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The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) was founded in 2003 during a turbulent period in Nepal’s history. Amid the Maoist insurgency and deepening political instability, a group of dedicated Nepalis living abroad came together in Kathmandu to create a global organization that would represent the interests of the diaspora and serve as a vital link to their homeland. 

The founding principles were centered on unity, inclusion and service. One of their first and most poignant demands was for dual citizenship—a legal recognition of the emotional and cultural ties that many Nepalis abroad continue to hold even after acquiring foreign citizenship. This request was more than a legal issue; it was about identity, belonging and the enduring connection to one’s roots.
Despite the strong start and noble intentions, the NRNA’s journey has not been without challenges. As Nepal transitioned from a monarchy to a republic and experienced various waves of political change, the NRNA too began to experience internal discord. Leadership rivalries, political interference and factionalism began to weaken the organization's unity.

Some leaders were perceived to be prioritizing personal gain over community service, eroding the trust and credibility the NRNA once commanded. Moreover, the Government of Nepal repeatedly failed to deliver on key promises—most notably the introduction of dual citizenship and diaspora-friendly investment policies. This lack of follow-through not only discouraged active participation from the diaspora but also deepened the divide between the homeland and its global citizens. 

I strongly emphasize that the time has come for sincere introspection. This is not a call to assign blame, but a collective appeal to revisit the founding ideals of the NRNA. Reform is no longer optional—it is essential. Without a structural and philosophical overhaul, the organization risks becoming irrelevant. To restore credibility and purpose, the NRNA must prioritize transparency, inclusiveness and democratic governance. The vision must be reignited, not just with words but with visible actions that rebuild public confidence and inspire the younger generation of diaspora Nepalis. 

A major critique raised is the overly broad and simplistic definition of the NRNA’s constituency—Nepalis who have lived abroad for more than 180 days. This definition fails to cultivate  the rich diversity within the diaspora community. 

From blue-collar migrant workers in the Gulf to settled professionals in Europe to business leaders and academics in the USA, the needs and aspirations of each group vary greatly. Trying to serve such a diverse population with a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective. In this situation, I  recommend that the NRNA adopt a segmented approach by creating specialized committees and empowering local chapters to better represent their unique communities. Diversity should be seen not as a challenge, but as a strength that can be harnessed for broader impact. 

Dual citizenship remains one of the most important and emotionally resonant issues for the diaspora. Many who have taken foreign citizenship still feel a strong cultural and familial connection to Nepal. They wish to maintain this bond—not just symbolically, but legally and practically. 

These individuals are often highly educated, financially capable and deeply committed to contributing to Nepal’s growth through investment, mentorship, transformation of knowledge and innovation. However, current Nepali laws make their involvement complicated, with vague policies, unclear legal frameworks and the looming threat of double taxation. I argue that these individuals are not asking for special privileges but rather a framework that acknowledges their desire to contribute meaningfully to Nepal’s future. I would like to suggest long-term visas, clear legal protections for investments and the right to retire peacefully in Nepal as achievable and impactful policy measures. 

Concrete proposals for change 

Structural and governance reforms: Form an independent election commission to ensure fair and transparent leadership elections. Introduce term limits and eligibility criteria to prevent monopolization of leadership. Promote inclusiveness by creating dedicated roles and committees for women, youth, migrant workers and professionals. 

Decentralization: Give more authority to national coordination councils and NRNA chapters to address region-specific issues effectively.  Avoid overly centralized leadership, which often becomes detached from grassroots concerns. Decentralization will encourage innovation and ownership at all levels. 

Transparency and accountability: Publish financial reports regularly and conduct independent audits of projects and events. Establish formal systems for member feedback, grievances and dispute resolution to ensure internal democracy and trust. 

Cultural engagement: Support efforts to preserve the Nepali language, heritage and traditions among second-generation NRNs. Encourage educational and cultural exchange programs that allow younger generations to visit Nepal and understand their roots. 

Facilitate investment and return: Advocate for simplified investment policies and legal guarantees that attract diaspora entrepreneurs. Promote NRN-friendly residential areas, business zones and retirement homes that provide a welcoming environment for returning expatriates.

