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Anjana Malla, 28, is the founder of Deego Nepal which was registered in 2021. Malla was working for an INGO and had what people consider a ‘good job’. But she was constantly overwhelmed by the desire to do something to protect the environment. So, she quit her job and started her own company that offers eco-friendly alternatives for many everyday items. Today, Deego Nepal is an award-winning women-led sustainable brand.

Malla says working in places at different I/NGOs armed her with the knowledge and confidence to do something of her own. By the time she launched Deego Nepal, she knew she could run a successful business while staying true to her core principles. So, in 2020, she co-founded the company with two of her colleagues. 

“We knew we wanted to replace as many plastic products as possible, with sustainable alternatives like bamboo, straw, and wood,” she says. The Covid-19 lockdowns were spent doing research. Malla says they wanted to have a clear idea about the concept and line of products Deego Nepal would promote. 

Through Deego-Nepal, they have been supporting women, local artisans, farmers, and marginalized communities by creating wage-based job opportunities. Currently, about 75 women from different parts of Nepal, including Bardia, Dhading, Chitwan, Dang, and Kathmandu, work on sustainable products for Deego-Nepal.

Malla was born and brought up in Bardiya, in the Lumbini Province in midwestern Nepal. She saw Tharu locals weave bamboo products like ‘nanglo’, ‘doko’ and ‘dalo’. She found it fascinating to watch. She realized it had left a lasting impression on her young mind when years later she found herself sharing similar ideas with her colleagues. Crafting daily-use items through generational practices is now the mantra of Deego Nepal.  

Malla, as the CEO of Deego Nepal, is meticulous about ensuring everything is in order. She makes sure there aren’t any unnecessary issues with the company’s employees and customers. Focused on sustainability, Malla designs and promotes goods that are modern adaptations of indigenous practices. Deego Nepal’s products like tote bags, storage boxes, laundry baskets, wooden combs, loofahs, soaps, and scrubbers are easy to compost and biodegradable. 

Besides promoting sustainable alternatives, Malla also wants to spread awareness about the importance of an eco-friendly lifestyle. She has participated in numerous programs and workshops for the same. She is also constantly creating and posting videos and tips on the ways people can be kinder to the planet. She lives by the motto of Refuse, Reduce, and Recycle (3Rs) and wishes other people would practice it too. 

But it isn’t easy, she says. People have a warped idea of sustainability. Many think it’s just a trend and look down upon it. Some also think it’s expensive to live a sustainable lifestyle when it’s not. “You don’t have to throw away things and buy sustainable products, which is what most people believe. You can reuse and repurpose what you have,” says Malla. When you have to replace something, then you choose a sustainable alternative.

Malla says initially she struggled to make her parents understand what she was doing and why she was doing it. Though they now support her sustainable plant-based weaving business by helping her come up with ideas as well as source materials, they too had to be educated about the need to use fewer resources and live as eco-friendly lifestyles as possible. 

“People need to change their mindsets. It’s not about changing what you use. It’s about how you think and what you do with what you already have,” says Malla, adding using what you have for a long time is also a part of sustainable living. 

Deego Nepal, like any other homegrown business, has had its share of ups and downs but they have also received a fair share of accolades. People who have used their products have appreciated the craftsmanship and unique ideas. The company was the winner of the Greenovation segment in the Idea Studio Program Season 5. It also received the ‘Green Start-Up Award’ at CYINEF startup Fest 2022.

“At first, it was difficult to prove to people that eco-friendly products aren’t always pricier than plastic. One sustainable item might cost the same as three cheap plastic ones but it will last longer too,” says Malla. She expects people to make smart choices and adopt a sustainable mindset instead of just following trends. The good thing, she says, is that over time people have become more conscious about the need for sustainable living. 

Malla’s team aims to offer top-notch sustainable products and services as well as create a positive impact on society. Though the company doesn’t have a solid marketing strategy, it’s getting a good rap through its participation in farmer markets, programs, and product reviews. Social media has also been a boon, says Malla. “It has widened our reach.”

However, Malla doesn’t want to limit herself to Deego Nepal in her quest to promote sustainable living. She doesn’t like it when people litter on the streets, especially when they are hiking and going for other adventure sports. In a bid to raise awareness about its ill effects, she organizes hiking events where connection with nature is emphasized. 

