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Born in the Syangja district in 1977, Dipak Thapa belonged to a modest household. As the youngest of 13 siblings, Thapa wore oversized clothes, embraced the outdoors, and spent hours playing marbles and other imaginative games with his friends.

Thapa wasn’t particularly academically inclined. He got enrolled in the SOS Children’s Village, an institution designed for orphan children but also open to those from families with stable incomes. In grade seven, a question paper leak led him and his friends to tear up their certificates and leave the school in defiance. He was forbidden from coming back.

Thapa found himself drawn to dance. His elder sister and sister-in-law performed cultural dances at Lakeside, Pokhara, and they often took him along. By grade seven, he was dancing at two local hotels, earning a modest salary of Rs 700. Over time, he blended dance with comedy, creating a fusion of entertainment that made him stand out.

Comedy became his second language. He connected with various individuals in the entertainment world, and he was particularly influenced by Sandeep Chhetri. He began to craft his own unique blend of comedy, mixing it with cultural dance in a way that resonated with the audience. His performances brought a fresh, engaging twist to traditional humor.

However, Thapa’s journey was not without its dark moments. For 15 years, he struggled with addiction. His descent into substance abuse began with a friendship that introduced him to brown sugar, a drug he knew was dangerous but failed to resist. He remembers hiding his addiction from his family and friends, sneaking away to friends’ houses or hotel rooms to feed his habit. 

Thapa traveled to Hong Kong for six months, where his addiction continued to weigh on him. His battle with addiction lasted 15 years before he finally broke free. He went to a hotel and requested the staff to lock him in his room for four days.

In a bold move of self-expression, Thapa recently went on the popular show Roadies to publicly share his story of addiction. By doing so, he not only broke the silence around his personal struggles but also marked a significant turning point in his life. 

Thapa’s journey took an unexpected turn when he filled out an audition form for Roadies. “I learned that confidence is the key to achieving anything,” he says. “It doesn’t matter how strong or intelligent you are — without confidence, success will always be out of reach.” This realization, he says, came during his time on Roadies, a platform that tested not only his physical strength but also his belief in himself. 

Thapa has strong views on the evolution of comedy dance in the country. He feels that today’s performances often focus too heavily on the comedy aspect, at the expense of the dance itself. “In today’s comedy dance, I don’t really see much dance,” he says. “They tend to focus more on comedy. But what’s needed is both — comedy and dance. It’s only when the two come together seamlessly that you truly have a comedy dance.” 

His breakthrough moment came with the popular song ‘Ye Baa Kinideu Na Bhatbhate’. Fans would often say his dance had a magical quality that made everyone laugh, and indeed, magic had always fascinated him.

His love for magic was born in his childhood, but it wasn’t until he began to feel that his dancing days might be numbered as he grew older that he decided to explore it more seriously. He reached out to one of the well-known magicians of the time, Balram Sarkar, asking him to teach him the craft. To his surprise, Sarkar agreed and invited him to his home to learn. 

The first lesson, Thapa recalls, took place while they were sharing a meal of meat and rice. “Magic is all about hiding things. The more you master the art of misdirection, the better magician you become,” he says. 

In Nepal, magic is often dismissed as ‘fake,’ a misconception that Thapa works hard to correct. Thapa also highlights a troubling trend in the digital age: “YouTube channels are constantly leaking magic tricks, exposing how they’re done, which undermines the true artistry of magic.” He believes this not only disrespects magicians but also diminishes the craft on a global scale.

He also shares the challenges magicians face in Nepal. “The audience here drives us crazy,” says Thapa. “When performing a trick, people often try to figure out the formula behind it, claiming we’re just hiding things here and there. Every magician does this, but if the same happens with foreign magicians, no one dares to question them.” He says that, in many ways, magicians in Nepal are often underestimated.

Thapa urges the Nepali audience to view magic as an art form and respect its integrity. “If you ever learn the tricks, keep them to yourself,” he says. “Don’t spoil the magic for others. The art deserves to be preserved, not exposed.” His call is simple yet profound: To appreciate magic for what it truly is—a performance that takes skill, creativity, and years of practice.

