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Aama is a word profound in itself, representing someone precious and irreplaceable in the world. She is an ideal person for all of us—impossible to hate and perpetually missed. Unfortunately, I lost her almost 12 years ago. I had the joy of spending just seven years with her, but I barely remember her face. I never had the chance to share simple moments with her, like choosing food, clothes, or playing with toys. Does that make me an unfortunate child, or was I able to give her some happiness during those short years?

During these 12 long years, I rarely missed her consciously. Countless people came and went in my life. Then, one person entered my life who made me miss Aama deeply. She not only reminded me of Aama but also became my Aama. She entered my life unexpectedly and brought back the word ‘Aama’, which I had not uttered for 12 years. She is the only person I have called Aama since losing my own.

The day I met her was the opposite of the day I lost my Aama. It was a day of regained happiness, inner peace, and energy. It felt like meeting my lost Aama after 12 years, bringing back both the person and the word ‘Aama’ into my life forever.

She cares for me more than herself, brings me food she cooks, shares her pains and sorrows, encourages me to achieve success, writes poems dedicated to me, and informs me about her whereabouts and plans. She sends good morning and good night messages every day. She loves me more than herself, making my days wonderful, my nights peaceful, and my life beautiful. She completely made me forget about my lost Aama. Thinking about her feels like flying, and her messages transport me to another world of heaven. She entered my life with a sea of happiness and as an Ayurvedic medicine that heals my pains and stresses without any side effects.

Everyone loves to say ‘Aama’, a word that was taken away from me but returned unexpectedly after 12 years. She brought a miracle into my life, filling me with inner happiness and energy. Whenever I feel frustrated, her messages or calls lift my spirits to peaks of joy, satisfaction, and happiness. These moments make me think of the Nepali song, “Euta manchhe ko maya le kati farak pardachha jindagi ma.” I often tune in and listen to it, savoring the emotions it brings.

I don’t know if I can ever truly be her real son, but I will always consider her my own Aama. I never want to see her heartbroken because of me. If I ever make a mistake that hurts her or do something unfavorable, I hope she will guide me in the right direction and forgive me even before I apologize.

If someone can bring a miracle into your life, she is undoubtedly your Aama. Thank you so much, Aama, for coming into my life and being my source of happiness and courage. I love you so much, Aama.

Dinesh Shahi Sarki 

BBS IInd Year

Koteshwor Multiple Campus

The media, as a powerful ally, plays a crucial role in disseminating information. It acts like a vigorous weapon, influential in highlighting various aspects of society. Through diverse perspectives, the media significantly impacts the concept of gender and the practices of gender equality. As a potent tool, the media needs to address concerns regarding gender equality. In Nepal, it is imperative that media organizations themselves adopt the core principles of gender equality.

Research done by Media Action Nepal titled “Investing in Women: An analysis of the state of women journalists in Nepal” shows that men highly dominate newsrooms in Nepal. In a 2021 study by Media Action Nepal urged female journalists to occupy the decision-making rules. The result was shocking as only 0.3 percent of news carried the bylines of female journalists out of a sample of 21,919 news items. This disparity clearly shows the perspective of gender issues where women's representation is low in media organizations. The contribution of the media is critical in determining how gender equality is highlighted and how the media raises awareness about challenging traditional gender norms. It is essential for the media to increase social awareness, encourage positive changes in people’s views and behaviors towards relevant issues, and to amplify voices that support the community’s welfare. The issues related to gender should be highlighted as it advocates for equality among both genders, which is crucial in policy-making and decision-making.

Also, the recent research by the Media Advocacy Group (MAC) reveals low media coverage on women politicians. Women represent 33 percent in Nepali politics, but despite their active engagement and contributions, they are ignored by the media. The coverage of women in politics should be highly prioritized, as it underscores their vital role in the political landscape. 

Equal representation of women in the media is essential for media pluralism, leading to diversity, inclusivity, and a more equitable society. It helps challenge biases and stereotypes, balancing the underrepresentation perspective. Media pluralism refers to the diversity of ideas, perspectives, and content, ensuring women's voices are heard. This environment fosters diverse participation from different groups, including women, leading to meaningful representation in the media.

Women’s voices and representation should be heeded by the media, as it contributes to diverse opinions and changes in society. Through inclusive representation and portrayal of women in the media, their particular views can be addressed, which helps in building an inclusive society. Organizations like Sancharika Samuha Nepal (SASN), have been crucial in shaping the voices and ideas of both genders. It has been constantly working against women’s violence, highlighting the importance of women’s representation in the media. Additionally, UN Women Nepal mobilizes stakeholders within the UN system for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) in Nepal, co-chairing the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) to ensure Gender Justice and Social Inclusion. There is a need for more such organizations in Nepal to ensure the role of women and the equality of both genders. The media’s role is impactful through these processes, significantly affecting the understanding of gender norms and values. 

Prakriti Thapa

BA IInd year

Tribhuvan University

All psyched up, Raju and I left Besisahar the following day in the morning—our mountain bikes were well-dialed in Kathmandu. The challenge had ultimately begun for our bid to accomplish the Annapurna Circuit. 

