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Centenarian Satya Mohan Joshi has left valuable legacies that deserve recognition from the Nepali people. His life and contributions to Nepali society are well depicted in the recently published book ‘Shabda Bimbama Satyamohan’ was compiled and edited by senior journalist Gopi Krishna Dhungana. The book is divided into seven parts, each related to Joshi’s significant contributions and the legacies he left behind for the motherland. The first part, titled ‘Articles’, consists of 32 valedictory articles. Satya Mohan's own article recounts his visit to the remote Karnali zone, specifically the district headquarters of Jumla, where he faced challenges and triumphs. Born in 1920 in Lalitpur, Kathmandu Valley, Satya Mohan fearlessly ventured into the most remote areas of Nepal after completing his education. His own article takes the lead in this section. Other articles by scholars recognize him as a recipient of the Madan Prize and as a truth-seeking individual. He is portrayed as a multi-faceted personality, a distinguished scholar in various vernacular genres, and a legendary traveler with a postal stamp issued in his honor. The second part, titled ‘Editorial’, includes seven tributes from different daily newspapers. The first tribute from ‘Gorkhapatra’ laments the irreparable loss of Joshi to the nation, particularly in the fields of literature, language, and culture. The second tribute from ‘Kantipur’ praises Joshi for his tireless pursuit of knowledge in various subjects, including literature, culture, archaeology, and more, spanning eight decades. ‘Annapurna Post’ acknowledges Joshi as an innovator in literature, art, culture, history, archaeology, and expresses that his passing has created a void in research on these subjects. Similarly, ‘Nagarik’ recognizes Joshi as a curious mind, a three-time recipient of the Madan Puruskar, and says he was inquisitive in his book Jureli Darshan (the philosophy of the bulbul) and in Nagarjun’s principles in Buddhism throughout his life. ‘Rajadhani’ honors Joshi for his contributions to art and culture, and says it should be acknowledged continuously as his legacy. ‘Nepal Samacharpatra’ illustrates Joshi’s erudition and exclusive dedication to his motherland, transcending castes, cultures, and creeds, while accurately exploring Hinduism, Buddhism, Newa cultures, and other discoveries. Finally, news portal ‘eKagaj.com’ acknowledges Joshi’s exploration of remote areas of the country and his visits to China, where he taught Nepali language and culture, researched the history of currencies, and paid tribute to Araniko's talents. The third part consists of three interviews collected from different news sources. The first interview, from the ‘Shikshyak’ monthly, highlights Joshi’s response regarding the limited subjects for boys in school education during the Rana regime, while girls’ education was forbidden. Even during those days, Joshi studied and published a book on treasured sculptures, emphasizing the importance of cultural studies in Nepal. He asserted that education and culture are two sides of a coin for a nation’s development. The second interview delves into Joshi’s childhood experiences, including his inability to speak until the age of nine, his visit to Surya Binayak temple where he was left unattended so that he could scream out of fear, and the subsequent development of his speech. It also mentions his enrollment in a school in Lalitpur, which he left due to corporal punishment, and his eventual enrollment in Darbar School in Kathmandu, where he was influenced by Sanskrit literature and began his writing journey. In the third interview, Joshi talks about his experiences with earthquakes, his services, his visits to Karnali, and his contributions to the development of cultures, languages, and arts in Nepal. These three interviews serve as milestones in understanding the late Joshi and his accurate contributions to the nation. The fourth part, titled ‘Supplementary’, comprises 17 articles that highlight Joshi’s three-dimensional skills in literature, culture, and administration, with his cultural prowess being the most renowned. He is hailed as an immortal inspirer, a shining star of folk literature, and an ideal man who upheld truth, consciousness, and bliss. The fifth part, titled ‘News’, includes 14 articles that praise Joshi’s extensive works in various fields. It also mentions that his body was donated to a hospital for further studies by medical students. Similarly, it mentions that the Government of Nepal, along with the honorable President and Prime Minister, mourned Joshi’s demise. The ‘Poem’ section features three poets who express their sympathies through rhymes, while the final section, ‘Pictures,’ visually depicts the aforementioned words. In conclusion, by exploring the attributes of this legendary man, it becomes evident that he has left behind persuasive legacies for the Nepali people to carry on, illuminating the future of the nation. Joshi’s legacies can be succinctly divided into three interrelated aspects, which are deeply intertwined in his arduous works: (i) Cultural investigation, (ii) Development of literature, (iii) National and international travel. Joshi’s first