Looking in the mirror
Over coffee this afternoon I and a few friends were having a laugh about the various Facebook groups that we are in. And those we have left because they just got too judgmental. One friend recalled a global yoga group. Discussion in this group devolved into a ‘shouting’ match between those in the East who said they were the originators of yoga and professed to belonging to a ‘pure’ form of the practice, and those in the West who thought their way of incorporating yoga into their busy lives, complete with designer yoga pants, was correct. As tempers rose and friction developed my friend realized that both East and West were dismissing with their rants the philosophy and five basic principles of yoga, which include relaxation and mediation.
Another friend questioned the purpose of one of the local groups we are all in and which often sparks great debate over a whole range of subjects from animal rights, to where to buy the best organic vegetables. We recalled that the group is very entertaining; with one or two regular ‘contributors’ always having something to say about everyone’s post. And not necessarily positive. At a time long ago the group moved far from its aim of providing information for those wishing to buy and sell around town.
We also recalled another group where information is often sought from those visiting or newly arrived in Nepal. Questions of a legal nature often arise. To which most of us will give the correct and, as far as we know, legal response. But still the person posting the question will keep on eliciting responses until they get the one they want. Even if the majority insist that that response is incorrect. They just won’t listen to those with more experience.
Sitting at the table with us was a friend who is a psychologist and deals with young people who are so addicted to social media they barely live outside of their phones. For them these arguments on Facebook may seem innocuous, and a source factual information. And to some extent they are right. It is my opinion that the arguments and information on Facebook are a miniature reflection of what is going on in the world at the moment.
It seems the world is becoming like the yoga group. Instead of embracing our differences, countries seem to be becoming more insular and fail to recognize others’ point of view. Just like that local Facebook group. A few people around the world are loudly making their views heard and have something to say on every topic, regardless as to what it is. Then there are those who supply an abundance of ‘fake news’. And, my goodness, people believe this nonsense even when others, usually more qualified to explain the situation, say differently. It would appear people only want to believe their own truths and are unwilling to accept something they do not want to hear.
Are we all like those teenagers sitting in front of a tiny screen, isolating ourselves from the rest of humanity? Are we convinced our beliefs are right and those of others are wrong? Do we all propagate ‘fake news’ either intentionally or because we have lost the ability to think for ourselves?
I was stunned this week to learn that Greta Thunberg, 16, who is my personal climate emergency hero, is subject to much hate—even from those who are in positions of authority and should know better. How far have we sunk when we raise up the chauvinistic and narrow-minded and caste dispersion on those (particularly young women) who should be celebrated?
I pray Greta is right when she says, “When haters go after your looks and differences, it means they have nowhere left to go. And then you know you’re winning!” Because the world needs a win right now.
The students of an evolving art
In no ways does The Annapurna Express promote the use of vape or any other smoking aid. But when it comes to vape tricks, it is an art, just like other forms of it and thus worth our appreciation. With the increasing use of vapes for recreation or as an alternative to cigarettes, this week we feature some young vapers to learn more about this budding art.
Spunky Vapes, 22
Someone who started vaping after learning tricks from hookah (the device used to smoke nicotine since the old times) Spunky Vapes (he does not want to reveal his real name) is currently pursuing a Bachelors in hotel management. “I have been performing tricks for around two and a half years. It all started by watching YouTube videos of famous international vapers,” he says. Spunky has also just started doing vaping on a commercial basis. With the increase in the number or good vapers in the Nepali vape community, he believes vaping could even be a career choice one day. He plans to open a vape lounge of his own.
The easiest trick that he learnt: Blowing O
Basic trick to start from: Smoke rings
Sohel Shakya, 18
A self-taught talent who honed his skills by constant practice, Shakya’s tricks can woo anyone for the delicacy with which he performs them. “I started vaping out of fascination almost three years ago. Now I see it as my biggest passion,” states Shakya. But due to the limited scope of vaping in Nepal, Sohel does not intend to take it as something more than a passion. He does want greater recognition of vaping as something more than ‘blowing smoke’ though. No, Shakya does not plan to open a vape lounge of his own.
The easiest trick that he learnt: Cheerios or smoke rings
The basic trick to start from: Jellyfish
Samrat Sherchan, 18
One of the known names in the vaping bailiwick after winning an online video submission tournament organized by Vape Nepal, Samrat has been the choice performer for various restaurants and casinos. It’s been just one year since he started vaping and even in this short time he seems to have come a long way. He too was first attracted by the videos of the western vape community. Although Sherchan is the most accomplished among the three in the vape community yet he has no plans to take it up as a career. “I do not intend to open any vape lounge as I see no potential in Nepal,” says Sherchan who’s currently planning his Bachelors in business administration.
The easiest trick that he learnt: Jellyfish
The basic trick to start from: Jellyfish
How injurious is vaping?
