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Most of us know him as Bir Kaji aka B.K from the 2014 film Kabaddi starring Dayahang Rai, Nischal Basnet, and Rishma Gurung in leading roles. In 2015, he acted in Kabaddi Kabaddi, the sequel of Kabaddi, for which he was nominated for best actor in a comic role. His most recent film ‘Jaari’ became one of the highest-grossing Nepali films. Bijay Baral, who made his movie debut in 2013 with Chhadke, is known for his impeccable comic timing and his ability to emote through his expressions. In a conversation with Cilla Khatry of ApEx, Baral spoke about his love for acting, the things he has learned in his journey as an artist, and how being a sidekick works to his advantage. 

What do you think is the importance of stories in our society? 

Stories are important to change how people think and perceive things. Everyone has a story and every story will resonate with someone, somewhere. Every society has different forms of storytelling, be it theater, movies, literature, etc. In Nepal, I believe the most important form of storytelling is conversations that happen in public spaces, especially in rural areas. 

Sometimes, I go to Patan Durbar Squares and see elderly men and women engrossed in heated debates or whispered chats. Sharing your experience and emotions is the most impactful form of storytelling. Another great form of storytelling that makes people think and introspect is forum theater as it engages spectators to take the story forward and even change its course. 

How has Nepali cinema and theater evolved over the years? 

As someone who has spent 15 years in theater and 10 years in cinema, I believe Nepali theater and cinema both have a lot of potential. We are investing in good scripts and telling relevant stories. Nepal is rich in culture and language and that brings diversity to our narratives. Filmmakers like Nabin Subba, Deepak Rauniyar, Abinash Bikram Shah, and Min Bham are paving the way for global recognition. There is a lot of effort being put into making good cinema. 

Theater too has evolved given the limited infrastructure and resources. Many theater groups are doing amazing work. Mandala Theater recently sent 16 students, on a fully-funded program, to conduct theater classes, workshops, and stage shows all over Nepal. When Shabana Azmi was in Nepal, she was surprised to see how wonderfully theaters were operating in Nepal. We are doing the best we can with what we have. 

As an artist, how do you prepare for a role? Who is your role model? 

When I started, I didn’t understand acting. I thought I was acting in every role. I thought I was a good actor. But as time went by, you could say it gave me the maturity to understand what acting requires. Now, I focus on the character and try to understand it as much as I can through research and study. I want to comprehend the character’s psychology, emotions, traits, and behavior patterns before I start a role. 

As far as role models are concerned, I mostly take inspiration from Bollywood actors who do the kind of roles I do or with whom I seem to have physical similarities. The works of actors like Nana Patekar and Irfan Khan have taught me a lot. But I generally don’t like the idea of having a role model and aspiring to be like someone because that way you lose your unique identity. You become a replica of someone else.

What has been the biggest challenge for you as an actor and how have you overcome it?

I’m not well-versed in different cultures and that limits the kind of characters and roles I can take up. Sometimes, my personality also poses a challenge. For instance, in Dimag Kharab I took on an aggressive role. Not only was it different from the kind of fun-loving characters I usually portray, but it was also the opposite of how I am in real life. So, I had to work hard to be believable. The only way to overcome challenges in acting, I believe, is by not taking yourself too seriously as an actor. I try to be a director’s actor when I’m shooting for a film because cinema is a director’s vision. 

What are some of the lessons you have learned in your journey? What do you consider to be your valuable skills? 

The most valuable lesson I have learned is not to be overconfident and overambitious. While confidence and ambitions are nice, too much of either, I believe, will lead to your downfall. It will make you narcissistic and you will lose the ability to think critically. I have learned that as an actor you must be ready to work hard but you mustn’t have a lot of expectations on how the audience will perceive you or your work. All you can do is be honest and true to yourself and your craft. 

I’m someone who likes to talk. I enjoy talking to people. This makes me approachable and, if I might say so myself, likable to a certain extent. Professionally, I think it works in my favor and I consider it an asset. On a personal level, I’m not sure my wife appreciates it very much. She fears I will say random things and offend people (laughs).

