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The environment is what surrounds us. Women, with their deeper aesthetic sense, often perceive and value its beauty in ways that shape culture and tradition. Aesthetics, the philosophy of beauty and the arts of life, is closely tied to how we view and experience the environment. Environmental aesthetics, then, refers to the study of the beauty of the natural world. From ancient times, humanity has been a lover of beauty, and the secret of beauty lies in nature—the storehouse of eternal charm.

Women are the true custodians of cultural, artistic, and archaeological heritage. They play an important role in protecting the environment, serving as a constant source of strength, energy, and inspiration. In Nepal, a land blessed with mighty mountains and milky rivers—including Sagarmatha, the world’s highest peak—the natural environment has always been central to life and culture. As Kalidasa wrote in his monumental work Raghuvamsha, rivers are like mothers and mountains like fathers. Civilizations have long flourished on riverbanks, and the confluence of rivers—sangam—is considered deeply sacred. In India, Prayagraj holds this status, while in Nepal, Devghat is revered. The Bagmati is not merely a river, but a cradle of civilization, just as the Ganges embodies centuries of cultural heritage.

Water means life, symbolizing not only physical sustenance but also spiritual cleansing. Riverbanks have always been sacred spaces for men and women alike. In Nepal, married women observe the annual Swasthani ritual by fasting for twenty-four hours without a drop of water, praying for their husbands’ long lives. This ritual, performed on the banks of the Salinī River near Kathmandu, is deeply spiritual—but the river itself is polluted, posing serious health risks. Women with weakened immunity during fasting often suffer from waterborne diseases, a reminder that the environment must remain clean and pure.

Similarly, Maithil women celebrate the great folk festival Chhath by fasting for over thirty-six hours. Water is essential to this festival, yet most rivers, rivulets, and ponds used for the rituals are highly polluted. The health risks are immense. Still, Maithil women demonstrate remarkable environmental consciousness: they sanctify and purify the riverbanks, create beautiful aripan folk art, and burn sandalwood and incense to purify the surroundings. Religious devotion and environmental care are deeply intertwined in their practices. This cultural heritage reflects a duty to hand over a clean, healthy environment to future generations.

Tree worship, too, is integral to Nepali culture. Women venerate banyan trees on Batsavitri, and mango and mahua trees during marriage ceremonies—a tradition of tree cults that has endured for centuries. The message is clear: protecting green trees is essential for a pollution-free environment. Yet today, deforestation threatens Nepal’s once-famous forests. The old slogan, “Green forests are Nepal’s wealth,” feels like a memory, as brutal tree-cutting continues. One poet pleaded:

“O woodcutter,

Do not cut me.

I will give you shade,

I will give you shadow.”

This intertwining of nature and spirituality can be seen in Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, once a lush grove described as an earthly paradise. Yet archaeologists—both Nepali and foreign—have focused only on material remains, ignoring the study of ancient landscapes. The same neglect applies to sacred gardens in Janakpur, such as Manimandap and Tirhutiya Gachhi, and in Siraha, where the historic Salhes garden (Raja Phoolbari) flourishes with medicinal plants and trees. Local myths speak of miraculous flowers and divine apparitions, yet these sites remain unexplored, under threat from encroachment, and absent from tourism initiatives. Remarkably, in Salhes garden, a single woman priest continues to safeguard the ecological environment—an extraordinary tradition linking women directly to nature.

UNESCO’s role in environmental protection has also been noteworthy. Its work in Chitwan and Sagarmatha National Parks has set important examples, combining heritage conservation with biodiversity protection. By involving indigenous communities, UNESCO has fostered connections between heritage tourism, sustainability, and conservation. It also supports government policy-making and encourages dialogue on future challenges such as climate change, sustainable tourism, and digital transformation.

In what has emerged as a dramatic turn of events in Nepal’s evolving political crisis, a group of youths staged a protest outside the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar at midnight, demanding resignation of newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki.

Karki was appointed as the first female Prime Minister of Nepal on April 12 upon the recommendation of the Sudhan Gurung-led ‘Hami Nepal’ group.

They staged the protest after the news came out that Prime Minister Karki appointed former Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority Kulman Ghising as Minister for Energy, Rameshwor Khanal as Minister for Finance, and Om Prakash Aryal as Minister for Home Affairs without consulting the youth leaders who led the anti-corruption protests that toppled the KP Sharma Oli-led government.

