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Vani Rana, 43, has been working in the education sector for over 15 years. Since 2022, she has been the principal of Uniglobe School. Rana earned her MEd in Educational Leadership from Bank Street College of Education in New York. She first worked as a teacher, then as an elementary school coordinator. She was a vice principal for almost ten years.

She’s certified in teaching, reading, and writing from Teachers College, Columbia University. She recently completed an Instructional Coaching certification from Harvard Graduate School of Education. In a conversation with ApEx, Rana spoke about how she intends to shape the future of education and create an inclusive learning environment.

 What specific initiatives do you plan to implement to support academic excellence and enhance student success?

At Uniglobe School, we prioritize the ‘how’ of learning in all our teaching-learning activities across four key areas: learner, knowledge, assessment, and community. We view each student as a person with unique experiences and prior knowledge, rather than a blank slate. Our teachers are committed to uncovering and addressing any misconceptions or beliefs students may hold, ensuring that their knowledge is integrated into the learning process.

Additionally, we place learning goals at the forefront of every lesson plan, with a focus on the knowledge of students and how they can apply it beyond the classroom. We often use ‘formative assessments’ to help students think and understand better. We give them feedback, both formal and informal, that focuses on real understanding, not just memorizing.

We also have a community-centered approach where everyone learns from one another and improves together. At our school, students are encouraged to join in and help out. We keep things friendly between teachers and students. And it’s okay for students to make mistakes because that’s how they will learn and grow.

 How do you encourage collaboration among faculty, staff, and students to make learning interesting for everyone?

I think it’s really important for people to work together and at Uniglobe School, we’re actively trying to make that happen. We see the school as a community, so we include activities like peer learning, pair and group discussions, and role play in our lessons. Students team up to solve problems, discuss ideas, and consider different viewpoints.

We also want our teachers to share their best ways of teaching with one another and give helpful feedback. The goal is to make our school a place where everyone collaborates and learns from one another. I believe teachers play a huge role in the student’s learning process. We make sure teachers have a good work-life balance as we believe happy teachers bring out the best in their students.

 What frameworks do you integrate to keep up with the trends and best practices in education?

At our school, we embrace the concept of lifelong learning, from the principal to the students. We stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in education. We’ve dedicated time and opportunities for research and self-reflection for all staff members. We also invite experts to share their experiences and regularly distribute research-based materials. Through thoughtful reflection, we explore how we can incorporate evolving practices into our teaching approaches.

 How do you foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the school?

Our school is a microcosm of the community with people from various backgrounds and identities. To make sure everyone feels included and has an equitable learning environment, we use a multifaceted approach, developing curricula that incorporate multiple perspectives and learning needs. Our teachers promote restorative practices such as open dialogue, community service, circle conferences, and a special ‘wellness Class’ to promote empathy and cultural understanding. We are also committed to engaging families and communities in our school decision-making through honest communication. Our school policies include anti-discrimination measures, inclusive hiring practices, and accommodations for the diverse needs of students.

How have you used your leadership role to actively support women’s empowerment and gender equality in the school?

I’m dedicated to fostering inclusivity for girls and female staff every day, addressing issues such as menstruation taboos and harassment to create a safer and more supportive learning and workplace environment for all.

According to UNESCO, women principals in schools have a big impact on student success. They organize meetings with parents, offer extra help to students, and keep a close watch on teacher attendance. Schools led by women also have fewer teacher absences, making for a better learning environment. And I believe my role in the school is very similar. Women have traditionally been seen as teachers, but now they’re leading schools too. I’m proud to be breaking stereotypes.

 What initiatives have you planned for creating a more inclusive environment for women in the school?

We have been following a gender-responsive pedagogy in lesson planning, content delivery, and classroom management. This helps to prevent gender stereotyping, improve classroom participation of girls and boys, and the development of their critical workplace skills. Our curriculum is reviewed regularly as it’s important to us that men/boys and women/girls are represented in various roles, not just conventional ones.

