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If you’ve ever traveled along the Prithivi Highway, you might have noticed a small market called Baireni Bazar. About 166 years ago, Mahesh Khola, a small tributary of the Trisuli River, flowed over Baireni. Around 1858, Subba Homnath Khatiwada and his father, Mukhiya Pandit Nandalal Khatiwada, decided to connect Mahesh Khola and Trisuli in Galchhi to use the three kilometers long riverbed and valley for agriculture.

However, there was a 300-meter-high hill between these two rivers. So, Subba and his father decided to remove that hill. They were the tax collectors (mukhiya) of that area and called hundreds of volunteers from 15 villages with their traditional arms and farming equipment.

They also collected a special ingredient to melt the strong stones supporting the hill – gahat, the horse gram. It’s said that they collected 17 muri (almost 11 kilograms) and cooked it in four different vessels, using the soup to melt the foundation stones of the hill.

Gahat, also known as horse gram or kulthi in Madhesh, has a rich history in South Asia. Researchers suggest that people have been eating horse gram since 2500 BC, for over 4500 years, making it older than the Ganga Basin Civilization and the Vedic Civilization. During the time of the Saraswati River Civilization and Harappan Civilization, horse gram was commonly consumed. Evidence of this lentil has been found during excavations in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh of India, indicating its use in the Harappan era.

The medicinal properties of horse gram are mentioned in ancient texts like the Vedas and Tamil Sangam literature. In Tamil Sangam literature, many books describe the properties of horse gram. Excavations in Payyampalli village in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu have revealed evidence of animal domestication and plant cultivation, with pottery making and Horse gram cultivation found in the village.

Overall, horse gram has been a staple in South Asian diets for thousands of years, with its historical significance dating back to ancient civilizations.

Horse gram is considered one of the most nutritious pulses available. According to Ayurveda, it’s a superfood that offers numerous health benefits. It’s known to be effective against diabetes, cholesterol, and kidney problems. The nutrients in horse gram help reduce hunger and make you feel full faster, making it ideal for weight loss. Its name comes from its historical use as both human food and feed for horses.

Despite its nutritional value, horse gram is often seen as a food for the poor, especially in southern India. This misconception has led to less research on its benefits compared to other pulses. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend horse gram as a diuretic, which helps increase urine flow and can be consumed as a soup twice a day for four weeks to see results.

According to Ayurvedic practitioners, horse gram is known for its diuretic properties, which help increase urine flow. Consuming horse gram soup twice a day for four weeks can show visible results in this regard.

For asthmatic patients, a common Ayurvedic remedy is to consume a paste made from boiled horse gram and pepper. This can help reduce cough, cold, and congestion, providing immediate relief and aiding in managing breathing problems, although it’s not a cure for asthma.

They also suggest that due to its diuretic properties, horse gram is effective in assisting the removal of kidney stones. Including horse gram in your regular diet can also help prevent the formation of kidney stones, as it contains certain compounds that make these stones soluble.

Indian scientists have found that raw horse gram seeds have the ability to reduce high blood sugar levels after a meal. They achieve this by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and reducing insulin resistance. This makes horse gram an excellent food choice for diabetics.

Horse gram seeds are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and proteins, which are major antioxidants found in fruits. These antioxidants contribute to overall health and well-being. Raw horse gram is packed with polyphenols, flavonoids, and proteins, making it a nutritious option. It’s also low in fat and high in carbohydrates, which is beneficial for heart health.

Consuming plenty of horse gram can aid in managing obesity as it has the ability to target fatty tissue, thanks to its high phenol content. Horse gram, especially when consumed as soup, can generate heat and energy in the body, keeping you warm on cold winter days. It’s rich in iron, calcium, and protein. It contains the highest calcium content among pulses and is one of the best vegetarian sources of protein. Due to its high iron content, horse gram can help cure irregular menstrual cycles and increase blood hemoglobin levels.

One downside of horse gram is its phytic acid content, which can block nutrient absorption in the body. However, soaking, sprouting, or cooking horse gram seeds before eating can significantly reduce this. Horse gram isn’t just good for humans; it’s beneficial for the land too. Its vines grow quickly and densely, helping to prevent soil erosion, particularly on sloping land with poor mineral content.

Horse Gram is tough and can withstand long periods of drought with minimal effort from farmers. It’s often grown in dry areas with limited access to technology or irrigation, making it a preferred crop. It’s also cultivated in regions where other crops may struggle due to low fertility. Because of its hardiness, it’s a great choice for land reclamation projects.

