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To be a journalist in Nepal is to take on a role that is both revered and challenging. The profession is often seen as a picture-perfect job—one that demands precision, integrity, and diligence. Journalists are regarded as the eyes and ears of society, trusted to bridge the gap between events and the public. From the layperson to those in positions of power, journalists hold a unique place in society. Yet, while the profession commands respect, it is fraught with complexities that make it one of the most demanding careers in Nepal.

Despite being regarded as a prestigious profession, journalism in Nepal is not always valued as it should be. The job can be exciting and even addictive, but it’s also fraught with scrutiny. In my personal experience as a journalist, I have often found myself being questioned more than I question others. Even when working as a camera person, I’ve felt the weight of critical eyes observing me. The profession’s appeal diminishes when you face relentless questions about why you wrote a certain piece, whether you are targeting someone, or which political party you support. Over time, these inquiries overshadow the essence of journalism, making it a challenging profession to sustain.

Working conditions for journalists in Nepal are often disheartening. Many media houses exploit their employees, compelling them to work long hours for insufficient pay. Some even require journalists to work without pay for extended periods, promising eventual compensation that may never fully materialize. Monthly paychecks, when they do arrive, are frequently delayed, incomplete, or barely enough for survival. While not all media houses operate this way, such exploitation is widespread. These practices lead many early-career journalists to abandon the profession in favor of more stable opportunities.

Journalism in Nepal has evolved significantly, influenced by advancements in technology and shifts in societal expectations. Citizen journalism has taken root, content creation has surged, and online-based journalism has flourished. Digital creators who double as journalists have become part of everyday conversations. While these developments have opened new avenues, they have also introduced challenges.  

Citizen journalism and platforms like YouTube have further complicated the landscape. While these platforms have democratized information sharing, they have also been marred by unethical practices such as spreading fake news, using clickbait, and sharing misinformation. These issues have tarnished the credibility of online journalism and affected the public perception of traditional journalists. Being labeled as a YouTuber has become a point of contention for many professional journalists in Nepal. While some established journalists have embraced YouTube as a way to expand their reach, there is a clear divide between those who transitioned to the platform after years of professional experience and those who started on YouTube without formal training. 

Unfortunately, the prevalence of misinformation makes it difficult for the public to distinguish between credible journalism and sensationalized content. Nepal’s journalism landscape now includes YouTubers presenting themselves as reporters and numerous individuals going live on media platforms. This blending of traditional and modern journalism has created opportunities but also raised concerns about credibility and ethics. YouTube has undoubtedly created new opportunities for journalists, offering a platform to connect with wider audiences. However, it has also introduced challenges, particularly for traditional journalists who have spent years building their credibility. The platform’s larger audience comes with its own issues, such as the lack of regulation and the rapid spread of misinformation. This has led to an internal conflict within the profession, further complicating the already difficult role of journalists in Nepal.

The challenges of journalism in Nepal go beyond external pressures. The profession often forces journalists to confront truths they cannot always share. Hidden stories, suppressed narratives, and untold accounts weigh heavily on journalists. Exposing these truths can be dangerous, especially when they involve powerful individuals or institutions. As a result, many journalists in Nepal carry the burden of these stories, adding to the psychological toll of their work. The internal struggle to balance truth-telling with personal and professional safety is a defining feature of the profession.

Being a journalist in Nepal means navigating a complex relationship with the public. While journalists are often seen as truth-tellers and watchdogs, they also face criticism and skepticism. People frequently question the motives behind certain stories, assuming political affiliations or personal biases. This lack of trust can be disheartening, especially for journalists who enter the field with a genuine passion for uncovering the truth. The evolving media landscape has further blurred the lines between professional journalism and amateur reporting. With the rise of citizen journalism and social media, anyone with a smartphone can report news. While this democratization of information has its benefits, it has also led to an oversaturation of content, much of which lacks credibility. This has made it increasingly difficult for professional journalists to stand out amid the noise.

