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Have you thought about what makes you happy? While chasing your goals and dreams and thus being inundated by work and deadlines, have you stopped to enjoy the process? Do you constantly feel overwhelmed? Here are some simple things you can indulge in to get your mind off what’s bothering you and recharge yourself. 

Put out some flowers 

You give flowers to others but do you buy them for yourself? The simple act of buying a bunch of flowers for yourself can bring joy into your life. Put up some flowers in your living room or dining room table to bring in some cheer into your life. Learn to arrange flowers. There are many pages on Instagram and YouTube tutorials too that can teach you neat tricks to create fun and pretty centerpieces. Flowers make for a great sight and can instantly brighten your mood. 

Try breakfast at a new restaurant

There is something extremely blissful about a leisurely breakfast at an aesthetic restaurant. Why not try one of the many new places that have opened in town? We recommend Feels and The Gardens in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur. There are also many quaint cafes in Basantapur, Kathmandu, where you can have a good cup of coffee and some local food. Spend time with yourself or catch up with a friend this weekend. 

Visit a local fair or farmer’s market

Local fairs and farmer’s markets are great places to get some good deals, indulge in some scrumptious food and desserts, and have some refreshing beverages. It’s a wholesome experience so head to a fair or a local market and spend some time strolling around. What better way could there be than to spend a leisurely day eating, drinking, and shopping? The Farmer’s Market at Le Sherpa in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, has an amazing ensemble of stalls every Saturday. 

Explore a new part of town

We have our favorite hangouts and places to visit and, as creatures of habit, we tend to gravitate towards those places whenever we go out. But there are many unexplored alleys and places that are filled with stories and culture that you will probably know nothing about if you don’t venture out there. We suggest you drive or hike to a place you haven’t been before and spend some time discovering the area. It recharges your brain like no other activity can. 

Memorize a poem

Our minds are often filled with a lot of thoughts, or in other words, clutter. Memorizing a poem is a great way to get rid of all that unnecessary chatter. Poetry is a form of music, and it acts on and affects the imagination and emotions the same way that music can and does. It draws us in superficially at first, and later we can move onto an appreciation of its deeper meanings. All in all, it can make us more introspective and calm us during chaotic times.  

Donate what you don’t need 

One of the best ways to clear your mind and life is to get rid of all the things you don’t need and make space for new things. Our homes are filled with things we don’t use or need. Take some time out to weed through them and donate or sell what you don’t want. Donating what you don’t have any use for will make you feel good. Sukhawati store is a great place to drop clothing you don’t want so that those less fortunate than you can have them at cheap prices.

Disconnect for a little while 

We live in a world where we are constantly connected to one another, through calls, social media, etc. Make it a point to switch off at least once a week or for a few hours every day. Schedule screen time and only use social media for an allocated time period every day. Turn off the internet connection on your phone when you don’t need it. When you aren’t being bombarded by message pings and calls, your mind will automatically be at ease. 

Modernization in Nepal has influenced youth participation in traditional cultural traditions. The interest among youngsters in old cultural practices seems to be waning. We are thus perhaps on the cusp of letting our stories and traditions fade away. Aaradhana Shrestha of ApEx spoke to three people to find out how modernization has affected Nepali youth interest in traditional culture, and how we can preserve our cultural heritage.

Lalima Shrestha, 29

Modernization has led Nepal’s youth to feel disconnected from their traditional cultural practices due to increased exposure to modern influences through new media and technologies.

To preserve and promote Nepal’s rich cultural heritage among younger generations, we must first recognize this issue ourselves. Then, we need to make young people aware of their cultural roots in a way that sparks their curiosity. Instead of forcing traditions on them, we should encourage them to explore and discover their heritage on their own.

There should be more opportunities for youth to engage with traditional cultural practices. These opportunities should be presented in an interesting and relevant way, so young people will want to participate and continue these traditions in the future. By making cultural practices appealing and accessible, we can help ensure they are preserved for generations to come.

Prajal Shrestha, 27

Modernization has significantly impacted traditional cultural practices among the youth in Nepal. Many young Nepalis prioritize higher education and better job opportunities, often leading to a detachment from their cultural identity. The trend of moving abroad for better prospects further exacerbates this issue.

