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The sweltering heat is getting to us. And that’s an understatement. Many people we know have suffered from heat strokes in the past couple of weeks while stepping out during the day time. If we were to be honest, the heat is also making us irritable. As much as we would like to stay indoors and chill when the weather is hot, it’s not always practical or possible. So, what can you do to make your office commute or grocery shopping trip more comfortable? We have compiled a list of essential items that can come to your rescue during this time.

A sun hat or UV protection umbrella

It probably goes without saying that you shouldn’t step out without a hat or an umbrella. But it’s appalling how many people are just out and about without one. Most people forget to carry one or consider it to be a bulky item to keep in their bags. However, sun hats and umbrellas protect you from the harmful rays of the sun and are thus a necessity. These days, you get really compact hats and umbrellas that don’t take up much space or weigh a lot. Invest in a good one and make it your summer buddy.

A chic water bottle

It’s imperative to stay hydrated during the summer but we forget to keep sipping on water mostly because we don’t have water with us all the time. Change that by buying a chic water bottle that you can take everywhere with you. Just get it refilled whenever you go—the restaurant or office. You can also add ice to your bottle if it’s a thermal insulated one and have access to chilled water if that’s what you fancy. Add a few slices of lime or cucumber or even a few sprigs of fresh mint if regular water is too boring for you. This is one of the simplest yet best ways to stay cool during hot summer days. We recommend you buy a water bottle holder. These are basically small bags that fit just your water bottle. It’s such a handy accessory to have as you won’t have to hold your bottle in your hand or risk spilling water in your bag and damaging everything you have inside it. 

A great pair of sunnies 

Sunglasses are a must have for summer. Not only will they protect your eyes from the sun but they will also make you look stylish and sleek. The sun also instantly feels more bearable when you have on a pair of sunglasses. While choosing sunglasses for summer, prioritize UV protection and look for lenses with 100% UV protection. Ensure a comfortable fit and choose the right frames for your face shape. We recommend sunglasses from Anthropose. They are stylish and made of recycled materials. What’s more, a small percentage of every sale goes towards providing free cataract surgeries to people in need in rural Nepal. 

Wet wipes

A packet of these and you are sorted for all kinds of hot conditions. You can use this to wipe your face or your hands and have an instantly cooling effect. They are great for maintaining hygiene on the go while removing sweat and dirt from your face, neck, and hands. They are also useful for quick cleanups after eating or to remove makeup when you are done with that meeting and would like to freshen up but still have a few hours of work left. A great alternative to wipes is a few drops of essential oil in water in a spray bottle. You can spray this directly onto your face, arms, or legs and use a handkerchief or some tissues to wipe off the dampness. 

Portable fan

A few years ago, you would have to go to select stores or places to find a nice portable fan. But these days, you get them everywhere. Every other store has started to stock up on these because the rising temperature means that the demand for these nifty items have gone up as well. Gone are the days of handheld paper fans that you would have to manually work. Battery powered fans are all the rage these days. You even get neck fans that go around your neck, much like a pair of bluetooth headphones. Just charge them overnight and the battery will last you a couple of days. A portable fan is a must have for everyone but especially for those who walk or take the local transport to work. 

Other important stuff

Besides the five important things we have mentioned, there are some other random things that are good to have during the summer (as well as other times of the year but especially during the summer). Invest in a good sunscreen and make sure you keep reapplying it throughout the day. This will prevent sunburn and rashes. A comfortable pair of shoes that don’t make your feet sweat is another important summer essential. Good footwear that allows your feet to breathe will make you feel more at ease. For women, claw clips are a must have as they will keep your hair out of your neck and face as well as help you achieve a stylish 90s style updo. Sweat absorbing pads that can go on your clothes under the arms are also handy to avoid sweat stains as are oil-blotting sheets that you can use to wipe excess oil from your face without ruining your makeup. 

Sitting me down, my father passionately recounts the story of his childhood—how he walked an hour up a steep-rugged road just to reach school. For him, receiving education at that time was a distant dream fraught with all sorts of hardships; an idea of a sense of fulfillment. Alien to such an experience, his story gives me a layered understanding of his world of the yore.  

Reflecting on his story, I am contrasted between his experiences of thought and mine. The world is shaped by the instant world of information bombarding today. The world we live in is “participatory culture” Henry Jenkins states in Convergence Culture: where old and new media collide (2006). Stalder (2006) writes about unlimited accessibility to information materials achieved with just one finger tip by referencing Manuel Castell, adding that youth culture develops in the spaces of flow.  

To read and write is no longer a confined dream now, but a hand to hand willing-reality that all of us can tap on anytime with virtual classrooms, webinars, youtube channels, podcasts and content creations awaiting us, eager to deliver information and knowledge.   

The digital space has brought everyone closer to reality and altered our lives. The more advanced technologies have become, the more of our identity sharing and building connections. Social media apps such as Tik Toks, Facebook, Instagram provide us with an opportunity to show and to be seen. Smartphones use advances more for our comfort. The sharing culture has made the world a global village (Easa, 2019) as we can connect with friends by sitting in opposite corners of the world and discussing similar contents. Yuval Noah Harari points out in Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind (2015): For the first time in history, young people all over the world listen to the same music, watch the same movies and idolize the same celebrities. This reinforces the idea of a sharing culture that, according to Anthony Giddens  (Runaway World, 1999) fosters similar values that bind us with a single framework of aspiration.  

As people moved to online spaces, the concept of global consumer culture widened and things that were brands in the 60s or 70s remained no longer a brand. As many changes occurred including the choices and tastes of people, certain names like Nike, Apple, Netflix, k-pop became a global brand that established themselves with an identity. This “identity” as identified by Zygmunt Bauman in Liquid Modernity (2000) is constructed more from shared consumer cultures than inherited traditions.
Today’s youths are shaped more by smartphones, which makes them more inclusive, individualistic and anxious (Schmitt, 2023). They have started to become more vocal about contemporary issues as movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo have shown. 

At the same time, the Arab Spring is a testament showcasing the power of a globalized culture to come together for a purpose with social media acting as a fundamental tool for protests and advocacy.  

Moreover, this distinct psychological nature shaped by the media among youths has made them approach things in life flexibly. 

On certain aspects of the society such as marriage, gender issues and career choices, youths are more likely seen as liberalists. For them, finding love is important, daughters are not a burden and nor are family business responsibilities as they have the confidence to carve out their own life paths. 

Local Knowledge: Further Essays in Interpretive Anthropology (1973) by Clifford Geertz emphasizes the importance of understanding culture through the lens of local, specific contexts, rather than relying on broad generalizations. The integration, therefore, implies intergenerational beliefs and thoughts. 

When I listen intuitively to my father’s story of what he used to do in the past, I only sense that I was born in a time when the internet was booming. I don’t decline his lived experiences but they don’t resonate with me because they seem distant to me at this time. Hence, I agree to disagree—not in the act of defiance but in the act of forging a networked co-existing path shaped by a dialogue, respect and discussion. Our world lenses are not much different but it’s just that we see the world differently.

The ancient kingdom of Panchal Nagari once flourished in the Rosi Valley, an area that now lies within Panauti Municipality, Nepal. Over 6,000 years ago, during the waxing moon of Kartik (October–November), the royal family embarked on a grand hunting expedition 10 kilometers from their palace. Their destination was the revered Hiranyagiri Gandhamadan Parbat—the Golden Fragrance Mountain—now preserved as the Kusume Community Forest.

Accompanied by King Maharath and Queen Satyawati were their three sons: Princes Mahadeva, Mahapranav, and the youngest, Mahasattva. The autumn air was crisp and clear, the days neither too hot nor too cold—perfect for their journey. On the night of Purnima (the full moon), the three princes wandered through the dense, silver-lit forest. As they returned to camp, they stumbled upon a frail, emaciated tigress, motionless after giving birth to five cubs. Filled with compassion, they chose not to harm the vulnerable mother and her newborns, quietly continuing their journey.

Yet, Prince Mahasattva was deeply moved by the tigress’s suffering. Unable to share his thoughts, he excused himself under the pretense of needing to relieve himself and slipped away from his brothers. While Mahadeva and Mahapranav returned to camp, Mahasattva turned back, overcome by Avayadan—an extraordinary compassion. He set aside his weapons, shed his royal garments, and without hesitation, offered his body to the starving tigress.

At first, the tigress, perhaps weakened or afraid, did not attack. Determined, Mahasattva used his sword to cut his veins, letting his blood flow into the tigress’s mouth. He then cut flesh from his limbs and fed her. Slowly, the tigress regained strength and consumed his body—a rare act of self-sacrifice to save even an enemy.

Back at camp, the royal family waited anxiously for Mahasattva’s return. When dawn came with no sign of him, they searched the forest and found bloodstains, scattered bones, and his discarded weapons and ornaments. The royal astrologer proclaimed that Mahasattva was no ordinary man—his sacrifice had miraculously given life to the tigress and her cubs.

Following the counsel of priests and courtiers, the prince’s remains, along with his belongings, were brought back to camp. A pit was dug nearby, and his relics—clothes, weapons, and jewels—were laid to rest.