Next time you enjoy ‘gahat ko daal’, remember to appreciate our ancestors for giving us this superfood, which we seem to have ignored in recent times.

Baral is a UK based R&D chef

Shankar Tiwari wears multiple hats as an author, freelance journalist, and a youth leader of the Nepali Congress. Renowned for his regular columns in national newspapers and his literary works focusing on figures such as BP Koirala, Pradip Giri, and DB Parihar, Tiwari’s persona is a blend of literature and politics. Like BP, he divides his time almost equally between these two domains. Recently, he has put forth his candidacy for the position of central committee member of the Nepali Congress in its 2024 General Convention.

Reflecting on his entry into politics, Tiwari recounted, “During my Bachelor’s studies, amidst King Gyanendra’s takeover, I was more inclined towards study and research than active political involvement. However, an opportunity to stand as a student leader via the Nepal Student Union arose just before the Free Students Union election. It was then that I realized the futility of personal development without addressing the political landscape of our country.”

Tiwari’s interactions with leaders like Gagan Thapa and Pradip Poudel further spurred his interest in political activism.

Asked about the intersection of his roles as an author and a political leader, Tiwari shared, “I’ve delved into the writings of political figures, ranging from Karl Marx to BP Koirala. What I’ve noticed is that writers possess a clarity of thought and secure a lasting place in history.”

Tiwari stressed the enriching impact of both literary and political pursuits on one’s personality. His columns in various newspapers, starting from Himal to Annapurna Post and eventually in Kantipur, not only bolstered his reputation but also provided a platform for personal growth and understanding of national and global literary trends.

Although his previous bid for a central committee position in the Nepali Congress was unsuccessful, Tiwari views it as a valuable learning experience. His vision for reforms, if elected, revolves around prioritizing general elections over party conventions, ensuring leadership renewal, and curbing the tendency of party dominance.

“If the party fails to enter the government after the elections, the party president’s term must be terminated within six months. This will pave the way for a new generation to lead the party,” he said. “In European democracies, it is an established notion that political parties are not rejected but leadership can be rejected. I want to establish the same value here.”

Tiwari’s academic journey, including his study of Gandhi’s philosophy at the Gandhi Center and his observations of student politics at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), solidified his commitment to political activism. He emphasizes the importance of ideological clarity and the necessity for senior leaders to make way for the new generation.

Echoing the liberal values of the Nepali Congress, Tiwari envisions a space for healthy debate and collaboration between different viewpoints. Drawing parallels to past predictions, he sees the party’s role in shaping Nepal’s democratic future.

Advocating for a shift in perspective regarding Nepal’s brain drain, Tiwari perceives migration as a developmental process. He believes that when governance becomes more effective, brain drain can transform into brain gain, fostering innovation and progress within the country.

“Modernization in the country has been driven due to people migrating overseas. Look at Kathmandu, we can see new and innovative businesses, new ways of doing things. It was all possible due to those people who migrated overseas and brought those new ideas back home,” he said.

Tiwari reminisces about his involvement in projects like the biography of DB Parihar, which debunked misconceptions surrounding Nepali cinema’s history. His academic pursuits, particularly in Gandhian studies, reinforced his dedication to social activism over conventional career paths.

In Tiwari’s view, politics should respect and foster cultural and literary expression rather than imposing its will. Positioned as a guiding light for Nepal’s new generation, Tiwari follows in the footsteps of esteemed figures like CK Prasai, Narahari Acharya, and Pradip Giri.

Understanding road safety involves more than just following traffic rules; it signifies a profound commitment to saving lives, protecting families, supporting economic growth, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This broader perspective emphasizes the positive impact that prioritizing road safety can have on the society as a whole. The sobering reality, highlighted by the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023, indicates a slight decrease in annual road traffic deaths to 1.19m. This suggests that ongoing efforts to enhance road safety are yielding results, emphasizing the potential for significant reductions in fatalities through the application of proven measures. Notably, road crashes stand as the primary cause of death among children and young adults aged five to 29, with vulnerable road users constituting more than half of global road traffic fatalities.

