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When Covid-19 reached Nepal in early 2020, everything came to a halt. The once-bustling streets of Kathmandu fell silent. In the villages, an even deeper stillness took hold. Families stopped hearing from loved ones working abroad. Schools closed. Health centers ran out of medicine. People felt completely alone.

For many, the hardship went far beyond staying indoors. The virus made it hard to breathe, but so did poverty and fear. Countless families lost their sole breadwinner. That meant no food, no school, and no hope. Nepal didn’t just get sick. It broke. And the weight of that breaking felt insurmountable.

But what if the crisis that brought Nepal to its knees wasn’t the final chapter, but the necessary prologue to a national reinvention?

Forget “recovery.” Recovery suggests a return to the same fragile system that collapsed at the first tremor. The pandemic wasn’t just a tragedy to repair; it was a revelation. A siren call to abandon broken blueprints and design an economy that actually works. What if the architecture of our collapse could become the model for our rebirth?

Before Covid-19, Nepal was celebrated for its “remittance economy.” We sent our youth abroad, and their earnings helped sustain the nation. But we ignored the true cost. Villages emptied out. Land was abandoned. Families were split across continents. A national identity was built on the loneliness of video calls.

Then the borders closed, remittances collapsed, and the illusion vanished. What we thought was a safety net turned out to be a tightrope—and Covid-19 cut the line.

Tourism, once touted as a cornerstone of our GDP, proved just as fragile. When it collapsed, it left behind shuttered hotels, unemployed guides, and debt-ridden businesses. We had relied too heavily and planned too little.

And what about the informal sector, the backbone for over 70 percent of our workforce? It was always a blind spot we chose to ignore. When lockdowns hit, 1.6 million jobs vanished overnight. No contracts. No insurance. No savings. Just millions rendered invisible by a system that never acknowledged them.

Education failed, too. Many schools turned to online learning—but what about children in villages without internet, electricity, or smartphones? Around 95,000 children, mostly girls, dropped out and never returned. Some were forced into child labor or early marriage. This wasn’t an unforeseen consequence. It exposed a long-standing failure to support the most marginalized.

None of these problems were new. The pandemic simply made them impossible to ignore. It held up a mirror to a system already cracked. And even amid the pain, it gave us something else—a rare chance to build something better.

So what if we stopped exporting our youth and started investing in them at home? What if empty villages became hubs of tea, coffee, and herb production? What if young people were trained to use digital tools to sell their own products?

Imagine if every village had a solar-powered tech center, where children could access online learning, patients could consult doctors remotely, and local businesses could connect with global markets. This is not a fantasy. Nepal has smart, capable young people. Instead of waiting for foreign help, let’s back their ideas.

The government can create youth innovation funds to support small-scale projects in farming, green energy, recycling, and technology. Trust the youth. They understand the problems because they live them. Their solutions are rooted in reality, not written in distant reports.

This isn’t utopian thinking. It’s a survival strategy. Look at our neighbors. Sri Lanka’s economic collapse was built on the same foundations of debt and import dependency. Bangladesh is now facing a foreign reserve crisis. These are not distant warnings; they are potential previews of Nepal’s own future if we try to return to “normal.”

After Covid-19, poverty in Nepal surged again, with rural areas hit hardest. In some regions, one doctor serves thousands. That’s not just unfair, it’s unsustainable. An economy built on foreign labor, foreign remittances, and foreign tourists is neither strong nor safe.

If we go back to the old system, we’re not recovering—we’re refusing to learn. We’re choosing to leave millions behind.

Covid-19 taught us the unimaginable can happen overnight. In just a week, the global systems we depended on were unplugged. That’s terrifying, but also liberating. It showed us that the structures we thought were permanent are, in fact, fragile.

So why rebuild the same system that failed us? The wreckage is all around us. It’s time to stop mourning what we lost and start building what we need. It’s time to turn the memory of our greatest crisis into the blueprint for our greatest awakening.

Let’s not waste this chance. Let’s turn this crisis into a new beginning. We have seen the problems. Now we must build the solutions. Nepal deserves an economy that works for everyone. It’s time to stop waiting, and start building.