To preserve Nepal’s cultural heritage among the youth, we need awareness programs, media campaigns, cultural education in schools, and celebrations of cultural events. Government bodies and cultural organizations, like Guthis, should actively involve youth in cultural activities. Engaging platforms such as workshops, traditional music and dance classes, and heritage tours can deepen their connection to cultural practices.

Local communities can organize cultural events and festivals that encourage youth participation, and mentorship programs where elders teach traditional practices to younger generations can also be effective. Leveraging digital platforms to promote cultural heritage can attract tech-savvy youth. Creating engaging content like documentaries, blogs, and social media posts about cultural traditions can be helpful in reaching a wider audience.

Birsana Shrestha, 25

Modernization is seen as a symbol of status. It’s perceived as being forward and progressive. Modernization in itself is not an issue but the expense it comes at often makes it an issue.

In the process of catching up with global trends, our cultural practices have been cornered. From my observations, and I’m not generalizing, youths are alienated from their own culture, as if they are disconnected from its stories. We are expected to act in a way that pleases our market system. The purpose of our culture has changed.

Cultural organizations can initiate gatherings where they can discuss things about our culture. For instance, the writing center of Thames International College organizes a ‘Heritage Walk’ where participants visit heritage sites with experts and learn about their stories and significance. This could be one strategy.

Corruption in Nepal is a pervasive issue that hinders development and erodes public trust in government institutions. The Right to Information (RTI) Act, a powerful tool for transparency, aims to combat corruption by ensuring public access to information. However, a recent survey reveals that local governments are not RTI-friendly, posing significant challenges to transparency and accountability.

Local governments are not RTI friendly

This author has recently conducted a survey across 753 local governments in Nepal and confirmed that these entities are not RTI-friendly. Specifically, an RTI request for details on the purchase, maintenance, and fuel expenses for motorcycles procured for ward chairpersons revealed that only 210 out of 753 municipalities, or almost 29 percent, provided the requested information.

Among the respondents, Hilihang Rural Municipality questioned the legitimacy of the request, insisting that information be requested in person at their office. Varahatal and nine other municipalities redirected the requests to their financial and physical asset sections without providing the actual information. Approximately 30 percent of municipalities responded via email, stating that no motorcycles were purchased, hence there were no repair or fuel expenses. Most of these municipalities were from Taplejung District and Madhesh Province. Of the total information received, 20 percent came from section officers or IT officers instead of the designated information officer, and 10 percent was provided by the chief administrative officers.

District-wise RTI response rates

Among all 753 municipalities, Syangja District had the highest response rate, with 64 percent (seven out of 11) municipalities providing information. No information was received from any municipality in Dailekh, Dolakha, Eastern Rukum, Salyan, and Solukhumbu districts. Banke district ranked second, with 62.5 percent (five out of eight) municipalities responding, followed by Dolpa with 62.5 percent (five out of eight), and Panchthar, where 62 percent of the municipalities provided information. Districts with only one municipality providing information included Bardiya, Doti, Gorkha, Humla, Kapilvastu, Mugu, Mustang, Myagdi, Rasuwa, Rautahat, Rolpa, and Sankhuwasabha. Rautahat district had the lowest percentage of information providers, with only 5.56 percent (one out of 18) municipalities responding.

Discrepancies in reported expenses

In most local governments that provided information, transportation expenses were recorded according to provincial laws, but some municipalities reported unusually high expenses. One municipality reported spending Rs 68,000 on repairs for a single motorcycle over four months, and monthly petrol expenses were as high as 55 liters. The survey revealed a significant insight: municipalities that operated transparently had no trouble providing information, whereas those with financial opacity or expenditures made without proper legal and procedural frameworks were nearly impossible to obtain information from.

Academia delaying to embrace RTI

The academic sector has also been slow to embrace RTI. A review of 11 university websites revealed that very few publicly posted the photo, contact number, or email of the information officer, a mandatory provision of RTI. Notably, thousands of academic institutions like schools and colleges, where the huge amount of national budget has been spent, are out of access to information because they are not complying with the rule of RTI yet. Second important public service sector is the health sector and they are also not following the obligatory liability of RTI.

