Submit your Article

“If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all”—this is one of my mother’s favorite quotes and she tries really hard to live by it. I, on the other hand, always thought being nice was overrated, that it put you at a disadvantage by making you vulnerable to people’s various antics. 

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Nigerian writer famous for her novel ‘Purple Hibiscus’, in a talk says being nice means always wanting to be liked. It means silencing inconvenient truths, choosing always to be comfortable, and letting go of courage. It means talking about peace but not about justice. The more I think about it, the more it rings true. Nice people don’t like to rock the boat. They don’t speak up because they don’t want to be seen as ‘difficult’ or go against other’s opinions. Nice people live in cocoons they have created for themselves. 

I sometimes think my mother suffers because of her ‘niceness’. She doesn’t like conflicts and getting into arguments so she will often stay quiet when she doesn’t agree with people. But she will be haunted by what so and so said during dinner or what her sister did during a trip for many days after the incident. She often gets taken for granted by relatives and friends because she is ‘a nice person’ who will do as they want without considering her own needs. 

Having grown up sensing and seeing a pattern where my parent’s niceness empowered those around them in all the wrong ways, I have been petrified of being nice and coming across as someone who will go with the flow without letting my needs and preferences come in people’s way. I always speak my mind and tailor my responses according to what’s coming my way. I’m definitely not the one to ‘let things go’ when people inevitably say weird or hurtful things. I would rather have said things out loud than kept them in. It’s been my guiding mantra in life. 

But recently, I’ve started thinking that I must not confuse being nice with being kind and that these two things are entirely different things and mutually exclusive too. You don’t have to be nice but you must always be kind. By that I mean your intentions should be in the right place. Must I hurt someone to get my point across even when the other person isn’t being reasonable or particularly ‘nice’? Can’t I say the same thing in a softer tone rather than using harsh words? And can’t I always choose to look at the positive side of things instead of pointing out the negatives in any given situation? 

Everyone learns from experience and I had to go through an anxious phase to introspect and come to the conclusion that it’s always best to say something positive and be kind rather freely speak your mind just because you can or because you want to give an aura of someone who is strong, bold, and courageous. 

I have a relative (she’s the wife of a cousin I’m super close to) who never has anything nice or positive to say. Even when I am feeling good and confident about things, the things she says (masked as concern) will sow doubt in my mind. In all the years I’ve known her, I’ve never heard her say anything remotely nice to people. She doesn’t compliment anyone. She doesn’t reassure those who are worried. She is quick to point out what’s wrong and why and how things could get worse during any kind of family discussion. And her words are often final. Any reasoning is met with further explanations on why it is wrong. 

I would always give her the benefit of doubt whenever other relatives complained about her. I thought it was my moral duty towards my cousin whom I’ve grown up with. You don’t speak ill about the wife when you are close to her husband and you value the relationship. But in the past few months I have come to understand what people mean and why many have chosen to stay away from her. 

I have been going through a health issue and despite recovering really well, I’ve been anxious about blood tests and ultrasounds. I’m generally not someone who worries a lot and my intuition is quite strong. But by constantly telling me what could go wrong and sharing horror stories she’s heard, she made my recovery journey an ordeal. Despite feeling well and knowing in my heart that everything is fine, I have put off simple tests and woken up at night drenched in sweat because of nightmares where everything bad she’s warned me about had come true. 

At one point, she had me convinced that I had diabetes or would develop complications from the same because ‘a friend of hers whose case was similar to mine had had diabetes too’. Even when I told her that there weren’t any symptoms of it, she maintained that it was only a matter of time. I had laughed it off initially and even wondered how someone could be so negative but I didn’t realize the impact her words would have on me on a subconscious level till I put off a crucial test for almost a month. When the results of the test came back normal, I berated myself for having stressed about it for so long. 

This was when I realized the impact your words have on others, which is why you should choose them with care. Why would you want to be the reason for someone’s anguish? Niceness and kindness are two entirely different things and while it’s okay to not be a nice person, it’s important to be a kind person because it’s more about who you are than what others think of you. 

Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has formally returned to active politics, rejoining her old party, CPN-UML. After 10 years of party politics and seven years as Nepal’s ceremonial head of state, her comeback naturally raises questions: What role will she now play? Will her political approach evolve, or will she repeat her old style? While debates continue, her return deserves a simple acknowledgment: Welcome back to CPN-UML politics, Mrs Bhandari.

Legally and constitutionally, her return poses no barrier. Though some argue that a former ceremonial head of state should avoid re-entering active party politics, this is a moral debate, not a legal one. In today’s realist political environment, morality and principle seldom define political choices. Ultimately, the decision is hers, based on her confidence that she can still serve the nation.

This article, however, centers on the leadership of CPN-UML itself, especially KP Sharma Oli’s continued role. Is this the right moment to challenge Oli’s leadership? The answer is clear: No.

