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Italy’s Artigiano in Fiera is an annual trade fair dedicated to global craftsmanship. Since its inception in 1995, the event has been organized by Ge.Fi. Nepali exhibitors have been participating in the fair annually. Recently, Lorenzo Cigognini, International Sales Manager at Artigiano in Fiera, visited Nepal. He has held this position since 2018. Pratik Ghimire of ApEx caught up with him to discuss the fair and Nepali participation.

What are the objectives of Artigiano in Fiera?

The primary objective of Artigiano in Fiera is to promote and support artisanal craftsmen. We assist small companies from various parts of the world dedicated to producing handicrafts, helping them gain exposure and access to markets. The fair places producers at the forefront of our endeavors. The name ‘Artigiano in Fiera’ itself emphasizes the importance of producers at the fair. Our focus is on providing opportunities for micro and small enterprises to showcase their work, highlight their value, and introduce their activities to the Italian market while reaching out to the audience in Milan.

What has been your experience in consistently organizing such an event annually?

It is a tremendous honor for both me and our company to engage with numerous countries. Each encounter presents an opportunity to learn about new cultures, systems, and people. Last year, we welcomed participants from 86 countries, and we anticipate reaching 100 countries this time. What sets Artigiano Fair apart is not only the sheer number of participants but also their collective experience at the event. We take immense pride in our role as a market platform for small enterprises.

A large number of exhibitors participate in the fair from Nepal each year. What are your observations regarding Nepali participation in the fair?

Italian visitors and audiences hold a deep appreciation for the segments presented by Nepal at our exhibition. They eagerly seek to explore and experience the beauty and quality of Nepali products showcased within the Nepali pavilion. Nepali handicrafts are particularly well-known and admired among Italian visitors. The Nepali presence adds significant value to our exhibition, contributing to the enriching atmosphere that attendees enjoy.

Moreover, the benefits extend to Nepali producers as well. Nearly 90 percent of Nepali companies return to the fair, underscoring the tangible advantages they derive from participating. It brings me immense satisfaction to witness the mutual appreciation: Italian consumers warmly welcome Nepali products, while Nepali producers reap genuine benefits from their participation in the exhibition.

What suggestions do you have for Nepali exhibitors who are planning to participate in the fair to maximize their benefits?

To enhance their products, Nepali producers should prioritize innovation in design and color schemes each year. Seeking inspiration from other countries’ pavilions within the fair can spark new ideas. Emphasizing research on new patterns and concepts is crucial to continually captivate visitors' interest. Equally important is the presentation of products—ensuring they are displayed attractively and appealingly. Effective promotion goes beyond the products themselves; the demeanor and communication skills of the seller also play a vital role.

Furthermore, embracing modernity is key. As organizers, we provide a digital platform with 1.8m registered users, offering producers access to the Artigiano in Fiera fanbase. This platform serves as a valuable resource for promoting their items. Through digital channels, producers can inform visitors about their offerings at the fair and their location within the exhibition grounds, significantly enhancing promotion efforts.

Additionally, transitioning to cashless transactions is imperative. With around 60 percent of Milan customers opting for credit card payments, the trend toward cashless transactions is evident. Nepali exhibitors must adapt to this changing landscape to remain competitive in the future. Now is the time for them to embrace and transition from cash to cashless transactions to ensure continued success in their business endeavors.

In its first edition, Artigiano in Fiera featured five Nepali exhibitors. By 2023, this number had grown to 90. With annual increases in participation, what suggestions do you have for the Nepal government to promote Nepali handicrafts in the international market?

We are keen on engaging with local governments in Nepal to provide support to Nepali producers, particularly in production and promotion. Local governments play a crucial role in creating infrastructures that facilitate smooth international business transactions, including exporting goods and transferring funds abroad. It’s essential for them to view sending money abroad as an investment in Nepal’s economic growth. By investing capital, we can anticipate generating revenue. This investment-driven model is fundamental for establishing reliable international businesses, especially within Europe.