For my partner, Raju, at age 35, it appeared it would not be much of a sweat. But the thought I was daring the Annapurna Circuit at age 70 kept wriggling like a worm in my head—a daunting prospect.  

Following a hearty breakfast and a once-over of our bicycles, we left Besisahar. Raju appeared excitedly bursting at the seams. So was I—a little apprehensive, though. Both of us were first-timers in the Lamjung district. Our itinerary for the day was Syange, some 30-plus km away. 

Given Beshisahar's low elevation (760m), the weather was warm and the sun bright. Surprisingly, after barely pedaling an hour, the hubbub of the city receded into thin habitation. Soon, we were feasting our eyes on a laid back rustic countryside. The Marsyangdi River, we never lost sight of, did one better to steal our hearts.

River Marshyangdi (translating to a raging river) drains high up in the glaciers of the northwest face of the Annapurna massif and Manaslu Himalayan range. It is further fed by glacial runoff from the Larkya Himalayan sub-range; seasonal and perennial springs further feed the flow, turning the river bigger and fiercer, churning and crashing over huge rocks and boulders.

The river works eastward across the Manang Valley and then steers southward into the Lamjung district. It travels further across the Lamjung district to end its long journey to tumble into the Trishuli River at Mugling, where a horde of tributaries joins in on the way. 

With class 4 to 5 rapids, Marsyangdi River is one of the world's top-notch rivers for white-water rafting, offering a mind-blowing, white-knuckled two-day ride from the put-in point at Nagadi to Beshisahar. 

Contrary to our expectations, the dirt road until Khudi proved a breeze, with mild ascents and not so gravelly. The first thing that struck us at Khudi was a portal opening on the face of a hill—a tunnel built by the Upper Marsyangdi hydro-power project in 2019, measuring 296 m lengthwise. 

The motor passage was wide enough for two vehicles to drive past. Amusingly, we had to switch on our bicycle light as it was pitch dark within—an interruption in the power supply, we figured. Fascinated, we pedaled across the dark, oddly wet passage, dodging small puddles. On closer look, we noticed oozing from the ceiling and the concrete wall of the tunnel. 

The weather remained clear, and the sky was indigo; Marshyangdi appeared almost neck to neck with the road. “Hell, look at the road, uncle,” Raju called out. After Khudi, the road in one section was a complete mess with mud and slush as far as our eyes traveled. Pedaling across that stretch seemed impossible, and we resorted to walking our bikes, trying not to muck our shoes in the ankle-deep mud.

The weather remained warm for the fall season as the elevation gain was piddling when we arrived at Bhulbhule (840 meters). Given the low elevation, the tropical riverine vegetation and moist and dry deciduous scrub forest with Sal (Shorea robusta), Banjh (oak), and Sano pangro (elm), to name a few, looked lush and flourishing on the way. 

Although on the go, we could not help but stop at Bhulbhule as we caught sight of a massive waterfall. It dropped from a towering forested hill, crashing at the base with a loud boom. When we approached closer to take snaps, we could feel almost 25 feet away, our faces sprayed by a fine cloud of mist. “Wow,” said Raju, relentlessly clicking at his cell phone camera.

We kept pedaling along the quiet, unsullied countryside, the road almost deserted save for a few passing motorbikes and a couple of jeeps. The greenery appeared ubiquitous, punctuated by small pockets of settlements, farmlands, and verdant forests dotting the hills.

The recent post-Dashain rains, floods, and landslips in Lamjung and Manang had left tell-tale scars on the landscape—mounds of debris and rocks lay piled up by the roadside. 

With the bounding Marshyangdi to our left, we stopped at Nagadi (930 meters), a decent-looking town with teahouses and lodges flanking the road. We hit the road after a brief rest, a cup of tea, and light refreshment. 

After Nagadi, the elevation gradually rose, and we had to huff it up several steep climbs. At Dobhantar, we were in for a stunning view. We crossed a bridge over a turquoise reservoir while densely forested hills stood on both sides—nothing short of picture-perfect.  

At Ghermu, Shildhunga, we stopped to stretch our tired limbs and sip water from our bottles. At that moment, our ears caught the sound of crashing water nearby. Within minutes, we were gawking at another waterfall that barreled down from the crest of a hill. 

Bahundanda village could be sighted across the Marshyangdi, snugly hugging the hill of a brow with terraces of rice fields cascading down to the river bank. We learned the trekking trails from Besisahar to Manang cut across many villages of Lamjung but intermittently blended with the road after it opened a few years back. 

We ran past miniature waterfalls by the dozen on the way but soon lost count of them. The going so far seemed moderately challenging for me, but there was nothing to fret about much. I often needed to catch up with Raju on uphills, who waited on me coolly. Great guy! 

It almost felt like an eternity before we finally arrived at Syange (1,100 meters), our destination for the day, relieved, spent, and starving. We had to kick our heels for our cherished dal-bhat as we had arrived past lunchtime, about three in the afternoon. And all that time, my stomach groaned in protest. 

But to our surprise, the only occupant, a lady, rustled up our food within barely half an hour. We ate like pigs, no kidding. The lady owner, Ghale Gurung, suggested we visit a nearby waterfall, Syange's Pride.  