Talent or training, which of these two factors is more important to be an actor?

Training prepares you. It gives you the confidence to get on stage or in front of the camera. Back in my village, before I got into acting, I would do caricature. I had a flair for it. But my talent would not have gotten me this far if I hadn’t undergone several acting workshops and courses after I came to Kathmandu. Training gives you the techniques required to become a good actor. Acting is reacting and, for that, you need to observe what’s going on, be emotionally ready to respond, and do that in character. Training teaches you all that and more. Training will also help you transition from one character to another with ease. 

How do you react to criticism? 

I’m human so when someone criticizes my work, especially when I’ve worked hard for a role, I get hurt and a little offended. A little part of me gets angry even though I don’t show it. But I realize feedback is necessary if I want to grow as an actor. I’m generally not the main character in a play or a movie. So, I’m usually not targeted by trolls or receive hateful comments. But there have been times when people haven’t appreciated my work and have told me never to do certain roles again. I’ve taken it in my stride. Comments, both good and bad, can be motivational. I try to channel them into good energy that I will then pour into my next project. 

Do you enjoy reading? 

I prefer reading short stories to long novels. They cater to my imagination. I find I can conjure up images clearly in my head when I’m reading a short story rather than when I’m reading longer fiction. Honestly, I read more scripts than books, and script reading takes time and dedication. But I love Upendra Subba’s poetry and constantly find myself picking up his works. But I must admit that I’m a bit lazy and that I could and should read more.

What projects are you working on next? 

I can’t say for sure which movies I will be a part of but I’m reading a lot of scripts and trying to decide which projects to take on. I have been fortunate enough to have a lot of movie offers come my way. It gives me the boost I need to keep working. One thing I’m trying to do more of this year is theater. We will soon be going to the National School of Drama in New Delhi, India, with a play that’s being directed by Bijay Karki. I’ll also be involved in quite a few plays being produced by Mandala Theater because I want to hone my acting skills and theater is the best way to do that.

Asiatic Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus), which is known with different names such as Dhole, Pack hunter and Whistling hunters,  is a non-charismatic mammal from the canidae family (a family of dogs).The population of Dhole is imperiled throughout its range primarily due to anthropogenic influences, earning it a place in the IUCN Red List, but it is yet to get due attention from concerned stakeholders, pushing it further toward extinction.

Like other members of the Canidae family, these dogs prefer communal living, living and hunting in a group. These group hunting characteristics make them efficient hunters. Studies have shown that a pack of Dhole can hunt prey species nearly 10 times their size. Ungulates predominate the diet of the Dhole but, in some instances, they can hunt other animals, including the calf of elephants, as well. Furthermore, the species can live from the tropical to the alpine climate at altitudes ranging from the sea level to 5,300m. These two characteristics are sufficient to know that Dhole are highly adaptable species.  Despite this high adaptability, the global population of the Dhole is reported to be following the declining population trajectory with the current estimate of population to range between 949 and 2215 individuals.

According to an IUCN assessment, habitat destruction due to urbanization and housing; agricultural and aquaculture expansion; depletion of prey species due to illegal hunting and other anthropogenic activities; habitat degradation due to invasive species; transmittance of diseases by the feral dogs are major threats to the species. Besides, retaliatory killings have been reported from Bardia National Park and Kanchanjunga Conservation Area of Nepal.

At present, the presence of Dhole have been confirmed from 11 countries of the world while they have been extirpated from nine countries, including Afghanistan, Russia Federation, South Korea and Singapore. Besides, the presence of the species in North Korea and Pakistan are uncertain while they are supposed to be extinct from Vietnam as well.

Status in Nepal

In Nepal, the estimated population of Dhole is nearly 100, covering a wide range of habitats from tropical to alpine, their presences have been confirmed from very few locations in recent times. This includes Kanchanjunga Conservation Area and Tinjure Milke Jaljale area of Eastern Nepal, Parsa National Park and Chitwan National Park of Central Nepal and Annapurna Conservation Area, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and Bardia National Park of Western Nepal.

