Submit your Article

The Nepal Women’s U19 National Team has qualified for the World Cup, marking a historic achievement. Much of the credit goes to Captain Puja Mahato, who played a pivotal role in the World Cup qualifiers, leading the team on this remarkable journey. 

Mahato grew up in Delhi, India, where her father worked. She received her cricket training there while pursuing her early education. “I was more interested in cricket than any other sport,” she shared. Her father, a former cricketer, had to abandon his cricketing dreams due to family responsibilities. However, with his unwavering support, Mahato pursued her passion for cricket, eventually becoming a successful cricketer and leading the Nepali side to this historic milestone. 

ApEx spoke with Mahato about this achievement. Excerpts:

Under your captaincy, the U19 Women’s Team reached the World Cup for the first time. How are you feeling?

I am very happy. This victory belongs to all Nepalis. The whole country is celebrating. We achieved this success with the love, affection, and support of everyone in Nepal. It has only been a year since I joined the team, and I have worked very hard so we could represent Nepal on the world stage in such a short time. My family and cricket supporters have played a significant role in this success. Everyone’s positive contributions have been crucial. 

How did you manage to lead the team to victory?  

We prepared with the single objective of taking Nepal to the World Cup, no matter what. The entire team contributed positively. Once I was given the captaincy, I focused on ensuring we played our best and won the qualifier matches. I had many discussions with my teammates and colleagues, and their positive support was instrumental. Every member of the team worked hard, and as a result, we succeeded in winning this series. 

How much has the cricket team changed since you joined?  

Earlier, there wasn’t an organized playing field, and players had no facilities. They had to manage everything on their own, which was truly unfortunate. At that time, there was little to no involvement or interest from the concerned authorities. Players felt stuck, their morale was low, and they lacked the motivation to showcase their talent. Now, things have gradually improved. Both the central and provincial governments have started including athlete-focused programs in their budgets. This is a positive development for Nepali sports, and I’m happy to see this progress.

What role have the concerned authorities played in the women’s cricket team so far?

For the development of Nepali sports, gradual improvements are being made at the government level. Compared to the past, the progress is evident, especially in the initial phases. However, all three levels of government need to play a more active role in boosting players’ morale. In the absence of necessary support, the senior team couldn’t reach the World Cup. Recently, with improved facilities for players and games, we’ve managed to lead the junior team to this milestone. Let’s hope the situation continues to improve.  

To foster cricket’s development, players’ morale must remain strong, and adequate facilities should be provided across all sports. The government must work to bring every sport in Nepal to the forefront and offer services and facilities aligned with global standards. For international recognition, the government must play as strong a role as the players themselves.  

Nepali players are capable of showcasing their talent when given opportunities. However, they need the government’s support to achieve their full potential. The government must also ensure the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has the resources it needs. At the district level, including Mahottari, there are no cricket grounds, and players lack essential facilities. This requires immediate attention.  

We, as women players, are not weaker than anyone. Our recent achievements in competing globally are a testament to this. Women need encouragement. When given opportunities, every daughter is ready to face challenges head-on. There are many inspiring examples of women achieving greatness when supported. 

What would you like to say to young women aspiring to join this field?

I am a daughter of the Madhesi community and come from a poor family. If I had listened to societal criticism, I would have stayed where I was. However, my father and family ignored the negativity and pushed me forward. I urge the young girls and parents in this region to embrace struggles without fear. Parents must play a strong role in supporting their children’s dreams. Likewise, daughters and sisters should commit to fulfilling their families’ aspirations by staying dedicated to their goals. With determination and family support, every challenge can be overcome.

As Nepal’s media landscape undergoes a digital revolution, citizen journalism has emerged as an undeniable force, empowering ordinary people to take the reins in reporting news and sharing stories. With smartphones and social media at their fingertips, citizens are no longer passive consumers of information rather they are active contributors, reshaping how news is produced and consumed. But this shift has also raised critical questions: How is this new wave of journalism impacting traditional media? And what does it mean for public discourse and the accuracy of information?

Giving a voice to the marginalized

Citizen journalism is helping bring the stories of Nepal’s underrepresented communities into the public eye. Through platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, citizens have become storytellers for indigenous groups, linguistic minorities, and those in remote regions. It has become a voice that might have been overlooked by mainstream media. This access to the media and journalistic tools is changing the face of Nepali media, putting the power of information into the hands of those who, until recently, were considered mere viewers.

If we take into account and try to figure out when it all started then the 2015 Gorkha earthquake was a turning point. As the disaster struck, traditional media outlets were overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the disaster, limiting their reach to affected areas. Citizen journalists quickly filled this gap by sharing firsthand accounts, photos, and videos from the affected regions via social media. This real-time reporting not only provided critical information to aid organizations and government agencies but also galvanized public support and mobilized resources for relief efforts. Additionally, the citizen-led narrative shaped public opinion on disaster preparedness, pushing for stronger government response and policy reforms related to disaster management. Their updates provided vital information for rescue operations and connected people to help. This grassroots coverage filled critical gaps, delivering on-the-ground updates to a world eager to help. From that moment onwards, citizen journalism was not just a novelty but has become a lifeline.

