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The pandemic in 2020 forced us to redefine our relationship with wellness. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about being disease free. We needed to up our immunity and be in good form. This process might have been impossible had it not been for a slew of professionals who turned to their social media accounts to bring us the resources we needed. Many of them had already been providing helpful content for years but the lockdowns allowed us to finally take notice and explore.

 Fast forward several years later and most of us have again gotten caught up in the daily grind. We rush through our mornings and are often sending emails late into the night. However, our health must be our priorities, else everything will eventually fall apart. There’s so much information on the internet now, on health and fitness (and everything else), that it’s often difficult to separate the good from the bad. So, to ease you into the world of wellness online, we are recommending three wellness experts who can guide you through your journey of becoming a fitter and better version of yourself.

 Satvic Movement

Satvic Movement is an online holistic health education platform. Founded in 2017, it has become a rapidly growing organization that has transformed the lives of millions of people. Subah Saraf and Harshvardhan Saraf are the people behind Satvic Movement. The co-founders battled chronic health conditions and overcame them through the Satvic way of life. Their healing journey influenced and inspired them to share what they learnt so that people could benefit from it.

 Subah and Harsh apparently controlled and reversed their thyroid and psoriasis through diet and lifestyle changes. When the couple began uploading videos of the ways in which they did it, they received millions of views. Today, their YouTube channel has over five million subscribers. They have 1.7m followers on Instagram. Subah and Harsh also recently wrote a book which was published by Harper Collins. Satvic Movement, on their Instagram page, provides bite sized content on ways in which you can improve your life. They also hold workshops that you can participate in for a nominal fee.

 Little Curves

Everybody wants to lose weight but not many of us know how we can do it without starving ourselves or denying ourselves the food our body craves. Dietician Khushboo Gupta who is a mindful eating coach can guide you through the process without making it seem like a herculean task. Gupta calls herself a food matchmaker, helping you attain the best relationship with food. Through her online platforms, she will guide you to make smart and healthy food choices.

Her Instagram page is filled with healthy meal recipes that you can make in minutes. There’s a no bread protein sandwich recipe that is delicious and filling. The no flour five-minute noodle recipe is so easy to replicate that you will not get packaged noodles ever again. There are many such useful eating tips and recipes for all kinds of health issues, from kidney stones and thyroid to constipation and diabetes. We recommend you go through the page to find the ones that suit you best.

Yogini Srishti

Srishti Kaushik is a yoga teacher whose Instagram page has 1.3m followers. Skilled in different styles of yoga including Hatha, Yin, Yang, Restorative, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga, Kaushik has been practicing yoga for the past 12 years. She started teaching yoga five years ago and has since then garnered a steady clientele. Her Instagram page is filled with useful tips and tricks to incorporate yoga asanas in your daily life no matter how busy you are.

She believes you can tackle all kinds of health issues with yoga and mindfulness and going by the testimonies of her clients who have reversed their thyroid issues and conceived naturally despite having reproductive health problems, it seems you can definitely put your faith in this cheerful teacher who always conducts classes with a smile on her face.

The rich tapestry of world music and its enduring connection to folk traditions have woven a narrative of cultural resilience and artistic innovation across the globe. From the streets of New York City to the remote villages of Nepal, the echoes of folk melodies resonate with a timeless authenticity, bridging continents and generations. In this exploration, we delve into the multifaceted landscape of world music, tracing its evolution through the folk revival of the 1960s to contemporary expressions that redefine cultural boundaries and celebrate diversity.

Folk revival of the 1960s: A cultural renaissance

The 1960s marked a pivotal moment in the history of folk music, characterized by a fervent revival of interest in traditional musical forms. This resurgence was fueled by a generation seeking authenticity and connection in a rapidly changing world. At the forefront of this movement were iconic figures like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, whose impassioned performances breathed new life into age-old ballads and protest songs.

Ben Corbett, a music journalist, reflects on the prominence of Dylan and Baez during this period, noting their role as torchbearers of the folk revival. Their music served as a rallying cry for social change, resonating with audiences who yearned for songs that spoke to the struggles and aspirations of ordinary people. Yet, the folk revival was not without controversy, as debates raged over the perceived dilution of folk music with the introduction of electric instruments and commercialization.

The Webster dictionary defines folk music as music originating from traditional culture, often passed down orally from generation to generation. However, as Kim Ruehl, a folk music writer, observes, the folk revival of the 1960s represented more than a mere renaissance of old songs. It was a catalyst for artistic exploration and cultural exchange, as folklorists documented diverse musical traditions, filmmakers compiled anthologies, and performers like Pete Seeger traversed the country, sharing their music with audiences far and wide.

