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Namo Buddha, deeply rooted in the ancient legend of Siddhartha Gautama’s past life more than 6,000 years ago, holds profound spiritual significance. It is revered as the sacred site where Prince Mahasattva, a previous incarnation of the Buddha, performed the ultimate act of compassion (Avayadan) by offering his own body to save a starving tigress and her cubs. This powerful story of self-sacrifice and unconditional compassion continues to inspire to this day. In modern times, it resonates strongly with ethical discussions around organ donation, medical altruism, and selfless service in healthcare, underscoring the enduring relevance of ancient values in contemporary contexts.

A visionary yet informal forum, comprising cultural thinker Biswo Ulak, spiritual leader Naresh Prasad Manandhar, and peace advocates such as Deva Sainju, Palden Lama, Subarna Shrestha, Rajaram Karmacharya, and others, came together to lay the foundation for what would later be known as the Global Cultural Peace Walk. The initiative emerged with the profound intent to rekindle the ancient spirit of selfless sacrifice (Avayadan) exemplified 6,000 years ago by Prince Mahasattva and to carry forward the timeless values of peace and compassion taught by Gautama Buddha 2,500 years ago. Collaborating with a grassroots movement, the team sought to revive age-old values through a one-day Global Cultural Peace Cycle Rally held in April 2017, from Swayambhu Mahachaitya to Namo Buddha Stupa, under the guidance of Venerable Tapssidhamma Bhikkhu, a respected monk based at Charumati Buddhist Bihar, a historic Theravāda monastery in Kathmandu.

Meanwhile, it was learned that Gautama Buddha had visited Hiranya Gandhaman Parbat, the site of the present-day Namo Buddha Temple, to pay homage at the burial site of Prince Mahasattva. During his pilgrimage to Swayambhu, it is believed that he may have traveled through Sree Gha, Thimi, Bhaktapur, Nala, Panchal (Panauti), and Itey before reaching the sacred site.

In the same year, 2017, the forum organized a three-day Global Cultural Peace Walk, carrying the symbolic Peace Lamp in honor of the International Day of Peace, observed from Sept 21st to 23rd. The walk followed a spiritually significant route, beginning at Swayambhu Mahastupa and continuing through Sri Gha, Thahity Baha, Jam Baha, Charumati Bihar, and Boudhanath Stupa, with an overnight stay at Nagadesh Bihar. On the second day, the journey continued through Muni Bihar, passed Shristikanta Lokeswor, and concluded with another overnight stay at Dhyanakuti Bihar. On the final day, the walk proceeded through Panauti and Itey, ultimately reaching the sacred destination of Namo Buddha.

This three-day walk continues to be held annually on the occasion of the International Day of Peace, from September 21st to 23rd, under rotating leadership. From 2019 to 2022, it was led by the Education Foundation for Buddhism, followed by Kavre Sewa Samaj in 2023. The World Forum for Buddhism has actively participated since its inception in 2017. In 2024, the walk was led by the World Forum for Buddhism under the new name Nepal Peace Walk, in collaboration with Halin Newa Guthi and Jyapu Mahaguthi, with technical support from Peace Tour International. That year saw strong international participation, including representatives from India, China, Thailand, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the United States. The first-day overnight venue was shifted from Nagadesh to Muni Bihar, Bhaktapur, to better accommodate international participants.

The upcoming 2025 edition is being jointly organized by the World Forum for Buddhism and Halin Newa Guthi, in collaboration with Jyapu Mahaguthi. It is scheduled for November 3rd to 5th, culminating at Namo Buddha Temple on the day commemorating the Bodhisattva’s enlightenment through Prince Mahasattva’s selfless act. This year, even greater international participation is anticipated, with participants from an increasing number of countries expected to join this meaningful journey for peace.

