Devkota's Yatri Message

 

A Father's Love, A Lifetime Of Care

 “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender!” Inspired by Sir Winston Churchill’s speech during World War II.  

 

Greed is an excessive or rapacious desire for wealth, power, or material possessions, often at the expense of others. It's an insatiable craving that can lead individuals to prioritise their own interests over ethics, morals, or the well-being of others. In the Nepali context, greed (lob) can manifest in various forms, such as: - Corruption: Embezzling funds or accepting bribes - Exploitation: Taking advantage of vulnerable individuals or groups - Materialism: Excessive focus on accumulating wealth or possessions Greed can lead to negative consequences, including social inequality, environmental degradation, and erosion of trust in institutions.  This is a true story. 

Here, I take the liberty of talking about a man whose greed for medicine has reached an insatiable level. Living in the hustle and bustle of life in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, and now reeling under a terrible disease, he is becoming feeble day by day due to an excessive intake of medicines for the cure of the sickness he is suffering from. It’s heartening to hear that his children in America are providing him with support in every way possible. It's great to see children looking out for their parent's well-being, no matter where they are in the world. Are they planning to visit him soon, or is he planning to visit them? The level of care required would depend on the nature and severity of his illness. 

If he's suffering from a chronic condition, he'd likely need ongoing medical attention, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Given his children's support from abroad, they might be helping with medical expenses, arranging for treatment, or even providing emotional support remotely. Does he have access to good healthcare facilities and medical professionals in Nepal? This is the question that his children need to address! His children can explore options like: - Medical visa for him to travel to the US for treatment - Telemedicine consultations with US-based doctors - Arranging for local medical care in Nepal, with guidance from US doctors - Medical evacuation insurance, if needed. They can also look into Nepal's healthcare system and facilities to determine the best course of action. The sick man is extremely fortunate to have such supportive children! It's heartwarming to see children going above and beyond to care for their parent's well-being, especially when they are living abroad. Having children who are willing to provide emotional, financial, and possibly even medical support can make a huge difference in his life. 

Their support can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, allowing him to focus on his recovery. It's also a testament to the strong bond between him and his children, despite the physical distance between them. Their willingness to help him through this challenging time is a reminder that family ties can transcend geographical boundaries. The support he's receiving can also have a positive impact on his mental and emotional well-being, helping him stay positive and hopeful about his future. It's truly a blessing to have such loving and caring children, and he's lucky to have them in his life! Those who aren't as fortunate as he is often face significant challenges. 

Without a strong support system, they might struggle to access quality healthcare, manage medical expenses, or cope with the emotional toll of their illness. In Nepal, many people rely on family members or community support to navigate health crises. Without that safety net, individuals might be forced to rely on limited public healthcare resources or seek costly private care. The emotional impact can be just as significant – feeling isolated, anxious, or hopeless can exacerbate physical symptoms and worsen overall well-being. Without support, the man's situation would likely be much more challenging. 

He might have struggled to access quality healthcare, manage medical expenses, or cope with daily tasks. He might have felt isolated, anxious, or hopeless, which could have worsened his physical symptoms and overall well-being. His condition could have progressed, leading to further complications or a decreased quality of life. In Nepal, lack of support can exacerbate health issues, making it harder for individuals to recover or manage chronic conditions. The sick man's children are providing a lifeline, making a significant difference in his life. He might feel a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility towards his children. As they have taken on the responsibility of caring for him, he might want to: - Show appreciation for their efforts and sacrifices - Share his life experiences and wisdom with them - Support them emotionally, even from a distance - Pass on family values and cultural heritage - Pray for their well-being and success He could also try to stay engaged with their lives, offer guidance when needed, and cherish the time they spend together, whether in person or virtually. He could show allegiance by: - Being open about his needs and concerns - Following their advice and guidance - Showing appreciation for their efforts - Sharing his feelings and emotions with them - Staying connected and engaged with their lives - Passing on family values and traditions.

