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Toni Hagen needs no introduction, given his huge contribution to Nepal. In the 1950s and '60s, first as a Swiss development officer and later as a United Nations expert, he trekked through a largely uncharted country and introduced it to the world. He was an acute observer and sympathetic critic of the process of modernization and change in Nepal. His legacy is being continued by his daughter Dr Katrin Hagen through the Toni Hagen Foundation and other initiatives. She talks with Kamal Dev Bhattarai of ApEx about Nepal and Nepali society.    

Please tell us about your first visit to Nepal.

When I first came to Nepal, I was very small and it was 1953 so I remember very few things. What I remember is because I have seen the photos and I was told many things by my father.

Kathmandu at that time was totally different. There was no road connection with India, there was a flight three times a week. Soon the airport was built in Pokhara and sometimes we used to go there. At that time, in Pokhara, there were no hotels, nothing, only the old villages.

How many times have you been to Nepal?

The first time I came was in 1953 and the second time I came in 1962 when my father was in charge of Tibetan refugees again I came in 1975 for the trekking and since I have been coming to Nepal regularly, maybe more than 40 times. In the last 20 years, I came to Nepal two times a year except there was the Covid-19 pandemic.

What is your observation about Nepal that was in the 1970s and now?

Obviously, there is a big difference. In this period, Nepal’s forest is growing. At that time, forests used to belong to the government so everybody wanted to chop down trees and they did not care about the forest.  As soon as it was handed to the community forest, then they took care of it and the areas of the forest increased. When you see the photos of Shivapuri taken in 1960 and current photos, you can see more trees.

What is your overall impression about Nepal?

There are many problems here but there are many good things as well. You always compare Nepal with Switzerland and have some similarities as well.  Nepal is four times bigger than Switzerland, its  population is four times bigger, and the percentage of cultivable land and land that is not possible to cultivate is around the same percentage. About politics, I do not speak, it is very unstable but it is not only in Nepal. Politicians around the world look for power and money. There are many non-governmental organizations and many Nepalis who want to do something and there are people who are doing something for Nepal. One thing that I still admire very much is Nepal is unique, you have press freedom and you can say what you want.  There is diversity, different religions go together and do not fight each other. I hope it will not be influenced by India where Hindus have started fighting against Muslims. My father used to talk about Nepal’s multi-ethnicity and religion.

What are the major challenges in Nepal’s mountain area?

This spring, I was in Dailekh and then I visited Jumla.  Of course, the road there was very bad. One thing I said and which my father used to say is that road building is okay because you can bring your products to the big towns, but it is not good if it is only used to bring Chinese and Indian goods in the valleys. There is no development for you.  In the market, I see very nice apples in plastic which are from China and are not good for the environment. There are many projects to bring apples from Jumla to Kathmandu and other markets but people do not buy them because they do not look nice. My father, always, used to say farmers should be provided the proper price of their products so that they can survive.

What is your view on social inclusion and gender equality in Nepal?

We have to invest more on women's projects in farming. In the rural areas, women are working in the fields and men are in the Arab countries. We have to strengthen them even more.

What are the Toni Hagen Foundation’s major areas of work in Nepal?

We have two projects. One is related to a medical project where we support mostly orthopedic medical camps all over the place. For this, I have visited many remote places and villages in Nepal.  Through the Toni Hagen Foundation, we want to provide knowledge to the underprivileged group about democracy and what it means for them. Even now, we are trying to do something in the youth Parliament to ensure that the youths are more involved in politics. Besides these, of course, my father’s main speech was “Now we all have experts but no farmers who can speak about farmers.” Now, the excessive use of fertilizer is damaging the soil and now there is climate change. What I heard already from different projects is that farmers are not getting water at the right time, and there are more landslides.

How do you evaluate Nepal’s democracy?

On paper, it is very good.  You have press freedom which is one of the most important things in Nepal.

Is Nepal’s democracy strong?

I am not a politician. I do not want to be involved in Nepal’s internal politics. Compared to other countries in the region, Nepal is very good at democracy. Compared to democracy in Switzerland, and Germany, Nepal’s democracy is medium.

What were the dreams of Toni Hagen about Nepal?

One of the things that my father adored was that Nepal is a multicultural country. Nepal’s multi-religion, multicultural and multi-ethnicity is one of the unique things in Nepal. He was very much concerned about the Hindu king, the Hindu religion which means one religion is more important. But he was of the view that all religions should be treated equally. We do provide support for the protection and promotion of all religions and ethnicities to create awareness. This is unique in the world and you should keep it, not destroy it like in India now. There should not be domination of a single religion like in India. Of course, there is one language i.e. Nepali but other languages should be protected too.

