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Case 1

A year ago, Binu Thapa collapsed in the middle of the road. Living with cerebral palsy (CP), she struggles to control her body. In the past, she had always been thankful for the kindness of strangers who helped her during such moments. However, on this particular day, she was filled with anxiety when two boys rushed to her aid, their hands gripping her chest, making her deeply uncomfortable.

Case 2

Krishna Prashad Bhandari, who has a spinal cord injury, runs a hostel for children with disabilities. The issue he raises is not personal, but concerns the children in his care. One month ago, a student from his dormitory, who uses a wheelchair, missed her exam because no bus would stop for her. Bus conductors often urge drivers to speed past when they see passengers with disabilities.

Case 3

Suresh Rajbhandari, who was born visually impaired, uses a white cane to navigate. A few days ago, while riding a bus, the conductor began to argue with him because someone else had taken the seat designated for disabled passengers.

These cases illustrate the everyday struggles disabled people face in Nepal. Discussions around disability rarely inspire action, but organizations like the National Association of the Physically Disabled-Nepal (NAPD), the Bhaktapur Association for the Deaf (BHAD) and Nepal Association of the Blind (NAB) have long been advocating for the disabled community. Most of these organizations are nonprofits dedicated to supporting disabled people without hesitation.

Since its inception, NAPD has organized awareness programs, friendly initiatives, and extracurricular activities for disabled individuals, along with providing essential infrastructure. However, despite Article 18 of the 2072 Constitution, which states, "All citizens shall be equal before the law. No person shall be denied the equal protection of law,” implementation remains lacking.

Binita Regmi, chairperson of NAPD, said, “Being physically disabled myself, I understand the daily challenges. One of the biggest struggles is using public transportation. NAPD distributes stickers for buses, primarily on Nepal Yatayat, but we’ve seen no improvement in how we are treated.”

Jayaram Pakka Newar, chairperson of BHAD, communicated through sign language, “Many deaf people face issues when obtaining driving licenses and with the lack of proper training. Unfortunately, I’m often left out of such discussions because no one makes the effort to teach me.”

Kiran Shilpakar, former president of NAPD, highlighted the positive changes in Lalitpur, where a van has been adapted to assist those with physical disabilities. “I’ve used it multiple times, and it’s been a relief to travel comfortably, knowing I can call for it whenever needed.” But such services are rare. Many buses in Nepal have high entrances, and drivers and conductors often treat disabled passengers rudely. Regmi added, “They stop the bus in inconvenient spots, forcing us to get off quickly. This can lead to falls and further injuries.”

Binu Thapa, a member of the Bhaktapur Social Development Branch, echoed these frustrations. “People use harsh, abusive language towards us when we travel by bus. Even after buying our own four-wheeled scooters, we’re criticized because they take up extra space.”

Thapa added, “We’re also frequently denied to have driving licenses, even though many of us can drive safely. This leaves us vulnerable in accidents, and we’re scolded when we use scooters designed for disabled because they take up space on the road.”

Suresh Neupane, a member of NAB, proposed a practical solution. “Buses should be painted primarily white and green, as these colors are more visible to those with low vision. It would also help if buses had a voice system announcing stops, so we know where we are.”

Ram Krishna Shrestha, from the Sano Thimi traffic police, said, “We are trained to help and respect others in need. While there are systems in place to verify licenses, we are taught not to check the licenses of individuals with disabilities under certain circumstances. We’ll make sure to assist disabled people more attentively.”

Suresh Rajbhandari, former president of Voice Bhaktapur, pointed out another issue: “Consistency in seating arrangements for disabled passengers is important. It’s confusing when every bus places these seats in different locations.”

Shilpakar also discussed various policies aimed at supporting disabled people and urged, “We want this information to be widely known.”

The 1993 Vehicle and Transport Management Act prohibits people with certain conditions—such as epilepsy, dementia, or severe visual impairments—from obtaining driving licenses. However, the government of Nepal, along with local authorities, is required to make public transportation, bus parks, ticket counters, and boarding areas accessible to all disabled individuals, including wheelchair and white cane users. These provisions are outlined in the 2012 Accessible Physical Structures and Communication Services Guide for Persons with Disabilities.

Section 15 of the 2017 Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act guarantees access to education, housing, workplaces, transportation, and electronic services for people with disabilities. The act also states that disabled individuals have the right to move freely with the assistance of aides or devices of their choosing.

Section 12 of the 2020 Regulations on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities mandates a 50 percent discount on public transport fares for people with disabilities, and that specific seats be reserved for them. The National Policy on Persons with Disabilities, 2023, further emphasizes that transportation must be accessible and disabled-friendly.

Additionally, the government has provisions for grants or concessional loans to disabled individuals for agriculture and self-employment, and offers reduced fares on public transportation. There are also tax exemptions for aids, equipment, and vehicles used by people with disabilities.

