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Pride Month was first observed in June to commemorate the Stonewall Uprising, but it wasn’t until 1999 that the then President Bill Clinton declared June as Pride Month in the United States. Since then, it has evolved into a global celebration of LGBTIQA+ rights, diversity, acceptance, and equality. Aaradhana Shrestha from ApEx spoke to three people to find out how Pride Month can be used as a platform to educate people about LGBTIQA+ history and issues.

Akanksha Budha, 22

I believe Pride Month is often the only time when the larger public acknowledges the existence and struggles of the LGBTIQA+ community. Pride Month began as a movement of resistance and rebellion. Using this time to remind and educate people about the true origins and purpose of it is crucial. Hosting queer events and workshops focused on history and current issues is a great way to leverage Pride Month for education. However, to truly highlight the struggles and issues faced by the queer community, efforts must extend beyond Pride Month, integrating this awareness into everyday conversations and actions throughout the year.

Sid, 19

I believe people should start acknowledging Pride Month beyond its ‘celebrations’ and recognize it as a movement of liberation and justice. Its essence is often overshadowed by flashy marches, parades, and celebrations.

When the world is painted in rainbow colors throughout June, it’s also a crucial time to reflect on queer issues and answer why we still need a ‘month’ for ourselves. Whether queer or an ally, it’s crucial to acknowledge your privileges and support queer friends confronting heightened discrimination, such as hatred and cyberbullying, during this month.

It’s crucial to openly discuss our challenges as queer individuals online, leveraging our amplified voices. Let’s honor our brave ancestors and activists worldwide who fought for liberation, echoing Marsha P Johnson’s words: “No pride for some of us without the liberation of all of us.” Together, let’s support our queer friends on their journey to freedom and continue advocating for change beyond June.

Devika Rai, 20

I believe there shouldn’t be a specific month designated solely for educating people about LGBTIQA+ history and issues. In fact, these efforts can and should be ongoing regardless of the time of year. However, Pride Month provides a focused and well-known period to amplify these initiatives. We can organize educational events, sessions, pre-Pride hangouts, and share impactful stories through media campaigns like podcasts and insightful videos to reach a wider audience. Collaborating with organizations, schools, and businesses can create a powerful platform for learning and advocacy that extends beyond June, fostering a year-round commitment to understanding and supporting LGBTQIA+ rights and history.

There are many things we can do to educate people but what we truly need are individuals who are eager to learn. Only when we cultivate this eagerness can our efforts make a lasting impact. So, if you aren’t able to actively contribute or participate, the least you can do is educate yourself.

The World Day Against Child Labor aims to bring attention to the issue of making laborers out of children. To end child labor, the World Day Against Child Labor prioritizes education, develops economic options, upholds the law, offers social support, and raises awareness. Aaradhana Shrestha from ApEx spoke to three people to find out what communities and individuals can do to help end child labor.

Sitendra Jha, 18

Child labor is a heinous crime that abuses children, depriving them of a normal childhood, better future, and lifestyle, all for the selfish motivation of exploiting cheap labor offered by children. It’s often due to economically and socially backward families and communities. The best approach to preventing child labor is to identify and uplift the livelihoods of these economically disadvantaged marginalized communities. Strict rules and regulations should be implemented, along with rigorous monitoring by authorities to punish those involved in this crime. Children subjected to forced labor in various situations should be rescued and rehabilitated to effectively reintegrate them into society.

As individuals, we should hold ourselves to higher moral standards and speak out against child labor. We must not allow ourselves to be silenced by elite industrialists and individuals who exploit children, nor should we condone child labor in any circumstances. We should actively raise awareness and voice our concerns against child labor. Any product or service that directly or indirectly results from child labor should be socially boycotted and severely punished.

Siddhartha Thapaliya, 25

Combating child labor requires ensuring access to education and job opportunities for all. Schools should offer low-cost tuition or scholarships for poor families, reducing the financial reasons that force children to work. Comprehensive educational programs must highlight the long-term benefits of schooling and include job training to prepare students for future careers.

Strong laws are essential to stop child labor, with strict enforcement and penalties for violations. Providing job opportunities for parents is equally important, as a stable and adequate income can reduce the poverty that drives families to rely on child labor. Employment programs and financial support for adults help ensure that children can stay in school rather than being sent to work. These measures create an environment where education is valued, and financial pressures leading to child labor are reduced, promoting a future where all children have the chance to learn and succeed.

