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Nepal has seen a continued political shift since the general elections of November last year. Amid this fluidity, the interest of external powers in Nepal seem to have gone up. There have been several high-level visits to Nepal from the US, India and China over the past recent months. In this context Pratik Ghimire of ApEx talked to political analyst and Tribhuvan University lecturer Bishnu Dahal about Nepal’s political and geopolitical situations.

Why do you think the old coalition reunited? 

In internal politics, the factor remains the same, but the variable factor is geopolitics. When the CPN (Maoist Center) broke the coalition with the Nepali Congress to form an alliance with the CPN-UML, the China-card played an active role while the Indian and US-side failed to carry out their task. But as the old coalition has been reunited, I see the initial point of this event is the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact’s endorsement from parliament. As soon as the case of MCC arose, the then Nepal Communist Party (NCP) split, and the US got the Nepal government close to them.

Also, as the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led government voted in favor of Ukraine in the UN, it can be clearly believed that we were in the US-led team. The Americans want a favorable government in Nepal for which they are showing their direct involvement.  As soon as Pushpa Kamal Dahal became the prime minister, China-funded Pokhara International Airport was inaugurated, a Chinese team came for Kathmandu-Kerung railway study, and the Chinese side opened all the borders.  But the US successfully took the game into its own hands. That is why the Maoists and Nepali Congress are now together.

Why do you think external forces are so interested in Nepal?

External forces come to Nepal because they see a lack of national interest and policy here. Our politicians have no political or national interest. All they have is personal interest because they always want to be in power. Nepali politicians actually invite external forces and play with them to retain power. And, the external forces like this situation because they get to project their power here. India and China always want to be in Nepal to counter each other. As for the US, it feels that it could influence Nepal and bolster its presence in the South Asian region from here. 

Do you think India's influence in Nepal has tempered down in recent years?

We are largely dependent on India. But the data has been changing. In recent years, rice import from India has declined by (around) 30 percent. Not due to our production, but a lot of people are leaving Nepal for employment and study. But these people are not going to India. They would rather go to Western countries and the Persian Gulf nations.  So, not only the political presence of India, but also the economic presence has been shifting to Western nations, especially to the US. And I have already mentioned how we are tilting toward America and why they want to be with us. 

How do you see the South Asian geopolitical scenario?

Though India and the US are close to each other these days, India has maintained a good relationship even with the enemies of the US. For example, India has maintained cordial ties with Russia and Iran for its own benefit. Even India and China have a good economic relationship. India has come closer to the US because China has enclosed India from all sides. Sri Lanka’s Hambantota International Port and Pakistan’s Gwadar Port are controlled by China. 

In the South Asian region, India has the business of around $7trn, whereas China’s is of around $18trn. Though India is doing good, China has an upper hand. I see India has both opportunities and threats from China and the geopolitical scenario of South Asia is often determined by the activities of these two nations. I hope India will review its neighborhood policy to address the problems.

Where do you see the future of Nepal in this geopolitical climate?

The geopolitical game is always there. It’s not just in Nepal and in the South Asian region, but across the globe. This comes with both opportunities and threats. For instance, the US eagerly wants to invest in our hydropower projects. We will have the opportunity to create employment by establishing large-scale industries. But if our politicians fail to grab the political opportunity for national interest, it will not help us, and we will become just a puppet and playground of big nations. 

Buddhisagar (Buddhi Ram Chapain) is a Nepali author known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing. He has written critically acclaimed novels like ‘Karnali Blues’ and ‘Phirphire’. Vivid descriptions, rich character development, and poignant storytelling are his strengths and his books touch on themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Parusha Khadka talked to Buddhisagar to learn more about his reading habits, writing process, and what he wishes for his readers. What inspired you to become a writer? My interest in writing began at a young age, fueled by my love of reading and storytelling. As a child, I would often spend hours immersed in books, fascinated by the power of words to transport me to different worlds. My own writing journey began in my 20s when I started writing and submitting them to radio stations for recitals. My early works were well received and I gained a reputation as a new voice in Nepali literature. I realized that I had a natural talent for storytelling, and my passion for writing only grew stronger with each passing year which led me to pursue a writing career. What do you consider to be your greatest writing achievement and why? The success of Karnali Blues was definitely the biggest achievement as it has helped me establish myself as a writer and a good one at that. The novel’s success has also been significant in terms of its impact on the broader cultural conversation in Nepal. It deals with themes such as poverty, social inequality, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. It has brought attention to these issues in a way that has resonated with a broad audience. In this sense, my achievement with the novel goes beyond my personal success as a writer.  What do you hope readers take away from your writing? My ultimate goal as a writer is to connect with my audience and tell stories that resonate with them on a personal level. I believe that the most powerful stories are those that can tap into universal human experiences and emotions, those that can help readers see themselves and their world in a new way. By creating characters and stories that they can relate to, I hope to foster a sense of empathy and understanding between myself and my audience. I want to write books that not only entertain and engage readers but also challenge them to think deeply about the world around them and to see it from new and different perspectives. How often do you read? Do you think reading has improved your writing? To excel as a writer, it’s imperative to be an avid reader. While I used to read extensively across all genres, my reading habits have evolved to become more selective. I gravitate towards books that offer valuable insights and knowledge. Despite this approach, my love for reading remains unwavering, especially when it comes to physical books. Reading provides exposure to different writing styles, genres, and techniques. By reading widely I’m able to expand my vocabulary, develop my writing skills, and learn how to craft compelling characters, plot lines, and settings. Reading has also helped me to stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the literary world.  Do you have some advice for aspiring writers?  I encourage aspiring writers to read more and explore new authors’ works. I believe that reading is an essential part of developing one’s understanding of the world and that by exploring the perspectives and experiences of different writers, readers can broaden their horizons and deepen their empathy for others. I also advise them to write regularly. By practicing writing on a regular basis, aspiring writers can hone their styles and develop their own personal writing processes. Write with authenticity, never stop learning and be open to new experiences.  What are you working on lately? Recently, my third novel ‘Eklo’ got released. It’s a novel that speaks to the universal struggles of young people as they navigate the complexities of the modern world. Through Arjun’s (one of the characters in the book) journey, I invite readers to reflect on their own experiences of loneliness, isolation, and their search for meaning in life, making this a novel that is both deeply personal and relatable. My other novel will be released in about a year or two. A translation of one of my previous novels is also in the works and it will be available soon. Buddhisagar’s picks  A House for Mr. Biswas by V.S. Naipaul This novel tells the story of Mohun Biswas, an Indo-Trinidadian man who is born into poverty and struggles to establish his identity and independence in a society that is still grappling with its colonial past.  The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo The Alchemist is a novel that is widely acclaimed for its inspirational and uplifting message. It emphasizes the importance of pursuing one’s dreams and the power of belief and perseverance. At Night All Blood Is Black by David Diop This is a haunting and unforgettable story that grapples with complex themes of violence, trauma, and identity. It sheds light on the darkest corners of the human experience and provokes reflection and empathy.

Kamal Shrestha is the chairperson of Nepali Club in Bahrain, which used to be involved in official works like renewing passports and addressing the problems of Nepal workers. He is also involved in a few business houses in Bahrain. ApEx caught up with him to talk about the situation of Nepalis in Bahrain. What is Nepali Club? Nepali Club was established in 2000. This club does social service work and helps Nepali workers when they are facing any kind of problem. The club also helps workers with tasks such as renewing passports and preparing travel documents. Besides, it also creates an environment for Nepali delegates for sports and other events. What is the club currently working on?  After the establishment of the embassy in 2013, we started focusing more on social and cultural events. We have been conducting awareness programs, medical camps and cultural programs. I would like to show my immense gratitude towards our Nepali community and all of the Nepali migrants in Bahrain who have directly and indirectly served the club in its endeavors. What are the business opportunities for Nepalis in Bahrain?  The government here has policies for certain foreign-owned businesses like consultancy service companies, tourism, contracting and other service companies where they can get to have 100 percent ownership by fulfilling certain criteria. Within two or three days after fulfilling the governmental requirements you can have full ownership of a business even if you are a Nepali. So, there is a huge potential for Nepalis who would like to do business in Bahrain. In terms of security too Bahrain is a safe place to invest on a business. Fraud cases are very rare here. What is the importance of the Nepal Embassy in Bahrain?  The embassy holds a lot of importance for our Nepali community. It offers guidance and supervision to the workers. It looks after them individually and provides them with necessary guidance, advice and solutions. The embassy has become a major role of supervisory agent and has played a huge role in uplifting the condition of our Nepali community in Bahrain. What type of skills is in high demand that Nepalis can fulfill?  There are various opportunities for Nepali workers in Bahrain. Although the opportunities are endless, they still must have some skill. The Bahraini employers have faith in the Nepali workers. Many Nepalis here are working as welders, pipe fitters, electricians, plumbers, and medical assistants. A normal electrician can save about Rs60,000 to Rs 70,000 a month. If you are a skilled or semi skilled worker, you can find well-paying jobs in Bahrain. But the problem is that most of the recruiting agents and agencies can be careless while sending workers. Corruption in the labor recruitment industry has harmed the workers. What are the problems faced by the Nepalis in Bahrain?  Employers paying wages lower than what was promised is a common complaint among Nepali workers. We try to address these issues through the embassy. Other than that, I would say a lack of direct flight connection between Nepal and Bahrain is the major problem. What advice would you give to the Nepal government to solve the problems of workers and Nepalis who are willing to work in Bahrain?  Firstly, I would like to request the Nepal government to make an environment where Nepalis can have job opportunities in Nepal itself. Working abroad is not a choice but a compulsion for many migrant workers. Secondly, the government must make the process of applying overseas jobs simple and secure through government-to-government labor agreements and by regulating the recruiting agencies to ensure transparency. The government must also establish and open training centers in order to build skilled manpower. As for the workers willing to come to Bahrain, I suggest they bring some skills with them. If they are skilled and qualified, there are opportunities for them here.

On this International Women’s Day 2023, ActionAid International Nepal has mobilized 5,519 women and girls to lead action against violence and secure justice. It has facilitated 121 cases of violence against women and girls through the legal process, and has empowered 448 local government representatives to improve labor-related systems and services. Our efforts have also resulted in capacitating 2030 women laborers on labor rights, leadership, advocacy, and campaign. To reduce the burden of care work on women, AAIN has established 27 alternative models such as Community Child Care Center, community mill, and community tap/well. We have also capacitated 1443 individuals on Unpaid Care Work to promote culture to recognize, respect, redistribute and reduce the burden of unpaid care work. Interview with Sujeeta Mathema, Executive Director, ActionAid International Nepal  Can you introduce ActionAid International Nepal and its mission? ActionAid International Nepal is a human rights-based organization dedicated to fighting poverty and promoting social justice. Established in 1982, we have been actively working to support communities on the ground and advocate for policy changes. Our focus areas include women's leadership, unpaid care work, organic farming, quality education, and youth and women leadership in emergencies. We have pioneered several approaches, such as promoting local partnerships, using participatory methods, employing a human rights-based approach, conducting social audits, and promoting feminist leadership. At ActionAid, we believe that change is necessary, and it should be transformative in nature for us to achieve sustainable development. We believe that this change should be led by the people themselves, and our role is to facilitate this process. We work with different categories of people, including women, children, Dalits, informal sector women laborers, and smallholder farmers. Our organization operates in 45 countries globally, and 13 districts of Nepal recognizing the power of people and the importance of community-led development. Can you explain how ActionAid International Nepal strengthens the Nepali community? What are the specific areas that your organization focuses on? At ActionAid International Nepal, we believe in taking an integrated approach to uplift and strengthen the Nepali community. Our Country Strategy Paper V identifies four key thematic areas that we prioritize: education, livelihood, disaster resilience, and women's and girls' rights. We recognize that no single area can address the challenges faced by those who are marginalized or oppressed. Based on our expertise, skills, knowledge, and financial resources, we focus on several key areas, including women's rights, disaster risk reduction, sustainable livelihoods, and quality education. We believe that promoting gender equality and empowering women is essential for creating a more equitable and just society. We also work to reduce the risk of disasters and support communities in becoming more resilient to the impact of natural calamities. Additionally, we promote sustainable livelihoods by supporting organic farming, small businesses, and community-led economic development initiatives. Finally, we prioritize quality education to ensure that children and youth have access to the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life. Our program impact framework concentrates on the 4R approach, with a focus on promoting the rights of marginalized communities, ensuring their representation in decision-making processes, advocating for equitable redistribution of resources, and building their resilience to external shocks. The center area of our work is empowering girls and women, who are often the most vulnerable and marginalized members of communities. We believe that by prioritizing their needs and promoting gender equality, we can create a more just and equitable society for all. Can you elaborate on how ActionAid International Nepal is working to end violence against women and girls, which is one of its priority areas?  At ActionAid International Nepal, women and girls are at the center of our work, and we focus on promoting their safety, security, and dignity by creating a safe and violence-free environment. Unfortunately, in Nepal, deep-rooted patriarchal mindsets, cultural beliefs, and traditions perpetuate gender-based inequality and violence against women and girls. It is estimated that one in two women has experienced some form of violence in their lifetime in Nepal. To address this issue, we believe that women's collective action is crucial for challenging and transforming patriarchal power structures and ending violence against women and girls. Our approach involves empowering women and girls to raise their voices against discrimination and injustice through organizing and mobilizing. We also work to promote women and adolescent girls' leadership in stopping violence against women and girls and accessing justice. As a team, we at ActionAid International Nepal are actively engaged in agency building, collaborating with government, civil society organizations, and community members to promote social justice and empower communities. We are excited to announce the construction of our new agency building, which has been designed with sustainability in mind. The building will serve as a hub for our programs and activities and will provide a safe and accessible space for community members to engage in our work. By having a physical presence in the communities we serve, we aim to build stronger relationships and better understand their needs and priorities. We are committed to working together towards a more just and equitable society, and we look forward to welcoming community members to our new agency building. In addition, we engage with men and boys to foster feminist leadership, challenge patriarchal values and harmful traditional practices, and transform behaviors. We also collaborate with government bodies to strengthen prevention and response mechanisms to ensure quality referral pathway services and justice. Finally, we engage with various civic alliances, agencies, feminist leaders, and stakeholders to promote the culture of safety, security, and dignity of women and girls. Can you tell us how ActionAid's programs and activities complement the government's policies and priorities, especially in the area of eliminating violence against women and girls? Absolutely. At ActionAid, we work with a human rights-based approach that focuses on the rights of the people, which aligns with the government's priorities in ensuring fundamental rights as per the country's constitution. Our programs contribute to various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including gender equality (SDG-5) and promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development (SDG-16). We also engage with government authorities to strengthen local government systems and services that address pro-poor, gender-responsive issues and rights. In the specific area of eliminating violence against women and girls, we empower women and adolescent girls to raise their voices against discrimination and injustice. We also promote women and girls' led actions to stop violence and access to justice. We engage with men and boys in fostering feminist leadership and challenging patriarchal values and harmful traditional practices. Furthermore, we collaborate with various civic alliances, agencies, feminist leaders, and stakeholders to advance the culture of safety, security, and dignity for women and girls. Overall, our programs and activities are aligned with the SDGs and the government's 15th national plan, which aims to achieve a safe, civilized, and just society (Goal 6) and development and full utilization of human capital (Goal 2), among others. We also facilitate the development of gender-responsive public services and ensure gender-responsive budgeting and development programs and services. How will Nepal and AAIN work towards promoting the agenda of International Women's Day 2023? The theme for International Women's Day 2023 is "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality." At AAIN, we work with the most marginalized and disadvantaged women and digitalization is a crucial factor for their development and empowerment. However, the women and girls we work with often have lower literacy rates and less access to digital technology than their male counterparts. The affordability factor is also a major barrier for them to access digital technology. To address the gender digital divide, we have incorporated digitalization in our programs, especially in education, and are raising awareness among women and girls on how to use digital technology to prevent technology-facilitated gender-based violence and inequality. Our approach to promote gender digital inclusion is comprehensive and integrated. We work to increase digital awareness, access, availability, and affordability of women through informal education and skill development. We also promote programs that ensure market access of gender-sensitive digital devices and services. Additionally, we collaborate with concerned authorities to prevent technology-facilitated gender-based violence, which has been on the rise due to increased usage of mobile phones and other technological devices. Therefore, our priority is to promote digitalization in our programs, ensuring inclusion, addressing the gender digital divide, and intervening in possible risks of technology-generated violence. As we celebrate International Women's Day 2023, we will continue to work towards bridging the gender digital divide and promoting gender equality through innovation and technology. AAIN in 2022:

1. Livelihood: AAIN works to minimize violence against women and girls (VAWG) by creating economic opportunities and promoting sustainable livelihoods. By providing women with the skills and resources they need to earn a living, AAIN helps to reduce their vulnerability to violence and exploitation.
2. Policy level engagement: AAIN advocates for policy changes at the national and local levels to protect women's rights and promote gender equality. This includes engagement with the OCMC, gender desks, and referral mechanisms to ensure that women's voices are heard in the decision-making process.
3. Women leadership: AAIN supports women's political empowerment by promoting their participation in leadership roles at the community and national levels. By encouraging women to take an active role in politics, AAIN aims to increase their representation and influence in decision-making processes.
4. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): AAIN works with youth and women leaders to promote disaster preparedness and resilience in vulnerable communities. By empowering local leaders to take charge of disaster response and recovery efforts, AAIN helps to build stronger, more resilient communities.
5. Ending Chhaupadi: AAIN supports girls' initiatives to end the harmful practice of Chhaupadi, which involves isolating women and girls during menstruation. By raising awareness about the negative impacts of Chhaupadi, AAIN works to promote gender equality and improve the health and wellbeing of women and girls.
6. Adolescent girls challenging child marriage: AAIN supports adolescent girls in challenging child marriage in Parsa, where the practice is still prevalent. By providing girls with education and skills training, AAIN helps them to become empowered and independent, and to make their own choices about their lives and futures.
7. Breaking gender stereotypes: AAIN works to break down gender stereotypes and promote gender equality by highlighting women's achievements and challenging traditional gender roles. This includes supporting women's leadership and entrepreneurship, and addressing harmful gender norms and attitudes in communities across Nepal.