Although no performer mentioned above claims to have suffered from any health problem due to vaping, it does not mean it is completely safe. “The American flavors are stronger than Malaysian flavors. Once you get used to the Americans, you find the Malaysians soft. However it’s all about the nicotine which does harm if smoked in any form, be it vape or cigarettes,” says Spunky Vapes. Vapes could be a good alternative for chain smokers who intend to give up cigarettes and opt for something with milder nicotine intake. But a recent study published in the journal Radiology showed temporary changes in blood vessel functioning after vaping in healthy people, with a potential long term impact. So, again, The Annapurna Express does not promote the use of nicotine or any such chemicals.
Should paternity leave in Nepal be extended?
We went around Basantapur in the heart of Kathmandu asking middle-aged men what they think about paternity leave. Most of them didn’t know what it is. One man in his early 30s asked, “Is it today?” After we told them what it meant, some said it is useless to give such holidays, while some others were of the view that the number of paid paternal leave days should be increased. A few were just happy to hear that paid paternity leave is given in Nepal. Paternity leave is a type of parental leave granted to a father that allows him to be away from his job after or shortly before the birth of his child. The newly introduced Labor Act requires employers to provide 15 days of paid paternity leave and 98 days of paid maternity leave. The earlier Labor Act of 1991 had a provision of 52 days of paid maternity leave. Paternity leave had not been introduced then.
Globally, paternity leave is a hot topic of debate. About 90 countries now offer statutory paid paternity leave, usually for a few days or weeks. According to a recent study by Promundo, a US-based organization, fewer than half the men took paternity leave that was offered to them. The research was carried out between 2017 and 2019 in seven countries and involved nearly 12,000 respondents. It shows that more than 80 percent men in India and Pakistan viewed changing nappies, bathing and feeding children as a woman’s job. Fathers in Bangladesh even reported being ridiculed or taunted by other men or community members for doing these kinds of tasks.
There is no provision of paternity leave in India for private sector workers, where companies like Zomato have gained publicity for offering such leave. This year, the federal government of Pakistan approved 10 days of paternity leave. Paternity leave in China can vary from anywhere between zero to 30 days. While South Asian countries do not have long paternity leave, it can be as long as 16 months, with up to 80 percent of the salary, in Sweden.
Farendra Ratna Manandhar, a Nepali working in Australia, had a baby in November last year. He got two weeks of paternity leave while his wife received maternity leave of 18 weeks. “Two weeks is just not enough. Thankfully, I could get two additional weeks of unpaid leave,” he says. As it has been difficult for his wife to take care of the baby alone, they have even invited her mother to Australia.
Loaded debate
In Nepal, women activists, National Women Commission and Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare took the initiative to press the government to introduce paternity leave. Laxmi Pandey, the spokesperson and deputy secretary at the National Women Commission, says the introduction of paternity leave in Nepal is a good step. She says the law was passed to enable men to take better care of their wife and child.
“Women need rest for at least three months after delivering a baby, so maternity leave has been extended by the government. But if paternity leave were to be extended beyond 15 days, it could affect the functioning of offices,” she says. “Personally though, I wish paternity leave was given for 35 days, as there are many nuclear families in Nepal now,” Pandey adds.
Dr Ram Hari Chapagain, a pediatrician at Kanti Children’s Hospital, disagrees. He says giving men longer paternity leave would adversely affect the functioning of offices. But he thinks 98 days of maternity leave is justifiable. “Paternity leave is given to men so that they can care for their wife and child. In my experience, it’s usually the mothers who come to the hospital for postnatal check-ups and immunizations,” he says. Dr Chapagain adds that 15 days of paternity leave is reasonable because as soon as a baby is born, there could be more health complications for the mother and the baby, whereas after a couple of weeks, there are fewer complications.
Some Nepali companies provide longer than 15 days of paternity leave. One of them is HLE Nepal, a business process outsourcing company, which gives one month of paid paternity and 112 days of paid maternity leave. It also has a provision whereby unpaid maternity leave can be extended by up to four months and unpaid paternity leave by up to a month. The company has found that the policy has helped enhance a father’s experience. Nirayu Shakya, a mortgage broker with HLE Nepal, says that the leave helped him develop a wonderful bond with his baby and to give extra care to his wife. “It also sent a positive message about the company to my amazed friends,” he adds.
Dispelling the blues
Pashupati Mahat, a senior clinical psychologist, thinks mothers and fathers are equally responsible for the development of the baby. He says our society views fathers as “the symbol of security” and mothers as “the symbol of love and care”. Mahat adds, “If a father is largely absent after childbirth, the mother and child can become anxious. Especially right after a woman gives birth, her estrogen level decreases dramatically and she experiences post-partum blues that can degenerate into post-partum depression”. As such, it is important that her partner be there to provide her with a sense of security and support. Research also shows that children with absent fathers have a higher chance of going into depression.
