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Born in the Jain Marwadi family, Kajol Sethia, a 28-year-old entrepreneur and animal rights activist, has always been a vegetarian. But she only came to know and understand veganism when she went to university in Singapore. Most of the people she met and went on to become friends with were staunch vegans. 

In 2015, she began her vegan journey by consciously choosing to eliminate everything that was animal-based from her diet. She claims that becoming a vegan improved her stamina. “I felt stronger than before,” she says. Today, she regularly participates in running events and trekking has become one of her favorite activities. She believes switching to veganism has helped her stay physically as well as mentally fit. In 2018, she launched Vegan Dairy Nepal, a plant-based dairy company that provides nutrient-rich alternatives for animal-based products. 

As both her parents had successful entrepreneurial careers, Sethia believes she was born with the genes to become an entrepreneur. She was an aerospace engineering student at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). But her university offered entrepreneurial courses which gave her a good opportunity for a side hustle. She worked at Rolls Royce as an intern during the day and worked on her online business till two in the morning. She was just 21 when she began her first business venture of selling vegan items online in Singapore.

After graduation, Sethia returned to Nepal for a two-month break. She realized it was difficult to find vegan food items in Nepal. Viewing the crisis as an opportunity, she decided to continue with the project that she was working on in Singapore. To start with, she invited a few people to sample the soy milk and yogurt that her mother used to make at home. They all liked it and she soon started receiving orders too.

“I wasn’t as passionate about engineering as I was about business and I decided to stay in Nepal to build my brand rather than work for someone else,” she says. She knew it would be difficult but she also knew this was what she wanted to do. She wasn’t just going to run a business, she was also going to use the platform as a way to promote animal rights. 

Sethia always loved animals. Even as a child, she used to feed puppies and cows. If she saw a stray animal in a bad condition, she would reach out to animal shelters and vet clinics to try and help them. When she was 24, she started participating in activities organized by PETA Asia. Back then, the Chitwan Elephant Festival used to happen annually in Nepal. The organizers used elephants for polo games. They were chained, beaten, and brutally treated. That’s when PETA reached out to her to step in and see what could be done to stop the exploitation. 

Sethia gathered all of Chitwan municipality’s officials and issued a press release as well. Many locals came together to support her campaign after her team released a video on how elephants were being abused. The festival is canceled now and it was only possible because of her persistent efforts. 

Vegan Dairy Nepal’s products are targeted not just for vegans. They also have non-vegan customers. The company has been offering different flavors of milk, including soy, coconut, almond, oats, and millet. They also have vegan cheese made with cashew and nutritional yeast which are being supplied to various restaurants in Nepal like the Roadhouse Cafe, Fire and Ice Pizzeria, and more. 

Vegan Dairy Nepal offers authentic vegan options without compromising on nutrient quality. Their products are free from preservatives. Sethia says most of the ingredients are sourced from local farmers in Nepal and only a few unavailable items are imported from India. 

Sethia is also mindful of sustainability. Vegan Dairy Nepal encourages its customers to either return the jars the products come packaged in or reuse them for various things around the house rather than throwing them out. The company’s co-founder also intends to invest in and collaborate with Climeworks, a Swedish company that eliminates carbon dioxide from the air, to rebrand her business as carbon neutral.

Apart from the business aspect, Sethia has been advocating veganism by educating others about its importance, not just for the environment but also for one’s health. But it comes with a fair share of challenges, she says. Nonetheless, she has been collaborating with the World Vegan Organization to do whatever she can to familiarize people with the concept and importance of veganism. 

Sethia intends to make plant-based products more accessible in the local market. She is working to grow her brand and product line and make it affordable for all. She says when people buy vegan items they are taking a conscious step towards reducing animal cruelty, and making the world a better place to live in. 

The country’s first bus rapid transit lane, between Bhaktpur’s Suryabinayak and Kathmandu’s Ratnapark, was inaugurated on Sept 20. It was introduced with an aim of providing express passenger transfer service during office-time rush hour, from 9–11 am and 4–6 pm.

Authorities claim with the BRT, the 13.5 km commute between Suryabinayak and Ratnapark, which usually takes up to two hours under normal traffic conditions, will take just 45 minutes.   

During the service hour, vehicles other than designated buses, ambulances, fire brigade, and emergency vehicles are not allowed to drive on the lane, marked with red paint. 

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has planned to deploy 25 buses on the BRT lane, and they will depart at an interval of every five minutes.

