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Three weeks until exams and you’re all set to conquer that mountain of notes. But somehow the internet’s irresistible trap pulls you in. One minute, you’re telling yourself you’ll just check Instagram for a second, next, you’re deep into a Netflix binge and—poof! your prep time is gone. With just one day left, you skim through the entire syllabus, promising you’ll start early next time. But this cycle is like your persistent ex—it just won’t stop chasing you. Sounds familiar?

In today’s hyper-connected world, our phones have become like those sirens from Greek mythology. It is luring us into the digital Bermuda Triangle. Our notifications buzz, and before we know it, we're in this whirlpool of mindless scrolling. But let’s face it, we all know that watching viral cat videos or the maddening Tiktok trends, isn’t going to help us write our assignments or pass our exams. So, why do we keep diving into this self-sabotaging scroll-fest?

Here are a few reasons that spring to mind: Smartphones are designed in such a way, they are meant to be addictive. With every little notification, our brain’s reward system, which is driven by several neurotransmitters, releases a little hit of the ‘feel-good’ chemical called dopamine, the same chemical that makes gambling or drugs so alluring. Interestingly, as time goes by, the pleasure from these small dopamine hits can decline, which can turn into a need for more frequent stimulation to get the same level of pleasure. This creates a loop where we continue to scroll, not because it particularly makes us feel good, but because it helps us distract ourselves as a form of escapism. 

Also, most of us often have a tendency to believe that we can control our time spent on social media and will get back to our tasks shortly. This cognitive bias leads us to underestimating how much time we spent scrolling and overestimating our ability to manage it effectively. Another propensity is that we focus on immediate gratification over prioritizing long-term goals like academic achievements, which takes consistent effort and dedication and is mostly not very enjoyable as well. This need for instant gratification that we get from surfing social media with its bottomless bowls is more enticing than the gradual satisfaction that comes from doing significant tasks.

Now here’s the kicker, screen addiction isn’t just a harmless distraction. Much research has shown that excessive use of smartphones can severely hamper our focus and memory while also altering the volume and density of gray matter in our brain, which are crucial for processing information and cognitive functioning. When we are glued to our phone, our brain is on a constant dopamine drip, making it nearly impossible to concentrate. The result? You’re skimming through the entire syllabus at the last minute, and those solid study plans you made? They’re now just a faint memory.

There’s more. This silent epidemic doesn’t just wreck our grades; it’s also a stealthy assassin of our overall wellbeing. It has also been seen that excessive phone use is highly linked with anxiety, depression, insomnia, feeling of never-ending restlessness, the list goes on…. That constant need to check our phone is like a hamster wheel, making us feel mentally and emotionally exhausted, which prevents us from being productive and getting better results.

A willpower issue?

Some people might say, ‘Just stop doing that!’ But if we were to acknowledge it’s an addiction, that is like telling a smoker, ‘Hey, just quit smoking!’ Sure, it makes sense, but it doesn’t work. Relying on willpower alone is like bringing a butter knife to a sword fight.

So, how do we fix this compulsive overconsumption? Simple. Fight fire with fire. No pun intended!

There are technologies designed specifically to help us quit our tech addiction. Personally, I use an app called Opal, which has been a game-changer. It tracks our screen time and also blocks distracting sites for the next 24-hours when we reach a certain time limit, acting as a digital personal trainer for our brain. 

Turning off less important notifications is another smart move. Our phone doesn’t need to buzz every time someone likes our post or sends us a message or we get a new email. By silencing the noise, we can reset our focus and stay on track with our important tasks.

Another nifty trick is to use the Pomodoro Technique. It is a time management method, which helps to improve productivity and focus by breaking work into intervals, typically 25 minutes. Instead of working for just 25 minutes and taking a 5-minute break, we can try working for 50 minutes and then rewarding ourselves with a 10-minute break for better attention and efficiency. 