After heaving up a spiraling flight of narrow, crude stone steps for 15 minutes, we arrived at the spot. The dizzying height was scary as some sections did not have railings with steep drops hundreds of feet below. 

Whoa! It was another massive sight. The force of the drop from the soaring height was so ferocious that a fine spray of water virtually drenched us. Mesmerized, we stayed quite some time at the top, marveling about nature's unbounded bounty before retreating to the lodge. 

After a satisfying supper of egg veg noodles, we retired for the night early as we had to make it to Dharapani the next day. 

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Climate change is a global crisis wreaking havoc on our planet, from intensifying natural disasters to disrupting ecosystems and economies. As the world grapples with this urgent challenge, young people are emerging as powerful catalysts for change. Their passion, innovation, and unwavering determination are reshaping the climate movement and inspiring hope for a sustainable future.

Youths activists at forefront

Young people are at the forefront of the fight against climate change. They understand the immediacy of the climate change emergency more than ever. Consequently, they have organized major demonstrations on climate-related issues and are introducing environmentally friendly policies so that the way people relate to their environment will never be the same again. Their determination is driving us closer to a world with cleaner sources of power production, saving various plants and animal species from extinction as well as ensuring that neighborhoods are better connected.

In the last few years, the upsurge of the youth-driven climate movements has brought about real change. The global movement such as Fridays for Future, which stands out as the ones that are being led by youth like Greta Thunberg, brought together millions of people from all over the world demanding governments respond to climate change and invest now in prevention and recovery. The movement began as school strikes but turned into a global action where young people plan and participate in protests, calling for better climate policies. 

Aside from Thunberg, youth organizations co-founded by young activists such as Zero Hour, Sunrise Movement, and Youth Climate Strike have already mobilized young individuals from one corner of the globe to another to demand stronger climate policies. These movements focus on the ethical obligation of preventing the coming generations from destructive climate change and require countries and companies to eco-friendly behaviors.

Young people are not just talking about change; they are making it happen. They are creating new, green tech, like better solar power and ways to catch carbon, pushing us towards a cleaner world. They also choose to live in ways that don’t hurt the planet, preferring to buy things that are kind to Earth. This push from the youth is changing how we think about our daily choices and the things we buy. They are taking initiatives sustainably and are coming up with measures to deal with and adapt to the effects of climate change. The innovations, especially from solar energy technologies, are drastically changing the course of energy production and leading to a low-carbon economy. Young consumers who are more aware of the negative consequences of their consumption and are ready to sacrifice for the common good are the ones promoting sustainable consumption patterns and demanding eco-friendly products and services.

Challenges confronting the youth in climate activism

While youth are leading the charge on climate action, they are also the most affected. Illnesses occur more often among them due to excessive heat and poor air quality while their education and future job opportunities are disrupted by severe weather patterns. Young people living in low-income areas suffer most from economic challenges, particularly those who live on natural resources as their mainstay. 

What also affects these youth is the constant anxiety about climate change which leads to strain and depression. Noting these impacts, youth-led initiatives focus on climate justice calling for policies that are attentive to the needs of vulnerable communities and ensure adaptation measures are equitable. 

Furthermore, though youths make up a great population, whose efforts are impactful, many challenges exist along their journey of advocacy on matters of climate. Access to resources is limited, there are institutional barriers and skepticism from the older generation. Besides, activism on climate change may be emotionally draining due to the gigantic task ahead and the slow political process. However, these challenges also bring along great opportunities for teamwork and collaboration in action. 

As climate change is a global concern, different groups from governments to businesses, schools, and communities, can collaborate with young activists to develop new ideas and ensure that young voices are heard while coming up with fair rules that benefit the planet and everybody living on it. 

Supporting youth leadership for environmental policy

Empowering young people to become climate advocates does not just require encouragement but calls for proper support and education. This advanced knowledge, skill, and values in mitigating climate change can be imparted to these young minds by schools and colleges. Such school programs possess a critical opportunity to set a generation of informed citizens on the right path by introducing climate science at schools and promoting environmental literacy via enhancing critical thinking on matters of sustainability. 

It is also important to open up channels for youth participation at other levels of decision-making. Indeed, young people should be recognized by governments, the private sector, and civil society as major stakeholders in climate policy decisions. Active involvement of young people, and valuing their inputs, will enhance not only climate governance but also foster among the youth a sense of ownership and responsibility to take good care of our environment. Such efforts will help build a strong foundation for the growth of generations of young people who not only possess knowledge about many climate-related issues but are capable and empowered to make a difference at home and globally.

Lastly, youths from all around the world who are resolute, and leading the climate justice movement must take immediate action. Their resilience and strong ideas inspire hope for future generations to join them in the fight against climate change. Raising awareness, and collaborating may significantly impact the pursuit of a sustainable, equitable, and ecologically sound future for everyone. The engagement of youth in the battle against climate change presents a difficulty as well as a chance for change. For the sake of many future generations, we must band together in support of their activism and innovative pace.

Kenisha Adhikari

St Xavier’s Jawalakhel

SEE Batch 2023/24