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Throughout history, human society has experienced major transformative changes. From the age of hunting and gathering to the present era of the internet and advanced technology, the evolution of professions and careers has been a significant aspect of human life. Change is inevitable for progress, yet not all changes lead to positive outcomes. 

A new trend has emerged in the global workforce in recent years, with a growing number of individuals opting to change careers. This phenomenon has also been observed in Nepal, where many people are making transitions to new professions for various reasons. This raises the question: Is changing careers a beneficial or detrimental endeavor? In the context of our ever-evolving society, the concept of change is not new. However, what sets this current trend apart is the palpable shift from mere modernization within a specific occupation to an entire career change. This shift has prompted contemplation about the underlying reasons and motivations for such transitions. Are individuals unsatisfied with their current roles? Is financial gain the primary driving force behind these career changes? Or is there a deeper desire to diversify and excel in multiple areas? These questions have sparked curiosity and led to introspection on the part of many. 

Engaging with individuals who have recently transitioned to new careers reveals a common theme: the pursuit of multi-talent. The modern generation seeks to expand their knowledge and expertise beyond a single domain. The notion of being proficient in only one skill is perceived as limiting and unfulfilling. Instead, individuals aspire to be knowledgeable in various professions, desiring to seamlessly shift between different roles throughout the day. While the pursuit of diverse skills is not inherently negative, the frequency of career changes may pose potential challenges. It is imperative to ponder on the implications of this trend. Several factors have contributed to the rise of this trend. Job satisfaction, individual personality, the incongruence between one's job and innate nature, lack of incentives in current roles, the pervasive influence of social media, and the allure of instant fame have all played a role in shaping this phenomenon. The desire for recognition and popularity is not inherently problematic; however, the rapid attainment of fame can have significant psychological consequences. 

Early and abrupt fame and success bring with it a myriad of pressures and could potentially result in mental health challenges. The pursuit of multiple endeavors simultaneously may not be conducive to sustainable success and well-being. It is crucial to reflect upon these factors and their potential long-term impact. The contrast between pursuing expertise in a specific area versus engaging in multiple fields becomes evident when examining the lives of renowned figures in history. Consider Albert Einstein, a foundational figure in the realm of science. Had he diverted his attention to sociology, economics, and other fields, the world may not have benefitted from his pioneering contributions to theoretical physics. Similarly, Alfred Marshall’s acclaimed status as an economist would have been compromised had he dabbled in various domains of knowledge. These examples underscore the value of dedicating oneself to a particular field, achieving expertise, and garnering recognition over time. 

Individuals who invest substantial time and effort in a single profession are more likely to achieve prominence and financial stability. Becoming an expert in a specific area and gaining recognition within that field is a commendable pursuit, offering long-term rewards. The narrative of achieving success by juggling multiple pursuits simultaneously may not always lead to sustained prosperity and recognition. Focusing on a single discipline allows individuals to establish themselves as authorities in their respective domains, thereby enabling them to secure financial stability and professional recognition. 

In conclusion, the trend of changing careers reflects a desire for multi-talent and expertise across various domains. This shift has been influenced by factors such as job satisfaction, individual personality, the influence of social media, and the allure of instant fame. While the pursuit of diverse skills is commendable, it is essential to carefully consider the potential challenges and long-term impacts of frequent career changes. History has shown that dedicating oneself to a specific field and achieving expertise over time is a viable pathway to success and recognition. By carefully weighing the implications of these trends, individuals can make informed decisions about their careers and strive for sustainable and enduring success.

The author is counseling psychologist at PICS NEPAL

Do you remember the comfort food your mother made when you were sick? For many in Nepal, that dish was ‘jaulo’, a simple yet soothing rice and lentil porridge that remains a staple in Nepali kitchens. It holds a special place in the hearts of most Nepalis, much like its variations do in other cultures—‘khichadi’ in India, British kedgeree, and Italian risotto.

For me, jaulo is more than just food. It’s a warm, comforting hug from my mother. Whenever she made jaulo, it was more than a meal; it was a gesture of love, a remedy for any ailment, mood, or weather. My mother always knew when jaulo was needed. Whether it was a chilly day, someone in the family was feeling under the weather, or she just couldn’t decide what to cook, jaulo was the go-to dish. It was a staple in our household, often served for breakfast, lunch, or even as a snack. Her cooking was simple, quick, and easy, yet it tasted like nectar to us.

The recipe for jaulo is remarkably straightforward—one part rice, three parts lentils, and six parts water, with just turmeric and salt for seasoning. However, the magic lay in the tempering, which varied based on what was available at home. My mother loved using mung daal, but she was flexible and used whatever lentils were on hand. Seasonal greens were often added, giving the dish a fresh twist.

