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Ganesh Karki’s early education began in Jhapa, Nepal, in the village that is now Kamal Rural Municipality. “I attended school there until third grade,” he says. However, since the village lacked educational facilities beyond grade three, he had to walk about an hour and half daily to attend grades four through seven. For high school, he moved to Dharan and later, around 1983, he relocated to Kathmandu to pursue further education.

“I started working pretty early on,” he says, adding that his experiences shaped his understanding of the limits of salaried jobs. Recognizing that a job alone wasn’t enough, he took his first steps into the business world. Around 1985, Nepal’s carpet industry was thriving, which inspired him to start a business manufacturing threads for carpets.

“We received payments only after the carpets made from our threads were sold,” he says. This prompted him to think bigger. “I wondered, why not make the carpets myself?” This idea led to the establishment of a large carpet factory employing 300–400 workers. Unfortunately, the industry faced a significant crash, and carpets stopped selling. He turned to the rising Pashmina industry. The Pashmina market, too, eventually peaked and began to decline.

The hydropower sector was emerging as a promising new frontier in Nepal. “Equipment for hydropower projects was either imported from Europe, which was very expensive, or from China,” he says. Seeing an opportunity, he ventured into the business of importing Chinese equipment for hydropower projects.

“After working on various projects, I developed a deeper understanding of the hydropower sector,” he says. This growing knowledge enabled Karki to establish himself as a key player in the industry. “I was around 32 years old when I first entered the sector. It’s been about 20–25 years and I’ve been fully involved in it.”

Karki believes that the path to a prosperous Nepal lies in strategic investments and developments within the hydropower sector. “We say ‘Samriddha Nepal, Sukhi Nepali,’ but prosperity cannot be achieved by slogans alone,” he says. He explained that the exodus of Nepali citizens to foreign countries is driven by the lack of opportunities at home. “If Nepal was financially strong, people wouldn’t feel the need to leave. They move abroad seeking better opportunities. If those opportunities existed here, they would stay.”

According to Karki, hydropower holds the key to unlocking Nepal’s economic potential in the short term. “The potential in this sector is immense,” he emphasized. “Not only does domestic consumption of electricity remain high, but there is also significant potential for exporting excess energy to neighboring countries like India, Bangladesh, and even China. We can generate substantial revenue from electricity exports while simultaneously creating numerous employment opportunities within Nepal,” he says.

He acknowledges that time is of the essence. “We are already late. If we don’t prioritize the development of the hydropower sector today, in ten years, newer technologies for electricity generation might render our resources redundant,” he warns. 

Currently, Nepal faces challenges in achieving energy self-sufficiency. “During dry seasons, we have to import electricity. Only in the rainy seasons do we generate enough to meet our needs and even sell some. The goal should be to reach a point where we are self-sufficient all year round,” he says. Karki stressed the need for government intervention. “The government must make the energy sector its primary focus for the next decade,” he says. 

The hydropower industry in Nepal faces numerous challenges, despite its vast potential of around 200,000 MW. Currently, Nepal generates only 3,200 MW, with the government aiming for 28,500 MW by 2035—a target requiring $50bn in investment. However, bureaucratic hurdles, such as navigating 16 ministries for project approvals and lengthy licensing processes, hinder progress. “The government asks people to run but ties their feet,” he says. “Issues like delayed transmission lines, lack of explosives, and financing difficulties must be resolved. Collaboration between the government and private sector is essential to unlock hydropower’s potential,” he adds.

Karki stresses on the importance of starting the day with clear priorities and effective time management. When it comes to balancing personal and professional life, Karki firmly believes in maintaining personal connections. “Without personal life, family, and friends, a person becomes a machine. I try my best to spend time with my family and friends while managing work and fulfilling social responsibilities,” he says. 

A former national Karate player and referee, Karki continues to stay connected to his passion for the sport as the president of the Nepal Goju-Ryu Karate Association. “I feel proud to have been a player,” he said, adding that he prioritizes daily exercise to maintain physical and mental health.

