Submit your Article

In a world where cultural diversity is increasingly celebrated, Nepali arts and music have emerged as powerful ambassadors of our rich heritage. Over the years, these artistic expressions have played a significant role in promoting Nepali culture internationally, captivating audiences with their unique blend of tradition, innovation, and a deep connection to our roots. Among the various genres, classical Nepali music has stood out as a major contributor enhancing cultural diplomacy, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.

With origins deeply rooted in its own ancient traditions as well as influences from the neighborhood, classical Nepali music has evolved into a distinct art form that reflects the diverse cultural tapestry of our nation. Its melodic richness, intricate rhythms, and soul-stirring compositions have transcended boundaries, resonating with audiences worldwide. Classical Nepali music’s ability to transport listeners to the serene landscapes of Nepal and evoke a profound sense of emotion is what sets it apart. Its compositions, known as ‘ragas’, are meticulously crafted to evoke specific moods and sentiments, ranging from tranquility to exhilaration, from longing to joy. This art form encapsulates the essence of Nepali culture, drawing upon the spirituality, folklore, and history that define our nation’s identity. As a result, classical Nepali music has been instrumental in fostering cultural diplomacy, bridging gaps between nations and bringing people together through the shared language of music.

One remarkable group that has exemplified the power of Nepali music in promoting peace and harmony is Sur Sudha. Founded by the passionate musician Surendra Shrestha, Sur Sudha has dedicated over three decades to spreading the message of peace and promoting Nepal and its people through captivating melodies. Despite his advanced education in Eastern classical music, Surendra was driven to create boundless music that would touch the hearts of people from all walks of life around the globe. His commitment to peace and harmony shines through in Sur Sudha’s music, which effortlessly blends traditional Nepali music with contemporary elements, creating a fusion that resonates universally.

Surendra’s commitment toward the cause of peace is evident in his music, which blends traditional Nepali music with modern elements to create a unique fusion that appeals to audiences worldwide. Sur Sudha’s music is not just entertaining but also has a deeper meaning, inspiring listeners to embrace inner peace and spread positivity in the world. His dedication to the cause of peace has made him a respected figure in the Nepali music industry, and his contribution to the promotion of peace through Sur Sudha’s music is immeasurable. Sur Sudha is not just a musical group; it is a philosophy that embodies the essence of Nepali culture, tradition and spirituality. Formed in 1989 by Surendra, Sur Sudha was not intended to be just a band, but a thought, an idea, and a feeling that music is an essential part of our lives. The band was not formed with an idea of depending solely on any particular musician.

Surendra’s philosophy while forming the band was based on the belief that music should represent the diversity and unity of Nepali culture. Sur Sudha’s music is not just about entertainment, but it is also about promoting peace, unity, and harmony among people from different backgrounds. Sur Sudha’s musical philosophy emphasizes quality and creativity. One of the unique aspects of Sur Sudha’s music is that it represents all genres of Nepali music, from classical to folk to fusion. 

The name Sur Sudha was given by the late Bhairav Nath Rimal, and the group has evolved over the years. Sur Sudha’s contributing members to date include Tara Bir Singh Tuladhar,  Prem Rana Autari, Bijay Baidhya, Stayendra Tuladhar, Rajeev Shrestha and Bharat Shrestha. The band also created history by recording Nepal’s first CD. The band started as a musical group, but its experience has been more like a rollercoaster ride. Over the years, the group has seen several changes in its lineup, but its core philosophy remains the same—to create high-quality music that represents the best of Nepali culture. Today, the band comprises its founder Surendra Shrestha on tabla, Raman Maharjan on flute, and Bikash Sunar on guitar. Saraswati Khatri is the lead singer of the group.

The band’s aim is to present the best of Nepali classical music to the public, including classical, traditional, and Rag-Ragini music. Sur Sudha’s musical repertoire ranges from the plains of the Tarai to the highest mountains in the world, representing all genres of Nepali music. The group’s performances include cultural festivals of Nepal with folk music, as well as fusion and chanting music. The group’s recent foray into spiritual and chanting music includes collaboration with the famous Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala on the "Mahamrityunjaya Mantra". The group is also soon going to release Ganesh Stotram Mantra as part of their musical offerings by including well-reputed international musical talents .Sur Sudha’s music is not just about preserving the past, but it is also about creating new music that reflects the current social and cultural trends. Its members have changed over the years, but the group’s core philosophy remains the same. The group is not about any individual member, but it is about the collective effort of all members. The aim is to produce the best quality music that represents the rich diversity of Nepali culture.

Sur Sudha’s music is also not limited to any particular religion or culture, but it embodies both Buddhism and Hinduism, bringing people from all walks of life together. Sur Sudha is not just a musical group; it is a movement, representing the diversity and unity of Nepali culture. The group has performed in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Morocco, Tunisia, China and several European nations multiple times. Their performances have been praised for their ability to transport listeners to the serene landscapes of Nepal, evoking images of the country’s snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and flowing rivers.

