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In 2010, for a holiday spree with my wife and two daughters, we visited the Island Jungle Resort in the Chitwan National Park (mid-west Nepal). At the time, several safari resorts operated within the national park perimeter, as did the Island Jungle Resort. 

With the memories of our previous visit to Sauraha still fresh, we yearned for a new wildlife experience, something off the beaten path. And so, with a stroke of luck, we found ourselves at the Island Jungle Resort in Bandarjhola, a unique and secluded spot about 35 km northwest of Narayanghat. 

The choice we made paid off. Nestled in a dense riverine forest and surrounded by vast grasslands, the Island Jungle Resort in Bandarjhola, about 35 km northwest of Narayanghat, offered a unique setting. Unlike the resorts in Sauraha, it was hemmed in by the river Narayani on two sides, with the other two sides ringed by the river’s subsidiaries, giving it the charm of an island. The resort’s name was a perfect fit. 

And, what’s more, my two daughters were thrilled to bits when we took a boat ride across the Narayani River, the only approach to the resort. With no other nearby resorts, the wilderness seemed absolute, as wild and natural as possible. “Wow, it’s different from Sauraha,” our youngest daughter, Bubul, hollered gleefully. The rest of us nodded, grinning from ear to ear.

In 2012, the government announced the closure of luxury jungle safari hotels inside the protected zone, citing possible harm to the park’s ecology, and issued eviction notices to all seven luxury resorts there, including the Island Jungle Resort. The decree, however, allowed the resorts to relocate outside the national park perimeter.

Upon arrival at the resort, our excitement snowballed to find the setting done in genuine aesthetics, in harmony with the natural surroundings and small cozy cottages amidst a spacious garden decked with diverse trees, plants, and shrubs. The dining hall was delightfully expansive, with a well-stocked bar and seating arrangement that extended outdoors with a wooden deck almost at arm's length to the rippling waters of the Narayani River. Sheer bliss! 

Our schedule was packed with thrilling activities, including a jungle walk, a canoe ride, and the much-anticipated elephant ride. The sight of our elephant, Laxmikali, and her mahout, Kumal, working in perfect harmony was a sight to behold. The elephant ride itself was a wild adventure, leaving us all exhilarated. 

The first hour of the safari offered close views of deer, including the imposing sambars, along with a motley of birds such as jungle fowl, black partridge, a covey of quails, and the ubiquitous peafowls, not the least startled by our approaching elephant—appearing almost tame.  

But we fancied seeing a lumbering rhino, if not the most elusive of all, the mighty Royal Bengal Tiger, albeit we knew it stood a fat chance—one in a million. 

But the real excitement began when our elephant, Laxmikali, led us past a freshly stirred mud wallow, followed by fresh footprints. It was clear that a rhino had recently taken a mud bath and wandered into the woods, leaving a hot trail. ‘A rhino,’ Kumal whispered, and our pursuit began as we followed the footprints. 

Kumal masterfully navigated Laxmikali through the elephant grass, the woods, the seemingly impenetrable scrub, and thickets with spiny thorns—nothing seemed to stop Laxmikali.

The trail suddenly went cold when we assumed we were closing in. It was almost 6 pm, and the fading light reminded us that we had very little time before it would get too dark to continue. Kumal led Laxmikali to take a detour. With our fingers crossed, we kept our eyes straining hard to penetrate the thick undergrowth, trying to catch sight of our quarry as our tusker lumbered. 

As the setting sun reddened the horizon, sending diffused crimson rays through the woods, the jungle burst into life. The bulbuls, the barbets, the orioles, and a myriad of avian species that abounded the rainforest commenced chattering their loudest.

Jungle fowls fell in, calling each other lustily, and then a distant peafowl let out a shrill ‘meow’' All the resident birds seemed to join in a chorus to announce that dusk approached close—time to turn in for the day. Wait a minute! We suddenly stumbled upon the lost spoor! 

