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The ICC T20 World Cup is currently being held in the United States and the West Indies. Although Nepal was eliminated in the group stage, their games drew immense support from thousands of enthusiastic Nepali fans at the stadium. Logan Van Beek from the Netherlands praised the Nepali fans for their overwhelming presence and fervor, stating, “I am not sure whether we are in Nepal or Dallas. These fans for Nepal were amazing. It was so loud. I am struggling to think half the time.” The strong support from Nepali fans has garnered praise from various cricket pages, experts, and enthusiasts, emphasizing the substantial influence of the Nepali diaspora. This article explores the significance of the Nepali diaspora and its potential as Nepal’s soft power.

What is diaspora and why is it important?

Diaspora refers to individuals who have left their home country to live abroad for an extended period. Kevin Kenny, in his book ‘Diaspora: A Very Short Introduction,’ describes diaspora as a concept that illuminates a world influenced by migration, especially relevant to groups that have migrated involuntarily, maintain connections to their homeland, and are dispersed globally.

The Ministry of External Affairs of India reports that the global Indian diaspora is the largest, comprising 13.6 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), 18.6 million Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and nearly 32.3 million overseas citizens of India. Additionally, 2.5 million Indians move abroad every year. Similarly, Nepal has a sizable diaspora, with over 4.5 million Nepalis living outside the country. Since passports were first issued on November 26, 2010, over 10 million have been issued.

Every day, around 1,500 to 3,000 Nepali people leave Nepal for work, study, or travel. In 2023, more than 1.6 million people went abroad for various purposes including employment, tourism, training, sports, residence, and study. According to the Department of Immigration, 70,915 people left to settle permanently and 808,415 left for employment in 2023, excluding those working in India.

The economic survey data shows that 102,504 students left to study abroad in 2078-079, 110,217 in 2079-80, and 90,179 NOCs were issued until Falgun 2080-81. Most students aim to settle in economically secure countries such as Japan, Canada, Australia, the UK, the USA, South Korea, India, the UAE, France, and Denmark. As more Nepali students move to these countries, the Nepali diaspora will grow.

Currently, Nepali citizens can enter 111 countries with an institutional permit and 178 countries with an individual work permit. In the financial year 2079-80, 771,327 young people went abroad, primarily to Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.

The importance of the diaspora is increasing. The contributions made by the diaspora play a fundamental role in the relationship between countries and contribute significantly to their home country's international presence, economy, and people-to-people relations.

Foreign policy and the Nepali diaspora

Nepal’s diplomatic outreach extends to 182 countries, reflecting its global relations, with the Nepali expatriate community playing a significant role. Known for their friendly and hospitable nature, as well as pride in their culture, traditions, religion, and language, Nepalis bolster the country’s reputation worldwide. Nepal’s ‘Foreign Policy 2077’ aims to harness the knowledge, expertise, financial resources, and networking capabilities of the Nepali diaspora to further national development.

This foreign policy vision strives to position Nepal as a robust, progressive, peaceful, and esteemed nation. It acknowledges the pivotal role of the Nepali diaspora in economic diplomacy and emphasizes mobilizing Nepali expatriates to safeguard and propagate Nepalese art, culture, language, and heritage.

The policy also stresses fostering positive attitudes toward Nepal, garnering support for its progress, and enhancing Nepal’s global reputation by tapping into the potential of the Nepali diaspora. It calls for unity, cooperation, and collaboration among Nepali expatriates, urging them to participate actively in the political and economic arenas of their host countries.

Additionally, the policy commits to providing legal aid to Nepalis in need and promoting efficient consular services for Nepalis living abroad. It advocates for establishing and operating Nepali language schools and training centers in countries with significant Nepali populations to preserve the Nepali language, culture, and traditions.

Despite these ambitious goals, practical implementation is often hampered by the limited budget allocated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This budget primarily covers embassy rent and staff salaries, constraining the scope of operational activities. Bharat Raj Poudel, former Foreign Secretary and Nepal’s current Ambassador to Canada, highlights these resource constraints, noting that embassies operate with very limited budgets and small staff, focusing mainly on urgent issues such as rescuing Nepalis in need, leaving little capacity for economic and public diplomacy.