Deego Nepal also collaborates with several organizations for awareness programs. Recently, they collaborated with Chakraviu Nepal, a non-profit organization that works to improve carefree quality education. They worked on a project to recycle old jeans into school bags for underprivileged students.

Malla strongly believes in helping local projects and resources and she wants to inspire the young generation to opt for eco-friendly practices. “Engaging young people in sustainable practices can help bring new ideas and perspectives. It will also build a strong foundation for entrepreneurship for a sustainable future as well,” she says. 

In numerous instances, former President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari has underscored the interconnectedness of the country's education policy with its overall security. The security issues of Nepal are mentioned within the realm of national interest in the Constitution of Nepal, 2015.

Article 5 of the constitution states, “Independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, nationality, autonomy, self-respect, protection of rights and interest of Nepali people, protection of boundaries and economic progress and prosperity shall be fundamental subjects of Nepal’s national interest.”

President Bhandari's assertion that undermining a country involves compromising its education system prompts an exploration of its security implications for Nepal. 

While territorial integrity relies mainly on military defense, the broader facets of independence and sovereignty include the citizens' psyche, national perception and global image—elements constituting non-traditional security concerns globally. Against this backdrop, there exists a compelling rationale to consider the education curriculum, system and policy as integral components of the state's security policy. 

On Oct 7 this year, when Hamas attacked Israel, numerous foreign citizens, including 10 Nepali citizens, lost their lives. Many were initially stranded in the crossfire but have since been rescued and safely brought home. Unfortunately, one Nepali citizen is still missing and believed to be in Hamas’ captivity. The emotional toll on their families is unimaginable. In the aftermath of this tragic event, it became evident that citizens tend to hold only their country of citizenship accountable for their situations.

There is palpable resentment against the government and the state, not just for their perceived lack of strength in responding swiftly, but also for the fact that Nepali citizens are compelled to outmigrate for job opportunities. Recently, six Nepali citizens died fighting for the Russian army in the Russia-Ukraine war, and some have been reported as taken captive by Ukrainian forces. Many Nepali citizens are drawn to join various private army groups globally for employment opportunities.

While these instances represent literal war scenarios, the broader narrative involves a multitude of Nepali workers facing perilous conditions abroad, especially in West Asian countries. Their plight is no less than that in a battleground. The Nepali diaspora of about 2.2m bears witness to a growing trend of migration, primarily for jobs.

Since a majority of this workforce is unskilled, they have no option but to work in a precarious environment. The inherent link between job migration and national interest, as outlined in the charter, reveals a critical situation. Nepali citizens forced to seek opportunities abroad often face perilous conditions, prompting reflection on the state's responsibility in providing adequate employment domestically. The assertion that education is a non-traditional security concept gains traction as it becomes apparent that the state-provided formal education system does not cater to the needs of the society or the present job market. 

Examining the case of Nepali citizens migrating to Israel for work in agriculture underscores three dimensions of non-traditional security issues: Food security, acute dependency on other countries and a widening gap between societal needs and the workforce produced by the state. Despite having a significant agriculture-based economy, Nepal's import of food items worth over a billion dollars annually raises concerns about food security. According to the National Agricultural Census of 2021, the cultivated land has decreased by 300,000 hectares in the past decade, making it clear that a substantial portion of cultivable land has been lying fallow. Consequently, our citizens are seeking opportunities abroad as agricultural workers and students.

While bona fide defense systems address traditional security threats, there is a notable gap in tackling non-traditional security issues in Nepal. Citizens' distrust in the state, eroding self-respect and the well-being of those working abroad constitute security threats for Nepal. To address these challenges, Nepal must employ non-military strategies to bolster the population's capacity and build a resilient economy, with education curricula and the education system emerging as a plausible defense system.

Although no explicit references of countries designating education policy as part of their security policy has been found, resource-rich nations with vibrant economies prioritize research and feedback to shape education systems to align with the society and the economy. In the light of this, Nepali policymakers, educationists and security strategists should revisit the curricula. Considering education as a tool to defend Nepal's national interest and as an integral part of the national security policy could provide a forward-thinking solution to address the evolving challenges facing the nation.

Pragya Ratna Shakya, 39, is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at NIC Asia Capital Limited. He has over 14 years of experience in realty, stock brokering, management consulting, and investment management. Before his current role, he spent seven years at Siddhartha Capital Limited, overseeing business development, marketing, and operations. He is an expert in mutual fund management, portfolio management, and corporate advisory. Shakya talked to Babita Shrestha from ApEx about how one can achieve financial freedom.