Given its deep spiritual legacy, Namo Buddha holds immense potential to be developed as a meaningful tourist and pilgrimage destination. With thoughtful planning, the site can serve as a global platform for education on compassion, non-violence, and peace, bridging ancient wisdom with modern humanitarian values. By connecting timeless stories with contemporary moral challenges, Namo Buddha can become not only a place of worship but also a living classroom for ethical reflection and intercultural dialogue through an inner peace engineering approach. Such initiatives can reinforce the peacebuilding missions of international organizations like the United Nations, while simultaneously promoting outdoor and spiritual tourism in partnership with Nepal’s tourism institutions.

There have been moments in my life that, when I look back, leave me with only questions—questions that still make me wonder why. I never joined journalism school out of passion; I had always wanted to pursue law. Yet today, when I hold my published book The Attempt in my hands, I see the fruition of my labor. I don’t wait for others to read or review it. I’m simply proud of having written, edited, designed, and published it all by myself. The journey wasn’t easy. I battled insomnia, often waking up in the middle of the night to jot down thoughts that surfaced in my restless mind. The process was intense, demanding immense dedication and devotion. Yet the most fulfilling part was the freedom from judgment, the feeling that I was in control of my own experiences and words, allowing my creativity to flow naturally.

Coming from a middle-class family, I see my writing themes and ideas reflecting my background. I understand what it means to throw yourself into uncertainty, to have nothing and still strive for something better. I consider myself fortunate that I can express myself, share my experiences, and keep learning and unlearning along the way. Perhaps this ignition would never have sparked without my time in journalism school. In the span of four and a half years, I was taught empathy above all and to be the voice of the voiceless. I learned about mass communication, media ethics, human rights sensitivity, media literacy, media laws, reporting, investigative writing, and the nuances of media trials, angles, and sources. The field is vast and pragmatic, and I don’t think anyone without such training can truly translate its depth.

However, when I look at the current state of media practice in Nepal, I see a contrasting picture. Dozens of media outlets are mushrooming and they are spreading false information. The media landscape has turned into a battleground of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. Today, anyone can show up and write anything about anyone. Being seen and heard has become easy, but to what purpose and to what extent?

As a literature graduate, I understand deeply what it means to express freely.. The Constitution of Nepal, in Article 17, enshrines the right to freedom. As human beings, our nature resists control, yet we must also recognize that freedom requires responsibility. In journalism, a reporter’s qualification isn’t only about how well they write, but also about their morality and motivation. Unfortunately, I rarely see such reflection in today’s newsrooms. Catchy headlines often outweigh the ABCs of reporting. Partisan news sells more than independent stories. Unregistered online media sometimes gain more public trust than mainstream outlets. It’s important to understand that not every good writer can be a reporter, and not every reporter can be a good writer. My heart burns when I read news written without an understanding of what a true “nose for news” means. Truth is not gossip. No one has the license to write about anyone or anything without consent or purpose.

Creative storytelling and journalistic storytelling are vastly different. Though often used interchangeably, both fields have distinct purposes and disciplines. As a graduate in English Literature and Journalism, I see this distinction more clearly than those who study only one. I say this with conviction, because journalism today has, for many, become an easy route to entrepreneurship, often without the necessary knowledge or practice. The result is that Nepali audiences are not being served, but misled. One of the most dangerous powers of media lies in how it sets narratives, how information is framed to shape illusions and manipulate public perception.

The 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is taking place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva under the theme “Shaping the future: Advancing economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development”, on ​​20-23 Oct 2025.

The conference, with Switzerland and the UNCTAD as the organizers, brings together heads of state and government, ministers for trade and economy, Nobel laureates, leaders of international organizations, civil society representatives and renowned experts to engage in a high-level dialogue on global trends and policy approaches in trade, investment, development and the digital economy.
In this context, it will be worthwhile to note: Development should not be a race where the poorest start last and lose first. 

With regard to our graduation from the grouping of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), "Nepal's graduation from LDC status—finally a ceremony where we lose rather than gain privileges!" is a common refrain. 

When it comes to climate finance, the stark reality is: We emit less than a Swiss cow, but we are still waiting for climate compensation. Perhaps we should speak out loudly at UNCTAD 16.