Essence of folk music: Tradition, innovation, and authenticity

As the folk revival unfolded, the definition of folk music became a subject of intense scrutiny and debate. Traditionalists argued for the preservation of authentic folk traditions, while others embraced innovation and evolution within the genre. Alynda Segarra, the creative force behind Hurray for the Riff Raff, offers a nuanced perspective, suggesting that the essence of folk lies not in its musical style but in its message.

For Segarra, folk music is a vehicle for storytelling and social commentary, transcending genre boundaries to convey universal truths and experiences. In this light, the authenticity of folk music is not defined by adherence to a particular sound or style but by the sincerity and relevance of the artist's message. This redefinition of folk music resonates deeply with contemporary artists like Raithane, a Nepali group that infuses ethnic folk traditions with modern sensibilities to create music that speaks to the human condition across linguistic and cultural divides.

Jhuma Limbu, one of the founders of Raithane, shares her journey of discovery and creative expression, highlighting the role of travel and cultural immersion in shaping her artistic vision. Like Segarra, Limbu views folk music as a means of connecting with shared experiences and emotions, transcending geographical and cultural barriers to forge meaningful connections with audiences around the world.

Global impact of folk music: From Nepal to New York

While the folk revival of the 1960s may have originated in America, its influence reverberated across the globe, inspiring artists and musicians in far-flung corners of the world. In Nepal, a country with a rich tradition of folk music, the revival of traditional forms has taken on new significance in recent years.

Ethnomusicologist Kishore Gurung traces the evolution of Nepali music from its roots in rural folk traditions to the vibrant tapestry of sounds and styles that define the contemporary music scene. Despite the dominance of genres like Adhunik and Lok, Gurung emphasizes the enduring relevance of folk music as a repository of cultural heritage and collective memory.

In contrast to mainstream pop music, which often succumbs to commercial pressures and trends, folk music endures as a resilient and authentic expression of community identity and resilience. Bands like Kutumba, Night band, Cadenza Collective, Bipul Chettri, Gauley Bhai and many more indie artists exemplify this renaissance of Nepali music, blending traditional folk melodies with contemporary influences to create a sound that is both timeless and relevant.

Preserving cultural heritage: Challenges and opportunities

As Nepal and other countries grapple with the challenges of preserving their cultural heritage in the face of globalization and commercialization, the role of artists and cultural institutions becomes increasingly vital. Paul Greene, a social scientist, reflects on the importance of fostering a sense of pride and ownership in traditional musical forms, while also embracing innovation and experimentation.

Greene acknowledges the tensions inherent in this process, as artists navigate the delicate balance between preserving tradition and embracing change. Yet, he remains optimistic about the future of world music, citing the resilience of folk traditions and the passion of artists who continue to draw inspiration from the past while looking towards the future.

In conclusion, the story of world music and folk revival is one of resilience, creativity, and cultural exchange. From the bustling streets of New York City to the remote villages of Nepal, the echoes of folk melodies remind us of the enduring power of music to unite, inspire, and transform lives. As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, let us not forget the rich tapestry of traditions that have shaped our collective identity and continue to enrich our lives with their timeless beauty and wisdom.

Having friends over for lunch or dinner is always a good idea. It allows us to spend some time together while making our friends feel valued, thus cementing our bond. We spend a lot of time working on the menu. It has to be perfect. Good food is the key to a great time. But we often underestimate the importance of fun, party décor unless it’s a birthday or anniversary celebration.

 There’s more to décor than balloons and streamers when you are hosting. Small things can liven up the atmosphere of your home, making your guests feel at ease and put them in a peppy mood. Here we share some of our favorite décor ideas that are sure to make your house party a fun and wholesome event and make you the talk of the town (in your friend’s circle, at least).

Harness the flower power

Flowers, real or faux, can brighten up a space with minimal effort. But rather than just a bunch of flowers on the dining room table or the coffee table, consider breaking it up and having a few stems in different places around the house. Don’t forget to place some in the guest bathroom as well. Pair it with a lit candle if your bathroom doesn’t get natural light during the day. You can also use artificial flowers but be careful not to overdo it and try to stick to ones that look as natural as possible. You can also put some rose petals in an urn and place that at the entrance along with some floating candles. It will give your space a cozy yet regal vibe.

Display the essentials

Bring out the cutlery, napkins, and toothpicks and display them in an interesting manner—on trays, flower vases, small candle holders etc. You can get pretty, printed napkins these days or if you want to be sustainable, opt for cloth napkins, complete with metal napkin rings. Put a water jug and glasses on a large tray, along with an interesting décor accessory like a flower vase, candle, or a random figurine and have it ready on the dining table. It can be an interesting yet functional display. Display your glassware on the bar and coffee and tea things on the kitchen counter for easy access as well as practical décor. The idea here is to put things you will need in the course of entertaining on display and make it a part of the party décor.