What is the key factor you should consider to maximize financial growth? 

Saving and investing are important. Saving money involves storing it securely for future needs, with a low risk of losing its value. On the other hand, investing comes with risks but also the potential for higher returns. Investments generally have long-term goals, such as for a child’s education, planning for one’s retirement, or future unforeseeable needs. So, if you’re aiming to maximize financial growth, you should prioritize financial education and learn about savings and investments.

Could you brief us about the available saving and investment options in Nepal?

In Nepal, the most common options for savings and investments often involve utilizing Banks and Financial Institutions (BFIs) through fixed deposits or savings accounts. Though they offer modest returns, these might not provide returns that effectively combat inflation. Besides that, investment in stocks and mutual funds can be another viable option. Yet, compared to developed nations, Nepal currently lacks innovative financial instruments. To curb purchasing power loss, you may consider alternative investment areas available such as public equities, private equity/venture capital, debt instruments, private real estate, mutual funds, endowment insurance, and bullions.

What are some financial challenges that youngsters face and how can they be addressed?

In Nepal, approximately two-thirds of the population are in school, or college, or are planning to enter the workforce, which means they might not have disposable income for investments. The fundamental challenge is financial literacy and awareness. Another significant challenge is finding and selecting beneficial investment areas due to limited investment avenues as well as a lack of idea of diversification. To address these challenges, it’s important to prioritize budgeting, establish an emergency fund for financial security, adopt a diverse investment approach, stay informed about financial trends, and seek professional advice for better financial decision-making.

In the context of Nepal, what are the accessible and beginner-friendly stock market investment options that youth can consider for their initial financial ventures?

If you want to start your investment journey, Initial Public Offering (IPO) and Mutual Funds investments could be the safest options. Both investments can be started at as low as Rs 1000. All you need are a bank account, a demat account, and a Meroshare account.

If you want long-term financial growth, you need to understand the significance of mutual funds. These funds represent a collective investment from numerous investors, guided by strict regulations from the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) and the fund’s specific mandate. Investing in mutual funds offers benefits like high liquidity, diversification, tax exemptions in mutual fund income, stable dividend income, risk management, professional management, transparent investments, and independent audits of each scheme.

Could you give us an example of one potential scheme youngsters can invest in?

Many banks provide different services. For instance, NIC Asia Capital has recently introduced fund management schemes like NIC Asia Growth Fund-2 (NICGF-2) with the theme of ‘Ahile Lagani Nagarey, Kahile Garnrey?’ where you can apply with amounts ranging from as low as Rs 1000. Your fund will be managed by best-in-class professionals with experiences in both national and international capital markets. It’s safe to say that young investors can just start their investment journey from such mutual fund investments.

Is there any financial advice you would like to give? 

For young individuals in Nepal, a balanced approach to investment and saving is crucial. Always have a proper budget and plan for your funds from an early age. If you don’t have a big sum of money to invest, you can always start small. But start early, invest regularly, and for the long term. Know your risks and return objectives while implementing a diversification strategy in your investment portfolio, and periodically review and rebalance it. Since fluctuations in the market are part of the investment journey, you need to maintain a long-term perspective.

The government on Thursday formed a high-level probe panel under former auditor-general Tanka Mani Sharma to investigate the suspicious Ncell share purchase deal. 

Phanindra Gautam, Baburam Bhandari, Hrydesh Shakya and Sujan Kumar Kafle are members of the panel. According to government spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology Rekha Sharma, the panel has been instructed to submit its report within a month after a thorough study of the matter. 

Amid reports about the controversial transaction came to the fore, the finance committee of the parliament on Wednesday urged the government to take measures to intervene in the ongoing share purchase deal. The government’s decision follows a series of meetings among the top leaders of the ruling coalition.  

Meanwhile, Ncell has said that the pricing and structure of the transaction was determined through a willing buyer and seller basis. As per the agreed deal structure, Axiata is set to receive a base payment, along with additional benefits in the form of profit-sharing for the next five years, extending until 2029, Ncell said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Appellate Court Patan has issued an interim order to halt the purchase of Ncell shares. A single bench of justice Purushttom Dhakal has also instructed the government to submit all details, including the shared details.