Forge global partnerships: Build strategic relationships with international organizations, think tanks, and universities. Leverage NRNA’s global presence to amplify Nepal’s voice on the world stage and open doors for collaboration and development aid. 

The NRNA was founded on the dream of unity and national contribution, and while its journey has encountered setbacks, the vision remains as relevant as ever. The Nepali diaspora is a treasure trove of knowledge, talent and resources. Reforming the NRNA to better serve this community is not just a strategic move—it is a necessity. If reformed with care and vision, the NRNA can once again become the vital bridge between Nepal and its global citizens, fostering not just emotional ties, but tangible progress for generations to come. 

We all want our food to be delicious and, if possible, we wouldn’t mind gourmet meals every single time. That is probably why restaurants thrive in Nepal. We love eating good food but we don’t want to put in the effort it takes to bring that meal to our tables. We mean, what wouldn’t we give to be able to hire a chef at home, as many celebrities tend to do, and not have to do all the prepping and cooking? But it’s not possible for various reasons and we have to live with that. But does that mean we have to eat boring food whenever we want a quick snack? The answer is a resounding no. We bring to you some tried and tested ideas that are super easy to make, take less than 30 minutes, and are mouth-wateringly delicious.

Cheese potato bites

India’s celebrity chef Ranveer Brar said in an interview that the one thing you should always have in your fridge is boiled potatoes. You can make so many things with it in just a few minutes whenever you want something quick to eat. For these simple cheese potato bites, that is one of our favorites, all you have to do is peel some boiled potatoes and slice them thinly. Grease a pan with olive oil, put a layer of potatoes on top, sprinkle some salt, pepper, and oregano(and/or chili flakes if you prefer), grate some cheese over it and repeat the process a few times and then bake this in the oven for 20 minutes at medium heat. Have this hot out of the oven with some barbecue sauce or as it is. It’s yummy and filling.

Cucumber on crackers

The good news is this involves zero cooking. All you need are three things: crackers, cucumbers, and cheese. Lay the crackers on a plate and top them with sliced cucumbers. Make sure you have thoroughly washed the cucumbers and peeled them beforehand. Cut cheese into small thin slices if you are using a block of cheese or simply strip sliced cheese into small bits and put them over the cucumber slices. Your final product should have three layers: crackers at the bottom, cucumber slices in the middle, and cheese on top. If you use cream cheese instead of cheese, then the cucumber goes on top of the cream cheese which goes on top of the cracker. You can put an olive on top of the cheese if you have some on hand or skip this and it will taste just as good. This simple snack that just needs some minor assembling is quick to make and refreshing. The crunch of the cracker and the softness of the cheese balance out the texture and flavor making it a fun food to munch on.

Carrot sticks and hummus

Hummus is a simple dish made of chickpeas, lemon, garlic, tahini, and some basic spices. You can buy it at different stores but homemade hummus is fresh and tastes a whole lot better than packaged ones. It’s simple to make as well. You can use soaked and boiled chickpeas or use canned chickpeas depending on how much time you have. First mix lemon and tahini (you can get good quality tahini at most department stores) in a food processor and blend it until you get a smooth paste. Then add garlic, olive oil, and chickpeas and blend until smooth again. You can peel the chickpeas for a smoother hummus but not peeling them works as well. Add a little bit of cold water or ice cubes if you have them and blend for a minute and your hummus is ready. Peel and cut carrots into sticks and you can use these as spoons to eat the hummus. This rich in protein and fiber snack is great when you are feeling hungry and need something to tide you over till dinner.

Easy garlic bread

This is a revamped version of the classic cheese on toast idea but it’s a 100 times better than regular toast with cheese. Melt some butter and add crushed garlic, sliced green chili. Add salt if you are using unsalted butter or else skip it. You can also add some chili flakes to give it a bit of color. Slather this on top of bread slices and then top it with grated cheese. If you like onion, then finely chop one and sprinkle it on top of the cheese. Lightly grease a tray and put the bread slices on it and let it bake in the oven for 15 minutes on medium heat. The result is a crunchy garlic bread that you can have with tea or some cold coffee. If you want this snack to be a bit on the heavier side, you can choose to add toppings like sausages or sweet corn and other veggies according to your preference. Use brown bread for a healthier, filling version of this snack or use white bread for a pizza-like appeal.