With renewed hopes and a redoubled pace, we crashed through the foliage. Twice, my foot got trapped in jungle creepers, swinging branches lashed at my face, thorns clawed at my arms, and I virtually got banged by overhead branches for all I cared.

My co-riders (my wife and daughters) were in no less harrowing condition—but no less excited. We continued our pursuit, albeit the chances of spotting the animal appeared slim. And as Kumal nudged Laxmikali back towards camp, our heart sank. Hang on! We had barely taken a few strides when we virtually bumped into it! “There it is,” Gun Bahadur Kumal called, almost in a whisper, and pointed to a clump of thorny bush.

And there stood our fearless quarry eyeing back at us, almost five feet at the shoulder and nine feet long, the pride of the Chitwan National Park, the inimitable Greater One-horned Rhino. Our pursuit had paid off.  

On our way back, Kumal suddenly stopped Laxmikali at a spot, dismounted, observed closely at some footmarks, and even ran his fingers over them. To our amazement, they were the fresh pugmarks of a male tiger. ‘Darn it! We missed the tiger by just a minute or two,’ said Kumal, shaking his head. We all froze in awe. ‘Only a few minutes? Oh, no,’ said Smi, my eldest daughter, sounding frustrated. The tiger had eluded us, leaving us in awe of its stealth. 

Back at the resort with a mug of chilled beer, I sat on the deck close to the water, enjoying the bracing breeze as I watched the nearby Narayani roll by in the darkness, the ripples mirroring the glimmer of the moonlight.

My mind kept recalling the day’s mind-boggling ride—a real humdinger. The only thing that bugged me was missing out on the privilege of clapping eyes on the king of the jungle, the Royal Bengal Tiger. Dang it! I said to myself and swore aloud. 

Just then, a night heron wailed plaintively close from the darkened river bank. Then I froze, goosebumps exploding all over my body. From the deep recesses of the jungle, a tiger roared.

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In today’s digital age, misinformation doesn’t just distort reality; it distorts justice, tarnishes reputations and erodes trust in institutions. Let’s delve into a poignant example illustrating the devastating impact of false information on society.

It was a tragic day when a young girl was found dead by hanging at her school in Chitwan. As police initiated their investigation, her family made a shocking claim to the media, alleging that she was murdered by individuals from the school after being subjected to rape. This assertion swiftly gained traction, spreading like wildfire across social and digital media platforms. Without waiting for the results of the official investigation or medical reports, the public embraced the narrative of the girl's death as a rape case orchestrated by the school administration.

Despite subsequent medical and police reports disproving the rape allegation, the damage was done. The initial misinformation had already stained the reputations of the school and law enforcement, perpetuating a false belief among the majority of the populace. Tragically, this isn't an isolated incident.

Consider the case of political leader Gagan Thapa, falsely accused of misusing funds intended for a GOAT farm project by PACT Nepal. Despite the organization's public clarification that no funds were mishandled by Thapa, opposing parties and social media activists continued to spread misleading content, tarnishing his reputation.

These examples underscore a broader societal issue exacerbated by the proliferation of digital media and the lack of critical thinking skills. With internet penetration on the rise in Nepal, there’s a pressing need for education on media literacy and fact-checking. Unfortunately, the government has failed to address this challenge, with even leaders engaging in the dissemination of falsehoods for personal or political gain.

In an era where misinformation spreads faster than truth, it’s imperative that we equip ourselves with the tools to discern fact from fiction. Failure to do so not only undermines our collective intelligence but also threatens the very foundations of our society. It’s time to confront this digital epidemic before it irreparably damages our minds and communities.

In examining the spread of false information in our society, let's delve into another compelling example: The case of Durga Prasai, a prominent medical businessman. Prasai has leveled numerous accusations against banking and financial institutions, as well as against a particular business community. This instance sheds light on how digital media not only operates on false information but also actively contributes to the destruction of our societal fabric.