Mahat thinks it would be a good idea to extend paternity leave, provided men made good use of it. In his opinion, fathers should get at least six weeks paternity leave so that they can spend quality time with their wife and child. “However, some men might abuse the leave. It’s up to the family and society at large to ensure that paternity leave is not misused,” argues Mahat.
Should paternity leave in Nepal be extended?
We went around Basantapur in the heart of Kathmandu asking middle-aged men what they think about paternity leave. Most of them didn’t know what it is. One man in his early 30s asked, “Is it today?” After we told them what it meant, some said it is useless to give such holidays, while some others were of the view that the number of paid paternal leave days should be increased. A few were just happy to hear that paid paternity leave is given in Nepal. Paternity leave is a type of parental leave granted to a father that allows him to be away from his job after or shortly before the birth of his child. The newly introduced Labor Act requires employers to provide 15 days of paid paternity leave and 98 days of paid maternity leave. The earlier Labor Act of 1991 had a provision of 52 days of paid maternity leave. Paternity leave had not been introduced then.
Globally, paternity leave is a hot topic of debate. About 90 countries now offer statutory paid paternity leave, usually for a few days or weeks. According to a recent study by Promundo, a US-based organization, fewer than half the men took paternity leave that was offered to them. The research was carried out between 2017 and 2019 in seven countries and involved nearly 12,000 respondents. It shows that more than 80 percent men in India and Pakistan viewed changing nappies, bathing and feeding children as a woman’s job. Fathers in Bangladesh even reported being ridiculed or taunted by other men or community members for doing these kinds of tasks.
There is no provision of paternity leave in India for private sector workers, where companies like Zomato have gained publicity for offering such leave. This year, the federal government of Pakistan approved 10 days of paternity leave. Paternity leave in China can vary from anywhere between zero to 30 days. While South Asian countries do not have long paternity leave, it can be as long as 16 months, with up to 80 percent of the salary, in Sweden.
Farendra Ratna Manandhar, a Nepali working in Australia, had a baby in November last year. He got two weeks of paternity leave while his wife received maternity leave of 18 weeks. “Two weeks is just not enough. Thankfully, I could get two additional weeks of unpaid leave,” he says. As it has been difficult for his wife to take care of the baby alone, they have even invited her mother to Australia.
Loaded debate
In Nepal, women activists, National Women Commission and Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare took the initiative to press the government to introduce paternity leave. Laxmi Pandey, the spokesperson and deputy secretary at the National Women Commission, says the introduction of paternity leave in Nepal is a good step. She says the law was passed to enable men to take better care of their wife and child.
“Women need rest for at least three months after delivering a baby, so maternity leave has been extended by the government. But if paternity leave were to be extended beyond 15 days, it could affect the functioning of offices,” she says. “Personally though, I wish paternity leave was given for 35 days, as there are many nuclear families in Nepal now,” Pandey adds.
Dr Ram Hari Chapagain, a pediatrician at Kanti Children’s Hospital, disagrees. He says giving men longer paternity leave would adversely affect the functioning of offices. But he thinks 98 days of maternity leave is justifiable. “Paternity leave is given to men so that they can care for their wife and child. In my experience, it’s usually the mothers who come to the hospital for postnatal check-ups and immunizations,” he says. Dr Chapagain adds that 15 days of paternity leave is reasonable because as soon as a baby is born, there could be more health complications for the mother and the baby, whereas after a couple of weeks, there are fewer complications.
Some Nepali companies provide longer than 15 days of paternity leave. One of them is HLE Nepal, a business process outsourcing company, which gives one month of paid paternity and 112 days of paid maternity leave. It also has a provision whereby unpaid maternity leave can be extended by up to four months and unpaid paternity leave by up to a month. The company has found that the policy has helped enhance a father’s experience. Nirayu Shakya, a mortgage broker with HLE Nepal, says that the leave helped him develop a wonderful bond with his baby and to give extra care to his wife. “It also sent a positive message about the company to my amazed friends,” he adds.
Dispelling the blues
Pashupati Mahat, a senior clinical psychologist, thinks mothers and fathers are equally responsible for the development of the baby. He says our society views fathers as “the symbol of security” and mothers as “the symbol of love and care”. Mahat adds, “If a father is largely absent after childbirth, the mother and child can become anxious. Especially right after a woman gives birth, her estrogen level decreases dramatically and she experiences post-partum blues that can degenerate into post-partum depression”. As such, it is important that her partner be there to provide her with a sense of security and support. Research also shows that children with absent fathers have a higher chance of going into depression.
Mahat thinks it would be a good idea to extend paternity leave, provided men made good use of it. In his opinion, fathers should get at least six weeks paternity leave so that they can spend quality time with their wife and child. “However, some men might abuse the leave. It’s up to the family and society at large to ensure that paternity leave is not misused,” argues Mahat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPXVYnkil24
