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BR Gems, RB Diamonds, and Classic Diamond—three synonymous names in Nepal’s diamond industry—are all the brainchild of Babu Raja Maharjan, who currently serves as the chairperson of Classic Diamond. His younger brothers, Amir and Samir, have also been in the business for around 25 years. Classic Diamond, focused on establishing itself as a leading brand, regularly organizes the Timeless Paragon Jewelry Fashion Show (TPJFS). The fifth season of TPJFS is set for Feb 24, followed by an exhibition, Elite Collection 2025, from Feb 25 to March 3. ApEx spoke with Amir Maharjan, Managing Director of Classic Diamond. Excerpts:

What inspired Classic Diamond to organize TPJFS?

The jewelry industry is centuries old. Many were engaged in the business, but no one was truly working to build a brand in Nepal. That’s why, through Classic Diamond, we set out to change this in 2006. We introduced new initiatives, such as establishing high-end manufacturing facilities in Nepal, launching customer retention schemes, and adopting modern marketing strategies like publishing flyers. This gave us exposure, but we wanted a more refined way to showcase our products. That’s when we conceptualized the TPJFS. Seeing models wear and display real jewelry allows clients to visualize how the pieces look when worn.

The first season of TPJFS took place in 2010, featuring Indian actress Minissha Lamba. In 2012, we held the second season with Zeenat Aman, followed by the third in 2014 with Sushmita Sen. The success of these shows motivated us, as they significantly boosted our business and brand recognition. The fourth edition in 2017 featured Manisha Koirala. Now, we are all set for the fifth season, with Lara Dutta and other renowned figures from the fashion industry. This show remains the best platform to showcase our jewelry. These shows also help people become more conscious of the value and visibility of the brand.

This year, the show features Lara Dutta and other renowned figures from the fashion industry. How do such high-profile collaborations help the brand’s presence?

It’s human nature that when we see others wearing something, we get inspired and want to wear the same. This is especially true when celebrities or high-profile individuals set trends. Bringing a former Miss Universe like Lara Dutta gives our products significant exposure. Dutta is not only an actress but also an inspiring and intelligent woman—a true example of women’s empowerment. Her endorsement of our jewelry is immensely valuable for our brand. And, we believe that the personality she carries truly matches our brand objectives and thus we have chosen her to walk on the ramp wearing our crown.

What makes Elite Collection 2025 special and how does it stand apart from previous collections?

In this year’s collection, we have focused extensively on design because there is currently a trend of low-quality designs in the market. With this collection, we aim to show our customers what true quality in design and product looks like. Jewelry should be state-of-the-art, prominent, long-lasting, and built with solid craftsmanship. This collection features a blend of wedding, casual, and office-wear jewelry. Additionally, we are offering a 25 percent discount off the factory price. The market is highly competitive, and while the discount helps, it is the quality that truly matters. This time, we have kept the profit margin to a minimum, with the sole vision of showing our clients what actual hand-made jewelry looks like.

Many people aren’t aware that high-quality products are available in Nepal. There is a significant amount of cross-border business in this industry. However, with this collection and scheme, we aim to show our customers that we offer the best products in Nepal.

How has your brand evolved over time and how do you see the future of this industry?

When we started, the jewelry market in Nepal was dominated by imports from India. Back then, after receiving training in India and Hong Kong, we noticed that there were no proper manufacturing facilities and expertise in Nepal. However, we saw a huge opportunity and potential, which led us to start our own brand. At the time, the industry followed a traditional model, with two or three workers in a jewelry shop. We, however, established a manufacturing factory with the goal of ensuring clients wouldn’t have to go outside of Nepal to buy jewelry. This would not only benefit the market but also keep money within the country, generate employment, and ensure quality. 

It has been solely driven by family unity and values that helped us grow so far. Our major family members have also gained expertise in precious gemstones and innovative design and aesthetics. 

Initially, since people were accustomed to going to India for their jewelry, it was challenging for us. But over time, we managed to establish our presence. We also educated people that buying jewelry in Nepal would make after-sales service much easier. Slowly, we were able to break that trend. 