Additionally, we can designate certain areas in our house where gadgets are off-limits, like our study space or the dining table. This physical separation can help us reduce mindless checking. Avoid taking the phone to bed. It interferes with the sleep we need to function fully the next day. Instead, buying an alarm clock is a much better option. Lastly, digital detoxing is another way to mitigate the problem. We need to have a life outside of our screen. Dedicating two or three days a week to going screen-free and using that time connecting with friends or family in real life, enjoying nature, or getting into a new hobby can be a refreshing reset that can work wonders for our cognitive functioning. 

It is important to remember that there are people behind the screen, who are cashing in on our attention, hooking us to keep us distracted. So, we must take it upon ourselves to set boundaries and do better.

Aishwarya Koirala

BA IIIrd Year

St Xavier’s College, Maitighar

The Student Council of Thames International College (SCOTIC) organized an inter-college student meet titled ‘Dristi’ on Aug 9. The event brought together over 50 students from various Bachelor-level colleges across Kathmandu. It featured a public speaking and leadership seminar, as well as an educational summit where students from different institutions shared their experiences and perspectives on educational issues.

Participating colleges included Thames International College, Prime College, Kathmandu Model College (KMC), Kantipur College of Management and Information Technology (KCMIT), Presidential Graduate School, King’s College Nepal, The Westminster College, IIMS College, and Uniglobe College.

The event’s first major highlight was the Public Speaking Seminar, designed specifically for students in leadership roles. The seminar focused on enhancing communication and leadership skills, providing attendees with valuable insights and practical techniques to improve their public speaking abilities—essential for both academic and future professional success.

After the seminar, participants were divided into discussion groups focusing on key topics related to their academic and extracurricular experiences. Avenue 1 explored ‘Academic Affairs’, comparing traditional exam-based assessments with assignment-based evaluation methods. Avenue 2 examined the ‘Importance and Impact of Extracurricular Activities’, discussing how these activities influence student life. Each group engaged in robust discussions, sharing ideas and building networks with peers from other institutions. 

Following the group discussions, an Educational Summit was held where students presented their insights on the topics. The entire summit was documented, and the conclusions will be circulated as needed.

Thames International College’s Inter-College Student Meet was a resounding success, showcasing the benefits of collaborative learning and the importance of building connections across academic institutions. The event facilitated meaningful interactions and highlighted the value of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing contemporary challenges. The Student Council looks forward to continuing this tradition and enhancing student engagement in future editions.

Nirwan Maharjan

Thames International College

In today’s ever-evolving workforce structures and requirements, aging can be a significant topic for discussion. The skill sets that young people offer to the workforce vary immensely from ones presented by older people, and so do crucial contributing factors such as work ethics, performance, expertise, technological proficiency, and stability. The question lies in whether the benefits of employing one age group greatly outweighs the other, or is embracing generational diversity the way to go. 

With the advancing role of technology in almost every field concerning human lives—including and prominently in the workforce—the youth of today seem to stand an advantage compared to the old. According to a study on digital literacy among different age groups published in the Journal of Communication Vol 5, in 2024, among 1,200 Korean participants, younger ones aged 18-35 demonstrated higher digital literacy compared to participants aged 50-65.

On the flipside, the expertise and experience of older people can simply not be matched by the younger ones. Due to the level of job security in the past—which has now been on the decline - the older employees have  mostly committed to one field of work, sometimes even to one firm. Such commitment ensures immense expertise in the respective field. According to a survey of 35,00 published in the Forbes, 43 percent of younger workers (18-24) say that they are scared of losing their job, 10 percent more than last year’s number. 

However, the lack of job security in recent years, especially after the pandemic, might be advantageous to the youth. As they are forced to switch between jobs, exposed to multiple fields of labor, and even take on multiple part-time jobs at once, the youth tend to carry a broader set of skills and an interdisciplinary understanding of matters. They are also—as is obvious—more skilled in physically-demanding fields, such as construction. 