Despite these challenges, journalism in Nepal remains a dream for many and a necessity for others. The profession offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with the public, shed light on important issues, and document history. At the same time, it can be a source of lifelong trauma, stemming from exploitation by employers, criticism from the public, and the internal conflicts that come with the job. For some, journalism is a calling that fulfills their passion for storytelling and truth-seeking. For others, it is a means to an end, pursued out of necessity rather than choice. 

Ultimately, what it means to be a journalist in Nepal is to navigate a fine line between truth and perception, between what can be reported and what must remain untold. The profession demands resilience, dedication, and a willingness to operate in the gray areas of truth and ethics. Whether viewed as a blessing or a curse, journalism remains an integral part of Nepal’s societal fabric, shaping how we understand and engage with the world around us. It is a profession that offers both unique rewards and unparalleled challenges, reflecting the complexities of the society it seeks to serve.

There is no dearth of restaurants and bars in Kathmandu. But many options can mean you don’t know where to go when it’s time for some rest and relaxation. While some serve great coffee and cocktails, the ambiance can be a bit off-putting, especially in winter when you might want to bask in the sun or get cozy by the fire. Others might not have the mocktails and milkshakes you were looking for while being really high on aesthetics. But there are some places that get it all right. This week, we bring to you five places that are really good places to relax in and grab a drink while taking in your surroundings.

Evoke 

This popular restaurant is located in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, right opposite Hotel Vivanta. It’s a quaint little space with both outdoor and indoor seating areas. The food is great but the drinks are even better. Their coffee is just right, neither bitter nor sour. The price is also reasonable. Their garden area, with huge lush green plants, gives you a very cozy and calming vibe. House of Palettes is located in its premises so you also have the option to ‘paint and sip’ if you feel up to it and have some time to kill.

Roadhouse Cafe

Roadhouse is popular for their pizzas and pastas but a lesser known fact is that their mocktails hit the right spot. They seem to have recently revamped their menu and added some pretty cool drinks to the list. The cocktails are a bit on the stronger side so you will be getting value for money. But their range of teas and coffees and other non-alcoholic beverages are what makes us love this place. The good thing is that they have so many outlets, all around Kathmandu and Lalitpur, that you can just pop into one wherever you are.

La Terrasse 

This restaurant, bar, cafe, and bakery in Chundevi, Maharajgunj, was a relatively recent find for us. It’s a great place for hosting small events as well as basking in the sun on the terrace while sipping on some IPA. There is a range of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, with more varieties of beer than available elsewhere. Since it’s located on an inner road, it feels quiet and calm. You can choose to sit by yourself, sip on some coffee or cocktail and read or work without loud noises disturbing you.

Maak Ara

A place for great breakfast and amazing smoothie bowls, Maak Ara serves equally good drinks. The interesting names will have you chuckling and rolling your eyes but you can’t resist ordering a few. They pay attention to presentation, ensuring your drink is a visual treat as well. They don’t do very good matcha drinks but the rest are perfect. The music can be a bit loud on the weekends making conversations slightly difficult but their DJ knows how to mix music so you might not mind it all that much.

Filli Cafe

The winter weather calls for some hot tea, and there is perhaps no better place to have a cup than Filli Cafe. They have outlets in Labim Mall, Pulchowk, Lazimpat, Thamel, and even Boudha. Their milk teas are to die for and they have recently introduced a wide variety of Bubble Teas as well. You can also buy packs of tea to take back home. Their food menu is limited but the momos and sandwiches are delicious. 

Ganesh Karki’s early education began in Jhapa, Nepal, in the village that is now Kamal Rural Municipality. “I attended school there until third grade,” he says. However, since the village lacked educational facilities beyond grade three, he had to walk about an hour and half daily to attend grades four through seven. For high school, he moved to Dharan and later, around 1983, he relocated to Kathmandu to pursue further education.

“I started working pretty early on,” he says, adding that his experiences shaped his understanding of the limits of salaried jobs. Recognizing that a job alone wasn’t enough, he took his first steps into the business world. Around 1985, Nepal’s carpet industry was thriving, which inspired him to start a business manufacturing threads for carpets.

