us the knowledge to understand the past and understand that we are part of the change.

Knowledge of historical events helps us evaluate what was significant about a particular period, event, and development. History records facts and lays the foundation for the future. Everybody and every society needs history to bring improvement and development. In shaping an individual, shaping a nation having knowledge about history is important. Appreciating and understanding history benefits everyone in the long run.

Antidepressant users per 1,000 people:

Source: World of Statistics

According to recent research, nine million people die every day globally as a direct result of air pollution. The health of the people is worsening due to disruptions in the environment. Parks and urban green spaces are one of the solutions to the problem of health hazards and environmental risks in the post-industrial society. Lack of green in the neighborhood is a serious problem affecting most city areas around the world and parks and other green spaces are necessary for normal functioning of people and the environment.

The crowding and human activities such as transport, shops and industries on the narrow roads and concrete structures of cities have led to the phenomenon called the urban heat island effect. The temperature in urban areas is increasing by 3.4°C compared to rural areas. The increase in temperature results in increased demand for cooling, which means an increase in the consumption of fossil fuel that leads to increased air pollution. However, with the creation of parks and green spaces, this issue can be mitigated as open areas with plants and trees give a place for the trapped heat to be released into the atmosphere.

Parks also provide a place where people can be physically active to reduce stress, which can improve their mental health. It also aids in relaxation, peace and escape from the heat, with better air quality, reduced traffic and greater diversity. A recent estimate puts 3.3 percent of global deaths due to the lack of physical activities because of poor walking ability and limited access to recreational areas. These numbers can be reduced by creating and opening parks and green spaces. 

The parks and other green spaces also have aesthetic and recreational values. They can lead to increased property values and increased municipal revenues. Also, a telephone survey by the American Public Health Association shows that 75 percent of the American adults surveyed believe that parks can play an important role in addressing America’s obesity crisis. They believe that parks help improve public health by providing direct contact with nature and a cleaner environment. Additionally, parks create a safer neighborhood, with research showing that green spaces create neighborhoods with fewer violence and crimes.

We need nature in our surroundings, we need trees on the streets, plants in our gardens and flowers on our balconies. Therefore, with all the above-mentioned benefits, there is no doubt that parks and green spaces are very necessary for cities.