It’s important to recognize that hindrances in logistics and cash flow not only impede the growth of individual companies but also stifle the overall development of the country. Therefore, fostering an environment conducive to international trade is paramount for Nepal’s economic advancement. Collaboration between stakeholders, including businesses and government entities, is vital in overcoming these challenges and fostering sustainable growth in the Nepali economy.

Nepali exhibitors encounter various challenges, such as sending money to book stalls and managing banking transactions for their earnings. How can these processes be simplified to assist Nepali exhibitors?

Challenges always present opportunities, and those who can identify them amidst difficulties are the ones who succeed. As organizers, we offer comprehensive services to ensure smooth business operations. We are open to discussions with the government of Nepal to foster a conducive relationship with producers.

Ultimately, the initiative and support from the Nepali side are crucial in assisting producers. Success hinges on their proactive approach and assistance.

In addition to handicrafts, Nepal is renowned for its tourism and organic products such as tea and coffee. Have you considered promoting them in Italy?

Indeed, I have learned about the potential of Nepali tourism and organic products. Italians possess a natural curiosity about Nepali items, recognizing Nepal’s abundance across various product categories. It would be highly intriguing to showcase Nepali food and agricultural items at our event. Additionally, Nepal’s tourism offerings, including trekking and mountain culture, present significant opportunities, albeit these may not be fully known to Italians. Expanding awareness about these aspects could further enrich our exhibition and foster greater appreciation for Nepal’s diverse offerings.

The Market Promotion Center (MPC) has represented Nepal at Artigiano in Fiera for 22 years, and they have now transferred all their responsibilities directly to the organizers. What has been your experience with the MPC over these two decades?

The Market Promotion Center and its Managing Director, Sagar Thapa, are much more than commercial partners for us; they are like family. Over the past two decades, they have consistently delivered outstanding results, and the recent transition of responsibilities has been handled with exceptional professionalism and goodwill. They are now not associated with us. We deeply value this partnership and are grateful for their dedication and contributions. We wish for MPC’s good future.

Are you looking for any new agent in Nepal for the fair?

Currently, we are engaging directly from Italy with businesses and exhibitors, but we remain open to exploring additional opportunities.

Indra Chaudhary, 31, is a folk story writer from Kanchanpur. He is currently teaching in Makwanpur. Before this, he was involved in theater. He performed in several dramas and radio plays. He has also acted in a Tharu movie ‘Bhura Bhura Rahar’ which will be released soon. Nowadays, he focuses on writing folk stories that explore culture, language, and community rituals.

He has published two books, ‘Rana Tharu Ma Prachalit Lok Katha Tatha Mithak’ and ‘Tip Tip’ which was introduced at the 8th Tharu Literature Festival in Sunsari this year. He also writes children’s stories. ‘Dhola Farkiyo ta?’, ‘Naya Ban Paley’, and ‘Kapash Ko Ghoda’ have all been inspired by folk tales. In a conversation with Babita Shrestha from ApEx, Chaudhary spoke about his goal of preserving our heritage through cultural writing.

What inspired you to pursue writing as a career?

When I came to Kathmandu to pursue an M.Phil. degree, I got involved in theater. I got to work with different artists. I’m from the Tharu community and while I was there, I realized that there wasn’t much documentation of our folk tales and culture. I decided to do some research for my academic writing. My professors and friends liked my work and encouraged me to write more for Nepali literature. I wrote my first story, ‘Bhumika’ which got published in the Tharu Literary Quarterly. Since then, I’ve been writing with the aim of sharing stories about our culture.

Could you run us through your writing process?

Before I start writing stories, I talk to people from the specific culture I’m exploring. I pay attention to how they talk, their language, and all the little details of their lifestyle. Sometimes, people want to know why I’m doing all that. I explain  that I want to document our culture, traditions, and art to preserve our identity. I learn about their culture and then try to weave those insights into my writing. Right now, I’m researching about the Chepang community. I’m gathering myths and stories for my next project. 

