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I read ‘The Sari Shop’ over a decade ago. I remember how good I felt while reading it. It was a heartwarming story that stayed with me long after I finished it. I found the protagonist endearing. I came across the book as I was going through some of my old stuff—kept on random shelves and boxes at my parent’s home. All I had to do was read a couple of pages for the story to come back to me. I felt bad that I had forgotten about it for so long, that I hadn’t talked about this book when people inevitably asked me for book recommendations.

Ramchand is a 26-year-old shop assistant at Sevak Sari House in Amritsar, India. He spends most of his days showing saris to women who come to the shop. There are posh women from rich families who like to be treated well and giggling girls who like expensive silk saris but can only afford cotton ones. There is a certain rhythm to his days and Ramchand likes it, despite knowing he could never afford the lavish lifestyle of his customers.

Then, one day, he is sent to show some saris to a wealthy family. They are preparing for their daughter’s wedding. This incident jostles him from his reality and he wants another shot at reliving his childhood dreams. To start with, Ramchand tries to find a purpose by fulfilling his dead father’s dream which is to improve his prospects by learning English. He spends a major portion of his earnings on the Oxford English Dictionary, The Complete Letter Writer, and Pocket Science for Children, among other random titles.

His efforts with English mean he can finally pick up fragments of conversation among his wealthy customers. The things they say aren’t always nice and he can’t make much sense of things when they talk about politics and other worldly affairs. You could say Ramchand’s efforts disrupt his peaceful existence and make him realize that life can be a lot harsher than he imagined.

The simple story is dotted with events that make you think about social hierarchy and society’s obsession with wealth. Through the varied characters—the crass Mrs Sandhu, the educated but improper Mrs Sachdeva, and the young and hip Rina and Tina Kapoor—Bajwa paints a picture of upper-class India and the growing chasm between the haves and the have-nots. There is a lot of sarcasm and a fair bit of humor too. But the story is in no way pretentious. Nothing dramatic ever happens. The Sari Shop is a social commentary where the ugly truths of life are brought under a glaring spotlight.

Fiction

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/9409  

The Sari Shop

Rupa Bajwa

Published: 2004

Publisher: Penguin Books

Pages: 240, Paperback

Naomi Klein, a prominent Canadian author and professor, mentions in her book “This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs The Climate” with a remarkable example that climate change is not just a plight, but the developed political systems along with the economic forces are connected deeply together to form a capitalist society. So is it, entire superpowers are unfaithfully heading toward capitalism. The deep-rooted insights of capital society are a lion's share now-a-days.

Klein's resistance toward globalization seems to be more precise and the momentum of 'glocalization' in her volume can have a unique blend of globalization and localization. Over the global hotcakes, climate change and global warming seem more awakening but turning a blind eye to these issues can result in long-term impacts. The agency for regulation and monitoring over climate change, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) under the umbrella of Conference of the Parties (COP), seems to have a regular meeting among partners globally but the execution remains poor. Are the partners worldwide just putting the demonstrating concur?

A brand new concept of climate capitalism emerged in around 1999 with the version of reformation over global energy consumption inequalities that have existed hitherto. It is supposed as a sequential rethinking of ideas that prerequisite to be addressed using various marketing tendencies. Here, the idea behind climate capitalism is to shift investment away from fossil fuels and toward energy efficiency and renewable energy sources through financial means. Carbon markets and carbon taxes are two examples of these methods.

As in Naomi's volume mentioned earlier, the economic aspects of energy consumption can benefit both from the holistic market move and idea shifting from the existing fossil era to the new superconductor era. Where needed, return can be maintained from power corporations by developing the culture of green energy.

Global rethinking

Post-COP and UNFCCC operating under the optimal level of thinking relates to a low emission of carbon by superpowers, under the agreement and negotiations, does this phenomenon stand as a milestone now? Of course not. Then how will LDCs make efforts when their optimal level of carbon release is comparatively low? On this issue, the whole world needs to think again and again for a solid outcome. If not, the bearing and rearing capacity of the Earth will inevitably be lost.

The climatic crisis portrays thoughtful snags that are being likely caused by changes in the global weather generally, the global warming. They are impacting the flora and fauna very severely.  Harmful human activities that cause increased carbon dumping in the atmosphere include unhealthy use of plastic-based materials, increased CO2 and CO emissions, deforestation and more. The carrying capacity of the Earth is also related to the overall population growth, global warming and climatic condition of the universe. Earth bears the capacity of absorbing the heat from the sun but carries no emission capacity, making it a greenhouse of sorts. 