Himal Subedi 

Narayani English Public Secondary School, Bharatpur, Chitwan

Recently, we, the students of grade 10, were shown a movie in our school to help us learn how to write a movie review in English. The review about the same movie has been included in our textbook. The movie made me marvel over something which I had always taken for granted. Yes, it’s the sense of loyalty in a dog towards its master. This article is my general reflection as a result of watching the movie. It is not a review of the movie. 

Even if dogs bring out their fierce self at times, there always lies an unassuming being underneath. The haters and non-sympathisers of dogs squarely blame the latter’s instinctive nature. But there are methods to their madness. It’s the government’s responsibility to check their menace. If we somehow had some unpleasant experiences with dogs, it would be more because of stray dogs. Developed countries with proven track records of humane treatment of animals never have stray dogs in their streets. Respect to dogs shouldn’t limit to worshipping them on Kukur Tihar and forgetting them the rest of the year. 

We can say that dogs are the only animal who defines loyalty, even better than the supremely sentient human. They stay with us through thick and thin even though people leave us like rats deserting a sinking ship. 

I have heard of a true story of a dog named Charlie in the USA. In an emergency situation, his mental reflex worked to our bewilderment and sacrificed his life to save his master’s life in a house fire. The dog rushed into the burning house and woke up the master but the dog got trapped inside. 

It is often said that God has created dogs as an apology for creating humans. God has sent dogs to heal something inside us that dogs didn’t break. We humans can learn unwavering loyalty and love at its purest form from dogs.

Mohishu GC

Grade: X

Sanskar Pathshala, Dang

Nepal, with its breathtaking landscapes and traditions, holds a treasure trove of natural and cultural assets. From luxurious pashmina shawls and hand-knotted carpets to organic teas, medicinal herbs, and unique artisanal crafts, the country offers products that could easily find a place in global markets. Yet, despite this richness, Nepal’s footprint in international trade remains small. This paradox raises questions: Why is a country so rich in export-worthy goods struggling to make its mark globally? And what can be done to unlock Nepal’s true potential in the world economy?  

A powerful example lies in Chiraito (Swertia chirayita), a native medicinal herb that blooms in Nepal’s high hills and alpine regions. With growing awareness and demand for natural remedies and wellness products in today’s world, Chiraito has much to offer as a flagship in herbal export for Nepal. It perfectly illustrates both the potential and the drawbacks of Nepal’s export landscape. Nepal has the resources, the traditional knowledge, and the market interest, however due to lack of infrastructure, institutional support, and strategic direction to scale production, Nepal struggles to meet the global standards. 

Let’s look closer at Nepal’s broader export potential, using Chiraito as a case study. It explores the systematic barriers that hinder the progress and offers actionable strategies to help Nepal with its natural wealth to the world. At the same time, it also secures sustainable economic and social benefits. 

Nepal produces high quality teas, essential oils, handmade paper, wool products, and herbal medicines, many of which are identified as organic, sustainable, and culturally unique. These features are well aligned with global trends favoring ethical and wellness focused products. 

Despite having high potential for the export, Nepal has a negative trade balance due to significantly higher import than export by approximately $12m as per World Integrated Trade Solution 2023.

Chiraito (Swertia Chirayita) is usually found on hill slopes in sub-tropical to temperate zones throughout Nepal between altitudes of 1,200-3,000 meters. It has been reported to be found in 40 districts of the country. In Eastern part of Nepal, the major production takes place in Sankhuwasabha, Terathum, Dhankuta and Panchthar whereas in central Nepal they are available in Rasuwa, Dolakha, , Gorkha, Sindhuli, and Makwanpur, while Rolpa, Dolpa, Salyan, Achham and Doti are the major producing districts in western Nepal as per Study by Government of Nepal Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation Department of Plant Resources 2011. As per UNDP Climate Change Adaptation 2013, Nepal’s annual production in 2013 was estimated at about 711 MT, with 675.6 MT exported to India and Tibet. This number has massively declined in 2023 to 118.5 tons and worth of Rs 22.4m was exported in India in the first five months of the fiscal year 2023/24 as per statistics of the Mechi Customs Office. 

