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The ancient kingdom of Panchal Nagari once flourished in the Rosi Valley, an area that now lies within Panauti Municipality, Nepal. Over 6,000 years ago, during the waxing moon of Kartik (October–November), the royal family embarked on a grand hunting expedition 10 kilometers from their palace. Their destination was the revered Hiranyagiri Gandhamadan Parbat—the Golden Fragrance Mountain—now preserved as the Kusume Community Forest.

Accompanied by King Maharath and Queen Satyawati were their three sons: Princes Mahadeva, Mahapranav, and the youngest, Mahasattva. The autumn air was crisp and clear, the days neither too hot nor too cold—perfect for their journey. On the night of Purnima (the full moon), the three princes wandered through the dense, silver-lit forest. As they returned to camp, they stumbled upon a frail, emaciated tigress, motionless after giving birth to five cubs. Filled with compassion, they chose not to harm the vulnerable mother and her newborns, quietly continuing their journey.

Yet, Prince Mahasattva was deeply moved by the tigress’s suffering. Unable to share his thoughts, he excused himself under the pretense of needing to relieve himself and slipped away from his brothers. While Mahadeva and Mahapranav returned to camp, Mahasattva turned back, overcome by Avayadan—an extraordinary compassion. He set aside his weapons, shed his royal garments, and without hesitation, offered his body to the starving tigress.

At first, the tigress, perhaps weakened or afraid, did not attack. Determined, Mahasattva used his sword to cut his veins, letting his blood flow into the tigress’s mouth. He then cut flesh from his limbs and fed her. Slowly, the tigress regained strength and consumed his body—a rare act of self-sacrifice to save even an enemy.

Back at camp, the royal family waited anxiously for Mahasattva’s return. When dawn came with no sign of him, they searched the forest and found bloodstains, scattered bones, and his discarded weapons and ornaments. The royal astrologer proclaimed that Mahasattva was no ordinary man—his sacrifice had miraculously given life to the tigress and her cubs.

Following the counsel of priests and courtiers, the prince’s remains, along with his belongings, were brought back to camp. A pit was dug nearby, and his relics—clothes, weapons, and jewels—were laid to rest.

According to the Swayambhu Purana, some 3,500 years later, Siddhartha Gautama Buddha visited Kathmandu during the reign of Kirati King Jitedasti. Traveling through Thimi, Bhaktapur, and Panauti, he arrived at Hiranyagiri Gandhamadan Hill. There, he meditated for a month near Mahasattva’s tomb, circumambulated it three times, and reverently named it Nama Buddha.

Today, a temple stands upon the tomb, known as the Nama Buddha Temple. This sacred site reminds the world of enlightened compassion (Avayadan), offering a path to peace in a conflicted era.

There was a time when I was really skeptical about books that were turned into movies. I wouldn’t watch the movie adaptation of a book I had enjoyed as I feared it would ruin the story or rather the imagery for me, that I would think of characters or a scene and the faces of actors or the shot location would come to mind rather than what I had conjured up on my own. 

But I had friends who watched movies of the books I read, even if they hadn’t read the books themselves. Sometimes, they had such good things to say that I would be intrigued. We all know peer pressure is a funny thing. It sometimes hits you like a boulder. That was how I found myself slowly watching movies based on books. 

I have to confess that there was a time when I always felt that the book was better than its movie. In fact, I would often be angry at what I considered sloppy filmmaking. But in my heart I knew I was just being stubborn. There were some books that were adapted into movies like Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda’ and J.K. Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter’ series that I enjoyed as much as, if not more than, the books. It was only during the Covid-19 lockdowns that I actively started searching for and watching movie adaptations of books I had enjoyed. I found that many were as brilliant as the book. 

I still make sure that I read the book first and only then watch the movie. I still don’t like how books are often republished with their movie posters on the cover but I’m definitely not closed to the idea that movies can measure up to their books. 

Hollywood actor Reese Witherspoon frequently adapts books she loves into movies and I have really enjoyed quite a few of those. Bollywood has also warmed up to this culture and started making movies based on books and I must confess that I’m a sucker for Hindi movies. 

I know many people, like the earlier version of me, still don’t watch movie adaptations, fearing it will ruin the book for them. So, for the uninitiated I’m recommending 10 books that are brilliant by themselves but watching their movies will make your reading experience all the more fun and wholesome. 

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

This is one of my favorite books. I feel like I say that a lot, and about a lot of books but I believe readers are allowed to gush over their favorites and sometimes they have a good number of favorites. ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ was recommended to me by a friend who is a voracious reader and I put off reading it because the font size was really small. But when I finally picked it up, I cursed myself for not having read it sooner. It’s about a girl named Catherine, known as the ‘marsh girl’ by the locals, who is abandoned by her parents and has to learn to fend for herself. Soon, she is suspected of killing someone and has to prove her innocence. The book has beautiful language and scene setting. The movie is engaging and manages to capture Catherine’s angst beautifully. 