The tempering was the soul of her jaulo. She always used garlic and whole red chilies, tempered in ghee, which gave the dish its distinctive aroma and flavor. Depending on the lentils, she would vary the spices, sometimes using mustard seeds, ajwain (carom seeds), fenugreek seeds, cumin, and occasionally asafoetida (hing), which was my favorite. On special occasions, she would add jimbu (Himalayan chives), making the dish absolutely delicious.

Once, when I missed her jaulo terribly, I called her for the recipe. Trying to recreate it from memory, I realized the key was in the details—how she balanced the spices, the exact timing of adding ingredients, and the love she poured into every pot. Jaulo is more than just a dish. It encapsulates the essence of home, a mother’s love, and the simplicity of comfort food that warms the heart and soul.

Each bite of jaulo is a nostalgic journey back to my childhood, bringing with it the warmth and security of my mother’s kitchen. Whenever I cook jaulo now, I’m transported back to those days when my mother’s cooking made everything better. Her jaulo was not just food—it was a symbol of her care and affection, a dish that could heal and bring joy no matter the circumstances.

Jaulo and its global cousins

Rice and lentil dishes have been a staple in many cultures worldwide for centuries. From the comforting Nepali jaulo to the British kedgeree and the Italian risotto, these dishes share a common base of rice and lentils or legumes, but each brings unique flavors and cultural significance. Here’s a look at some of these beloved dishes.

Nepali jaulo
Jaulo is a simple yet nutritious dish central to Nepali cuisine. Traditionally consumed during Maghe Sankranti, it’s believed to have cleansing properties and is often prepared with minimal ingredients. The basic recipe includes rice, lentils, water, turmeric, and salt, with optional additions like vegetables and spices.

Indian khichadi
Khichadi, often referred to as Khichdi or Khichari, is a staple across India, known for its simplicity and ease of digestion. This dish is particularly associated with comfort during illness or monsoons. It typically includes rice, moong dal (split yellow mung bean), and a variety of spices, sometimes with added vegetables.

British kedgeree
Kedgeree is a dish that evolved during the British colonial era in India, inspired by the traditional Indian khichari. It typically includes smoked fish, rice, and eggs, seasoned with curry powder and garnished with fresh parsley. Kedgeree combines the protein of fish and eggs with the carbohydrates of rice, providing a hearty and nutritious meal.

Italian risotto
While not traditionally made with lentils, risotto shares the same comforting and hearty nature as jaulo and khichadi. It’s made with arborio rice, known for its creamy texture, and often includes ingredients like mushrooms, seafood, or saffron. Risotto provides energy from carbohydrates and can be enriched with various proteins and vegetables, making it a versatile and nutritious dish.

Rice and lentil dishes like jaulo, khichadi, kedgeree, and risotto are cherished across different cultures for their simplicity, nutritional value, and comforting nature. Each dish reflects its unique cultural heritage while sharing a common foundation of rice and legumes or complementary ingredients. These dishes not only provide sustenance but also carry historical and emotional significance, connecting generations and regions through their enduring appeal.

As the world becomes more health-conscious, these humble dishes continue to hold their place on our tables, reminding us of the warmth and love that come with a home-cooked meal. Whether it’s the Nepali jaulo or its global cousins, each dish offers a comforting taste of home, wherever that may be.

The author is a UK-based R&D chef

If you want to be fit but don’t have time to head to the gym, there is help available in the form of workout apps. While many apps come with costly subscriptions, there are plenty of free ones that provide you just the tools you need to start your fitness journey. Here are our top three favorite ones to get you started.

Caliber

The group and individual workouts come at a price but Caliber’s free version has a vast library of more than 500 exercises. There are additional resources and tools to aid your fitness journey that are completely free. Each has a demo video, detailed instructions, pictures showing you which body parts are involved in which exercise. Also, the app allows you to track your progress by recording and charting strength and body metrics like your weight, waist size, and body fat percentage.

Fiit

Available in both paid and free versions, this app is a treasure trove. The app has over 2,000 workouts ranging from strength training to cardio to yoga. The good thing is that the free version gives you unlimited access to all group classes. You can also invite family and friends to join. The workouts are of different lengths. Some are as short as 10 minutes while others, like the full body workout, last for an hour or longer. Most of the workouts are designed in a way that requires no equipment, just your body weight will do. 

Nike Training Club

This is a free exercise app that features a clean interface and a large library of individual workouts and on-demand classes. It will be helpful for users of all fitness levels. But you will need some basic equipment like dumbbells, kettlebells, and some gym equipment to take part in many of the workouts available here. Even if you are going to the gym, this app can be a handy tool to guide you through the workouts. Nike Training Club will help you develop strength and endurance.

As the world is increasingly moving towards automation, Nepal’s journey towards effective e-governance is still in progress. Despite significant achievements in digital public services, various challenges are still hindering the full realization of a seamless digital governance system in Nepal. 