According to the Swayambhu Purana, some 3,500 years later, Siddhartha Gautama Buddha visited Kathmandu during the reign of Kirati King Jitedasti. Traveling through Thimi, Bhaktapur, and Panauti, he arrived at Hiranyagiri Gandhamadan Hill. There, he meditated for a month near Mahasattva’s tomb, circumambulated it three times, and reverently named it Nama Buddha.

Today, a temple stands upon the tomb, known as the Nama Buddha Temple. This sacred site reminds the world of enlightened compassion (Avayadan), offering a path to peace in a conflicted era.

There was a time when I was really skeptical about books that were turned into movies. I wouldn’t watch the movie adaptation of a book I had enjoyed as I feared it would ruin the story or rather the imagery for me, that I would think of characters or a scene and the faces of actors or the shot location would come to mind rather than what I had conjured up on my own. 

But I had friends who watched movies of the books I read, even if they hadn’t read the books themselves. Sometimes, they had such good things to say that I would be intrigued. We all know peer pressure is a funny thing. It sometimes hits you like a boulder. That was how I found myself slowly watching movies based on books. 

I have to confess that there was a time when I always felt that the book was better than its movie. In fact, I would often be angry at what I considered sloppy filmmaking. But in my heart I knew I was just being stubborn. There were some books that were adapted into movies like Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda’ and J.K. Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter’ series that I enjoyed as much as, if not more than, the books. It was only during the Covid-19 lockdowns that I actively started searching for and watching movie adaptations of books I had enjoyed. I found that many were as brilliant as the book. 

I still make sure that I read the book first and only then watch the movie. I still don’t like how books are often republished with their movie posters on the cover but I’m definitely not closed to the idea that movies can measure up to their books. 

Hollywood actor Reese Witherspoon frequently adapts books she loves into movies and I have really enjoyed quite a few of those. Bollywood has also warmed up to this culture and started making movies based on books and I must confess that I’m a sucker for Hindi movies. 

I know many people, like the earlier version of me, still don’t watch movie adaptations, fearing it will ruin the book for them. So, for the uninitiated I’m recommending 10 books that are brilliant by themselves but watching their movies will make your reading experience all the more fun and wholesome. 

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

This is one of my favorite books. I feel like I say that a lot, and about a lot of books but I believe readers are allowed to gush over their favorites and sometimes they have a good number of favorites. ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ was recommended to me by a friend who is a voracious reader and I put off reading it because the font size was really small. But when I finally picked it up, I cursed myself for not having read it sooner. It’s about a girl named Catherine, known as the ‘marsh girl’ by the locals, who is abandoned by her parents and has to learn to fend for herself. Soon, she is suspected of killing someone and has to prove her innocence. The book has beautiful language and scene setting. The movie is engaging and manages to capture Catherine’s angst beautifully. 

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott 

I read ‘Little Women’ in school. It was prescribed reading. I think many of us read it as a part of our curriculum. I have read it a few more times since then and I cry every time I read it. The story about the four March sisters is so evocative and relatable at times that strong emotional reactions are to be expected. The book has been adapted into movies many times and there’s also a television series on it. I like the original movie, the one that came out in 1994 and has Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, Kirsten Dunst, and Claire Danes among others in the cast. We were shown this movie at school and I remember enjoying it then too. I’ve recently rewatched it and came to the conclusion that watching the movie feels like reading the book. It’s such a lovely adaptation. The 2019 version isn’t bad either. But if you had to take a pick, I’d recommend the ‘original’ one. 

The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn 

I like claustrophobic thrillers because the world and tension building in these kinds of books make the stories really gripping. ‘The Woman in the Window’ follows the life of Dr Anna Fox who suffers from agoraphobia and doesn’t go out of her house in New York City. Her view of the outside world is limited to what she can see from her window. One day, she witnesses a murder across the street. But she can’t prove it and no one seems to believe her. The book is such a tense one that I guarantee you won’t be able to put it down. It’s not gory so if that’s not your thing when reading thrillers then you will definitely enjoy this book. The 2021 movie by the same name, starring Amy Adams as Dr Anna Fox is highly enjoyable. Adams’ acting is on point and convincing, making you root for her and doubt her in equal measure.  

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

‘The Lovely Bones’ is a 2002 novel by American author Alice Sebold that follows a young girl who is murdered as she comes to terms with her own death while in heaven. She also watches her family and friends deal with the grief of losing her. I read the book a few years after it was published and it was a difficult read as the girl is raped and murdered and I struggled with anger and sadness. I think it was one of the first books that made me aware of rape and its consequences on the victim’s family. The novel was adapted into a movie and as a play in England, touring several cities. The movie stars Saoirse Ronan and Stanley Tucci and their performances were highly praised by the audience. The movie has a 6.6 rating on IMDb. It’s an emotional rollercoaster so be prepared to shed some tears. 