Thapa often reflects on the limitations faced by Nepali magicians when it comes to the resources required for high-level magic. He cites the example of international magician Dynamo, who is known for walking on water — a stunning feat that requires expensive equipment. “To pull off such tricks, you need significant investment,” he says. “The equipment is costly, and as Nepali magicians, we simply don’t have the means to invest in such high-tech setups.” He humorously adds, “I could make the Dharahara disappear, but the investment it would need is just not within our reach.”

As an artist, Thapa wasn’t limited to just mastering dance or magic. He had a teacher who greatly influenced his approach to expression. When learning dance, he often watched his teacher’s performances closely, particularly the facial expressions that brought the dance to life. This influence led him to incorporate exaggerated facial expressions into his own comedy dance routines. “I used to copy the expressions of my guru,” Thapa recalls. “At one point, my parents thought I had gone crazy because I’d spend hours in front of the mirror practicing them.”

Thapa’s journey has been marked by his encounters with some of the biggest names in the Nepali entertainment industry. When he was just beginning to make a name for himself, he crossed paths with the rising stars of the time, including Dhurmus Suntali. Despite this early connection, he never made it to Kathmandu when the opportunity arose. Santosh Panta had asked him to come to Kathmandu to shoot a music video, but circumstances led to the song being released without him, a decision that Thapa doesn’t regret.

One of the most significant moments in Thapa’s career came when he spent five years performing alongside two of the most respected figures in Nepali comedy, Hari Bansha Acharya and Madan Krishna Shrestha. “We shared the stage for five years, and they said  something that really stuck with me,” he says. “They said they couldn’t copy what I did, but I could copy everything they did.” That compliment, coming from such legendary figures, was deeply inspiring.

“Many people told me that if I wanted to do something big, I had to come to Kathmandu,” says Thapa. “But I’ve always believed that success isn’t tied to a specific place. If you have the right mindset and determination, you can achieve your goals no matter where you are.” This philosophy has guided him throughout his career, proving that talent, hard work, and confidence can create boundless opportunities.

Thapa has a bold vision for the future of magic in Nepal. He dreams of a Magic Association House being established in the country. It would be a place where magicians can come together to create shows, hold competitions, and advance the craft. “I believe Nepal needs a dedicated space for magicians to grow, collaborate, and inspire one another,” he says. If no one else takes the initiative, he’s determined to make it happen. “I will take a loan if I have to, but I will surely do it,” he says, adding that his goal is to continue performing magic shows and exploring new tricks, ensuring that the art form flourishes in Nepal.

Nepal, a country famed for its stunning natural beauty and varied biodiversity, is home to myriad marginalized communities whose lives are deeply intertwined with the forests that cover around 40 percent of its landmass. These localities include indigenous people, Dalits and diverse ethnic populations struggling with extensive hurdles due to factors like socio-economic disparities and ecological shifts. At the same time, these communities exhibit significant resilience and adaptability in facing the challenges in their daily lives.

A lifeline 

Forests in Nepal are not just natural wonders; they also serve a fundamental to survival and cultural essence of various marginalized communities. Indigenous groups in particular depend on forests for vital resources such as food, medicine, firewood and income through non-timber forest products (NTFPs). According to a study by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over 60 percent of rural households depend on forest resources for their livelihoods, though restricted forest policies often limit the access to those resources.

Policies and impact

Despite their heavy resilience on forests, marginalized groups frequently experience difficulties due to national forestry strategies that value conservation more than community rights. Local voices have been historically ignored in the process of policy-making due to the government’s centralized framework for forest management strategies. Many indigenous community people are unaware of the legal validation of their land holdings, exposing them to risk to displacement and deforestation. 

To illustrate, the Forest Act of 1993 was implemented with the goal of shifting forest control and advocating community forest-based management but many marginalized groups are still facing challenges vis-a-vis integration and recognition.

Cultural identities

The cultural value of forests cannot be exaggerated. For many marginalized groups, forests serve as a divine sanctuary. Traditional environmental knowledge passed on to descendants plays an important role in sustainable forest management. Indigenous practices often reinforce the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable resource use.

As the entry to forest declines due to external challenges such as logging, harvesting and agricultural expansions, these cultural links become fragile. Waning ancestral forest conservation practices not only disrupt biodiversity but also undermine the cultural history of communities.

