Squinted symphony: Navigating shadows with resilient sigh
In the quiet symphony of my life’s decree,
A squinted path, a canvas, bold and free.
Awakening with hope, a morning’s cheer,
Yet shadows loom, whispers of fear.
Surgery’s embrace, a dance with the blind,
Veiled days in darkness, resilience I find.
Through the void, tactile whispers trace,
A journey of courage, an intricate grace.
Beneath the surgeon’s hands, in the blindfolded mist,
A metamorphosis, a tale to enlist.
Blindfolded days, a world unknown,
Yet within that darkness, strength was sown.
In the realm of shadows, bullying’s sting,
Mocking whispers, laughter’s cruel swing.
Squinted eyes, a target for jest,
Yet resilience grows in the wounded nest.
Through the corridors of hurtful gaze,
A spirit tested in bullying’s blaze.
Squinted eyes, not a flaw to bear,
But a testament to the strength I wear.
So, in the echoes of dental dread and blindfolded strife,
A masterpiece emerges, a resilient life.
Squinted eyes, once a source of pain,
Now a symbol of courage, a triumph to gain.
Yusuf Shrestha
BBM VI Semester
United College, Lalitpur
Will our leaders improve?
Recently, former US President Donald Trump was found guilty in a $350 million fraud case by a court. It's noteworthy that six out of the nine judges in the Supreme Court were appointed by Trump. Similarly, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan was jailed earlier this year in a corruption case. In developed countries, everyone, regardless of their power or position, is held accountable for their crimes.
However, in Nepal, it appears that those who have contributed to democracy are granted impunity to commit various crimes. In our democratic context, powerful personalities often seem immune to prosecution, elevating them above ordinary citizens. This acceptance of impunity has become a hallmark of Nepal’s governance system.
The era of Panchayati rule was marked by autocracy, as was the Rana period, with Jung Bahadur Rana standing out as one of the most tyrannical rulers. Notably, Jung Bahadur's visit to Britain showcased his arrogance when he demanded a higher cannon salute than his Indian counterpart, arguing Nepal's independence compared to India's British colonial status. Despite his authoritarian rule, Jung Bahadur was stringent against bribery, corruption, and profiteering, even resorting to hanging profiteers during times of crisis.
The legacy of the Rana rulers included a strict stance against the depletion of national wealth, advocating instead for internal investment. Yet, ironically, many of the palaces they built, including Singha Durbar, are now utilized by the so-called democratic government.
Throughout history, the Shah kings of Nepal demonstrated a deep commitment to the country's development. Despite controversies, King Mahendra's initiatives such as the construction of the East-West Highway and division of the country into development zones significantly contributed to Nepal's progress.
In the border region of Tarai, former soldiers are employed to safeguard the borders, while King Birendra advocated for a zone of peace to shield the nation from external manipulations, although progress has been hindered by India's opposition.
During the reign of Nepali Congress under BP, notable diplomatic strides were made, including holding firm against Indian claims on Nepal's northern border and fostering relations with China and Israel, showcasing Nepal's independent decision-making.
Subsequently, in response to allegations of corruption within his own ranks, BP took decisive action by banning his personal secretary from his residence during festive seasons and encouraging open criticism through support for a popular magazine, Samiksha.
The tenure of the first elected Prime Minister BP Koirala saw Nepal asserting itself on the global stage, making independent decisions, and facing challenges head-on, all while prioritizing national honor and dignity.
Even amidst external pressures, leaders like Koirala upheld ethical standards, as evidenced by Prime Minister Kirtinidhi Bishta's resignation following the Singhdarbar fire incident.
In a bold move, Nepal removed 17 out of 18 Indian military camps stationed in its northern region, demonstrating a commitment to sovereignty.
Tragedies like the Dashrath Stadium stampede prompted accountability, with officials like sports minister Keshar Bahadur Bista resigning, highlighting a commitment to responsibility and transparency.
Despite historical achievements and instances of accountability, there remains a pervasive attitude among some contemporary leaders, viewing past leaders solely through the lens of criticism. It begs the question: when will our leaders learn from both the mistakes and accomplishments of their predecessors?
Saroj Bhattarai
Kathmandu School of Law, Bhaktapur
Life feels heavy
Life feels heavy when things don’t go right
Feels sorrowful like a tree not having any leaves
Making sadness an art by writing its creation.
Said to be the world’s the felicitous doesn’t exit
Even through the drove, doesn’t know your dispirited
So your heart knows, it’s the one to control oneself.
Gloom does not have any hope to breath
Breathing heavy having no tries in eyes
Life seems heavy when you go through rejection.
You get jumbled and be in your lowest
So is foremost to feel the necessity in one’s life
Even if you fully do your best, there’s something hiding on your back.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Reminding every moment
Waiting for its best to happen, and happens the antithetical
You express yourself, and you fail to make them understand.
They teach you to love and be happy
But when remissness changes the situation
Not a soul teaches you to rebuild the same happiness.
It gives option you to rebuild the situation
Life gives you tightness and roughness
It’s your choice to face or pass over the fact.
Supriya Paudel
BBM III Semester
United College, Kumaripati, Lalitpur
Trapped soul
You say its fate, I say it’s not
Maybe it was just a stroke of bad luck
When we met and our paths intertwined
You looked at me with that smile so divine
Now you are lost, never to be found
How could I have been so spellbound
How can life be so cruel
Maybe I was just a dense fool
Now I visit you at your grave
If only I had been a bit brave
That angelic smile I couldn’t save
I wish I could visit you beyond your grave
For the embrace of your warm arms I crave
Without your wits and guts
I am just a soul, lost
Within this darkness, I will stay
Thinking about this curse every day
With this immortality, I behold a blessing few might say
With this tragic ending that I could not foretell
My soul trapped by this unholy spell
With all this overwhelming guilt
Why am I crying over spilt milk?
This lost soul trapped in this plain
With no one to lose or to gain
Just left with all this suffering and pain
With no sun, just left with a lot of rain
A trapped soul wanting to be saved
From the mistake only I had made
Just keep going you always said
Now you lie there in your eternal bed
Trapped by that ray you hold
I am Just another trapped soul
Arnav Shrestha
A Level
LA College