As for the future of the industry, it’s very bright. If the government provides more support, there’s immense potential. Currently, there is a shortage of raw materials and difficulties with importing and exporting. While we have a large market abroad, export challenges prevent us from reaching our full potential. Classic Diamond alone can export jewelry worth $6-7m annually, which would not only help generate foreign currency but also contribute to employment and improve the nation’s financial situation. However, the government’s support is crucial. In many countries, exporters receive benefits when importing raw materials, based on the amount they export, but there is no such provision in Nepal.

How do you balance tradition with modern aesthetics in your jewelry designs?

Today’s clients are largely inspired by designs from abroad. However, we put significant effort into our designs and do not directly copy others. Designs are the core competencies of Classic Diamond. Even when clients request replicated designs, we incorporate our own modifications. Additionally, we create original designs. Over the past three years, we have developed 3,000 new designs and many of them will also be showcased at the Elite Collection 2025.

What measures does Classic Diamond take to enhance customer satisfaction and build lasting relationships?

We have sustained our business primarily through exceptional customer service. We don’t view customers solely from a business perspective but strive to make them part of our family. In jewelry, both financial and emotional aspects are intertwined, making this connection essential. We ensure customers receive the best products. In some cases, we have remade items even when customers were satisfied but we felt they didn’t meet our standards. Every product undergoes quality control before reaching the customer. Additionally, we offer a 10 percent return policy, free exchanges, free cleaning, and free maintenance.

With showrooms in New Road, Pulchowk and in the US, do you have plans for further expansion within Nepal or internationally?

In the near future, we are expanding with two more stores in the US, bringing the total to five. In Nepal, we will soon be opening a store in Pokhara. We would like to reach out to as many jewelry enthusiasts as possible and also to take our sophisticated craftsmanship to the bigger marketplace.

When I first moved to Kathmandu from Pokhara for my studies, everything felt new and overwhelming. Away from the warmth of home and my mother’s cooking, I longed for familiar flavors. Living on a student budget meant I couldn’t indulge in culinary luxuries every day, but there was one breakfast that became my solace: ‘Haluwa-swari’, ‘jeri-swari’, paired with ‘tato tato chiya’ (hot tea) and ‘piro aalu kerau tarkari’. It was a taste of comfort in a city that felt unfamiliar.

What is haluwa?

Haluwa is a sweet semolina pudding that is rich, buttery, and fragrant. Made primarily from semolina (suji), ghee (clarified butter), sugar, and milk or water, it’s flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts and dried fruits such as almonds, cashews, and raisins. The cooking process involves roasting semolina in ghee until golden brown, then adding sweetened milk or water and stirring until it achieves a thick, smooth consistency.

Haluwa’s luxurious texture and rich flavor make it a dish of celebration, often prepared during festivals, pujas, and special occasions. However, when paired with swari, it transforms into a humble yet indulgent breakfast. The slightly grainy texture of haluwa, combined with the flaky, crisp swari, creates a delightful contrast.

What is swari?

Swari is a flaky, deep-fried flatbread that resembles puri but is slightly thicker and less oily. Made from wheat flour, a touch of ghee, and water, the dough is rolled into small discs and fried until golden and puffy. Swari has a soft interior and a crisp exterior, making it an ideal accompaniment to both sweet and savory dishes.

In the context of haluwa-swari, the swari acts as the perfect vehicle for scooping up the rich, sweet haluwa. Its neutral taste balances the sweetness of haluwa, making every bite a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Swari’s versatility also makes it an excellent companion for piro aalu kerau tarkari, demonstrating its importance in Nepali breakfasts.

What is jeri?

Jeri, known as jalebi in other South Asian cuisines, is a spiral-shaped, deep-fried sweet soaked in sugar syrup. Made from a fermented batter of all-purpose flour and yogurt, the mixture is piped into hot oil in circular patterns and fried until crispy. Once golden, the jeri is immediately immersed in warm sugar syrup, allowing it to absorb the syrup and become irresistibly sweet and sticky.

Jeri is often served alongside swari, creating the iconic jeri-swari pairing. The crispy, syrup-soaked jeri provides a burst of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the flaky, neutral swari. This combination is both decadent and comforting, making it a favorite breakfast or snack for those seeking a touch of indulgence.