Rethinking about the reformation of global climatic concerns carries a holistic and multi-faceted reality. Sustainable development envisioned by Brundtland Commission (1987) aimed for a common future must be directed toward these hotcakes i.e. global warming and climatic crisis. It is also notable that the theme of these two recent agendas are also part and parcel of sustainable development by which the entire world is bounded. It is also rational that sustainability achieved in climate change and global warming can be a great milestone if the world leaders make it actionable.

Where is the effect?

In recent years, global warming is leading to coastal erosion, flooding and rise in the sea level, causing the nations connected to the sea to shrink. Tuvalu, a country in the South Pacific, is a good example. Rise in temperatures affects the whole planet, including the marine ecosystem and the Himalayas, resulting in effects like glacial lake outburst floods, flooding and landslides, affecting fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas and the lower reaches. Nepal, Pakistan and north polar regional countries are grappling with severe impacts of climate disasters resulting from rising temperatures. It is assumed that by 2030, in summer there will be no sea ice left in the arctic region. Forests have been witnessing profound effects of global warming, including increase in instances of forest fire and disruption of forest ecosystems.

The melting of ice in the poles is behind rising sea levels and coastal erosion, which have been affecting beings such as seals, polar bears and penguins. Extreme temperatures have also affected the seasons. Human life is under increased threat due to an increase in cases of diseases such as malaria, skin ailments and acid rain.

Coping with adverse climate

Nepal is a landlocked country with mountains and a diversified natural environment that is particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. These repercussions include melting glaciers, erratic rainfall, floods, landslides, droughts and the extinction of several animal and plant species. Nepal participated actively in the past editions of Conference of Parties (COPs) and presented its Nationally Determined Contributions, outlining its plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience and adaptation. Nepal has also come to an agreement over the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. The rights and interests of the mountainous and least developed countries (LDCs) get due attention at least during international climate negotiations.

Wrapping up, let’s hope that the host UAE’s announcement of " Accelerating the Transition", made during COP-28, will help make Planet Earth a more livable place by reducing soaring temperatures and curbing climate change, providing some relief to the most vulnerable countries like Nepal.

At the heart of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the desert meets the sea, resides a city that embodies luxury, innovation, and limitless exploration. Against the backdrop of the Global Climate Conference, COP28, Dubai revealed its multifaceted allure, beckoning both delegates and visitors to explore its vibrant tapestry.

Venturing beyond the conference precincts, I embarked on an excursion through Dubai, a diverse fusion of cultural heritage and contemporary extravagance. The city unveiled a myriad of experiences, each more thrilling than the last.

From the awe-inspiring views during a lavish yacht party, where the shimmering skyline mirrored the bright-black sky above, to the adrenaline-pumping adventure of a desert safari, navigating golden dunes under the Arabian sun, each moment was filled with excitement.

The sun-drenched beaches welcomed guests with their flawless sands and azure waters, offering a tranquil escape amidst the city’s bustling energy. As night descended, Dubai’s nightlife lit up the sky, casting an enchanting ambiance over the lively streets and bustling venues.

Through my camera lens, I captured Dubai’s essence—a blend of tradition and modernity, where ancient heritage harmonizes seamlessly with futuristic marvels. Each photo encapsulates the spirit of adventure, luxury, and cultural opulence that defines this extraordinary city.

Every image of Dubai tells a story of marvel and indulgence, creating a vibrant tapestry of experiences waiting to be discovered.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has completed one year in office. In this period, Dahal visited the key countries India, China and US, and also attended some multilateral platforms. In this context, ApEx  talked with Rupak Sapkota, prime minister’s foreign affairs advisor, about the Dahal’s accomplishments and foreign policy. 

How do you assess the situation of Nepal’s foreign policy under the leadership of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal?

The foreign policy of Nepal, under the leadership of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, has been independent, balanced, and committed to non-alignment movement. The nation has successfully cultivated friendly and balanced relations with neighboring countries, development partners, and major powers. This has fostered an environment of mutual trust, conducive to international cooperation and economic collaboration.