Peri peri makhana 

Makhana or fox nuts make for an excellent snack. It’s quite popular in India and Nepal too as it’s delicious and nutritious. You can enjoy this guilt free and as it can be quite filling, you won’t feel the need to reach for chocolates or biscuits in between meals. Simply dry roast makhana on a pan on medium heat until it looks crisp and crunchy. Transfer to a large tray and allow it to cool. Avoid adding ghee to it while roasting if you are trying to lose weight or else you can add a teaspoon of ghee to the pan. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from going stale. You can also wrap them in tissue paper or kitchen paper and store them in a ziplock bag. When you want a quick snack, transfer makhana into a container with a lid, only filling half of it. Add salt, pepper, and peri peri spice to it and give it a good shake and indulge in some guilt-free snacking.

Black gram salad

This is a popular Indian street food that you can enjoy hot or cold and it’s nutritious, filling, and delicious. You need some pre-prepping for it though. Soak a cup of black gram in water overnight and cook it for about four to five whistles in the pressure cooker the next morning. You can store this in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and use it while assembling a low effort salad. The salad is vegan and gluten free and can be served alongside lunch or dinner or eaten as a snack. Take some boiled black gram in a bowl, add chopped tomatoes, onion and coriander to it and give it a good mix. Add salt, pepper, chili, and some lemon juice and mix well. Serve with some crunchy bhujiya on the side and this balances out the texture of the dish. But it also works well on its own.

Strawberry smoothie

Smoothies have become quite popular in recent times. Almost every other restaurant has some version of this healthy drink on their menu. But smoothies can serve as a great snack as, depending on what goes in them, they can be quite filling. The one we are presenting here is a simple recipe for our all-time favorite, especially when strawberries are in season. You can also freeze strawberries to enjoy this all year round. In a blender, add three tablespoons of curd, five to six medium sized strawberries, half a banana, a teaspoon of chia seeds, and half a cup of water and blend till you get a smooth mixture. Transfer this to a bowl, top with nuts and seeds and serve. You can use ice instead of water if you want a slightly slushier version of this smoothie. We guarantee you will be making this smoothie over and over again.

Instant energy bars

You can buy all sorts of energy and protein bars today. The market is saturated with different brands offering all kinds of flavors. But we like to make ours at home. It’s simple, cost-effective, and filled with ingredients that we like. For a simple energy bar or ball, depending on which shape you mold it into, mix oats, some nuts like almonds or pistachio, and salt. Transfer this into a food processor and blend it and then add maple syrup and olive oil to it and blend it again. Remove and transfer to a tray lined with parchment paper. Press the dough evenly onto the paper. Top with coconut flakes or powder. Roughly chop some more of the same nuts that have gone into the batter and sprinkle them on top of the dough. Bake this for about 10 minutes on medium heat. Make sure you don’t over bake it and that the batter is still a little soft when done. Cut it into small squares when it cools down. You can store this in a sealed container for up to a week.

The best brownies

Who wouldn’t like dessert for a snack? And these brownies that we are about to teach you to make is the most delicious dessert you will have had. They are gooey and melt in your mouth and you can use store bought premixes for it too, thus shortening your time in the kitchen. Preheat the oven to 200 degree Celsius and add an egg, oil, and water as directed to a store bought cake mix. Fold this batter with a spatula but don’t over mix it either. Take seven to eight Oreo biscuits and roughly crush them. Add this to the cake batter. Then transfer the batter to a greased cake pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or till a toothpick inserted at the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool and then cut into slices and indulge in this yummy goodness.

Peanut butter goodness

Craving a yummy snack but have only five minutes to prepare something? This is when a jar of peanut butter in your pantry can come in handy. Peanut butter is rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Thinly slice some apples and plate it along with a large dollop of peanut butter. Apple and peanut butter taste great together. Next, remove the pits of some soft dates, fill it with peanut butter and have a few the next time you are hungry. It is simple, filling, and dessert-like. Slather some peanut butter on some saltine crackers and you are good to go. Mix oats and peanut butter and make small balls out of them and bake in the oven for 10 minutes on medium heat. You can add a mashed ripe banana to the mix for some extra sweetness or if the peanut butter you are using doesn’t have added sugar in it already.