As the Honorary Consul of Mauritius, Karki drew inspiration from the nation thriving on tourism to discuss Nepal’s potential. “Nepal has unique attractions, like the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest, that can draw global tourists,” he says. He stresses on the importance of making Nepal more widely known for tourism and investment. He says there is a need for better infrastructure and promotion. “With the right efforts, both tourism and investments can drive Nepal’s growth.”

He reasserts that hydropower is a pivotal sector for the country’s growth, noting its ability to drive investments and spur development. However, he stresses that the responsibility of building Nepal lies with its citizens. “We must make our country. Nobody else can make it for us,” he says. Although Nepal’s bigger neighbors, such as India and China, can assist in its development, he believes the primary burden rests on Nepalis themselves.

“It’s easy to blame the government for everything,” he says “but we must also realize our own responsibilities. Development requires effort from all of us—not just from those in power.”

His call to action for the youth is clear: Focus on contributing to the country’s progress in any way possible. “Employment opportunities are immense, and there is so much potential to explore. We need to focus on making the country a better place—starting with our own efforts,” he says.

For him, progress is not just about individual success but about uplifting the entire nation. “If only a handful of people are on top, the country doesn’t truly progress. The country as a whole needs to move forward together.”

His work, he says, is for the betterment of the nation, society, and the youth. “We work to create a more prosperous society,” he says, underscoring the importance of shared responsibility in driving Nepal’s development.

As the Nepal Premier League (NPL) captivates cricket fans across the nation, Sadikshya Khadka talks to three viewers. From cheering for their favorite players and teams to discussing memorable moments and areas for improvement, their perspectives highlight both the love for the game and the aspirations for Nepali cricket’s future. 

Seeta Limbu, 36

The player I like most is Sompal Kami, who plays for the Karnali Yaks. His determination on the field is impressive. Out of all Nepali cricket players, my favorite is definitely Paras Khadka. Although I don’t watch cricket very often or know too much about the game, from what I have seen and heard, I think that a lot of improvement is still needed in both the field and the overall development of the players. The most exciting part of the match so far was the clip showing a man sitting on top of a tree to watch the game. It was hilarious. The image captured how dedicated some fans are. This moment made me realize how much love and passion people have for the sport that they would risk their safety just to get a glimpse. 

Binod Singh, 23

My favorite team competing in the current league is Sudurpaschim Royals. The player I admire most is Dipendra Singh Airee, who is the captain of the team. His leadership has made a significant impact, and I believe he has the potential to lead the team to victory.  I feel that if the cricket grounds in Nepal were better, it would greatly enhance the players' performance in the current matches. Better facilities would also help in better management of the league. At the moment, all matches are taking place on just one ground. This limits the ability to host more games and larger crowds. I believe that if the Mulpani ground were also utilized for matches, with better seating arrangements for viewers, the league could grow significantly and attract more attention both domestically and internationally. It would create a more professional atmosphere, which is crucial for the development of Nepali cricket.

Jenish Bade, 20

The NPL is receiving coverage from both national and international media, which is a significant achievement. International players like Shikhar Dhawan are also participating, bringing their experience and excellence from T20 cricket. If leagues like this are sustained in the coming years, I see a promising future for cricket in Nepal. These leagues play an important role in training players, providing exposure for international matches, and increasing Nepal’s visibility on the global cricket stage. Through platforms like this, players gain recognition from audiences and recruiters, opening doors to better opportunities and brighter careers. One of the most exciting aspects of this NPL was the overwhelming enthusiasm among fans. The stands are packed and the excitement has reached such levels that officials now guard the grounds to manage the enthusiastic crowds, and some fans even watch from treetops. The public’s love and passion for the sport are truly commendable. 

In observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, ApEx explores the societal misconceptions and challenges faced by people with disabilities. Sadikshya Khadka spoke to some people who shared their personal experiences of overcoming societal prejudices and advocating for inclusion. Their stories highlight the need for systemic reforms, accessible infrastructure, and a collective shift in attitudes to create a society where people with disabilities can live independently and equitably.