What can be done?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers prioritize interacting with the Indian diaspora during their foreign visits, encouraging Indians abroad to visit India with friends who are not Indian. This approach has strengthened India’s ties with other countries. Similarly, Nepal’s Prime Minister and other ministers should prioritize building and nurturing relationships with Nepalis residing overseas.

It is crucial to hold diplomats accountable and bolster the capabilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Restructuring MOFA and expanding Nepal’s diplomatic presence is necessary to enhance the country’s global image. Frequent diplomatic recalls driven by political motivations negatively affect Nepal’s reputation.

Creating adaptable legislation and policies to incentivize investments from the growing Nepali diaspora is important. Non-resident Nepalis (NRNs) can unite Nepalis in their respective countries. The government can support returning Nepali immigrants’ contributions to the Brain Gain Center (BGC) to aid in national progress. All political factions in Nepal should work towards unifying the Nepali people and promoting their contributions to national development.

The participation of Nepalis in Nepal Day Parades worldwide, including in the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe, Japan, Australia, and other regions, is crucial for celebrating Nepal’s diversity and culture. The government and political parties need to acknowledge and harness the potential of the Nepali diaspora for the country's advancement.

Dragonflies are recognized by their long, slender abdomen; large globular eyes, often making up a large portion of the head; short antennae; and long wings. The extant dragonflies are placed in the Odonata order, which is divided into two suborders: the Zygoptera, or damselflies, and the Anisoptera, or true dragonflies. There are about 6400 species of dragonflies and damsels. Dragonflies are generally larger, more robust, and have a stronger flight than damselflies. Damselflies are smaller and have slender and taper wings toward their bases, whereas dragonflies are larger and have hind wings broadening at their bases.

Dragonfly eggs are laid underwater among plants or in silt, which is nicely hidden away from predators. Once hatched, a nymph will spend most of their life—months to years—in this stage before crawling out of the water to turn into a dragonfly. Damselfly larvae can be separated from dragonfly larvae by their caudal lamellae, which are fin-like structures at the end of their abdomen that act as external gills. The adult stage will occur when they have molted, leaving behind an exuvia. Almost all Odonata species need a vertical substrate to emerge from their nymphal life stage into their adult life stage. Adults live for a few weeks to a few months.

Dragonfly as a bioindicator of wetlands

Dragonflies are used as a bioindicator as they are highly sensitive to changes in aquatic habitat. They require clean bodies of water for breeding and feeding, so any alterations in water quality can directly impact their population. Factors like water temperature, acidity, turbidity, or pollution can dramatically upset the survival of the young insect larvae. If dragonflies and damselflies are present in a lake or stream, it indicates good water quality. By studying the presence or absence of different dragonfly species, we can assess the overall health of wetland ecosystems. Further, because their diet consists entirely of insects, dragonfly density is directly proportional to the population of prey. Dragonflies and damselflies are also crucial, as they feed on disease-causing mosquitoes and flies and serve as prey for birds and fish.

Threats and conservation

Nearly 16 percent of the world’s dragonflies and damselflies are at risk of extinction. Primarily due to the destruction and pollution of wetlands. To protect these beautiful, useful insects, protection of the wetland ecosystem (especially in urban areas) is foremost. Avoiding the use of pesticides, which in one way kills its prey, and rainwater carries all the pollutants to wetland, degrading the water quality where nymphs live. Additionally, planting aquatic plants in wetland will help, as it acts as a substrate where female dragonflies can lay eggs and also during the molting period.

The World Day Against Child Labor aims to bring attention to the issue of making laborers out of children. To end child labor, the World Day Against Child Labor prioritizes education, develops economic options, upholds the law, offers social support, and raises awareness. Aaradhana Shrestha from ApEx spoke to three people to find out what communities and individuals can do to help end child labor.

