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I have to admit I spend a lot of time thinking about big questions. Sometimes it feels a little ridiculous. I’ll sit thinking about how human history went from fire and foraging to agriculture, industry, and the infosphere. We have even left the Earth and started exploring the Moon and Mars, searching for a parallel Earth somewhere in the multiverse. And yet we are still asking the same questions our ancestors asked: What is happiness? What is a good life? Why do we suffer? Who are we? 

It sounds abstract, but it keeps coming back to me because it connects to my own country: Nepal. Our country is at a moment of enormous possibility. Young, aspiring leaders with fire inside, citizens eager to engage, and natural resources that could change lives. Yet, like the rest of human history, we face a paradox. The same curiosity, energy, and ambition that can lift us up can also trip us up if we are not careful. Human history is fascinating and ironic at the same time. Look at what we’ve done. We learned to farm, build cities, sail oceans, split atoms, and send machines to Mars. We’ve built medicine, created art, and written literature that lasts millennia. 

Progress seems unstoppable. And yet, the same questions about meaning, happiness, and the human condition remain. We build more, learn more, control more, and still we are restless, dissatisfied, always wondering what comes next. It is a pattern that repeats. We expand, we dominate, we exploit, we destroy, and then, often too late, we start chasing what we have damaged. Think of environmental crises, social inequalities, or even personal burnout. The very intelligence and curiosity that allow us to advance also make us aware of the consequences, and then we try to fix them. Sometimes we even compete over who is happier or whose peace is deeper. Human, all too human, as Nietzsche said.

Nepal is entering that story on its own scale. Young leaders, many without decades of political experience, are stepping forward. There is energy, imagination, and ambition. They see opportunities in our rivers, forests, and mountains. They see potential in our youth. They want to harness resources, create jobs, build infrastructure, and raise living standards. And they should. We cannot shy away from progress or development. Lack of education, healthcare, and employment opportunities are urgent problems. 

But here is the catch. Progress without reflection risks repeating the same patterns humanity has experienced for thousands of years. If we only chase GDP growth or short-term gains, we might achieve development in the narrow sense, but we could end up asking again in ten or twenty years: What is happiness? What is development? What kind of society have we really built? The balance between curiosity and caution is key. Curiosity is our engine. It drives innovation, ambition, and improvement. But without grounding it can become restless, compulsive, and destructive. Ambition must be paired with awareness: awareness of social consequences, environmental limits, and ethical responsibilities. 

Nepal has an advantage. We have traditional wisdom rooted in communities, culture, and history, alongside access to global knowledge and technology. If we can blend the two, there is a chance to build something unique—a society that progresses and grows, but in a humane and sustainable way. Education is a good place to start. It is not just about literacy or technical skills. We need schools and training, but we also need education that teaches curiosity alongside responsibility. Young people should learn to ask: How does this choice affect my community, my environment, my generation, and the next? Education should cultivate reflection, not just productivity. Healthcare and employment are equally foundational. People cannot innovate or think deeply if they are hungry, sick, or unemployed. 

There is also a global lesson embedded here. The Limits to Growth, the 1970s book from the Club of Rome, warned the world that unlimited growth without considering resource limits could lead to overshoot and collapse. Many dismissed it at the time. Today, climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss show the warning was not exaggerated. Nepal, if it grows thoughtfully, can learn from this. We can pursue development without overshoot, but only if ambition is tempered with awareness. 

Young leaders in Nepal today are experimenting with how to combine speed, technology, and engagement. Social media allows them to connect directly with citizens, bypassing slow, cumbersome traditional structures. They are learning to act quickly, make decisions, and mobilize people. This is exciting. It shows Nepal can leap forward. But governance is slower than campaigning. Building institutions, enforcing policies, and nurturing equitable development requires patience, reflection, and care. The challenge is to match curiosity and energy with deliberate, humane action. 

I like to think of this as a microcosm of the human story. The same energy that allows us to invent AI or harness hydropower can also create environmental disasters or social inequality if not guided by reflection. Nepal has a chance to get ahead of the curve. We can be ambitious without being reckless, and we can progress without repeating humanity’s mistakes. The key is integrating traditional wisdom with modern approaches. That is a rare opportunity. From my perspective, this is Nepal’s moment. We have young people who want to act, innovate, and change the world. We have resources and opportunities. We have pressing social challenges.

And we have the chance to harness curiosity responsibly. We can integrate traditional wisdom with global knowledge, speed with reflection, and ambition with ethics. It will not be easy. Mistakes will happen, frustration will arise. That is part of the process. Yes, we will continue to ask the old questions: What is happiness, what is a good life, what is progress? That is okay. That is what makes us human. Nepal has a chance to answer them in a practical, human, and sustainable way. That is a story worth telling. Because we may not fully resolve the human paradox, but we can live with it consciously, shape our societies consciously, and create spaces where curiosity, ambition, and care coexist. Right now, Nepal has that chance.