 He could also try to stay positive and hopeful, which can be a great way to show his love and appreciation for their care. A simple "thank you" or gesture of love can go a long way in strengthening their bond. This is exactly what the old sick man is doing. With each tablet or capsule swallowed, he shows allegiance to his children, not forgetting some of his old friends who stand by him at the hour of need and urgency. That's so true! A great example is the relationship between Krishna and Sudama from Hindu mythology. 

Despite their different backgrounds, they remained close friends and supported each other through thick and thin. In real life, friendships like this can be a source of strength and comfort, especially during challenging times. Close friends can provide emotional support, practical help, and a sense of belonging, making a big difference in one's life. Kindly allow me to reveal the secrets as to who the ill-fated father in the article could be…no other than myself… Michael Chand is now reeling under pancreatic cancer… treatment is on… five cycles of chemo-drip therapies are now going on well! Please bless me! Thanks!  

(The author is a retired Radio Nepal broadcaster.)

The Impact of Social Media on Youth

 The Impact of Social Media on Youth

 

The 21^st century society is akin to advancements in science, technology and socioeconomic wellbeing. The world today is hefty reliant on complex computer algorithms, artificial intelligence and digitized computer networks all around the globe which has led to an easier and more comfortable life. The early 2010s brought rise to the concept of social media with Mark Zuckerberg’s concept of Facebook which led to many more such social media services to follow. The likes of Google, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Snap chat are a few examples of such social media services which have grasped the internet.

 

Social media has had many positive effects seen over the years. The use of Google Web Services provides the youth with an ocean of information right in their fingertips. Similarly with development of Google, one can easily search up and get the exact information that one is looking for. This is essential for students, teachers, researchers, scientists, and businessmen etc. to conduct their required task in an efficient manner. The ease of access provided by social media has also made the youth more comprehensive and alert. The narrow scope of thought is no longer present as the internet has given the youth information on various nook and crannies of the world from news, politics to lifestyle and recreation. Similarly, the social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram have made it easier to connect with friends and loved ones. The rise of messaging apps such as Messenger, Wthatsapp, and Viber has made contacting each other way easier and reliable. Online shopping is another benefit. The concept of online courses in cheap and prices has been a boon to children and students who cannot afford expensive tuition. A lot of students who do not understand difficult concepts in their institutes understand such concepts from teachers teaching in online platforms. Similarly online services and social media have encouraged aspiring artists and talented individuals to showcase their ability in the internet which is welcomed and complimented; encouraging creativity and art.

Social media regardless of all the positives have many drawbacks affecting not just the youth but older and more mature people. The rise in social media has led to the subsequent increase in one’s screen time. A lot of people are highly addicted to their phones and gadgets have led to decrease in connecting capacity of such people. The social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram have promoted digital creators which is a good to some extent but in the current scenario we have seen many teenagers obsessing about being a digital creator; A study in 2020 showed that girls of age 9-14 are blindly getting involved in making Tiktoks, reels and getting too engrossed in beauty products is instead of working on themselves. The craze for views and likes negatively affect the mental functioning of the youth from a young age. The rise of social media influencers have led to continues feeling of insecurity in the youth. The subsequent effect is shown as the lack of confidence, shyness and reduced ability to socialize. Students now days do not really make as many friends in real life, as they can spend their leisure in social media without feeling lonely or missing friends.

Another major negative impact of social media is the toxic social media culture. Toxicity in the internet such as bad and demeaning comments, filthy jokes, and sexual jokes affects the psychological integrity of the viewer as well as the creators. Nudity and vulgar language is commonly promoted in the social media application. Algorithm may provide explicit content to the youth. Similarly, the toxic culture has led to a depreciated mid set in younger generations; they speak to their friends and colleagues in such manner, treating others in similar taunting ways which leads to the widespread of negative social environment.

Social media can be used for a lot of positive purposes but the negative effects still remain. It is up to the aware user to embrace the positivity and ignore the negativity. The social media platforms have been a boon the people, it is indispensable in today’s world, but the improper use of social media has sociocultural impacts which must be addressed by the individual’s conscience while getting involved in social media. 