How would you describe your writing style?

When I write stories, I try to capture the actual words and phrases spoken by the native community. This not only adds a personal touch but also keeps the stories authentic. I also include translated statements in Nepali so that everyone, even those who aren’t Tharu, can understand it. I want to make my work lively and interesting so that readers won’t get bored. I want them to feel like they’re listening to these folk stories. I keep the plot engaging and informative to make readers curious. Take, for instance, my book ‘Tip Tip’, a collection of 18 stories published by Maya Publication, which focuses on the Rana Tharu community. It’s full of folk stories I wrote to grab the reader’s attention, each with a captivating climax and a powerful message. I have employed a funny tone to convey a deeper psychological message and symbol. 

Have you faced any significant challenges during your writing journey?

One of the main challenges I have faced in cultural writing is that people often aren’t interested in reading books written in a native language. I noticed this at literature festivals where people hesitated to buy books written in Tharu because they couldn’t understand the language. To tackle this issue, I started including Nepali translations within the lines of my writing to reach a wider audience. Another challenge is raising awareness among locals about reviving fading cultures. Many have lost hope. That is why I feel it’s my duty to preserve our cultural heritage.

Are there any authors that have had a significant impact on your writing?

When I started reading folk literature, I got passionate about working with folk stories. Govinda Acharya’s ‘Tharu Jati ko Lok Geet Ra Lok Sangeet’ has been a huge inspiration. It’s about the eastern Tharu community. That’s when I decided to write about the Rana Tharu community in Kailali and Kanchanpur. Cultural writing became my focus after that. I also want to acknowledge Krishna Raj Sarbahari who guided me on how to proceed with cultural writing. He was the one who told me that it was possible to publish a book in my mother tongue through Pragya Pratisthan.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

I believe cultural writing has a bright future as it’s all about people and their identities, which is important for civilization. So to those thinking of taking up writing, I want to say it’s very important to study and understand your culture and spread awareness about it in any way you can.

Dr Kamana Neupane is a 30-year-old dentist currently practicing at Kantipur Dental College Teaching Hospital and Research Centre. She serves as a consultant periodontist at the teaching hospital, where she shares her expertise with aspiring dental professionals. She obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from Chitwan Medical College. She followed that up with a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) degree from Kantipur Dental College, affiliated to Kathmandu University. 

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr Neupane is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Nepalese Society of Periodontology and Oral Implantology, Nepal Association of Dental Research, and the Nepal Medical Association. She strives to provide the highest quality dental care to her patients while actively contributing to the advancement of dental research and education in Nepal. Rastrika Shakya from ApEx spoke to Dr Neupane about her experience and roles in the field of dentistry.

What do you think about the current state of dental care in Nepal? 

In our region, particularly in the southeastern area, there’s a noticeable lack of awareness about oral health. Many people believe that as we age, our teeth naturally become weaker and see it as normal, which is a misconception. This leads to a general unawareness and lack of motivation regarding oral health. Regular checkups for oral health aren’t common. Most people only visit a dentist when they have severe issues. If people understood the importance of good oral hygiene and made regular visits to the dentist, oral health problems would decrease. Just like we prioritize taking care of other parts of our body, it’s crucial to prioritize our oral health too.

In urban areas, there’s some regard for oral health but in remote areas, there’s very little awareness. For many, oral health care and treatment seem like luxuries rather than necessities. It’s unrealistic to expect people in remote areas to prioritize dental health when they’re struggling to meet their basic needs. However, we can make a positive impact with proper education, awareness, and motivation. 

What are some practices for maintaining good oral hygiene? Are there any habits or behaviors that negatively impact oral health?