On the trade deficit, "Nepal's trade deficit is so loyal—it follows us everywhere, even to Geneva." 

On remittances, "Our biggest export is not carpets or pashminas—it is our youth. And they send back dollars, dreams and sometimes heartbreak."   

On Climate risk, “We are not asking for donations. We are asking for climate justice—while the mountains are melting and the rivers are boiling.” 

On trade equality, “Trade should be a bridge, not a barrier. For the least developed countries, it should carry dignity, not dependency.”

On Nepal’s transition, “Graduating from LDC status is not the end of risk—it is the beginning of both national and global responsibilities.”  

On global solidarity, “In a world fraught with multiple crises, the strength of the global economy lies in how it deals with its weakest links.” 

Established as a permanent intergovernmental body in 1964, the UNCTAD is the principal authority of the General Assembly in the field of trade and development.
Its objective is to promote trade and development, particularly in developing countries.
UNCTAD’s main goals are to enhance the capacity of developing countries in the areas of trade, investment and development, to assist them in overcoming the difficulties arising from globalization, and to integrate them equitably into the world economy. 

UNCTAD achieves these goals by conducting research and policy analysis, intergovernmental debates, with the support of technical assistance, cooperation with civil society and the business community. 

The objectives of UNCTAD in the field of competition are the analysis and improvement of international foundations of competition policy and legislation, harmonization of competition and trade policy, convergence of national competition standards with a multilaterally agreed set of common principles and rules on the control of UNCTAD-adopted restrictive business practices.

The participation of Belarus in the work of UNCTAD divisions related to the development of competition is of great importance, since without strengthening the role of competition policy as a means of regulating economic relations not only within countries, but also at the international level, it is impossible to increase economic efficiency, successfully develop international trade and improve the economic well-being of consumers of goods and services.

The main objectives of UNCTAD are to accelerate the economic growth rate of the developing world and reduce and eventually eliminate the trade gap between developed and developing countries.

Nepal at UNCTAD 16:

Nepal enters UNCTAD 16 with a clear agenda and an opportunity to secure its development path amidst global economic uncertainty, climate risks and changing trade priorities.

As an LDC on the cusp of graduation, Nepal seeks equitable trade, climate justice and inclusive growth.

Key concerns for Nepal:

LDC development risks:

Nepal is set to graduate from the grouping of LDCs and become a developing country, which could result in the loss of preferential trade access, concessional financing and technical assistance.

Tariff volatility:

Unregulated US tariff policies appear to have a positive impact on Nepal's exports, although they do not significantly affect them. There is no sign of a change in tariffs in Nepal.

More than seven lakh Nepalis migrated for work in 2023 and Nepal seeks global labor mobility frameworks that protect migrant rights and promote domestic job creation.

Trade deficit and informality:

Nepal’s trade deficit with the US and widespread informal employment highlight structural weaknesses in its economy.

Advantages/disadvantages: UNCTAD appears to have a strong grid strategic action plan aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. It has rich cultural exports (carpets, textiles, crafts) with global appeal. Active engagement with development partners and UN agencies can be strengths for Nepal. 

Weaknesses: High trade deficit and dependence on remittances, limited industrial base and low productivity, vulnerability to climate disasters and urban-rural disparities are some of our weaknesses. Still, UNCTAD can be leveraged to secure opportunities, climate finance and trade facilitation.

It is imperative for Nepal to promote sustainable tourism, renewable energy, green infrastructure, good governance and meet the expectations of GenZ.