Comparing this case with the previous examples underscores the multifaceted nature of misinformation’s impact. In the first scenario, false information propagated by the family of the deceased girl was mistakenly consumed as truth by the public. Conversely, in the case of Gagan Thapa, the media wrongly portrayed him as guilty, yet opposition parties and social media users accepted this false narrative as reality.

Now, consider the situation involving Durga Prasai. Despite the presence of regulatory bodies like the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) tasked with auditing and overseeing banking institutions, Prasai’s allegations hold more sway in the eyes of the public than the assurances of the NRB governor. This phenomenon highlights a disturbing trend: The erosion of trust in established institutions and the elevation of individual voices, even when based on unsubstantiated claims.

The ramifications of this trend are profound and far-reaching. If left unchecked, the proliferation of false information threatens to undermine the very foundations of our society and political system. As trust in institutions wanes and individuals are increasingly swayed by unverified claims, the fabric of governance is weakened, leaving room for manipulation and exploitation.

In confronting this challenge, we must prioritize media literacy, critical thinking, and accountability. Empowering individuals to discern fact from fiction and holding purveyors of false information to account are essential steps in safeguarding our society’s future. Failure to do so risks perpetuating a cycle of misinformation that corrodes trust, distorts reality and undermines the democratic principles upon which our society is built. It’s imperative that we act decisively to stem the tide of misinformation before it irreparably damages our collective well-being.

While reflecting on the evolution of media and its impact on society, we must acknowledge past instances where misinformation led to grave consequences. Cases like Srisha Karki’s, Anuja Baniya’s, and Rasendra Bhattrai’s are poignant reminders of the power and responsibility wielded by the media. In the past, accountable media outlets would promptly retract false information and issue apologies when mistakes were made. There was a sense of responsibility and accountability that ensured the integrity of reporting.

However, in today’s digital landscape, the proliferation of digital devices has given rise to a new breed of threats. Anyone with a smartphone can capture and manipulate images and videos to fabricate damaging narratives. The consequences of such actions are severe: Individuals find themselves at the mercy of viral misinformation, their reputations tarnished irreparably before they can even respond.

Who bears the responsibility for the damage inflicted upon the public image of these individuals? Can they ever fully restore their tarnished reputations in the eyes of society? The wounds inflicted by social media’s weapons of misinformation cannot simply be healed with time. Social media has emerged as a potent weapon in the digital age, capable of inflicting harm without the need for physical violence.

Moreover, alongside misinformation, cybercrime rates are on the rise, as reported by the Nepal Police. The younger generation, deeply entrenched in the digital world, often uncritically consumes information without verifying its authenticity. The lack of a robust fact-checking system in our educational curriculum further exacerbates the issue, leaving individuals vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation.

As we navigate this digital era fraught with misinformation and cyber threats, it’s imperative that we bolster media literacy efforts and integrate fact-checking mechanisms into our education system. Only by empowering individuals to critically evaluate information can we hope to mitigate the damaging effects of misinformation and safeguard the integrity of our society.

Views are personal

Despite  political and policy uncertainty, the Nepal government’s decision to organize the ‘Third Investment  Conference’ (TIC) on April 28-29 to attract foreign investment is a welcome step. Major issues/obstacles to such investment remain unaddressed amid a change of guard at Singhadurbar, including the ascension of a new finance minister. To make TIC successful is indeed a major challenge, but it is heartening to find the new finance minister committed to the cause. This article will analyze major issues related to investment and prescribe practical solutions expected to play a crucial role in making the conference successful.

A paltry FDI 

Investment, which helps to produce and reproduce goods and services, plays a pivotal role in national economic development. Despite different kinds of investment like public/private, domestic/foreign investment, the focus of this article is on private and foreign investment, especially foreign direct investment (FDI). For rapid economic development and growth, Nepal needs at least Rs 500bn in annual additional investment. Domestic investment alone will not be enough to fill this gap, so FDI is necessary.