Corruption everywhere in Nepal

Corruption permeates every facet of Nepali society, as evidenced by Transparency International's 2023 report, which places Nepal 108th out of 180 countries with a score of only 35 points. Alarmingly, 84 percent of Nepali citizens view corruption as the country’s most significant problem, and 12 percent of those seeking public services admit to paying bribes. The challenge of reducing corruption is exacerbated by the fact that institutions meant to combat corruption often shelter corrupt individuals themselves, exemplified by the fake Bhutanese refugee scandal involving the Ministry of Home Affairs and other leaders of various political parties.

RTI to combat corruption

The right to information predates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On 14 Dec 1946, the United Nations General Assembly stated, ‘Freedom of information is a fundamental human right and the touchstone of all the freedoms to which the United Nations is dedicated.’ This right implies the ability to gather, transmit, and publish news without interference. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted in 1966, guarantees the right to information, albeit with some restrictions regarding the reputation of others, national security, incitement to violence, public health, and morals.

However, obtaining information from public bodies is not straightforward. The right to information campaign envisions a scenario where information is disclosed proactively without formal requests. The Right to Information Act 2007 and its Regulations 2008 mandate public bodies to disclose 20 types of information every three months.

The National Information Commission, established 16 years ago, has made limited progress. Only a small number of journalists and activists utilize RTI in their professional lives, and its promotion has not reached the general populace.

Role of citizens and challenges

Citizens can play a crucial role in monitoring government plans. No monitoring has been done on whether the projects have achieved the goals and objectives, which can be done effectively using RTI by general people. The case of Laxman Prasad Sarraf from Parsa district illustrates the challenges faced by citizens in exercising RTI. Despite multiple visits to the municipality and the National Information Commission, Sarraf has not received the requested information about the expenses and design statements for constructing a local school building. This highlights the structural weaknesses within the commission. Most of the information seekers have not been  following the process of RTI because of lack of awareness. 

To curb corruption and promote transparency, it is necessary to promote the positive impact of RTI among the general public. The lack of strong laws to protect whistleblowers also contributes to the difficulty in accessing information. Despite challenges and bureaucratic resistance, RTI empowers citizens to demand accountability and transparency. By leveraging RTI effectively, Nepal can make significant strides in curbing corruption and fostering a more transparent and accountable governance system. 

In some Tarai districts, schools have closed due to climate change impacts, highlighting a lack of attention to the effects on children and youth. Global climate discussions often overlook how climate events affect young people, especially those from vulnerable groups. Save the Children Nepal is actively engaged in youth-focused initiatives to address climate challenges and environmental pollution, empowering young individuals to lead climate action. Collaborating with organizations like Kayapalat, Nepalese Youth for Climate Action, Queer Care, and Blue Diamond Society, Save the Children has launched campaigns such as Panni Se Dur Janakpur, Shift, Generation Hope, and Red Alert. The following narratives showcase the experiences of some children and youth engaged in these campaigns:

Diwakar Uprety, Founder, Kayapalat, Madhes Province

The Panni Se Dur Janakpur campaign in the Janakpur sub-metropolitan city of Madhes province aims to reduce the use of plastic products. Plastic is omnipresent and takes approximately 4,100 years to decompose, posing a significant threat to the environment and future generations. Its adverse effects on society are compounded when considering the detrimental impact on children and youth, making the campaign crucial for prevention and mitigation efforts. A World Health Organization report revealed microplastics in the blood of seven to 13 percent of individuals, underscoring the urgency of addressing the plastic crisis. Furthermore, plastic pollution contributes to climate change. To empower youth in tackling this issue, the campaign was implemented with the support of Save the Children, successfully raising awareness among young individuals about the challenges posed by climate change and its repercussions on their lives. Initiated in 2021, this campaign has made significant strides in promoting social reform.