Work ethics are seen to be more engraved in older people. According to an article from Effulgence published in July 2021, a study investigating work ethic across generations found the theory that older generations score higher in hard work to be true. Scores of hard work increased with age, with Gen Z (12-27) scoring 3.7 and Gen X (44-59) and Baby Boomer (60-69) scoring 4.0. 

With arguments working in favor of both young and old employees, it can be established that a diversity in the workforce ensures optimum productivity and results. While younger workers are more physically and technologically inclined with tendencies to engage in broader fields of work, older ones contribute with their expertise, experience, and impeccable ethics. A mixture of both can be deemed necessary for a successful workforce. 

Sadikshya Khadka

A-level graduate

Rato Bangala School

Women in Nepali politics have faced significant challenges for representation, encompassing legal, cultural, and institutional barriers. Despite Nepal’s rich traditions and significant political transformations, from the abolition of monarchy to a federal democratic republic, women’s representation remains a persistent struggle. Legal advancements and increased awareness have made some progress, but deep-seated cultural norms and societal attitudes hinder practical implementation. Women politicians often encounter resistance from male counterparts and within their communities, where traditional gender roles are deeply entrenched.

Institutional barriers such as inadequate support systems, lack of political mentorship, and limited access to resources further underrepresented women in Nepali politics. Political parties, key gatekeepers to political power, often fail to prioritize gender inclusivity, resulting in fewer opportunities for women to rise through the ranks. This disparity is more pronounced in rural areas, where patriarchal structures are rigid and educational and economic opportunities for women are limited.

Moreover, women in politics frequently face gender-based violence and harassment from opposition party cadres, both online and offline. Despite these obstacles, many women show remarkable resilience and determination. Trailblazing women leaders in Nepal continue to push boundaries, advocate for gender equality, and inspire future generations. The struggle for women’s representation in Nepal involves transforming the political landscape to be more inclusive and equitable, changing mindsets, dismantling discriminatory practices, and creating an environment for full and effective participation in political processes. As Nepal evolves politically, the fight for gender parity in politics remains crucial, highlighting the need for continued efforts to empower women and ensure their voices are heard at all decision-making levels.

Historical context

The history of Nepali women’s involvement in politics highlights their enduring struggle for representation and equality, intertwined with Nepal’s socio-political transformations. Initially, Nepal’s monarchy and rigid patriarchal structures confined women to domestic roles. The 1951 revolution ended the Rana autocracy but did little to increase women’s political participation. Significant strides began with the 1990 People’s Movement, or ‘Jana Andolan,’ which led to a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, raising awareness about gender equality in governance.

The 1990 Constitution provided a framework for democratic governance but lacked substantial female political representation. Patriarchal norms and a lack of supportive structures impeded women’s full political participation. The 2006 People’s Movement (Jana Andolan II) abolished the monarchy and established a federal democratic republic. The 2007 Interim Constitution mandated at least 33 percent of legislative seats for women, a landmark decision. The 2015 Constitution reinforced this, ensuring women hold at least one-third of federal and provincial legislature seats.

Despite these legal provisions, cultural and institutional barriers continue to limit women's political participation. Activists and organizations are advocating for gender-sensitive policies and mentoring women politicians. While significant progress has been made, achieving gender parity in politics requires ongoing efforts to transform the political culture and ensure full and equal participation for women.

Key milestone

Since the advent of democracy in Nepal in 1951, the journey towards women's political representation has been gradual. The first significant milestone was reached on 27 May 1959, when Dwarika Devi Thakurani was appointed as the deputy minister of health and local governance in BP Koirala’s cabinet. Thirteen years later, on 16 April 1972, Kamala Shah became the second woman deputy minister, serving under Kirtinidhi Bista. On 16 July 1973, Kamala Shah was promoted to minister of state for health under Nagendra Prasad Rijal, marking another milestone.

A significant breakthrough occurred 37 years after the introduction of democracy. On 9 March 1988, Sushila Thapa became the first full female minister for health in Marich Man Singh Shrestha’s cabinet. This cabinet also included Chanda Shah as an assistant minister, marking the first time two women were part of the council of ministers simultaneously.