This herb is valued in Pharmacological properties for liver protection, lowering the blood sugar level and also as an antibacterial and antifungal property. Besides these it is also used in different codified systems of traditional medicine, such as Ayurveda and Homoeopathy. Today, its healing compounds are gaining attention from pharmaceutical and wellness industries in Europe, Japan, and North America thanks to raising health consciousness, increasing consumer preference for natural remedies. According to Grand View Research 2022, the global herbal medicine market size was estimated at $70.57bn in 2023 and is projected to reach $328.72 by 2030. As consumers shift toward natural health solutions, Chiraito stands out as a high potential product for the global medicine market. However, Nepal hasn’t been able to unlock its value to the desirable market to meet the global demand. 

Despite such high-value products, Nepal faces numerous obstacles in expanding its export footprint. Nepal’s mountainous terrain and poor transport network make it difficult to move goods efficiently. Rural roads are often unreliable during monsoons. Exporters struggle with lack of storage, packaging, and cold chain systems, especially for perishable products like herbs. Being landlocked, Nepal also relies heavily on Indian ports for maritime trade, resulting in delays, added costs, and limited market access. Yak caravans used to haul pack loads of the herb through Olangchung Gola Nepal to Tibet. Exports stopped in 2020 when the pandemic broke out, and the northern border was tightly shut.

Chiraito is an endangered herb protected under national and international conservation frameworks. Exporters must obtain special permits from forest and environment authorities, which can be time-consuming and bureaucratic. Importing countries (especially in Europe and North America) have strict standards for herbal products that many exporters cannot meet. Inconsistent quality, lack of Good Agricultural Practices, and lack of certified organic or GMP-compliant processing reduce trust.

Nepal has not successfully built a strong country brand around its exports. While “Made in Italy” or “Product of Sri-Lanka” evoke immediate recognition in fashion or tea, “Made in Nepal” remains unfamiliar to most global consumers. This lack of international visibility prevents Nepal from capturing higher value for its unique goods. Moreover, most Nepali exporters are not digitally savvy. E-commerce remains underutilized, and online storytelling about products like Chiraito is rare.

Exporters face challenges in accessing financing for working capital, certifications, and market development. Banks are often reluctant to lend to small enterprises, especially those in agriculture and forestry. Institutions like the Trade and Export Promotion Centre and Department of Plant Resources lack adequate capacity, coordination, and outreach to rural producers.

International markets demand standardization and proof of quality. For herbal products like Chiraito, certifications such as Organic, ISO, and GMP are crucial. Unfortunately, most producers in Nepal lack the training, equipment, and institutional support to obtain these credentials. As a result, their products are rejected or downgraded in global markets.

To unlock Nepal’s export potential, especially in herbal products like Chiraito, strategic action is essential. First, Invest in Infrastructure such as roads, proper production and processing units with required cold storage to support entire units in highly yield areas. Second, simplify the export procedures and policies through clear guidelines to reduce bureaucratic delays.

Third, build a strong national brand that emphasizes the purity and heritage of Nepali products, supported by certification for instance “Organic Nepal” strategically. Fourth, improve coordination among government bodies, cooperatives, and private stakeholders to streamline support to access the market. Fifth, provide training and financial tools such as soft loans and subsidies to motivate producers. Ultimately, Nepal should be able to engage actively in regional and global platforms. 

In districts like Sankhuwasabha, Dolkha, and Darchula, local cooperatives and community forest groups have begun cultivating Chiraito using improved methods. NGOs have supported efforts to enhance traceability and post-harvest processing according to the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation Department of Plant Resources 2011.

Imagine Chiraito, sustainably harvested in Nepal, packaged and sold as per premium wellness product or as medicinal herbs in global markets. This vision is achievable and possible if the above-mentioned recommendation is followed by the concerned and appropriate stakeholders from government and private sector both. It will not only boost Nepal’s global identity but also help upgrade the rural incomes and to support the nation’s economy as well. 