A harsh climate 

Climate change creates more challenges, especially for marginalized communities that rely on forests for their livelihoods. Unpredictable rainfall patterns increase the risk of natural disasters and bring about changes in ecosystem patterns, exacerbating economic instability as well as food insecurity. As an example, shifts in the weather cycle are mainly to blame for crop loss/damage and decrease in farm productivity in several parts of Nepal. 

More often than not, marginalized communities lack commodities and assistance needed to tackle these challenges effectively, to the detriment of their health, education and the economy.

Rights, wrongs and roles 

In response to these challenges, grassroots movements have surfaced for defending the marginalized communities’ rights over land and forest resources. Organizations such as the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) have been raising the voices of these communities in policy-making processes and political discussions for years. 

Resilient community forestry programs have shown how local populations influence sustainable management practices. A case in point is Ramechhap where community-led initiatives have shown that putting local communities at the forefront of forest conservation yields encouraging results.

Conclusion 

Problems facing marginalized communities living around forest areas in Nepal show the need for inclusive forest protocols that honor their rights and roles in conservation initiatives. 

By promoting an alliance between government agencies, NGOS and local communities in forest conservation, Nepal can create a more balanced approach to conservation. Educational advancement and capacity-building training can help these communities manage forests more sustainably. 

In conclusion, realizing the hardships and adaptability of marginalized communities is crucial for ensuring sustainable development of Nepal’s forestry sector. By admiring their traditional knowledge

and practices vis-a-vis conservation, Nepal can move forward to a more inclusive future where both communities and forest coexist and thrive.

Thomas Prinz, who has served as the German Ambassador to Nepal since September 2021, is nearing the end of his tenure. He embarked on his diplomatic career in 1998 by participating in EU election observation missions. Over the years, he has held various roles within the German Federal Foreign Office and served in German embassies across several countries, with a particular focus on Asia.

Prinz emphasizes that Germany and Nepal will continue to strengthen their partnership, rooted in shared values such as democracy, individual freedom and a commitment to building a just and equitable society that prioritizes environmental conservation and climate action. The two nations have fostered a robust relationship over the past 67 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1958. Development cooperation began in 1961, and Germany has since become one of Nepal’s key trading partners. In this context, Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Pratik Ghimire of ApEx sat down with Ambassador Prinz for an interview. Excerpts: 

Can you share your overall impression of Nepal?

Nepal is a great country with wonderful people—very welcoming, very open and very friendly. It has always been a great pleasure for me to work with Nepal and Nepali counterparts. Nepal has such a diverse culture, with many different ethnic groups, including the Newari culture, as well as indigenous and tribal cultures in the valley and up in the mountains. It’s a fantastic place.

What is the one thing you will miss most about Nepal?

It’s indeed the friendliness of the people. Recently, I had a guest from Germany here, and she has traveled to various countries in this region. She said it’s so nice coming to Nepal—such a friendly and welcoming culture. People are always smiling on the streets, in taxis and at the airport. That is really something that touches me, and I will always keep that in my mind and remember it.

How do you see the current state of Nepal-Germany relations?

We have a very friendly bilateral relationship. We do not have any problem whatsoever. We are very good partners in many international matters, and we coordinate well. The way we conduct our development cooperation in Nepal is very much appreciated by the Nepali government. So, all in all, I would say we have extremely friendly relations. And that’s one reason I always feel pleasure working here in Nepal.

Do you think Nepal-Germany relations could have expanded further, considering past political engagements?

There is a problem on both sides. For Nepali politicians and decision-makers, Europe and Germany are far away. And the same is true for the German side. Nepal is, hence, not always in focus. It is up to us, the diplomats, to bring these countries into the focus of our decision-makers and try to engage top-level politicians in personal meetings. It happened last year when the President of Nepal Ramchandra Paudel made an official visit to Berlin and was received by the Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany. But of course, we would like to see more of these developments. As I said, the problem is on both sides. During Covid, there was no travel, then we had Russia attacking Ukraine, Brexit and all these issues were consuming politicians in Europe. So, in a way, it's understandable that Nepal was not in focus.  