On April 22, the tranquil Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir was converted into a site of extraordinary catastrophe. Militants reportedly associated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), executed a violent assault on the group of tourists, leading to the deaths of at least 26 (25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen) victims and injuries to more than 20.

This assault is among the most lethal strikes on civilians in the area since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. In the last 35 years of the Kashmir conflict, tourists were spared even in the height of militancy. This has changed now, it has been visible from the attack in Raesi, Jammu, last year, which took the lives of nine Hindu pilgrims. And so many other things have also changed in the course of the previous 24 hours in the South Asian geopolitical landscape. The attack coincided with four main events that happened recently. 

On the day of the attack, US Vice-president JD Vance was visiting India, interestingly on the same day Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi was in Jeddah meeting with the Saudi Prince and officials. Two other incidents that happened earlier but have a significant impact on the nature, psyche and politics of the attacks, extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian citizen who served in the Pakistani military for some time, from the USA to India. 

It reignited the old scars of the terrible 2008 Mumbai attacks, which were a paradigm shift in the global approach to fighting terrorism from South Asia. After a lengthy legal battle, Rana was extradited to India. The last but most significant event which had a colossal impact on the Pahalgam attack was Pakistan’s Army Chief Gen Asim Munir’s remarks on the ethnic two-nation theory between India and Pakistan, which is true for Pakistan but not for India because it is a civic democratic nation. He also referred to Kashmir as their ‘jugular vein’, provoking a load of religious sentiments just weeks before the attack, the clips of which are making rounds on social media. 

The preliminary intelligence findings from India suggest that five culprits, three from across the border and two locals, were involved in this heinous attack. India, in response, took a slew of diplomatic decisions, the most important of which is the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, which survived three full-scale wars and many terror attacks perpetrated by Pakistan on Indian soil. 

Other than that, India has declared the defence attaches of Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi as persona non grata and given them a week to leave the country. Along with this, the newer development or any escalation from the Pakistani side may result in military retaliation. 

Consider this: in Feb 2025, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif showed a desire to pursue dialogue with India as it is the only ‘way forward’. Even before that, Pakistan’s ruling party’s patron, Nawaz Sharif, has called for normalizing ties with India. India, meanwhile, has been firm in its approach of not indulging Pakistan unless it dismantles the terror apparatus of the country. India has also been successful in de-hyphenating its relations with Pakistan vis-à-vis global powers, as India and Pakistan are not seen through one lens. 

For India, in the current geostrategic setting, the only rival is China, which is mainly accurate. It has also been successful in creating new ties with Pakistan’s traditional Gulf partners. 

Comparatively, Pakistan’s situation is in the doldrums. Its economy is growing at a meagre 2-3 percent, one of the lowest in South Asia, with a volatile inflation, which went as high as 39 percent in 2023. It also has a very high debt-to-GDP ratio, which is why there needs to be multiple bailout packages from the IMF. Politically, Pakistan has always been in turmoil, where its most popular leader has won an election engineered by the Army, which has installed Shahbaz Sharif as Prime Minister of Pakistan. Still, the driving seat of power is, as usual, with the Army. 

For the longest time in Pakistan, the Army has maintained one of the most venerated positions and a symbol of national unity. It started slowly eroding when the failure of the state became apparent in the last two decades, the tenure of ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was also the Army’s favourite at one point, was in the tussle. His removal prompted protests that echoed to many cantonments in Pakistan, where protesters attacked the army’s establishments. It was the most visible frustration of Pakistanis toward the venerated institution. Pakistan is also grappling with autonomy and secessionist movements in Balochistan, which has also caused forced disappearances of many ethnic Baloch who allege that the state has a direct involvement in these incidents. Islamabad has been rocked with protests by Baloch people.  

In addition to that, in March 2025, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), an ethnonationalist militant organization, attacked the Jaffar Express, which runs from Quetta to Peshawar and hijacked it. The attacks caused the loss of 31 lives, including 18 soldiers who were travelling on that train. Other than that, after the Taliban came to power, Pakistan’s relations with its northern neighbour have been sour. There has been a condition of low-intensity conflict on the Durand line. Last year, the usually quiet western border of Pakistan with Iran also rocked when Iran launched a series of missile strikes on Pakistan. Paradoxically, for the previous few years, leaving few incidents, Pakistan’s border with India has been relatively peaceful, which has changed with sudden developments. 