We are also committed to being a gender-responsive school by including practices such as providing equal pay, equal teaching conditions, equal representation in management positions, and equitable division of work for all staff irrespective of gender. We allow flexible schedules and other accommodations that address teachers’ family responsibilities. We’ve set clear rules against harassment and abuse for teachers, staff, and students, with a ‘zero-tolerance policy’.

Divya Dhakal, 27, is a travel content creator from Pokhara, Nepal. She’s known for trekking to lesser-known trails and mountains. She has been creating travel videos since 2015. She has been to the Everest and Annapurna regions, Bardia, Mugu, Jumla, Dhorpatan, Chisapani, Bajang, Sukla Phata National Park, Ilam, and Kanyam among many other places. Passion for traveling led her to create content based on it and she now has over  27.4K followers on Instagram. She also works at a travel company called Altitude Himalaya. In a conversation with Babita Shrestha from ApEx, Divya spoke about her trips and the challenges of making travel content.

How do you plan and make travel vlogs?

When it comes to planning travel vlogs, first I think about whether it’s possible and affordable. In the beginning, I also had to convince my parents. But now, I go wherever I want. I’m always on the lookout for new places where I can soak up the culture, nature, and lifestyle. For me, traveling isn’t just about pretty scenery. It’s about immersing myself in different cultures and ways of life. I like to chat with the locals and get all the information I need. If there are any cool festivals happening in certain areas, I make sure to plan my trip around them.

I don’t like to use travel packages. I do my research before heading out to make sure I’m getting the best experience possible. Nowadays, with all the digital content available, finding information is easy. I search for keywords and hashtags related to my destination and gather information from hotels and other sources. I don’t rely only on one source. I like to double-check everything to ensure safety.

Could you run us through your vlogging process?

I mainly use my phone for making videos as it’s convenient while on the move. Sometimes, I take along a camera but it’s not my go-to. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with drone photography, which is pretty exciting. As for editing, I use free apps. My vlogs aren’t super professional at the moment but I’m aiming to amp things up and grow my page. I think informative videos that I’ve been posting are helping me gain followers. For now, I’m posting reels with music and I’m thinking of switching to voice overs. From what I’ve learned, creating personalized and relatable content that shows off your personality can help you build a community online. 

What does it take to be a good travel vlogger?

You don’t need any special skills but you need to be creative. Research about the place. Figure out the budget. Be careful and organized, especially when it comes to flights and transportation. It’s essential to stay aware of your surroundings and the people you meet while traveling. You must just be yourself and keep it real. Start small and learn as you go. Try to learn new techniques. If you’re planning to do travel vlogs, it’s smart to make videos about budget trips to show that traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. You can talk about unique cultural stories too. Also, sharing information about how easy or tough the trip was and talking about mistakes and experiences can help boost your profile. I also believe creating informative and cinematic content goes a long way in expanding your follower base.

What are some of your travel essentials?

When I’m trekking, I make sure to pack some essentials to keep me covered. They are my survival gear. I always have a medical kit with basic first aid supplies and medicines for common issues like diarrhea, cold, and fever. Sunscreen is a must, along with some personal care items. I pack clothing for all types of weather, along with camping gear like a tent and sleeping bag. I always carry a compass and some tools for navigation. To stay connected and safe, I take along a radio phone.

How do you deal with challenging situations during your trips?

During a trek to Mera Peak in the Solukhumbu region, which is one of the highest trekking peaks, I faced a tough situation. I got my period in the middle of the trek and felt mentally drained. At almost 5000 meters, I also got a fever but I didn’t want to give up easily. But my health worsened and I had to turn back before reaching the summit. From this experience, I learned that not every travel plan goes as expected. I try to deal with situations by controlling my emotions. It can make a big difference in handling unexpected issues.

How do you make sure you’re respectful when you’re in a new place?

When I visit a new place, I do my research to understand the local customs and beliefs. If I’m unsure about something, I ask the locals for advice. Once I had my period on the way to Rara. I was staying at a local’s house. Since Nepalis have certain beliefs about periods, I let them know and followed their guidance on what to do. I think it’s important for travelers to be mindful of the local customs and show respect. Also, dressing appropriately is important in order not to make anyone uncomfortable. I put a lot of value on having good ethics while traveling.

I also try to make sure my travels are as eco-friendly as possible. I’ve been making some conscious choices like avoiding wet wipes and using metal bottles instead of single-use plastic ones. When I’m camping, I always clean up the site before leaving and take all the trash with me. I’ve also minimized the use of packaged food. 

Dr Arun Prasad is a highly experienced surgeon at Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi. He specializes in GI Bariatric and robotic surgery and has been practicing minimal access surgery for over three decades, with the last 12 years focused on robotic surgery. He is well known for his first expertise in Advanced GI Laparoscopy, Thoracoscopy, Single-Incision Laparoscopy (SILS), Bariatric Endoscopy and Robotic Surgery in India.

Recently, he was invited as a guest speaker at the 3rd international conference of Nepalese Association of Surgical Gastroenterology (NASG) held at Malla Hotel to discuss and inform about new technologies and about new innovations in the field. Babita Shrestha from ApEx interviewed Dr Prasad about applicability of AI and robotics in surgeries.

How will robotic surgery benefit the surgeons of Nepal and people?

Right now, Nepal doesn’t do some complicated surgeries, so people have to go to other countries and a bunch come to India. Like, when I mention doing robotic bariatric surgery, I get a patient from Nepal every six months for these complex surgeries. So, if Nepal gets the robotic system, us Indian surgeons can help set it up and then they can do a bunch of those complex surgeries locally. Getting robotic surgery in Nepal is a win-win. It makes treatments more accessible, saves money and helps surgeons gain experience with complex surgeries. Sharing technology at events like these is like sharing knowledge and it’s high time for Nepalese surgeons to join the global trend of using robotics for the benefit of patients’ well being.

How does AI and 3D modeling enhance surgery outcomes?

Well, think of it like when you need kidney surgery, we use a CT scan to create a 3D model. I can do robotic surgery on that 3D model today and do the same surgery on you tomorrow. And if any mistake is made in the 3D model, I can avoid making errors later during surgeries. Surgery indeed has become super advanced. During surgery, I can even check CT scan images in real-time, which helps me do better. All the technology we have is meant to make surgeries better and easier for patients. 

What’s more amazing is that AI technology stores all the surgical data, including the 5000 surgeries I’ve personally done. Surgeons worldwide can access a huge database of 5,000,000 surgeries. So, when a beginner is performing surgery, the computer can provide real time guidance based on its past knowledge. For example, if you’re making a doubtful incision, the computer might say, “From what I know about 1,000,000 surgeries, it’s better to cut 5mm away from there to prevent bleeding.” With AI, we can view scans, pictures and get advice on everything. If I need advice from experienced surgeons, I can connect with them virtually during the process. It’s like having a smart assistant throughout.

What advantages have you seen with robotic surgery’s instrument over traditional methods in your practice?

With robotic surgery, the instruments can move in all directions, even 360 degrees. There are special tools called ‘Staplers’ that are used to join intestines and with the help of AI, these staplers can accurately seal tissues, reducing the risk of bleeding. Unlike before, stitching is now very precise. This means even surgeons who weren’t doing complicated surgeries before can now perform them with the help of robotic guidance.

In what surgical areas do you find robotic techniques especially helpful?

Well, from the top to bottom, there’s surgery for the food pipe, heart, lungs, weight loss, stomach, intestine cancer, liver, kidney and gynecological cancer. It’s got a wide range of uses, especially in complicated surgeries that take more than three hours, which many doctors might be hesitant to do. With robotics, even those surgeries become doable. It’s not just about complexity; it also speeds up the process. 

