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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.

Dinesh Raj Puri, 34, who is originally from Ramechhap, is a renowned poet and lyricist, who has contributed a lot to Nepali literature and the folk music industry. Puri has written many poems, ghazals, and muktakas. He has also penned dozens of songs such as ‘Mayako Natak’, ‘Chal Chal’, ‘Je Man Lagcha Tei Gara’, ‘Hangako Phool’, and others. Not just that, Puri also wrote the song ‘Kasam Kasam’ for the Nepali movie ‘Ma Yesto Geet Gauchu - 2’ and ‘Tal Tal Talakkai’ for the movie ‘Jhinge Dau’. He is also associated with the Music Royalty Collection Society Nepal. Babita Shrestha from ApEx spoke to Puri about the essence of songwriting and the things that go on in his head when he sits down to write. 

How did you start writing?

Ever since my childhood, I have been creative and I used to actively participate in writing competitions. When I was in middle school, I wrote a poem called ‘Garib Bhariya Ko Jindagi’, and the appreciation I got for it was actually what motivated me to write more. At a very young age, I was awarded many times in district-level essay competitions and even secured first and second positions in national-level poetry competitions. At that time, the school honored me by holding a press conference. The more I wrote, the more I got passionate about writing. As time passed, I became interested in learning about literature. I especially liked poetry and essays.

What made you venture into songwriting?

After coming to Kathmandu, I wanted to explore new things and became interested in music. I tried my hand at songwriting and came up with ‘Aasu Le Bato’. Renowned singer Ramesh Raj Bhattarai, who was on my Facebook friend’s list, liked the song and he approached me with the proposal of a collaboration. He recorded the song in Anju Pant’s voice. I was beyond honored to have worked with such great artists at the beginning of my career.

After the launch of my first song, I took a break. But when I had the opportunity to meet singer Arjun Pokharel, I shared some of my works with him. He liked my work because he hinted that he wanted to work with me. I was overwhelmed and I eventually began writing songs for him. I consider myself lucky to have gotten the chance I did. Since then, I’ve worked as a lyricist and written many songs including ‘Aat Garenau Bhaney’, ‘Dadai Kataula’, and ‘Chocolatey Syau’.   

How do you ensure your songs are well received by the listeners? 

I believe in originality. When I write, I’m not concerned about whether the song will be a hit. I just write. Most of the time, I write about what I’ve experienced, the effect different things have had on me, and the various cultures or realities of life that I have witnessed. I don’t force myself to be creative. I let the things I see and feel inspire me and that mostly happens when I’m enjoying solitude. I don’t keep up with what’s going on in the market. I don’t know what’s trending and all.  So I guess what makes my work popular is its relatability. 

What would you say is the biggest challenge of being a lyricist in Nepal?

Nowadays, the quest for market hits has hampered the Nepali music industry. Some artists are seen following market trends rather than coming up with creative work. Generally, artists channel personal experiences into generic themes, but the rise of vulgarism and double-meaning songs, I believe, is corrupting the industry. 

There are also some new songwriters who pay to get their songs released, which is an unhealthy trend. Doing so is insulting the artists themselves. Also, I feel that lyricists and songwriters should be acknowledged like musicians, actors/actresses, and videographers. That’s not the case here in Nepal. 

Is there any advice you’d like to give? 

You can become anyone you want to be when you have an unwavering desire to do something. All you need is undivided dedication and hard work. When you feel disconnected from what you’re doing, look for something else that makes you happy. Go for it if you believe in yourself. Success is totally up to you. It’s within you. All you have to do is discover it. Above all, you must learn to create your individuality.

Electric vehicles are a new rage all over the world where fossil fuel-run vehicles are rapidly becoming a thing of the past. Given ever-increasing petroleum prices and a large carbon footprint that the conventional vehicles leave behind, not to mention increasing costs of running a fossil fuel-based economy, Nepal is also not immune from this switch to the EVs.
Against this backdrop, SERES—an EV brand born in the USA, mastered in China, proven in Europe—has entered Nepal, where a couple of other brands already have their presence.

Devendra Gautam of ApEx had a free-wheeling conversation with Jeevan Jung Shahi, director of LRR Group, the authorized distributors of SERES for Nepal.   

SERES took part in the NADA Auto Show 2023. How was SERES’ performance? What word best describes the customers’ response?

The customer response was absolutely fantastic, there was an incredible crowd and they were crazy about SERES. NADA Auto 2023 was an incredible success for SERES, with an outstanding booking of almost 334 units. 

Any special feature that you think gives SERES EVs an edge over competitors? 

The 190mm ground clearance is a feature that is really unmatched, this is really one of the many features exclusive to SERES in the SUV EV segment. 

Nepal’s roads are rough and climatic conditions quite challenging. Do you expect a smooth journey ahead for SERES, EVs in particular? 