Another problem that hinders progress is the high fluctuation of political decision-makers in Nepal. Since I have been in Nepal, I have met three Prime Ministers, six Foreign Ministers and five Home Ministers. This rapid turnover of political personnel makes it difficult to build long-term relationships. I am sure that if Nepal had more stability, it would also be easier to establish more personal contacts.

Is there a one-way dynamic in Nepal-Germany relations, where Germany has been providing assistance for seven decades while Nepal has not engaged in proper negotiations?

Indeed, I sometimes discuss with my European colleagues how we could make decision-makers in Nepal more aware of the opportunities they could find for closer cooperation with Europe. We do not have this strategic view in the region, like, for instance, the direct neighbors have or maybe also outside big powers have. We are more interested in long-term business-making, civil contacts and so on. That is why I think they could take a closer look at Europe in some areas. 

We offer some business opportunities that others don’t. Even if others do offer the same, why not go with the Europeans? When you choose European partners, you are not in this, let’s say, political competition between northern and southern neighbors and so on. Therefore, sometimes I think Nepali decision-makers could take a closer look at what Europeans have to offer.

What is Germany’s Indo-Pacific outlook, and how does it view South Asia? How is Germany engaging with the region, and where does Nepal stand?

We have an Indo-Pacific guideline—or strategy, you could say—which was adopted by the German government about five years ago, and it clearly states that we want to strengthen our relations with democratic states and governments in the region. And Nepal is definitely one of those countries. So basically, the decision is to have a stronger footprint in the area and to closely cooperate with democratic countries. The fact that we revoked our decision to end our bilateral development cooperation is part of those guidelines. The fact that we are still very active here with our development cooperation is based on our commitment to strengthening democratic countries in this region.  

Regarding Germany’s outlook on South Asia, I have to say it is very much dominated by Germany-India bilateral relations, as India is the dominant country in the region. We have very strong trade relations with India, with cooperation in universities, research and so on. That largely shapes the perspective of German decision-makers, and I have always been busy trying to convince politicians, who visit South Asia and go to India to also look across the border and see what is happening in Nepal. When we have trade fairs in India, I try to convince our Chamber of Commerce in Mumbai to encourage German participants to take a look at Nepal. That will take some time, but I am quite optimistic that with India's growth, we will see some positive effects in Nepal too.

The Nepali government claims that the current environment is favorable for investment. How do you view Nepal’s overall investment climate from a German perspective?

The investment climate for foreign investment in Nepal is actually not very good or welcoming. We see minor improvements, and there is willingness on the part of the government to improve things, but we have to see how it plays out on the ground. The announcements we have heard so far are okay, but we need to see how they translate into action. How difficult it is to get a work permit or transfer money—these factors hinder foreign investment here.  

The fact that when you open a business here, you are always a minor partner in a joint venture. This is very difficult for European companies because they have their own compliance practices, and when they can’t guarantee these compliance practices, it becomes very difficult for them to invest. So, all in all, I would not consider Nepal a foreign investment-friendly country. I hope that will change, and I trust the government’s intention to improve the situation, but to convince investors that real change is happening, we need to see concrete improvements on the ground.

Germany is experiencing a labor shortage and has eased visa regulations to attract workers from countries like Nepal. What are the latest developments on that front?

We have changed our immigration laws recently and have become much more open to receiving foreign labor. Last year, we had a change in immigration law, and we are now openly welcoming skilled labor from abroad. It has become very easy to immigrate to Germany if the candidate brings any kind of skills with them. If you have a master's degree from Nepal or have already been studying in Germany and obtained a degree from a German university—whether in engineering, IT or any other field—you can easily apply for a job in Germany. If you find a job, we will issue the visa. We even accept people who come to Germany without having a job, as long as they have a degree and want to search for a job in Germany. In such cases, we can also issue a visa.  

We also have one way to migrate to Germany for unskilled labor, which is through the Nepal Secretariat for Skills and Training, an institute in Kathmandu. Through this program, we offer a one-year German language training course. Once they pass the course, they can go to Germany for vocational training, which is paid from the very first day. They are treated equally to Germans who undergo vocational training in Germany, receiving the same health insurance and social security benefits. Currently, we have about 130 Nepalis in this program already in Germany, and about 500 in the preparatory course in Kathmandu.  