Prime Minister Dahal conducted official visits to India and China, and also visited the US to attend the United Nations General Assembly. At the UN General Assembly, he highlighted Nepal's achievements in the peace process and underscored the adverse impacts of climate change faced by the country. Additionally, in his capacity as the President of the 47 Least Developed Countries (LDCs), the prime minister effectively advocated for the interests of LDCs on the international stage. 

Many see this government as pro-Indian and pro-Western, do you agree?

Early on, there were speculations regarding the foreign policy that Dahal might adopt. But Prime Minister Dahal proved them wrong, as he has already undertaken visits to various countries, including both neighboring nations and the United Nations. These visits have resulted in crucial agreements and understandings.

Notably, a historic agreement has been reached with India to export 10,000 MW of power within a 10-year timeframe. During the visit to China, long-term agreements of importance, particularly in the realm of connectivity, were reached. These include the operation of new trading points and an agreement on a power transmission line. The agreement to open the Korala border has recently been put into operation. The Covid-19 pandemic, natural calamities, etc. had affected Nepal's cooperation with China for some years, but after Prime Minister Dahal’s visit, the relationship between the two countries has gained a new momentum.

Furthermore, the prime minister’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly was noteworthy. UN Secretary-General Guterres also visited Nepal at the prime minister's invitation. During Guterres's four-day visit, Nepal’s key agendas were presented to the global audience. The discussions covered topics such as Nepal’s aspiration to graduate from least developed countries by 2026, the unique and original character of Nepal’s peace process, and the pressing issue of climate change.

But some critics say the prime minister failed to take up key issues with major powers, what is your take on it?

On the contrary, Prime Minister Dahal's tenure has seen notable achievements, thanks to his prudent and mature foreign policy leadership in the face of challenging global circumstances. 

The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted international relations for a considerable period, and ongoing conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars, along with heightened global power competition, has added complexity. Against the backdrop of the Galwan Valley clash between China and India in 2020, regional tensions escalated which affected Nepal due to its geographical proximity with China and India. Major world powers sought to enlist Nepal into their strategic plans and alliances, creating a challenging and intricate situation. 

Despite these challenges, the current government has steadfastly pursued an independent, balanced, and non-aligned foreign policy. It has effectively communicated that Nepal aims to avoid entanglement in any geopolitical camp. This stance has laid the groundwork for Nepal’s future international relations, focusing on economic and political development aspirations.

Are you suggesting that Nepal has successfully resisted attempts by powerful nations to influence its alliances, and there are no such risks moving forward?

Not definitively. The nation faces a pressing need to chart its own course in the coming days. The evolving dynamics among major powers indicate a trend towards rivalry, disrupting the existing international security system. This can lead to challenges for Nepal. We should be able to steer clear of these challenges while steadfastly pursuing the chosen path of economic and political cooperation.

What are these challenges, could you please explain them ?

First, there is the heightened military competition and the potential for strategic conflicts. This is a growing concern globally, with superpowers engaging in a military showdown that raises alarms in countries, both large and small. Like Nepal, many countries in the southern hemisphere are hesitant to engage in the current geopolitical conflict and are more concerned about their own economic development. They want to avoid unnecessary entanglements between the eastern and western hemispheres, recognizing the potential negative impact on economic cooperation.

Upholding this policy is crucial to ensuring stability and avoiding distractions in the future. 

Second challenge is the emergence of new political polarization. Unlike the Cold War era, today's rivalry is characterized by ideological competition through trade and technology wars. This shift in political dynamics can lead to the creation of camps. 

And lastly, there is the shift of strategic interests towards economic and political cooperation. Nepal should strive to avoid being caught in such dynamics. The country has already conveyed its stance that it won't participate in such polarization.

After taking both neighbors into confidence, where will be the emphasis of the government in terms of foreign policy?

We must prioritize international cooperation for economic development. Determining the key agenda and effectively managing cooperation are imperative aspects of reshaping our foreign policy and international relations. For a long time, Nepal has championed economic diplomacy as its central approach for development. However, the current global scenario reveals a shift towards military engagements among international powers. This shift has prompted countries, irrespective of size, to escalate military spending. This may affect the dynamics of financial grants and aid that Nepal has historically received. Despite this evolving landscape, Nepal will stick to economic diplomacy. But the pillars of 'economic diplomacy' which we are adopting should be refined and made more comprehensive. So far we have promoted foreign aid, trade, investment, tourism and labor as important pillars of economic diplomacy. Now, the government is broadening the scope of ‘economic diplomacy’ by incorporating ‘climate diplomacy.