Aryal is the legal advisor of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor, Balen Shah. He had played the role of facilitator during the Gen Z protests.

During the protest, also attended by family members of those who lost their lives during the protests, chanted various slogans like "Prime Minister should resign," and "Justice for the victims’ family," among others.

Gurung said, “People are powerful. No one can stop us. If we have the power to choose leaders, we also have the power to take them down,” adding “While I was managing bodies, Om Prakash Aryal was hatching a conspiracy to become the minister,” Gurung said.

The ministers participating in the Karki-led interim government will take the oath of office and secrecy on Monday.

The President Office informed that newly appointed ministers will be administered the oath of office and secrecy at 11 am today.

Former Chief Justice Karki was appointed as the Prime Minister of Nepal’s interim government after days of anti-corruption protests that claimed lives of 72 people and forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign and flee his official residence in Baluwatar.  With this appointment, she has made history by becoming the first female Prime Minister of the Himalayan nation.

According to Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, 59 protestors, 10 prisoners, and three security personnel were killed during the protests.

He said that 133 protesters and 57 security personnel, who were injured in the protests, are undergoing treatment at various hospitals.

He said that Prime Minister Karki has decided to provide free treatment to the injured, declare those who died in the protests as martyrs, and provide them with Rs 1 million each.

In accordance with Article 61 (4) of the Constitution, President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed Karki as the head of the interim government in consultation with the Nepal Army Chief and representatives of Gen Z who spearheaded the protests.

Known as Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice, Sushila Karki is admired for her clarity of thought, firm stance, and integrity during her tenure in the judiciary.

Karki served as the Chief Justice of Nepal from July 11, 2016, to June 6, 2017.

In April 2017, some lawmakers had attempted to impeach Karki accusing her of breaching the Constitution and failing to bear her duties, but the effort failed.

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has officially assumed the role of Prime Minister of Nepal's interim government, with a constitutional mandate to conduct national elections within six months and hand over power to elected representatives. Appointed by President Ram Chandra Poudel on September 12, Karki’s first major move has been to dissolve the Parliament elected in 2022, which was originally scheduled to complete its term in 2027. This decision was made despite President Poudel’s advice against dissolution and strong suggestions from political leaders and constitutional experts to explore alternatives within the existing parliamentary framework.

Karki has announced the national elections will be held on March 5 next year, marking a critical step toward restoring political order in a country reeling from widespread protests. Her success, however, will depend largely on her ability to ensure free, fair, and inclusive elections where all political parties and forces can participate. To that end, Karki is currently working on forming a new interim cabinet and is expected to consult with both traditional and emerging political groups, regardless of whether they choose to join her cabinet.

Observers suggest she could draw valuable lessons from Khil Raj Regmi’s successful tenure as head of the interim government in 2013, which led to the peaceful completion of the second Constituent Assembly elections. Many of these parties, responding to the youth-led "Zen-Z" protests, have pledged not to seek power in the upcoming elections, offering Karki a potential window to work independently while maintaining political consultation.

The new PM inherits a fragile security situation. Hundreds of prisoner have escaped prison, many have seized police weapons, and public confidence in law enforcement is at an all-time low. Several police stations and government offices were torched during recent violent demonstrations. Boosting the morale of the police force and restoring public security are among Karki’s immediate priorities. She is expected to announce the formation of an independent investigative panel to probe killings, arson, and other violent crimes committed during the unrest. Human rights organizations and civil society leaders are calling for accountability from both sides — state security forces and protestors. Without justice and closure on these violations, experts warn, truly democratic elections cannot take place. Impunity is a biggest threat to democracy and without addressing this issue, there cannot be a peaceful election. 

Karki has committed to fulfilling the core demands of the protestors — chiefly, eliminating corruption, ensuring good governance, and creating economic equality. Upon assuming office, she declared: “My priority is to end corruption, maintain good governance, and ensure economic equality.” As a former Chief Justice, Karki is widely expected to uphold the independence of judiciary and constitutional bodies. However, questions are already being raised about the constitutionality of her appointment, which is expected to face scrutiny in the Supreme Court.  Many constitutional bodies remain vacant, and with no functioning parliamentary committees, filling key posts — including in the Election Commission — will be one of her earliest tests.