Apart from live performances, Sur Sudha has also released several albums that have been well-received by music lovers around the world, including the first ever CD in Nepal. These albums showcase the group’s versatility, with each track featuring a different instrument or style of Nepali classical music. Sur Sudha’s role in cultural diplomacy cannot be understated. In an era where cultural exchanges have become increasingly important, the group has played a key role in promoting cross-cultural understanding and dialogue. By showcasing Nepali classical music, they have been able to break down cultural barriers and build bridges between different communities. Their music has been used in various cultural events, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites inauguration ceremony in Nepal, where they performed for several foreign dignitaries. The group has also been involved in various philanthropic activities, including providing assistance to the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal in 2015. Through their music, they have been able to raise awareness on the plight of the Nepali people and the need for continued support.

Sur Sudha has been a vital force in promoting Nepali classical music and culture to the world. Through their music, they have been able to break down cultural barriers, promote cross-cultural understanding and dialogue, and raise awareness about social and environmental issues. Their music is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nepal and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting cultural diversity. Sur Sudha’s legacy is not just in the music they create but also in the way they create it. They are an inspiration to aspiring musicians and music lovers alike, and their goal is to continue to create music that is timeless and speaks to the heart of Nepali culture for generations to come.

The author is President, Lumbini World Peace Forum and a Cultural Diplomacy Advocate

Earlier this month, the government passed the National Cyber Security Policy 2023 through a Cabinet meeting. This policy is expected to play a significant role in establishing a legal and structural foundation for cyber security in Nepal. Having provided initial suggestions on the Draft National Cyber Security Policy in 2021 and later submitting revised suggestions in April 2023, Digital Rights Nepal, a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to the protection and promotion of digital rights, has prepared the preliminary analysis of the approved National Cyber Security Policy 2023.

National internet gateway: Questions on intention and objectives

The National Cyber Security Policy now encompasses entirely new provisions that were absent in the draft policy and had not been previously deliberated with stakeholders. Strategy 11.25 of policy provides for establishment of a national internet gateway. Such a measure is largely implemented by autocratic regimes, aiming to exert comprehensive control over internet activities by channeling all incoming online traffic through government-controlled gateways.

When Cambodia attempted to implement such a national internet gateway, several international organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and others raised strong objections.

It is a cause for concern that Nepal, a nation known for its strong dedication to upholding democratic principles and human rights, and presently a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, has introduced the concept of a national internet gateway. The provision was not included in the initial draft, and its objectives and functions have not been openly disclosed. This could potentially have repercussions not only on Nepal’s global reputation, but also on its ability to attract foreign direct investment and international assistance.

By means of the national internet gateway, there exists a possibility for the government to monitor internet traffic, exercise control over online content, and implement measures of surveillance, control, and censorship. Given the escalating regulatory pressure to employ software such as TERAMOCS for accessing citizens’ personal information and data without a legal foundation recently, the establishment of the national internet gateway will enhance the government's capacity to monitor and control digital communications and this will provide a legal basis towards a controlled internet environment in Nepal.

Provisions relating to civil rights and fundamental rights

The initial policy draft had no reference to civil rights and fundamental rights. Following recommendations from stakeholders, the approved policy’s background now acknowledges the ‘universal principle of civil rights and the commitment to constitutional fundamental rights’ and ‘importance of collaborating with civil society and the private sector.’ However, the matter of safeguarding human rights and fundamental rights is still absent from the long-term plan, strategy and work plan.

Lack of policy implementation plan

The adopted policy lacks a concrete implementation strategy. There is ambiguity regarding the timeframe for its execution, the allocation of necessary resources, and the criteria used to prioritize its implementation. The absence of a clear timeline, along with uncertainties about required resources and methodologies, have led to concerns about its timely implementation.

Superficial analysis

The policy falls short in thoroughly identifying the underlying problems. While a superficial analysis has been conducted on the deficient internal and external coordination concerning cybersecurity, the causes behind this lack of internal and external coordination remain unexplored.

Prohibitive and control-oriented approach

Under the strategy of creating a safe online space with continuous surveillance for cyber security (10.8), this policy emphasizes on constant surveillance of citizen behavior in internet and cyberspace, and has taken a prohibitive and control-oriented approach rather than the regulation of the online space. Such an arrangement could potentially create a situation of unnecessary restrictions on freedom of expression.

Constriction on the role of regulatory authority

Both the National Cyber Security Center and the Department of Information Technology are assigned the regulatory role, as agencies responsible for cyber security. After establishing the National Cyber Security Center, as the dedicated regulatory body, it is not appropriate to increase the scope of the department in the area of cyber security regulation

Apathy toward latest development and challenges

The policy does not mention how to address the latest developments and challenges in the field of technology. There is no mention of cyber security challenges associated with, for instance, artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

Duplication of jurisdiction and potential conflicts

The policy has placed the digital forensic investigation work under the National Cyber Security Center. Digital forensic is related to regular criminal investigation and the Nepal Police has existing jurisdiction over it. However, the policy does not address the duplication of jurisdiction and potential conflict of jurisdiction between two different government entities.