What is aalu kerau tarkari?

Aalu kerau tarkari is a spicy potato and green pea curry that embodies the essence of Nepali comfort food. Made with boiled potatoes and fresh or dried green peas (kerau), the dish is seasoned with turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and mustard seeds. A touch of garlic, ginger, and fresh coriander enhances its aroma and flavor.

This dish is beloved for its simplicity and versatility. The potatoes absorb the spices beautifully, while the green peas add a burst of sweetness and texture. When paired with swari, aalu kerau tarkari becomes a hearty and satisfying breakfast. Its spicy kick is perfectly complemented by a cup of hot Nepali tea, making it a favorite among students and workers alike.

The cultural significance

This breakfast combination of haluwa-swari, jeri-swari, and aalu kerau tarkari holds a unique place in the food culture of Kathmandu Valley. Rooted in the Newar community, it represents a blend of traditional flavors and modern-day convenience. While the Newars are renowned for their elaborate feasts and unique culinary practices, this breakfast showcases their ability to create balanced and wholesome meals that are both delicious and practical.

In the bustling streets of Kathmandu, small tea shops and eateries serve this breakfast to locals and visitors alike. It’s common to see people gathered around, sipping hot tea and savoring each bite of haluwa-swari or jeri-swari, often while engaging in animated conversations. For students and young professionals, this breakfast offers a sense of comfort and nostalgia, evoking memories of simpler times.

For many, this breakfast is not just about the food. It’s about the memories it carries. It takes one back to the early mornings in Kathmandu, the warmth of a bustling tea shop, and the camaraderie of friends. It’s a reminder of the small luxuries that brought immense joy during student life—a time when every bite was savored not just for its taste but for the connection it fostered.

As a student from Pokhara living in Kathmandu, the absence of home-cooked meals often made this breakfast a cherished ritual. It was more than just sustenance. It was a moment of solace and indulgence amidst the challenges of academic life. Even today, living far from Nepal, the thought of haluwa-swari, jeri-swari, and aalu kerau tarkari evokes a deep sense of longing and pride in the culinary heritage of Kathmandu Valley.

Why hasn’t this breakfast gone global?

While Nepali momo have gained international fame, this iconic breakfast has yet to make its mark globally. One reason could be the intricacy involved in preparing these dishes, especially the perfect swari and the syrup-soaked jeri. Additionally, the breakfast’s cultural context and deep-rooted connection to Kathmandu’s street food culture make it challenging to replicate the same experience elsewhere.

However, this also adds to its charm. The exclusivity of haluwa-swari, jeri-swari, and aalu kerau tarkari keeps it special, preserving its status as a beloved breakfast of Kathmandu Valley. For those who have moved away from Nepal, the nostalgia associated with this breakfast keeps it alive in their hearts, even if it is not readily available.

Haluwa-swari, jeri-swari, and aalu kerau tarkari are a celebration of Nepali culinary artistry and a testament to the rich food culture of Kathmandu Valley. For those who have experienced it, this breakfast is a cherished memory, a taste of home, and a symbol of simpler, happier times. While it may not yet have traveled globally like momo, its significance remains unparalleled for those who hold it close to their hearts.

The author is a London-based R&D chef

There’s a quaint little bookshop in Bhanimandal, Lalitpur, called Wisdom Books and Aroma Shop that sells books, notebooks, candles, incense, and various other handicraft items. It also has a small cafe on the first floor where you can get some tea or coffee and light snacks. It’s a place I often go to if I want to buy a little something for someone or if I’m in the area and have some time to spare. 

During one of my visits, I chanced upon a cookbook called ‘The Ayurvedic Cookbook’ by Gita Ramesh. It was on the counter and it was a slim volume. For a while now, I’ve been into finding and collecting interesting cookbooks so that I can learn to cook a variety of dishes. The copy I was holding in my hand turned out to be a third edition published in 2016. I thought to myself if the book had to be reprinted three times, it must be good. The bookstore owner also said he and his wife had been following some recipes in the book and that the meals were simple and satisfying. 