Prof Anil Sharma has over 30 years of experience in designing multi-star hotels that are climate-responsive and energy-efficient. The ace architect is also a visiting expert and facility member at IIT-Roorkee, The School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, and Indira Gandhi Technical University for Women, New Delhi among others. Sharma and his projects have been the recipient of many prestigious awards. His first hotel project, Holiday Inn, won the Best Hotel of the Year in the Asia Pacific Region in 1994. 

He has taken on a leadership role in organizing and hosting the annual ‘Hi-Aim’ conference which is a collective assembly of hospitality industry leaders, architects, interior designers, and managers. The next conference is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu from 1-2 Feb 2024. 

In a conversation with Evana Manandhar of ApEx, Sharma runs us through the importance of architecture and design while discussing his own experiences and highlighting the importance of the upcoming conference. 

You have been involved in both architectural design and project management. How do you strike a balance? 

Over the years, there has been a shift from a primary focus on architectural design to an increased involvement in project management. I believe it was largely influenced by market pressures and evolving industry demands. In the early stages of my career, I found myself gradually taking on more project management responsibilities, sometimes even offering these services for free. This transition was a response to the perceived market expectations and the need to balance design creativity with effective project execution.

Over the last 15-20 years, I’ve strategically changed my approach. Recognizing the distinct nature of architectural design and project management, I have effectively delegated the project management role to a proficient team of managers. This has allowed me to refocus on the core aspects of architectural design. By delegating project management, I’ve been able to streamline processes and achieve a more focused and efficient workflow.

Do designing and management go hand in hand? 

I firmly believe that an architect’s primary role is to conceive and design exceptional buildings. The creation of precise drawings and plans is paramount in ensuring the success of a project. This concentrated effort in architectural design is critical as it forms the foundation upon which construction is based. It’s essential to underscore that while architectural design provides the blueprint for construction, project management handles the execution aspects. These are distinct roles, each requiring specific expertise. 

My journey in architecture has seen a nuanced balance between design and project management. Recognizing the need to specialize, I’ve strategically delegated project management responsibilities, allowing me to concentrate on the architect’s core role of creating impeccable designs for construction.

How do you approach a new project? What are the challenges in understanding the client’s needs and requirements?

Approaching a new project involves a structured sequence to comprehensively understand the client’s needs and requirements. Initial client interaction is crucial. You must engage in open dialogue to grasp the project’s goals, audience, and desired outcomes. Once the requirements are defined, thorough research is conducted and industry trends are analyzed. 

You must also put in the effort to understand the historical and cultural context as this ensures a tailored approach. What follows is a holistic presentation to the client, showcasing researched insights and design options aligned with project goals. Success hinges on a comprehensive understanding, emphasizing ongoing collaboration, and communication. This approach ensures that the project not only meets functional requirements but also resonates with its unique identity, fostering a successful and impactful outcome. 

Can you tell us about a challenging project you’ve worked on? How did you deal with it?

Working on the Marriott project in Nepal was a huge challenge. The site is irregular and unconventionally shaped. Coupled with its location in an urban slum, the project demanded a thoughtful and creative approach. Focused on transforming these challenges into opportunities, I crafted an inward-looking design centered around a captivating courtyard. 

This unique space not only accommodated the irregular site but also addressed the negative aspects of the surrounding urban environment. The courtyard, conceived as the project’s focal point, ingeniously became the landmark. Guests were treated to not only an aesthetically pleasing space but also some really good views. A swimming pool was made at the top, adding an element of luxury and leisure. 

What are some qualities that architects must possess and hone?

An architect’s success lies in the cultivation of two paramount qualities: humility and knowledge. Firstly, humility is the linchpin for effective collaboration, enabling the architect to integrate diverse perspectives from clients, engineers, and collaborators. This quality fosters a client-centric approach, prioritizing the client’s vision over personal design preferences. Humility also manifests in the ability to accept constructive criticism, learn from mistakes, and adapt designs iteratively. 

Secondly, in-depth knowledge forms the bedrock of architectural prowess. Technical proficiency in construction, materials, and structural systems is non-negotiable to ensure the safety and functionality of a design. Additionally, a well-rounded architect possesses a deep understanding of environmental sustainability, cultural and historical contexts, and regulatory compliance. This knowledge not only facilitates innovative and timeless design but also empowers architects to educate clients and navigate legal complexities. 

Since Hi-Aim’s goal is to become a landmark forum for the hospitality industry, what are some of the key ways to do that?