But despite all these laws in place, persons with disabilities continue to struggle, be it while traveling in public transport, visiting government offices, or accessing various services, barring them from leading a dignified life.

Dashain is the biggest festival for Hindus and it signifies different things for different people. Most people have a favorite memory and lament that things are no longer the same. ApEx spoke to some people to find out what Dashain means to them and how they think it has evolved over the years.

Sumit Kumar Shah, 18

For Nepalis, Dashain is a major holiday that is observed for several days. The celebrations include getting together with friends and family, worshiping the gods, and exchanging good wishes. I enjoy the vibe of this festival but I think that the Dashain that we celebrate now and the one that we used to celebrate a few years ago are two very different things. Traditionally, people would gather and celebrate Dashain. They would make it a point to come home. These days, we can see people celebrating virtually via video calls. There are even provisions to send ‘dakshina’ digitally via money transfers.

Khusbu Nisha, 27

Since everyone in Nepal celebrates Dashain with a lot of aplomb, I think it’s a powerful festival. I’m a Muslim and I don’t celebrate the festival but I have witnessed a lot of my neighbors enjoying the holiday season. I’ve been working in Bhaktapur for ten years, and during that time I’ve seen a lot of changes. A few years ago, Dashain was marked by a significant increase of shoppers out on the streets. There would be sales and huge crowds in the market. But these days, there is much difference between Dashain and other regular times. People have migrated to online shopping and there is that sense of hustle and bustle that marked Dashain.

Dhan Bahadur Tuitui, 80

I have many things to do before Dashain but I’m not working at the moment and I don’t have much money to indulge in the festivities. There was a time when Dashain meant a lot of traditions and rituals. Most of them are limited to memories today. We used to celebrate Dashain by slaughtering goats, ducks, and hens. There used to be a lot of fanfare about it. We don’t do it anymore and I miss those days when Dashain meant being surrounded by my family and friends. I want to be able to do things like we did when I was young, like cooking meat in clay pots, over a traditional stove. Things have changed and not all changes are good.

Street vendors are an integral part of city life. People have easy access to most household goods at cheap prices. The vendors, on the other hand, are able to earn a living without having to worry about overhead costs like exorbitant rent and utilities. But it’s no easy job, say vendors ApEx spoke to. There are many challenges because of which they are always troubled. Here they share their worries and hopes.

Binuta Magar, 17

As a college student, I work as a vendor in hopes of earning some money to support my studies and also get some pocket money. I have to work as my family’s financial situation isn’t that great. I actually wanted to go abroad to study but I’m unable to do so.  I wish the government would do something to help the poor—perhaps give them some work opportunities or if not, at least look into how they can make the environment better for them to do their own thing with dignity. The inflation is so high that vendors like me have to make do with the bare minimum.   

Prakash Subedi, 35

My source of income comes from selling vegetables from a cart. I’ve been doing that for the past two years. I make enough money from this to support my family but it’s just the basics. There isn’t much left for anything else. It’s not easy. As vendors, we have to brave the weather and don’t have the luxury to say we won’t go out to work today because it’s raining or it’s too hot. Worse, the local authorities and the police often chase us away, hampering our business. I live in constant threat that the police will take my cart away and I won’t be able to earn a living.

Amar Raj Bista, 51

I have been working in the Pepsicola area since 2022. I was working in Kalanki before this. Right now, the financial situation is so dire. I can’t afford to rent a space. The best I could do was build a little shed to sell garments. I have to pay the landowner and something I don’t have enough money left. I feel trapped and I’m unable to change things. My family suffers too because we have to make do with what we have. I hope the government wakes up and decides to do something to make work easy and respectful for us.

The British Embassy in Kathmandu organized a pre-departure event on Tuesday at the residence of UK Ambassador Rob Fenn for this year’s cohort of Chevening Scholars. Thirteen Nepali students will be heading to the UK to pursue one-year master’s degrees under the prestigious Chevening Scholarship program.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Fenn expressed his admiration for the scholars, stating, “Chevening Scholars represent some of Nepal’s finest, and the UK is proud to support them in building important links, acting as ambassadors between our countries. It is also a delight to see so many of our alumni, who all return to Nepal, driving change here with the skills, knowledge, and friendships built from their time at British Universities.”

The scholars will be pursuing a wide range of subjects, including International Human Rights Law, Aviation Digital Technology, Global Health Policy, and Children, Youth & International Development.

First introduced in Nepal in 1983, the Chevening program has since supported 262 Nepali scholars, including this year’s batch. Notable alumni from the program have made significant contributions in fields such as politics, academia, diplomacy, and business. This year’s group will continue this legacy, adding to the global network of over 50,000 Chevening alumni.

The Chevening Scholarship, named after the British Foreign Secretary’s official residence, enables students from around the world to study for one year in the UK before returning to contribute to their home countries.