The Ayurvedic Cookbook is a basic cookbook. The recipes, divided into sections like salads, soups and mains, are simple, so simple that I often wondered why the author had even bothered including something like that in a book. I later realized that we often forget the joys of simple meals and having it written down somewhere reminds us to indulge in them whenever you can. My mother, who has been cooking and feeding her family for over 35 years, says she will have forgotten about a certain recipe for months, only to be reminded of it out of the blue one day. 

The problem in regular cooking is that you tend to make the same dish over and over again instead of trying to cook a particular vegetable in different ways. The Ayurvedic Cookbook will teach you to use everyday ingredients in a variety of ways and in different forms. I learnt a great recipe for a banana cucumber salad that I really enjoyed. I was initially doubtful about the combination but surprisingly bananas and cucumbers go really well together. The papaya salad was another recipe that I liked. I don’t like papaya and I would have probably never known how great it can be in salad form if it hadn’t been for this book. 

The cookbook also has a nice section on soups. There are recipes for the regular tomato soup and mixed vegetable soup as well as more elaborate ones that teach you how to incorporate oats in your soup and even make a tasty okra soup. As for the mains, you will learn to cook different vegetables in interesting ways. The curry recipes in the book result in light and flavorful dishes. Basically, all the recipes in the book can be replicated using simple ingredients that you can readily find in your fridge and pantry. 

As a practitioner of Ayurveda, Ramesh has also included a section of diet plans at the end of the book for weight management and healthy living. There’s a daily diet plan section, with different recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, for 12 days. The good thing is that all the recipes require minimal preparation and cooking time so they aren’t difficult to follow. In the introduction to the book, Ramesh says that she has kept in mind that the recipes in the book are suitable for all body types. The aim, she says, is to offer readers a balanced diet that is delicious and meets all their nutritional requirements.

What I really liked about the book was the informative section of different spices, fruits, and vegetables. I have found that it helps to educate yourself about the variety of ingredients in your kitchen so that you can decide what you want to add to your food to suit what you might want and need at that given moment. You are also able to use food as medicine if you understand the properties of different herbs and spices. In that way, The Ayurvedic Cookbook arms you with a lot of helpful information while teaching you to use basic ingredients to whip up simple and wholesome meals. 

The Ayurvedic Cookbook

Gita Ramesh

Publisher: Roli Books

Published: 2013

Pages: 95, Hardcover

“Shall We All Commit Suicide?” Sir Winston S Churchill ominously warned in his 1924 essay about the alarming progress of biological warfare (BW), where engineered diseases could target humans, animals and agriculture. He wrote, “A study of Disease—of Pestilences, methodically prepared and deliberately launched upon man and beast—is certainly being pursued in the laboratories of more than one great country. Blight to destroy crops, Anthrax to slay horses and cattle, Plague to poison not armies only but whole districts—such are the lines along which military science is remorselessly advancing.” A century ago, Churchill predicted the risks of bioterrorism, foreseeing military strategies using engineered bioweapons that could devastate humanity and ecosystems.

In an op-ed for Business Insider in 2017, Microsoft founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates warned “Infectious virus is a greater risk to humanity than nuclear war. Whether such an outbreak occurs due to a quirk of nature or is deliberately released by a terrorist, epidemiologists say a fast-moving airborne pathogen could kill more than 30m people in less than a year.” Gates emphasized the cataclysmic gravity of BW agents, indicating bioterrorism—the deliberate release of natural or engineered biological agents to harm humans, animals, or environments for terrorist purposes—could become one of humanity’s greatest perils.

Historical perspective

BW dates back to the 6th century BCE when the Assyrians poisoned enemy wells with ergot fungus, causing delusions, cardiovascular issues and death, and has since been a strategic tool in military conflicts. In the 4th century BCE, Scythian archers dipped arrows in animal feces to induce infections, while in 204 BCE, Hannibal used venomous snake-filled clay pots against Pergamene ships. In 1346, the Tatars catapulted plague-infected corpses into Kaffa, contributing to Black Death’s spread across Europe, which killed up to 200m people in the 14th century alone, wiping out nearly half of Europe's population.