Still relevant and strong

As both Prime Minister and president of CPN-UML, KP Sharma Oli continues to lead effectively, directing internal and external challenges. Leadership must always be judged relatively. In comparison to other leaders, Oli remains Nepal’s most competent prime minister in recent times. His past tenure lists achievements crucial to national development and foreign policy.

Oli’s leadership is defined by rationality and conviction. He does not bend to populist trends or social media pressures. His decisions are grounded in logic, reason and what he perceives as the national interest. While populism tempts many leaders, Oli has largely resisted that path.

Importantly, he has defended Nepal’s national interests consistently, whether dealing with territorial disputes or resisting external influence. His governance style prioritizes sovereignty and independence. Even as foreign powers and domestic rivals target him, Oli stands firm. Weakening his leadership now would not only fragment the party but also undermine Nepal’s assertiveness on the global stage.

At a time when divisive forces seek to destabilize both the government and the party, CPN-UML leaders and cadres must stand united. Criticizing Oli for the sake of internal power struggles will harm the party more than it benefits anyone individually.

Strengthen the party

The Statute Convention of CPN-UML, scheduled for September 5-7 in Godavari, comes at a critical time. According to party rules, the General Congress must convene within a year of this convention. Therefore, this is not the time for leadership contests. Instead, the party’s focus should remain on strengthening internal structures, refining policies and fostering discipline.

Party politics is not about personal ambitions; it is about collective organization. The stronger CPN-UML becomes, the more its members benefit politically. Internal conflicts only weaken the party. This is evident in the example of Madhav Kumar Nepal. His breakaway Unified Socialist Party now faces marginalization and existential challenges. His past defiance against Oli earned short-term attention, but long-term irrelevance.

The priority for CPN-UML members should be clear: focus on making the party a decisive force in national politics. Strengthening the party as an institution will naturally open leadership opportunities for capable individuals over time.

Leadership pipeline

While Oli remains the party’s central figure today, the question of succession is valid. Fortunately, CPN-UML has no shortage of future leaders. Figures like Shankar Pokhrel, Bishnu Poudel, Pradeep Gyawali, PS Gurung and Yogesh Bhattarai represent the next generation of leadership. Each brings unique strengths and perspectives, ready to lead when the time comes.

However, succession planning must be strategic, not opportunistic. Oli might serve one more term, using that time to mentor and prepare younger leaders. If Bidya Devi Bhandari’s return strengthens the party, it should be seen as a unifying development, not the beginning of a rivalry. Oli and Bhandari are unlikely to compete against each other for leadership positions; rather, they could jointly support second- and third-generation leaders when conditions demand.

Leadership transitions should emerge from consensus and institutional processes, not factional contests.

In the current context, targeting Oli weakens both the party and Nepal’s political stability. Undermining him serves only adversarial interests, both domestic and foreign. Constructive criticism within the party is essential, but it should be grounded in facts, strategy and long-term goals.

Ultimately, while Oli will not lead forever, it is neither the right time nor the right approach to force leadership change rashly. His rational, nationally focused leadership remains essential in steering both the party and the government.

In conclusion, the future will depend on how wisely the party cultivates its emerging leadership. The CPN-UML’s immediate task is clear: consolidate around its current leadership, strengthen party structures and prepare a new generation of leaders through unity and discipline—not internal fragmentation.

Criticizing Oli without strategic reason weakens the party and empowers adversaries. As long as Oli prioritizes national interests and rational governance, he deserves the party’s support—not unnecessary challenges.

For now, the question is not who will replace Oli, but how the party can become stronger under his leadership, ensuring a smooth and wise transition when the time is truly right.

In a world where technology and social media dominate nearly every aspect of life, it is crucial to recognize both their benefits and limitations. People of all age groups use digital platforms for various purposes, but this adoption also comes with challenges, particularly in parenting.

Rama Poudel from Kathmandu shared how digital technology has impacted parenting styles. Poudel said, “Children have access to smartphones and the internet at an early age, so we parents should learn how to monitor what they are doing.”

According to DataReportal, Nepal had 39m mobile connections in early 2025. While some of these connections only include services like SMS and voice calls, this figure indicates that mobile devices have become widespread, and it is likely that many children have access to a phone.

When asked about his daily screen time, an eighth grader said, “I sometimes use my phone for three to four hours a day.” His response underscores the growing responsibility that parents have in safeguarding their children’s well-being.

According to UNESCO, excessive use of mobile phones can negatively impact learning. Beyond academics, prolonged screen time also affects the overall holistic development of a child. 

Sunika Joshi, mental health expert, noted that while technology is advancing rapidly, public awareness of its harm remains limited. “There’s a huge gap between the users' knowledge and effective ways to mitigate the impact of technology,” she said.  ”It is essential to understand its pros and cons of technology.”

Sima Karki, a school counsellor, has observed a noticeable change in students’ behaviour. “They can’t focus on a specific topic for a long time as they have the frequent habit of watching short videos,” she said. “I think this is an alarming trend that could disrupt children’s ability to concentrate.”

