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Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived in Kathmandu on Tuesday on a two-day state visit to Nepal.

He landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport at 3: 45 pm.

President Ram Chandra Paudel welcomed the Qatar’s Emir upon his arrival at the airport. A contingent of the Nepal Army offered a guard of honor to Qatar Emir Al Thani at the airport.

He arrived in Kathmandu at the cordial invitation of President Paudel.

The Qatar’s Emir arrived in Kathmandu today after completing his official visit to the Philippines and Bangladesh.

The Qatar’s Emir arrived in Kathmandu today after completing his official visit to the Philippines and Bangladesh.

Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha had reached TIA to receive the distinguished guest from Qatar.

Similarly, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth, members of the Council of Ministers, high-ranking government officials, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions in Kathmandu were at the TIA to welcome the Qatari Emir.

The visit is expected to help elevate the bilateral relations between Nepal and Qatar to a new height.

The Foreign Ministry said that he will hold a meeting with President Paudel in Sheetal Niwas today itself.

The President is scheduled to host a state banquet in honor of the Emir.

Similarly, the distinguished guest from Qatar will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Wednesday.

Following the talks, both leaders will witness the signing ceremony of bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding, the Foreign Ministry added.

This is the first visit by any Qatari Emir to Nepal ever since the two countries established diplomatic relations on January 21, 1977.

Nepal opened its embassy in Doha, Qatar on July 11, 2000 and Qatar its embassy in Nepal in Kathmandu in August 2011.

Qatar serves as one of the major labor destinations for Nepal.

The Qatari Emir is scheduled to depart from Kathmandu on April 24.

In the busy world of digital content creation, Aashutosh Barahi stands out as a beacon of cultural preservation and creativity. At 28, Barahi has carved a unique position for himself as a content creator and YouTuber, leading the charge at Jyasa Films, a production company dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the rich tapestry of Nepal Bhasa culture. It all began with a character inspired by his own parents—the lovable ‘Baa’ with his humorous line ‘Dhasa dhala dhai’.

Barahi’s transition into content creation from an IT student began during his internship in an IT company when he crossed paths with Dhiraj Magar. “I saw him recording himself in front of the camera, and talking to it. It really intrigued me,” says Barahi.

Driven by this curiosity, Barahi embarked on his journey into the world of YouTube, immersing himself in research and experimentation to understand the platform. He was eager to learn more about making videos, so he attended an acting workshop organized by Fun Revolution TV, where he met many other like-minded individuals. The workshop not only equipped him with acting skills but also provided him with invaluable connections and insights into the entertainment industry.

In his pursuit of further career opportunities in the field of IT, Barahi made the difficult decision to part ways with Fun Revolution TV. “In 2020, I had an interview for an enticing work opportunity. But I got rejected,” he says. While this setback might have been discouraging, Barahi later realized that the rejection played a significant role in shaping his path towards content creation.

Barahi’s journey into Nepal Bhasa content creation began with a deep-seated desire to represent his culture and connect with today’s generation, particularly teenagers. Despite initial doubts about the audience’s interest due to the declining usage of Nepal Bhasa among the younger population, Barahi followed his instincts and created a video in Nepal Bhasa.

“To my surprise, the video gained significant traction, receiving widespread recognition and appreciation from Newa communities and beyond,” he says. What initially started as a form of entertainment soon transformed into a platform for cultural preservation and promotion. “This was unexpected but rewarding,” he adds.

Barahi expresses his happiness in knowing that his work is making a meaningful impact in today’s society. “Children who don’t speak Nepal Bhasa are learning to speak by watching my videos. I feel it’s a responsibility now—for me and my team,” he says.

Through projects like the Ethic Exploration with Niti Shah, he has witnessed firsthand the decline of cultural values and linguistic diversity in various communities, such as the Rai and Tharu communities. “It’s sad to see all these essential aspects of our identity being lost,” he says, adding, the relevant content in Nepal Bhasa can go a long way in preserving our cultural heritage.

Barahi says he believes that by creating and sharing videos that celebrate Nepal Bhasa and its traditions, he and his team are contributing to the safeguarding of their cultural legacy.

Initially, Barahi’s team consisted of himself and just two other people. However, as their projects gained traction and their ambitions grew, the team saw the addition of four more people. Understanding the historical and cultural context of their topics is crucial for creating authentic and meaningful content. Barahi relies on his instincts for generating ideas but also seeks wisdom from elder people who have a deep knowledge and understanding of the culture and its nuances.

Barahi says he wants to venture into Newa movies in the future despite being unsure about audience response and acceptance. “Despite pouring our hearts and souls into previous projects, such as the Holi Punhi video, we were disappointed by the turnout at a screening event,” he says. But he is grateful for the support he has received this far and emphasizes the importance of audience participation in sustaining the Nepal Bhasa film industry.

Content creators, he says, face a lot of financial and logistical struggles despite putting in a lot of effort. Barahi appeals to the audience for support, not just by viewing content but also by participating in events and programs organized by his team. “When we organize events with a ticket system, it’s important to understand that the proceeds aren’t solely for profits. The funds go towards our other projects, all aimed at enhancing your entertainment experience,” he says.