Bhoj Raj Shrestha

The way society views people with disabilities is often shaped by pervasive misconceptions. A common belief is that individuals with disabilities are entirely dependent on others for support. This flawed thinking has restricted their ability to live independently and fully participate in society. Unfortunately, hearing such narratives repeatedly can lead people with disabilities to internalize the notion that they are incapable of being independent. 

In reality, most people with disabilities are capable of caring for themselves and living independently. However, the societal perception that they are helpless fosters a negative mindset. Even when individuals possess skills, creativity, and knowledge, these qualities are often overshadowed by their disability, which is unfair.

It’s crucial for governments to implement better policies that guarantee accessibility and equity across all areas. A stronger system is needed—not only to improve physical access but also to challenge societal attitudes. Changing these perceptions requires collective effort from families, communities, society, and the government. 

The constitution of Nepal and international organizations advocating for disability rights must ensure that laws designed to uplift people with disabilities are effectively enforced. Additionally, the allowances currently provided are insufficient to meet basic needs. 

Savitree Shrestha  

One deeply hurtful misconception about people with disabilities is that we are told to be repaying the sins of our previous birth. People don’t understand disability. They aren’t aware of the proper terminology used to address people with disabilities and the way they treat us is often not appropriate. To overcome these challenges, I try to talk about disability so people can become well-aware and adopt appropriate behavior. Ensuring access and support in all areas, such as employment, education, and public spaces, is crucial for the overall development and empowerment of people with disabilities.

Rama Dhakal

Misconceptions about people with disabilities are widespread, often starting within families. Many families foster a negative mindset, pitying us and believing we are incapable of accomplishing anything independently. Some even make deeply hurtful remarks. They say people with disabilities should not have been born. When such attitudes exist within families, they deprive people with disabilities of the support system that should be their foundation.

People with disabilities are often perceived as being completely incapable of contributing to society. As a result, we are excluded from participation in societal activities and groups, such as children’s clubs, mothers’ clubs, or women’s organizations. It leads to isolation.

Education is one of the most critical areas where change is needed. Early childhood development takes place in schools and classrooms, making these environments essential for fostering inclusion. When children with disabilities are included in all school activities from an early age, it promotes equality.

The private sector also has a significant role in promoting inclusion. Encouraging the employment and representation of people with disabilities across all sectors, particularly in decision-making positions, is essential. This is especially important in lawmaking and policy formulation. Representation and inclusion are not just about addressing misconceptions—they are about creating a society that values and respects everyone’s contributions, ensuring equity and opportunities for all.

World Toilet Day is an official United Nations International Observance Day and it falls on Nov 19. It’s aimed at inspiring people and communities to tackle the rising sanitation problem. Sadikshya Khadka of ApEx talked to officials from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur to find out how public restrooms are being made accessible and how each municipality is committed to enhancing service and overall user experience.

Dhurba Kumar Kafle, assistant spokesperson, Kathmandu Metropolitan City

In Kathmandu, we have categorized public restrooms into three models. The first one is privately owned and run. In the second model, we consult with private institutions to operate the restrooms. Here, we supply the essentials on an annual basis, and such restrooms can be found in malls, petrol pumps, etc. The third kind is built and managed by wards.  

We released a public notice recently urging people interested in investing in the building of new public restrooms to contact the metropolitan office. Additionally, after making restrooms in petrol pumps public recently, we have noticed a betterment in service and management of such restrooms.  

For public restrooms users, I would recommend they check for signs indicating whether the toilets are free of cost or chargeable before entering. We appreciate feedback on how disabled-friendly the restrooms are, cleanliness, and accessibility so that we can work towards making public toilets better.  We also have a section on our website titled ‘Public Toilet’ where there is a map displaying all public restrooms around the city, helping people find the nearest one. 

Damodar Suwal, information officer, Bhaktapur Municipality

In Bhaktapur, we have public toilets in busy places only, such as bus parks and tourist destinations where there is a lot of movement of people. We don’t think it’s necessary to build public restrooms in residential, local places. As Bhaktapur is Nepal’s smallest municipality, it’s easy to get from one place to another so a few public toilets are more than enough.  