On 19 April 1990, following the people’s movement of 1990, Sahana Pradhan made history by becoming the first woman to hold the second-highest position in the cabinet hierarchy as the Industry and Commerce Minister in Krishna Prasad Bhattarai’s government. The trend of increasing female representation continued on 25 March 1997, when Sahana Pradhan and Bidya Bhandari were appointed as full ministers in Lokendra Bahadur Chand’s council of ministers, marking the first time two women held full ministerial positions.

Shailaja Acharya further broke new ground on 15 April 1998, by becoming the first woman deputy prime minister in Girija Prasad Koirala’s cabinet. During the second People’s Movement in 2006, Deputy Speaker Chitra Lekha Yadav, a woman, played a crucial role by chairing the parliament meeting in the ‘street’ and aiding in the re-establishment of the dissolved House of Representatives.

The first Constituent Assembly election in 2008 significantly increased women’s representation with 197 women elected. The 2013 election saw 176 women elected, and the federal Parliament elections in 2017 and 2022 had 90 and 91 women elected, respectively. While Nepal’s women’s representation in parliament surpasses that of many countries, efforts are still needed to advance women’s rights qualitatively.

In recent years, Nepal has achieved notable milestones in women’s political representation. The election of Bidya Devi Bhandari as the first female president in 2015 was historic. Additionally, Onsari Gharti Magar served as the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2018.

Sushila Karki made headlines on 11 July 2016, as the first female Chief Justice of Nepal, serving until 2017. Her appointment was a significant milestone for gender equality in Nepal’s judiciary.

On 14 Dec 2023, Nepal achieved another historic milestone when Sewa Lamsal, the senior-most joint-secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was promoted to foreign secretary, the first female to hold this role in the history of the Nepali Foreign Service. On 25 July 2024, Lila Devi Gadtaula was appointed as Chief Secretary, becoming the first woman to hold the highest position in civil administration.

In diplomacy, a significant milestone was reached in 1956 when Bhinda Swari Shah was appointed as Nepal’s first female ambassador to India. In local governance, Nepal has made significant progress with seven women mayors, 276 women deputy mayors, 11 women chairpersons, and 424 women vice-chairpersons, totaling 718 women in top local government positions. However, patriarchal practices within political parties persist.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Women in Nepal continue to face patriarchal norms, violence, and economic barriers that hinder their full political participation. Nonetheless, the increasing number of women in political roles, supported by advocacy groups and legal mandates, reflects a significant shift towards gender equality.

Way forward

The quest for women’s representation in Nepali politics is a continuous journey. Despite making significant progress, various obstacles still stand in the way. Recent advancements, supported by legal frameworks and enhanced awareness, offer hope for a more inclusive and fair political landscape in Nepal. The sustained dedication of advocates, policymakers, and the general populace will be vital in ensuring that women’s voices are not only heard but also acknowledged in all levels of government.

Although legal provisions have advanced gender equality by reserving seats for women in local and national political bodies, the practical implementation of these provisions remains a critical challenge. Women’s representation in key decision-making bodies is still inadequate, with many being confined to deputy positions in local bodies and state minister roles in provincial governments. This suggests that political parties are not fully committed to meaningful female participation, emphasizing the need to move beyond tokenism and appoint women to significant positions within their parties and the government.

The struggle for women’s representation in Nepali politics continues, requiring ongoing efforts to overcome the socio-cultural and economic barriers that inhibit women’s political participation. In addition to being included in political ranks, women must be given meaningful roles and responsibilities by political parties. Education and awareness programs are pivotal in shaping societal attitudes towards women in politics, particularly in encouraging their participation from a young age and equipping them with the necessary skills and resources. Strengthening the legal framework and ensuring the effective implementation of existing laws and policies are crucial in protecting and promoting women’s rights in politics. Collaboration between government, civil society, and international organizations is essential to foster an environment where women can thrive as political leaders.