When bitter melon (also called bitter gourd) is mentioned, most people grimace at its acute bitterness. Many try to make it palatable by allaying its acrid taste, but its deep-rooted bitterness always remains. Bitter melon has many aliases, including balsam pear, balsam apple, bitter gourd, bitter squash, and karela in India and Nepal. Its scientific name is Momordica charantia.

Despite its pronounced taste, bitter melon is enjoyed across a wide range of regions, including Asia, East Africa, India, China, the Caribbean, South America, and Africa. In these cultures, the fruit features in various dishes—most notably in Chinese cuisine, where it appears in stir-fries, pork-and-douchi soups, dim sum, and herbal tea.

In Indian cuisine, bitter melon, or karela, is a staple for its distinct taste and health benefits. In Nepal, too, they (called tite karela) are served simply fried or made into a spicy chutney after being steamed, forming a perfect blend for our staple dal-bhat. Bitter melons can be juiced, too. All you need is a blender or juicer and fresh bitter melons.  Bitter melon juice pairs well with apple, watermelon, or carrot juices, letting you personalize your healthy drink.  

Before discussing juicing methods in detail, it’s helpful to understand what bitter melon is and why it’s become a favorite worldwide. As a tropical vine fruit in the Cucurbitaceae family—which includes squash, pumpkin, cucumber, and zucchini—it features prominently in many international cuisines and is especially popular in India and Nepal.

Beyond culinary value, bitter melon is esteemed in Indian and Chinese medicine. Its seeds and extracts, rich in nutrients, have traditionally been used to treat ailments such as diabetes, skin issues, asthma, and stomach disorders. Juice may offer similar benefits as part of a balanced diet, though further research is needed.

Recent studies support these traditional uses and show that bitter melon may help control blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and possibly fight cancer. The fruit is also high in Vitamin C, folate, Vitamin A, potassium, iron, and calcium.

Thanks to its strong nutrient profile, bitter melon juice (without added sugar) is a low-calorie, low-carb beverage suitable for a variety of balanced diets. These attributes might encourage you to integrate it into your routine.

100 grams of raw bitter melon provides:

• Calories: 21
• Carbs: 4 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Vitamin C: 99 percent of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin A: 44 percent of the DV
• Folate: 17 percent of the DV
• Potassium: Eight percent of the DV
• Zinc: Five percent of the DV
• Iron: Four percent of the DV

The USDA highlights bitter melon as a strong source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and zinc. With these facts in mind, let's explore the health benefits of bitter melon.

May prevent cancer

According to NIH, a part of the US Department of Health and Human Services, “other than its potential antibacterial and antiviral activities, bitter melon extracts are also being investigated for their effects on cancer and have been studied in relation to ulcers, malaria, pain and inflammation, psoriasis, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.” 

Lab studies show that bitter melon’s antioxidants and beta-carotene may help fight certain cancer cells. However, more research is needed to see if these effects happen in people.

Diabetes-friendly

Bitter melon helps lower blood sugar levels, supporting people with diabetes. Studies show its bioactive compounds mimic insulin, promoting glucose uptake, storage, and release.

Could lower cholesterol

Research suggests that bitter melon or its extract may help treat high cholesterol, which is linked to type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and liver disease.

Regular consumption provides compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, glycosides, and alkaloids, which help lower high cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

May prevent inflammation

Bitter gourd, rich in polyphenols, acts as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, supporting metabolism and protecting your cells from oxidative stress and metabolic syndrome.

No matter the preparation method—raw, steamed, stir-fried, or cooked into curries, stews, or chutneys—managing the bitterness of bitter gourd is key to enjoying its flavor.

Bitter melon juice

• For juicing, choose small, light green, and firm bitter melons for freshness. Larger, older melons are more bitter.
• Slice the gourd lengthwise, remove the seeds, and chop to your preferred size.
• Rub salt on each piece, let rest 20–30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Or soak in boiling salted water for a few minutes. These methods significantly reduce bitterness.
• Blend chopped melons, adding water as needed. To dilute further, use more water. Season with salt and lemon juice (or black salt, if you prefer).
• Blend until the mixture is smooth. Strain into a glass. Optionally, add a hint of honey to reduce bitterness. Drink on an empty stomach for best results. This simple process makes homemade bitter melon juice accessible.

Caveat

Adding bitter melon or its juice to your diet may improve health, but moderation is key. Excess intake may cause stomach pain and diarrhea. If adverse reactions occur, stop and consult a healthcare provider.

Large amounts of bitter melon may cause digestive issues or gastric ulcers and could harm the kidneys. Only take supplements after consulting your doctor.