As ‘Children’s Day’ is around the corner, we thought we would ask some parents about navigating the challenges of raising children, their concerns, and how they are ensuring their child grows up in the best possible environment.

Aayush Shakya, 29

As a first-time parent, I must admit that I’m a little lost. With my knowledge of child psychology, I try to understand him when he throws tantrums. But I worry about him all the time. I don’t know what he is going through or what he wants. I don’t know if he’s feeling unwell or if he wants food. I’m pretty clueless most of the time.  

It’s true that a child’s upbringing has an impact on his/her mental health as well. S/he will grow up to be a good person if s/he is raised in a happy, understanding, and positive environment. I guess that’s a lot of pressure on the parents. I want to make sure my child gets a lot of love, care, and emotional support so that he becomes a well-grounded person in the future.

Usha Tamang, 38

Children are affected by their environment so every parent must make sure it’s conducive for a child’s growth. It’s the parent’s responsibility to ensure the child grows up well. Since I don’t know much about child psychology, I make it a point to be careful about how I deal with him. I’m concerned about his mental health since there can be so many triggers. Sometimes, we mistakenly raise our voices and my child feels bad. I fear this might have a negative impact in the long term though he doesn’t seem to be affected by it at the moment. However, I’m mindful of the fact that I must be cautious about my words and actions around him.   

Harsha Bahadur Shrestha, 60

Parents are responsible for their children and, I feel, it’s a lifelong responsibility. We must guide them in a way that promotes critical thinking, social adaptability, and self-awareness. I think children learn a lot by looking at their peers, more so now than ever before so every parent must monitor their children’s circle when they are growing up. As for myself, I think I have done a fairly decent job in raising my children and teaching them good values. I think I have managed to steer them in the right direction, emphasizing on the need to make good decisions when picking friends and careers, as well as being professional without ever harming others.

Teej is the third day after the new moon that signifies the arrival of monsoon according to the Hindu calendar. Traditionally, it’s a day when married women pray for the long lives of their husbands. Today, it’s celebrated with much aplomb, with parties starting almost a month before Teej. ApEx spoke to some women to find out how they feel about the way the festival is being celebrated these days.

Sanjita Shakya, 21

I didn’t know about Teej until recently when I got to listen to some music on it and learned what it was all about. Newars don’t celebrate teej. But I like the concept of it now that I know about it. Families get together on this day and find a safe space to express their emotions. It’s quite lovely to think about. What I don’t like is that the celebrations are becoming commercial and people are using it as an excuse to party and do all kinds of random things. I don’t think we should take a serious festival so lightly.

Urmila Bhattarai Baral, 40

It’s an important celebration in our culture. Earlier, it used to be a day for women to get together and talk about their feelings and such. Now people have taken it to another level. There are parties being organized in banquets and hotels and people are drinking and dancing. It’s becoming a rather strange kind of culture. I believe we have to go back to our roots and enjoy it the way it was meant to be—as a religious festival where women came together, danced, and sang religious songs.

Samita Shrestha, 44

It’s one of the biggest festivals for Hindus. Earlier, the Newar community didn’t celebrate Teej but now there are many people who do. There’s a huge difference between how Teej used to be celebrated years ago and how it’s celebrated today. It was once a festival of feasting followed by fasting. Now, it’s become a reason for endless parties. Nevertheless, I think women should enjoy this festival as a day when they can forget all their worries, get together with their loved ones or simply be by themselves.

Sumitra Tamang, 63

I believe Teej is one of the greatest festivals in our culture. I love it that women come together to celebrate. In our village, we have lots of fun during Teej. Women come together and sing and dance. It’s a really vibrant atmosphere. I like how festive it feels and it makes me really happy.

Father’s Day is a joyous moment for both fathers and children alike. For children, it’s a day to give thanks to their dads for all they have done for them. For fathers, it’s when they get to take a moment to bless their children in return. ApEx spoke to three fathers to find out what this day means to them, what being a father entails, and their deepest wishes for their children.

Sudip Bolakhe, 23

As a young father, I faced numerous challenges. Working as a conductor and laborer, I struggled financially and was often unable to afford clothes and medicines for my child. It’s something I will never forget. The day my son was born was the happiest day of my life. My parents started talking to me nicely and I felt loved once again. I want my son to study hard and build a successful future for himself. I don’t want him to fall into bad company. Rather, I wish for him to always be able to tell the difference between good and bad. 

Rajiv Rakyan, 66

Being a father is a huge responsibility. You have to take care of your child till they become adults and even then, you can’t stop worrying. As a father, it’s my responsibility to teach my children everything they need to know—the ways of the world and how to find their footing in it. I want to ensure my sons become good people. I want them to be confident and successful. My father isn’t around anymore and I miss him but I take solace in the fact that my sons are there to celebrate Father’s Day with me.