He wants Newa films and content to be as popular as Nepali or Bollywood movies. Despite the challenges of a smaller audience, Barahi remains undeterred in his goal to tell diverse stories and portray the rich cultural heritage of the Newa community on the big screen. For now, he is proud of his new project, ‘Maya Madula’, a song by Rojman Maharjan and Nisha Dehar, for which the team worked tirelessly for many days.

His commitment to representing and celebrating the rich tapestry of Nepal Bhasa has not only resonated with audiences but has also sparked a newfound appreciation for linguistic diversity and heritage. Barahi’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring content creators, demonstrating that staying true to one’s roots and embracing one’s cultural identity can lead to both personal fulfillment and societal impact.

Abinash Shrestha has been involved in the fashion industry for the past 12 years. With a Master’s in Business Management, he initially envisioned joining his father’s import and export business. However, his passion for fashion and style proved too strong to ignore. As the proprietor of Ariri Boutique, Shrestha has made a significant mark in the beauty pageant industry, having served as the official stylist for Miss Universe Nepal from 2020 to 2023. Recently, Shrestha was honored with the prestigious Fashion Stylist Award by Dream Search Agency. Ken Subedi converses with Shrestha on various dimensions of fashion.

What inspired you to join the fashion industry?

My friend introduced me to Rihanna in my school days, and I was fascinated by two things: her voice and her fashion sense. It was then that I started decoding and understanding style, sensibility, and began linking people's personalities to how they dress up. The art of comprehending individuals, their fashion choices, and the unique voice reflected through their fashion fascinated me deeply. Hence, from the very early stage, I became involved in fashion shows, beauty pageants, and took on assignments as a stylist for actors, models, and even business personalities. My friend, Nagma Shrestha, Miss Earth 2012, and the first-ever Miss Universe Nepal, has also been a huge inspiration. She helped me navigate the fashion scene and understand the challenges and opportunities. Today, I own Ariri Boutique, which helps people get closer to their style, and we have been running for the past four years.

What do you think of the fashion scene in Nepal?

The fashion scene in Nepal is constantly evolving, and I find it exhilarating. I admire how today’s youngsters know what they want and have realized that fashion can be a means of rebellion against things they don’t believe in while also fostering alliances with causes that truly matter. Fashion serves as a unifier—it’s a language that connects people. However, I personally feel that our fashion is mostly borrowed, and we still need to find our unique voice, that edge that defines us. With our rich culture, textiles, and patterns, we have the potential to revolutionize the fashion industry. But for that, we need to make bold choices—not merely follow trends from elsewhere but market and revolutionize the fashion and style inherent to our culture.

Do you think you need to study fashion to be a fashion designer or stylist?

I studied business management, and here I am today, running a boutique and making a living out of fashion. While having a degree in fashion is beneficial, an understanding of fashion and style is essential. Observing how people react to fashion and style and finding the right balance between creativity and fashion are crucial. It’s also important to engage with diverse individuals, draw inspiration from them, and incorporate their stories into your work. For instance, every time I sketch, I consider the stories of my clients—their love stories, realities, challenges, and their go-getter attitude. These attributes and stories shape my designs.

Is the fashion industry profitable?

Yes, it is, and it will be if you find that unique entry point. For me, I dabble in both traditional and modern fashion. My boutique specializes in both traditional attire, and I don’t shy away from using creative textiles to design modern jackets and skirts. Additionally, I like to diversify and not limit myself to one theme or comfort fashion only. Thus, catering to both women’s and men’s wear. However, the initial days are always challenging. You may have great ideas, but you might not have a market. Hence, it’s essential to connect with people, understand the market, and ask yourself that one hard question, “if this idea doesn’t work, will you have the courage to wake up tomorrow and start anew?” I do that every single day, and for ideas that don’t work, I know tomorrow is a new day, and I will definitely try to make things happen.

Following the recent general elections, minor political parties entered the arena with the aim of securing a role in governance, capitalizing on the current electoral framework where no single party can secure a parliamentary majority. Despite initial anticipation of an ideological shift when the Maoist party engaged in the peace process and formed an alliance with the CPN-UML, the coalition fell short of such expectations. Nepali politics is viewed by analysts as being at a critical juncture due to governmental instability, rampant corruption and policy dilemmas. While Nepali people hoped for a lean and efficient administration under democracy, political entities in Nepal failed to deliver on this promise. Instead, the existing governmental structure appeared more bureaucratic and financially burdensome to Nepali taxpayers. Nepal witnessed one of its weakest coalition governments in recent memory, with governing partnerships shifting thrice within a year, reminiscent of past ruthless practices and corrupt leadership.

Even purportedly new political entities became entangled, directly or indirectly, in this murky landscape. Nepali people must understand that a new political party does not inherently equate to moral or ethical integrity. Without ethical leadership, genuine renewal cannot occur. The proliferation of new political parties poses a challenge to Nepal’s democracy and the establishment of a stable governance framework. Hence, analysts must scrutinize emerging trends, including the involvement of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Nepal’s current government.