So, besides skilled work, this is another way to go to Germany. When they complete this three-year vocational training, they graduate with a diploma and can then stay in Germany and work. These are the immigration pathways we have opened, and as we can see, many Nepalis are already following them. We are optimistic that we can increase the number over time.

Have you identified any potential areas where Nepal and Germany can expand further?

There are some traditional areas of cooperation, and we should continue working on them in the future. I am happy that we have now reached pre-covid numbers of German tourists coming to Nepal, and in this area, we will see further development. I could imagine, for instance, adding other groups of tourists, such as bicycle tourists or female trekking groups—these are areas where I see potential. Cultural groups also present opportunities.  

But beyond these traditional areas of cooperation, I see huge potential for Nepal in the field of IT services. Nepal already has a very vibrant IT sector, and I can only encourage decision-makers to put more effort into further developing it. There is tremendous demand for IT services, including programming, AI and algorithms essential for modern society. We have successful programmers here in Nepal, and those in Europe who are already working with Nepali programmers have had very positive experiences. So, I hope that in the future, this cooperation will create even more opportunities.

How do you see Nepal’s recent engagement with China?

China is one of Nepal’s two major partners, and whoever is in government in Nepal must engage with both. That will never be easy. Nepal has a major partner to the north and another to the south, and geography cannot be changed. For every Nepali politician, decision-maker and foreign minister, it is absolutely necessary to maintain good relations with both. The key is to balance these relationships—to cooperate with both without losing the ability to make independent decisions. It is crucial for Nepal to remain in a position where it cannot be blackmailed or forced into actions against its interests by either side.  

My recommendation would always be to follow the policies that various governments have adopted to avoid falling into a debt trap from any side. Nepal is a sovereign country and can engage with both neighbors. Several governments have demonstrated the ability to find an equilibrium and manage these relationships effectively. Moreover, both of Nepal’s neighbors have an interest in the region’s smooth development—nobody wants instability. Nepali politicians have experience in managing these dynamics and understand how to deal with two powerful neighbors.

What are your suggestions to our politicians on Nepal’s development?

I would say Nepal should focus on its strengths. Tourism, for instance, could be an area to build on. Currently, foreign tourists spend around $20 per day in Nepal, and efforts should be made to increase this figure, positioning Nepal as a more high-end destination. Another area where Nepal is strong is in IT services. The government should do whatever it can to support institutions that train IT engineers and make it easier for the sector to develop. It should also facilitate foreign companies to set up shop in Nepal to take advantage of the potential offered by these young engineers. Those would be my recommendations.

Nepal has initiated a significant endeavor to incorporate Artificial Intelligence into its national strategy with the introduction of the National AI Policy 2025. This policy serves as a foundational document for fostering AI innovation and governance, with the goal of transforming Nepal into an AI-centric nation, in line with the swift technological progress observed worldwide. Despite the policy’s forward-looking aspirations, it reveals critical deficiencies in implementation, funding and ethical regulation, which may influence its actual effectiveness.

AI has transitioned from a futuristic idea to a transformative force that is redefining industries, governance and interpersonal relationships on an unparalleled scale. Its ability to improve public administration and revolutionize healthcare highlights AI’s documented potential for driving economic and social change. As a developing country aiming for digital inclusion, Nepal has much to gain from the responsible integration of AI technologies. The government's acknowledgment of AI as a vital element for national advancement is praiseworthy. However, the mere creation of a policy does not signify readiness. The effectiveness of a policy is determined by its execution, which presents Nepal with its most significant challenge.

A key feature of the policy is the creation of an AI Supervision Council and a National AI Center, both designed to manage AI governance, research and ethical issues. Furthermore, the government has established the AI Regulatory Authority, a new entity tasked with ensuring adherence to AI regulations, promoting transparency and establishing governance standards for AI. According to the policy, the AI Supervision Council will be under the Minister for Communications and Information Technology and include representatives from the academia, private sector and the civil society to guarantee that AI is developed and utilized responsibly. This institutional framework represents a positive advancement, aiming to prevent unchecked AI development. Nevertheless, the document lacks clarity regarding the specifics of regulatory enforcement. Who will be responsible if AI systems inflict unintended harm? What strategies will be implemented to address AI-generated biases in a nation with low digital literacy? The absence of definitive actions to tackle these critical issues may undermine the policy’s effectiveness.