Brush your teeth every morning and night, right after meals, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. Don’t forget about dental floss as it’s crucial for cleaning the spaces between your teeth and removing any leftover food. Also, make sure to rinse your mouth, teeth, and tongue thoroughly. It’s all about keeping your entire mouth clean and healthy. However, maintaining good dental hygiene isn’t the only factor in oral health. Some bad habits can negatively impact our oral health. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using substances like cocaine, heroin, and tobacco can directly weaken our gums and teeth. Habits such as teeth grinding and breathing through the mouth can also cause problems. Studies have shown that individuals who smoke or abuse substances are four times more likely to experience gum problems than non-smokers. 

What are the key steps you take when a patient comes to your clinic for treatment?

We conduct a comprehensive assessment of their physical and mental well-being. We carefully evaluate their orientation and overall fitness to ensure they are in a condition conducive to receiving treatment. We delve into their medical history to gain insight into the reasons behind their visit and the specific issues they are facing. We take into account their overall health status, recognizing that certain medical conditions can significantly impact oral health. For instance, we are mindful that conditions like diabetes can manifest in oral symptoms such as loose teeth, despite diligent oral hygiene practices.

Then we conduct a thorough examination of the patient’s mouth, often using X-rays, CT scans, and sometimes blood tests for more complex cases. This helps us diagnose any problems. We prioritize treatment based on the patient’s immediate needs, such as relieving pain or addressing swelling. Then we address any underlying issues that the patient might not have been aware of. We take the time to thoroughly explain the patient’s condition, discussing the contributing factors and potential treatment options. By empowering patients with knowledge about their oral health, we enable them to make informed decisions and actively participate in their treatment journey.

Are there any community outreach programs or public health initiatives you’re involved in to promote dental health awareness and education in Nepal?

We actively engage in oral health campaigns within local schools, recognizing the receptivity of young minds to educational initiatives. Through these campaigns, we want to impart fundamental knowledge about maintaining oral hygiene to children. We emphasize the importance of regular brushing and demonstrate proper brushing techniques tailored to their age and understanding. Our commitment to promoting oral health extends beyond the classroom. We also conduct checkups and treatment camps in rural areas. These camps serve as crucial outreach initiatives, providing much-needed dental services to underserved communities. We also take the opportunity to educate attendees about the significance of oral hygiene practices. We aim to instill good oral hygiene habits from a young age and ensure that everyone has access to essential dental services and knowledge.

How do you stay updated on the latest advancements and techniques in dentistry? 

In our field, we rely on international journals to stay updated with the latest advancements. These have articles containing new research, processes, and advancements in dentistry. Researchers share their findings, fill gaps in knowledge, and present results while comparing their work with previous techniques. As a periodontist, I’m part of the periodontal society in Nepal which comprises all Nepali periodontists. We organize three conferences annually. During these conferences, we host national speakers who present on various topics, including postgraduate students sharing their cases and outcomes. We invite international speakers to share insights into developments in their respective countries. These conferences serve as platforms for exchanging information and updating ourselves on the latest trends and practices in periodontology. We also actively participate in international conferences where we can engage with the global dental community, exchange knowledge, and learn about advancements from around the world.

What are your views on the future of dentistry?

When comparing Nepali dentistry with international standards, we find ourselves lagging significantly. Our technologies and practices are outdated, primarily due to affordability constraints. Many Nepali patients struggle to afford advanced dental treatments available in more developed countries. Additionally, the availability of advanced dental equipment and materials in the market is limited in Nepal.

Despite these challenges, there is hope for improvement in the future. With ongoing advancements in technology and increasing awareness, we aspire to bridge the gap and reach the same level as international standards soon. It will require concerted efforts from both the government and the dental community to enhance infrastructure, increase affordability, and improve access to modern dental technologies and practices.