Nepal’s voice in UNCTAD 16 must be bold, strategic and rooted in its lived realities. While emphasizing the priorities of the least developed countries for UNCTAD 16 and the theme of the conference, Nepal is taking part in UNCTAD 16 with a dual imperative: to support the rights and resilience of LDCs and to navigate its own transition from LDC status by 2026. The theme of the conference—“Transforming Trade and Development in an Era of Multi-Crisis”—resonates deeply with Nepal’s structural risks, climate risks and aspirations for inclusive development. UNCTAD 16, to be held in Geneva on 20-23 Oct 2025, focuses on how trade and development policies should evolve in the face of global crises such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, pandemic shocks and financial instability.
For LDCs like Nepal, this theme is not abstract—it reflects lived realities.
Multilateral crisis impact:

Nepal will continue to grapple with climate-induced disasters, supply chain disruptions and volatile remittance flows in the future.

Transformative trade:

Nepal seeks trade patterns that prioritize equity, sustainability and resilience over liberalization. 

Reimagined development:

The country advocates for development models that focus on human dignity, environmental stewardship and regional cooperation.

Nepal’s LDC status: 

Context and concerns
Nepal has been an LDC since 1971. It is scheduled to graduate in November 2026, along with Bangladesh and Laos. While graduation signals progress, it also raises concerns: graduation could end access to preferential trade tariffs, concessional loans, and targeted aid.
Nepal’s economy remains dependent on agriculture, remittances, and informal labor. Despite low emissions, Nepal is vulnerable to floods, landslides, and glacial melt.

Institutionalization of federalism is in progress, and service delivery is uneven.

Nepal’s strategic response:
Nepal has adopted a smooth transition strategy to prepare for upgradation with six pillars:

Macroeconomic stability:

• Strengthening fiscal discipline and monetary flexibility
• Diversifying exports
• Attracting sustainable foreign investment
• Promoting value-added sectors and digital innovation
• Investing in infrastructure, skills and entrepreneurship
• Building adaptive capacity and green infrastructure under climate and disaster risk management
• Ensuring equal access to education, health and justice under social inclusion
• Clarity on “grace periods” to maintain trade priorities and aid

Climate finance:

• Increased adaptation funds and loss-of-loss mechanisms
• Fair trade rules: Protection against tariff and non-tariff barriers
• Technology transfer: Access to digital tools and innovation for development 
• Labor mobility framework: Protection and remittance stability for migrant workers

Overall, Nepal’s voice in UNCTAD 16 is clear: development must be redefined in an era of multiple crises. Graduation from LDC status should not mean abandonment—​​it should be a bridge of resilience, equality and dignity. Nepal can be expected to call on the global community to honor its commitments and walk with LDCs toward a just future. 

While browsing the internet once, I stumbled upon a wild berry called Indian gooseberry (Amla in Nepali and Hindi and Amalaki in Sanskrit). I was swept off of my feet when I dug  deeper and found that the wild berry had bagged the status of the so-called internet-hyped superfood/superfruit, measuring up with others like quinoa, cocoa, cranberry, chia seeds, flax seeds, to name a few, with tall claims that they can make you "live longer and cure and prevent all kinds of diseases."  

There is more. As touted by the Internet, the miracle berry contains twice the amount of antioxidants as açaí berry, and you won't believe it: "A 100-gram serving of fresh amla berries contains as much vitamin C as 20 oranges." Incredible! It was time to dig deeper and investigate this miracle berry with a grain of salt. 

Indian gooseberry (binomial name: Emblica Officinalis or Phyllanthus emblica) is native to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and southern China. As those wild berries are sun-loving, they thrive in subtropical regions. The deciduous Indian gooseberry trees flourish up to 2000 ft above sea level. Formerly collected from the wild, Amla is extensively farmed today in India and Southeast Asia. Given its myriad health benefits, in recent years, gooseberry farming has also commenced in Nepal. Indian gooseberry, a slightly bitter-sour translucent fruit, is, in fact, a household name in Nepal and India. It is eaten fresh, in the form of dried powder dietary supplements, pickles, or the salivating sweet-tangy-spicy chutney—even candies loved by young girls! 

In India, people widely consume the seeds' pips for their high vitamin C content. The goodness and natural healing properties of the Indian gooseberry fruit have been passed down to us for generations, dating back to the days of yore. I still remember my grandma passing them around to us when we were young and explaining their therapeutic properties. This rich cultural heritage associated with Amla makes it more than just a superfood; it's a part of our tradition.