Sitendra Jha, 18

Child labor is a heinous crime that abuses children, depriving them of a normal childhood, better future, and lifestyle, all for the selfish motivation of exploiting cheap labor offered by children. It’s often due to economically and socially backward families and communities. The best approach to preventing child labor is to identify and uplift the livelihoods of these economically disadvantaged marginalized communities. Strict rules and regulations should be implemented, along with rigorous monitoring by authorities to punish those involved in this crime. Children subjected to forced labor in various situations should be rescued and rehabilitated to effectively reintegrate them into society.

As individuals, we should hold ourselves to higher moral standards and speak out against child labor. We must not allow ourselves to be silenced by elite industrialists and individuals who exploit children, nor should we condone child labor in any circumstances. We should actively raise awareness and voice our concerns against child labor. Any product or service that directly or indirectly results from child labor should be socially boycotted and severely punished.

Siddhartha Thapaliya, 25

Combating child labor requires ensuring access to education and job opportunities for all. Schools should offer low-cost tuition or scholarships for poor families, reducing the financial reasons that force children to work. Comprehensive educational programs must highlight the long-term benefits of schooling and include job training to prepare students for future careers.

Strong laws are essential to stop child labor, with strict enforcement and penalties for violations. Providing job opportunities for parents is equally important, as a stable and adequate income can reduce the poverty that drives families to rely on child labor. Employment programs and financial support for adults help ensure that children can stay in school rather than being sent to work. These measures create an environment where education is valued, and financial pressures leading to child labor are reduced, promoting a future where all children have the chance to learn and succeed.

Pragya Khanal, 22

Child labor refers to work that robs children of their childhood and potential, negatively impacting their physical and mental growth and development. Despite global efforts to eradicate it, child labor persists, and significant struggles have been observed in addressing this issue.

Preference for education over money-making, eradication of poverty through employment opportunities for parents, and solutions for inflated education fees can be helpful in eliminating the emerging issue of child labor. Additionally, raising awareness regarding the psychological impact on children can be the best solution to eradicate child labor from our society.

Vyom Tulsyan (16) and Ved Tulsyan (14) of India, along with Aaryam Murarka (10) of the United States, are three siblings who completed the Everest Base Camp expedition as teenagers. They describe their journey as an invaluable life lesson. The teenage brothers embarked on this mission to raise awareness about financial literacy.

“The trek to the Everest Base Camp was a journey of discovery, not only of the natural beauty of the Himalayan region but also of invaluable life lessons,” Vyom Tulsyan stated. “The lessons in goal setting, discipline, risk management, resource efficiency, adaptability, teamwork, and long-term thinking were invaluable. Embracing these principles ensures success, whether navigating the long Himalayan trails or the complexities of financial life.”

According to Vyom Tulsyan, these critical lessons helped them gain a new perspective not only on the physical beauty of life but also provided a new narrative on the abstract and deeper meaning of living. “The experience reaffirmed that with the right mindset and preparation, we can overcome enormous challenges and achieve our greatest aspirations,” he said.

They also had the invaluable opportunity to meet Sir Kancha Sherpa, the last living member of the original team that conquered Mount Everest. “His story of bravery and adventure was very inspiring,” they expressed joyfully. Ved Tulsyan added, “With the blessing of Sir Kancha Sherpa, as we approached EBC, the realization of achievement sank in.”

Reaching the base camp on International Everest Day, the day Nepali Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and New Zealander Edmund Hillary first scaled Mount Everest together on 29 May 1953, added a cherry on top of their achievement. Aaryam Murarka, who came from the USA for this expedition, stated that this trek was an adventurous escape from the city’s regular hustle and bustle.

“Reflecting on the journey, we realized what a life-changing lesson it had taught us. The experience involved more than just reaching the base camp,” said Vyom Tulsyan, explaining that meticulous planning, unwavering discipline, and shared determination are essential.

As part of their acclimatization process, they also went on a day hike to Summit Nagarjuna Hill and climbed Kala Patthar. “The climb was strenuous, but the panoramic view from the top was worth every step,” Vyom added. “I witnessed a sunrise over Everest that I will never forget. The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming.”

Vyom Tulsyan is a Class XII management student at Chinmaya International Residential School in Coimbatore. He aspires to pursue a career in finance. His hobbies include reading books on financial literacy and traveling.