There are 10 toilets in different locations across the city. Additionally, public restrooms are also available for use, both for locals and foreigners in different tourist service and information center offices of the municipality. We are working towards improving the service in the public toilets as well as maintaining standards of cleanliness. The municipality is also working on adding more public toilets in tourist destinations across Bhaktapur. 

Raju Maharjan, spokesperson, Lalitpur Metropolitan

Most of the public toilets in Lalitpur have been built and are being managed by the metropolitan office. We have partnered with Aerosan to ensure sustainable maintenance of the public restrooms. Currently, toilets are being built in Patan Dhoka, Mangal Bazaar, Lagankhel, and the UN Park. Two were recently brought into operation in Sankhamul Park and Jawalakhel. We have built public restrooms in main sites across the city. 

We have called upon wards to consider making more public toilets in their respective areas. According to their responses, we will be looking into building more restrooms. We have currently allocated the budget for building six new public toilets in Lalitpur. 

For institutions or individuals wanting to and capable of supporting the expansion of public toilets across the city, we urge you to contact the metropolitan office. As all public toilets in Lalitpur were built and operate on a smart system, there are a set of rules for proper use. We request users to carefully follow the instructions as well as help in keeping the toilets clean.  

Alma Naidu is emerging as one of the most promising singers on the German as well as global jazz scene. The 25-year-old award-winning singer, composer, and lyricist released a self-titled debut album ‘Alma’ in 2022, winning various prizes and awards. She has appeared in various musicals and opera productions.

Initially she wanted to study film music composition but Naidu found her way into jazz by accident. While exploring different musical genres as part of her studies, she became captivated by jazz’s improvisational freedom and complex harmonies. She realized jazz offered a unique creative space she hadn’t found elsewhere. 

“I have always been playing the piano, singing, and composing music. I went to the University of Music and Theatre Munich to study film music composition. There, I attended a guest study at the jazz department. I didn’t know anything about jazz until then,” she says. “I realized that it’s such a great genre because you can play music and also write music. That is what I loved most about it.” 

Jazz is renowned for its improvisational freedom. Entire sections of the music can be improvised together, with players interweaving their individual contributions into a seamless whole. It represents a kind of musical liberation—allowing performers to push their creative limits, explore new sounds, and interact in ways that are unique to the moment. 

Recognising this, Naidu’s love for the genre grew. She ultimately made the decision to study jazz instead of film music. “It gives you the freedom to express yourself and I can simply combine all of my expressions that come from different genres, like classical music, and even Metallica, which I used to listen to a lot,” she says. “I just combine all of these influences and jazz offers a place for that.”

Jazz, she adds, offers the possibility to make music in the moment, depending on who you’re playing with and what you feel like. The songwriting process in jazz can be both highly structured and incredibly fluid, depending on the subgenre, the individual musician, and the specific project. Naidu’s approach falls on the fluid side, creatively adapting as ideas develop. “Sometimes I start with the music, then add the melody and lyrics. But recently, I’ve been writing the lyrics first and then thinking about the music to go with it,” she says.

Naidu says that usually, once she has an idea, she starts producing pretty early in the writing process—creating demo versions just for herself. She will often add instruments and even draft a music sheet early on. However, she admits it always changes during the process of actually making music.

Being a musician, performing live is one of Naidu’s regular pursuits. For her, live performances aren’t just about sharing music but also about connecting with the audience. “I love playing live. It’s different every time because the audience is different. The audience here in Nepal is very different from European or German ones. That makes musicians also play differently at different live performances,” says Naidu. 

“Live performances also depend on how I, as a performer, am feeling that day. Stages and the surrounding environment contribute to the difference too,” she adds. 

With the rise of AI in songwriting programs, it can be scary for the music industry. Speaking on the matter, Naidu says, “I feel like live music is the only sector AI cannot replicate. There’s no way for it to because it’s based on human interactions. The audience’s energy is the most important part of live performances. I personally love when the audience sings along, and I really enjoy interacting with them afterwards.”