Navigating challenging road conditions and extreme climates can be a significant hurdle for electric vehicles in Nepal, but I expect that with SERES' design and durability, these obstacles can be overcome. SERES manufacturers design their vehicles to withstand rough road conditions and challenging climates, incorporating features such as reinforced suspensions and a higher ground clearance of 190mm in SERES. These enhancements, along with all-wheel-drive systems, can greatly enhance a vehicle's ability to handle uneven and rough terrain. 

The national economy is not so healthy. Do you still think this was the right time to enter the Nepali market? 

Entering a new market, especially one facing economic challenges like the Nepali market does now, requires careful consideration and a well-thought-out strategy. It’s time for EVs globally, a boom time in EV technology. So, this was the perfect time for LRR GROUP in EV Automobiles to enter the Nepali market.

What is the price range of SERES EVs? What special features do they entail? What financing options are available? What about-after sales services?

The price range of SERES EVs can vary depending on the model and features. Currently, we have two models in the market: One is the comfort variant, and the other is the premium variant, priced at Rs 5m and Rs 5.3m, respectively. The premium variant offers additional features like a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charger, sunglass holder, and front auto-heated seats.

Certainly, customers can avail themselves of EMI options with a 20 percent down payment over a span of seven years, at a competitive 10.49 percent interest rate on SERES vehicles.

LRR Motors is committed to providing roadside assistance and mobile service options. I want to assure the SERES family that we will deliver the best after-sales services, including maintenance, warranty coverage, and support for SERES vehicle owners.

Nepal’s petroleum addiction seems to be getting worse. A country with formidable hydropower potential imports petroleum products from a monopoly market through South Asia’s first cross-border petroleum pipeline, the Motihari-Amlekhgunj pipeline. Plans are underway to extend the pipeline to Chitwan and then to Kathmandu. Another cross-border project--the Siliguri-Charali pipeline is also on the cards. Given such a scenario, how friendly are government policies vis-a-vis the EVs?

Yes, there is a 69-km cross-border petroleum pipeline project, running from the state-run Indian Oil's terminal in Motihahari in north Bihar to Nepal Oil Corporation’s Amlekhgunj depot. The project was initially scheduled for completion in 2020 but is still in progress. We hope that once this project is finished, it will significantly improve the situation compared to today.

Like many countries, Nepal faces environmental challenges, including air pollution and climate change. Promoting EVs aligns with efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat pollution. Nepal possesses significant hydropower potential, making it an ideal source of electricity for EVs. Reducing reliance on petroleum imports through the development of EV infrastructure can enhance energy security.

Expanding EV infrastructure such as charging stations constitutes a key component of government policies aimed at supporting EV adoption. Plans to extend petroleum pipelines may not necessarily conflict with EV policies if the government considers EVs as a complement to traditional transportation.

Does Nepal have adequate infra to switch at least partially to a transport system that is EV-driven?

Nepal has made efforts to develop the infrastructure necessary to support EVs, but it is still in the early stages of development. The extent of EV infrastructure in Nepal can vary by region, and it's important to note that progress may have occurred since that time. To assess the current state of EV infrastructure in Nepal and its adequacy for a partial transition to an EV-driven transport system, it is advisable to check with local authorities, electric utilities and EV industry stakeholders for the most up-to-date information. The development of EV infrastructure is often an ongoing process, and governments and private sector entities may continue to invest in this area to facilitate the adoption of electric mobility solutions. 

The government has started setting up charging stations for electric vehicles, primarily in urban areas like Kathmandu. However, the number of charging stations is relatively limited compared to the demand. Nepal’s significant hydropower potential can serve as a source of clean energy for EVs, making it an ideal candidate for a transition to electric mobility. Spreading awareness among consumers about the benefits of EVs and addressing concerns like range anxiety are essential for a successful transition.

Does the LRR Group have some dreams and a long-term vision for our country? Dreams like developing indigenous EVs in Nepal itself, together with young minds, innovators, engineering/technical institutions, investors and the government? 

Yes, we have dreams for our country and a vision. LRR Group is still striving to contribute to government efforts and policies as an electric vehicle (EV) business in a proactive way to support the growth of the EV industry and promote sustainable transportation. 

Box

Here are several ways through which your EV business can contribute to government initiatives: 

Advocacy and lobbying

Join or support industry associations or groups dedicated to electric vehicles. These organizations often advocate for policies that benefit the EV industry.

Collaborate with these associations to collectively engage with government officials and policymakers to voice your concerns and offer insights. 

Policy recommendations

Develop well-researched policy recommendations that can support the growth of the EV market. These recommendations can cover areas such as incentives, charging infrastructure, emissions standards, and tax policies.

Present these recommendations before relevant government agencies, legislators, and policymakers. 

Education and outreach

Organize events, workshops, and seminars to educate government officials, the public, and potential customers.