Challenges to traditional media

The rise of citizen journalism has put traditional news outlets in a challenging position. With audiences now turning to social media for faster, more personal updates, legacy media outlets are facing a decline in readers and revenue. Some have even integrated user-generated content into their platforms to stay relevant, recognizing that these local news collectors who are just interested in filling their feeds are no longer competition but allies in a world that values immediacy.

But the shift is not without its risks. One of the biggest concerns is accuracy. Without the rigorous editorial checks and balances of traditional media, there’s always a chance that misinformation can spread unchecked. News isn’t just news anymore—it’s personal and, at times, unverified, leading to blurred lines between fact and opinion. If left unchecked, this misinformation can shape public opinion and discourse in troubling ways. Even with all the fact-checking and gatekeeping by many platforms misinformation finds its way towards the public who are more prone to the misinformation rather than the actual factual news.

Ethical questions and the need for guidelines

Citizen journalists also face unique ethical questions. Reporting live from the ground, especially during disasters or conflicts, can sometimes infringe on individuals’ privacy or unintentionally cause harm. The absence of training and clear ethical guidelines can mean that citizen journalists sometimes violate standards unknowingly, further complicating the situation. Being untrained but hungry for views and likes on social media platforms has raised more questions in citizen journalism, the viral videos have helped the mainstream media for news but more than that they have raised questions about the untrained and unprofessional news collection and dissemination methods. 

Furthermore, there’s the financial side. While social media makes it possible to reach vast audiences without the costs of traditional journalism, finding sustainable revenue streams remains difficult. Independent citizen journalists lack the advertising revenues that keep traditional media afloat, limiting their ability to pursue stories in depth or over the long term.

A new era for public discourse?

Despite the challenges, citizen journalism in Nepal has undoubtedly brought diversity and democratization to the nation’s media. From holding government officials accountable to giving voice to grassroots movements, citizen journalists have shown that they are willing and able to shape the news themselves.

For citizen journalism to thrive responsibly in Nepal, developing ethical guidelines and providing training in media literacy is essential. A strong foundation can help these citizen journalists cover stories with the integrity and professionalism that audiences deserve. Funding models, too, need innovation—partnerships, crowdfunding, or nonprofit support could ensure that citizen journalism doesn’t fizzle out due to a lack of resources.

As citizen journalism continues to grow, it’s clear that both the challenges and the promise it holds are immense. But at its heart, it signals an exciting new direction for Nepali media: one where every individual has the potential to tell the stories that matter most to them, redefining not only who tells the news but what news truly is. In this evolving media ecosystem, it is the responsibility of both traditional and citizen journalists to work together to build a well-informed, engaged society that values truth, diversity, and inclusivity.

Thinley Lhamo is a Tibetan actor who was recently seen in the movie Shambhala, a 2024 film directed by Min Bahadur Bham. She was awarded the prestigious Boccalino d’Oro Prize for Best Acting Performance at the 77th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. Shreya Shrestha from ApEx spoke to Lhamo about the challenges of being an actor, her aspirations, and how the work she does makes her the person that she is. 

How did you get into acting and how has your journey been so far?

My journey started with the first movie, ‘Naka,’ which was released in 2017. It was followed by ‘Hari’ in 2018. Shambhala happened after a long gap but I’m grateful to be back. I met many directors after my first film and there were talks of working together but nothing came out of them. It could have been due to bad timing, conflicting visions, or maybe the stories just didn’t work out. I believe I was also a little slack, meaning I could have been more out there and invested in my personal and professional growth.

Shambhala has been a huge success and it’s gotten you many accolades. How does it feel?  

It took a lot of time for me to process what was happening. We were told that I was getting an award at the very last minute, and I was in the middle of something. I had to rush through everything, and things happened so quickly that I didn’t have a chance to truly comprehend what had just occurred. It was incredibly hectic, and everything moved at a breakneck pace. We were immediately thrust into a whirlwind of activity, including taking photos for the media. While I understand that people were genuinely happy and enjoying the moment, I personally didn’t have the opportunity to fully experience those feelings. Instead, I felt a sense of public joy, as I was surrounded by many people who were celebrating my success and the impact of my work.

 What was your experience like while shooting for Shambhala?

The experience was wonderful. I was able to return to filmmaking after a long gap and that thrilled me. The project instilled in me a sense of determination, making me realize that I can overcome any obstacle. I believe I was physically and mentally prepared to act again. I can’t control how things go and the outcome isn’t in my hands but I was thankful that the opportunity came my way. I had some problems with the local dialect and had to work on that. The team dedicated itself to practicing the dialogues and we also spent a lot of time understanding the culture of the place the story was set in.

 What are some of the challenges of being a part of the film industry?

Getting into the film industry without prior knowledge can be a daunting task. Navigating the complex work systems, understanding industry norms, and building relationships with professionals are challenging, especially when you lack a strong support network. I vividly recall a particularly nerve-wracking experience at the Berlinale press conference. Despite preparing for various scenarios, I found myself overwhelmed by all the pressure. This incident, among others, has been a valuable learning experience. It has reinforced the understanding that I’m still in a phase of continuous learning and growth.

