Good reads
Music Myth & Melody
Dhrubesh Chandra Regmi
Music | History
The rulers of different dynasties in Nepal have linked music with religion and harnessed the power of music as a tool to govern the country. The kings, royal palaces, and temples functioned as cradles as well as patrons and connoisseurs of religion, culture, and musical activities. With solid foundations laid in the Lichcchavi period, the cultural activities in and around the Kathmandu Valley during the Malla period followed by Shah and Rana period helped elevate Nepal’s musical and cultural traditions to greater heights.
This book takes you on a journey through the rich history of Nepali classical music. Based on authentic historical facts and evidence, the book explores the classical and folk forms of music, dance, and socio-cultural traditions in different periods that have bound the country and its people for many centuries.
Adman Madman
Prahlad Kakar
Memoir
In this no-holds-barred memoir, Prahlad serves up scoops of his most unforgettable experiences, peppered with viciously funny anecdotes from his personal life and seasoned with lessons on how to tell a riveting story in thirty seconds.
Learn secrets of the trade to create memorable brands. Travel behind the scenes of celebrated advertisements that launched the careers of models who then went on to become famous Bollywood actors. Hear about the genesis of this accidental serial entrepreneur. And, above all, learn how to live life with complete abandon. As the man who wears many hats, literally and figuratively, Prahlad tips his hat to life’s incidental wisdom with raucous laughter.
Same as Ever
Morgan Housel
Psychology
When planning for the future we often ask, “What will the economy be doing this time next year?” Or, “What will be different ten years from now?” But forecasting is hard. The important events that will shape the future are inherently unpredictable. Instead, we should be asking a different question: What will be the same ten years from now? What will be the same one hundred years from now? Knowledge of the things that never change is more useful, and more important than an uncertain prediction of an unknowable future. In Same As Ever, bestselling author Morgan Housel shares 24 short stories about the ways that life, behavior, and business will always be the same.
Christmas Sale (15 percent off on all books) and 5 percent off on all other items (Stationeries, bags, bookmarks)
Nepali youths at COP28
The Global Climate Change Conference, COP28, started on Nov 29 and concluded on Dec 12. With 84,000 registered attendees, this year’s COP proved successful in terms of participation. Throughout COP28, Nepal, chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), underscored the pressing need for dialogue concerning mountain and climate change issues.
The Nepali Pavilion took an active role by hosting a minimum of five sideline events daily. The conference had an estimated 250 Nepali delegates, half of whom were youths, actively engaging in the conference. Pratik Ghimire of ApEx interviewed three such youths to gather insights into their COP28 experiences.
Pratima Khadgi
As a representative of UNDP Nepal, I played diverse roles during the initial phase of COP28. My active involvement in event management bolstered UNDP’s presence and ensured smooth operations. I fervently advocated for youth engagement in climate action at the international pavilion, enhancing Nepal’s global visibility.
Participating in various sessions provided me with an understanding of climate change from different perspectives. Discussions on climate financing complexities underscored its pivotal role in fostering sustainable initiatives. This experience significantly improved my understanding and reinforced my determination to tackle climate challenges.
I engaged wholeheartedly in COP28 discussions, leaving the event enriched with valuable insights and a renewed dedication to champion environmental causes.
Shreya KC
This being my fourth COP, I’m familiar with the decision-making processes and the roles of civil society, youth, and most affected countries. Yet, sitting in the closing plenary, I can’t ignore the doubts about the legitimacy of processes that allow a few countries to overpower many voices, consistently sidelining the most vulnerable. This space repeatedly excludes them.
While I’m inspired by fellow passionate youth, this experience has taken a toll on my mental health and physical well-being. Leading youth engagement in the global stocktake process kept me occupied amid late-night discussions. I was stressed but hopeful for meaningful outcomes.
The final global stocktake result falls short, acknowledging urgency without a clear roadmap. Notably, fossil fuel lobbyists increased significantly, but I found inspiration in Small Island Developing States (SIDs) pushing for more ambitious outcomes.