Additionally, there are some documents proclaiming the presence of Dhole from other areas as well. Forest Resource Assessment, 2000 mentions the presence of Dhole in Langtang National Park and DNPWC states that Dhole can be found in Khaptad National Park as well. This information needs further verification. Global Biodiversity Information Facility, which maintains the global database of species occurrence, contains a single occurrence data of Dhole from Nepal, representing the specimen collected from Nuwakot district and kept at the Field Museum of Natural History (Zoology) Mammal Collection. These indicate that Dhole occupies a wide range of habitats in Nepal as well ranging from lowland to high Himalayan region.

Most of these records of Dhole are based on anecdotal records. Discovery/rediscovery of Dhole in both Bardia National Park and Chitwan National Park were made primarily through the camera trap placed for tigers while the records in case of Parsa National Park also predominates the records based on accidental encounters. The efficiency of hunting by Dhole implies that they are an essential component of the ecosystem which can regulate trophic level dynamics. But stakeholders, including researchers and conservationists, are yet to acknowledge the importance of this species. NPWC Act is a glaring example of this: While it gives special protection to the leopard contrary to the IUCN Red List, the Act fails to recognize Dhole as an endangered species.

As their population status suggests, these dogs are more threatened than tigers in Nepal or elsewhere. Despite this, conservation intervention targeting Dhole is unheard of. This is primarily because of the lack of information about Dhole and lack of advocacy. As the studies focusing on the Dhole are limited in number and scope in Nepal, we are yet to understand the ecology of these neglected canids. 

Way forward

Investment on conservation intervention without comprehensive understanding of the ecology brings significant change. Thus, research on the population status and dynamics throughout their distribution range in Nepal is highly essential. But, as the species is a non-charismatic one, the potentiality to receive attention from the international donor agency is limited. So, the government should invest and encourage the ecological study of this species. Also, regulation and control of feral dogs and enhancement of habitat and prey condition throughout their range are vital. Otherwise, these top predators living on the brink of extinction will disappear from their habitats soon.

The author is Assistant Professor at the Department of Environmental Science, Padma Kanya Multiple Campus

During Indian Minister for External Affair S Jaishankar’s Nepal visit last week, Nepal and India signed an agreement on implementing High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) with new terms and an increased amount of grants. The two countries increased the fund size for the projects to Rs 200m. The fund size was previously capped at a maximum of Rs 50m per project.

Some political leaders have expressed displeasure over the deal, saying it goes against Nepal’s national interests. What does this agreement really mean for Nepal and is there any truth to what the critics are saying? Let’s find out.

What are small development projects ?

In the 2000s, India revisited its development projects mainly in the neighborhood. Indian policymakers realized the importance of community-driven development projects, so that they could be completed within the stipulated time frame. As a pilot project in South Asia, India first launched the projects in Nepal under the name of Small Development Projects (SDPs) which gradually expanded over time. The core concept of this program was ensuring a triangular partnership between communities, local governments and the Embassy of India in Kathmandu supporting small development projects. According to a study carried out by the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), a New Delhi-based think tank, the idea is to link development projects with community and with local development efforts, and at the same time, ensure the role for local agencies. According to RIS, this program has evolved over the years and is now being extended by India in other neighboring countries like Afghanistan, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. The focus areas of the program are education, health, and cultural heritage, among others. In 2003, then Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa agreed to implement such projects in Nepal. 

What are HICDPs? 

This is a continuation of the  SDPs initiated in 2003 and it is an important portfolio of development partnership. According to the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, these grassroots projects have been implemented in the priority sector of Nepal, such as hospitals, schools, colleges, drinking water facilities, sanitation, hydropower plant and embankment and river training works. According to a research conducted by the Center for Social Inclusion and Federalism, prior to Nepal’s transition to federalism, the district development committees used to send applications to the respective ministries, such as education and health, for aid. Those ministries would then forward the applications to the Finance Ministry. But in 2020, Nepal and India agreed to a new provision. According to Nepal government’s decision of 30th September 2020, to receive aid under the Indian Embassy’s SDPs, organizations are first required to submit a proposal to the respective local body, either municipality or rural municipality. 

