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At least three persons were injured when a landslide fell on a moving jeep at Siddababa area along the Butwal-Palpa road section of the Siddhartha Highway on Monday.

According to the Highway Security and Traffic Management Office, Butwal, three persons including the jeep driver sustained injuries when the landslide with boulder fell on the jeep (Lu Cha 2849) in front of Naag Mandir (temple) nearby Siddababa area headbox at Tinau Rural Municipality-3 along the Butwal-Palpa road section this morning.

Bishnu Prasad Pandey, a local, informed that three people including the driver were injured when the landslide fell on the moving jeep.

The injured are undergoing treatment at the Lumbini Provincial Hospital.

The landslide with boulders completely damaged the front part of the jeep, Pandey said.

Though the landslide obstructed the Butwal-Palpa road section for some hours, it has now resumed, the Traffic Management Office, Butwal said.

Hima Bista is the executive director of Women LEAD Nepal. The versatile woman in her forties has been educating young Nepali women to take leadership roles. She is also an avid reader. In a conversation with Babita Shrestha of ApEx, she spoke about her reading habits and preferences.

What types of books do you enjoy reading the most?

I enjoy reading non-fiction books about feminism, history, and other fiction. Horror and science fiction aren’t my thing. Apart from that, I’m pretty open to literature. My favorite genres are memoirs and Greek mythology. I mostly enjoy reading works by female authors. 

Can you name a few of your all-time favorite books?

My all-time favorite novels are Orhan Pamuk’s and Elif Shafak’s works because I love Turkish literature. I also love reading books on the Ottoman Empire. For now, I’d like to say Pamukh’s ‘My Name Is Red’ and ‘Museum of Innocence’, as well as Shafak’s ‘Bastard of Istanbul’ are my favorite books.

Moreover, I enjoy reading feminist writing, especially memoirs like ‘The Glass Castle’ by Jeannette Wall. I also enjoyed ‘My Life on the Road’ by Gloria Steinem, ‘Kara’ by Sushila Karki, and ‘Karnali Blues’ by Buddhisagar. I can’t overlook Gurcharan Das’s ‘The Difficulty of Being Good’, which contextualizes the idea of righteousness by mentioning the Mahabharata, which discusses fundamental human nature like love, hatred, compassion, and fear. Given how materialistic the world is, reading this book’s discussion on spirituality helped me process my thoughts. 

Do you prefer reading physical books, e-books, or listening to audiobooks? 

I love physical books. They are the keepers of my soul. I must always have a book with me. I need to feel the pages to fully immerse myself in a story. I need to take notes and I highlight lines I love. I’m not sure if there can be anything more satisfying than appreciating the beautifully crafted aesthetics of a book. 

Is there a book that significantly changed your perspective on something? 

Reading Gloria Steinem’s ‘My Life on the Road’ changed my life. The book’s representation of political activism and feminist road mapping not only clarified the waves of feminism but also helped me understand political advocacy and women in leadership. I’m using the lessons I learned to improve leadership among young Nepali women. 

‘Bad Feminist’ by Roxane Gay had a significant impact on my life too. The book helped me understand my thoughts and how feminism is evolving in terms of women’s rights and intersectionality. ‘Caste: The Genesis of Our Discontents’ by Isabel Wilkerson is the book I’m reading right now. I haven’t finished it yet but I feel I’m able to think clearly as I read the book. For the time being, I’m aware that I want to make our society better and I’m conscious that there is still plenty to learn and unlearn.

If you could meet any author, living or dead, for a conversation, who would it be and what would you want to discuss with them?

Without a doubt, I’d want to have a chat with Agatha Christie. She created stories that seem to be centuries ahead of her time. I will undoubtedly discuss how she created the two fantastic characters, Hercule Poirot and Lady Marple, that got global recognition, and is still being talked about today.

Bista’s picks

The Last Girl by Nadia Murad

In her memoir, Murad discusses the Yazidi community as well as the larger problem of human trafficking and sexual assault in conflict areas. In Nepal, gender-based violence isn’t given the attention it requires. This book, I believe, can be a crucial tool for bringing these issues to light and underlining the need for action and commitment.

Museum of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk 

I’m fascinated by the literary style of the book and the way it’s connected to an Istanbul museum. I highly recommend this book that explores the nature of love, nostalgia, and memory as it challenges readers to think about their own emotions and experiences. 

Dulari by Muna Chaudhary

This is most likely the first work of fiction in Nepali literature that centers on the life of a Madhesi Dalit woman. It’s a tale about the predicament of the average Madhesi Dalit, their battles for cotton, grass, and homes, as well as how they use politics to achieve their seemingly limitless ambitions. To acquire insight into the necessity for activism and to learn more about a vulnerable community, I recommend you read this book. 

Deep Work by Carl Newport

Maintaining intense focus and concentration in the current digital age is challenging due to the presence of social media platforms. So, I highly recommend ‘Deep Work’ which specifically covers this issue and offers solutions to overcome the constant distractions.