Prakriti Koirala
This marks my third COP attendance, where I’ve consistently participated as a negotiator under the ‘Party’ badge. In previous COPs, my primary focus was on engaging in loss and damage (L&D) negotiations. But, this time, at the request of the LDCs chair, I took on the responsibility of organizing events in the LDC pavilion. While my previous experiences largely centered on the negotiation process, this new engagement in event organization provided me with a unique and enriching learning experience.
I had the opportunity to participate as a speaker and panelist in various events as well.
Although there’s room for improvement, I’m pleased with the progress made on our major agendas this year, particularly the establishment of the L&D fund and addressing mountainous agendas.
I’m also thrilled about the increased youth involvement. Their active participation in protests, negotiations, and other events is a promising indication that the younger generation is taking climate change seriously. Additionally, I’ve established valuable networks during this COP, fostering connections that could lead to fruitful collaborations in the future.
With love, for every Ama
About 4,700 kilometers from a war-ravaged Gaza Strip and thousands of kilometers from other war zones around the world, Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche, the author of the book titled Living Fully: Finding Joy in Every Breath and president of the Universal Peace Sanctuary, laid the foundation for a universal peace sanctuary to be developed at Lumbini on a beautiful Saturday afternoon (Dec 16) in the presence of a peace-loving crowd.
The crowd had gathered at the birthplace and the sacred land of meditation for Shakyamuni Buddha and several of his previous incarnations for the occasion themed ‘Make peace more fashionable than war’ from far and wide. Droves of people, including dignitaries, laid stones for the construction of the sanctuary dedicated to Mayadevi, the mother of the Buddha and wife of King Shuddodhan.
The sanctuary symbolizes the supreme sacrifice of Mayadevi, who, as prophesied, died after giving birth to Prince Siddartha, who went on to become the Buddha by ultimately renouncing the worldly trappings associated with a prince, and all mothers for giving birth and nurturing life.
Good Reads
Good Bad Girl
Alice Feeney
Thriller | Mystery
Twenty years after a baby is stolen from a stroller, a woman is murdered in a care home. The two crimes are somehow linked, and a good bad girl may be the key to discovering the truth. Edith may have been tricked into a nursing home, but at 80, she’s planning her escape. Patience works there, cleaning messes and bonding with Edith, a kindred spirit. But Patience is lying to Edith about almost everything. Edith’s daughter, Clio, won’t speak to her. And someone new is about to knock on Clio’s door and their intentions aren’t good. With every reason to distrust each other, the women must solve a mystery with three suspects, two murders, and one victim. If they do, they might just find out what happened to the baby who disappeared, the mother who lost her, and the connections that bind them.
Welcome To Paradise
Twinkle Khanna
Short Stories
These are rich narratives that explore the depth of loneliness, heartbreak, and deception. Huma’s divided family – Team Cemetery and Team Crematorium – clash hilariously over matters involving pigs and penises as they decide what to do with Amma’s body. Madhura Desai writes an email to the chief justice of India, urging him to choose a ‘nice cut-off age’ to die, sending shockwaves across the nation. Along the shores of Satpati, Nusrat grapples with the loss of her son, and her voice. Amita tells her husband about her breast implants but not about Bua, Bangalore, and beautiful men. Perfectly observed, shot through with light and shadow and wry humor, Welcome to Paradise confirms Khanna’s reputation as one of India’s most masterful storytellers.
Independence
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Historical Fiction
Priya: intelligent and idealistic, resolved to follow in her father's footsteps and become a doctor, though society frowns on it. Deepa: the beauty, determined to make a marriage that will bring her family joy and status. Jamini: devout, sharp-eyed, and a talented quiltmaker, with deeper passions than she reveals. Theirs is a home of love and safety, a refuge from the violent events taking shape in the nation. Then their father is killed during a riot, and even their neighbors turn against them, bringing the events of their country closer to home. When the partition of India is officially decided, a drastic—and dangerous—change is in the air. India is now for Hindus, and Pakistan for Muslims. The sisters find themselves separated from one another, each on different paths. They fear for what will happen to not just themselves, but each other.