Shradheya Krishna Manandhar, XII, Prasadi Academy (3^rd Term English Exam Essay)

Journalism in Democracy - TRN - March 7 2025

 

Journalism in Democracy - Feb 2025

 

Journalism in Democracy

How many of you believe in free will ? A topic so simple at its early groundwork but as you go deeper into it, the intricacies of our society make it a much complex topic with historian, philosophers and great minds all of them debating over it. In simple words, free will can be explained as in the question “Are our choices actually our own choices, or the propaganda or are own choices already predetermined like the codes of a computer program ? Do we have choices in our lives?” The complexities of free will are vast, but there are many factors contributing to it which includes the information we get from the society or the mass judgment or our perceptions of the external world which we can obtain from a lot of sources but mainly news agencies.

A lot of news agencies are widespread throughout the world. They present news which interest their viewers. Tragic accidents, sports victories, political drama and many other entities are covered by news agencies. We or as it is better said, ‘the public’ gain information about the things happening around them. We curse the corruption in politics if it is covered in the news, in the same way we rejoice similar political victories or good news. Ultimately our entire perception relies on the news we are provided by the media. Our thought process it entirely reliant on what the media shares with us regardless of the factual nature, as we all have come to trust the news.

Now how does this relate to our free will ? One may ask, it certainly does! our entire choices are greatly affected by the society we live in. Advertisements in media are one strong force that can forge our beliefs and we also tend to be ignorant of its repercussions. Similarly politicians, actors, businessmen which have the media on their sides get more support from the mass. We tend to overlook their shortcomings and look only at their positive sides and follow their words and ideas, almost without giving a second thought. The media thus plays a significant role in our day to day lives. It directly or indirectly (through mass propaganda measures) determines our choices and perceptions.

The impartiality and independency of media, journalists and judiciary from the legislature of government is a must. News agencies have the obligation to provide the correct and impartial news and not manipulate the conceptions of the public. If the mass media falls in the hands of the government, the public can be made a fool of. The widespread of fake news will put the public in disarray. Bigger problems, crimes, mishaps of the government can be covered up and the public will be clueless and not even raise their voices. Hitler’s Nazi Germany spread widespread propaganda during the 1940s against the Jews and the superiority of the German race such that the millions of Germans not only supported Hitler but also managed to grow extreme hatred towards the Jewish population as a result unimaginable scale of mass genocide could be conducted.

Similarly, even in an ongoing non totalitarian regime, where democracy exists a lot of things are not openly discussed of addressed in the legislature. In such instances, news agencies have a major role in pointing out government shortcomings. They need to share things openly to the public; only then can the people have an opinion and show their argument and disagreement. This is the essence of democracy after all. A system of government where the people have accountability over the politicians, a system where questions can be raised and it is duly answered with everyone having a clear conscience rather than trying to shoot an arrow in the dark. It is thus clear that Journalism has a major and essential role in democracy.

 

Shradheya Krishna Manandhar

Grade 12, Prasadi Academy, Lalitpur

January 2025

My Third Table Tennis Tournament

 

My Third Table Tennis Tournament

My Third Table Tennis Tournament

To achieve in any goals or dreams we should practice and always have a strong sense of determination. With the help of practice, hard work and some coaching, we will be able to reach our destination in life.

Sports and physical activity are an important features for our day to day life. Sports clears our mind and also keeps us strong and stable. Many types of sports are liked by many people. Even if some don’t like playing it, they will enjoy watching it instead.

Like many people, I also like playing sports. I have been playing table tennis since I was 8 years old. That was when I first learnt to hold a TT bat and I practiced with my brother and father. After practicing for a few years with my brother, I improved myself and started to like the sport.

I have participated in various School-level TT tournaments. In 2023, I was second place in Joint-School Table Tennis Tournament. Same year, I participated in Inter-school tournament organized by St. Xavier’s school.

On 31st July 2024, I was able to again participated in table tennis match organized by St. Xavier’s school. This match wan an inter-school match where about 6 schools had participated including my school. Along with me, 6 other TT players had participated from my school. Although we did not have enough time to practice at school, I practiced at home with my brother.

On the match day, we all were nervous but excited to compete with our opponents. Our coach, Gyandev sir gave us some last-minute important instructions before the match and we were ready. Sometime later, my school’s principal, along with our coordinator came to wish us luck for our matches.