“We received payments only after the carpets made from our threads were sold,” he says. This prompted him to think bigger. “I wondered, why not make the carpets myself?” This idea led to the establishment of a large carpet factory employing 300–400 workers. Unfortunately, the industry faced a significant crash, and carpets stopped selling. He turned to the rising Pashmina industry. The Pashmina market, too, eventually peaked and began to decline.

The hydropower sector was emerging as a promising new frontier in Nepal. “Equipment for hydropower projects was either imported from Europe, which was very expensive, or from China,” he says. Seeing an opportunity, he ventured into the business of importing Chinese equipment for hydropower projects.

“After working on various projects, I developed a deeper understanding of the hydropower sector,” he says. This growing knowledge enabled Karki to establish himself as a key player in the industry. “I was around 32 years old when I first entered the sector. It’s been about 20–25 years and I’ve been fully involved in it.”

Karki believes that the path to a prosperous Nepal lies in strategic investments and developments within the hydropower sector. “We say ‘Samriddha Nepal, Sukhi Nepali,’ but prosperity cannot be achieved by slogans alone,” he says. He explained that the exodus of Nepali citizens to foreign countries is driven by the lack of opportunities at home. “If Nepal was financially strong, people wouldn’t feel the need to leave. They move abroad seeking better opportunities. If those opportunities existed here, they would stay.”

According to Karki, hydropower holds the key to unlocking Nepal’s economic potential in the short term. “The potential in this sector is immense,” he emphasized. “Not only does domestic consumption of electricity remain high, but there is also significant potential for exporting excess energy to neighboring countries like India, Bangladesh, and even China. We can generate substantial revenue from electricity exports while simultaneously creating numerous employment opportunities within Nepal,” he says.

He acknowledges that time is of the essence. “We are already late. If we don’t prioritize the development of the hydropower sector today, in ten years, newer technologies for electricity generation might render our resources redundant,” he warns. 

Currently, Nepal faces challenges in achieving energy self-sufficiency. “During dry seasons, we have to import electricity. Only in the rainy seasons do we generate enough to meet our needs and even sell some. The goal should be to reach a point where we are self-sufficient all year round,” he says. Karki stressed the need for government intervention. “The government must make the energy sector its primary focus for the next decade,” he says. 

The hydropower industry in Nepal faces numerous challenges, despite its vast potential of around 200,000 MW. Currently, Nepal generates only 3,200 MW, with the government aiming for 28,500 MW by 2035—a target requiring $50bn in investment. However, bureaucratic hurdles, such as navigating 16 ministries for project approvals and lengthy licensing processes, hinder progress. “The government asks people to run but ties their feet,” he says. “Issues like delayed transmission lines, lack of explosives, and financing difficulties must be resolved. Collaboration between the government and private sector is essential to unlock hydropower’s potential,” he adds.

Karki stresses on the importance of starting the day with clear priorities and effective time management. When it comes to balancing personal and professional life, Karki firmly believes in maintaining personal connections. “Without personal life, family, and friends, a person becomes a machine. I try my best to spend time with my family and friends while managing work and fulfilling social responsibilities,” he says. 

A former national Karate player and referee, Karki continues to stay connected to his passion for the sport as the president of the Nepal Goju-Ryu Karate Association. “I feel proud to have been a player,” he said, adding that he prioritizes daily exercise to maintain physical and mental health.

As the Honorary Consul of Mauritius, Karki drew inspiration from the nation thriving on tourism to discuss Nepal’s potential. “Nepal has unique attractions, like the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest, that can draw global tourists,” he says. He stresses on the importance of making Nepal more widely known for tourism and investment. He says there is a need for better infrastructure and promotion. “With the right efforts, both tourism and investments can drive Nepal’s growth.”

He reasserts that hydropower is a pivotal sector for the country’s growth, noting its ability to drive investments and spur development. However, he stresses that the responsibility of building Nepal lies with its citizens. “We must make our country. Nobody else can make it for us,” he says. Although Nepal’s bigger neighbors, such as India and China, can assist in its development, he believes the primary burden rests on Nepalis themselves.

“It’s easy to blame the government for everything,” he says “but we must also realize our own responsibilities. Development requires effort from all of us—not just from those in power.”