In order to make Hi-Aim a preeminent forum for the hospitality industry and elevate its reputation, a meticulous approach to speaker selection is imperative. Priority should be given to individuals with established industry standing and a proven ability to engage diverse audiences. The selection process should also emphasize a diversity of perspectives within the hospitality sector, ensuring representation from various segments such as hotel management, design, technology, and sustainability. 

Leveraging partnerships with industry associations and reputable brands can facilitate recommendations and introductions. To enhance the exclusivity and prestige of the event, an invitation-only strategy for key speakers can be employed. Strategic marketing campaigns, highlighting the speakers’ achievements and unique perspectives should precede the event to generate anticipation and buzz. A commitment to speaker support, recognition, and the creation of exclusive networking opportunities will further incentivize influential figures to participate, thereby solidifying HI-AIM’s reputation as a landmark conference in the hospitality industry.

Güner Ureya is the first Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Bangladesh. He is also mandated to look after Nepal, though Kosovo and Nepal are yet to establish a formal diplomatic relationship. Kamal Dev Bhattarai of ApEx spoke with him during his recent Nepal visit. 

What is the status of Kosovo’s relation with South Asian countries?

As the first Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the People's Republic of Bangladesh, I followed the developments and general trends in other South Asian countries as well. I would like to emphasize that we are satisfied with our cordial relations with all South Asian countries that have so far recognized Kosovo. I’m following the remaining part of the region, including Nepal. I can say that we have the potential to develop official relations with Nepal, India, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. General developments in South Asian countries in recent years have drawn our attention. 

The cultural diversity and richness, but also the overall potential of South Asian countries with a population of around 1.9bn, are worth exploring more. Unfortunately, we as Kosovo do not have G2G and diplomatic relations with four South Asian nations, I mean with Nepal, India, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Especially in the Indian position, I saw the traces of the versions fabricated by our neighbor Serbia. We need to better explain to Indians about Serbia’s hegemonic policies and atrocities in former Yugoslavia, especially in Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, so they can understand us better. Another non-recognizer of Kosovo in South Asia is Nepal. I witnessed that Nepalis are very friendly to us, maybe because of similarities we have. On the other hand, our relationship with Sri Lanka is very similar to that of Nepal. I also tried to follow Colombo’s official position on us. Sri Lanka is open to communication, but unfortunately has not yet officially recognized Kosovo. Beside Kathmandu, New Delhi and Colombo, we always anticipate positive news from Thimphu as well.

How do you see the current state of Nepal-Kosovo relationship?

Nepal has yet to officially recognize the independence of the Republic of Kosovo, and the two nations do not have diplomatic ties. This suggests that the foundation for establishing formal diplomatic ties between the two nations has not yet been laid. Additionally, it means that the conditions remain limited for institutional cooperation and for having different win-win situations. It’s essential to note that, with a positive mindset from both sides, the landscape can change, and Kosovo-Nepal relations can evolve over time. So it is possible but it is also expected that Nepal will recognize Kosovo in the near future. So far, people-to-people contacts and cooperation between the civil societies of the two countries are more successful than our corporate initiatives. Regrettably, the current level of trade cooperation between the two countries is quite limited, but if we establish formal bilateral relations, it would naturally bring new prospects and opportunities for negotiating and implementing bilateral agreements across various sectors and collaborating on international platforms. 

The existence of these official relations would also shape public perceptions, fostering increased interest and closeness between the people, companies, artists, sports clubs, and other social entities, which is why we attach great importance to gaining recognition from Nepal and establishing diplomatic ties with your country. 

What are the areas of cooperation between Nepal and Kosovo?

To clarify, as an independent country, the Republic of Kosovo is actively seeking to enhance cooperation with reliable partners. There are significant opportunities for collaboration between Kosovo and Nepal. For instance, consider the case of Bangladesh, a South Asian nation, which recognized Kosovo a few years ago, and we have since developed a close and friendly relationship with them. Similarly, we aim to establish a similar bond with Nepal. The potential for cooperation extends to various sectors, including education, economy, and particularly agriculture. As a relatively new country, we have achieved notable success in sports, and we are keen to share our experiences with Nepal in this regard. 

To that end, we are persistently working to tell our narratives to Nepal. We want to convey that Kosovars share a deep love for peace, that we have a vibrant population with the youngest median age in Europe, and that there is ample room for us to develop both bilateral relations and collaborate on international platforms. Up to this point, individuals from civil society have played a crucial role in promoting our relationship. On the flip side, Kosovar companies have begun to recruit labor from South Asian countries, including Nepal, and they have expressed satisfaction with the overall performance and humanitarian behavior of Nepali employees.