Nepal is the first South Asian country to constitutionally recognize (1990) the right to information as a fundamental right. Nepal also promulgated the Right to Information Act, 2064 (2007). Moreover, Nepal further expanded upon this provision by providing in Article 27 as a fundamental citizen right in the Constitution of Nepal, 2015. The development of Modern ICT policy in the country began with the introduction of the Telecommunications Act of 2053 (1997) and the Telecommunication Regulation of 2054 (1997). However, the most significant policy addressing Information Technology was the Information Technology Policy 2057 (2000). 

To cover the entire spectrum of ICT, the Government of Nepal formulated the Information Communication Policy, 2072 (2015), a comprehensive policy that emphasized the need for a regulatory framework to address the convergence of telecommunications, broadcasting, and ICT. Before that, IT Policy 2010, e-governance Master plan eGMP 2007, eGMP-II 2015 and 10-year master plan 2011 complemented the digital governance framework of the country. In 2019, Nepal marked a shift in its governance landscape by launching the Digital Nepal Framework. This initiative aimed to transform public service delivery through digital means. Following this, the E-Governance Commission was introduced under the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministries with the introduction of the E-Governance Commission (Formation and Operation) Order, 2022, introduced to further promote electronic systems in government functions. 

Today, all the local governments have their own websites and social media pages to improve information dissemination among the citizens. Moreover, the digitization of vital registration processes and services such as Vehicle licensing and national identification has added another milestone to the digital journey of Nepal. These developments were majorly seen after the Covid-19 pandemic when the citizens and government were forced to turn to digital media. The change eventually led Nepal to improve its standing in the global e-governance Development Index, where it ranked 125th in 2022, up from 132nd in 2020. This highlights the progress in Nepal's digital transformation. 

Moreover, the challenges still persist in the case of infrastructure. Public authorities in Nepal still lack enough resources and logistics to effectively conduct those actions. A critical issue is the lack of adequately trained human resources within the public sector. As the bureaucrats, especially those from local governments, do not receive necessary exposure or training to effectively manage innovative digital systems. Due to lack of enough infrastructures and capacity building opportunities, the public sector struggles to keep pace with the technological advancements and implement efficient digital governance solutions.  

Digital divide in Nepal is more common than we think. Particularly in rural areas, where basic infrastructure for transportation, communication, internet access, and electricity is often lacking, the fruits of the automation haven't really reached the rural citizens. Moreover, there is widespread need for targeted infrastructure development and equitable resource distribution to ensure that all the citizens, despite their geographic location, get access to efficient public services. However, in urban areas, despite widespread smartphone usage and internet access, many Nepalese citizens, including tech savvy youths, still are not aware of available digital services provided by the government. This is largely due to insufficient public awareness campaigns and outreach efforts. 

Another important challenge is the cyber security challenge. In March, various government servers at the National Information Technology Centre (NITC) experienced data loss from different government agencies. It is the central data storage center where almost all the local levels and government agencies store their data. It was supposed to be the most secure center, which again grappled with such a challenge. Government servers are not secure enough, nor have they been maintained well. 

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated digital adoption, and the current approach to e-governance needs proper refinement. There is a pressing need for enhanced training and capacity building for bureaucrats to effectively manage digital systems. The Local government requires more support from the central and provincial authorities to become truly digital friendly and responsive to public needs. Cyber diplomacy has also come forward with the potential of gaining technical support from the international community. 

For Nepal to fully capitalize on its digital potential, local governments must be empowered to utilize digital tools effectively. As the closest government to citizens, it is important to ensure the local governments have enough tech-savvy bureaucrats and infrastructures. Increasing public awareness and bridging the digital divide should be top priorities. With the widespread smartphone usage, it is vital for the government to ensure that citizens are informed about the digital services at their disposal.  

To further advance e-governance in Nepal, collaboration with the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and development partners is equally crucial. As these entities possess specialized skills and technical expertise that can significantly support government agencies in their digital transformation efforts. As Nepal gradually automates its data and information systems, Public-Private partnerships can play an increasingly vital role in addressing public needs. 

Nepal’s IT sector is growing rapidly and holds substantial potential for bolstering IT security. The irony is many local IT companies are primarily focused on securing international clients, while Nepal continues to rely heavily on foreign outsourcing. By fostering better coordination with domestic IT firms, Nepal could enhance self-reliance and develop a robust local IT ecosystem. 

The Government of Nepal introduced the Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity Bill which was aimed at addressing digital signatures, cloud computing, cybercrime and major digitalization of public services, including the creation of websites for all government agencies, establishment of a national cybersecurity center, and forensic center. However, the controversies surrounded the entire IT sector, which must be resolved as soon as possible. 

Looking forward, the Government of Nepal has set the goal of 90 percent of households with internet access by 2029, as per the 16th Plan. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set to be achieved by 2030. With the continued efforts, Nepal has a huge potential to expand digital governance and ensure that the benefits of digitization reach every household across the country, but of course a proactive approach is more than important today.