Submit your Article

Christmas and New Year is one of those times when everyone wants to cozy up and spend time with family and friends. A nice little celebration is just what everyone needs for a fresh new start. But does the thought of hosting people leave you feeling overwhelmed? Have you recently found yourself putting off inviting people because you know it involves a lot of cooking, cleaning and everything in between? 

But house parties are so much fun. It also gives you a great chance to bond and foster intimacy, and you’d be missing out if you didn’t have people over whenever you can. But how can you host a party without wrapping your nicest of carpets in bedsheets (which, we at ApEx believe, is the most tacky thing you can do while hosting and otherwise) and using disposables that are hard to hold let alone drink or eat from? Don’t fret. We have some ingenious solutions.

Hire a cook or a food service

The food has to be good. Your reputation as a host depends on the meal spread. But cooking takes time and effort and you might not want to be in the kitchen, reheating and plating food, when your guests arrive. People tend to order from restaurants but that can be impersonal and expensive too. Hiring a cook to come in for a day and prepare food is one of the most cost effective and easy ways to host a party. It ensures a freshly cooked meal that you can tailor according to your needs and preferences. You can easily hire cooks and help from various catering services. There are many freelance cooks who work on a daily or contract basis as well. The other option if you don’t want to have a busy kitchen is to order from the many homemade food services available these days. Kabita’s Kitchen on Facebook is one of the most efficient services. They cater for small parties and prepare whatever you ask them to, however you ask them to. They even ask you which oil you would prefer for your food and whether you would like it to be cooked in ghee. The price is also reasonable and their food is delicious.

Focus on activities and finger foods

Not all parties require a full-fledged meal like lunch or dinner. You can become pretty full on snacks and finger foods if you plan them right. List some easy recipes that you can make in the air-fryer, oven or microwave that don’t need to be reheated. You can also opt for a cheese or cold-cut platter or an elaborate fruit spread. Whip up different kinds of dips and sauces and serve them with chips, nachos, and other dry snacks. Consider having a picnic in the warm winter sun. This way, you can have an outdoor party that entails less cleaning time. A really fun way to do that would be to play card games or board games. If you are feeling up for it, setting up a barbecue grill in a corner will ensure you have hot food flowing throughout it all. And all the preparation you need is marinating some meat and vegetables beforehand. A game night or a movie night could also be a great way to plan something fun without it requiring a lot of preparation.

Ask for help

The thing with help is that if you ask for it, you often get it. So if you are planning a party and feel anxious about how you are going to manage, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or a cousin for help. You can prepare meals and your home for guests over a glass of wine and while catching up. Chances are that the one you ask for help will feel good about it and you can always return the favor. It will make planning and preparing a lot of fun too. You can also do a potluck style hosting, asking each guest to bring a dish to share. You can assign snacks, main course, and desserts accordingly to avoid repetition. It’s a great way to enjoy different kinds of food and cooking styles as well. The same goes for cleaning up after the party. Get a friend to help with putting away the dishes in the kitchen and tidying up the house, with promises to return the favor when s/he needs it.

Conscious cleaning

Most of us try to clean our homes top to bottom while hosting people. We want to make an impression and also ensure that our guests are comfortable. But what we at ApEx have noticed over the years is people don’t usually notice deep cleaning. They will notice if surfaces look shiny and if things smell off. So, dust the tabletop and counters, clean the bathroom putting out fresh towels, and make sure you sanitize your space to make it smell nice. Baby oil can be used to bring instant shine to wooden surfaces. Just don’t use too much, else it can attract dust even more. Put a drop or two on a soft cloth and buff the tables and consoles. The rest you can do once the guests are gone and you feel like your space needs a good after-party cleaning. Sprinkling baking soda on couches and carpets, letting it settle for a while, and then vacuuming them will get rid of pesky food odors and stains. Vinegar, followed by blotting paper, can be used to get rid of stains, including red wine and oil spills.

Nepal’s ongoing political instability is taking a toll on the country’s youth, leaving them frustrated with the current system. The political infighting, poor governance, and unfulfilled promises are driving up inflation, reducing job opportunities, and pushing young people to leave the country. ApEx talked to three youngsters about emphasizing the need for wise leadership, better youth representation, and the role of social media in Nepal’s politics to address these urgent issues.