Karki’s administration will also need to manage relationships with major international players such as India, China, the United States, the European Union, Japan, and South Korea. While these countries have pledged support for Nepal’s democratic transition, much will depend on how her government engages with them diplomatically. In her first address to the media, Karki described the situation as a "national tragedy" and blamed recent violence on what she believes was a "planned conspiracy."

“The 27-hour protest caused unimaginable destruction. Fires at Singha Durbar, the Parliament building, the Supreme Court, and other public offices have erased crucial state records. This is a shame,” she said. She emphasized that she accepted the position not out of personal ambition but as a response to the people’s call. “I did not come to power by choice. I was asked by the people to take responsibility. I will not remain in office beyond six months. I promise to hand over the country to an elected government.” 

People are closely observing Karki’s initial days in office. Her success will depend on how effectively she adopts an inclusive approach and ensures a level playing field for all political forces.

Newly appointed Prime Minister of Nepal Sushila Karki took charge of the office on Sunday.

After assuming the office, former Chief Justice Karki, the first woman Prime Minister of the Himalayan nation, urged the government officials to heed the demands of protesters to end corruption, ensure good governance and provide economic equality.

“I did not become the Prime Minister as per my wish. It was the responsibility given by the Gen Z protests to take the country towards the path of development and prosperity,” Prime Minister Karki said, adding, “I will hand over the power to the new government after six months by conducting the parliamentary elections set for March 5.”

“Everyone is aware of how the interim government was formed,” she said. “The arson attack on important structures as well as on commercial buildings of the country was shameful. How can they be called Nepalis.”

“This kind of incident has happened for the first time in Nepal. Government buildings were vandalized and set ablaze. I believe that it was premeditated. The guilty must be brought to justice."

She was of the opinion that the government should encourage industrialists and businessmen by providing loans or whatever they can do in this time of crisis.

Expressing grief over the loss of life and property during the protests, the Prime Minister assured that the government would provide appropriate relief and assistance.

Prime Minister Karki said that the structures destroyed during the protests should be rebuilt at the earliest.

She went on to say that those involved in setting fire to the government offices, including the Supreme Court, will not be spared.

“Criminals posed a challenge to us. This is a challenge for the country. We have to rebuild the structures with the help of people. Let’s all unite, Let’s not criticize each other,” the head of the government said.

She expressed concern that important documents were destroyed along with the Supreme Court and Singha Durbar, the main administrative building.

Karki, who was appointed as the Prime Minister of the interim government on September 12 following the Gen Z protests, assumed office today in the building constructed for the Ministry of Home Affairs in Singha Durbar. The Prime Minister’s building was set on fire during the protests.

Before assuming the office, Prime Minister Karki visited the Martyrs' Memorial in Lainchaur and laid a wreath at the statue of the martyrs.

On the recommendation of the Gen Z representatives, President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed former Chief Justice Karki as Prime Minister in accordance with Article 61 of the Constitution.

Prime Minister Karki is preparing to form a small Cabinet.

Earlier on September 13, Prime Minister Karki visited various hospitals to meet the people injured during the Gen Z protests.

Former Chief Justice Karki was appointed as the Prime Minister of Nepal’s interim government after days of anti-corruption protests that claimed lives of 72 people and forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign and flee his official residence in Baluwatar.  With this appointment, she has made history by becoming the first female Prime Minister of the Himalayan nation.

According to Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, 59 protestors, 10 prisoners, and three security personnel were killed during the protests.

He said that 133 protesters and 57 security personnel, who were injured in the protests, are undergoing treatment at various hospitals.

He said that Prime Minister Karki has decided to provide free treatment to the injured, declare those who died in the protests as martyrs, and provide them with Rs 1 million each.

In accordance with Article 61 (4) of the Constitution, President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed Karki as the head of the interim government in consultation with the Nepal Army Chief and representatives of Gen Z who spearheaded the protests.

Known as Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice, Sushila Karki is admired for her clarity of thought, firm stance, and integrity during her tenure in the judiciary.

Karki served as the Chief Justice of Nepal from July 11, 2016, to June 6, 2017.

In April 2017, some lawmakers had attempted to impeach Karki accusing her of breaching the Constitution and failing to bear her duties, but the effort failed.