Despite endeavors to improve road safety, the toll of mobility remains disproportionately high, particularly among pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Road crashes not only pose a human tragedy and a major public health concern but also impose substantial socioeconomic burdens, especially on impoverished communities. Collective economic costs of road traffic fatalities and injuries in LMICs range from two to six percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). In response to this pressing reality, the UN General Assembly initiated the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, urging governments, organizations and individuals to prioritize road safety measures.

Toward safer roads

Through awareness drives and policy reforms, Nepal is striving to cultivate a more responsible and conscientious approach to road usage. In 2022, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport published a 

‘Nepal Road Safety Action Plan (2021-2030)’, reflecting concerted efforts to address road safety issues. Activities of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office like the ‘Traffic Awareness Special Campaign-2081’ exemplify this commitment. The focal ministry of road safety is the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, which collaborates with various ministries such as the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, and the Ministry of Health and Population. Among them, the home ministry has played a pivotal role in spearheading enforcement initiatives to enhance road safety. The ‘Traffic Awareness Special Campaign-2081’, launched in April, aimed to cultivate a more civilized road culture through heightened awareness among the public. Furthermore, the ministry has announced plans for special operations geared toward enhancing the reliability and safety of public transportation.

Helmet safety and beyond

Helmet use is mandatory for both riders and pillion riders according to the Vehicle and Transport Management Act 2049 BS. Ensuring road safety involves various elements, but prioritizing low-cost, high-yield enforcement measures is crucial. Among these interventions, helmet safety stands out as paramount, especially considering that motorcycles account for over 80 percent of vehicles and pose the highest risk on the roads. The importance of wearing helmets, particularly for bikers and pillion-riders, cannot be overstated. Head trauma remains a leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents, yet quality helmets can significantly reduce the risk of fatalities by over six times and decrease the likelihood of brain injuries by up to 74 percent.

The dedication of Nepal Police in enforcing helmet safety regulations is admirable, despite resource constraints. However, effective enforcement requires strong support from various stakeholders, including the home ministry, health ministry, civil society organizations, professional networks and development partners.

Global efforts

Road safety is not solely a concern for Nepal; it’s a global imperative. According to WHO, the majority of road traffic fatalities occur in low- and middle-income countries, with the highest fatality rates observed among low-income countries, at 21 deaths per 100,000 population. This underscores the urgent need for international cooperation and solidarity. Road crashes have caused immense loss of human lives and hindered economic growth and sustainable development in Nepal. The number of casualties from road crashes has surged from 1,131 in 2008 to 2,789 in 2018, marking a staggering increase of 146.6 percent. The economic toll of road traffic injuries, with treatment costs and loss of productivity, amounts to an estimated three percent of annual GDP for many countries.

For instance, Nepal can draw valuable lessons from Thailand’s approach to post-crash care management. Under the Ministry of Interior’s National Directing Center for Road Safety, alongside the Ministry of Public Health and other road safety foundations, Thailand has implemented key activities to reduce its fatality burden, including leadership and networking, data integration and policy advocacy, and strengthening post-crash response.

Key change agents

The state of road safety in Nepal faces numerous challenges, with one of the primary issues being the limited capacity of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) to serve as the lead agency for road safety, crucial for implementing the National Road Safety Action Plan (NRSAP 2021-2030). NRSC serves as the central coordinating body with the aim of reducing accidents and promoting safer roads nationwide. Its primary function is to foster coordination among various agencies and spearhead the implementation of safety measures. Also, the Road Safety Society Nepal, is dedicated to fostering a safe driving culture across the country. As a national nonprofit organization, it plays a vital role in facilitating the development of effective road safety practices through a range of initiatives. However, there is a pressing need for further innovative and participatory engagements to amplify its impact.

Encouragingly, private sector entities like Pathao and InDrive, tech startups revolutionizing transportation in Nepal, have begun integrating helmet safety into their policies and services. While these efforts are worthy, there is room for improvement. These companies have the opportunity to lead by example and prioritize passenger safety, particularly through the consistent use of helmets.

Views are personal

President Ramchandra Poudel on Tuesday presented the government's policies and programs for the fiscal year 2025-26 in the joint session of Federal Parliament, outlining ambitious plans like transforming Nepal into a global IT hub, putting Nepal’s own satellite into space and reintroducing the slogan of Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali, a vision of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli that harks back to his rule in 2018.

Some of the key takeaways from the policy document, on the basis of which the government plans to present its annual budget shortly, are as follows:

Focus on IT

The document has declared the next decade as the 'Information Technology Decade' so as to achieve socio-economic transformation and prosperity by taking information technology as the basis for digital transformation. 