I recently decided to hop on one of the express buses and experience the service, and I was surprised to see that many motorists are still unaware of the BRT. Non-designated vehicles were still traveling on the lane during the service hours. 

I asked my bus driver if he had noticed any changes with the BRT service. “Barely,” he told me. “In the initial days traffic, police personnel were deployed to clear the lane, but they have stopped doing so.”

The problem of traffic congestion remains unchanged.“What’s the point of introducing this service if it cannot be implemented,” the driver said. I wondered the same thing after getting off on my stop. 

Inflation and economic crises are two connected phenomena that can have a big impact on the economy. Inflation stunts the purchasing power of consumers, meaning transactions decline, and when goods and services are no longer bought or sold, the economy slows down. It affects consumers as well as business owners. As Nepal grapples with economic downturn, Evana Manandhar of ApEx talked with three business owners to know how they are faring during these trying times.

Ajab Prasad Gupta, 38

Inflation and the economic crisis have significantly affected my life. The rising prices of goods and services have made it harder for me to purchase the inventory I need for my business. For instance, the cost of raw materials and ingredients I use for my street food business has gone up, squeezing my profit margins. Moreover, many potential customers are feeling the pinch of the economic crisis, and they have less disposable income to spend on street food and other non-essential items. This has led to a decline in sales, making it challenging for small business owners like me to make ends meet. I’ve had to adapt by offering smaller portions or searching for cheaper suppliers, but it's been tough maintaining a steady income.

Ramila Manandhar, 45

The impact of the ongoing economic crisis has been felt by all, and my business is no exception. One of the most significant hurdles has been the sharp decline in demand and sales, leading to a noticeable dip in profits. Customers have been cautious with their spending, and the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic has made it difficult to predict market trends accurately.

Another critical issue we’ve faced is a decline in the quality of some suppliers, products, or services. The disruptions, first caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and now by the Russia-Ukraine war, have led to inconsistencies in the supply chain, affecting the overall quality and reliability of our products and services. Maintaining a high level of quality has become a constant struggle. While navigating these unprecedented challenges has been far from easy, it has also been an opportunity for growth and adaptation. The experience gained during these trying times has equipped my business with resilience and resourcefulness that will serve us well in the future.

Dinesh Shresthacharya, 53

Inflation and the economic crisis have had a significant impact on my life. The rising costs of goods and services have made it more expensive to restock my store, eroding my profit margins. Moreover, customers who are feeling the financial strain due to the economic crisis are spending less on non-essential items, leading to a decline in sales. On a personal level, the increased cost of living has made it challenging to manage my household expenses, including rent and utilities. It’s a constant struggle to adapt to these economic challenges and maintain a stable business while ensuring my own financial stability. Additionally, the uncertainty stemming from the economic crisis and inflation has made long-term planning for my business and personal life increasingly difficult. It’s challenging to predict how the market will evolve or when economic conditions might improve. This instability has created a sense of anxiety and stress, affecting both my work and personal well-being.

Electric vehicles are a new rage all over the world where fossil fuel-run vehicles are rapidly becoming a thing of the past. Given ever-increasing petroleum prices and a large carbon footprint that the conventional vehicles leave behind, not to mention increasing costs of running a fossil fuel-based economy, Nepal is also not immune from this switch to the EVs.
Against this backdrop, SERES—an EV brand born in the USA, mastered in China, proven in Europe—has entered Nepal, where a couple of other brands already have their presence.

Devendra Gautam of ApEx had a free-wheeling conversation with Jeevan Jung Shahi, director of LRR Group, the authorized distributors of SERES for Nepal.   

SERES took part in the NADA Auto Show 2023. How was SERES’ performance? What word best describes the customers’ response?

The customer response was absolutely fantastic, there was an incredible crowd and they were crazy about SERES. NADA Auto 2023 was an incredible success for SERES, with an outstanding booking of almost 334 units. 

Any special feature that you think gives SERES EVs an edge over competitors? 

The 190mm ground clearance is a feature that is really unmatched, this is really one of the many features exclusive to SERES in the SUV EV segment. 

Nepal’s roads are rough and climatic conditions quite challenging. Do you expect a smooth journey ahead for SERES, EVs in particular? 

Navigating challenging road conditions and extreme climates can be a significant hurdle for electric vehicles in Nepal, but I expect that with SERES' design and durability, these obstacles can be overcome. SERES manufacturers design their vehicles to withstand rough road conditions and challenging climates, incorporating features such as reinforced suspensions and a higher ground clearance of 190mm in SERES. These enhancements, along with all-wheel-drive systems, can greatly enhance a vehicle's ability to handle uneven and rough terrain. 

