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President Ram Chandra Paudel and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a meeting at the former’s official residence in Maharajgunj on Tuesday.

During the meeting, they discussed matters of mutual interest, the President Office informed.

Qatari Emir Al Thani, who arrived in Kathmandu on a two-day state visit this afternoon, was welcomed by President Paudel upon his arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha had reached TIA to receive the distinguished guest from Qatar.

Similarly, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth, members of the Council of Ministers, high-ranking government officials, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions in Kathmandu were at the airport to welcome the Qatari Emir.

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived in Kathmandu on Tuesday on a two-day state visit to Nepal.

He landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport at 3: 45 pm.

President Ram Chandra Paudel welcomed the Qatar’s Emir upon his arrival at the airport. A contingent of the Nepal Army offered a guard of honor to Qatar Emir Al Thani at the airport.

He arrived in Kathmandu at the cordial invitation of President Paudel.

The Qatar’s Emir arrived in Kathmandu today after completing his official visit to the Philippines and Bangladesh.

The Qatar’s Emir arrived in Kathmandu today after completing his official visit to the Philippines and Bangladesh.

Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha had reached TIA to receive the distinguished guest from Qatar.

Similarly, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth, members of the Council of Ministers, high-ranking government officials, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions in Kathmandu were at the TIA to welcome the Qatari Emir.

The visit is expected to help elevate the bilateral relations between Nepal and Qatar to a new height.

The Foreign Ministry said that he will hold a meeting with President Paudel in Sheetal Niwas today itself.

The President is scheduled to host a state banquet in honor of the Emir.

Similarly, the distinguished guest from Qatar will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Wednesday.

Following the talks, both leaders will witness the signing ceremony of bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding, the Foreign Ministry added.

This is the first visit by any Qatari Emir to Nepal ever since the two countries established diplomatic relations on January 21, 1977.

Nepal opened its embassy in Doha, Qatar on July 11, 2000 and Qatar its embassy in Nepal in Kathmandu in August 2011.

Qatar serves as one of the major labor destinations for Nepal.

The Qatari Emir is scheduled to depart from Kathmandu on April 24.

In the busy world of digital content creation, Aashutosh Barahi stands out as a beacon of cultural preservation and creativity. At 28, Barahi has carved a unique position for himself as a content creator and YouTuber, leading the charge at Jyasa Films, a production company dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the rich tapestry of Nepal Bhasa culture. It all began with a character inspired by his own parents—the lovable ‘Baa’ with his humorous line ‘Dhasa dhala dhai’.

Barahi’s transition into content creation from an IT student began during his internship in an IT company when he crossed paths with Dhiraj Magar. “I saw him recording himself in front of the camera, and talking to it. It really intrigued me,” says Barahi.

Driven by this curiosity, Barahi embarked on his journey into the world of YouTube, immersing himself in research and experimentation to understand the platform. He was eager to learn more about making videos, so he attended an acting workshop organized by Fun Revolution TV, where he met many other like-minded individuals. The workshop not only equipped him with acting skills but also provided him with invaluable connections and insights into the entertainment industry.

In his pursuit of further career opportunities in the field of IT, Barahi made the difficult decision to part ways with Fun Revolution TV. “In 2020, I had an interview for an enticing work opportunity. But I got rejected,” he says. While this setback might have been discouraging, Barahi later realized that the rejection played a significant role in shaping his path towards content creation.

Barahi’s journey into Nepal Bhasa content creation began with a deep-seated desire to represent his culture and connect with today’s generation, particularly teenagers. Despite initial doubts about the audience’s interest due to the declining usage of Nepal Bhasa among the younger population, Barahi followed his instincts and created a video in Nepal Bhasa.

“To my surprise, the video gained significant traction, receiving widespread recognition and appreciation from Newa communities and beyond,” he says. What initially started as a form of entertainment soon transformed into a platform for cultural preservation and promotion. “This was unexpected but rewarding,” he adds.

Barahi expresses his happiness in knowing that his work is making a meaningful impact in today’s society. “Children who don’t speak Nepal Bhasa are learning to speak by watching my videos. I feel it’s a responsibility now—for me and my team,” he says.

Through projects like the Ethic Exploration with Niti Shah, he has witnessed firsthand the decline of cultural values and linguistic diversity in various communities, such as the Rai and Tharu communities. “It’s sad to see all these essential aspects of our identity being lost,” he says, adding, the relevant content in Nepal Bhasa can go a long way in preserving our cultural heritage.

Barahi says he believes that by creating and sharing videos that celebrate Nepal Bhasa and its traditions, he and his team are contributing to the safeguarding of their cultural legacy.