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 

I have yet to come across a book that was as hyped as ‘Gone Girl’ by Gillian Flynn. It catapulted the author to the bestsellers’ list when the book was published in 2012 and kept her there for what seemed like ages. Everyone I know, even those who didn’t read, was talking about the book. Nick Dunne is suspected to be behind his wife’s disappearance but things are a lot more messy than they seem. Amy disappears on the morning of their fifth wedding anniversary and the house shows clear signs of struggle. Everything points at Nick but what really happened? A trigger warning though: there are mentions of sexual abuse and a lot of profanity. The plot is taut and keeps you on the edge. The suspense keeps building and you never get bored as you keep wondering what must have happened. The movie has Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck in leading roles and an 8.1 rating on IMDb.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

‘The Hunger Games’ series is a dystopian series where participants—a boy and a girl from 12 districts—compete in a televised game of life and death. One one will emerge the winner. It was originally a trilogy but now there are two more novels in the series. For 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen it’s a death sentence when she decides to take part in the games in place of her younger sister when she gets chosen to participate. But survival for her is second nature and she makes for a strong contender. The Hunger Games is thrilling, suspenseful, and action packed. You will not want to put the book down. It might be a young adult novel but it hits differently when you read it as an adult as you are more attuned to the nuances of the situations and don’t just take things at face value. Director Gary Ross’ movie adaptation was a box office success and few others YA fantasy have been able to replicate that success. 

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi 

‘Persepolis’ is a graphic novel based on Marjane Satrapi’s life in Tehran, Iran’s capital, in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. The story narrates how Marjane’s family lived through difficult, turbulent times like overthrowing the autocratic Shah through Islamic revolution, the fundamentalist regime that replaced him, and the devastating Iran-Iraq war. Marjane is a spiritual person but her parents are modern and she struggles with it. She also talks to God at night and believes she will become a prophet. But as the revolution goes on, she’s swayed by different beliefs and starts imitating the protestors and revolutionaries. She learns about her family history and finds out they have always been rebels. The book is such an interesting look into the mind of a young girl who is learning new things and learning who she is along the way. It was adapted into a movie in 2007 under the direction of the author so it stays very true to the book. However, the animated feature film is suitable only for adults. 

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger 

I think many people have watched this phenomenal movie that came out in 2006 starring Meryl Streep, Anna Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci among others. It’s pretty much a cult classic. People a decade or more younger than me are still watching this movie—it’s that amazing. ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ is currently available on Netflix and the movie is based on the 2003 book by the same name. It’s basically a story about a young woman who is hired as a personal assistant to a powerful fashion magazine editor and the drama that ensues in the fashion world. Weisberger worked as a personal assistant to Anna Wintor, the editor of Vogue, much like the novel’s protagonist and this was what caught people’s attention when the book came out. There’s even a sequel called ‘Revenge Wears Prada’. The movie is great with stellar performances from all the characters but the book is highly enjoyable too. 

Room by Emma Donoghue

‘Room’ is a thriller novel by Irish Canadian author Emma Donoghue that was published in 2010. But it’s so much more than just a thriller story. It’s an exploration of rape, abuse, motherhood, hope, and resilience. It can be a bit difficult to read at times because of the heavy themes but it’s a captivating story that is inspired by a real story. The novel was longlisted for the 2011 Orange Prize and won the 2011 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize.  It was also shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2010. The movie adaptation came out in 2015 and has Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay. It got four Academy Award nominations. Larson won the Best Actress award for it. The story is told from the perspective of a five-year-old boy who is locked in a room with his mother. He is unaware of the fact that the man ‘Old Nick’, who brings them food and other necessities, actually kidnapped and raped his mother when she was 19 and has kept her locked up for seven years and that there is a world beyond the four walls of the room.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed 

This is a memoir where the author tells us about her solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail after her mother’s death and the breakdown of her marriage. The trip is Strayed’s gift to herself for self-discovery and healing purposes and the memoir explores the spiritual and emotional transformation she undergoes as she experiences the beauty of the natural world. It’s an honest depiction of grief, loss, and longing. The writing is humorous and poignant and makes what could have been a difficult read an enjoyable one. The 2014 movie stars Reese Witherspoon and is compelling and introspective. It’s a tad bit on the slow side but Witherspoon’s performance is well worth your time.