The matches stared at 10 am. I was called for my first match. I felt a rush of nervousness and excitement as I met my first opponent. She was from St. Xavier’s school, she was a good player her in both the sets but I could win her. I was congratulated by my teammates and my sir.

Sometime later, I was called for my second match. My opponent was again a girl from St .Xavier School.  She was a better player. In 3 sets, I was able to win only 1 and she eventually 2 wons. I felt a bit sad but my teammates reminded me that losing and winning in a game is normal.

Soon we had our lunches given to us by the school. After a short refreshment, we were again called in the table tennis hall. My other friends also had a few matches to play so I was there to cheer them.

Me and my friends roamed around the school for a while and were called for the closing ceremony. We were all exhausted but still excited for the final match.

Finally, in the final matches, two students from our school were in the final round. In the end, my school was able to win in 2 categories, under 13 and under 16.

We congratulated each other and we all left for home.

Even if I didn’t win this tournament this time, this was a great experience for me. I learnt that a game always has a winner and a looser. This tournament has also boosted my confidence level and I am looking forward for another Table Tennis match soon. I thank our couch for giving the opportunity to participate in this tournament and also giving us the encouragement and instructions during preparation and during tournament time.

Shuvanjali Manandhar  

September 02, 2024

The New Age with Brain Implants

 

The New Age with Brain Implants

In the past decades, many manmade objects have been successfully implanted in the human body. These objects stay inside our bodies and help in the normal functioning of our systems. Some examples are metal ortho implants, valves, stents and pacemakers in the hearts.

In the recent decades, scientists are undertaking research for brain implants – these implants are intended for controlling various functions of the body by transmission of neuro signals from the brain to different parts of the body. Now the question arises, do you think “brain implants” will be possible someday? The answer is yes, it has been successfully implanted this year !

Neural implants

Scientists has been working to develop Neural implants (brain implants) with a set of electronic wires that are attached to specific region of the brain to produce or receive electronic impulse or signals and transmitted to a control unit. A micro-computer then amplifies the signal and sends the signals by wireless means to external AI (Artificial Intelligence) processor device called the Brain – Computer Interface (BCI). This technology is will be effective for diseases like paralysis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and lock-in syndrome.

Nuralink – A BCI Company

Many companies were racing to develop the BCI technology for human beings for a long time. In 2016, Elon Musk, a visionary entrepreneur, founded a company named Nuralink, and hired more than 400 expert scientists to work on BCI technology. In May 2023, Nuralink got the approval for first time from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of USA to conduct human trial of BCI device developed by Neuralink – after successful trial on monkeys.

Finally on Jan 29, 2024, Elon Musk announced that the first human implant has been successfully implanted and the patient is recovering – gaining a worldwide attention and spotlight. And people around the world were anxiously waiting for the news on the person who received the first Nuralink BCI implant. And finally on 21 March, 2024, it was announced that Mr. Noland Arbaugh, aged 29, who was paralyzed from neck down, due to an accident 8 years ago, received the first Nuralink BCI implant and he was shown to control a computer mouse only by using his brain, without any hand movement ! This was a very welcome news all over the world. 

Arbaugh said there are still many improvements needed, but it was a life changing experience for him that he could use a smart phone and a computer only with is mind.

Neuralink said that the BCI chip interprets the neural activity and controls a smart phone by the person’s thought only, without any hand movement. 

The BCI chip consists of very delicate 1000 smaller-than-hair electrodes to be inserted at certain areas of the cerebral cortex of the brain – The surgery was extremely delicate for human surgeons to conduct – so surgery was being done by a robot and it took 6 hours of the robot to implant the Neuralink BCI chip.

Conclusion

Even though, it’s a bit early see the wide public use of BCI in patients, it will not be too long when the deaf will be able to hear, the blind will be able to see, the paralyzed will be able to move, and the thoughts that origin in the human brain can be translated into text and can function smart devices, for which the world is anxiously waiting.

 

*****************************

 

Shuvanjali Manandhar

Class 8

St. Mary’s High School, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur