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Nirmala Sharma has been elected as the President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ). Securing 4,282 votes, she became the first woman to lead the media organization. This has revamped the organizations’ profile as well as sparked hope among journalists that the FNJ will work for a prosperous media landscape in Nepal. ApEx talked to three young journalists from different media houses about their concerns and expectations.

Sanskriti Pokharel, 20, The Kathmandu Post

I believe in press freedom and I expect FNJ to focus on engaging with local journalists and communities to address the specific challenges they face in remote and conflict-affected areas. FNJ should also provide safety training to journalists as that can ensure fearless reporting. FNJ could establish mentorship programs pairing experienced journalists with young journalists to foster knowledge sharing. As someone young navigating this field, I also see immense value in FNJ leveraging partnerships with media houses and academic institutions to provide scholarships, internships, and global exposure. I feel that a diverse media landscape leads to richer, more inclusive storytelling. Acknowledging and highlighting the contributions of journalists from diverse backgrounds and age can inspire others and shift perceptions about who can succeed in the field.

Sara Pahari, 22, myRepublica

FNJ should prioritize creating a secure environment for journalists, especially for those reporting from conflict zones or covering sensitive issues. This includes advocating for stronger laws to protect press freedom, journalists’ rights and providing legal support for journalists facing threats. It’s also important to establish crisis response mechanisms to address immediate risks. It can also partner with media houses and international organizations to offer scholarships or fellowships for advanced learning. This would make a difference in enhancing skills and career growth. FNJ needs to be proactive in guiding journalists on adapting to new technologies while addressing issues like misinformation, plagiarism, and ethical dilemmas in digital reporting. I’d love to see FNJ push for more inclusive policies within media organizations, ensuring fair representation of women, young journalists, and those from marginalized communities. Promoting leadership opportunities and recognizing diverse voices can create a more equitable and innovative media sector.

Tenging Dolma Tamang, 24, MakaluKhabar

In Nepal, although there is press freedom, journalists are frequently threatened and assaulted. Many journalists feel unsafe because of the news they report. In most cases involving the safety of journalists, the FNJ seems to merely draw the attention of the concerned individuals or authorities. When no action is taken against those responsible, attacks on journalists continue. So, the FNJ must go beyond just drawing attention and take decisive action to uphold press freedom and protect journalists. I believe there is a lot of nepotism and favoritism, and journalism is often misused. FNJ must look into this and encourage and reward those who genuinely practice good journalism, rather than favoring those aligned with political ideologies. The FNJ should introduce programs aimed at building the capacity of these groups. They should reward journalists who highlight issues concerning youth, women, and marginalized communities.

Sabin Karki, also known as Sabin Beest, is famous for his love for dance and artistic expression. His journey has been shaped by his passion for movement, creativity, and a deep desire to inspire. A dancer, choreographer, and filmmaker, Karki has paved his own path in the entertainment industry, constantly breaking barriers and pushing boundaries. His story is not just about mastering the art of dance but about embracing challenges, defying expectations, and ultimately finding success on his own terms.

Karki’s interest in dance began at an early age, when he was introduced to it through a school program. A group of students were participating in a dance event at their school. Karki, at the time, was not particularly skilled in dancing. When he took to the stage, his performance was less than graceful, and Karki felt humiliated. But it made him want to improve. When another opportunity came his way, he gave it his all. Karki was recognized as one of the best dancers in his school. This marked the beginning of his transformation. 

He was clear that he didn’t want a traditional nine to five job. “The thought was a nightmare,” he says. The idea of working in a conventional office setting didn’t appeal to him. Instead, he wanted to explore the creative side of life and forge a career that allowed him to do what he loved. Karki started by creating cover videos, which allowed him to practice and showcase his talent. 

However, the turning point came when he received his first significant offer, a chance to choreograph a song for the ‘Fantastic Wonderful’ song. Although the project didn’t work out as he had hoped, the opportunity helped him gain visibility and opened doors for future ventures.