Inarguably one of the most significant ingredients used in traditional Indian medical science, Ayurveda, for millennia, has been revered as a powerful 'Rasayana' (elixir). Amla happens to be one of the vital ingredients in making Chyawanprash, an ayurvedic tonic jam in India. An integral component in Ayurveda, it is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine as a diuretic to relieve constipation, insomnia, and for scalp treatment, among other purposes.

Nutrients per Serving:

A half-cup serving of amla berries contains:

• Calories: 33
• Protein: Less than 1 gram
• Fat: Less than 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 8 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Sugar: 0 grams

Amla berries are rich in antioxidants, which reduce the risk of chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. 

Amla berries are also an excellent source of:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin A
• Iron
• Calcium

(Source: webmd.com)

Cardiovascular health

According to a WHO factsheet, cardiovascular diseases cause more deaths annually than any other ailment–17.9m, over 31 percent of all global deaths. In the USA alone, some 695,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year–that's 1 in every five deaths.

Indian gooseberries help reduce oxidative stress, nourish the heart muscles, and prevent plaque build-up in the arteries. They contain profuse antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and amino acids, and are rich in chromium and iron. Those berries may also lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, contributing to a lower risk of stroke and heart attack. 

"It is suggested that amala produces significant hypolipidemic effects along with a reduction in blood pressure. Addition of Amla to the currently available hypolipidemic therapy would offer significant protection against atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, with reduction in the dose and adverse effects of the hypolipidemic agents." (Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Diabetes

Another life-threatening disease that precedes CVDs (cardiovascular diseases) is diabetes; according to the WHO factsheet, about 422m people worldwide have diabetes, and it causes 1.6m deaths every year, with a high number of cases involving blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation.

Test results for Amla have been significantly promising for type II diabetics. Tests on humans suggest that a daily intake of three grams of dried amla powder lowers the fasting blood sugar level more effectively than the prescribed drug.

Clinical research supports the regular use of Amla in your diet. It stimulates the secretion of insulin hormones by stimulating the body cells. The fruit's high chromium content also controls carbohydrate metabolism and boosts the body's response to insulin. It helps curb erratic fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

The daily intake of Amla is also said to prevent complications such as diabetic neuropathy, a significant cause of nerve damage to the legs and feet.

Liver

One of our body's largest metabolically active organs, the liver, is burdened with heavy work. Some of its functions are producing bile that helps dispose of waste, building protein needed by the blood plasma, clearing the blood of drugs and harmful substances, and a host of other functions that keep our health in order.

The antioxidants, like Vitamin C, flavonoids, gallic acids, and tannins in Amla, safeguard the liver from a drug-induced hepatotoxicity complication and significantly purify the blood.

Cancer

Because of its high ORAC value and rich source of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, the Indian gooseberry or Amla plays a crucial role in "preventing DNA cell damage from free radicals and oxidative stress." As a result, it works in two ways: first, it helps slow down cancer growth, and second, it assuages the cancerous cells while retaining the healthy ones.

Others

Apart from the above, Amla has been clinically tested to have diuretic, laxative, antimicrobial, and therapeutic properties and is said to fight against:

• Pancreatitis
• Hair health/loss
• Age-related renal dysfunction
• Alzheimer's disease
• Anti-aging of DNA
• Eye problems
• Menstrual cramps
• Diarrhea and dysentery
• Piles

The ease of its availability and affordable price make Amla, or the Indian gooseberry, one of the best superfruits, nay, the 'miracle fruit' bargains. Now that you know how nutrient-dense Amla is, working it into your diet is no big deal–granted, you exercise moderation when incorporating it into your diet regimen. Its accessibility and cost-effectiveness make it a practical choice for anyone looking to boost their health. 

(Disclaimer: The views expressed are solely research-based and intended for informative and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and consult credible sources or a qualified healthcare professional for further verification.)