In 1997, Shailaja Adhikary, founded the fashion and interior design education institution, IEC. In 2007, she started Euro Kids, an international preschool chain, in Nepal. The 47-year-old is currently the CEO of IEC Group and the principal of Euro School. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Business Administration from the Golden Gate University in the US. Adhikary believes in competing with oneself rather than comparing oneself to others. Babita Shrestha from ApEx spoke to Adhikary to find out how she aims to provide quality education through her many ventures. 

What strategies do you implement to uphold high academic standards at the institutions under IEC?

At Euro School, we’re pretty forward-thinking as we follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. This means our teaching and learning methods are fun and easy to grasp. Our classrooms have a friendly environment and we like to mix things up with unconventional teaching methods rather than sticking to the same old traditional ways. We focus on our students’ needs and interests, teaching them in creative ways. We give personalized attention, support, and environment to each learner based on their abilities and capacities. We aim to encourage them to explore, develop skills, and foster a love for learning that will stay with them for life. As for our college, our teaching methods and assessments are also different. We adapt to what the students want and what they’re capable of, making sure to meet their demands and interests.

How do you work on curriculum development to ensure an effective educational program?

At Euro Kids, we’ve got some top-notch educators from places like Harvard and other renowned institutions. Our research and development team comes up with a curriculum that’s unique and meets international standards. We provide training for educators to handle this international curriculum. As for IEC under Limkokwing University, their curriculum is top-notch as they always upgrade it to meet industry needs. It’s not just about giving us the curriculum but also offering training to help our educators and teachers grow both professionally and personally.

What should be done to support and enhance teachers’ professional development?

We care about our teachers’ emotions so we have a social-psycho counselor to support them. We believe teachers need to be emotionally strong to handle students so we’ve got a whole department for that at our schools. Also, we bring in international trainers and experts to train our teachers and mentors. This happens regularly at Euro School and we do the same with workshops for IEC too. It’s all about making sure our teachers are supported and keep growing.

What do you do to thrive in the competitive landscape of the fashion education industry?

Fashion and interior design are growing fast in Nepal and I always keep an eye on what others are doing. I won’t fall into the trap of assuming I’m the best. Instead, I want to learn from others and bring some really good ideas to the table. Our teachers get good training from international experts. We’re always updating our curriculum to match what the industry needs. Whether in Nepal or the global scene, we’re forward-thinking and we aim to make our students ready for anything.

Are there specific ways to facilitate students’ access to internships and real-world experiences?

At Euro School, once the students finish SEE, I always suggest they do an internship. Many of them end up joining their parents’ businesses, but we push them to explore other job opportunities during their three-month break. Because I’m invested in entrepreneurship, I try to get my students excited about learning those skills as well. 

At IEC, I ensure every student does an internship after each semester. Right from the first semester, I encourage the students to start from the basics. I want them to learn and gain experience in a social setting. I want them to find their internship placements. This helps them develop good research skills and become independent. I want them to showcase their capabilities using the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired. We review their work and they’re required to present what they’ve learned during their internship. It’s not just about teaching them. We also guide them to become professionals.

How do you plan to integrate technology into teaching and learning practices?

At Euro School, even our first graders are getting into coding and programming. Students are working with drones and visual effects. Technology is an important tool for learning nowadays. At IEC, every assignment and assessment happens digitally. Digital work is just a regular part of the curriculum. In the first semester, students use sketch paper but by the second semester, we assign them digital designing. 

What plans do you have to assess, adapt, and improve the educational programs?

Education is a lifelong journey. We have to keep learning and upgrading ourselves every step of the way. My goal is to turn my students into global citizens who can thrive in any environment and handle the many complexities of the workplace. While their academic success is important, what matters most to me is that they become good people and responsible citizens. As an educator, I encourage them to explore the world and learn wherever they go, but I also urge them to return and give back to their community and country. In the future, I dream of starting a university in Nepal, where I can use the skills I’ve been teaching students to contribute to the country’s resources. I also want to attract international students to Nepal by offering a progressive academic approach. It’s all part of my vision to promote education in Nepal.