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July marks Disability Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and advocating for their rights. By fostering a culture of understanding and support, Disability Awareness Month aims to break down barriers and ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully in society.

Palesha Govardhan, a differently-abled parataekwondo athlete, is set to compete in the Paris Paralympics in 2024 for the second time. Palesha got a gold medal after defeating Iran’s Lelia Mirzaee in the final of the Asian Qualification Tournament for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. According to Kabiraj Negi Lama, the National Para Taekwondo Coach and also Palesha’s coach, unstable government is a reason for the lack of growth in sports. For stalwart players like Palesha, it can mean missed opportunities. 

According to the Nepal Federation of Disabled Census of 2021, 2.2 percent of the Nepali population has some form of disability. Among the male population, 2.5 percent have disability, and two percent of the female population have some disability.

Twenty-eight-year-old Ashmita Rai and 30-year-old Bishnu Pukar Shrestha are two differently-abled individuals who work at the Bodhisattvas in Action (BIA) Institute, an NGO where more than 260 differently-abled people are employed. Rai and Shrestha both work in the Nepali Thanka section of the institute. They are both wheelchair-bound. Rai was injured while playing on a swing in a park, and Shrestha fell while working on a construction site, resulting in spinal cord injuries. Performing for the first time at a wheelchair pageant, Rai expressed her happiness and said she hopes to be independent in the future. 

According to Gokarna Dhungana, the executive director of the Bodhisattvas in Action (BIA) Institute, only a few institutes, NGOs, or INGOs in Nepal provide skill development training for differently-abled people. To help differently-abled people realize their potential and be confident, the institute hosts various games, competitions, and fashion pageants. 

Not only human beings but animals with disabilities face unique challenges, adapting with resilience and often benefiting from human care and support systems tailored to their needs. Disabilities in animals can arise from various factors, impacting mobility, sensory abilities, and overall quality of life.

Radha Gurung, a dedicated volunteer, has spent the past six years at Animal Nepal’s dog rescue and treatment center. She says many people abandon their pets on the streets after they become disabled, leaving them to fend for themselves in harsh conditions. “Many animals get into traffic accidents, leading to numerous disabilities,” she adds. 

Embracing the spirit of Disability Awareness Month, we should strive to create a world where every being, human or animal, can live with dignity and without barriers.

On June 29, National Paddy Day, ‘Asar Pandra’, was celebrated in Bhaktapur marking the rice planting season despite a late onset of monsoon. Farmers and locals gathered in the fields, planted rice seedlings and engaged in playful mud fights. The tradition is believed to bring good luck. 

The festival also featured the sharing of beaten rice (chiura) mixed with yogurt (dahi), symbolizing the region’s agricultural heritage.

This year, the late monsoon posed significant challenges, with insufficient natural water sources for planting. Farmers had to pump water into their fields, increasing their workload and expenses. Despite these hurdles, the community’s resilience shone through.

“National Paddy Day is vital for us,” said a farmer. “We will do whatever it takes to ensure a good harvest.”

The celebration highlighted the enduring spirit of farmers and their deep connection to the land, upholding traditions amidst changing climatic conditions.

In nearly three decades of photojournalism, I have had the opportunity to visit many of the world’s major cities, including New York, Mumbai, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. During these travels, I captured stunning images of their iconic skyscrapers. However, last Monday, I experienced something unique closer to home. 

In Damak, a city in the eastern part of Nepal’s Koshi province, I had the chance to photograph an 18-story view tower in Dapagachi, a rural village just 10 kilometers north of Damak. This tower, the tallest in the area, offered a striking contrast to the urban skyscrapers he was accustomed to photographing.

What made this experience even more fascinating was the juxtaposition of the tower against the rural backdrop. Unlike the towering structures in global cities, this view tower stood amidst open fields, with cows and goats grazing nearby and piles of straw dotting the landscape. This unusual setting made the photograph of the tower particularly captivating. 

I believe that with proper promotion, this tower, even if not ideal for business purposes, has the potential to attract foreign tourists. The blend of modern architecture and rustic scenery offers a unique charm that is rarely seen in the world’s metropolitan areas.

The Mr & Miss SEE ASIA 2024 pageant concluded at Rastriya Nach Ghar on Friday, crowning Arick Rana and Pratikshya Bishwokarma as Mr and Miss SEE ASIA 2024. Organized by Shah Studio and Company Pvt Ltd, the event celebrated the exceptional talents and poise of the participants. 

Anil Sarki and Prinsha Majhi secured the 1st Runner-Up positions, Sajana Basnet was honored as the 2nd Runner-Up, and Supriya Karki claimed the 3rd Runner-Up spot. 

The competition showcased the diverse beauty and talent across the region, marking a memorable night for all involved.