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Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has completed one year in office. In this period, Dahal visited the key countries India, China and US, and also attended some multilateral platforms. In this context, ApEx  talked with Rupak Sapkota, prime minister’s foreign affairs advisor, about the Dahal’s accomplishments and foreign policy. 

How do you assess the situation of Nepal’s foreign policy under the leadership of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal?

The foreign policy of Nepal, under the leadership of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, has been independent, balanced, and committed to non-alignment movement. The nation has successfully cultivated friendly and balanced relations with neighboring countries, development partners, and major powers. This has fostered an environment of mutual trust, conducive to international cooperation and economic collaboration.

Prime Minister Dahal conducted official visits to India and China, and also visited the US to attend the United Nations General Assembly. At the UN General Assembly, he highlighted Nepal's achievements in the peace process and underscored the adverse impacts of climate change faced by the country. Additionally, in his capacity as the President of the 47 Least Developed Countries (LDCs), the prime minister effectively advocated for the interests of LDCs on the international stage. 

Many see this government as pro-Indian and pro-Western, do you agree?

Early on, there were speculations regarding the foreign policy that Dahal might adopt. But Prime Minister Dahal proved them wrong, as he has already undertaken visits to various countries, including both neighboring nations and the United Nations. These visits have resulted in crucial agreements and understandings.

Notably, a historic agreement has been reached with India to export 10,000 MW of power within a 10-year timeframe. During the visit to China, long-term agreements of importance, particularly in the realm of connectivity, were reached. These include the operation of new trading points and an agreement on a power transmission line. The agreement to open the Korala border has recently been put into operation. The Covid-19 pandemic, natural calamities, etc. had affected Nepal's cooperation with China for some years, but after Prime Minister Dahal’s visit, the relationship between the two countries has gained a new momentum.

Furthermore, the prime minister’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly was noteworthy. UN Secretary-General Guterres also visited Nepal at the prime minister's invitation. During Guterres's four-day visit, Nepal’s key agendas were presented to the global audience. The discussions covered topics such as Nepal’s aspiration to graduate from least developed countries by 2026, the unique and original character of Nepal’s peace process, and the pressing issue of climate change.

But some critics say the prime minister failed to take up key issues with major powers, what is your take on it?

On the contrary, Prime Minister Dahal's tenure has seen notable achievements, thanks to his prudent and mature foreign policy leadership in the face of challenging global circumstances. 

The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted international relations for a considerable period, and ongoing conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars, along with heightened global power competition, has added complexity. Against the backdrop of the Galwan Valley clash between China and India in 2020, regional tensions escalated which affected Nepal due to its geographical proximity with China and India. Major world powers sought to enlist Nepal into their strategic plans and alliances, creating a challenging and intricate situation. 

Despite these challenges, the current government has steadfastly pursued an independent, balanced, and non-aligned foreign policy. It has effectively communicated that Nepal aims to avoid entanglement in any geopolitical camp. This stance has laid the groundwork for Nepal’s future international relations, focusing on economic and political development aspirations.

Are you suggesting that Nepal has successfully resisted attempts by powerful nations to influence its alliances, and there are no such risks moving forward?

Not definitively. The nation faces a pressing need to chart its own course in the coming days. The evolving dynamics among major powers indicate a trend towards rivalry, disrupting the existing international security system. This can lead to challenges for Nepal. We should be able to steer clear of these challenges while steadfastly pursuing the chosen path of economic and political cooperation.

What are these challenges, could you please explain them ?

First, there is the heightened military competition and the potential for strategic conflicts. This is a growing concern globally, with superpowers engaging in a military showdown that raises alarms in countries, both large and small. Like Nepal, many countries in the southern hemisphere are hesitant to engage in the current geopolitical conflict and are more concerned about their own economic development. They want to avoid unnecessary entanglements between the eastern and western hemispheres, recognizing the potential negative impact on economic cooperation.

Upholding this policy is crucial to ensuring stability and avoiding distractions in the future. 

Second challenge is the emergence of new political polarization. Unlike the Cold War era, today's rivalry is characterized by ideological competition through trade and technology wars. This shift in political dynamics can lead to the creation of camps. 

And lastly, there is the shift of strategic interests towards economic and political cooperation. Nepal should strive to avoid being caught in such dynamics. The country has already conveyed its stance that it won't participate in such polarization.

After taking both neighbors into confidence, where will be the emphasis of the government in terms of foreign policy?

We must prioritize international cooperation for economic development. Determining the key agenda and effectively managing cooperation are imperative aspects of reshaping our foreign policy and international relations. For a long time, Nepal has championed economic diplomacy as its central approach for development. However, the current global scenario reveals a shift towards military engagements among international powers. This shift has prompted countries, irrespective of size, to escalate military spending. This may affect the dynamics of financial grants and aid that Nepal has historically received. Despite this evolving landscape, Nepal will stick to economic diplomacy. But the pillars of 'economic diplomacy' which we are adopting should be refined and made more comprehensive. So far we have promoted foreign aid, trade, investment, tourism and labor as important pillars of economic diplomacy. Now, the government is broadening the scope of ‘economic diplomacy’ by incorporating ‘climate diplomacy.

A prominent folk singer, Roshni Rasaili is a familiar figure in the Nepali music scene.  recognized as a prominent folk singer. Beyond her vocal prowess, Roshni excels in lyric writing and rhythm creation. Her musical repertoire extends beyond folk, encompassing various genres, which highlights her versatility. Roshni has played a vital role in preserving and promoting Nepali folk songs and music. With over three dozen albums to her credit, she has made a substantial impact on the musical landscape. In a recent interview with Ashmita Chhetri, Roshni shared insights into her musical journey. Here are some excerpts:

What is your perspective on life?

The understanding of life becomes more intricate as one delves deeper. Life's definition varies based on individual experiences. For a poet, life may be poetry, for politicians, it can be politics, and for me, being a singer and artist, life encompasses the activities, reactions, rituals, and cultural aspects that people encounter from birth to death. Music, in my view, encapsulates life itself.

How do you define music?

Music and life traverse similar paths. The only difference is that music serves as a condensed representation of life, society, country, and situations through the lens of the mind and technology. Life, as often said, is a stage, and we are the actors on this earthly stage. Music is not just entertainment; it is the lifeblood of human existence.

From an artist's standpoint, how do you perceive music?

Music takes on countless forms that we can incorporate into our lives as needed. Touching songs emerge from the convergence of words, while melodious music flows from the fusion of seven tunes and sargams. The perspective varies based on individual principles.

How does music impact the human body?

Research indicates that music possesses healing properties and enhances the well-being of individuals. It stimulates deep sensations and emotions, maintaining hormonal balance and benefiting the mind. Music, when played at a low volume during meditation and yoga, enhances concentration and brings peace to the mind. Continuous immersion in music contributes to mental well-being.

What is the connection between music and people?

The bond between music and people is very strong and has existed since the inception of sound. Whether in times of pain or happiness, individuals seek solace in music. Music helps in balancing emotions, alleviating depression, and enhancing mood. Music has also been used as a therapy. In Nepali society, songs and music are deeply intertwined with rituals and festivals, evolving and being passed down through generations. Various music genres have established a significant presence in the Nepali music industry. What was once primarily dominated by radio, CDs, and VCDs has now shifted to a dominance of videos. There's a growing preference among people for visual experiences. This marks a notable transition in the industry.

How did you embark on your musical journey?

I was born in Indreni, Baglung Municipality-10, in Baglung district. Music has been both a hobby and a chosen field since my childhood. I found joy in humming and actively participated in various events such as weddings and festivals in my village. I consistently secured the top position in weekly extracurricular activities at school, particularly in cultural programs. My proficiency as a singer earned me numerous awards at the school, inter-school, regional, district, and zonal levels. In 2007, after successfully completing the SLC examination, I embarked on a journey to Kathmandu with a golden dream of forging a future in music while continuing my studies. I enrolled at Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus where I delved into the study of music. This marked the formal initiation of my journey into the field.

How many albums have you released to date?

I have released over three dozen albums. 'Mutu Bijhaune,' 'Murchha Pari Chheumai Dhalda Ni,' 'Saai Ch Umer' (Teej song), 'Facebookma' (Teej song), 'Selfie Kichhinkeen' (Teej song), 'Tettis Kilo Sun,' 'Garchu Love,' and 'Maitighar’ are some of my popular albums.

How has your career been recognized in society?

I have earned considerable respect and recognition in various capacities. I am an honorary member in prominent organizations such as the Nepal Music Industry Association and the National Folk Cultural Association, and a lifetime member of the National Folk and Dohori Song Foundation. Additionally, I am an active member of the Presenters Society and the Dhaulagiri Cultural Committee. In acknowledgment of my contributions, I have been honored with several awards, including the '8th Chhayachhavi Teej Music Award-2021,' 'Star Music and Film Award-2021,' 'Jyoti Films Music Award-2021,' 'South Asian Business Excellence Award-2021 (Colombo, Sri Lanka),' 'National Creative Citizen Award-2072,' and 'Spiny Babbler Sangeetkarmi Samman-2023.' Furthermore, I have shouldered the responsibility of serving as a judge for the Genius Music Award in 2021.

Anja Strelec is a Croatian film and audiovisual director and photographer, who lives and works in Brussels. Her award-winning documentaries, which have focused mainly on social issues, have been shown around the world at international festivals and on television. She has also participated in solo and group exhibitions of photography and new media in Croatia and abroad, including in France, Slovenia, Germany, Italy, Greece and Belgium.

Anja Strelec has obtained a Master's degree in Audiovisual and Film Production from the Paul-Valéry Faculty in Montpellier and a Master's degree in Audiovisual and Film Directing from the University of Toulouse-Mirail, France.

In addition to artistic activities through various visual formats, she has been working as an independent audiovisual and film director for Belgian television, the European Commission and international organizations such as UNICEF for the past 15 years. She also conducts film, audiovisual and photography workshops, among others, for European Union delegations and film students in countries such as Eritrea, Guinea, Ghana, Senegal and Bangladesh.

Directed by Strelec, ‘Where Have All The Smiles Gone’ is also being screened among others at 11th Nepal Human Rights International film Festival (NHRIFF) from 9-12 December at Tourism Development Board and Film Development Board. Ken Subedi conversed with Anja Strelec regarding her own experiences with the documentary.

You filmed the documentary 'Where Have All The Smiles Gone’ at the invitation of a Nepali production company. How did the collaboration start and how did you react when he offered you to shoot a film about Nepali migrant workers?

I have been working on social topics for several years through TV reports and documentaries, even more intensively after my arrival in Brussels eight years ago, where I am associated with a number of organizations and associations that focus on migration, minorities, social injustice and similar topics.

Producer Chandra Kant Jha from the production company Mountain River Films contacted me through LinkedIn and presented me with the idea for the project. He saw my portfolio and thought that I fit the profile he was looking for, considering my previous work. It is also about the technical aspects, because the directors are often also sound and video recordists and come with their own equipment. I found the topic extremely interesting and important, and started researching it more intensively. After agreeing on logistical and creative aspects, we made some framework for the story of what it should look like. This process took a few weeks. 

How long and in what way did you research the topic before starting to realize the story?

The preparations were extensive and the research lasted longer than the recording itself, we had to be very careful not to get any wrong information. Of course, it is impossible to control everything, especially since sometimes you have to improvise in order to make the story as authentic as possible. We received information from different sources and it was necessary to somehow make a selection and study the statistics well, but since the main idea came from the Nepali production, it was much easier because they had the right picture on the ground and they needed someone to shape it into a movie story.

The documentary shows the plights and blues of migrant Nepali workers where the production team has to deal with emotions of the interviewees which can be challenging. How did you manage to cover the emotions without being carried away?

It was very difficult to interview the people and listen to their tragic stories. However, they felt the need to share their stories and experiences so that others would have a better picture of what is happening to migrant workers. So, no matter how difficult it was to listen to their stories, there was this greater goal of transmitting it objectively to the world.

Which situations had the most impact, what was the most shocking for you?

Working on a project like this and with a topic like this inevitably brings a series of new, striking situations, conversations and information and undoubtedly leaves a mark. For example, take the airport in Kathmandu, which is a place of great contrasts. It is a small airport, but several flights arrive daily, and families of workers often wait for their loved ones in the lobby behind the glass door partitions in fear because they have no information whether the family members are returning alive or dead. Corpses of deceased workers arrive at the airport from abroad every day along with westerners with backpacks, who want to hike in the Himalayas or simply seek spirituality. I think this was the most shocking thing to watch the simultaneous exit through the small airport doors of the happy and satisfied tourists and caskets with dead Nepali migrant workers. Each conversation also left a lasting impression and brought new knowledge, especially with migrants, who have returned because each story is special and difficult.