How many projects have been completed so far? 

Since 2003, over 544 HICDPs have been undertaken by India. Of them, 480 projects have been completed and the remaining 59 projects are still ongoing. After Nepal adopted federalism structure with the promulgation of the 2015 constitution, Nepal and India worked on how to implement the projects. Province-wise, 84 projects have been completed in Koshi, 81 projects in Madhes, 105 in Bagmati, 61 in Gandaki, 60 projects in Lumbini, 14 in Karnlai and 41 in Sudurpaschim. 

Which other South Asian countries have implemented HICDPs? 

Other South Asian countries to implement HICDPs are Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan. In 2023, India doubled its high-impact community development projects in Bangladesh. The two countries had signed the initial agreement in 2005. In Bhutan, 392 projects have been completed under the program. India and Bhutan have formed a separate committee to implement HICDPs and they review the projects on a periodic basis. Similarly, India and Afghanistan expanded these projects in 2019. 

How are projects selected? 

The Ministry of Finance has stated that funding requests from local units are first filtered by the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development (MoFALD). The Finance Ministry receives project recommendations from the MoFALD, shortlists the projects on priority basis and requests the Indian government for funding. The respective rural municipality and municipality must also contribute counterpart funds of five percent and 10 percent, respectively. This provision, however, can be relaxed under special circumstances.

What is the application process for HICDPs ? 

According to the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, to apply for HICDP funds, there is a specific format that must be followed along with submission of necessary documents, duly attested by the Nepal government agencies. The concerned local government must submit the proposal by disclosing project title, location, budget requirements and local government’s contribution, among others. 

Where are the projects implemented ? 

The CESIF research says, one could expect a higher concentration of project grants in the Tarai region bordering India. However, analysis shows India’s grants are relatively more concentrated in the northern districts bordering China than in the southern districts. Since 2019, India has funded in total 23 projects—18 education related, two health related, and three small infrastructure projects—in 26 districts bordering India, the research says. In the same period, India has funded 48 projects—23 education related, 18 health and sanitation related, two culture related and five small-scale infrastructure projects—in 15 northern districts bordering the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. 

What do the critics say about HICDP? 

Critics argue that HICDP grants India the opportunity for micromanagement, enabling the Indian Embassy to engage with local stakeholders. Political leaders are divided on the program. Senior leader of CPN (Unified Socialist) and former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal has vehemently opposed the decision to renew HICDP. He said that obtaining funds from foreign embassies for projects in Nepal is detrimental to the national interests of Nepal. “This goes against our independence and sovereignty. This is against our national interests,” Khanal told the media recently. CPN-UML leader Raghuji Panta also said that the agreement is against national interests. Speaking at the Parliamentary Committee for State Affairs and Good Governance, he warned that the HICDPs could lead to political meddling. He has also made a written request to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to reconsider the agreement, terming it a foreign interference in Nepal’s internal affairs.

What do the defenders say? 

Nepali Congress leader Bimalendra Nidhi has welcomed the agreement. He dismissed the claims that the projects are chosen solely at the discretion of the Indian Embassy. “The involvement and approval of the concerned ministries are a must to select the projects,” he said. “Various leaders and activists have already been soliciting development funds for their areas from Indian ambassadors and officials. Their opposition to the agreement now reveals their dual character.”

Indira IVF, recognized as India’s leading and reliable chain of IVF hospitals, manages a network of more than 120 specialized clinics across India. They have recently inaugurated their first international branch in Kathmandu, featuring advanced technology and skilled medical professionals. They aim to provide world-class facilities so that people in Nepal don’t have to travel abroad for fertility services. This initiative not only helps fulfill Nepalis’ parenthood aspirations but also aims to create opportunities and enhance skill development in Nepal.