Reading out the government’s year-long roadmap at the joint session, President Paudel outlined a vision to develop Nepal as a global information technology hub by promoting the development of  the IT industry as the major sector of employment and service export. 

The government has a ‘lofty’ plan of creating at least 5,000 jobs by running IT work stations in the Kathmandu Valley and each province. 

Creation of internet and data exchange platforms for maintaining inter-affiliation among electronic systems figures is part of the blueprint along with the expansion of broadband internet and high-capacity optical fiber network, and satellite-based internet services (in remote and rural areas). Development of an Information Technology Knowledge Park is also on the agenda and so is the development of a Data Center and standards for its operation. 

The policy aims to put institutional arrangements in place for enhancing the effectiveness of research, response and public awareness on cybersecurity-related works. Increasing the access of women, minorities and backward classes, regions and communities to information technology through expansion of digital literacy is also part of the plan. 

It envisages making IT systems in use in public bodies safer and more reliable through technical testing of hardware, software and network, among others. As per the plan, the government sector itself will develop systems and software to be used in government bodies, pledging to give preference to domestically-developed software.

Postal service 2.0 

Restructuring the postal service and making it fast, efficient and information technology-friendly, and linking it with e-commerce is very much on the agenda. What’s more, the government plans to arrange state-of-the-art, high-quality and competitive printing of excise stickers, postage stamps, driving licenses and passports.

Integrated services

In collaboration with local levels, the government plans to bring citizen service centers into operation so as to provide all public services under one roof.

Space is the limit

Encouragingly, the government’s vision has gone well beyond the gravitational pull as it seeks to accelerate efforts to put Nepal's own satellite into the orbit. 

Something for the media

In the larger scheme of things, there’s something for the mass media too as the document pledges policy, legal and structural reforms for professional development of the sector. As expected, regulating social media to make it “dignified and well-managed” is part of the plan along with the promotion of rural journalism in mother tongue. The plan also entails development and operation of Media Village in all provinces. In collaboration with Lumbini Province, it aims to begin preparatory work for the establishment of Krishnasen Media Village in Dang. The blueprint has pledged to encourage the merger of TV stations, FM stations and internet service providers. 

Powering the economy

In the finance-economy sector, the policy paper has pledged measures to address issues facing banks and financial institutions as well as microfinance, cooperative sectors and the capital market. 

It has assured of the facility of loan re-tabulation and restructuring for microfinance debtors by making suitable changes in the cooperative policy. 

The policy has pledged to encourage merger of savings and credit cooperatives and facilitate the integration of government-owned cooperatives. The plan is also to bring savings and credit cooperatives under the Cooperative and Poverty-related Management Information System. 

It further aims to pool in scattered small capital for implementing big projects apart from seeking the involvement of private investment companies for operation and management of closed industries such as the Gorakhkali Rubber Industry, Butwal Spinning Mills and Hetauda Garment Factory. A just, balanced and estimable revenue distribution system is also part of the big plan. 

Sharing of resources

The blueprint has pledged integrated laws for determining mobilization and sharing of natural resources, investment, and profit-sharing among three-level governments, as well as for resolving disputes among them. 

Attracting investment

Mobilization of innovative instruments of development finance with additional legal provisions for encouragement of private capital mobilization features in the document and so do legal and structural interventions to enhance and expand domestic and external investment atmosphere, along with attracting foreign loans and other mixed forms of investment. 

Commitment to further simplifying the approval process for domestic and foreign investment through an automated digital system is also on the government’s agenda. 

A thousand freeships

The document has pledged fellowship to 1,000 talented youths representing different sectors.

President Ramchandra Paudel said the government will provide fellowship to these youths, adding that the private sector will also be encouraged to provide such freeships. 

A volunteer program for the mobilization of youths and their capacity enhancement figures is part of the plan and so is the empowerment of youths through skills development, financial literacy and entrepreneurship development training. The idea is to turn them into key partners and torchbearers in all aspects of social life. 

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A short break

Earlier in the day, Nepali Congress, the main opposition party that had been obstructing the Parliament for long demanding the formation of a parliamentary panel to probe Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane’s alleged involvement in a cooperative fraud, decided to allow President Paudel to present the government’s policies and programs. According to NC leaders, the party has decided to give continuity to parliamentary obstructions after the presentation of policies and programs.