Submit your Article

Books, movies, and TV shows have the power to inspire people in various ways. They can spark creativity, provoke thoughts and emotions, and even motivate people to take action or pursue their dreams. Whether it’s through relatable characters, gripping storylines, or thought-provoking themes, storytelling in all its forms has the potential to deeply impact and inspire audiences. Rastrika Shakya from ApEx talked to three people to find out which book or movie has deeply impacted them.

Ravi Shahi, Managing director, PRV entertainment

I read a book by Jim Blyth called ‘100 Great Marketing Ideas’ and it taught me a lot of things. The book discusses the real ideas implemented by big organizations and it’s inspiring. Marketing ideas should be relatable, and consumers should be able to connect with them. This book has marketing ideas extracted from some of the world’s best companies. Reading the book affected how I approached things. It changed the way I broke down my ideas and thoughts.

Pragya Shrestha, Photographer

Stand by Me is a coming-of-age film by Rob Reiner. It’s a universally appealing film that people of all ages can relate to. Even though we may not have experienced similar outdoor adventures or grown up in a small town, the plot transports us back to a time when we were learning new things about the world and defending our friends when they were in trouble or running with them when we were caught playing in our neighbors’ gardens. Stand by Me focuses on these memories and it’s not just about the adventure in itself but the timeless bond between friends.

Sravya, Singer/Artist

I’m not much of a reader but two books ‘Karma’ and ‘Death’, both by Sadhguru, have been life changing for me. Karma is a book about karma, not the so-called karma from the West that we are used to hearing about. Karma in the East has always been defined as action. As Sadhguru describes karma is action. And our life is our karma. So the book karma is essentially about the intricacies of how karma works in our life and how we can learn to take charge of it. And Death, as the blurb declares, is ‘a book for everyone who will die’. It provides a lot of insights into death that can help you navigate the complex emotions that come when you think of it.

Love is a magical thread that brings people together. It’s the purest connection, an essence that ignites our very existence. Imagine sharing your life with someone you love for the rest of your life. Isn’t it beautiful? It’s a beautiful dance of nature as we hold each other’s vulnerabilities dear and embrace our true selves with open hearts. Rastrika Shakya from ApEx talked to three people to find out what they think of love and how their love has evolved over the years.

Narayan Maharjan, 52

I was 19 when I met my wife. Thirty-three years later, our bond remains the same. It’s even stronger today. Since ours was a love marriage, we were comfortable around each other and there weren’t many awkward moments. But we came from different backgrounds. Despite it, we navigated the challenges with grace, we taught each other, and we learned from each other. Three years into our marriage, our son was born, and now we have a son and a daughter. Through the decades, we’ve weathered many storms together, yet my love for her remains the same. With each passing day, my affection for her grows. Her guidance has lightened my burdens, making life infinitely more manageable. There’s no need for a special day to express my love for her because every day spent with her is inherently special. She has a way of making each day extraordinary, just by being herself.

Bini Maharjan Dangol, 42

It has been 20 years since our marriage. We are blessed with two beautiful daughters and a son. Ours was an arranged marriage, and I vividly recall how shy he was around me. I’m grateful for how our arranged marriage blossomed into a profound love connection. We invested time in each other, allowing our bond to deepen and our understanding to grow.

For me, love must flow in both directions. It requires a mutual understanding and respect. If the other person doesn’t value your perspectives, it’s not love but compulsion. I would advise the younger generation not to reveal everything about themselves too quickly. Someone who may not have your best interests at heart could take advantage of you. Take the time to get to know each other. The journey is more enjoyable when stories unfold slowly, and the anticipation builds as you get to know each other better.

Rajkumar Nepali, 46

For me, love is something you see and feel. Unless you can see or feel a person the way they want to be seen or felt, it’s not love. When you love a person, you have the ability to hear their silence, feel their emotions, and read their eyes. That’s when you know you are in love.

I was 20 years old when I got married to my wife. It’s been 26 years, yet it still feels like yesterday. Time goes by so fast, and growing old together is the best feeling. I can see a huge difference in our love over these 26 years. My love for her today is even stronger and continues to grow as time passes by. What I’ve learned is that your partner is your strongest support system, the one who will stick by you no matter what, and you have to honor that.