His call to action for the youth is clear: Focus on contributing to the country’s progress in any way possible. “Employment opportunities are immense, and there is so much potential to explore. We need to focus on making the country a better place—starting with our own efforts,” he says.

For him, progress is not just about individual success but about uplifting the entire nation. “If only a handful of people are on top, the country doesn’t truly progress. The country as a whole needs to move forward together.”

His work, he says, is for the betterment of the nation, society, and the youth. “We work to create a more prosperous society,” he says, underscoring the importance of shared responsibility in driving Nepal’s development.

Our political leaders, foreign policy and diplomacy baffled our regional super power and the second largest economy of the world China at Its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which was initiated by president Xi Jinping and has been adopted by dozens of countries of the world. Hardly a few countries have dared to come out of this Chinese venture. China was so much perplexed that the third Road and Belt Forum for International Corporation in its meeting held on 17-18 Oct 2023 included two small operational projects, Panda Pack Project and Amity Living Water Project, in the list of projects under BRI against nine projects selected during PM Oli’s last visit on account of the BRI implementation plan remained held up in Kathmandu. The then Chinese envoy’s claim that the construction of Pokhara International Airport was made under BRI as he knew well that the project was started before Nepal signed it, showed the Chinese desperation. This agony of China has now been removed by PM Oli’s four-day visit (Dec 2-5) to China. Its constant efforts since 2020 to get its BRI implementation plan accepted by Nepal has now succeeded.

The government has published the contents of the BRI Cooperation framework. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) may now be called Belt and Road Initiative Cooperation (BRIC) in Nepal, as mode of payment will now be ‘technical and aid assistance against the usual mode of payment being loan to aid assistance, which was unfamiliar to the BRI world. Nepal has now expanded the payment modalities including technician and aid assistance disregarding its previous stand on ‘grant’ only. It seems that the PM has used his autotype as a PM ignoring the stand of the Nepali Congress. The contents of the plan have been very carefully drafted, as what China has given with one hand seems to have been taken away with another.

It is feared that Chinese currency might become a legal tender by allowing China to use it for the projects financed by it. We must be thankful to God that the Chinese language has not been accepted as a medium of teaching as yet at the university-level.  Positively, PM Oli’s visit to China shows that he is not only a shrewd politician but also a smart diplomat as he got the BTIC signed, as the Chinese BRI implantation idea has been replaced by another nomenclature by Nepal. Had it not been signed, his visit could have been taken as a failed one. He has apparently given all that he could have. It is more than what was given during president Xi’s last visit in 2029. 

Negatively, PM Oli could not give all that (loan modality), which  he wanted to offer to please the Chinese leadership. That is probably the reason why he got irritated when the question regarding ‘loan’ was raised during his press conference at the airport. The consensual draft prepared by the joint expert committee that included the terminology of ‘BRI Cooperation Framework’ replacing the Chinese BRI Implementation Plan’ was only half-heartedly supported by the PM. This was probably the reason why he excessively talked here about not taking loans from China for any projects, which was definitely not acceptable to China.

Since PM Oli had already made up his mind to visit China, he accepted the consensus draft to preserve the alliance and the Chinese negotiators might have accepted it to negotiate further while finalizing the draft in China during the visit. China had not taken the Nepali defiance of sending the revised/modified version of the implementation plan kindly. Probably sensing the dissatisfaction, he did not take up the demand of converting the loan taken for Pokhara airport into grant, the issue, which was already communicated by Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel to Yang Weiqun, vice-chair of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, on Aug 23 in Kathmandu. It seems he did not raise the issue to irritate further the Chinese establishment, which might have delayed the BRI cooperation work plan accepted by it, as was done by the then PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal who did not raise the issue of border disputes with Indian PM Modi during his visit to India. 

However, in domestic politics he has proved himself as an unchallenged leader who can do anything indirectly which he cannot do directly. He has again outwitted Sher Bahadur Deuba by doing what he wanted to do despite his assurance of not doing that. He has obliged Deuba by accepting the prime ministership overnight betraying the strategic political partner Dahal. Alternatively, Deuba knows his inability to oppose PM Oli at this juncture, probably on account of personal problems.