Analysts assert that RSP emerged from popular sentiments and crowd-driven notions rather than a coherent political ideology. When a political entity originates from populism, it may lack a clear political agenda, principles and policies. Parties’ lack of principles can undermine democracy, as voters may struggle to access accurate information to make informed choices. Furthermore, in the absence of political principles, a party risks becoming the personal domain of its leader, sidelining the interests and agendas of others. Populist ideas have the potential to conceal decision-making processes and mislead the public. Without a solid political ideology, populist agendas may clash with the nation's established plans and policies, resulting in misguided policy decisions. Populist leaders often adhere strictly to their scripted agendas, sidelining other parties from meaningful discussions.

Under CPN (Maoist Center) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led ruling alliance, RSP has emerged as a significant political force, bearing substantial responsibility and accountability to the Nepali people. However, numerous uncertainties linger regarding the RSP and its leadership. Establishing a political party necessitates several key components: a clear political ideology, organizational structure, committed party members and integrity. Regrettably, RSP lacks all four elements. A robust political ideology serves as the cornerstone of a democratic political party, providing the framework for policy formulation. The absence of such an ideology and principles has downgraded RSP to a populist entity born from popular sentiment rather than sound political doctrine. In a democracy, people reserve the right to inspect their political leaders, and governments and political parties must remain answerable to the people. However, RSP has been quick to silence dissent and avoid pertinent inquiries, raising concerns about its commitment to transparency and accountability.

RSP lacks a robust political infrastructure, functioning more as a non-profit organization where social activists deflect blame onto others without assuming responsibility themselves. Examination of their core leadership reveals a predominance of individuals from elite backgrounds or higher economic layers, primarily residing in urban centers. RSP primarily focuses its activities on urban politics, capitalizing on the ability to amass crowds. The party’s president, Rabi Lamichhane, signals from a media background, using his platform to criticize the government and spread misinformation rather than addressing genuine issues. Lamichhane has adopted a quasi-superhero persona, presenting himself as capable of resolving all challenges through seemingly magical means. Despite his involvement in numerous controversies and disputes within Nepali media and politics, no conclusive resolution has been reached under legal frameworks. Major political parties have exploited Lamichhane for their gains, not bothering to address controversies surrounding him.

Nepal’s major political parties have diligently instructed their members on political ideology and beliefs, yet RSP has faltered in establishing a coherent political ideology and grassroots organization. Instead, RSP relies on amassing followers from the masses without implementing any effective control mechanism. It’s common knowledge that unguided crowds can turn toward chaos and pose a threat to democracy by disregarding laws and regulations. Therefore, RSP must evolve into a responsible democratic political entity, addressing unanswered questions and being accountable to the public. The rise of populism and crowd-driven politics worldwide over the past decade, exemplified by movements like the Mega Republicans in America and radical Hindu nationalists in India, poses a significant risk to democratic institutions and norms. Any embrace of nationalist radicalism could jeopardize Nepal’s overall development and its democratic foundation.

Integrity stands as a crucial pillar for the advancement of democracy. Unfortunately, all political parties in Nepal have fallen short of maintaining integrity to some extent, leading to results of large-scale corruption and conflicts of interest. Despite positioning itself as a viable political alternative, RSP cannot afford to emulate the shortcomings of established parties. Instead, it must exemplify honesty, moral integrity and ethical standards. Regrettably, RSP’s president, Lamichhane, has repeatedly failed to demonstrate honesty and ethical conduct, particularly in relation to an illegal passport case and a cooperative fraud. Moreover, his selection of ministries directly linked to these controversies highlights a clear conflict of interest, further underscoring his lack of integrity. Various incidents involving RSP leaders in controversial situations have been concealed by the party, weakening trust among the people and worsening damage to Nepal’s democratic fabric. When those claiming to offer an alternative view regard themselves as above scrutiny and disregard pertinent questions, public trust is undermined, leading to further harm to Nepal’s democracy.

The prevailing challenges to democracy around the world encompass populism, crowd-centric politics and leaders who undermine established institutions while advocating against traditional governance. Populist figures prioritize personal interests and political gains, deflecting blame onto others for every issue. In the Nepali context, most populist leaders prioritize attaining power rather than fostering long-term economic agendas and developmental strategies. The surge of crowd-centric politics stems from the failures of conventional political parties, which have either failed to address or neglected the people’s priorities. Regardless of the underlying reasons, populism presents a significant danger to democracy and governance, underscoring the importance of responsible political entities and leadership dedicated to nurturing liberal democratic values and fostering trust within society. Crowd-centric organizations can’t serve as a sustainable solution for Nepal’s long-term development. Instead, there is an urgent need to establish a streamlined government alongside an effective electoral system.

The opinions expressed in this article are the author's sole responsibility and do not reflect the views of any organization with which the author is professionally affiliated