Pragya Khanal, 22

Child labor refers to work that robs children of their childhood and potential, negatively impacting their physical and mental growth and development. Despite global efforts to eradicate it, child labor persists, and significant struggles have been observed in addressing this issue.

Preference for education over money-making, eradication of poverty through employment opportunities for parents, and solutions for inflated education fees can be helpful in eliminating the emerging issue of child labor. Additionally, raising awareness regarding the psychological impact on children can be the best solution to eradicate child labor from our society.

Lal Bahadur Airi was appointed the general manager at Gorkhapatra in 2022, for a four-year term, making him the youngest ever to hold the position. A vacancy opened by the ministry, followed by a shortlisting of candidates, and a submission to the cabinet for final approval led to Airi being selected for the prestigious position.

Before that, Airi worked as a reporter at the National News Agency and was on the board of directors at Radio Sudoor Awaz. At one point, he also held the position of district bureau coordinator at Kantipur Television.

Currently, he is also a PhD scholar. His research project focuses on how the media performs inside the federal government. Beyond academia, he has a strong interest in social work. His early exposure to social work and leadership sparked his interest in journalism as a social service platform. He began his career with practical journalism experience, which was later supplemented by an academic pursuit of the field.

“I find myself drawn to the social aspects of journalism. I’m intrigued by journalist’s backgrounds and motivations, as well as how regional influences and personal perspectives affect their work,” says Airi. “I hope to improve my knowledge of journalism’s role in constructing societal narratives by investigating these sociological processes.”

Airi hails from Amargadhi Municipality-7, Dadeldhura. He completed his SLC in 2003 and since then has been continuously involved in journalism.

“My academic background, which includes a sociology thesis produced during my MPhil, reinforces my devotion to social work. Aspiring to be a journalist entails learning the sociological aspects that impact the industry and how to properly handle a variety of social topics,” he says.

At Gorkhapatra, Airi says all operations are overseen by the management and administration in collaboration with the executive chairman. The organization manages six publications—Gorkhapatra (a vernacular daily), The Rising Nepal (an English-language national daily), Madhuparka (a literary monthly magazine), Muna (a children’s monthly magazine), Yuba Manch (a youth monthly magazine) and Gorkhapatra Online (the digital edition).

“My position comes with formulating and implementing company plans, supervising business operations, and resolving circulation difficulties, with a primary focus on administrative administration and leadership,” says Airi.

As a state media body, Gorkhapatra is responsible for a variety of state and public-related issues. With a rich history of 124 years and numerous publications, the institution has created a distinct personality. Managing a team of around 500 people is a huge undertaking. The organization must maintain people’s faith. It must also balance and manage connections between the government, public, and its own employees.

Some say that in free and democratic nations, state media is unneeded since market outlets can effectively serve public interest. They feel that commercial media can better enlighten the public, rendering government-owned outlets obsolete.

Others think that state media plays an important role in articulating the government’s position and establishing a national perspective. They feel it promotes national unity and identity by presenting the state’s perspective in a distinct manner.

State media, as shown by historic periodicals such as Gorkhapatra, played an important role in informing and educating the populace during times of scarcity. The form of state media, whether government-controlled or independent with state support, differs among countries, with the goal of balancing independence and accountability. While the need for state media to bridge government-public relations persists, the current problem is to ensure its relevance in an era of ubiquitous information availability.

“In today’s age of misinformation and deep fakes, trustworthy sources are critical for giving accurate, unbiased information,” says Airi. “They bridge the gap by facilitating open communication between the government and the public, establishing trust and clarity in the information landscape.”

Social media poses a challenge to traditional mainstream media, resulting in difficulties such as lower revenue and audience engagement. However, it has democratized information access, allowing a variety of viewpoints to be heard. Platforms like Gorkhapatra use social media to improve public access to news, shape public perception, and battle disinformation.

“Gorkhapatra has undergone a significant shift from being a government mouthpiece to a platform that presents public opinion. It highlights public concerns and includes public opinions in its material, positioning itself as the people’s voice,” says Airi, adding that despite encountering business issues, its reach has grown via digital platforms.

The challenges of declining productivity and advertising revenue have prompted a reevaluation of content quality, leading to a greater emphasis on public voices and critical reporting. This shift has not only strengthened Gorkhapatra’s role as a public voice but also contributed to societal establishment by facilitating open dialogue and addressing economic and administrative issues.

“Gorkhapatra and other media outlets are embracing digital transformation in order to adapt to the modern era. They’re modernizing internet platforms, expanding their social media presence, and integrating technology into newsrooms. Initiatives such as GIOMS, which fall under the Digital Nepal framework, exhibit a commitment to innovation and automation, with the goal of improving distribution, payment procedures, and storytelling for better relevance and efficiency in the developing media landscape,” says Airi.