Pratik Thapa, 16

I haven’t seen any positive impact of the current political parties in Nepal. The public must choose their leaders wisely. The political instability in Nepal has a direct impact on the youths as it creates an unstable system, driving up inflation. Frequent government changes leave development plans in a limbo. Sometimes it seems we are moving in circles. Social media clouds people’s judgement and even brainwashes them sometimes so I don’t think it has a positive role to play in politics. 

Krishal Maharjan, 17

Nepal’s youth are grappling with some of the nation’s most pressing issues like unemployment and corruption—challenges that are increasingly stalling progress. There is also the negative impact of social media on Nepal’s political landscape, where misinformation and addiction to platforms have distorted public perception, further deepening political divides. Political leaders must pay attention to the problems to solve it and pave a better path for youngsters. 

Nina Malla Thakuri, 26

Nepal’s political parties have largely failed to address youth issues like unemployment and education. Promises are made but they are  limited to words and poor implementation. Lack of youth representation in politics might be one of the reasons for this. Political instability leads to uncertainty, fewer jobs, and forces many to leave the country as well. A stable government with clear plans could fix this. I believe Nepal’s main political problems are corruption and poor governance. To solve them, we need honest leaders who put the nation’s and public’s interest before their own. 

Asmita Dahal, 32

I don’t think any of the current political parties in Nepal are capable of addressing the needs of the youth. The youth are grappling with unemployment, with no opportunities for livelihood in the country. For quality education and healthcare, many have been forced to go abroad. Due to unstable politics, around eight million youths have left the country. I think public anger towards political parties has also intensified because of the random messages and information circulating on social media platforms. 

Slow and steady loses the race because the rabbit is wide awake. Be the rabbit and make a habit—to be on time.

It is not time that is running away but you who are unable to chase it. Time has always stood still; the clocks are just an invention for humans to be reminded that they are fleeting away. It sure is philosophical until you stop questioning ‘why’ and start answering ‘what.’ 

Generally, people who are late blame it on their mental health, saying, “I’ve got ADHD and get distracted very easily,” and picking up mental health symptoms on Google, trying to match them all that was not there. Some genuine, and most trying their best to make it. Infuriating is when some are chronically late for any reason other than the fact that they don't care enough about the people who are waiting for them. Encountering the problem, and excuses follow with “I was going to do this, but that came up.” But of all problems. 

Things take a turn when you are on time, but the lateness around swallows your productivity. Shift blame persists, and the traffic is accused. Everyone is in a hurry but rarely on time. 

A New York Times article suggests that consistent lateness is driven by optimism, such as believing a 25-minute commute will only take 10 minutes. Take that commute and slam it on the Kathmandu roads; you are gifted 15 minutes more. 

If you were a college student studying under the Tribhuvan University (TU) administration, it would be a miracle if your exam results came on time. I too waited and enjoyed the long holidays for them to publish. Being at the end of my second year and getting the first-year results was funny and fascinating. Honestly, everything was sadly expected from the saviours of the education system, only except in 2017, when nine faculties were given the results within three months. The World Bank had given them Rs 50m for timely publication.

Tardiness applies to not just coming on time but also when the work trusted upon is not met on time. It’s like a domino effect where you battle out each and every person’s impending procrastination, which is engraved in the Nepali personality. One would often disappear for a tea break. Astonishingly, when it comes to food, people are usually on time. 

There would be two types of late people: the deadliner, who finds their peak adrenaline rush nearer to the deadline, and the egoist, who’d be smug with the work done in the littlest time possible. I place myself in the former type. 

If there is a monkey on your back, call the punctually-challenged an hour before the planned time. Who knows, for I could be the monkey. Sometimes you don’t feel motivated enough to be there just to see an empty room, so you’d rather fall in with the herd. 

Now imagine in the fairy tales of Kantipur that you were getting a hefty sum of money for coming in early—increased productivity, improved relationships, a better reputation, and maybe refined planning. A method of positive reinforcement. Or maybe negative punishment, to be fired or expelled after three strikes, then trickles in the timeliness. Many students at my college would return home only because they were late to avoid facing detention—props to the creatives for finding a loophole.

There used to be a time when the Kathmandu denizens would hear the current-coughing Ghantaghar bell sounds around the valley, but today you’d just snooze your blaring alarm five minutes more, thinking, “I’ll just follow the Nepali time.”

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.