legacy lies in his cultural investigations. As the first director of the Archeological and Cultural Department, he initiated investigations primarily within the country. Despite being born in the capital city, he extensively traveled to remote places such as Tanahun, Lamjung, and Sinja in Karnali, collecting folk songs and heritage. Wherever he went, he conducted research unhindered by political or local influences. His book ‘Hamro Lok Sanskriti’ (Our folk culture), the winner of the first Madan Puraskar, is about the folk songs of rural Nepal. Similarly, his work ‘Karnali Ko Lok Sanskriti’ (Karnali’s Folk Culture) explores western Nepal’s ethos. Joshi also visited China to teach Nepali language, literature, and culture at the Peking Broadcasting Institute, where he was celebrated as an innovative scholar. During his visit, he conducted research on Araniko, an eminent artist who had gone to Beijing and built the White Stupa, and compiled a book on him. Recognizing the importance of cultural identity in development, Joshi established the National Theater in Kathmandu, the Archeological Garden in Patan, the Archeological Museum in Taulihawa, and the National Painting Museum in Bhaktapur. He extensively researched archaeology, cultural diversities, and the heritage of Nepal, presenting papers on these subjects globally. Second, Joshi was a model scholar in Nepali literature. He initially learned the alphabet at home and later enrolled at Durbar High School in Kathmandu. He completed his graduation from Tri Chandra College. Influenced by renowned writers like Bal Krishna Sama, Laxmi Prasad Devkota, and Lekh Nath Paudel, Joshi wrote dozens of books in Nepali, Newari (Nepal Bhasa), and English. He was a prolific writer, exploring folk songs, epics, plays, children's literature, grammars, biographies, and more. His literary contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including three Madan Puraskar prizes, the Order of Tri Shakti Patta, Gorkha Dakshin Bahu, Ujjal Kirtiman Rastradeep, and an honorary D Litt from Kathmandu University. Third, Joshi was a pioneering traveler who ventured far and wide within Nepal and globally. As mentioned earlier, he led a team to study the Sinja Valley in Karnali, which earned him two Madan Puraskar awards. He explored most parts of Nepal to collect folk literature and promote the importance of culture and arts, believing that they are the foundations of development and hold intellectual, moral, and spiritual significance. Joshi’s travels were not limited to the nation; he also visited various countries such as India, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Russia, Great Britain, the USA, and Canada. He went to China twice and is hailed as the first Nepali visitor to New Zealand. In conclusion, Joshi’s legacies emphasize the necessity of research in diverse cultures. It is crucial for individuals and universities to prioritize research in various fields as part of our culture. Therefore, this book is a captivating read that will continue to inspire young minds to adapt and innovate in their research endeavors, ultimately contributing to the development of our nation.

The little girl loved her younger brother immensely. So did the little guy. But when they were playing together, they didn’t get along very well. And, often, they wrangled. On many occasions, one of the parents had to intervene. The little guy had a knack for playing alone. This, again, irritated the little girl. She wanted him to be together with her. But the little guy often preferred playing on his own rather than playing together with his sister. So, the situation many times became quarrelsome. But the weekend was different. They remained occupied from the evening itself,  packing their stuff in the suitcase of their size. The next day after breakfast, each of them hauled their suitcase inside the trunk, the storage of the car. Daddy finally closed the tailgate, and checked everything. Everybody was inside the car. Daddy, then,  took the steering and drove. When he was  driving them to a new destination, both had no time to quarrel. The reason was both remained busy watching the changing terrain from the car window. Upon reaching the destination, they remained immersed in exploring the new surroundings. In one such overnight stay on the waterfront, both the little girl and the little guy had a great time. They learned many new things about the waterfront, and from the nearby museum. Watching the unending water from the terrace of the log cabin, the little guy inquired with his mother, “how come so much water here all around, Mama?” Mama explained, “We are here in the bay. It joins the sea. That is where all the river water finally comes to. In the bay, we see water all round from the land we are standing on. She further said, “The bay is a huge body of water surrounded by land on all three sides but with an opening to the sea. A similar place is also called a gulf. However, there is a difference between the two. The gulf is bigger and deeper than the bay. In either case, we see land around with so much water around, as well toward the sea.” Then the little girl asked, ‘Mama, where does so much water come from? Mama said, “It’s the miracle of nature, my darling. We understand