What Nepal’s ministry rename means for the queer community—and what it doesn’t
By Aarya Chand & Aarati Baral By renaming a federal ministry to include ‘gender and sexual minorities,’ Nepal has made a historic symbolic shift. But citizenship, marriage and discrimination hurdles persist.
Sagarmatha Sambaad is a learning opportunity for Nepal
By Aarati Baral Without international finance, it won’t be possible to implement the kind of intensive mitigation and adaptation measures developing countries need.
Nepali judiciary is not sensitised on caste-based discrimination
By Aarati Baral Just as in rape cases where the victims are the most crucial evidence, in caste-based discrimination too, the victims should be considered the most vital evidence.
Students struggle to find good hostels in the Capital
By Aarati Baral For most who come to the Valley for study, private hostels are the only option. But not all provide what they promise.
Reading for healing
By Aarati Baral According to some studies, reading literature or a work of fiction helps emotional and mental well-being.
Where are women in academia?
By Aarati Baral One can only wonder why women disappear as they advance academically.
A life dedicated to people’s welfare
By Aarati Baral ‘I accept this prestigious award on behalf of millions of patients, their families, my team and the Nepali people.’
Dr Ruit receives ISA Award in Bahrain
By Aarati Baral The Ophthalmologist was awarded $1 million (Rs131 million) cash prize along with the award by King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during a royal ceremony.
An empowered woman empowers more women
By Aarati Baral ‘Women, in particular, should gain financial independence because it gives them the freedom to make decisions without having to rely on anyone else.’
The risks of renting rooms online in Kathmandu
By Aarati Baral Internet might have made hunt for a rental room easier, but it has also helped fraudsters profit off those in need.
Finding solitude on the Khumai trail
By Aarati Baral Khumai Danda has so much potential as a tourism destination, but it remains in the shadows because of a lack of resources and attention.
Government should support translation of Nepali literature
By Aarati Baral The shortlisting of ‘Song of the Soil’ will hopefully make international publishers cast about for books coming out from our part of the world.
Growing up in a hyper-connected world
By Aarati Baral Many parents are increasingly worried by their children’s overuse of digital devices. Experts suggest setting limits to screen time.
The cost of sidelining the humanities
By Aarati Baral A major academic discipline is dying a slow death due to a system keen on quantifying success.