Gorkhapatra, which is rooted in tradition, struggles to adapt to change due to governmental roadblocks and outdated rules and regulations. Despite efforts, it’s frequently viewed as representing only government viewpoints, highlighting bigger issues in journalism’s progress.

Another significant aspect that media personnel should understand is the gap in media literacy among individuals, especially regarding digital media. This lack of understanding poses a challenge not only for Gorkhapatra but for the entire field of journalism and societal transformation. For instance, when discussing issues on Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter, it can be challenging to differentiate between journalism and the common utilization of social media platforms. Overall, the media faces challenges stemming from unhealthy professional practices, making responsible journalism and media houses crucial.

However, the biggest thing is credibility, says Airi. And it’s what drives Gorkhapatra in its pursuit of news.

Modernization in Nepal has influenced youth participation in traditional cultural traditions. The interest among youngsters in old cultural practices seems to be waning. We are thus perhaps on the cusp of letting our stories and traditions fade away. Aaradhana Shrestha of ApEx spoke to three people to find out how modernization has affected Nepali youth interest in traditional culture, and how we can preserve our cultural heritage.

Lalima Shrestha, 29

Modernization has led Nepal’s youth to feel disconnected from their traditional cultural practices due to increased exposure to modern influences through new media and technologies.

To preserve and promote Nepal’s rich cultural heritage among younger generations, we must first recognize this issue ourselves. Then, we need to make young people aware of their cultural roots in a way that sparks their curiosity. Instead of forcing traditions on them, we should encourage them to explore and discover their heritage on their own.

There should be more opportunities for youth to engage with traditional cultural practices. These opportunities should be presented in an interesting and relevant way, so young people will want to participate and continue these traditions in the future. By making cultural practices appealing and accessible, we can help ensure they are preserved for generations to come.

Prajal Shrestha, 27

Modernization has significantly impacted traditional cultural practices among the youth in Nepal. Many young Nepalis prioritize higher education and better job opportunities, often leading to a detachment from their cultural identity. The trend of moving abroad for better prospects further exacerbates this issue.

To preserve Nepal’s cultural heritage among the youth, we need awareness programs, media campaigns, cultural education in schools, and celebrations of cultural events. Government bodies and cultural organizations, like Guthis, should actively involve youth in cultural activities. Engaging platforms such as workshops, traditional music and dance classes, and heritage tours can deepen their connection to cultural practices.

Local communities can organize cultural events and festivals that encourage youth participation, and mentorship programs where elders teach traditional practices to younger generations can also be effective. Leveraging digital platforms to promote cultural heritage can attract tech-savvy youth. Creating engaging content like documentaries, blogs, and social media posts about cultural traditions can be helpful in reaching a wider audience.

Birsana Shrestha, 25

Modernization is seen as a symbol of status. It’s perceived as being forward and progressive. Modernization in itself is not an issue but the expense it comes at often makes it an issue.

In the process of catching up with global trends, our cultural practices have been cornered. From my observations, and I’m not generalizing, youths are alienated from their own culture, as if they are disconnected from its stories. We are expected to act in a way that pleases our market system. The purpose of our culture has changed.

Cultural organizations can initiate gatherings where they can discuss things about our culture. For instance, the writing center of Thames International College organizes a ‘Heritage Walk’ where participants visit heritage sites with experts and learn about their stories and significance. This could be one strategy.

Politics in Nepal is volatile. Power struggles and corruption have always been center stage. There’s a lot of uncertainty and hardships because of the failure of those in power to follow through their plans and promises. Aaradhana Shrestha of ApEx asked three people how they felt about the current political leadership in Nepal. Here’s what they had to say.

Dipen Shrestha, 53

I feel Nepal’s current political leadership is unclear, shortsighted, and incompetent. This perception stems from our country’s political instability, which has resulted in many young people leaving the country. Political instability has made businesses vulnerable to economic downturns due to excessive growth in loan interest rates and the inability to obtain appropriate prices for agricultural produce. There’s also a lack of timely availability of resources and vision for advanced technology. I think frequent changes in government policies and regulations will work to our detriment.

Basanta Adhikari, 31

There’s a clear lack of cooperation across parties, impeding the country’s economic progress and employment generation for young people. Internal disputes are alienating young people and undermining their patriotism. However, there is promise in the rise of new, proactive youth leaders such as Mayor Balen Shah, who have demonstrated the potential for swift, good change. I think political parties need to collaborate and work for the greater good rather than being driven by their own agendas. We also need proper educational policies so that the youth don’t go abroad to study and eventually settle there for good.  

Kiran Subedi, 31

The current political situation in Nepal is complex and dynamic, with considerable changes since the country transitioned from monarchy to a federal democratic republic. However, the top political parties put their own interests over that of the Nepali people, resulting in instability and stifling economic growth. The prime minister leads a coalition government of numerous parties, although frequent confidence votes show the government’s volatility. Accusations of corruption against the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs deepen dissatisfaction and outrage. The lack of compelling proof to disprove these charges fuels public criticism of the government’s inefficiencies and corruption. While there is some hope, the current political scenario in Nepal is worrying.

Busy schedules and conflicting priorities can overshadow good health practices. But there are some simple, essential habits that can change your life and ensure good health in the long run. Aaradhana Shrestha spoke to three people to find out what was the one health behavior they swear by and how it impacts their lives.

Anurag Shrestha, 27

I think waking up early in the morning is one of the most important things regarding being healthy. It’s a challenge to wake up early. It’s also a discipline that most people take for granted. Waking up early is underrated in these modern times but it’s a good habit to adopt as there’s something about fresh morning air that’s instantly invigorating. I wake up very early and start my daily routine. I feel like I have more time on my hands and can achieve more on any given day when I wake up early.

Arpit Shrestha, 24

Quitting smoking and restricting alcohol use, as well as regular physical activity, are good health practices that I think everyone should embrace. Quitting smoking lowers the risk of a variety of illnesses and improves respiratory function, whilst limiting alcohol use can help avoid chronic ailments and boost mental health. Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health, helps with weight control, improves mood, strengthens the immune system, and can prolong life. Collectively, these practices lead to considerable improvements in general health and well-being.

Rohit Rai, 21

Taking care of your mental health is just as important for a happy and fulfilled life as your physical health. Gratitude practices, for example, have the power to dramatically improve mental health and happiness. You can tackle stress, build resilience, and cultivate an optimistic outlook in life by consistently recognizing and enjoying life’s positive elements. Being grateful for the little things can make a significant impact in your overall well-being.

Online media platforms have transformed the way people consume information by giving them easy access to a wide range of resources and real-time updates. Aaradhana Shrestha talked to three people on how online media has changed the way they get news and information.

Nibha Manandhar, 24

For me, the most significant shift in media consumption brought about by online media is the ease in accessing digital forms of conventional media, such as print media. Radio and broadcast media are also online, which makes it convenient to get some news whenever you have the time. As the internet is everywhere, online media allows for faster access to news than conventional media. Online media has also made it easy to offer comments and allows for a speedier two-way connection.

Harshita Agrawal, 21

In comparison to conventional media, I find that internet platforms keep me up to date on all current events. Accessing information has become simpler, and the ability to fact-check any story I find online has been a major game changer. While conventional media is clearly a reliable source of information, since it provides legitimacy, online news allows me to access it whenever I want without the risk of losing it. The best thing is that it’s easily accessible, requiring minimal effort.

Pranay Chuke, 31

Online media has significantly changed the way people consume news and information. It has made news and information accessible to a wider audience. The real-time updates of online media allow people to stay informed about the latest developments as they happen. Online media also plays a role in personalized news consumption, as users can customize their news feeds and receive content tailored to their interests and preferences. Online media has revolutionized the way people consume news and information, offering greater accessibility, interactivity, and personalization compared to traditional media.

Stay focused, set your goals clear and don’t hesitate to try new things. Create a great work portfolio and network. Use social media to reach your target audience and keep yourself updated and most importantly stay positive, they say.

In the world of elegance and beauty, Kanchan and Kabita Shrestha, the sisters who own Lume Makeover Studio in Kathmandu’s Mid Baneshwor, are the picture perfect example of dedication and devotion. They started out as independent makeup artists, developing their craft and gaining recognition in Kathmandu’s thriving beauty industry.

Their big opportunity came in 2018 when they worked together with famed makeup artist Swastika Rajbhandari’s assistants for the Miss Nepal campaign. In addition to giving them a chance to display their abilities on a national stage, this opportunity gave the Shrestha sisters priceless experiences and insights that would influence their future undertakings.

Originally from a small town of Chitwan, Kanchan and Kabita moved to Kathmandu nine years ago for further education. Kanchan finished her MBA in Entrepreneurship from Kings College, while Kabita is currently pursuing an MBA degree at Herald College.