Put up some lights

String lights are a charm to your space. Most of us keep this décor accessory stowed away for Tihar or Christmas. But you can actually use them all year round. They are cheap, easy to maintain, and look great when lit. We recommend warm lights instead of cool or multicolored ones but the choice is yours. String these up at the entrance or in the living or dining space for an instant festive feel. It will lend your space a peaceful ambiance. If you are entertaining in the evening, turn off the overhead lights and put on lamps or light candles. Light some scented candles in different areas of the house—this will brighten up yourspace while making it smell great.

Make some noise

What’s a party without good music? Create a party playlist depending on when you are hosting, who are the guests, and what the day or night is like. There is perhaps nothing good music can’t solve. If you want your guests to wind down with a drink, play some soothing tunes. If you want them to feel upbeat, put on some house music. The only rule here is that the playlist has to be long enough to last the course of the party. You shouldn’t have to keep getting up to change the tracks. If you are having an outdoor party, we also suggest you put up some windchimes. Hang them up from the tree, if you have one, or put up a few wherever possible to be soothed by some tinkling sounds as your friends sit around chatting.

Focus on fabulous food arrangement

Good food can taste even better if it’s rightly displayed and served. We feast with our eyes first before we sit down to eat, don’t we?  So, take out your best serving bowls. Serving food in cooking utensils is a big, resounding no. Use cake trays to serve finger foods. Get creative. Turn an old bucket into a bright, chic drink receptacle. Spray paint it a funky color and write down ‘Drinks’ on it to create a cool beverage chiller. Think vertical displays. If you have small racks or stools that you can put on countertops or tables, bring them out, drape a fancy napkin or cloth over it and use it as a place to serve drinks or desserts.

Engineers and architects in Nepal grapple with many challenges, including a lack of professional unity, fair compensation, inefficient contractors, and delayed client payments. Despite these hurdles, there are immense opportunities in enhancing tourism infrastructure, preserving cultural heritage, and managing water resources. Aaradhana Shrestha from ApEx asked three engineers what were the biggest challenges and opportunities in their field, and how the sector could support innovation and development.

Shree Krishna Shrestha, 22

As a civil engineer in Nepal, I face a lot of challenges. Job dissatisfaction arises from limited career advancement and inadequate compensation. Political instability disrupts projects, and construction sites often lack essential safety measures. Legal issues can be inequitable, political favoritism undermines fairness, and corruption impairs project integrity. Insufficient implementation and oversight lead to delays and substandard results.

Nevertheless, there are many opportunities too. There are government appointed roles in many organizations, including but not limited to the Department of Roads (DoR) and the Nepal Army Engineering Directorate. The private sector offers positions in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Civil engineers can also work with NGOs and INGOs in disaster relief, infrastructure development, urban planning, water and sanitation, sustainability, and rural development. Furthermore, there are prospects in construction entrepreneurship. 

To drive innovation, increased investment in research and expertise is crucial. Breakthroughs in water management, seismic-resistant structures, and transportation technologies are essential. Supporting these innovations will enhance public safety and infrastructure efficiency, benefiting millions across Nepal.

Ankeeta Shrestha, 24

Nepal is a dynamic country in terms of politics, development, innovation, and everything in between. It has immense potential as a developing country, with much work to be done in areas such as tourism infrastructure, cultural heritage, water resource management, and more. Development is directly linked with the engineering and architecture professions. The challenges that come with these fields are immense, and the list goes on.

As a fresh architect just out of academia and with only a year of professional experience, I have tried to find opportunities and look at the brighter side. Many of my batchmates are leaving the country or planning to leave. They are desperately seeking better opportunities elsewhere. Hopefully, the government will recognize the potential of its youth in the days to come so that young architects and engineers can invest their knowledge in their own land.

Surendra Pandit, 24

The government doesn’t invest in scientific research. As an electrical engineer, I’m disheartened to see that there’s no research that coincides with my interests. Many engineers and architects feel the same way and consider this a big problem. Even those involved in some sort of research often face financial hurdles which prevents them from completing it. Engineers in Nepal aren’t able to compete in the global market due to this reason, along with other factors such as fewer employment opportunities, underpaid jobs, and social security concerns.

The only solution to these problems is for the Nepal government to show more concern and invest in scientific research. Additionally, suitable investment opportunities for foreign agencies to contribute to research areas within Nepal must be created. Furthermore, organizations hiring engineers or architects must ensure social security and fulfill the financial needs that are much deserved and needed by these professionals.