‘Viral Vaidiyo’, a renowned figure in Nepal’s music and dance scene, approached Karki after parting ways with The Cartoonz Crew. This collaboration signaled the next phase of his career, where he began to solidify his place in the dance industry. 

Karki sees dance as a form of expression that goes beyond physical movement—it has become a way of storytelling and connecting with others. He acknowledges the multiple roles he takes on in his work. In solo performances, he focuses on his personal practice, perfecting his craft independently.  

However, when working in a group, coordination becomes crucial as each member brings his/her own challenges to the table. One of the most difficult aspects of his work is the pre-production phase, where the story for the performance must be created, and he must figure out how to direct the group effectively. 

The dynamic of group dancing adds complexity, as he must not only ensure that the overall performance looks cohesive but also consider how to make the dance movements appear visually appealing. “While dancing in a group requires careful synchronization, directing involves a deeper level of thought about how to best frame and present the dance for maximum impact,” he says. 

He has also developed a keen interest in filmmaking. This passion was fostered during the early days of the internet, when he became an ‘internet freak’ who constantly sought knowledge about technology and the digital world. Karki’s interest in technology and video creation led him to start his own production page, Beest Production.

Beest Production began as a simple project where he and his crew created videos and choreographies. Over time, however, it grew into a fully-fledged creative platform where he could explore his passion for both dance and filmmaking. The process of creating and directing music videos became a natural extension of his dance career, and Karki found himself merging his love for storytelling with his ability to choreograph. 

For Karki, dance is more than just movement—it’s a form of communication. When creating music videos, storytelling is essential. While dance is the primary focus of the videos, he emphasizes the importance of weaving a narrative that resonates with the audience. “In a music video, there is a big importance of dance,” he says, “but the story also plays a crucial role.” This combination of dance and storytelling is what sets Karki’s work apart from others in the industry.

Karki also notes the importance of competition in the dance scene. He believes there should be more opportunities for dancers to compete and showcase their talents, as well as greater involvement from sponsors and corporate houses to support the industry. However, he acknowledges that the current state of the dance scene in Nepal is much better than before. He recalls a time when girls were not allowed to dance, and if they did, they were often labeled as ‘bar dancers.’ “We have also changed the perception of dancing,” he says.

His recently released music video Bhavya Rap was created with the intention of spreading good energy rather than delivering a deep, meaningful message. He says, “The lyrics were designed to focus on rhymes and rhythm, with no specific meaning behind them.”  However, he notes that many listeners began to search for deeper meaning in the rap, which was not the original purpose. 

He emphasizes that not every piece of music or art needs to have a profound meaning. Sometimes, the good vibes and positive energy that come from the music are just as valuable, and they can resonate with listeners in a way that transcends deeper interpretations.  

Moving forward, Karki continues to be driven by his love for dance, filmmaking, and creativity. He emphasizes the importance of building one’s own genre and staying true to one’s passion. “Pride and ego are harmful,” he says. “Focus on your craft and dance your own way.” 

As he works on upcoming projects, including a new music video that will be released in the next two months, he is not only focused on his own success but also on inspiring the next generation of dancers and creators in Nepal.

What started as a simple desire to improve his dance moves has now blossomed into a successful career in dance and filmmaking, and his story continues to inspire countless individuals who dare to dream big and work hard to make those dreams a reality.

Plan International Nepal, in collaboration with Plan International Asia Pacific Regional Hub, launched the Girls’ Leadership Index (GLI) Report 2024 on Thursday. The report highlights the progress and challenges faced by girls and young women across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on education, health, economic opportunities, protection from violence, climate change, political participation, and the legal and policy frameworks shaping their development. The launch event featured global leaders and representatives from Plan International’s national offices. Bhagyashree Dengal, Plan International’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, emphasized the urgency of addressing barriers faced by girls, stating, “As our region faces pressing challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and political instability, addressing the unique barriers faced by girls is crucial.” Dengal added, “Empowering girls is not only about improving their lives but also about ensuring a prosperous future for communities and nations.”

The Adolescent Leadership Index 2024 provided insights into the barriers and opportunities affecting adolescent girls’ leadership potential. Based on data from 33 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the report revealed that persistent inequalities hinder girls’ leadership development and highlighted the need to break cycles of gender discrimination and inequality. Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines are leading the way in transforming education, protection, and legal systems for girls. In contrast, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Brunei face significant challenges in education, economic opportunities, and climate action, which undermine girls’ empowerment. Similarly, in the Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji excel in areas like education and political representation, while Papua New Guinea, Nauru, and the Solomon Islands lag behind in health and leadership representation. Cambodia has shown remarkable progress in health indicators, whereas Brunei has witnessed a significant decline in climate change performance regarding adolescent girls, underscoring the diverse challenges and opportunities within the region.

A panel discussion moderated by Rose Coldwell, Plan UK National Director, featured Ram Kishan, Country Director of Plan International Nepal; Ravi Verma, Executive Director of the International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW) Asia; Basjir Najeeb, Deputy Country Representative of UNFPA Nepal; and Sikha Thapa, a climate youth activist. Saima, a teenager from one of Plan International’s countries of work, urged stakeholders to challenge misconceptions about adolescents, stating, “We need to remove misconceptions that negatively affect us and challenge the idea that adolescents cannot lead or be agents of change. We also need more agencies and partners to support us in achieving equal power, freedom, and representation.”

Plan International emphasized the need to address socio-economic barriers, eliminate harmful cultural practices, and ensure equal access to education, health services, and economic opportunities for girls. However, challenges such as gender-based violence, early marriage, and weak legal frameworks remain critical and require urgent attention. Children’s rights organizations and humanitarian agencies are advocating for increased initiatives to enhance girls' involvement in youth-focused programs and to provide more financial support for their groups and organizations.

Rajani Shrestha, born in 1981 in Jhapa, Nepal, has carved a unique place for herself in the world of bodybuilding. Her journey from a woman with no knowledge of bodybuilding to becoming an inspiration for many is a testament to her resilience, determination, and passion for health and fitness. However, her journey wasn’t an easy one. It was shaped by unexpected challenges, health issues, societal criticism, and a profound love for fitness that transformed her life.

Shrestha was born and raised in Jhapa in eastern Nepal. She lived a normal life, focusing on family, work, and other daily responsibilities. The idea of working out or engaging in any form of physical transformation didn’t cross her mind until much later in life. However, everything changed when she had a health scare at 32.

She developed a series of troubling symptoms, including 25 to 30 knots in her throat, which were later suspected to be signs of cancer. After consulting several doctors in both Nepal and India, the diagnosis didn’t look good. Many doctors feared the worst, and cancer was high on the list of potential diagnoses. It was a terrifying and uncertain time in her life.

Then her husband encouraged her to work out. At first, the idea seemed ludicrous. She was sick, exhausted, and overwhelmed by the uncertainty of her medical condition. But her husband, who has always been her pillar of support, gently persuaded her to go to the gym.

“Even though I was sick and in a bad phase of my life, my husband told me that getting fit physically and working out could help me. He got me enrolled in the gym, and that’s where everything started,” says Shrestha.

Slowly, working out began to have a remarkable effect on her. Not only did she start feeling better physically, but her health also began to improve. After years of consistent exercise and determination, Shrestha’s health improved. The transformation was nothing short of miraculous, both physically and emotionally.

Her newfound passion for fitness didn’t end with recovery. She worked out more and as she saw her body’s structure change, she became interested in the idea of bodybuilding. This was not an easy decision to make, as bodybuilding in Nepal, especially for women, was not widely accepted at the time. She began to explore bodybuilding in 2016, and it quickly became a significant part of her life.

As a female bodybuilder, Shrestha faced intense societal criticism. “When I just started, it was compulsory to wear a two-piece outfit at the gym and for games. My family and relatives were against it,” she says. “But my husband was my biggest supporter. He motivated me and gave me the strength to continue.”

So, she dedicated herself to bodybuilding, working relentlessly to build muscle and strength. “For women, it’s much harder to build muscle mass. People criticize a lot when a woman starts gaining muscle,” she explains. “They say, ‘Is this a girl or a boy?’ or ‘Your body doesn’t suit you. You should be soft and have a small body.’”

But Shrestha understood that people’s criticisms stemmed from a lack of understanding of bodybuilding, especially for women. Over time, she became more confident in her decisions and started pushing back against the norms. “Now, people are more accepting of women in bodybuilding,” she says. “There’s still some criticism, but it’s getting better.”

Her journey was not solitary. Her husband, who had always been her rock, played an instrumental role in her success. He not only supported her emotionally but also went against societal norms to help her pursue her dream. Together, they worked hard to achieve her goals, even opening a shop to sustain their livelihood. They also both went to the gym every day, making fitness a shared experience.

Her family, initially unsupportive, gradually came around. Despite the challenges of managing both her family life and bodybuilding career, she made it a priority to balance her personal life with her commitment to fitness. “I want to make sure I give enough time to my family and not make tournaments my only focus,” she says.

Shrestha follows a simple yet healthy diet to maintain her physique. “I prefer eating home cooked meals and I avoid oily food. We mostly use ghee. I also don’t use a lot of spices. When I’m preparing for a competition, I eat mostly boiled food,” she says. 

Supplements are also very important, she says, adding it must be consumed in moderation. “We need to have different multivitamin and fish oil for ligaments and joints. I usually have glutamine because it helps and supports my muscles and prevents my muscles and joints from hurting,” she says.

She competes in the men’s bodybuilding category, where the focus is on building muscle mass and gaining size. “In bodybuilding, some people focus on physique and shape, while others, like me, aim for muscle mass and strength,” she says. “There are also categories like model physique, where the focus is on a smaller body with no muscle mass.”

Her first major international achievement came in 2019, when she won a competition in Indonesia. “I was so happy to stand there and represent Nepal. I can’t explain how I felt. It was like I was fulfilling my purpose,” she says.

However, her journey has not been without sacrifices. In 2013, Shrestha was unable to participate in a competition in South Korea because she didn’t get a visa. It was a bitter disappointment that still lingers with her.

Bodybuilding is an expensive sport, especially in Nepal, where there is limited government support for athletes. She has borne most of the financial burden herself. “It costs a lot, especially when preparing for international competitions. This time, I spent more than Rs 10,00,000  and we had no help from the government,” she says.

Shrestha hopes that in the future, there will be more support for athletes like her. She envisions a time when the government will provide financial assistance to sportspersons. “I hope that in the coming years, we will receive financial support, just like athletes from other countries,” she says.

Throughout her journey, she has learned the value of patience and perseverance. “In bodybuilding, timing is everything. You can’t just start whenever you want. Everything has to be planned and executed with discipline,” she says.

Her advice to others is simple yet powerful, “There is nothing stopping you from pursuing your passion. If I can continue at 44, anyone can.”

Reflecting on her journey, she wishes she had started earlier. “I regret not starting bodybuilding before I had health issues. But at least I’m here now, and I’ve made a difference in my life,” she says. She encourages everyone to dedicate at least an hour to their fitness and well-being every day. “If you take care of your health and fitness, you won’t fall sick,” she says.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible, even in the face of adversity. Through hard work and passion for bodybuilding, she has become not only a symbol of strength but also a role model for many, proving that age, gender, or society’s expectations should never limit one’s potential.

Sheroes is a jazz band that has not only made its mark in the global music scene but has also reshaped the perception of women in jazz. Formed in 2014, the band’s debut performance in Kathmandu happened at Jazzmandu in October this year. It quickly became known for its electrifying live performances, innovative compositions, and powerful music. The band’s name, ‘Sheroes’, is a declaration of empowerment, inspired by the word ‘heroes’ and the strength of women who have been underrepresented in jazz.

Jazz, an art form known for its improvisation and constant evolution, has traditionally been a male-dominated genre. Sheroes is changing this narrative by celebrating female empowerment through its music, which breaks boundaries and challenges the stereotypes surrounding women in jazz. The band includes Jamie Baum, a flute player, Reut Rege, a trombone player, Monika Herzig, a pianist, Gina Schwarz,  on bass, and Rosa Avila as the drummer. 

The concept of Sheroes emerged from a desire to create something revolutionary. The band’s founding member Herzig wanted to forge a path that highlighted female talent in a male-centric world. The formation of the band in 2014 was more about taking a stand. The name itself, Sheroes, was chosen to honor the often overlooked contributions of women in the world of jazz, while also acknowledging the challenges they face.

For female musicians, there’s often an inherent challenge that goes beyond the music itself. In a genre where virtuosity and power are highly valued, women are still, at times, expected to prove themselves in ways their male counterparts do not. Sheroes confront this stereotype head-on. With every performance, they deliver an unexpected, powerful sound that defies expectations. Herzig says audiences are often left astonished by the depth and energy of the music, with many commenting, “We weren’t expecting such powerful music from you,” or “If I close my eyes, I wouldn’t even know it’s a female band.” These reactions underscore how Sheroes constantly redefines the limits of what people expect from women in jazz.

Sheroes draws deep inspiration from some of the most innovative and influential women in jazz history. Carla Bley, a revolutionary jazz composer, Geri Allen, a pianist and composer, and Mary Lou William, jazz pianist serve as key influences on the band’s sound. Their work in pushing the boundaries of jazz is a guiding force for Sheroes. Herzig, who is known for blending various styles and traditions into jazz, has also been a significant influence on Sheroes, allowing the band to develop its own distinctive voice. 

One of the core philosophies of Sheroes is that jazz is a living, breathing art form—constantly evolving and never fixed. “For the band, each performance is an opportunity to create something new. Jazz, unlike other genres, has no rigid aesthetic. It’s about spontaneity and response,” says Herzig. The musicians involved in Sheroes understand this deeply, using each performance to interact with the audience, the environment, and the energy in the room. Every note is shaped by the moment, creating a unique and unpredictable experience for the audience.

This emphasis on improvisation and fluidity is a hallmark of Sheroes’ performances. Whether they are playing in an intimate venue or a grand concert hall, the band’s music always feels fresh, driven by an energy that is palpable and electric. The connection between the players and the audience creates an atmosphere that makes every concert a shared journey, one that can never be replicated. 

Sheroes’ influence is spreading far beyond the stage. Since its formation, the band has been performing across the globe, captivating audiences with their energy and groundbreaking sound. Their tours, which take place twice a year, have introduced Sheroes to international audiences, allowing the band to share their unique blend of jazz with fans worldwide. 

The band’s first album, released shortly after their debut performance in 2014, was just the beginning of their journey. Since then, they have released four albums, with their most recent project, ‘All In Good Time’, produced by jazz legend Lenny White, reaching the Top 40 on the US JazzWeek Radio charts.

Sheroes’ success is not just about their music but also about the messages they impart with each performance. Through their groundbreaking work, Sheroes is inspiring the next generation of female musicians to step up and break down the barriers that still exist in the world of jazz.

At the heart of Sheroes is a powerful message of empowerment—If you love music, go for it. This message is one of defiance against fear and limitation, encouraging women to pursue their passion, no matter the obstacles. The band exemplifies the idea that there is always room to break through barriers, create something powerful, and make a lasting impact. They prove that the stage is not limited by gender, and that women are just as capable of shaping the future of jazz as anyone else.

Sheroes isn’t just a band, it’s a movement and a force of nature within the jazz world. By combining electrifying performances with a message of empowerment and breaking through societal expectations, they are shaping the future of jazz and inspiring countless women to take their place on the stage. As they continue to tour and make music, Sheroes will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the world of jazz, proving that the power of music, when combined with the strength of women, is unstoppable.

HIV/AIDS, a global health crisis, continues to impact millions of lives worldwide. While significant strides have been made in prevention, treatment, and care, the disease remains a pressing issue, particularly in developing countries. In Nepal, a nation grappling with various social and economic challenges, HIV/AIDS poses a significant threat to public health. ApEx spoke to three people to find out what they think needs to be done to tackle this issue. 

Shreya Ganeju, 19

By now we all know that AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease. It’s caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) that weakens the immune system. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. In a country like Nepal, AIDS is an important topic. Many people are involved in sex trade for their livelihoods. There’s unprotected sex with multiple partners and that has resulted in AIDS becoming quite prevalent. The thing is that AIDS is stigmatized and people hesitate to talk about it. We need more awareness on the importance of safe sex and also access to good healthcare facilities to reduce HIV transmission.

Radha Lama, 29

AIDS is a disease which can be transferred through blood and even breastfeeding. But you don’t get it by shaking hands, sharing food, or hugging someone who has the infection. It can prove to be fatal as your immune system becomes weak due to the infection and it leads to other issues in the body. But I feel there is limited knowledge and awareness about HIV/AIDS and that also results in the spread of the disease. There should be more campaigns and programs to make people understand what it actually is and how it can be prevented. 

Sangita Kunwar, 54

AIDS is mainly a sexually transmitted disease and so it should be quite easy to prevent it. But that’s not the case here in Nepal. The death rate is still high and I think that is largely because people are unaware about all the other ways you can get it. You can be infected through infected blood, sharing needles, and breastfeeding as well. So apart from the focus on protected sexual intercourse, people should also be made aware about the other ways in which they need to safeguard themselves. 

Tejeswor Babu Gongah, whose life reflects an unwavering commitment to education, culture, and public service, was born in Bhaktapur, Nepal in 1935. His early life was shaped by the natural environment–one with open space and no urban constraints–and the socio-political changes taking place at the time. He was raised by his maternal uncle who played a significant role in his early education. 

In 1940, when he was just five years old, his parents followed a traditional cultural practice. Children were given five freshly harvested rice grains without letting them touch their tongues. This practice was believed to bring knowledge and wisdom. Gongah ate the rice grains. This ritual was believed to ensure that he would become a learned and highly educated person.

Gongah started his formal education at the Bhaktapur English School, which later became Shree Padma High School. During this time, political changes were taking place in Nepal. In 1946, Prime Minister Padma Shamsher ascended the throne and transformed the school into a high school. These early years also marked a period of political awakening for Gongah.

During the height of the anti-Rana struggle, congress leaders came to speak at his school, criticizing the Rana regime for denying people their educational rights. Gongah recalls the moment vividly, though he was too young to understand the intricacies of politics. “We were told we would get free snacks and once we reached, they were giving the speech and we were forced to listen to them,” he says. He recalls wondering about the congress party, asking himself questions like, “Do they have three legs? Do they have horns?” He was fascinated but unaware of the true nature of the political discourse happening around him.

In 1948, Gongah moved to Kathmandu and continued his studies at JP High School. One of his teachers was Sarada Prasad Upadhyay, brother of the famous politician Surya Prasad Upadhyay. In 1953, after completing his School Leaving Certificate (SLC), Gongah enrolled at Tri Chandra Multiple Campus for his intermediate studies in arts. During his time at college, Gongah discovered his passion for teaching. He later worked as a headmaster there for three years. He also taught English at Shanker Dev Campus. 

His role at Shanker Dev Campus also coincided with his involvement in teaching Nepal Bhasa (Newar language), a skill that garnered significant attention. The General Secretary of Shanker Dev Campus approached him to teach Nepal Bhasa, as there was increasing pressure to preserve the language. Gongah happily accepted the offer and taught the language for around four years. His deep connection to his cultural roots made this an enriching experience.

As his career progressed, he transitioned into a government position as a section officer. However, his thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there. In pursuit of further education, Gongah traveled to the US to study Cultural Anthropology, a field that fascinated him. In America, he encountered a new academic environment. He found that success there was often linked to one’s ability to discuss ideas and engage in academic debate. 

His time in the US proved to be a transformative experience. Despite facing some initial challenges, such as being looked down upon by some peers for coming from a developing country, he persevered. He spent hours in the library, diligently studying the systems, cultures, and languages of his new environment. His efforts paid off when one of his professors, impressed by his academic rigor, publicly praised Gongah in class for preparing exceptional research notes. “I still have all the term papers that I had prepared at that time,” says a visibly emotional Gongah.

Over time, Gongah gained the respect of his peers, who began offering him help and support. They would bring him blankets, clothes, and provide transportation to and from his apartment. He also delivered numerous speeches and wore traditional Nepali attire, including the Dhaka topi (Nepali traditional hat), which helped him retain a sense of his cultural identity while abroad.

After returning to Nepal, Gongah resumed his role in the government service and continued to work in the training sector, imparting knowledge to new recruits. He was also entrusted with the position of training chief. His dedication to training and mentoring new generations of officers marked the continuation of his commitment to education.

Despite his deep engagement in public service and education, he has never been interested in active politics. Although he has witnessed many political changes in Nepal, from the fall of the Rana regime to the political turmoil and the rise of democracy, he has always preferred to focus on his work rather than getting involved in political activism. Instead, he has always been captivated by the rich culture of Nepal, which has greatly influenced his work and personal life.

He also served as the first elected president of the Bhaktapur Bidhyarthi Sangh (Bhaktapur Student Union) where he had the opportunity to meet many prominent poets and intellectuals, including the legendary Laxmi Prasad Devkota. “When I was preparing for my SLC exam, he was one of my tutors,” says Gongah.

He was deeply influenced by Devkota and attributes much of his writing style to Devkota’s influence. “He was a fluent English speaker and he spoke for nearly one hour when he visited the Soviet Union to participate in an international youth festival held in Bucharest in Romania. I was enthralled,” says Gongah. He adds Devkota was friendly and approachable despite his stature as a literary giant.

Throughout his life, Gongah has maintained a close relationship with the royal family. He worked closely with King Birendra and was frequently invited to brief the monarch on various government projects even after his retirement. 

In addition to his work in the government sector and academia, he is also a prolific writer. He began writing for Gorkhapatra when he was quite young and his articles earned him recognition. He was paid Rs 20 per article and Gongah confesses that he didn’t know you could get paid to write before that. He says his proficiency in English, honed during his time in the US, enabled him to write fluently and effectively. He continues to contribute to newspapers and engage in cultural and educational discourse through his writing.

He remains a respected figure in Nepal, admired for his work in education, culture, and public service. Even today, he continues to inspire those around him with his passion for knowledge, his commitment to excellence, and his deep respect for Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.

Subhankar Sen is the Executive Director (Lubes) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). Shreya Shrestha from ApEx interviewed him about BPCL performance and the oil market in Nepal.

Can you brief about MAK Lubricants performance worldwide?

MAK Lubricants is from Bharat Petroleum, India’s national oil company, which covers the entire spectrum of automobile and industrial lubricants. Today, we cater to all models of automobiles and every industrial sector. We are really happy to say that we have one of the best research and development teams that work from Mumbai. They are constantly working on new formulations, sustainable lubricant grades because that is the need of the hour. Both across automobiles and industrial sectors. We have a presence across the length and breadth of India, and we are very proud that we are the one of the oldest lubricant brands in Nepal. We have an excellent parther in Sipradi who have been with us since 23 years.

Nepal is a very big market for us and very important as well. Just the way, it is a very important neighbor of India. It’s a very important market because we recognize that the economy of Nepal which is expected to grow with 4-5 percent which is also one of the highest growing economies in this part of the world, and we recognize that the consumer aspirations in Nepal are much as anywhere else in the world. We are looking at various propositions where we offer a complete solution. We are moving from a product centric organization to a solution centric organization. One of the initiatives that we have just started in Nepal is a MAK Serve, which is basically a proposition which takes care of the vehicle and lubricant is just one part of it. We also offer an end to end solution which is just like a car care. 

Across the world, we are present in over nine countries and we have plans to grow about 35 countries across the world and our immediate focus remains our immediate neighbors which is Nepal and Bangladesh where we have a long standing presence.

In this competitive industry, how do you differentiate yourself?

The first point of difference is always quality and I can tell you with a lot of conviction that our lubricant products are made out of the finest base oils in the world. Our base oils which are group 2+ and group 3, manufactured in our Mumbai factory, are acknowledged to be the finest formulations. Whether we are providing the lubricant or not, it's our oil which is going out of the majority of the vehicles. So that’s the foundation of the belief that our products are one of the finest. Ultimately, what does the customer want? They want a) quality b) peace of mind c) better value for money. And when all these three are put together, we can confidently say that MAK Lubricant is providing the best propositions to the customer.

What are your future plans for Nepali market?

For Nepali market, we are now going to focus on the newer grades for the newer vehicles because we have seen a lot of new models on the roads, including two-wheelers with four-stroke engines and passenger vehicles. We are focused on investing a lot both in terms of bringing new products, new value propositions, new service oriented offerings like MAK Serve. We are also looking for an industrial sector and we have a range of industrial products. We are making a beginning in certain areas and we believe that while we go forward working closely with Sipradi, we will be able to add a lot of value to the industries in Nepal from the perspective of total cost of ownership  with the products that we will provide.

What are some of the major trends in the industry and how is BPCL gearing for the same?

Asia and the Indian subcontinent in particular is where a lot of action is happening these days. Asia is at the top of the world and we see trends happening in terms of consumer aspirations to always go for propositions which are better both in terms of value and quality. We see ourselves doing a lot of work in the environmental sustainability area. In fact we are doing  a lot of work for sustainable products. So, back in India we have a large portfolio of sustainable products which are across the sectors and we hope to bring that to Nepal at the earliest. We have seen Nepal is also moving towards BS6 while regulations may come in but there are a lot of BS6 vehicles which are already on the road. So, pollution is one area where we believe we can play a role in bringing down automobile pollution by introducing some of our grades which are absolutely wonderful when it comes to reducing C02 emissions.

With the growth in EVs, how has the lubricant industry been impacted?

Well EV certainly is not the form factor of mobility and we are investing ourselves quite heavily in EV. In India, we can share that we have the largest network of EV fast charging stations which have 1,000 fast charging stations and we have set up across what we called fast charging highway corridors. The entire country is mapped. While we have done that on the charging space. On the Lubricant side, it's just  engine oil that is not required in EVs, everything else is required.we are specializing ourselves in looking at new technology for EV fluids. There are a whole lot of Lubricants which would be required, there are moving parts in Electric Vehicles. So, those will require friction to be taken care of so in that space, we see ourselves playing a big role. We see healthy co-existence in both segments and for times to come, I think that’s the way  it’s gonna be . Both segments will grow and we believe that there is space for growth. So, we are there as a solution provider for personal commercial mobility. Whichever form factor mobility comes in, MAK Lubricants will always be there.