Lack of coordination mechanism with regular agencies

Cyber security is directly related to national security, but the policy does not consider how cyber security agencies will coordinate with regular security agencies and what mechanisms will be required for such coordination and collaboration.

Lack of prevention aspect in cyber security process

In the cyber security process, it would be appropriate to include an action plan related to ‘prevention’ along with Preparedness, Protection, Detection, Response and Recovery (11.9). If an action plan related to ‘prevention’ was included, the policy would have encompassed a comprehensive range of actions, from proactive measures to enhance cyber security preparedness to post-incident recovery.

Positive aspects

Policy arrangements for cyber security promotion, digital literacy, ethical hacking, use of encryption and collaboration with the civil society and private sector are some of the positive aspects of the National Cyber Security Policy 2023. It would be important to observe how these policy proposals would be translated into laws and policies.

Policy needs reform

Based on the analysis above, Digital Rights Nepal calls for the reform in the National Cyber Security Policy 2023. We call on the government, parliament, members of parliament, political parties, civil society and mass media to take the initiative for making necessary amendments to the policy, especially to repeal the provision relating to national internet gateway and amend the other problematic provisions including those aimed at content regulation, to ensure individual’s freedom and human rights.

For a sizable number of young students, English is quite hard to crack, as the recently-published results of grade 12 show. Out of 448,837 students, a whopping 109,527 got non-graded (NG), in the words of the National Examination Board (NEB). In plainspeak, almost a quarter of the grade 12 examinees failed their English papers as they could not even score 35 percent.  

It has been years since schools—not only private and boarding schools but community and government schools also—adopted English as a medium of instruction. Many private and boarding schools do not even allow students to communicate in languages other than English on their premises.

Against this backdrop, ApEx talked with students and experts to better understand this below-par performance—not only of individual students, their parents and teachers but of the country’s education system.   

“I attempted all the questions but still failed my English exam. To be frank, I find grammar quite hard. I will now be taking tuitions to improve my grades,” says Aditya Paudel, one of the students.

Paudel is one of the 123,396 students eligible for grade increment exams to be held on Sept 23 and 24. Only after clearing these exams will they be eligible for pursuing college education. 

The experts point out that lack of reading and writing culture among students, lack of patience and lack of government policies are some of the factors that have made English a ‘difficult’ subject for many students. The lack of government policy in orienting both the teachers and students about the topics, teaching materials and methods has hampered English teaching and learning big time.

Lack of patience and motivation among students, lack of infrastructure and lack of access to latest technologies have not helped, either. Old methods of teaching, lack of interest in students, lack of growth opportunities for teachers and workload are some other problems in English teaching and learning.

“Teachers possess scant knowledge on ways to teach the topics/chapters. Orienting teachers on teaching methods will benefit both teachers and students,” says Motikala Subba Dewan, president of Nepal English Language Teachers’ Association. The government should develop a handbook of teaching materials to help with English language teaching.

“Some schools have made it compulsory for the students to speak English on their premises. It is not the right to control the use of the medium. Use of Nepali, mother tongue mediums and English will help students understand the subject matter better,” says Professor Dr Abhi Subedi.

The education institutions should be transformed into centers of learning (in a true sense) and a task-based approach used to improve the command of the language. The experts suggest assigning tasks to students by forming peer groups for positive outcomes. They have some suggestions for teachers too. The teachers should teach properly and complete the courses on time to help students clear their exams, they say. 

These days, students have unfettered access to English via the Internet. If used skillfully, this medium can help students brush up their English. Subject teachers should motivate the students to make use of this medium to polish their English and perform better in their exams, suggest the experts. 

What’s more, the experts suggest improving the English teaching environment for better results. “It should be taught naturally,” says Subedi. 

Prescriptions aside, who will help out the students in need is a moot question.

Nepal Police personnel have a very limited role at the Tribhuvan International Airport, though they are one of the most visible teams deployed for the security of the airport. These personnel are primarily stationed at the ‘Departures’ section of the airport, where they have, over the years, apprehended numerous individuals attempting to smuggle prohibited items.

However, police personnel have a minimal role in the ‘Arrivals’ section. Within the bureaucratic structure—consisting of customs and immigration officials—they hold a lower position. Though readily identifiable due to their uniform, Nepal Police personnel have a limited role to play as the immigration and customs departments have primary roles in the arrivals process. 

Despite extensive research on airport security, their findings remain unimplemented. Regular training is not enough for airport security teams; they need specialized training on airport safety.

All in all, political leadership can play a decisive role in revamping the airport security system. 

The author is former DIG of Nepal Police