‘West will closely watch Oli’s China trip’

8:00 am, Nov 14

New Baneshwor

The tea shop was buzzing with energy, but I managed to find an open seat amid the crowd. A lively group of around ten people had already gathered, deeply engrossed in conversation on various societal issues, including the latest political developments. They were discussing the recent passing of Bimala Gauchan, a Gandaki Province Assembly member who had succumbed to dengue. Some shared personal stories, recounting how family members and friends had also fallen victim to this spreading disease.

One man remarked, “Dengue has even reached the hill districts now. Back in 1992, I spent a year in Mustang, and there wasn’t a mosquito in sight because of the cold.” Another chimed in, “With more roads connecting remote areas, dengue is spreading even to the mountains.” Predictably, the group began criticizing the government’s inability to control the outbreak in Kathmandu Valley and beyond. The mention of Manang and Mustang brought the discussion to another familiar topic. “People in Manang are incredibly wealthy. If the rest of Nepal were as prosperous, we’d be the richest country in South Asia,” someone declared.

The group briefly touched on the recent arrest of Deepak Manange, a member of the Gandaki Province Assembly, though no one seemed eager to dive into his controversies. Meanwhile, a man near the entrance, buried in a newspaper, interrupted loudly, “Every page is filled with stories of corruption, crimes, and road accidents!” This drew the group’s attention. They began talking about a recent tragic accident in Kageshwori Manohara, where one person had died in a collision involving a car driven by Prakash Bhujel, a self-styled shaman with a social media following, and a motorcycle.

The conversation shifted to shamanism. Some argued that such beliefs were outdated and harmful, while an older gentleman, likely in his seventies, shared how a shaman had treated his paralysis 30 years ago. Another participant admitted he didn’t believe in shamanism but respected those who did. They noted that Bhujel had promised to cooperate with authorities—something, one remarked, that many politicians might not be so quick to do.

After a short lull, talk shifted to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s upcoming trip to China. “The Western countries will be watching his every move,” someone stated bluntly. They mentioned China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the projects it entails but didn’t delve deeply into it. A participant speculated that Oli would likely avoid any major agreements with China, though few seemed interested in exploring the topic further.

Out of nowhere, someone brought up the rising trend of love marriages in Nepal. An older man expressed disapproval, claiming that such marriages often lead to divorce. “Eighty percent of love marriages end in separation,” he said, “inviting new societal problems.” This sparked a debate about the “right” age to marry. “Decades ago, people married at 18 or 20; now, they’re waiting until their 30s,” someone observed. Soon, the discussion broadened to cover the declining population trend in Nepal and beyond, linked to delayed marriages. Another man spoke about the growing empowerment of women in Nepali society, noting that women now play key roles in household decisions, with men ceding some of their traditional authority.

By 8:30, the group began to disperse, each heading off to start their day. As the tea shop slowly emptied, I lingered over my black tea, debating whether to order another cup or leave. Just then, two young men entered, looking like they were in their twenties. One ordered tea with milk, while the other opted for black. Curious, the one with milk asked why his friend preferred it plain. “I have gastritis,” he replied. They soon fell into a conversation about their hectic college and work schedules, complaining that they barely had time to eat properly.

In lowered voices, they shared their financial struggles. “I earn just Rs 8,000 a month, working from 11 am to 7 pm, but it barely covers rent and food,” one said, as they lamented the rising prices of tea and snacks. “I spent all my savings during Dashain and Tihar; I have nothing left now,” he added. Their conversation turned to their future plans—whether to stay in Nepal or try their luck abroad. They looked visibly worried, the uncertainty of their future weighing on them. Just then, four students entered, asking the shopkeeper for cigarettes, who politely pointed them to the designated smoking area.

Last week, I began a weekly column titled Teashop Gossip, where I’ll be capturing and sharing these vibrant exchanges that unfold in Nepal’s local tea shops. For years, these spots have been more than just places for tea—they’re forums where people from all walks of life come together to discuss the pressing issues of our time. In this column, I aim to present these conversations as they happen, preserving the raw voices, views, and insights of the people