During the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors used smallpox-infected blankets to devastate indigenous South American populations. The industrial revolution advanced microbiology, inadvertently enabling the weaponization of pathogens. During World War I, Germany allegedly infected enemy livestock with anthrax.

During World War II, Japan’s Units 731 and 100 weaponized pathogens like B anthrax, Yersinia pestis, V cholera and Shigella in ceramic bombs, dispersing them over Chinese cities via aerosols and testing them on prisoners, causing epidemics and an estimated 10,000 prisoners’ deaths.

The Cold War saw further advancements, with the United States and the Soviet Union developing extensive bioweapons programs.

Despite the 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention banning bioweapon development, production, and storage, signed by most UN countries, the enduring threat of bioterrorism remains alarming.

Modern bioterrorism

In 1984, the Rajneeshee sect conducted the first known US bioterror attack, contaminating salad bars in The Dalles, Oregon, with Salmonella typhimurium, infecting 751 and hospitalizing 45.

The 2001 US anthrax attacks, where letters containing B anthracis spores were mailed to media and government offices, caused 22 infections, five fatalities and required 30,000 people to undergo antibiotic treatment. The attack fueled widespread fear, prompted biosecurity policy reforms and incurred over $1bn in response costs, highlighting bioterrorism’s social, economic and global security impact.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies biological agents into three categories A, B, and C based on their threat level to public health and national security. Category A agents represent the highest threat due to their high transmissibility, mortality and societal impact, include B. anthracis, Francisella tularensis, Y. pestis, botulinum toxin, smallpox and hemorrhagic fever viruses (Ebola, Marburg).

Category B agents pose a moderate threat, with lower mortality but significant health implications, requiring enhanced diagnostic and surveillance, include Brucella, Clostridium epsilon toxin, Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Shigella, Ricin toxin and V cholera.

Viruses are now considered the greatest biothreat in the EU’s expanded list including emerging and re-emerging pathogens—SARS, MERS, WestNile, Mpox and influenza A (H5, H7).

Advancements in biotechnology, CRISPR gene editing and gain-of-function research have reduced barriers to developing bioweapons, raising concerns about non-state actors misusing engineered pathogens or chimera with enhanced virulence or drug resistance. Unlike conventional weapons, BW agents remain silent, invisible and capable of widespread devastation, underscoring the urgency for global biodefense measures.

Biodefense

Biosecurity measures are vital for protecting biological research and mitigating bioterrorism risks. Early detection remains a challenge, as pathogens can spread undetected before symptoms manifest, complicating containment efforts. The Covid-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in global biodefense, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced surveillance, rapid-response systems and international cooperation. A 2021 Lancet article by Long and Marzi reveals the global biodefense market at $12.2bn in 2019, projected to reach $19.8bn by 2027, growing at a 5.8 percent annual rate.

Strict biosecurity protocols regulate pathogen access, laboratory safety and dual-use research, but inconsistent enforcement and weak compliance mechanisms in many nations create vulnerabilities that could be exploited. A unified global biosecurity framework is essential to ensure scientific advancements benefit humanity, not destruction.

The Biological Weapons Convention prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of biological and toxin weapons, yet its enforcement remains inadequate.

Geopolitical tensions complicate biosecurity by fueling mistrust and obstructing global cooperation. Scientific and political debates over SARS-CoV-2’s origins underscore concerns about laboratory safety and accidental pathogen leaks, and the need for stringent oversight in high-containment laboratories.

Safeguarding public health, Nepal’s three-tier health system must enhance surveillance, regulate biotechnology and enforce ethical research standards. Additionally, the Nepali Army and security agencies should develop robust capabilities to detect, prevent and respond to potential bioterrorism threats or bioweapons. This requires coordinated efforts in intelligence gathering, rapid response mechanisms and cross-sectoral collaboration to mitigate hazards and ensure national biosecurity.

Lessons from past pandemics and bioterrorism incidents must inform future biodefense strategies. As Churchill and Gates forewarned, bioterrorism remains an alarming threat. A failure to act now could lead to consequences far more catastrophic than any seen before.