Makhan Lal Lohala, 91

I have four daughters and I’m happy to say that I have done everything I could for them. All of them are married and have families of their own. They are doing well and I’m proud of them. But I want them to remember to be humble, to treat everybody with kindness, make their families happy, and be friends with everyone around them. I wish no one ever speaks ill of them and that they have no enemies. It’s my deepest wish for them. In the Newar community, special events are given a lot of importance. It brings us together, making us feel special and happy. So, I’m looking forward to Father’s Day.

Rajan Thapa is the proprietor of Diamond Hill Resort, which is situated in Panauti, in the midst of nature. His grandparents, who raised him, instilled in him an appreciation for hard work and dedication and he credits that for all the successes in life.

Thapa was born in 1970 in Kavre. He wanted to continue his studies after school but due to a financial crisis in his family he couldn’t do so. However, he passed the Public Service Commission exam as a non-gazetted second-class officer. He then worked in Pokhara and Kapilvastu for a few years. He used to travel a lot and got into a lot of accidents which eventually compelled him to leave the job.

After that, he got a chance to work with German-Austrian businessperson, Walter Schweiger. Schweiger had a hotel inside the Boudha Stupa premises. Schweiger encouraged him to learn German and pursue a bachelor’s degree in Food and Beverage. Thapa was then further trained and given the role of the food and beverage manager at Schweiger’s hotel.

“I admired Schweiger a lot. He used to treat me like a business partner and sometimes like a family member too,” says Thapa. “But I felt he used to dominate me in front of the other workers. What I also didn’t like was that there used to be a sign at the entrance of his hotel saying Nepalis weren’t allowed inside. Schweiger did that as he used to think Nepalis were uncivilized and not of high class. Some royals, however, were allowed in the hotel.”

But Schweiger sent him to Germany for training and Thapa is still grateful for that as he got a chance to learn about wood carving and design during that trip. He returned from Germany in 1997 but circumstances led to him resigning from his managerial post at Schweiger’s hotel. “It was a conflict of working styles, especially with his wife,” he says.

He then joined an American franchise company, Sterling Catering, whose manager was John Matthew. With Matthew’s team he got a chance to visit Qatar in 1999 and slowly started traveling to places like UAE, Bahrain etc. “Whenever I think of those days, I thank Matthew for trusting me and taking me to different places around the world with his team. He also made me the operations manager of four five-star hotels which had over 2000 workers,” says Thapa.

However, there too, Thapa faced the same issue. A part-time French chef was paid more than him. “I realized that Nepalis were dominated everywhere and I decided that I wouldn’t work for any foreign company from then on.” After he returned to Nepal, he considered doing something in the hospitality business. However, the environment wasn’t favorable for launching a new hospitality venture. As he had the know-how of wood carving and design, he decided to do something with those skills.

After a short stint with a wood-carving business, he turned his focus to hospitality once again. He built the Stupa Hotel and Café Dew Drops in Boudha and let one of his friends run the café. In 2012, he constructed Balthali Mountain Resort which is now run by his relative. In 2020, he started working on the Diamond Hill Resort project.  

The construction of the hotel started during the first phase of the Covid-19 lockdowns. The pandemic led to many difficulties in sourcing materials and made construction difficult. However, despite numerous hurdles, the hotel began operations in 2022.

Today, the resort focuses on meditation classes and free yoga sessions as the environment there is peaceful and beautiful.  Thapa says that Diamond Hill Resort is slightly on the pricier side but tourists love the resort and are always recommending it to their family and friends. “It’s so popular that we have already started taking bookings for 2025 and 2026,” says Thapa.

Thapa adds that the focus of the resort is to provide excellent services. Since it’s situated in a beautiful area, they have managed to use the location to their advantage and promote the hotel. “You can see the mountain ranges as well as many migratory birds from up there. You will also get great views of the sunrise and sunset, making for stunning photo backdrops,” he says.

Thapa says he has been lucky that the hotel has been popular even in the off seasons. They haven’t had a dry spell yet, he says. People from the community say that the place has been doing well business wise ever since the resort opened its doors. Thapa has encouraged his family and friends to start restaurants and other businesses near the resort and even those have been growing steadily, he says.

“I was born there and I wanted to do something special. I wanted the place to flourish and make a difference in the community. So, I choose to put in all my efforts, skills, hard work and experience that I have gathered from many countries and utilize it in my own motherland,” says Thapa.

Diamond Hill Resort has only had a soft opening till date. Before the grand opening, Thapa has plans to add a sauna and build a swimming pool as well. He wants the hotel to be unlike any other five-star hotel in the country. Thapa believes Nepalis can dream big and use their skills to achieve their dreams rather than relying on others to make their wishes come true. “All we need is the will to succeed in life, free from negative or harmful thoughts,” he says.