As a female jazz musician, Naidu highlights the challenge that women like herself face in the industry. “Jazz is still a very male dominated genre. It feels like it’s 50 years behind compared to development in terms of equality in other music genres, and broadly, in the world,” she says. When studying jazz, the young singer and songwriter was exposed to jazz bands worldwide, many of which were male dominated. She says there is a lack of female role models for her to look up to as an emerging artist.

“I feel like I have to prove myself because I’m a female artist. In my band, there are both men and women and it’s comfortable for everyone. Even the men in the band say the environment feels pleasant,” she adds. 

Naidu aspires to be a role model for girls who want to pursue music. She says no one should write and play music to prove themselves, especially to other musicians. That is something she notices at a lot of music schools–students often want to show others what they are capable of. That, she says, isn’t the point of music. “Creating music should be about expressing your authentic self without any obligations whatsoever.” 

Naidu stresses the importance of staying authentic to yourself as an artist and not trying to impress everyone. “I feel like it’s obvious when someone is producing music to please others, and not writing what they actually want to. I wish for young artists to forget conforming to randomly set norms.”

Naidu recently performed at Jazzmandu, Nepal’s premier jazz event, celebrated annually since 2002. Over the years, the festival has featured a diverse lineup of international and Nepali artists, fostering cultural exchange and promoting jazz education. In 2024, Jazzmandu celebrated its 20th edition from Oct 24 to 30. “The event was amazing. We had so many fun projects, learnt new things, and had a lot of great interactions. It’s my first time in Nepal and I really really like it here,” she says.  

During Nepal’s festive season, consumption surges, bringing mixed effects: economic benefits alongside environmental concerns.

Overconsumption is a situation where consumers overuse available goods and services. An easy distinction between regular consumption and overconsumption can be characterized by the quantity of goods and services consumed; consuming any amount more than what is essential or actually needed is overconsumption. It goes beyond just economic terminology—it’s a pattern that can strain both personal budgets and natural resources.

Festivals like Dashain and Tihar are celebrated with great anticipation, traditionally marked by buying new clothes, indulging in foods, and restocking households with decorative items. This period sees a significant increase in retail activity, with shops offering discounts to encourage more spending. As a result, Nepal sees a peak in consumption—often bordering on overconsumption—during this time.

According to sociologist Ramesh Parajuli, “Overconsumption during the festive season is apparent. It has become a trend in society to spend more during Dashain and Tihar.” He added: People tend to imitate each other; if one person spends a lot, others feel the need to do the same.

Roshana Shrestha, a wholesale shopkeeper in Baneshwor, noted increased sales of goods during Dashain, “During this festive season, sales are definitely higher. Packaged food items were sold more during Dashain, and for Tihar, people have already started to purchase dry fruits.”

Feasts during Dashain are often incomplete without meat. “Business peaks during Dashain and Tihar. Demand is very high, so we stock more accordingly,” said Sandip Lama, a meat seller from Sinamangal.

Sajina Kunwar, a consumer, said, “Consumption in my household is high during the festive season. However, due to the increasingly expensive prices in the market, we have been buying less than in previous years. The monthly budget for the household is definitely higher during Dashain and Tihar, maybe almost double.”

Overconsumption also affects the environment. According to the United Nations Environment Programme: “We are currently consuming more resources than ever, exceeding the planet’s capacity for generation.” As ecosystems are not able to keep up with excessive, growing resource extraction, overconsumption leads to deterioration of the natural world. The theory is straightforward; the more we consume, the more resources get depleted in order to produce what we consume. As natural resources are limited, and resources are depleted at a rate faster than they can replenish, overconsumption leads to deterioration of the environment.

According to findings from UN Environment’s Global Resources Outlook 2019, resource extraction has more than tripled since 1970. In recent years, urban expansion in Nepal has converted land use from agricultural to urban and peri urban settlements. The conversion rate of rural into urban areas jumped from 23 percent in 2014 to 66 percent in 2017. There is less land available for growing crops and raising livestock, reducing overall food production.