Digital device use among kids also impacts their physical and mental health. Joshi said that children who spend excessive time on electronic gadgets face several challenges, such as irritability, behavioural problems, lack of concentration, memory issues, and social difficulties. “Children learn through human interaction and observation, but when confined to information from mobile devices, they miss out on vital face-to-face experiences,” she said.

According to a study published in The Lancet Global Health by researchers from the World Health Organization and academic partners, nearly one-third (31 percent) of adults worldwide, approximately 1.8bn people, did not meet the recommended levels of physical activity in 2022. The figure has increased by around 5 percentage points between 2010 and 2022.

This result shows that due to a lack of physical activity, many people are at risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke. The highest rates of physical inactivity were observed in the Asia Pacific region, followed by South Asia.

Similarly, these patterns also affect children, many of whom spend more time on phones and less time being physically active. Joshi warned that a sedentary routine can lead to anxiety and depression.

“Children should be outdoors playing,” she said. “But trapped behind the screen, they are likely to experience several health and mental issues.”

Understanding this phenomenon of digital dependence and use, some parents have tried to adopt a healthier practice for their children. Kripa Rai, a parent from Kathmandu, said she tries to spend time with her eight-year-old son, helping him with his homework, and involve him in minor household activities.

“It is a way to limit his screen time and engage him in activities that help him learn practical skills,” said Rai. “This has also helped strengthen our relationship.” 

According to UNICEF, children can learn best when they feel safe and nurtured. So, a proper and supportive connection is pivotal for a child’s brain development and confidence building.

Joshi said mobile phones often serve as a conduit to escape reality for children facing family conflict. “Their favourite hobby should be discovered beyond the screen,” she advised. “Parents must be accountable for their children’s welfare and seek solutions.”

Parents should gradually introduce limits—such as setting thirty minutes of phone use and encouraging an hour of reading—to build their children’s discipline. Physical activity remains equally important. At home, children can engage in stretching or simple exercise movement activities, as the body needs to stay fit and calm.

It is the parents who have the vital role in guiding how their children spend their time, especially in an age dominated by technology. The guidance they provide can serve as a model for cultivating healthy habits. By modelling healthy habits, nurturing relationships, and encouraging activities like journaling, art, craft, painting, and creative works, parents can help children thrive in a world that is both digital and real. 

“Social media life and social life must be kept  separate, and maintaining a balanced relationship between them is most essential,” said Joshi.

The KP Sharma Oli-led government has completed one year in office, delivering a mixed record on its promises. Two major parties came together pledging to ensure political stability, especially after the CPN (Maoist Center), the third-largest party, had repeatedly shifted alliances—often playing the Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML against each other.

One notable outcome over the past year is a degree of government stability, if not full political stability. The current NC-UML coalition appears relatively stable and is unlikely to collapse in the near future, though questions about its longevity persist.

Despite the coalition’s stability, the government has failed to curb the frequent transfers of high-level bureaucrats, which has severely disrupted the functioning of government agencies. At the provincial level, however, there is now more stability, ending the earlier pattern of frequent changes in chief ministers and governors.

When the coalition was formed, both parties had agreed to amend the constitution. However, there has been no progress on that front, drawing criticism from opposition parties and the general public. The parties seem uncertain whether to first assess the constitution’s implementation or proceed directly with amendments. “The slow progress clearly shows that NC and UML raised the amendment issue without a well-thought-out plan,” says political analyst Chandra Dev Bhatta. “It’s a complex issue that requires delicate handling.”

While the NC and Madhes-based parties have discussed constitutional amendment internally, there has been no broader cross-party effort. Parties remain deeply divided on the matter, with each inclined to revive their core agendas from the constitution-drafting process.

The 2015 constitution was a compromise among parties with competing priorities. Reviving the amendment issue risks hardening those old positions, making any changes unlikely. Prime Minister Oli himself has repeatedly said that constitutional amendments are unlikely before 2027. Within the NC, the faction led by senior leader Shekhar Koirala has criticized the government for its inaction on this front.

On the economic front, there have been signs of modest recovery. To recommend reform measures, the government formed a high-level panel led by Rameshwor Khanal, which has already submitted its report. It remains to be seen how the government will act on its recommendations.

Though the economy underperformed over the past year, some recovery has been observed. According to the Asian Development Bank, Nepal’s economy is expected to grow by 4.4 percent in the current fiscal year, up from an estimated 3.9 percent in FY 2023/24. Consumer inflation has also declined to 2.72 percent, down from four percent last year.

However, with just days left in the 2024/25 fiscal year, more than half of the development budget remains unspent. According to the Financial Comptroller General Office (FCGO), only 46.59 percent of the capital budget had been utilized as of July. Of the Rs 352.35bn allocated, just Rs 164.15bn has been spent.

On the external front, Prime Minister Oli paid an official visit to China, where he signed a long-pending framework agreement. While this caused some unease within the Nepali Congress, it has not led to significant rifts between the coalition partners. Projects selected under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework have yet to show any real progress. The Prime Minister has also made other bilateral visits, and preparations are underway for his upcoming visit to India, which is expected to take place soon.