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott 

I read ‘Little Women’ in school. It was prescribed reading. I think many of us read it as a part of our curriculum. I have read it a few more times since then and I cry every time I read it. The story about the four March sisters is so evocative and relatable at times that strong emotional reactions are to be expected. The book has been adapted into movies many times and there’s also a television series on it. I like the original movie, the one that came out in 1994 and has Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, Kirsten Dunst, and Claire Danes among others in the cast. We were shown this movie at school and I remember enjoying it then too. I’ve recently rewatched it and came to the conclusion that watching the movie feels like reading the book. It’s such a lovely adaptation. The 2019 version isn’t bad either. But if you had to take a pick, I’d recommend the ‘original’ one. 

The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn 

I like claustrophobic thrillers because the world and tension building in these kinds of books make the stories really gripping. ‘The Woman in the Window’ follows the life of Dr Anna Fox who suffers from agoraphobia and doesn’t go out of her house in New York City. Her view of the outside world is limited to what she can see from her window. One day, she witnesses a murder across the street. But she can’t prove it and no one seems to believe her. The book is such a tense one that I guarantee you won’t be able to put it down. It’s not gory so if that’s not your thing when reading thrillers then you will definitely enjoy this book. The 2021 movie by the same name, starring Amy Adams as Dr Anna Fox is highly enjoyable. Adams’ acting is on point and convincing, making you root for her and doubt her in equal measure.  

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

‘The Lovely Bones’ is a 2002 novel by American author Alice Sebold that follows a young girl who is murdered as she comes to terms with her own death while in heaven. She also watches her family and friends deal with the grief of losing her. I read the book a few years after it was published and it was a difficult read as the girl is raped and murdered and I struggled with anger and sadness. I think it was one of the first books that made me aware of rape and its consequences on the victim’s family. The novel was adapted into a movie and as a play in England, touring several cities. The movie stars Saoirse Ronan and Stanley Tucci and their performances were highly praised by the audience. The movie has a 6.6 rating on IMDb. It’s an emotional rollercoaster so be prepared to shed some tears. 

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 

I have yet to come across a book that was as hyped as ‘Gone Girl’ by Gillian Flynn. It catapulted the author to the bestsellers’ list when the book was published in 2012 and kept her there for what seemed like ages. Everyone I know, even those who didn’t read, was talking about the book. Nick Dunne is suspected to be behind his wife’s disappearance but things are a lot more messy than they seem. Amy disappears on the morning of their fifth wedding anniversary and the house shows clear signs of struggle. Everything points at Nick but what really happened? A trigger warning though: there are mentions of sexual abuse and a lot of profanity. The plot is taut and keeps you on the edge. The suspense keeps building and you never get bored as you keep wondering what must have happened. The movie has Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck in leading roles and an 8.1 rating on IMDb.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

‘The Hunger Games’ series is a dystopian series where participants—a boy and a girl from 12 districts—compete in a televised game of life and death. One one will emerge the winner. It was originally a trilogy but now there are two more novels in the series. For 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen it’s a death sentence when she decides to take part in the games in place of her younger sister when she gets chosen to participate. But survival for her is second nature and she makes for a strong contender. The Hunger Games is thrilling, suspenseful, and action packed. You will not want to put the book down. It might be a young adult novel but it hits differently when you read it as an adult as you are more attuned to the nuances of the situations and don’t just take things at face value. Director Gary Ross’ movie adaptation was a box office success and few others YA fantasy have been able to replicate that success. 

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi 

‘Persepolis’ is a graphic novel based on Marjane Satrapi’s life in Tehran, Iran’s capital, in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. The story narrates how Marjane’s family lived through difficult, turbulent times like overthrowing the autocratic Shah through Islamic revolution, the fundamentalist regime that replaced him, and the devastating Iran-Iraq war. Marjane is a spiritual person but her parents are modern and she struggles with it. She also talks to God at night and believes she will become a prophet. But as the revolution goes on, she’s swayed by different beliefs and starts imitating the protestors and revolutionaries. She learns about her family history and finds out they have always been rebels. The book is such an interesting look into the mind of a young girl who is learning new things and learning who she is along the way. It was adapted into a movie in 2007 under the direction of the author so it stays very true to the book. However, the animated feature film is suitable only for adults. 

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger 

I think many people have watched this phenomenal movie that came out in 2006 starring Meryl Streep, Anna Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci among others. It’s pretty much a cult classic. People a decade or more younger than me are still watching this movie—it’s that amazing. ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ is currently available on Netflix and the movie is based on the 2003 book by the same name. It’s basically a story about a young woman who is hired as a personal assistant to a powerful fashion magazine editor and the drama that ensues in the fashion world. Weisberger worked as a personal assistant to Anna Wintor, the editor of Vogue, much like the novel’s protagonist and this was what caught people’s attention when the book came out. There’s even a sequel called ‘Revenge Wears Prada’. The movie is great with stellar performances from all the characters but the book is highly enjoyable too. 