With reduced local agricultural capacity, urban areas often turn to imported food to meet demand. This increases the need for transportation, which consumes more fuel and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, further stressing the environment. To compensate for lost agricultural areas, new farmland is often carved out of natural ecosystems, like forests, leading to further environmental degradation and deforestation.

As we consume more, more waste is produced. About 3.32m people in 18 municipalities of the Kathmandu Valley generate more than 1,200 tons of municipal solid waste daily, most of it ending up in landfills, dumped in the open, or burnt at sources.

During the festive season, as consumption in Nepal peaks, so does the waste produced. Devendra Khadka, managing director of Action Waste Pvt Ltd, a waste collection and management company, said, “Obviously, more waste is collected during Dashain and Tihar. We categorize our waste as wet and dry. While the volume of both kinds of waste is higher during the peak festive season, wet waste is often even more. Wet waste consists of biodegradable waste such as from the kitchen, flowers and other things used for festivities.”

The current problem of waste management in Nepal makes the issue even worse. Madhukar Upadhya, climate change and climate finance expert, said, “Consumption during Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath is higher than the rest of the year, especially in terms of items used for worshiping, such as flowers and jamara, food items, kitchen waste, etc. Houses are deeply cleaned before Dashain. This results in more waste. Disposal of such waste is what raises concern for the environment.

“I see that some houses burn the wastes. This results in air pollution and has detrimental effects on the environment. Burning plastic has severe effects on the health of people. Disposal of waste in water bodies is another issue. During the festive season, this is even higher. If we look at the rivers in Kathmandu, they look more like sewage drainage than water bodies. Proper waste management is crucial, especially during times when waste collection is high.”

While buying a new pair of jeans, a chiffon saree or a box of sweets as a way to celebrate the festival could do no harm, the problem arises in mindless shopping. But what dictates how much consumption is too much?

Baburam Adhikari, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, said, “It is our culture to consume more and wear new clothes during the festive season. So the festive season is known to cause a surge in spending, driving demand in the market, and helping the economy flourish.”

A delivery driver from the courier service provider, Nepal Can Move, said orders double, even triple, during the festive season. Even international couriers to Nepal are also higher.

Some economists estimate that 40-70 percent of market activities take place during Dashain and Tihar. Increased demand supports local artisans and small businesses. Items for puja, including flowers and garlands, are in high demand, especially during Tihar, boosting domestic industries and supporting livelihoods.

Laxmi Magar, a tailor based in New Road said, “The number of orders almost doubles during Dashain and Tihar. The festive season is like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise challenging economic climate.”

For small business owners like Magar, the festive season is crucial for profitability. While festive overconsumption supports the economy, its environmental toll is concerning. To balance these impacts, sustainable consumption practices are essential. Small adjustments, such as thoughtful purchasing, reusing decorations, and responsible waste disposal, can help preserve Nepal’s natural resources. By adopting mindful consumption, Nepal can celebrate responsibly, ensuring both economic resilience and environmental health.

Yuyutsu Sharma was born in Punjab, India, in his maternal grandfather’s house. As his grandfather didn’t have any sons, he adopted Sharma as his own. “I grew up under his patronship. He was an English teacher and introduced me to writers like Wordsworth, Hardy, Whitman, and others,” says Sharma. His grandfather wanted him to learn English, and inculcated the idea of leading a good, cultured life.

Sharma’s father, however, showed him a totally different side of life, in the beautiful mountains of Himachal Pradesh, India, where Sharma would spend his summer vacations. His father was influenced by the ‘Naga Sadhus’ (worshippers of Lord Shiva), and the life they lived. He would take Sharma with him to the dens of the holy men.

“One day, during Guru Purnima, my father said he wanted to donate me to the Sadhus. I was in the den, my mother was outside, she wasn’t even allowed to enter the celibate Sadhu’s den. I was about seven years old.” But a sadhu told his father to send him to school. Sharma still wonders how his life would have panned out had he been adopted by the sadhu.

However, from then on, his father would take him to see the sadhus quite regularly. He watched the holy men recite mantras, read the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Gita and learn slokas, which to Sharma were a kind of poetry.