One of the significant challenges facing AI adoption in Nepal is its vulnerable digital infrastructure. In contrast to leading global AI nations that benefit from advanced data centers and high-performance computing capabilities, Nepal continues to experience unreliable internet connectivity in numerous regions. The policy does stress the importance of developing AI infrastructure, which includes creating cloud computing platforms and national AI databases. It underscores the necessity for high-performance computing (HPC) facilities and AI-capable data centers to bolster research and development initiatives; however, it lacks specific details regarding the funding for these projects. This raises the critical question: where will the financial resources originate? While the policy mentions public-private partnerships (PPP), it fails to provide clear incentives to draw in investment. In the absence of a dedicated budget or a financial strategy, Nepal risks repeating the familiar pattern of policies that appear promising in theory but struggle to be implemented effectively.

A significant challenge facing the country is the limited availability of professionals skilled in AI. The policy advocates for the integration of AI curricula in universities and vocational training institutions, a step that is both essential and timely. The policy emphasizes that “AI education will be incorporated into the national curriculum at various academic levels to cultivate a sustainable AI workforce.” However, educational reform is a long-term strategy. Nepal must also consider immediate solutions such as international partnerships, AI boot camps and specialized training programs for current  professionals. Without a competent workforce, the aspirations for AI innovation and governance will remain unfulfilled.

While the advantages of AI are considerable, its associated risks must not be overlooked. Worldwide discussions on AI governance focus on ethical deployment, bias reduction and data privacy. Nepal’s AI policy recognizes the significance of ethical AI but falls short of providing a comprehensive framework for responsible implementation. Challenges such as misinformation from deepfakes, AI-enabled surveillance and algorithmic bias necessitate rigorous oversight, especially in a nation where digital rights protections are still developing. The lack of clear data protection measures is a notable gap. Although “the government aims to establish a Data Protection Act to regulate AI-related data collection and processing,” there is scant mention of how these regulations will be enforced. For AI to gain public trust, it must be accountable, and such accountability requires a legal framework that is currently absent in Nepal’s policy.

One of the most encouraging elements of the policy is its acknowledgment of AI’s potential across various sectors, such as healthcare, agriculture, energy and tourism. AI-enhanced healthcare solutions could extend medical services to underserved regions, while predictive analytics in agriculture may improve crop production. The policy outlines that “AI applications in agriculture will encompass automated irrigation systems, pest management solutions and climate monitoring technologies to boost productivity.” However, the successful implementation of AI across sectors hinges on robust collaboration among government entities, the private sector and academic institutions. While the policy expresses optimism, it lacks clarity on how these partnerships will be cultivated and does not address the possible resistance from traditional industries concerned about AI-induced changes.

A significant concern is whether Nepal’s AI policy is in line with global best practices. Given that AI is a global technology, Nepal must avoid developing its AI ecosystem in a vacuum. The policy would be strengthened by clear commitments to align with international AI governance standards, such as those established by the OECD and UNESCO. Although the policy states that "Nepal will engage with international AI governance bodies to align its regulatory framework with global standards," the absence of specific actions could lead to regulatory inconsistencies and hinder Nepal's integration into global AI markets.

The government has invited public input on the AI policy, which is a positive indication of its openness to refining its strategy. However, effective engagement necessitates widespread participation, extending beyond policymakers and experts to include civil society, businesses and the general populace. Nepal’s AI initiative should evolve into a national movement that harmonizes innovation with inclusivity, security with accessibility and ambition with practicality.

The National AI Policy 2025 represents a positive advancement, yet its effectiveness will depend on its ability to move beyond mere statements. Nepal has the chance to establish a distinctive approach to AI integration, but this requires a focused effort to tackle issues such as infrastructure shortcomings, funding limitations, workforce deficiencies and ethical dilemmas. AI should be viewed not only as a means of technological progress but also as a societal catalyst that, when handled appropriately, can drive Nepal forward. The primary challenge ahead is to ensure that this policy leads to real, measurable outcomes rather than becoming just another unfulfilled initiative.

The author is the founder of ‘Teach Me AI’