Police have arrested two persons with a pistol and its bullets from Boudha in Kathmandu.

Basudev Thami of Sindhupalchok and Megh Bahadur Tamang of Sindhuli were apprehended for their alleged involvement in stealing the pistol and bullets that belong to Prabhakar Khadka, the private security officer of Supreme Court Justice Nahakul Subedi, said the police.

Tamang was arrested from his rented house in Boudha and Thami was held based on the statement provided by Tamang, said SP Kumod Dhungel, spokesperson at the District Police Range, Kathmandu.

They stole a bag containing the pistol and bullets from the apartment of Khadka with the help of a pole fixed with a hook, he said.

Later, Khadka lodged a complaint at the Metropolitan Police Circle, Kathmandu.

Based on the complaint, police started the search and arrested the duo.

Have you ever noticed lemons and chili peppers hanging at the doors of Hindu homes? While you might be familiar with the ‘scientific’ explanation that they help ward off flies, mosquitoes, and moths due to their aromas, there’s a deeper cultural and mythological significance to this practice.

Hindu mythology speaks of Laxmi, the goddess of prosperity, having a twin sister named Alakshmi or Jesthadevi, who is considered the goddess of poverty and deprivation. Laxmi prefers sweet dishes, while Alakshmi favors sour and spicy flavors. To attract the blessings of Laxmi while keeping Alakshmi at bay, people hang lemons and chilies outside their homes.

Beyond the mythological aspect, Nepalis share a profound love for chili peppers, which plays a significant role in their culinary traditions. Chili peppers are indeed a distant cousin to the local varieties like jyanmara, dalle, aakase, and jire. Despite its fiery reputation, chili peppers are adored for their ability to enhance the taste of dishes, striking the perfect balance of flavors in Nepali gastronomy.

Chili peppers have a captivating history that spans continents and cultures. Originally from America, these small, vibrant fruits found their way to India, where they became an integral part of the country’s diverse culinary landscape. The pungent and fiery flavor of chilies infused Indian dishes with new dimensions, enriching the complexity and depth of flavors. Over time, chili peppers spread globally, transforming regional cuisines across Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

In Nepal, chili peppers are cherished for their exceptional taste, and the demand for them is on the rise. One family in Palpa sold akabare (cherry chili) worth four million Nepali rupees last year. It’s expected to reach six million Nepali rupees this year. This surge in demand reflects the unwavering popularity of these spicy delights in the country.

Nepal’s culinary landscape is a reflection of its multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multi-religious fabric. The country embraces a rich tapestry of diverse eating traditions, and chili peppers play a pivotal role in many Nepali dishes. From the sweet and sour flavors of sel-roti prepared during Tihar to attract the blessings of Laxmi, to the fiery delights like ‘choyela’ and ‘nibuwa sadheko’, Nepalis have a deep-rooted love for chili-infused cuisine.

In the world of gastronomy, balancing flavors is an art, and chili peppers are an essential component of achieving that balance. The five fundamental tastes—sweet, sour, bitter, hot, and umami—come together harmoniously in Nepali dishes. Chili peppers provide the fiery element that complements the other tastes, making them a vital supporting ingredient in Nepali kitchens.

Chili peppers have long been known for their medicinal properties, particularly in Ayurveda—the ancient Indian system of medicine. Their use in traditional medicine across India and Nepal is a testament to their cultural significance beyond the realm of culinary arts.

As chili peppers made their way to different parts of the world, they seamlessly integrated into various regional cuisines, leading to culinary adaptations and the creation of unique dishes. Each culture infused its culinary traditions with chili peppers, resulting in a vibrant array of flavors and heat levels. From the smoky chipotle peppers of Mexico to the explosive Thai bird’s eye chilies, the versatility of chili peppers shines through in their adaptability to diverse culinary contexts.

While chili peppers have become an essential ingredient in cuisines worldwide, their presence in traditional European dishes may not be as prevalent compared to other regions like Asia, Africa, or Latin America. Historical factors, such as chili peppers’ introduction to Europe after Christopher Columbus’s voyages in the late 15th century, contributed to their slower integration into European cuisine.

The allure of chili peppers lies not only in the heat they bring to dishes but also in their ability to trigger the body’s natural cooling mechanisms. Despite the temporary heat sensation they create, chili peppers induce the release of endorphins, which contribute to a sense of pleasure and well-being, often referred to as a ‘spice high’ or a ‘chili rush.’

The history of chili peppers is a testament to their remarkable journey from America to becoming an integral part of cuisines worldwide. Their introduction to India and subsequent global spread transformed culinary traditions across continents. As we relish the diverse flavors and fiery sensations that chili peppers offer, let us celebrate their rich history and the culinary experiences they continue to inspire.

The author is a UK-based R&D chef