The national economy is not so healthy. Do you still think this was the right time to enter the Nepali market? 

Entering a new market, especially one facing economic challenges like the Nepali market does now, requires careful consideration and a well-thought-out strategy. It’s time for EVs globally, a boom time in EV technology. So, this was the perfect time for LRR GROUP in EV Automobiles to enter the Nepali market.

What is the price range of SERES EVs? What special features do they entail? What financing options are available? What about-after sales services?

The price range of SERES EVs can vary depending on the model and features. Currently, we have two models in the market: One is the comfort variant, and the other is the premium variant, priced at Rs 5m and Rs 5.3m, respectively. The premium variant offers additional features like a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charger, sunglass holder, and front auto-heated seats.

Certainly, customers can avail themselves of EMI options with a 20 percent down payment over a span of seven years, at a competitive 10.49 percent interest rate on SERES vehicles.

LRR Motors is committed to providing roadside assistance and mobile service options. I want to assure the SERES family that we will deliver the best after-sales services, including maintenance, warranty coverage, and support for SERES vehicle owners.

Nepal’s petroleum addiction seems to be getting worse. A country with formidable hydropower potential imports petroleum products from a monopoly market through South Asia’s first cross-border petroleum pipeline, the Motihari-Amlekhgunj pipeline. Plans are underway to extend the pipeline to Chitwan and then to Kathmandu. Another cross-border project--the Siliguri-Charali pipeline is also on the cards. Given such a scenario, how friendly are government policies vis-a-vis the EVs?

Yes, there is a 69-km cross-border petroleum pipeline project, running from the state-run Indian Oil's terminal in Motihahari in north Bihar to Nepal Oil Corporation’s Amlekhgunj depot. The project was initially scheduled for completion in 2020 but is still in progress. We hope that once this project is finished, it will significantly improve the situation compared to today.

Like many countries, Nepal faces environmental challenges, including air pollution and climate change. Promoting EVs aligns with efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat pollution. Nepal possesses significant hydropower potential, making it an ideal source of electricity for EVs. Reducing reliance on petroleum imports through the development of EV infrastructure can enhance energy security.

Expanding EV infrastructure such as charging stations constitutes a key component of government policies aimed at supporting EV adoption. Plans to extend petroleum pipelines may not necessarily conflict with EV policies if the government considers EVs as a complement to traditional transportation.

Does Nepal have adequate infra to switch at least partially to a transport system that is EV-driven?

Nepal has made efforts to develop the infrastructure necessary to support EVs, but it is still in the early stages of development. The extent of EV infrastructure in Nepal can vary by region, and it's important to note that progress may have occurred since that time. To assess the current state of EV infrastructure in Nepal and its adequacy for a partial transition to an EV-driven transport system, it is advisable to check with local authorities, electric utilities and EV industry stakeholders for the most up-to-date information. The development of EV infrastructure is often an ongoing process, and governments and private sector entities may continue to invest in this area to facilitate the adoption of electric mobility solutions. 

The government has started setting up charging stations for electric vehicles, primarily in urban areas like Kathmandu. However, the number of charging stations is relatively limited compared to the demand. Nepal’s significant hydropower potential can serve as a source of clean energy for EVs, making it an ideal candidate for a transition to electric mobility. Spreading awareness among consumers about the benefits of EVs and addressing concerns like range anxiety are essential for a successful transition.

Does the LRR Group have some dreams and a long-term vision for our country? Dreams like developing indigenous EVs in Nepal itself, together with young minds, innovators, engineering/technical institutions, investors and the government? 

Yes, we have dreams for our country and a vision. LRR Group is still striving to contribute to government efforts and policies as an electric vehicle (EV) business in a proactive way to support the growth of the EV industry and promote sustainable transportation. 

Box

Here are several ways through which your EV business can contribute to government initiatives: 

Advocacy and lobbying

Join or support industry associations or groups dedicated to electric vehicles. These organizations often advocate for policies that benefit the EV industry.

Collaborate with these associations to collectively engage with government officials and policymakers to voice your concerns and offer insights. 

Policy recommendations

Develop well-researched policy recommendations that can support the growth of the EV market. These recommendations can cover areas such as incentives, charging infrastructure, emissions standards, and tax policies.

Present these recommendations before relevant government agencies, legislators, and policymakers. 

Education and outreach

Organize events, workshops, and seminars to educate government officials, the public, and potential customers.