“There was a shrine devoted to serpents in Punjab. My grandfather took me there when I was young and I started to crawl around it, as if possessed. The villagers saw me as a deity but I didn’t want my friends to find out and make fun of me.”

He believes his experience at the shrine as a young boy was a sort of a ‘calling’. He says, “When I read or write poetry, I feel this Goddess erupt through me. I feel a vision, a passion, an ecstasy. Science reduces everything to rationality and poetry does the opposite. My initiation into the spiritual world was very significant. The Goddess knocks at my door sometimes, wakes me up, makes me write, so it’s a passion.”

Sharma shares he has been influenced by American poet David Ray, who passed away this year. “When I was doing my MPhil in Jaipur, I met Ray, a visiting professor. He encouraged me to write poetry. I initially wanted to do theater. He was instrumental in my journey,” says Sharma. Later, Sharma met with several influential poets as well who inspired him further.

Sharma came to Nepal in 1984, to teach at the military campus in Bhimphedi where he stayed for two years. He recalls it being a beautiful, remote valley. Later, he taught at a university in Kathmandu. However, he got tired of teaching. He knew he wanted to be a writer. So he started traveling. His family was upset about him giving up a permanent job and going down an uncertain path. Now, as he travels the world, attends writers’ festivals, he admits that it’s indeed a tricky path. “You need to be determined and passionate, and even then it’s difficult.”

Sharma is inspired by the mountains and is even known as the “Himalayan poet” internationally. “I’m leading a sort of vagabond life. I celebrate the mountains, and all the people I meet during my travels,” he says. Considering himself privileged to get to travel to the Himalayas, as well as all around the world, Sharma remarks that there is a lot of wisdom in the mountains.

He is always conflicted between wanting to stay in the mountains and the obligation to return to the city. Sharma says, “I have children, I have family responsibilities. Poets are also human beings. You can’t just let go of reality, even though you have had a taste of paradise. There are social obligations. Art is beautiful but life is full of responsibilities. The two can complement each other, but art cannot replace life.”

Sharma got his lesson on compassion and hospitality from Nepali people living in the mountains. “The idea of compassion that I saw up in the mountains was unparalleled. They welcome you like long lost friends. They invite you to stay in their houses, and eat with them. Tourists here in Kathmandu, however, are treated like walking ATMs,” he says.

As a freelance writer, Sharma acknowledges that it’s difficult to think creatively all the time. But a saying by American poet Robert Lowell is something he believes in, “In the spring of my life, I write my work. In the winter of my life, I translate.” Sharma is currently translating Gopal Prasad Rimal’s poems.

“After waking up in the morning, I revisit what I wrote the day before, then I start writing in the early hours of the day. I take notes as details are important. They say poetry should have details of journalism, and mystery of romance,” he says. Sharma also talked about how the force of writing comes from fearlessness and breaking taboos. “A soft person can’t be a poet. You have to be fearless, you have to make people shake,” he says. “The role of a writer is to awaken the dead sensibilities in people when societies become dull.”

As someone who has translated works in many languages, has his works translated, and has held workshops in translation in many prestigious centers around the world such as Columbia University and University of Ottawa, Sharma says, “Translation is the art of the impossible. Literal translation of art is never possible. A good translation should not be exact. Only a creative writer can translate the work of another creative writer in the same field.”

Currently, Sharma is working on a memoir, while translating Rimal’s poems. There’s also a novella about his time in Ireland in the works. 

For young, aspiring writers, Sharma has some sound advice. “If you’re truly passionate about something, go for it, but be careful. Learn the craft. Nowadays, there are a lot of online platforms, residencies, scholarships, and fellowships. There is a lot of scope in writing.”

He also stresses on the importance of a book club culture in Nepal. “It’s a cultivation of sensibility. I would encourage youths to start a culture of holding readings in small groups.” 

Abhilasha Bista is perhaps one of Nepal’s top female tennis players. She took up the sport when she was studying in grade two in St Xavier’s School, Jawalakhel. The school used to host parents’ council games on the weekends and her father and brother would go to play tennis. Bista liked to sleep in late during the weekends but she eventually joined her brother to play tennis. This got her interested in the sport.