Nepal is delaying to recognize Kosovo, what could be the reasons?

It's never too late. I hope recognition comes soon. Throughout my tenure of four years in South Asia, I have also tried to follow Kathmandu’s political position on us. I witnessed that Nepalese are very friendly to us. Kathmandu is open for communication. Unfortunately, it has yet to extend official recognition to the Republic of Kosovo's independence. As I’ve become more acquainted with Nepal over time, I’ve come to appreciate it as the homeland of friendly, proud, and respectful people. Nepalese individuals, in general, tend to approach decisions with care and caution but always exude friendliness, a positive aura, and a warm smile. 

Similar to Nepal, some other countries initially hesitated to recognize independence of Kosovo, but with time, they realized that recognizing the Republic of Kosovo was the right course of action. This recognition holds significance for peace and stability in the Balkan Peninsula, or, in other words, in Southeast Europe. The independence of the Republic of Kosovo rectified historical injustices, put an end to Serbian occupation, and brought peace and freedom to its people. We are aware that Serbia, a country with which we had fought for our freedom and still have disputes, employs various tactics and unfounded arguments to weaken Kosovo's international position. 

To put it briefly, Nepal is an independent, sovereign, free and egalitarian country, so it determines its foreign policy preferences. We all know that countries have their own set of priorities. Our hope is that Nepal officially recognizes Kosovo as soon as possible.

What are the similarities and differences between Nepal and Kosovo?

Nepal and Kosovo, two geographically distant countries, share notable similarities and few differences. We share several common experiences and characteristics. Both are landlocked countries, have multi-ethnic populations, mountainous terrain, and youthful demographics. Moreover, both Kosovo and Nepal boast breathtaking landscapes and dynamic societies. My perceptions of Nepal before were shaped by three elements: firstly, the civil war in the 90s; then, the Himalayas, especially Mount Everest; and also Gurkhas from Nepal, who served as peacekeepers after the war in Kosovo. It is not difficult for us to empathize with Nepal, because we have common elements that remind us of our suffering, but also of our qualities. 

Both countries and peoples have gone through difficult times. We have always tried to ease our pain by talking to the mountains and singing to the trees, rocks, and rivers. Although not as great as the Himalayas, our Sharr Mountains are nonetheless extremely lovely. As differences Nepal and Kosovo have their own historical narratives and political dynamics. These differences are unique and it reflects our distinct identities, cultures, and geopolitical contexts. Kosovo reflects a blend of Western and Eastern European influences, while Nepal boasts a rich tapestry of languages and customs of Eastern South Asia. 

Despite our differences, Nepal and Kosovo can develop close relations through various means, mainly diplomatic engagement, cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and people-to-people connections. Ultimately, trust, goodwill, and open communication are key to fostering close ties and cooperation between Nepal and Kosovo.

Could you tell us a little about the historical process so that our readers can understand it better?

To understand how Kosovo achieved independence, it is essential to comprehend its history. In 1989, Belgrade abolished Kosovo’s autonomy and two years later, as the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) disintegrated, Kosovo lost its status as a federal entity in the ex-country with rights similar to those of the six republics. During the 1990s Kosovo and its institutions were under the Serbian occupation. Serbian authorities consistently discriminated against the majority of Kosovar population, excluding them from governance and public life, along with exclusion from the health and educational system.

In reaction, the Kosovo leadership under Ibrahim Rugova pursued a policy of peaceful resistance for several years, before the lack of progress led to the formation of the Kosovo Liberation Army and armed struggle. This, in turn, encouraged the Serbians to exercise more pressure against the Kosovars. Following a failed attempt to negotiate a settlement at Rambouillet, France, in March 1999, NATO decided to stop humanitarian crises in Kosovo and intervened in Serbian targets. During the Serbian atrocities more than half of the Kosovars became refugees or internally displaced. After the war, the problems were tried to be solved through negotiations. But after all the attempts, the UN special envoy, former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari, gave the green light for the status of Kosovo, as a ‘sui generis’ case. 

Although Serbia, Russia and some other countries insist on denying the truth, Kosovo's independence has become an irreversible fact. It should be noted that, more than half of member countries of the UN have recognized the independence of the Republic of Kosovo. The majority of these countries are geographically close to Kosovo and they realized that the case is unique and cannot be used as a precedent for other cases. 