Pushpa Acharya, Engineer, Shift, Karnali Province

Even in Karnali, a province facing developmental challenges, the impact of climate change is evident. The region's bare hills and water scarcity have not only affected the adult population but have also posed challenges for children and youth. The Shift campaign, initiated as part of Save the Children's My Forest Child project, addresses the community's changing environment. This initiative involves collaboration with the forest consumer committee, children, and local authorities to plant trees, raise awareness about climate change, and empower children to address environmental issues. On World Environment Day, 24 children from Jajarkot are leading a campaign under the Shift initiative. The campaign aims to involve schools, community forest users, assistant forest offices, and other stakeholders in activities such as planting 600 saplings in Chhedagad Municipality of Jajarkot district, Karnali. 

Anjali Shahi Chalise, Network Coordinator, Nepalese Youth for Climate Action

Youth are often described as the backbone of a nation, embodying the potential to become mentally, physically, and socially competent individuals. Nepalese Youth for Climate Action was established to address the impact of climate change on young people, recognizing it as a global crisis. This organization advocates for climate action through extensive youth engagement, conducting advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives. Previously, the organization implemented the Red Alert program and currently runs the Shift Captain campaign, which was established in 2008 and has established chapters in seven provinces. Engaging with approximately 500 schools, the campaign aims to raise public awareness about the impact of climate change on children and youth through various art forms, prioritizing education over mere verbal communication. To commemorate World Environment Day, the campaign has organized a week-long program featuring climate-related activities such as children's panel discussions, solidarity marches, and other events.

Suman Gyawali, Member, Queer Care

It is often acknowledged that the rights of individuals, including those with disabilities, marginalized groups, Dalits, women, and sexual and gender minorities, especially youth and children, are not adequately safeguarded. The experiences of young people differ from those of sexual minorities, necessitating tailored programs that address their unique needs. In response to this, the Queer Care campaign has been launched to provide targeted support for these groups, aiming to mitigate the mental health impacts of climate change and create a more inclusive society. This campaign was initiated due to the lack of an enabling environment for these communities. With the backing of Save the Children, the campaign, scheduled to run from June to November, aims to benefit over 100 youth from these diverse groups through a series of art seminars, mental health workshops, and other initiatives.

‘Climate crisis is a child rights crisis’

Ayush Joshi, Director of Advocacy, Campaigns, Communications and Media (ACCM)

Save the Children acknowledges that the current climate crisis poses a significant challenge to child rights, viewing it as a cross-generational crisis that represents the most severe threat to children’s well-being, education, and protection. Without effectively addressing this crisis, achieving resilient and sustainable development goals, particularly for marginalized communities and vulnerable children and families, will be unattainable. Save the Children advocates for upholding children's rights by developing a strategic plan aimed at shielding all children from trauma and stress through empowering children, families, and systems. 

In climate discussions, there is often an over-reliance on ‘experts’, sidelining the invaluable lived experiences and knowledge of children and young individuals. In Nepal, Save the Children serves as a mediator, actively involving children from diverse regions and empowering them to participate in conversations about and offer solutions to the climate crisis. Our approach prioritizes listening, meaningful engagement, and empowering children and youth to play a leading role in climate dialogues. We approach campaigns through a localized perspective, ensuring not just the availability of resources but also advocating for children and young people’s voices to be emphasized and their expertise to be recognized. 

Within climate justice advocacy and campaigns, it is crucial to advance and support the leadership of children and youth, strategically leveraging their voices to influence both local and global conversations and sharing influence and resources to establish proactive strategies. Our recent publication, ‘Breathless Futures’, sheds light on the detrimental effects of air pollution on children and minority groups. The report demonstrates that poor air quality poses numerous health risks, such as respiratory illnesses, skin conditions, and pregnancy complications. It stresses the importance of looking beyond the health consequences of air pollution, considering its broader impact on children’s overall well-being and development. 

Through consultations, children have expressed concerns about school closures, disrupted learning, and constraints on their families’ livelihoods due to air pollution. Viewing air pollution as a critical issue with severe repercussions for children, women, and minority groups, advocacy efforts and campaigns should incorporate the real-life experiences of these groups and challenge biases and norms that downplay the severity of the air pollution threat.