Room by Emma Donoghue

‘Room’ is a thriller novel by Irish Canadian author Emma Donoghue that was published in 2010. But it’s so much more than just a thriller story. It’s an exploration of rape, abuse, motherhood, hope, and resilience. It can be a bit difficult to read at times because of the heavy themes but it’s a captivating story that is inspired by a real story. The novel was longlisted for the 2011 Orange Prize and won the 2011 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize.  It was also shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2010. The movie adaptation came out in 2015 and has Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay. It got four Academy Award nominations. Larson won the Best Actress award for it. The story is told from the perspective of a five-year-old boy who is locked in a room with his mother. He is unaware of the fact that the man ‘Old Nick’, who brings them food and other necessities, actually kidnapped and raped his mother when she was 19 and has kept her locked up for seven years and that there is a world beyond the four walls of the room.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed 

This is a memoir where the author tells us about her solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail after her mother’s death and the breakdown of her marriage. The trip is Strayed’s gift to herself for self-discovery and healing purposes and the memoir explores the spiritual and emotional transformation she undergoes as she experiences the beauty of the natural world. It’s an honest depiction of grief, loss, and longing. The writing is humorous and poignant and makes what could have been a difficult read an enjoyable one. The 2014 movie stars Reese Witherspoon and is compelling and introspective. It’s a tad bit on the slow side but Witherspoon’s performance is well worth your time. 

As Nepal joins the global community in observing the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, it’s crucial to reflect on how this growing crisis affects our community. With increasing reports of drug use among youths, especially in urban and semi-urban areas, the need for awareness, prevention, and community action has never been greater. ApEx spoke to some people to find out what they think should be done to tackle this issue. 

Bipulal Khayar Gole, 60

I have little information about its causes and harm but being a shopkeeper around a school area, I have encountered many students, especially boys, who take drugs. They don’t only harm themselves but also cause harm to other students too. I think they do such things to influence their friends. I have witnessed college and school students who are 15, 16 years old taking drugs and also disturbing them to other students and asking for money. We have tried counseling them but nothing has worked. Instead, they bring friends to try and scare us. The school committee has been looking into it and I hope they do something about it. 

Bina Shakya, 55

Drug use was more prevalent in the past, but looking at recent trends, it seems to have decreased in some areas. In my locality, there are no major cases, so I’m not aware of the current situation. However, factors like unemployment, excessive free time, peer influence, and the desire for enjoyment often lead young people to start using drugs. Schools and colleges need to take more responsibility of their students by including lessons on the harmful effects of drug use—on health, family, and society. Parents should also be attuned to their children’s behaviors and the company they keep. Families and communities play a crucial role in prevention by offering emotional support, monitoring behavior, keeping communication open, and encouraging positive habits and activities.

Prabin Yadav, 21

Drug abuse is a risky, expensive, and addictive thing which can harm you and also your family. I have heard news about people dying because of drug overdose. I believe people get into it because of peer pressure and influence, and a fascination to try new things. A friend of mine used to take weed but now he has started trying other things and I think it’s because he has money. I think there is a stark lack of awareness among people my age about how drugs can ruin you. You tend to think you can control your urges till the drugs start controlling you. 

Family and community can play an important role in controlling drug use among young people by making them aware of the consequences. But a larger policy level intervention is needed to tackle this issue. 

The Bengal Florican is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is one of nine protected birds under Nepal’s National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029. With a global population of fewer than 1,000 individuals, its inclusion in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) underscores the urgent need for stronger conservation measures.

Today, the Bengal Florican’s distribution is restricted to a few, mostly protected, grassland areas. Fewer than 50 individuals remain in Nepal, with recent sightings in Shuklaphanta National Park and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, but none in Chitwan or Bardiya National Parks. Conservation efforts are hindered by limited knowledge of the species’ ecology and distribution.

Shuklaphanta National Park (SNP) is the Bengal Florican’s last stronghold, yet its survival is threatened by encroachment, uncontrolled grass fires, unsustainable harvesting, and invasive species like Mikania micrantha. These pressures are transforming the grasslands into unsuitable habitat, triggering a 53.33 percent population decline since 1982.

Recognizing the need for updated data on the species’ status, I embarked on a research expedition to ShNP’s grasslands. Nestled in the Tarai region along the Indian border, SNP is a hidden treasure of Sudurpaschim Province, teeming with swamp deer, one-horned rhinos, wild elephants, and rare birds. 

During a jeep safari along the park’s fire lines, I marveled at the landscape’s serene power. But my focus remained on the elusive Bengal Florican. Perched atop a watchtower, our team—armed with binoculars and DSLR cameras—waited with patience. The bird’s elusive nature demanded absolute concentration.

After 1 hour and 55 minutes, we finally spotted a soaring Bengal Florican. Its grace left me awestruck. But in my excitement, I fumbled the first photo. Disappointed, I clung to hope as our team crept along the fire line, adjusting camera settings. When the Florican took flight again, I steadied myself and, after several attempts, captured two perfect shots. A wave of euphoria washed over me.

Yet, amid the joy, a sobering truth lingered. Why is this iconic bird vanishing? While satellite tracking has shed light on its seasonal movements, the fate of its eggs during breeding season remains a mystery. Critical gaps in understanding its ecology, breeding biology, and habitat needs persist. Despite being a grassland specialist, modern studies integrating drones, remote sensing, satellite telemetry, and genetic analysis are lacking.

The Bengal Florican’s survival hinges on unraveling these mysteries, and acting before it’s too late.