In addition, they considered the peace and stability of the region as well as their own peace and stability. On the other side, the International Court of Justice ruled that the declaration of independence of Kosovo was not in violation of international

Dashain and Tihar are feasting times and we tend to eat with reckless abandon. But overindulgence has its downsides. It can lead to digestive issues and other health problems. So it’s important to enjoy festival delicacies without compromising on your health and fitness. What’s more, it’s important to eat right and eat well all year round. Following a good diet, one that provides your body with all the right nutrients should be your number one priority. Babita Shrestha from ApEx spoke to Supriya Bhattarai, a co-founder of Mitahara Diet Clinic and clinical nutritionist, to find out how to do that. 

First of all, what comprises a healthy diet?

A healthy diet isn’t about weight loss. You are always on a diet as long as you are eating something. A diet is not limited to specific foods but includes all your eating habits. Additionally, it’s crucial to integrate food and nutrition seamlessly into your overall lifestyle, which includes aspects like sleep, exercise, physical activity, spiritual well-being, and mental health. It’s also important to eat small, balanced meals every three to four hours. Each meal should include food groups like fruits, nuts, and seeds for optimum nutrition.  

How can we avoid overindulgence during the festive season?

‘Mitahara’ means ‘Moderate eating’ in Sanskrit and we often provide clients with practical tips they can follow to eat in moderation, which is the right way to eat. Firstly, it’s important to be mindful about portions when it comes to eating. Next is to never compromise with exercise. Usually during the holidays, our sleep schedule gets pretty messed up. Inadequate sleep can lead to unhealthy cravings so you must sleep enough and sleep well. Also, hydration is important, and so is saying ‘no’ when you have had enough. Oftentimes, we are pressured to eat and we keep munching whether we want to or not. 

Can food help prevent or cure diseases? 

The right food can keep diseases at bay. For instance, if you have high cholesterol, fiber can help you as it binds cholesterol in the intestine and removes it from the body. Those with high blood pressure can benefit from foods containing nitrates, commonly found in items like green leafy vegetables and beetroot among others. If you have diabetes, you must avoid beetroot and opt for foods with a lower glycemic index like avocado, barley, and whole grains. Likewise, osteoporosis, common in menopausal women, can be addressed by consuming calcium-rich foods, with sesame being a good option while omega-3-rich foods like flaxseed are good for a healthy heart.

What are some things to keep in mind while eating? 

Be mindful of carbohydrate intake and avoid things with high glycemic index like white rice and flour. Opt for whole grains like millet and barley instead. You can get plant-based proteins and healthy fats like omega-3 from sources like flax seeds. Many people don’t consume enough fiber. So, I’d suggest prioritizing eating fruits, salads, and green vegetables. Include colorful foods in your diet. The more colorful your plate, the better. Also, drink green tea as it’s rich in antioxidants. 

I’d also like to mention that loss of appetite is very common, especially in older people. You should focus on balancing all the macronutrients to avoid muscle wasting and undernourishment. Work-related stress and lifestyle changes can also reduce appetite. While food choice alone might not boost appetite significantly, increasing the frequency of meals might help. You can start with your favorite foods. Also, it’s a good idea to eat fruits and nuts between meals. 

Is fasting good for us? 

Occasional fasting is good for your gut. It can help reduce inflammation in the body and tackle oxidative stress and cholesterol issues as well. But to get the optimum benefits, you must fast for 18 hours or more. However, if you are pregnant, have health issues, or suffer from eating disorders, then fasting isn’t for you. 

How can one practice mindful eating? 

The best way to do this would be to maintain a food diary where you log in what you eat and when you eat. Reviewing your food diary time and again can help you identify your eating pattern, and dietary habits, and also figure out if some specific times or emotions trigger excessive food intake. You have to understand your eating habits to be in control of them.

Can you share a  trick to tackle food cravings? 

There’s a behavioral hack that’s extremely effective. ‘Breathe it out, Drink it out, and Sweat it Out.’ This helps during intense cravings. If you have an intense episode of craving, first try practicing deep belly breathing ten times then drink some water or herbal teas. If it doesn't subside try going for a short walk.

How can we take care of our gut health?

The intestinal microbiome is often called our ‘second brain’ since it influences our emotions through the chemicals it produces. So it’s imperative to pay attention to your gut health. This is where the 3P’s (Prebiotic, Probiotic, and Polyphenols) come into play. Probiotic foods include fermented foods like yogurt which will help promote the increase of friendly bacteria in the gut. Prebiotics feed the friendly bacteria in your gut. Think barley, apple, and banana. Polyphenols are found in green vegetables, green tea, berries, and apples.