not all. Yes, the river water finally gets to the sea. The body of water that flows is a river. It emerges out to flow either from the waterfalls in the mountains or the marshy land where the underground water gets collected to flow. It is called headwater. Beyond that, a greater area of water collection is called watershed area. A river could also be coming out from a lake, which holds water like a huge water tank. Along its way, it gets many tributaries as well, increasing its body of water. A tributary is a river that merges with a bigger river. The end of a river is its mouth. What this means is when the river empties its water either to a big river, a lake, or a sea, it does so through its mouth. We empty our food from our plates through our mouths. So does the river while emptying its own water. Thus, the river ends when it empties. You have seen the big river whenever we drive to the big city from our home, haven’t you? The little guy was quick to answer, “Yes, Mama.” “That big river finally has drained all its water into this very bay where we are now. Here that river exists no more,” Mama said. The little girl asked another question, “What lies beyond the sea?” Then it became mother’s turn to be quick to answer, “Ocean. It is a greater area of water than the sea. And there are five such oceans on our Earth. This Earth is common to all where we all live together with animals, fishes, and insects in different geographical boundaries called countries. As the little guy was becoming more curious and was about to ask more questions, Mama told the kids so lovingly, “Look, Daddy is already back from his morning exploratory walk. Now it’s time for me to prepare breakfast. I will talk about the ocean next time.” The kids now clustered  toward their Daddy with dazzling smiles. He hugged them together.

Nepali rock icon, singer and songwriter, actor and frontman of Robin and the New Revolution, Robin Tamang has died at the age of 60. For many who grew up during the nighties and the noughties, Tamang embodied the idea of a rockstar: a tall, swarthy fellow with a powerful voice and an undeniable stage presence. He inspired many youngsters to start a band of their own. Tamang was born in Bukit Timah, Singapore in 1963. He was the youngest son among the five siblings. He came to Nepal in 1996, and teamed up with Looza, one of the Nepali bands, to form ‘Robin N’ Looza’. Their first album ‘Nepal’ was released in 1998. It was one of the first blues-rock albums witn Nepali and English songs. Nepal’s rock music scene was still in its infancy at the time, and the music of Robin N’ Looza was loved by only select city crowds who attended concerts regularly and were devoted rock music fans. Many rock musicians of today attest to the fact that they would not have started a band had they not listened to Robin N’ Looza or seen them perform live during their teenage years. In 2006, Tamang formed Robin and the New Revolution, and the band was propelled to overnight success with hits like ‘Bhool Ma Bhulyo’, ‘Shine on Me’, ‘Keta Keti’ and ‘Dum Maro Dum’. Sunny Mahat, member of the blues-rock group Midnight Riders, says Tamang inspired and encouraged many upcoming artists and performers. “He was a rock legend, but he would often show up to see the live performances of bands that played their original songs to show his support,” says Mahat, who met Tamang for the first time almost two decades ago. Mahat remembers how overwhelming the meeting was for him. “But he was quite humble, and even offered me a drink,” he says. For Tamang, it didn’t matter if the band was new and not well-established, or if the songs they played were good or bad. “As long as the band was working hard to create something new, he was there to show his support,” says Mahat. “He loved music, traveling, motorbiking, and nature.” Before his passing, Tamang had been working on a new project. “It was something quite different from what he had been doing,” says Mahat of Tamang’s unfinished music project. Tamang’s demise was sudden, and a shock to the public and the people from the industry. He passed away on Tuesday at his residence in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu. Fellow artists and fans have expressed their condolences in social media, remembering Tamang for the musical legacy he left behind. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

On a warm Sunday in early June, the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, was alive with cheers of passionate fans, all rallying for their favorite team competing in the UEFA Champions League final. It was an exciting match between the English club Manchester City and the Italian club Inter Milan. Being present at the stadium, I could hear the screaming and shouting of excited fans. Despite that, I wasn’t able to watch the actual game. I will tell you the reason later. For now, let’s break down what happened at the game. In an intense match, Manchester City triumphed, securing a 1-0 victory over Inter Milan. Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, popularly known as Rodri’s goal, secured a hard-fought victory for Manchester City. With this remarkable achievement, Manchester City now claims the title of European football champions, adding to their previous Premier League and FA Cup conquests. Manchester City rightfully became the biggest football brand in the world. A team that had recently acquired a similar feat was Real Madrid. The Atatürk Olympic Stadium is Turkey’s largest sports arena in terms of capacity and it also holds a distinguished position as the country’s prime football venue. The stadium can accommodate a staggering 76,761 spectators and it has been awarded a prestigious five-star sporting complex rating by UEFA. The name of the stadium pays tribute to the esteemed Turkish field marshal Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. I was at the game as I am working for one of the biggest catering companies, DO & CO, an Austrian company. Apart from airline catering, running restaurants, lounges and hotels, DO & CO also caters for international events such as the Champions League final. Here, I was leading a team that was responsible for providing food to esteemed guests and dignitaries, including the head of UEFA, FIFA among others. DO & CO mobilized 12 thousand staff members for this one-day event. This included all department heads and the best human resources available to cater for the event. My role is to work in a team with all stakeholders in approving the menu to prepare the plate. On this day, I was assigned to the VVIP section. I can’t disclose the names of people we catered to but I can say there were a good number of leaders from various political, social, economic, and sports backgrounds. The Champions League final is one of the biggest football events in Europe and the excitement was obviously palpable. Now let’s talk about the food. People are very curious about the food habits of celebrities. Working with celebrities and the rich for a long time has helped me realize that simple is the best. When people become so rich that they have access to everything they want, they eat simple food with good ingredients. At this event, our menu gave importance to comfort food. We cooked food which had nostalgic and sentimental value to the teams. The food had to be simple to prepare with a high caloric value and carbohydrate level. As the brief was nostalgia specific to a team or a specific culture, I cooked chicken tikka masala, pilau rice, seven spice infused oven-baked cauliflower and some green beans with cucumber ‘raita’ and ‘papadum’ that is classic in the UK. The guests loved this British classic, also one of the nation’s favorite dishes. It proved to be quite a sensation. It was served along with fish and chips and pie as snacks. For VVIP guests, one of the dishes we prepared was Thai vegetable curry—a simple but very tasty Asian-style curry. The curry was a mix of mild coconut and citrus curry, lemon grass, kaffir lime, fresh cilantro with mango tout (peas), peppers, chilies, red and spring onions, served with jasmine rice, sesame seeds, and a slice of lime. Bear in mind that in massive events such as this, food has to be easy to serve as well as eat because we have a short window of time to serve 14000 guests while the guests have a short time to eat the meal. For better management, we divided meals prepared into three categories—pre-match, half-time, and post-match. Pre-match is when everyone has time to spare so we serve a four-course menu including canapés, starter/appetizer, main course, and dessert. That’s when I prepared tikka masala. As a vegetarian option, Thai vegetable curry, a British pub favorite, was made into a vegan-friendly option to follow the current trend. During half-time, we served fish and chips, the national dish of the UK while there was arancini for vegetarians. Post-match, we served the great British classic Shepherd pie and mushroom pie for vegetarians. We also cooked vegan curry and jasmine rice to ensure our vegan guests also had a delectable meal option. Other team members also cooked Italian pasta, risotto, arancini, and gnocchi. The local team members were assigned to focus on local food. They mainly cooked Turkish mezze and braised lamb. We tried to make the meals simple, light, fresh, and healthy. We also used local produce as much as possible because we believe sustainability is key. We also practiced reducing wastage by separating recyclable and non-recyclable wastes. Not only this, the team also tried to recruit and train locals to deliver the team’s standard of service and cooking. We cooked up to 700 items on the final match day. But what bound our elaborate menu was simplicity. Akbar Al Baker, the Group CEO of Qatar Airways and the Chairman of Qatar Tourism once said to me, “to impress people with food, go to the basics”. According to him, more people crave simpler food. The rich and famous also prefer wholesome nourishing food with the option of light, fresh, and healthy vegetables. When I sat back after the day, I had a realization. Football is a game that brings together people from around the world. Massive infrastructures are made, developed, and constantly improved for this particular game. That means football lovers spend money on traveling, eating, drinking, and living. This creates a lot of job opportunities for many, including chefs like me. So, I believe football is both an emotion for millions of fans around the world and a Mecca of good opportunities.