Sabana Bhandari

Rajina Shrestha

MBA students

SAIM College, Mid-Baneshwor

A nation once deeply rooted in patriarchal traditions, Nepal continues to bear traces of the oppressive legacy. The influence can be seen in the male dominance in politics which fuels the perception that women are secondary players in leadership. Women in politics continue to face a pervasive narrative, rooted in historical stereotypes: men are meant to be strong leaders and women are supposed to be good supporters. Generalized instances of underperformance by women are frequently used to question the collective competence of women leaders. This fallacy not only reinforces irrelevant stereotypes but also disregards the reality that political efficacy is not determined by gender but by individual’s capability, dedication and output.

Renu Chand, a central committee member of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), Member of the Constituent Assembly and current National Assembly member firmly rejects the narrative that women’s electoral losses reflect their incompetence. “Every male who gets a ticket to run for the election doesn’t win; the same should go for women; this is how election results work” says Chand, rejecting the narrative that women’s electoral losses reflect on their personal incompetence. She dismantles the flawed logic that equates electoral losses with weakness for a particular gender only. Chand’s words highlight the double standard that continues to define Nepal’s political landscape; the idea that women must constantly prove they belong, while men are allowed to fail without being labeled or consequence.

Chand further sheds light on the overlooked struggles of women in politics - their inherent multitasking abilities of balancing family and professional roles, showcasing their resilience. She mentions, “some may struggle due to various relevant reasons but it is inaccurate to brand all women in politics as incapable”. Selective criticism on the basis of gender is simply used as a tactic to uphold patriarchal norms and discourage women leaders from pursuing leadership roles. It works by amplifying the shortcomings while ignoring similar failings in men. This bias leads to the continuation of the stereotype that men are better suited for leadership. She recalls how, during Nepal’s civil war during 1995-2006, many women joined the movement and they fought hand in hand with men. “But as soon as the civil war ended, many women were sent back to households while men continued to pursue their political career” she adds.

Member of Parliament Roshan Karki, also a senior leader of National Democratic Party (RPP), highlights, “women are inherently more giving in nature and often sacrifice their career, particularly as mothers, wives and to support their families”. She points out that, “in families where men are involved in politics, women frequently step back to let their male counterparts advance. This self-sacrificing nature along with the societal structures that favor men, pose a disadvantage for women in general”.

Nepali women have been held back, not because of lack of potential but due to denial of equal access to opportunities or acceptance. In Nepal the preference for male children is very strong and that is reflected in terms of educational attainment and other opportunities as well. While this is changing in modern times, its impact is still visible. Former Member of Parliament and Constituent Assembly member Shanti Pakhrin, a member of Communist Party of Nepal (UML), puts emphasis on the transformative journey that women of Nepal have undertaken from restricted domestic roles to prominent leadership positions, women are coming to the forefront. “Since the starting line was not the same for all, we cannot expect the same results instantly”. Pakhrin emphasizes the need for positive feedback rather than negative criticism. In addition, it is equally important to understand that meaningful change requires time and continual support and promotion. 

Member of Constituent Assembly, Rita Shahi, a member of Nepali Congress Party, adds to Pakhrin’s narrative by saying, “there is a tendency to impose the incapability narrative while ignoring society’s own role in empowering women”. People easily bring out the incapability narrative but no one ever questions what have I done to make women capable or empowered? What is my contribution? 

Echoing Pakhrin’s call to recognize women’s collective progress, Shahi adds another layer by addressing the issue of compartmentalizing women’s issues stressing that treating these concerns as separate will lead to the marginalization of more than half the population. To avoid this, it is necessary to view women’s issues as central to the overall progress of the society.

Women who are in politics of Nepal are slowly and steadily dismantling the barriers that take the form of a deeply ingrained myth of capability and incapability based on gender bias. By showcasing their resilience and determination in the face of these barriers and their stories of balancing family and a career, pioneering achievements and enduring scrutiny reveals their profound strength. This represents a transformation of the political landscape. As Nepal steps into a new era that opens doors for future generations of Nepali women leaders in various sectors, there is a call for action that rings loud and clear: to move beyond limiting beliefs and build a future where every woman’s voice is not just heard but also respected and empowered. The creation of a just society now depends on the young generation, a society where people support the rise of women who are to Nepal’s progress, growth and development.