“I started playing internationally when I was around 11 years old. My first tournament was in Malaysia. I won two bronze medals in the under 12 girls and the doubles category,” says Bista. “After so much international exposure, I got to know about the professional prospect of the sport that I did not previously as nobody in Nepal had pursued it as a career.”

Bista, with her parents, would travel abroad for under-14 tournaments at the family’s own expense. As the years went by, she participated in the under-16 and then under-18 ITF tournaments which are world ranking tournaments. She scored about 400 in the under-18 world rankings when she was 16. She felt like she was on the right path to success.

The Covid-19 pandemic put a halt to things. “I feel those two years made me miss out on a lot of changes to better my skills. I feel that I could have reached the top 100-200 ranking if I had been able to play consistently,” she says. 

 After Bista completed her +2, she decided to pursue tennis professionally. She says she has always enjoyed the process and the hard work that the sport demands more than winning or achievements. “Although I was good in studies, I didn’t feel the sense of enjoyment that I got when I was playing tennis. I decided to pursue the sport professionally and that meant giving it more time,” says Bista, adding that she looked for an online university to enroll in so that she could continue her studies while having the time and mindspace required for tennis. She is currently studying Computer Science and is in her third year.   

 Bista’s routine is built around discipline and dedication to the sport. After waking up at 4:30 am, she takes her time to get ready for the day. She meditates and journals first and then does some light exercises. “I do a mobility session that includes stretching and rolling to warm myself before I get to court. The training lasts from six to eight in the morning,” she says. 

 There are days when there are extra fitness sessions and she’s in the court till nine or later. There’s also a second training session that runs from three to five in the afternoon. After she comes home, she says she has to do an hour of stretches and rolling to let her muscles recover. “Then I have dinner and go to sleep,” she says. 

Bista believes that as an athlete you have to take extra care of your mental health as physical exhaustion can take its toll. “There are many challenges to navigate and it can put a lot of unnecessary pressure. There have been challenges but I have been able to cope with things,” she says. 

Bista likes to believe in her abilities as well as put faith in God. “When I go for matches, I remind myself to enjoy the moment, and trust my hard work. I tell myself that the outcome doesn’t matter. If it’s not meant to be, it’s not meant to be,” she says. 

The athlete feels fortunate to be able to get the kind of support she gets from her family, especially her mother who has gone through a lot of challenges in life. She has been with Bista throughout her tennis career, egging her on and being a pillar of strength when things haven’t gone her way. “Many young Nepali athletes feel pressured by their parents to excel. But my parents are very understanding. My mother advises me, travels with me during the tournaments, and gives me great pep talks whenever anything goes wrong,” she says.  

Her parents, she adds, were with her right from the start. They helped her manage her time, juggling studies and tennis practice sessions. This, she says, helped her prioritize things and focus on what mattered. She wouldn’t go on school trips or take part in different extracurricular activities. For her, it was school, homework, and tennis practice.There was no time for anything else and neither did Bista want to do anything else. 

Her friends helped her by sending her class notes whenever she traveled for tournaments. It was sometimes difficult to juggle school with practice but Bista knew there was no way out. Does she regret it? The answer is a resounding no. She says things aren’t easy. It takes a lot of discipline to lead the kind of life she does but she wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Speaking of her plans for the future, she says, “My short-term goal in tennis is to enjoy every moment as I have worked so hard to get here. I’m the only tennis player in Nepal with a professional ranking. I have a lot of tournaments coming up, including the South Asian and Asian Games. My goal is to represent my country while also enjoying the moment.” 

One thing that troubles the young athlete is the pay gap between male and female players. She wishes this was something the sports council and the government would look into seriously. Players, she adds, should be judged on the basis of their abilities and nothing else. 

Being a sportsperson isn’t easy but Bista says if you are determined and dedicated there isn’t anything you can’t do. “You have to believe in yourself and be willing to work hard. Everything else will fall into place,” she says.