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Supporters of Durga Prasai, a  medical entrepreneur turned monarchist, clashed with Nepal Police personnel at Balkhu on Thursday while they were attempting to march toward Singhadurbar to press for the restoration of monarchy and Nepal as a Hindu state.  

This came after clashes between the supporters of Yuwa Sangh, the youth wing of the CPN-UML, and Prasain’s supporters. 

Immediately after Prasai’s address in Balkhu where he told supporters to picket Singhadurbar and thrash leaders of major political leaders, police fired teargas canisters and water cannons at the supporters marching toward Singhadurbar, resulting in minor injuries on both sides. 

Political observers say Prasai’s recent statements and activities are in clear violation of the Constitution and laws. He is trying to fulfill vested interests by inciting violence in the valley but we are exercising restraint, said a senior Nepal Police officer: We are closely monitoring the activities of his group. 

At Tinkune, youth and students staged a demonstration against the government and ‘anarchists’. 

Prasai has been courting controversy for making objectionable comments in violation of the law of the land.

Recently, he organized a program by playing Nepal’s monarchy-era national anthem and undermining the republican anthem, apparently in violation of the Constitution of Nepal 2015.

Section 15 of the Procedure for Use of the National Flag and National Anthem (First Amendment), 2076 has prohibited the use of the national anthem in an insulting and inappropriate manner, whereas Section 17 of the procedure has assigned the responsibility of monitoring and regulating it to the Chief District Officer.

Also, Prasai has made remarks targeting a specific community. In many interviews, he has urged people to join his campaign, promising that individual bank loans up to Rs 2m will be written off on the night the republican order becomes history.

Riot police used batons and tear gas to halt tens of thousands of supporters of Nepal’s former king who attempted to march to the center of the capital on Thursday to demand the restoration of the monarchy and the nation's former status as a Hindu state.

Prof Anil Sharma has over 30 years of experience in designing multi-star hotels that are climate-responsive and energy-efficient. The ace architect is also a visiting expert and facility member at IIT-Roorkee, The School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, and Indira Gandhi Technical University for Women, New Delhi among others. Sharma and his projects have been the recipient of many prestigious awards. His first hotel project, Holiday Inn, won the Best Hotel of the Year in the Asia Pacific Region in 1994. 

He has taken on a leadership role in organizing and hosting the annual ‘Hi-Aim’ conference which is a collective assembly of hospitality industry leaders, architects, interior designers, and managers. The next conference is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu from 1-2 Feb 2024. 

In a conversation with Evana Manandhar of ApEx, Sharma runs us through the importance of architecture and design while discussing his own experiences and highlighting the importance of the upcoming conference. 

You have been involved in both architectural design and project management. How do you strike a balance? 

Over the years, there has been a shift from a primary focus on architectural design to an increased involvement in project management. I believe it was largely influenced by market pressures and evolving industry demands. In the early stages of my career, I found myself gradually taking on more project management responsibilities, sometimes even offering these services for free. This transition was a response to the perceived market expectations and the need to balance design creativity with effective project execution.

Over the last 15-20 years, I’ve strategically changed my approach. Recognizing the distinct nature of architectural design and project management, I have effectively delegated the project management role to a proficient team of managers. This has allowed me to refocus on the core aspects of architectural design. By delegating project management, I’ve been able to streamline processes and achieve a more focused and efficient workflow.

Do designing and management go hand in hand? 

I firmly believe that an architect’s primary role is to conceive and design exceptional buildings. The creation of precise drawings and plans is paramount in ensuring the success of a project. This concentrated effort in architectural design is critical as it forms the foundation upon which construction is based. It’s essential to underscore that while architectural design provides the blueprint for construction, project management handles the execution aspects. These are distinct roles, each requiring specific expertise. 

My journey in architecture has seen a nuanced balance between design and project management. Recognizing the need to specialize, I’ve strategically delegated project management responsibilities, allowing me to concentrate on the architect’s core role of creating impeccable designs for construction.