It is in this context that General Asim Munir’s remarks and subsequent attack in Kashmir need to be read. Pakistan’s deep state knows that these attacks will have strong retaliation from India, which will help in fuelling nationalist fervor. Nevertheless, it also needs to be clarified that Pakistan’s reason to exist, the “two-nation theory”, which General Munir put so much emphasis on failing more than 50 years ago after the creation of Bangladesh.

It also needs to be noted that Gen Munir was supposed to retire this year, but last year, through an amendment, he extended the tenure of the Army chief for five years. It is a well-known fact that Pakistan’s army is the cause of many structural ailments in the country, and has to face the heat coming from society, causing a significant loss to its venerated position in the country.  Now, with this attack and retaliation from India, the Pakistani Army has tried to find some breathing space to run away from its structural problems. Still, this gamble can be a double-edged sword in a fast-changing situation. 

The world would be simpler if we were all alike. Yet we live in homes, societies, and a world enriched by diversity—defined by vibrant hues of brightness and strokes of darkness. Many are considered neurotypical, but what about those beyond the typical spectrum? I often find myself deeply empathizing with neurodiverse individuals. Through my work with them, I’ve come to believe the true wonders of life lie in our varied abilities—to see, hear, smell, touch, taste, appreciate movement and balance, and understand the world with unique clarity.

Many neurodiverse individuals are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. ASD manifests differently across the spectrum, and its greatest challenge often lies in mutual understanding. This is why we must pause... think... understand... and connect—especially with those who need help but may not know how to ask for it. Research shows early intervention and proper support can significantly improve outcomes, but it’s never too late to begin.

Diagnosis and acceptance are crucial. ASD is a lifelong journey, one where burnout is common. Progress is most visible in individuals whose families stand together, persevering with quiet courage. True courage isn’t always a lion’s roar; sometimes, it’s the patient, persistent work of ants. Sadly, the world can be harsh, and hypocrisy runs deep—many claim to support ASD yet fail to deliver meaningful results. While numerous centers offer therapies, their effectiveness varies widely, and costs often place them out of reach for families. Affording therapy shouldn’t depend on luck. Closed-door sessions should be discouraged; I strongly advocate for inclusive therapies where parents are active participants. One-hour sessions alone are never enough.

Effective ASD management requires a multidisciplinary approach. Evidence confirms that early intervention—ideally before age three—yields the best outcomes. Therapies like occupational therapy, behavioral interventions, special education, and developmental programs are used worldwide. Regardless of the approach, the core goal remains the same: to connect with the child. We must build trust, respect their fears, and start where they are—not where we want them to be. With time, the right environment, and guidance, we can help them grow toward independence in daily life. The world is limitless, and so are their possibilities—we must help them believe that. Structured routines (which provide reminders) often work better than rigid rules (which impose consequences), reducing behavioral challenges as the child learns how to navigate their world.

Awareness must start at the grassroots level. Parents, families, and communities need education about ASD’s signs, diagnosis, and management. We must advocate for equal opportunities in education, employment, and public spaces to foster true inclusion. Inclusion isn’t just tolerance—it’s about reshaping social norms to welcome neurodiversity. It requires systemic changes in teaching methods, attitudes, and policies. It’s ironic that neurodiverse individuals are often told how to behave, while neurotypical people rarely learn how to support them. Parents and educators must teach compassion and acceptance. Students who understand diversity need less guidance; it’s those with special needs who deserve our patience and time. Being nonverbal doesn’t mean having nothing to say—it means we must listen more deeply.

ASD isn’t a disability; it’s a different ability. We must focus on strengths, not limitations. Judging a fish by its ability to climb a tree helps no one. In a world of constant demands, staying composed is hard—yet families who persist through challenges become beacons of resilience. Their determination reflects the power of the human spirit. While some parents face obstacles head-on, others struggle under social stigma, self-doubt, or fear of the future. We must support ASD children with clarity, acknowledge their struggles, and celebrate their efforts. Let the world resonate with hope. As we navigate this journey, remember: our strength lies in understanding, collaboration, and growth.