Due to the lack of a conducive investment climate, ratio of real fixed investment (total fixed capital formation) to GDP has plunged from 34 percent (which should be around 60 percent, ideally) to 25 percent in a five-year period, whereas the share of total fixed investment of the private sector has gone down from 28 percent to 25 percent. Over the last 30 years (up to the fiscal 2023-24), FDI amounted to Rs 265bn with the average annual increment of a paltry Rs 8.5bn, marked by a receding flow in recent years. In terms of global FDI flow, Nepal’s position is pitiable, registering a 66 percent decline last year and standing shakily at the 6th position in South Asia, as the NRB Survey Report on FDI Flows in South Asia, 2021-22 shows. It is quite discouraging to note that FDI outflow is greater than its inflow.

Policy uncertainty and inconsistency is a major hindrance to both domestic as well as FDI. 

For example, the current government under Maoist leader Prime Minister Dahal is venturing into an undesirable sector by allowing the Nepali Army to run the already-privatized Hetauda Textile Factory, undermining the private sector (TPS) that contributes around 80 percent to the national economy. All this comes even as foreign investors remain quite afraid of pro-socialist provisions of the current constitution, including on the labor rights front. 

Capital flight

Worryingly, the private sector is diverting investment to a low-risk, high-profit trading sector at the expense of the industrial sector. This is not an overnight development, though. For several years, this sector had been urging the government to create a conducive environment for industrial investment in Nepal by amending relevant laws and enacting more than two dozen acts/regulations, to little avail. Instances of strikes and donation terror—the practice of seeking donations by flexing muscles—have gone down, but strong labor laws are still spoiling the investment climate. 

Notwithstanding a one-door policy on investment, there practically are three doors—the line ministry, the subordinate department and the Investment Board. Then there are infrastructural problems like load-shedding in the industrial sector, local communities’ grievances/concerns and political problems that create hurdles in the establishment of industries/factories. All these factors are also discouraging Nepali investors and triggering huge capital flight, formally and informally.  In such a situation, how can Nepal attract foreign investment?

A great dilemma

Globally, the control regime has become obsolete, thanks to a liberal economic policy adopted in the late 80s and 90s. Our neighbors—communist China and democratic India—adopted liberal economic policies and entered an era of economic growth and prosperity. In the case of Nepal and several other developing countries, some problems have appeared in the execution of liberal economic policy due to a higher degree of liberalization than their respective regulatory/supervisory capacities.  In our case, major leftwing parties have not so far committed to the liberal policy adopted 30 years ago, the need for FDI and a stronger role of the private sector for economic development. This is a great dilemma.

The author is an economist

As Nepal is soon going to approach the milestone of graduating from the list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), there is an urgency to develop a comprehensive foreign policy that goes beyond the traditional approach of the so-called “yam between two boulders”.

Frankly speaking, I always struggled to understand the intrinsic meaning of the reasoning behind it.

Why should a nation like Nepal that, objectively speaking, is not a tiny geographical spot on the global map, reduce itself to a binary thinking that is dictated by an over reference towards India and China?

Perhaps in the past, this thinking could have been justified.

In the realm of geopolitics and international relations, there is no room for naïveté and it is impossible for a country like Nepal not to take into consideration the strategic interest of its two gigantic neighbors.

But this isn’t the last time that Nepal forged its own strategic interests beyond those of China, India or the United States of America.

But what would take for Nepal to be able to formulate a future forward, confident foreign policy?

The spirit of amity and cooperation with all the nations is a key pillar of the country’s foreign policy.

Together with the successful (though not fully completed) transition from the civil conflict, and the creation of a federal democracy, this internationalist attitude, should represent the “north star” of Nepal’s foreign policy.

Moreover, Nepal’s incredible diversity in cultures and traditions, magnificent landscapes and cordial nature of its people could also help its ways to project itself to the world.

But how to concretely leverage these sacrosanct principles and unique endowed features of the country rhetoric?

Nepal will soon do away with the “least” developed nation label that, from the marketing and branding point of view, has been disastrous, especially if you want to bring in international investors.