“We treasure our childhood memories, especially the ones we shared with our family. These experiences, which ranged from playing outside with siblings to assisting with household tasks like laundry and meal preparation, instilled in us the virtues of diligence, accountability, and cooperation. Above all, they made it possible for us to grow closer to our mother and absorb her strength and wisdom in a cozy and loving environment,” they say.

Cooking, baking, and gardening for their loved ones brings Kanchan and Kabita much delight, aside from their love of makeup. Through these pursuits, they may express their creativity, strengthen their bonds with family and the natural world, and find fulfillment and relaxation.

According to the sisters, spending time in silence with our loved ones and having in-depth, lengthy talks that uplift the spirit. “Whether it’s just chatting, exchanging ideas, or just spending time together. In addition to being a source of inspiration and renewal, these pastimes and quality time with one another also help people achieve balance and refreshment in the middle of daily chaos.”

Before starting their journey into the makeup business, both sisters earned a certificate in cosmetics from SMA Bangkok, a thorough curriculum that provides practical instruction in a range of beauty methods. With courses covering everything from special effects and prosthetics to wedding and magazine makeup, the curriculum gave them the tools they needed to succeed in the beauty business.

Motivated by their love of the beauty industry, the sisters looked into makeup artistry as a possible career path and saw a lot of room for expansion. They started out as freelance makeup artists, therefore it was first difficult for them to make the switch to opening their own studio and focusing on bridal beauty.

What’s the meaning of Lume? “After brainstorming for a long time, we picked the name Lume as a short form of illume. For us, Lume represents the light within or to spread the light upon,” the duo say.     

The sisters’ persistent love for makeup artistry and their ambition to start a company that reflected their ideals and creativity propelled them into the field of cosmetics as a vocation. They were excited to put their passion for cosmetics and their entrepreneurial drive together in order to launch a lucrative and satisfying career in the beauty business.

Living in Kathmandu has had a profound impact on both sisters’ careers and creative styles. The city’s lively energy, cultural variety, and plenty of inspiration have spurred their creativity and allowed them to explore new routes in the beauty business. Kathmandu’s fast-paced environment has taught them to adapt quickly, think on their feet, and accept change, all of which have helped them advance in their careers. Finally, Kathmandu acted as a spur for their professional development and a foundation for their artistic identity, molding them into the artists and professionals they are today.

As makeup artists, both sisters ultimate goal was to establish themselves as trusted names in the makeup industry. In addition to establishing them as a trusted bridal makeup artist, they are equally committed to building a core team of talented individuals who share a passion for minimal bridal makeup and dedication to exceptional service. Collaboration and teamwork are integral to providing a seamless and unforgettable experience for their clients.

Their ultimate goal is to be recognized not only for their technical skills and artistic vision but also for the personalized and compassionate approach they bring to every client interaction. Making people happy and helping them feel beautiful is at the heart of what they do, and they are dedicated to continuously honing their craft to fulfill that aspiration.

Talking about the memorable success they have achieved in their journey and business, “One of the most memorable successes in our journey came when we had the opportunity to contribute to Miss Nepal Shrinkhala Khatiwada’s introduction video for Miss World. Being entrusted with such an important task was not only an honor but also a significant milestone in our career as a makeup artist.”

“Another memorable success in our business journey was the opening of our studio with our hard-earned money from makeup. The journey to opening our studio was not without its challenges, but overcoming obstacles and persevering through setbacks only made the achievement sweeter. It was a testament to our passion, resilience, and commitment to excellence,” they say.

Kanchan expressed that if she wasn’t a makeup artist, she would have continued her passion for fashion as a fashion designer. She is fascinated by the world of fashion because of the options for creativity and self-expression it provides.

Kabita, on the other hand, would have been a dentist, as she was preparing for the entrance exams for BDS, but life had better plans and ended up being a makeup artist.

Staying up to date on the newest trends in the ever-changing cosmetics industry is critical for offering excellent service to customers. To stay competitive, the sisters frequently engage in a variety of training programs, conferences, and seminars. Attending makeup workshops, industry events, and trade fairs allows them to learn from renowned pros about rising trends, novel products, and sophisticated methods.

The sisters prioritize consistency in their work across several clients and scenarios. They accomplish this by following a systematic approach, performing in-depth customer consultations, referencing their portfolio for consistency, constantly upgrading their abilities through training, employing high-quality materials, and aggressively seeking feedback to improve.

As for now, they are currently booked up with appointments because the bridal season is quickly approaching. However, they are excited to begin working on new projects soon.