Dr. Neha Homagain, 38, is a gynecologist, infertility expert and laparoscopic surgeon. She is currently the Center Head and Chief Fertility Specialist at Indira IVF based in Nepal. She is also among the few fertility experts recognized by the Nepal Medical Council. She trained at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York in the US, specializing in gynae oncology. Babita Shrestha from ApEx spoke to Homagain about her experience and roles at Indira IVF.

 How has global exposure enhanced your expertise in reproductive healthcare?

The training I had in gynae oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York was impactful. I was not only impressed by all the facilities but also realized the significant gap between oncology and fertility. It was an eye-opener to witness patient management, care standards, and the international level of healthcare provided there. Moreover, I saw the potential for medical tourism. Memorial Sloan Kettering is known for its advanced and top-notch medical facilities and I consider myself fortunate to have had that experience.

 What distinguishes Indira IVF’s approach and success?

At Indira IVF, we have world-class facilities that set the bar high. The reason for our extensive reach, with over 120 centers in India, is the top-notch approach and impressive success rate which stands at 75-80 percent. It’s because of their precision in everything from history-taking to ultrasonography and their cutting-edge labs. This IVF facility boasts the world’s best technology, like a ‘closed working chamber’ for egg fertilization. The eggs are fertilized in a closed chamber that replicates the human body conditions like temperature, carbon dioxide, pH, and oxygen, resulting in higher embryo and pregnancy quality. It’s remarkable.

 Also to prevent mix-up in egg and sperm handling, Indira IVF has combined technology and science by introducing the Risk Identification (RI) system. This system triggers an alarm if it detects any mismatched samples. This ensures that errors are practically non-existent. Another interesting aspect is the use of Artificial Intelligence. Our eyes can miss tiny details but, with AI, specialists at Indira IVF can pinpoint the best embryos and grade them, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

 What latest scientific breakthroughs and advancements in Assisted Reproductive Technology are in use at the Indira IVF?

Indira IVF is ahead in IVF technology. They’ve got the best services, experienced embryologists, and a big research team constantly rolling out the latest technology like the Closed Working Chamber, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection  (ICSI), and Day Five embryo blast transfer. Speaking of embryos, there are two types, Day Three and Day Five and Indira IVF goes for Day Five due to its high success rate. They even use Laser Assisted Hatching, making tiny drills in the outer cells so that when the embryo is implanted, it can easily break out and attach to the uterus. Indira IVF is all about quality injections and has a 24/7 monitoring system.

 At Indira IVF, to address issues like a low egg count, egg problems, irregular ovulation, or instances where natural pregnancy is unlikely, we employ ICSI, a more advanced version of IVF. While IVF involves placing one egg amidst many sperm for self-fertilization, ICSI takes it up by injecting a single sperm directly into one egg. This technique is particularly beneficial in cases of male infertility with a low sperm count, enabling men to have their genetic offspring.

 In what ways does Indira IVF contribute to facilitating skill development in Nepal?

Through Indira Fertility Academic, a well-known fertility training center, over 400 embryologists have received training in India. For Nepal, this means that doctors or neurologists can undergo training at Indira IVF and return to contribute their expertise, bridging the manpower gap in the field in their country. 

How does Indira IVF make services accessible to a wide range of people?

Our price list is set to be inclusive, welcoming everyone from different economic backgrounds whether low-income or middle-class. Our services are not just affordable but also rooted in research, making them accessible to a wide range of people. And for those with lower incomes who might struggle with the costs, we offer discounts on various facilities.

What can be done if a couple has issues in conceiving?

If a couple, despite having unprotected sex, faces difficulty in conceiving, it’s important to acknowledge it as a potential infertility issue. The crucial first step is to consult a doctor because fertility issues can be complex and affect both partners. Seeking early medical advice can allow for simpler treatments, addressing hormonal imbalances or egg-related problems but delaying consultation might result in missed opportunities. 

In today’s context, modern technology provides empowerment, offering options like egg freezing. Since biological clocks and career plans aren’t always in sync, as a specialist, I recommend you freeze those eggs and sperm. When the time is right and you are with your partner of choice, you’re good to go for making healthy babies. Quality tends to drop with age, so it’s about being a step ahead.