Diabetics should consult their doctor. Bitter melon can boost diabetic medication effects and risk hypoglycemia and complications.  

Expectant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid bitter melon and its juice.

Disclaimer: This text is research-based and not medical advice. Please use your discretion and seek advice from a healthcare professional for validation.

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In the last six months, Gorkhapatra Corporation has accomplished important tasks with a far-reaching impact on the institution and its employees. The Corporation has approved an O&M for the first time in its history. The total workforce has been downsized to 442 from 547 earlier.

This has paved the way for career growth of the employees working with the Corporation. After eight years, 280 employees have been promoted, generating hope and enthusiasm, and 91 vacancies have been opened to recruit fresh talent.

A total of 178 employees and journalists working on contract and wage-labour basis have been brought under the aegis of Social Security Fund to be compensated through their personal contribution. Similarly, the Working Journalist Act has been enforced with a guarantee of minimum wage to journalists as prescribed by the Act. It also applies to other employees working on contract and wage-labour basis.

Another notable achievement is the establishment of Gorkhapatra Academy,whose main goals are research, innovation, and capacity-building for journalists and employees through training and outreach. It has already started working to enhance the quality of the entire journalism sector and augment media literacy. Recently, it has also published a notice with an offer of fellowships to eligible candidates.

On 18 Dec 2025, the Corporation organized Gorkhapatra Discourse on Recovery and Resilience, offering a platform for interaction between the government and the private sector and generating hope among the concerned stakeholders. This not only generated income for the Corporation but also promoted its publications among the public.

Gorkhapatra Welfare Fund Directive 2025 has been enforced and the work procedure thereof has been prepared. It has ended uncertainty among those whose savings had been blocked for long and paved the way to release the fund of retired employees and give continuity to the scheme in case of working employees.

Lately, the Corporation has introduced the AI policy, embracing the use of AI in view of its ubiquity and using it systematically.

Gidde Press has been returned to the Corporation, which will have a positive impact on the operation of the press and publication museum.

The Corporation has initiated the process to integrate the newsroom by building a network of reporters and editors from the Gorkhapatra and The Rising Nepal. It will have a long-term positive impact on production and dissemination of news and exchange of materials between the two dailies.

The Corporation has also started disseminating news and public-service related content through WhatsApp, Viber and Messenger. This has widened readers’ access to news and begun circulating audio-visual content though social media targeting youth preparing for Public Service Commission examinations.

The Corporation has also launched a campaign to connect with the broader public. Under this initiative, the Gorkhapatra Literary Festival was organized by the Sailung Rural Municipality on 21-22 Nov 2025 with the slogan ‘Literature for Tourism. Under the policy of inclusive publication, it began publishing matters in Kulung language from 2 Nov 2025 and launched the page amid the community. Similarly, Sudurpaschim region-specific Madhupark was released from Dhangadi.

All these initiatives have been guided by the principle of ‘citizens’ voice first’ in Gorkhapatra publications. The editors enjoy clarity in editorial policy and full autonomy in their work. The Corporation has been constantly working to improve the layout and design of its publications.

As an example, all the pages of The Rising Nepal have been colored coinciding with its 61st anniversary on 1 Dec 2025 which has enhanced the quality of the newspaper.

Meanwhile the business of the Corporation has doubled in the last couple of years while the profits have gradually increased as demonstrated by the Public Enterprises Evaluation report published by the Ministry of Finance. This has been possible through direct MoUs, mostly in the G2G model, including with the Supreme Court and Public Service Commission.

The leadership plays a crucial role in steering an institution successfully and it’s no exception in case of Gorkhapatra Corporation. General Manager Lal Bahadur Airi deserves appreciation for executing these tasks successfully and leading the Corporation on the path of change and progress. Appointed to the position through an open competition in 2022, Airi is the youngest person to have reached the high post in the history of the Corporation. As the executive chief of the Corporation, he has practiced a policy to reform the state-owned publication house and make its publications citizen friendly.

Airi completed his four-year term on March 30 this year.

Minister for Home Affairs Sudhan Gurung has carried out monitoring on the Narayangadh-Butwal road section today.

During the monitoring today, Home Minister Gurung instructed the concerned agencies and the contractor company to complete the ongoing road expansion works within the stipulated time.

On the occasion, he has made it clear that delays in work are unacceptable. Similarly, he has also drawn the attention of the Chinese contractor company regarding delays in work.

During the monitoring, the Home Affairs Minister noted that passengers had to suffer because work was not completed on time, daily commuting was affected, and the risk of accidents increased, and he has instructed to end this situation promptly.

Representatives of the construction company have expressed their commitment to complete the road construction within the next 15 days. 

They have stated that they will expedite the construction to complete it within the scheduled timeframe.