For instance, weight loss surgery that used to take two hours by laparoscopy now takes less than 1 hour with robotics and it’s safer. Also, surgeons usually get more cautious when it comes to chest surgeries because of important blood vessels, heart and lungs. But with robots, procedures have gotten a lot easier because everything is super precise and clear with high-definition 3D vision. It’s like doing surgery without causing harm to the patient.

How has your experience been transitioning into robotic surgery?

Well, with laparoscopy, we used to make a small hole in the belly and use straight instruments that we controlled with our hands. They didn’t have much flexibility. It was just a straight movement. Now, with robotic surgery, the instruments can move 360 degrees. Besides, I’m already used to working on a screen and my previous experience with laparoscopy has definitely helped me transition smoothly into using the more advanced robotic instruments.

Where do you see robotic surgery heading in the future?

Robotic surgery won’t replace regular surgery but will be an extra tool, especially for complicated surgeries, making them extra safer. The priorities of countries will not change in terms of vaccination, safe drinking water and avoiding infection. However, what I am saying is few centers should have rational and effective utilization of robotic technology for the well being of the population.

Every year, in the run up to the International Women’s Day (March 8), local bodies organize various programs centered around women empowerment, inclusion, and representation. There are several women groups, such as Aama Samuha, Tole Vikas Sanstha, Mahila Samiti, and Women Vikas Sanjal, that take up women’s issues. Meanwhile, local governments do their part by allocating a certain amount of funds for the upliftment of targeted groups, including women, children, marginalized communities, and senior citizens. Lal Subba Gurung, Vice-chairperson of Rupa Rural Municipality, says while the conditions of rights and representation of women have improved over the years, there are still many challenges—from budget allocation to policy making to better representation—that need to be overcomed. Smita Adhikari of ApEx spoke with Gurung on the challenges faced by women and the works being done by Rupa Rural Municipality to address them.

Tell us what your rural municipality is doing for the local women?

We have been carrying out several programs to empower targeted women groups by providing them training, orientations, and resources, as well as providing them with social and legal consultations. For this, we have been reaching out in the community to ask local women about their needs, especially in regard to implementing the programs designed for targeted groups. We have also been increasing the size of our budget for women.  

What changes have you observed regarding the condition of women in your area over the years?

In the initial days, women here faced immense challenges because of traditional perception held by men towards women. Gathering women in one place for an event or a program was very difficult. It turned out that many women weren’t allowed by their family members to attend the program. We also found that some women choose not to attend the program because they were too caught up with their household chores. As a result, we were unable to teach them about their rights and responsibilities. The situation has improved a lot over the years, but we are yet to make the desired progress.

What are the consequences of women staying passive and not seeking their role in local development?

First of all, when women are passive about their rights and roles in local development,  there is a risk of the budget allocated to the target women groups getting frozen. We have experienced this in our municipality, which has led to limited allocation in the women development sector. In such a case, the local government will be powerless when it comes to coming up with better programs and policies for women. The women’s population in most parts of the country is higher than that of men, so logically it is the women who should be given the first priority in terms of developing ownership. But that is not happening. To increase women’s participation and engagement in development works, we have enhanced community outreach to pull the attention of local women. Conventional perception of society towards women and financial dependency are the major problems as to why women in rural areas are not able to make their voices heard. So we are trying to address these problems through various programs, such as skill development and social counseling.  

What is the current status of women in villages?

If you compare the situation of women now and a couple of years back, you can see that today there are many committees focused on women development. Most of these committees are registered with the municipal offices as Aama Samuha, Mahila Sanjal, Mahila Adhikar Dabab Samuha, and so on. Similarly, Many Tole Vikash Sanstha (Neighborhood Development Organization) actively work in local areas, and they have seen increased participation of women over the years. Obviously, it indicates a silver lining of hope for women’s development in rural Nepal. But again, there are lots of improvements left to be desired. 

What do you expect from local women groups? 

Only forming groups and carrying out minor programs is not enough to meet the goal of inclusion and equity. Local women should actively seek their role in development works and governance. We want to empower women groups and enable them to participate actively in planning and execution of development programs.