How do you approach a new project? What are the challenges in understanding the client’s needs and requirements?

Approaching a new project involves a structured sequence to comprehensively understand the client’s needs and requirements. Initial client interaction is crucial. You must engage in open dialogue to grasp the project’s goals, audience, and desired outcomes. Once the requirements are defined, thorough research is conducted and industry trends are analyzed. 

You must also put in the effort to understand the historical and cultural context as this ensures a tailored approach. What follows is a holistic presentation to the client, showcasing researched insights and design options aligned with project goals. Success hinges on a comprehensive understanding, emphasizing ongoing collaboration, and communication. This approach ensures that the project not only meets functional requirements but also resonates with its unique identity, fostering a successful and impactful outcome. 

Can you tell us about a challenging project you’ve worked on? How did you deal with it?

Working on the Marriott project in Nepal was a huge challenge. The site is irregular and unconventionally shaped. Coupled with its location in an urban slum, the project demanded a thoughtful and creative approach. Focused on transforming these challenges into opportunities, I crafted an inward-looking design centered around a captivating courtyard. 

This unique space not only accommodated the irregular site but also addressed the negative aspects of the surrounding urban environment. The courtyard, conceived as the project’s focal point, ingeniously became the landmark. Guests were treated to not only an aesthetically pleasing space but also some really good views. A swimming pool was made at the top, adding an element of luxury and leisure. 

What are some qualities that architects must possess and hone?

An architect’s success lies in the cultivation of two paramount qualities: humility and knowledge. Firstly, humility is the linchpin for effective collaboration, enabling the architect to integrate diverse perspectives from clients, engineers, and collaborators. This quality fosters a client-centric approach, prioritizing the client’s vision over personal design preferences. Humility also manifests in the ability to accept constructive criticism, learn from mistakes, and adapt designs iteratively. 

Secondly, in-depth knowledge forms the bedrock of architectural prowess. Technical proficiency in construction, materials, and structural systems is non-negotiable to ensure the safety and functionality of a design. Additionally, a well-rounded architect possesses a deep understanding of environmental sustainability, cultural and historical contexts, and regulatory compliance. This knowledge not only facilitates innovative and timeless design but also empowers architects to educate clients and navigate legal complexities. 

Since Hi-Aim’s goal is to become a landmark forum for the hospitality industry, what are some of the key ways to do that?

In order to make Hi-Aim a preeminent forum for the hospitality industry and elevate its reputation, a meticulous approach to speaker selection is imperative. Priority should be given to individuals with established industry standing and a proven ability to engage diverse audiences. The selection process should also emphasize a diversity of perspectives within the hospitality sector, ensuring representation from various segments such as hotel management, design, technology, and sustainability. 

Leveraging partnerships with industry associations and reputable brands can facilitate recommendations and introductions. To enhance the exclusivity and prestige of the event, an invitation-only strategy for key speakers can be employed. Strategic marketing campaigns, highlighting the speakers’ achievements and unique perspectives should precede the event to generate anticipation and buzz. A commitment to speaker support, recognition, and the creation of exclusive networking opportunities will further incentivize influential figures to participate, thereby solidifying HI-AIM’s reputation as a landmark conference in the hospitality industry.

I believe our preparations for COP28 started rather late. Early spadework would have given us ample time to engage every stakeholder, not just officials but also individuals from every corner of Nepal. Still, we have a golden opportunity to raise the concerns of our people on the global stage.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to shift our focus toward issues that have received less attention. For several years, we have been discussing similar topics without delving into less-highlighted concerns.

Another crucial aspect to note is that COP isn’t a platform to solicit funds or assistance. There isn’t anyone positioned to provide such aid. COP, in its full form, emphasizes this as well—it’s a conference of parties meant for discussing global climate issues.

It’s important to acknowledge that our efforts to address climate issues are commendable, yet there’s room for improvement. Current preps are praiseworthy, but we can certainly aspire to achieve more.

The author is an environmentalist