 Do you have anything you want to highlight about Berlinale and Locarno?

The level of competition is undeniably high, and it’s essential to network with as many people as possible at such events. This opportunity allowed me to connect with a diverse range of individuals. One aspect that truly impressed me was the profound respect for cinema. In Nepal, I noticed people talking and disturbing others during screenings. However, at the event, the audience was incredibly attentive, fully immersed in the films. They even expressed annoyance if anyone disrupted the viewing experience, highlighting a level of cinematic appreciation that I found truly admirable.

 How has your work contributed to your personal growth?

Meeting a diverse range of individuals and navigating interpersonal dynamics is a fascinating aspect of life. People are interesting with their unique perspectives and experiences. Some individuals are driven to achieve great things, yet remain unsatisfied, while others find contentment in a simpler lifestyle. While I’ve previously done two films, this time the acceptance has been notably different. It seems that the nature of the work and the impact it has made have resonated with people, inspiring a desire to push boundaries and strive for even greater achievements.

Bureaucracy is considered the steel frame of government through which state decisions are implemented, policies activated and policy objectives achieved. Protecting people’s life and liberty, maintaining law and order, conducting plans and programs, and delivering public services to the doorstep of citizens are major responsibilities of bureaucracy. 

Despite dozens of lapses in both theory and in practice, bureaucracy is inevitable as it performs important roles like delivery of day-to-day services both during normal as well as critical times, from the center to the nooks and crannies of the country. For example, even during the Maoist insurgency, bureaucracy was very much at the people’s doorsteps in the form of the VDC secretary, JT, JTA, health worker and the forester, etc.

The main jobs of bureaucracy are almost always the same. But this important organ of the state is anything but a well-oiled machine. In some segments of the society, service delivery is quite poor, giving rise to questions about “merit-based recruitment procedures”. 

Various commissions constituted to reform bureaucracy have submitted their suggestions and recommendations to the government at different points in time, but the implementation of these inputs has been far from satisfactory, making reforms in bureaucracy a pipedream.

In general, service-seekers feel that power and money—and not due procedures—is what gets you public services and this perception is the root cause of public hatred toward government employees. This leaves the service-seeker with no other option than doing what the employee tells you to get desired services, even if it means ignoring relevant rules and regulations. 

But these old ways should not be acceptable. Accountability, integrity and transparency must be maintained at all levels by upholding the right to information. Administration should be compatible to address changing demands of service-seekers in the wake of changes in political, economic, socio-cultural and technological spheres.

Uniting diverse cultures and binding people of different castes and colors living within a sovereign territory is the most important government function, which is executed through the administrative machinery. Truly, administration does not only deliver public services; in fact it delivers democracy to the people.

Dilemmas galore

Politicization of bureaucracy and bureaucratization of politics is a big obstacle in the path of bureaucratic reforms. Political leaders often indulge in bureaucratic tasks instead of bothering to formulate appropriate policies and laws, while public servants do politics to reap financial benefits and undue opportunities. 

Rivalry and unsound competition between and among different services, groups and subgroups within the civil service have created demotivation and frustrations among employees. In terms of monetary benefits, promotion and opportunity to grow, there is no equal opportunity within the civil service. 

The main job of bureaucracy is to serve citizens, but in practice government employees want to lord over the citizens. Facilitation, regulation and promotional role of bureaucracy is necessary to serve citizens better. Quality service delivery will surely strengthen the relationship between the government and the citizens. 

Access to public services often depends on the service-seeker’s political power and financial capacity –the capacity to pay–putting disadvantaged sections of the society at a great disadvantage. 

Through private staff such as private secretary and other intermediaries/intermediary structures, political appointees try to make the service-seeker pay extra money for availing public services, especially in remote areas. 

Employee transfers are almost always questionable, with legal provisions ignored all too often to make space for political power and the power of cash.  

The operational cost of public organizations is extremely high but investment in building and developing human capital is miserable. Procurement of unnecessary and expensive vehicles, machinery, and heavy equipment without identifying need assessment, proper maintenance plan and estimation of economic capability of the country has been causing a steep rise in public spending in the unproductive sector. 

Extremely low salary and paltry perks, including financial benefits, is one of the main reasons behind corruption in bureaucracy. While the blame for a low severance package goes on the “limited capacity of the state”, a chosen few employees often get unlimited opportunities to earn through the backdoor. 

Inefficiency and ineffectiveness are another source of public hatred toward bureaucracy. It is compared to winning a battle to get public services without hassle-free manners. Political leaders and powerful persons have been receiving public services by enforcing power rather than obeying the system. Such practices have been encouraging service providers to enforce monopoly and discrimination against the grassroots.

Low morale and diminishing loyalty toward occupation are the ugly products of unequal opportunities to grow, weak reward and punishment system, over-politicization, discrimination between and among different services, groups and sub-groups. 

In a short period of time, corrupt politicians and employees have amassed huge wealth (as if by magic) whereas the honest lot is at the receiving end in various walks of life. Time has come to prohibit commercialization and bureaucratization of politics and politicization of business and bureaucracy for national prosperity.

Views are personal