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Thirty-three-year-old Prajwal Adhikari is a poet and lyricist. He has written several notable poems such as ‘Pathshala’ ‘Sankalpa’, and ‘Akashvani’ among others. He has also co-authored books like ‘Swachchhanda Suseli Haru’ and ‘Chhakalai’. He wrote the lyrics to songs like ‘High Voltage’, ‘Maya Ko Radio’, ‘Apartment Department’ and ‘Bhangera ra Bhangeri’.

He has received critical acclaim for much of his works and has been awarded for them too. Over the years, he has won many regional poetry competitions as well. In an interview with Babita Shrestha of ApEx, Adhikari spoke about what inspires him to write and how he manages to captivate his audience. 

What made you want to write poetry?

From a very early age, I loved music and wanted to become a singer. I came to Kathmandu to pursue that dream but the instructor told me my voice wasn’t good enough. I used to compose songs then but I hadn’t even dabbled in poetry. Then, this one time, I happened to attend a poetry recitation event, and listening to brilliant poets led me to write my first poem, ‘Euta Yuddha Ajai Baki Cha’. I had the opportunity to recite this poem at the National Poetry Competition at Bhrikuti Mandap and was fortunate enough to be among the Top 20 selected poets. I believe this fueled my passion for poetry and now I mostly write and recite poems.

What, do you think, is the purpose and significance of poetry in today’s world? 

Poetry is as old as human civilization. I believe it defies a specific definition and stands as the highest form of expression, while creating an emotional bond with the audience. To me, poetry represents a form of meditation. 

I see poetry as passive activism. It’s basically a nonviolent tool that doesn’t carry political agendas or weaponry for social change but still manages to have an impact. For instance, consider Shrawan Mukarung’s ‘Bise Nagarchi Ko Bayan’ which was recited during the people’s movement in 2006/07. This poem created a new approach to activism. 

Good poems are like mantras as it makes us want to live a meaningful life. Even these days, people are writing poems on social issues like women's empowerment and such. This is because poetry has the power to influence people and reshape their perspectives.

How do you approach writing poetry?

Writing poems, for me, is an emotional experience. I can’t force myself to write. Poetic ideas come in waves, sparking my desire to write. Occasionally, when I’m waiting at a bus stop, a sudden wave of inspiration hits me. In those moments, I don’t concern myself with what others might think and I quickly jot down my thoughts on my phone or on paper. Most of the time, I find myself writing in the ‘What’s on your mind’ section on Facebook.

I generally don’t rewrite because I believe it would undermine the natural flow of ideas. All poems aren’t meant to be good. So, if I find a piece satisfying, I add it to my collection and often share it on my Facebook page. However, if I’m not pleased with it, I delete the entire piece. Most of the time I send it to newspapers for publication. I haven’t published an anthology yet but I’m working on it. 

Is there a subject matter that you find yourself drawn to? 

Traveling fuels ideas. I mostly write after observing and experiencing things. Poetry, I think, is ever-evolving and you have to be open to new ideas and themes. 

Once, while watching Animal Planet, I saw a lion kill a doe that had just given birth to a fawn. I observed the baby deer desperately trying to walk and get milk from the lion. This natural cycle made me reflect on how things are in our society. Drawing from that, I wrote a poem on how marginalized and underprivileged communities often face oppression from those in power.

What is your technique to connect with your readers? 

Poetry is a form of expression that weaves together sentiments, thoughts, and personal experiences through the use of symbols and imagery. To convey intense emotions, I employ metaphors and similes. I believe they make poems impactful. 

I have a distinct memory of composing a brief poem on a simple incident which later turned out to be an outstanding piece. It was about a fly which I could not kill. To make it impactful, I latched on to a myth and added subtle hints of satire. In most of my poetry, I try to create a vivid image in the minds of my audience, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the emotional depth of the poem.

Do you have any advice for aspiring poets?

If you want to pursue a career as a poet, you must read writings of established as well as contemporary poets. The more you immerse yourself in their writings, the better equipped you become to develop your individual style and express your ideas. Every one of us possesses an innate ability to convey our thoughts and emotions. So, instead of comparing your work to others, you should focus on refining your writing by competing with previous versions of yourself.

Bidya Devi Bhandari served as the President of Nepal from 2015 to 2023, becoming the country’s first female head of state. She takes pride in being the first president associated with Nepal’s communist movement. After completing her tenure, she has not been actively involved in national politics. In an interview with Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Akhanda Bhandari, she discussed her presidential tenure and future plans. Excerpts:

What was your presidential experience like?

Serving the country through the highest position has been a source of great joy and satisfaction. I hope that, like me, sons and daughters of ordinary Nepali people also get opportunities to serve their country. I prefer not to compare myself with the monarchy and the king because it is a different system.  

Even in advanced democracies, very few women have had the opportunity to become president. Do you think our democracy is progressing?

I believe our democracy is already quite advanced. Occasionally, the actions of those in top positions might give a different impression, but our public opinion consistently supports democracy. As for the opportunity I got, multiple factors played a role. I do not believe I became president solely because I am a woman. Given the current state of our society, a woman holding the highest office is undoubtedly a positive development. Other equally important factors should also be considered. Within the context of Nepal’s communist movement, I am a member of the Madan Bhandari family and have been following his political legacy since his tragic death. 

The eighth General Convention of the CPN-UML has recognized people’s multiparty democracy as the party’s guiding principle, which is a new dimension from a Marxist perspective reflecting current realities. In this context, I have always been a visible figure within the party. It is equally important to note that I am the first democratically-elected female president, who is part of Nepal’s communist movement. The broader society also acknowledged and accepted me as a suitable candidate for the presidency. The intra-party dynamics at the time also played a significant role, and the party’s decision was the result of various factors.

Some senior leaders are reluctant to become president, thinking that it means retiring from active politics. Your thoughts?

The position of the head of the state is highly prestigious and respected. A president can contribute significantly, but not in isolation. With a competent team and a determined president, much can be achieved for the people and the country.

Any major misses as the head of the state?

During my tenure, I did everything in my capacity as the president. Many achievements depend on the type of government in power. A good relationship between the presidential office and the government is essential for progress in areas like expanding Nepal’s international relations, amplifying the people’s voices and contributing to the preservation of cultural, civilizational and linguistic heritages. With proper support, a sense of national unity and pride can be enhanced.

Do you think there’s a need to amend certain constitutional provisions regarding the powers of the president and the prime minister?

I do not think that the constitution is ambiguous. We need to implement it effectively, that’s all. As per Article 81 of the constitution, there is a requirement for the prime minister to brief the head of the state on certain issues, both national and international. It is the responsibility of the prime minister to formally inform the president about contemporary issues as well as cabinet decisions and bills before presenting the latter in the Parliament. The constitution has envisaged that the head of the state can raise concerns. The president cannot dictate the prime minister, he or she can only offer advice and if there is coordination, there would not be any gap. 

If these provisions are diligently followed, the president can express concerns and provide suggestions. Once I  wrote a letter to the prime minister to remind him of these key constitutional provisions, particularly focusing on Article 81. Proper implementation of these provisions would eliminate trust deficit, if any, between the president and prime minister.

Can you please share your stance on the Citizenship Bill?

I would like to pose a question to everyone: What role should I have played in this matter? I took steps for the sake of the country and constitution.  This is a new constitution. The issues I have identified in the citizenship bill are linked with the history of Nepal. 

The constitution is for the nation, and we should not weaken the country in the name of implementing it. Citizenship should be viewed from a national perspective, not through the lenses of ethnicity and geography. It is essential to consider the historical context, as the Citizenship Act is directly tied to our sovereignty, national identity and nationalism. We must also acknowledge the reality of open borders and the flow of immigrants. 

While we may provide refuge on humanitarian grounds, we cannot accommodate refugees on a large scale. We need a sustainable solution, and the laws related to citizenship should not be subjected to frequent changes. I have not favored any specific group but have acted in the interest of the country. All political leaders agreed with this at individual meetings. I am very much clear in my position that the constitution cannot be implemented in a way that would affect the country. I am ready to defend my position everywhere, including in the court of law.

What are your future plans?

Looking back, I have completed all tasks entrusted to me. I introduced new visions while serving as a Minister for Population and Environment for seven months. Later, I took on the responsibility of the Ministry of Defense, and fulfilled that role. As the head of the state, I contributed to the country with utmost integrity. In terms of my contribution to my party, I first ran for election in 1991 after working in different capacities. As a legislator, I worked in various areas, including women’s empowerment and worked diligently to ensure 33 percent representation for women in state apparatuses. Having shouldered all the responsibilities assigned to me, I don’t believe I should re-enter active politics at this stage.

But there are reports suggesting that you might return to active party politics.

Friends have been asking me about this, offering their suggestions, and I am listening to them. I believe that vibrant political parties are essential for our nation and democracy. However, I have not made up my mind about returning to active politics. When I became the president, there were certain speculations and these days also, I hear similar things. Friends air their concerns with me and I listen to them with patience.  

Are you considering taking a leadership role in the party?

To be honest, I have not made a decision regarding a return to active politics at the moment. The question of who succeeds KP Sharma Oli within the CPN-UML is an internal matter of the party. It is premature to discuss leadership after Oli, as we still have a long way to go before the convention. Working to acquire power for oneself as the leader after Oli is not the right approach. I suggest my UML colleagues to focus on strengthening the party rather than hankering for power for individual gains. The time to discuss the future leadership of the CPN-UML has not come.

If all your friends in the party ask you to take on a leadership role, what will your position be?

If the discussion takes place within the party, and if there are unanimous decisions, it would be a different matter to consider. I have not given it any thought, though I am aware that there is much talk about it outside. It is not a priority issue now. Instead, all parties should ponder over national problems and issues.

How do you view the current state of the country?

We are practicing democracy, but some wrong practices have taken root. For instance, the trend of forming pre-election alliances against one party is not a healthy and good practice. I urge political parties to amend their current approach to politics for good. First, you have to build your party and assess popular support, and then, based on that, your party moves ahead from the grassroots to the center. Cooperation and coordination among the parties is a good practice, but it should not be targeted against a particular party with the aim of isolating it. The largest party should not resort to electoral alliances before the elections. This is not national politics in a true sense; it is power-centric politics that goes beyond the boundaries of our imagination. I suggest that all political parties correct such flawed approaches.

How do you see the emergence of new parties in national politics?

I do not want to comment much on the new political parties; there are no such distinctions between big and small parties. Even a single individual holds importance in politics. Parties need to nurture them continuously.

Your take on the current economic crisis?

As the head of the state, I frequently advised the government to pay attention to the economy in dire straits. I encouraged all governments to focus on increasing internal production capacity, addressing trade imbalances and striving for self-reliance. Though an agricultural country, we continue to import agricultural products, our trade deficit is growing, and the trade balance remains skewed. It is concerning that our youth are seeking employment abroad. I have urged all governments to take measures to improve the country’s education system.

Any parting suggestion/comment? 

The practice of nurturing near and dear ones at the expense of deserving people must be stopped. Our focus must be on public welfare and peace. Politicians and the government should pay attention to these matters. 

Dr Dipak Malla is an MD of Internal Medicine specializing in endocrinology. He is also the assistant professor of internal medicine at National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital and consultant at Endocrine Unit (Diabetes, Thyroid & Endocrinology) at Nidan Hospital. Dr Malla has been promoting a healthy lifestyle through different media outlets including social media. He is an advocate of healthy habits and holistic well-being. Ken Subedi spoke with him to learn about best practices of eating and understanding why balancing food is important, particularly during the festival season.

To what extent are meat products important for human bodies when there are claims that vegan products are significantly enough and better?

Meat products are an important part of a healthy diet, which provides you with essential proteins, vitamin E, vitamin B2, B6 and B12. These are all vitals in maintaining a healthy body. Apart from these, meat also contains important minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium. So, during the festival seasons, we can eat meat but the most important question is how you cook the meat. Very oily and spicy meat is not good for health. I suggest cooking meat with some soup on so that it won’t be too oily and it will provide you with hydration too. 

However, all processed meats should be avoided to minimize intake of salt and saturated fat, which can lead to high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. The amount of meat product that we can eat depends on various factors, such as our age, gender, activity level, health status and dietary preferences. A vegan diet can be enough for our body if it is well-planned and balanced. However, avoiding animal products can also lead to some nutritional deficiencies that need to be addressed.

Festivals like Dashain and Tihar are approaching. Larger Nepali society believes in consuming the food items they like in larger quantities during festivals. Do you agree most of the festivals in Nepal are promoting unhealthy eating habits?

I think it depends on how you define unhealthy eating habits. In my opinion the cultural and traditional food items that we consume during our festival time are not unhealthy, unless you cook them with lots of oil and spices. Our festival and its food holds very scientific significance according to the weather and cultivation season as well. What I love most is- Wo on Sithi Nakha, Dahi Chiura on Asar 15, kheer on Shrawan 15, kwati on kwati punhw, mutton on Dashain, selroti on Tihar, samay baji on Indra Jatra. Apart from these we have so many traditional foods eaten across the country. This variety shows how rich we are in food habits.

Which meat is comparatively more human-body friendly? How much meat is acceptable for human metabolism? Is there any rough estimation or research findings?

Well, the healthiest meat to eat is lean meat, which has less fat and calories than other types of meat. Lean meat is also a good source of protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and other nutrients that are essential for the human body. Lean meat includes chicken, fish, turkey and less fat goat. However, eating too much red meat and processed meat can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer.

During festivals, many people consume more food and more frequently. What are its adverse effects?

As we all stay at home during festival time, the consumption of food is frequent which might lead to a sedentary lifestyle. So I suggest having a small portion of food frequently and doing some physical activities in the morning and evening time. Especially if you are diabetic or heart patient, your blood pressure and sugar level might rise during the festival time. So please take your medicines on time and do at least 30-45 minutes of physical activity.

There are different types of edible oil being used in Nepali households. Which source oil is the healthy one?

Different oils have different compositions of fatty acids and nutrients that may affect your health in various ways. It’s good to use oils that are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like olive oil, sunflower oil, as these are considered beneficial for heart and cholesterol levels. We must avoid high saturated and trans fat like coconut oil, hydrogenated oil and palm oil.

Besides meat, lots of other high calorie foods like sweets to traditional delicacies prepared out of fine flour, wheat, ghee, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and soft drinks are consumed with relish during festivals. How can we instill the habit of either quitting or minimizing them greatly?

It’s always a problem during festivals to control one’s diet. Our society has adopted the food habits of westerners. I have suggested to many of my patients to go to their village and stay with their parents and villagers so that their kids will know the food of the village during festival season. It’s healthier and nutritious than what we eat in big cities. And I always suggest my patients to go for a walk after a meal.

Lastly, how are you planning to celebrate the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals?

Well, I have not confirmed yet but most probably I will be going to Pokhara-Kaskikot, my hometown and visit nearby villages in Pokhara and enjoy the lovely hills and mountains with my family.

When you look good, you feel good. A little makeup can boost your confidence level when something feels off (and don’t we all have those days). Asmi Shrestha, a professional makeup artist and owner of the studio Glamour by Asmi in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu runs us through the basics of makeup while offering some helpful tips on how to take care of our skin. 

 What is the most important thing to keep in mind while buying makeup products? 

You need a good solid base to begin with so investing in proper moisturizer and primer is crucial. It’s also important to make sure your makeup items don’t clash with one another so keep a basic color palate in mind. Also, not every brand will suit you so you have to find out what works for you. I recommend you avoid dupes and invest in good quality products. 

 As a makeup artist, what is the one thing you recommend for those wanting to experiment with makeup?

I’d like to tell people to take care of their skin first and then choose makeup that helps enhance their features. Cleanse your skin every day. Test products before you buy them to ensure it doesn’t lead to rashes or breakouts. You can’t compromise on essentials like face serums, eye creams, moisturizers, and sunscreens. Then, for everyday makeup, consider investing in a good concealer for coverage, mascara to brighten your eyes, blush for a radiant complexion, and a solid lipstick to complete your look. 

 How important is it to understand your skin type before applying any makeup? 

Different skin types have different needs so you must use products that don’t hamper your skin and aggravate your skin issues, should you have any.  Dry skin needs a dewy base, like a good product with cream oil and a thick moisturizer. Oily skin, on the other hand, needs a mattifying product for a clear look. A primer is also essential so as not to clog your pores even further. I recommend a foundation-setting powder to most of my clients because it helps the makeup to stay in place for a long time. Those who have sensitive skin should stay away from makeup products or visit a dermatologist before putting anything on the skin. 

 How do you select the right foundation and concealer shades for different skin tones?

There are three main skin tones, warm, cool, and neutral. In Nepal, you often come across neutral and warm skin tones. Look at the labels for words like Neutral Cool (NC), Neutral (N), and Warm (W) to find the right shade for your skin tone. You can choose one or two shades lighter than your skin tone, apply it to your jawline, and wait for five min to check for oxidation. Likewise, for concealer, you can pick one that’s two shades lighter than your foundation. If it blends seamlessly, that shade is your perfect match. 

Can you share some makeup tricks?

Blending is the most challenging part of makeup but it can make or break your look. Good blending gives you a defined look and can highlight your best features. So practice it well. For eye makeup, use a concealer first for a matt finish. If you want your lipstick to look nice and last long, apply a lip balm before putting on lipstick, and also use a lip liner to enhance the shape of your lips. Highlighting and contouring play major roles in enhancing your facial features. To add a little structure to your face, contour the jawline, lower cheeks, and forehead. Use a highlighter where natural light hits your face, especially on the cheekbones, bridge of your nose, under brows, and chin.

 Is there anything specific people tend to overlook while doing their makeup?

I believe it’s very important to use the right makeup tools. Different brushes are designed for different purposes. I recommend a beauty sponge to apply foundation. For liquid products like blush and contour, flat-top brushes are quite useful. As a makeup artist, I recommend you to have at least a fluffy brush, eye makeup brush, and brows brush in your makeup bag. After each use, make sure to clean and sanitize your brush. For thorough cleaning, you can use baby shampoo and olive oil. As for the beauty sponge, you need to wash it after every use and squeeze it properly otherwise the water will dilute your oil-based makeup.