This development will require a reset in the way foreign policy is framed because, between now and the next few years, Nepal will have a unique opportunity to rebrand itself and not only in terms of being an attractive investment destination.

Perhaps, reminding ourselves that foreign policy is a mirror of national politics and the way of governing a nation, could be a way to start a reflection on the links between national and foreign policies.

If national politics changes for the better and becomes more transparent and effective, then the foreign policy of the nation can, consequently, also get more strategic and ambitious so that, finally, Nepal could get rid of “yam between two boulders” thinking.

Foreign policy should be instrumental in this phase of national development but a lot will depend on how politicians perform and behave at home.

The country is trying to turn from being a net recipient of international aid to being a net recipient of foreign investments.

A vision, albeit not yet perfect, is being formulated in this regard.

There is an overarching aspiration to attract business even though, for this to happen, it might mean doing away with some convenient “double standards” like the existing limitations in the shares that a foreign investor can own.

In addition, being successful at attracting investments won’t only depend on running a successful summit or in putting in place better rules that incentivise investors.

Instead, what will count will be creating a favorable investor climate thanks to better policies that enhance good governance in the realm of the economy, including serious interventions in the fight against cartels and corruption.

In addition, unless the country manages its delivery of services better, especially in the field of education and health, it will hardly succeed at becoming an investors’ magnet.

For example, there have been discussions about Nepal becoming a medical or educational hub.

Knowing the quality of the expertise and knowhow within the country, I am confident that it is possible.

There are already enough best practices and the more the country attracts back its citizens who had decided to emigrate in places like Australia and the USA, the better.

It would be even conceivable to imagine, in the near future, “Nepal Educational Expos” around the world with the best national educational institutions attracting students, starting from continents that the country has never, so far, even remotely imagined engaging with.

But can Nepal become such a hub without the right foundations?

Fixing its foundations, improving its education system at the grassroots and raising the current level of public education would be instrumental in promoting a “whole of nation” approach rather than few best practices amid a sea of mediocrity or worse.

What about starting to think about the first ever investment-focused mission of a Nepali Prime Minister to emerging nations in Central Asia or even to Africa and Latin America?

An official state delegation could discuss bilateral cooperation, including investments and the selling of some of the country’s unique proposition, tourism and of course its education and health institutions.

A substantial effort at enhancing good governance would, consequently, also be instrumental in propelling a foreign policy capable of shaping a new narrative.

The story of a country with many imperfections and unsolved challenges but also a nation that is ambitious and attempting at building a more just and developed society that can attract high human capital investments rather than low-cost manufacturing.

Good governance could also enable and facilitate innovative policy and contributions that Nepal can offer to the world, all ideas that its diplomacy could amplify and promote.

If you read the speeches of every single Prime Minister in the international forums, it is always the same leitmotif, starting from the usual (though correct) story that the country is among the most at risk of climate warming.

It is not that Nepal must stop bringing forward its legitimate grievances but it can do this differently with practical propositions, from adaptation to climate financing.

These are just some examples where Nepal could contribute not as a “bagger” but as promoter of solutions to some of the key global challenges.

But we need a non-partisan foreign policy vision of at least five years, a very pragmatic document that does not waste time in pleasing the neighborhood or other super powers but rather is purposefully fit to serve the nation’s new development aspirations.

Formulating this vision document will compel the policy-makers to truly align national priorities with its foreign policy ones.

This would help Nepal start thinking and not only in terms of foreign policy, from the perspective of being a middle-income nation even if it is, at the moment, just an aspiring one.

But it remains essential to fix the governance first.

The nation needs to really turn its mediocre at the best governance into a “good” one so that it can be in a position to truly assert its own interests, no matter what others might expect from it.

This is a real chance for Nepal to reach the point of thinking beyond what its powerful neighbors want and need from it.

Otherwise, we will continue to read about this absurd but sadly true story that Nepal is just a “yam between two boulders”.

The author is the co-founder of ENGAGE and The Good Leadership. Views are personal