Life can be tough, like a storm that hits when you least expect it. Sometimes you just need someone to guide you through chaos. What if you could have a conversation with your future self? What would you want to find out? Rastrika Shakya from ApEx talked to three individuals to know their thoughts.

Bishesta Shilpakar

It’s impossible yet so interesting. What if I could have a conversation with my future self? There’s a lot to ask but most importantly, I would ask about the valuable teachings learned from life’s experiences. I’d seek advice on bouncing back from challenges, embracing change, and staying true to my authentic self. I would collect some ideas for my personal growth.

Ultimately, I would approach this conversation with a yearning to glean wisdom from the experiences that lie ahead, hoping to gain insights that could illuminate my present journey and guide me towards a future marked by growth, authenticity, and profound connections with both myself and those around me.

Anushka Shakya

If I could grab a coffee with my future self, I’d probably dive into some real talks. Like “Hey future me! Any pro tips on overcoming fear of judgment? And seriously, how do we navigate social scenes without feeling like we’re about to perform in a talent show? Moving on is tough, any tricks for not clinging to things that seem important? Emotionally maturing, where do I even start with that? And ADHD, any hacks for handling it while figuring out how to make a living? Learning from mistakes sounds good, but how do I really nail that? Also, what’s the limit to how much I can learn? Oh, and the big question: Am I, like, rich?”

Sakar Mahat

If I could have a conversation my main curiosity would be on the journey of my life and the lessons learned from the mistakes I made along the way. I would dive straight into asking if, without realizing it, I ended up hurting someone. It’s a heartfelt inquiry to understand the ripple effects of my actions. And then, the talk would get real personal. I’d want to know if the decisions I made left me feeling content or if there were moments of looking back and wishing I took a different turn. It’s not about dwelling on regrets but more like getting some insider tips from the future me on how to steer the ship with fewer hiccups. This whole conversation would be like a friendly reboot button for myself. It’s like having a future version of me exchanging notes and gearing up for a smoother journey ahead.

In a world where trends come and go, embracing second-hand clothing is a timeless statement of sustainability, individuality, and the art of rediscovering styles with unique stories. Shopping second-hand for clothing items can turn your wardrobe into a curated gallery of sustainable fashion. Rastrika Shakya from ApEx talked with some people to find out how they feel about shopping for second-hand clothes in Nepal.

Manjila Bajimaya

In a world dominated by fast fashion and instant deliveries, the allure of secondhand and vintage clothing often goes overlooked. But I believe there are many reasons to start buying clothes second-hand. It’s an eco-friendly and budget-conscious alternative. Thrift stores, offering gently used garments, present an opportunity to discover current styles at unbeatable prices. The cyclical nature of fashion means you can easily find hidden gems from various eras, spanning the 20s to the 90s. Beyond personal benefits, shopping second-hand supports small businesses.

I think that shopping for second-hand clothes can be a great life-changing hack. Additionally, selling items allows you to recoup costs, making the second-hand experience not only sustainable but financially savvy. Also, while exploring the world of second-hand clothing I have been pleasantly surprised by the treasures and advantages it brings.

Pooja Tiwari

As a fashion student, I’m intrigued by antique clothing pieces that have a rich history, allowing us to relive the past. Additionally, some vintage items seamlessly complement modern outfits in terms of styling.

I love shopping second-hand. In my experience, each find is a one-of-a-kind treasure. Second-hand clothing is unique, and sometimes you can’t find the same product again because they aren’t being manufactured anymore. Recycling clothes also saves resources and reduces pollution caused by production, which is a good reason to indulge in it.

Samridhi Karmacharya

I thoroughly enjoy purchasing used clothes. I have a special fondness for hand-me-downs. My decision to buy clothes is often guided by the belief that I’ll wear the garment multiple times. Otherwise, I don’t buy clothes at all.  

In all honesty, I rarely buy clothes from retail stores. Instead, I’ve cultivated a preference for either having my clothes made by my local tailor or taking matters into my own hands and sewing them myself. The intention behind each piece, whether stitched by a local artisan or crafted by my own hands, fosters a sense of appreciation. This conscious approach not only aligns with my style but also emphasizes sustainability and an appreciation for the garments I choose to wear.