Initially, Barahi’s team consisted of himself and just two other people. However, as their projects gained traction and their ambitions grew, the team saw the addition of four more people. Understanding the historical and cultural context of their topics is crucial for creating authentic and meaningful content. Barahi relies on his instincts for generating ideas but also seeks wisdom from elder people who have a deep knowledge and understanding of the culture and its nuances.

Barahi says he wants to venture into Newa movies in the future despite being unsure about audience response and acceptance. “Despite pouring our hearts and souls into previous projects, such as the Holi Punhi video, we were disappointed by the turnout at a screening event,” he says. But he is grateful for the support he has received this far and emphasizes the importance of audience participation in sustaining the Nepal Bhasa film industry.

Content creators, he says, face a lot of financial and logistical struggles despite putting in a lot of effort. Barahi appeals to the audience for support, not just by viewing content but also by participating in events and programs organized by his team. “When we organize events with a ticket system, it’s important to understand that the proceeds aren’t solely for profits. The funds go towards our other projects, all aimed at enhancing your entertainment experience,” he says.

He wants Newa films and content to be as popular as Nepali or Bollywood movies. Despite the challenges of a smaller audience, Barahi remains undeterred in his goal to tell diverse stories and portray the rich cultural heritage of the Newa community on the big screen. For now, he is proud of his new project, ‘Maya Madula’, a song by Rojman Maharjan and Nisha Dehar, for which the team worked tirelessly for many days.

His commitment to representing and celebrating the rich tapestry of Nepal Bhasa has not only resonated with audiences but has also sparked a newfound appreciation for linguistic diversity and heritage. Barahi’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring content creators, demonstrating that staying true to one’s roots and embracing one’s cultural identity can lead to both personal fulfillment and societal impact.

Abinash Shrestha has been involved in the fashion industry for the past 12 years. With a Master’s in Business Management, he initially envisioned joining his father’s import and export business. However, his passion for fashion and style proved too strong to ignore. As the proprietor of Ariri Boutique, Shrestha has made a significant mark in the beauty pageant industry, having served as the official stylist for Miss Universe Nepal from 2020 to 2023. Recently, Shrestha was honored with the prestigious Fashion Stylist Award by Dream Search Agency. Ken Subedi converses with Shrestha on various dimensions of fashion.

What inspired you to join the fashion industry?

My friend introduced me to Rihanna in my school days, and I was fascinated by two things: her voice and her fashion sense. It was then that I started decoding and understanding style, sensibility, and began linking people's personalities to how they dress up. The art of comprehending individuals, their fashion choices, and the unique voice reflected through their fashion fascinated me deeply. Hence, from the very early stage, I became involved in fashion shows, beauty pageants, and took on assignments as a stylist for actors, models, and even business personalities. My friend, Nagma Shrestha, Miss Earth 2012, and the first-ever Miss Universe Nepal, has also been a huge inspiration. She helped me navigate the fashion scene and understand the challenges and opportunities. Today, I own Ariri Boutique, which helps people get closer to their style, and we have been running for the past four years.

What do you think of the fashion scene in Nepal?

The fashion scene in Nepal is constantly evolving, and I find it exhilarating. I admire how today’s youngsters know what they want and have realized that fashion can be a means of rebellion against things they don’t believe in while also fostering alliances with causes that truly matter. Fashion serves as a unifier—it’s a language that connects people. However, I personally feel that our fashion is mostly borrowed, and we still need to find our unique voice, that edge that defines us. With our rich culture, textiles, and patterns, we have the potential to revolutionize the fashion industry. But for that, we need to make bold choices—not merely follow trends from elsewhere but market and revolutionize the fashion and style inherent to our culture.

Do you think you need to study fashion to be a fashion designer or stylist?

I studied business management, and here I am today, running a boutique and making a living out of fashion. While having a degree in fashion is beneficial, an understanding of fashion and style is essential. Observing how people react to fashion and style and finding the right balance between creativity and fashion are crucial. It’s also important to engage with diverse individuals, draw inspiration from them, and incorporate their stories into your work. For instance, every time I sketch, I consider the stories of my clients—their love stories, realities, challenges, and their go-getter attitude. These attributes and stories shape my designs.

Is the fashion industry profitable?

Yes, it is, and it will be if you find that unique entry point. For me, I dabble in both traditional and modern fashion. My boutique specializes in both traditional attire, and I don’t shy away from using creative textiles to design modern jackets and skirts. Additionally, I like to diversify and not limit myself to one theme or comfort fashion only. Thus, catering to both women’s and men’s wear. However, the initial days are always challenging. You may have great ideas, but you might not have a market. Hence, it’s essential to connect with people, understand the market, and ask yourself that one hard question, “if this idea doesn’t work, will you have the courage to wake up tomorrow and start anew?” I do that every single day, and for ideas that don’t work, I know tomorrow is a new day, and I will definitely try to make things happen.