How are people reacting to the film?

I am glad to say that the film has a very good reception–it was already screened at around 15 film festivals across the world and the audience really resonates with and is interested in the topic. The film has received three awards so far–Audience Award for the best international short documentary film at Chania Film Festival, Special Jury Award for short documentary at Workers’ Unite Film Festival in New York and the Award for Best Human Rights Film at Hummingbird International Film Festival in India. I really hope that this documentary reaches as many people as possible, starts conversations and helps bring about positive changes.

Pragya Ratna Shakya, 39, is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at NIC Asia Capital Limited. He has over 14 years of experience in realty, stock brokering, management consulting, and investment management. Before his current role, he spent seven years at Siddhartha Capital Limited, overseeing business development, marketing, and operations. He is an expert in mutual fund management, portfolio management, and corporate advisory. Shakya talked to Babita Shrestha from ApEx about how one can achieve financial freedom.

What is the key factor you should consider to maximize financial growth? 

Saving and investing are important. Saving money involves storing it securely for future needs, with a low risk of losing its value. On the other hand, investing comes with risks but also the potential for higher returns. Investments generally have long-term goals, such as for a child’s education, planning for one’s retirement, or future unforeseeable needs. So, if you’re aiming to maximize financial growth, you should prioritize financial education and learn about savings and investments.

Could you brief us about the available saving and investment options in Nepal?

In Nepal, the most common options for savings and investments often involve utilizing Banks and Financial Institutions (BFIs) through fixed deposits or savings accounts. Though they offer modest returns, these might not provide returns that effectively combat inflation. Besides that, investment in stocks and mutual funds can be another viable option. Yet, compared to developed nations, Nepal currently lacks innovative financial instruments. To curb purchasing power loss, you may consider alternative investment areas available such as public equities, private equity/venture capital, debt instruments, private real estate, mutual funds, endowment insurance, and bullions.

What are some financial challenges that youngsters face and how can they be addressed?

In Nepal, approximately two-thirds of the population are in school, or college, or are planning to enter the workforce, which means they might not have disposable income for investments. The fundamental challenge is financial literacy and awareness. Another significant challenge is finding and selecting beneficial investment areas due to limited investment avenues as well as a lack of idea of diversification. To address these challenges, it’s important to prioritize budgeting, establish an emergency fund for financial security, adopt a diverse investment approach, stay informed about financial trends, and seek professional advice for better financial decision-making.

In the context of Nepal, what are the accessible and beginner-friendly stock market investment options that youth can consider for their initial financial ventures?

If you want to start your investment journey, Initial Public Offering (IPO) and Mutual Funds investments could be the safest options. Both investments can be started at as low as Rs 1000. All you need are a bank account, a demat account, and a Meroshare account.

If you want long-term financial growth, you need to understand the significance of mutual funds. These funds represent a collective investment from numerous investors, guided by strict regulations from the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) and the fund’s specific mandate. Investing in mutual funds offers benefits like high liquidity, diversification, tax exemptions in mutual fund income, stable dividend income, risk management, professional management, transparent investments, and independent audits of each scheme.

Could you give us an example of one potential scheme youngsters can invest in?

Many banks provide different services. For instance, NIC Asia Capital has recently introduced fund management schemes like NIC Asia Growth Fund-2 (NICGF-2) with the theme of ‘Ahile Lagani Nagarey, Kahile Garnrey?’ where you can apply with amounts ranging from as low as Rs 1000. Your fund will be managed by best-in-class professionals with experiences in both national and international capital markets. It’s safe to say that young investors can just start their investment journey from such mutual fund investments.

Is there any financial advice you would like to give? 

For young individuals in Nepal, a balanced approach to investment and saving is crucial. Always have a proper budget and plan for your funds from an early age. If you don’t have a big sum of money to invest, you can always start small. But start early, invest regularly, and for the long term. Know your risks and return objectives while implementing a diversification strategy in your investment portfolio, and periodically review and rebalance it. Since fluctuations in the market are part of the investment journey, you need to maintain a long-term perspective.